Happpy New Year Paleo Peeps!
Wow, can't believe I haven't published anything on my blog in so long. And man has the lack of accountability had a negative effect on me.
If you are reading this it is time for me to officially suck it up and admit it. My Paleo Christmas has been far from perfect. And I ashamed of that, I really am. I could just sit here all smug and judgemental and say "Yeah I rocked it" but I think that by lying I would not be taking accountability for my mistakes and bad decisions, and it would also prohibit me moving on properly.
Things started so well for me. I finished my Whole30 on 1s December, and apart from some wine, I stayed true to my eating plan, determined not to get sucked into the "Xmas Eating" so early I would be eating shi*e all of December. I remained strict - no grains, dairy or sugar and minimal alcohol right up to Christmas Day. Even then I refused the grains but did give in to the dairy and desserts.
But it began to get bad the next day when I ate bread with dinner. It was only one slice and it didnt effect me too badly so I thought Id be fine.
Gradually the treats began to creep in more and more, with my healthy steak now suddenly including onion rings and my soup roll somehow making it into my stomach instead of being politely declined. Things spiralled really and by yesterday my toned, flat stomach was a ball of blubber rivalling the tummy of a 5 months preggers lady.
Most notable of my symptoms has been the return of PMT for the first time in months - something I hadn't expected. Que uncomfortable bloating, irritability and crabbiness. Also my joints have been stiff (surely 26 is too young for that!?)
Don't get me wrong - I wasn't 100% back on SAD diet, but "treats" and exceptions were becoming more and more regular.
So bless me for I have sinned... now what is my penance?
I had originally planned a January Whole30 but I have reconsidered things and as I have a few social outings in January. I now plan a strict Paleo month but with some small tweaks. Call it my own Paleo detox version :)
I will include minimal alcohol and some potatoes (but very minimal until I feel normal again)
I will be 100% sugar, dairy and grain free.
I am very much looking forward to beginning to feel normal again. My binges were a bad idea, but if nothing else they have reaffirmed to me how important this lifestyle is for me and my well being.
It is all to easy to look at my weight and/or clothes size and think "OK, I've reached my goals, I can eat "normally" again" just for a few days. BAD idea! Paleo just doesn't work like that - its not a quick fix or a fad diet. While I never intended to slip back to SAD eating, the problem is that once you start introducing foods they slowly become the norm and you quickly become addicted again.
I fully regret making these decisions, but I am ready to move on, suck it up (and suck my tummy in) and get back to normality.
Today was good for me food wise. I started with bacon, 2 fried eggs and toms and mushrooms.
Lunch (out) was a beef burger and salad)
Supper was ham and a banana.
We were visiting family but I refrained from the offered goodies.
So thats it! My conscience is cleared and I can move on!
How did your Xmas go!? Did you do better than me or did you have some slip ups??
Paleo Living In Ireland Grain Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free, Legume Free Eat. Live. Love.
Monday, 2 January 2012
Thursday, 22 December 2011
Its Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas......
Its that time of year again!
The log fire spits soothingly, the smell of cinnamon infused baked goods fill the air, and children no longer speak in terms of days but how many sleeps there are left until the man himself arrives. Its CHRISTMAS!!!
Christmas always conjures up strong emotions and brings the inner child out in all of us. I don't know who is more excited preparing Santa's snack on Christmas eve - me or my son! But there is one thing for sure - Christmas is a time for spending time together, eating delicious food and having a few sneaky glasses of wine!
But where does this leave our Paleo lifestyle? One thing our Paleo ancestors certainly didnt do was celebrate Christmas!! So they would not have had a yearly binge session. However they more than likely did celebrate special occasions or a large hunt etc. So food festivals were almost certainly a part of their culture.
However you decide to eat this Christmas make the decision and stick with it. Many of you may decide to stick to 100% paleo, others may decide to include dairy/sugar/alcohol for the day. All is perfectly acceptable for your own goals. If something makes you physically sick and you eat it anyway, this may not be a good idea, but if you decide to include dairy etc, leave the guilt at the door and enjoy it! Christmas should not be a time for stressing about food so just eat as well as you can and enjoy your food.
I haven't fully decided what I will do, but I will more than likely avoid grains and include some dairy and sugars. I plan on going Whole30 in January again, just to reset my gut and start 2012 on a good note. I will be entertaining on the 26th Dec and have decided not to keep the menu Paleo, as I would rather my guests be happy. I will not eat the planned bruchetta!
On another note, I applied for and sent my cheque off for a Naturopatic Nutrition course today - which I will be starting in Jan! It is a three year course but starting in Jan means I can fast track first year and start my second year in September. Exciting times and new ventures await me in 2012 and I am both nervous and apprehensive. 2011 has not been the best year for me personally (I am unemployed since Sept) but here is to new beginnings!
I would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and all the best in your 2012. Thank you for reading my blog over the past few months, and thank you for motivating me to keep writing, trying new recipes and Keeping It Paleo!!
Regards
Denise
The log fire spits soothingly, the smell of cinnamon infused baked goods fill the air, and children no longer speak in terms of days but how many sleeps there are left until the man himself arrives. Its CHRISTMAS!!!
Christmas always conjures up strong emotions and brings the inner child out in all of us. I don't know who is more excited preparing Santa's snack on Christmas eve - me or my son! But there is one thing for sure - Christmas is a time for spending time together, eating delicious food and having a few sneaky glasses of wine!
But where does this leave our Paleo lifestyle? One thing our Paleo ancestors certainly didnt do was celebrate Christmas!! So they would not have had a yearly binge session. However they more than likely did celebrate special occasions or a large hunt etc. So food festivals were almost certainly a part of their culture.
However you decide to eat this Christmas make the decision and stick with it. Many of you may decide to stick to 100% paleo, others may decide to include dairy/sugar/alcohol for the day. All is perfectly acceptable for your own goals. If something makes you physically sick and you eat it anyway, this may not be a good idea, but if you decide to include dairy etc, leave the guilt at the door and enjoy it! Christmas should not be a time for stressing about food so just eat as well as you can and enjoy your food.
I haven't fully decided what I will do, but I will more than likely avoid grains and include some dairy and sugars. I plan on going Whole30 in January again, just to reset my gut and start 2012 on a good note. I will be entertaining on the 26th Dec and have decided not to keep the menu Paleo, as I would rather my guests be happy. I will not eat the planned bruchetta!
On another note, I applied for and sent my cheque off for a Naturopatic Nutrition course today - which I will be starting in Jan! It is a three year course but starting in Jan means I can fast track first year and start my second year in September. Exciting times and new ventures await me in 2012 and I am both nervous and apprehensive. 2011 has not been the best year for me personally (I am unemployed since Sept) but here is to new beginnings!
I would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and all the best in your 2012. Thank you for reading my blog over the past few months, and thank you for motivating me to keep writing, trying new recipes and Keeping It Paleo!!
Regards
Denise
Thursday, 15 December 2011
"Keeping it Paleo" This Christmas and Recipe - Party Dips
Well as we all know, Christmas is upon us and this can mean challenges face those of us in the Paleo community, especially those of you going through your first Christmas without grains, sugar, processed foods and dairy.
But Keeping It Paleo doesn't have to be daunting. Take it every day as it comes, limit the intake of crap foods and eat real foods instead. Of course there is going to be booze at every turn, mince pies at all angles - but you don't have to fall of the wagon.
Over the next few days I will give you random tips on how you can help limit your sinful eating and incorporate your angelic Paleo eating into every situation.
My 1st Tip today was to PREPARE for that party or house visit before you go! You need to make sure there will be something available for you to eat as otherwise you will likely panic, go over hungry and eat a shit load of crap throwing caution to the wind. You will regret this! Bring something with you - or if possible ask the host what they are cooking. A standard dinner is likely fine for you - meat and veg etc but if it isn't suitable bring your own meat.
One feature of every party is the party dips and chips - which usually means corn tortilla chips with additive filled shop bought dips. Eugh.
Prepare your own dips and bring fresh veggie crudities instead. Easy, fresh and healthy. And you wont overeat. Throw in some whole almonds too if drink is involved. This will limit your consumption of the roasted salted kind when the beers kick in later! AND I bet you'll have more people eating yours than you think!
Here is a few healthy dips you can prepare in advance, arrange on a plate, cover with cling film and off you go!
Ingredients:
Roasted Aubergine and Garlic Dip:
1 Large Aubergine
4 Tbsp of Good Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper
2 Cloves of Garlic
Easy Smoked Paprika Mayo Dip:
1 egg yolk
1 tbsp of Lemon Juice
1 tsp of dijon mustard
3/4 cup of mild olive oil
Salt& Pepper
1/2 tbsp of Smoked Paprika
Homemade Guacamole:
2 ripe avocados
1 red onion diced finely
1 red chilli finely diced with seeds removed
1 ripe tomato diced with seeds removed
Lime/lemon juice
Salt & pepper
Directions:
For Roasted Aubergine and Garlic Dip:
Cut the aubergine in half lengthways and cover with about a tbsp of the oil. Season and place in a 200C oven with the garlic for 15- 20 minutes or until soft and tender.
Place in a bowl and cover with cling film for a few minutes until cool enough to handle.
The clingfilm should have made the skin easy to remove - remove it all.
Place the aubergine, garlic and remaining oil in a processor and blend until almost smooth.
Check for seasoning, cool and serve.
For Roasted Aubergine and Red Pepper Dip (Pictured)
This is a variation on the above recipe and is my favourite of the two. Make as above but add one roasted red pepper to the mixture when blending. (Use jarred)
For Easy Smoked Paprika Mayo Dip:
Place egg yolk in a bowl with lemon juice and mustard
Mix until smooth and the slowly start adding the oil in a fine stream until it emulsifies to a smooth sauce.
Add the smoked paprika, mix, cool and serve.
For Homemade Avocado:
Peel and de-stone your avocados and add to a bowl.
Mash with a fork and add all the ingredients except the tomatoes which should be added before serving. Check seasoning. Mix well.
Cover with clingfilm and keep the avocado seed/stone in the bowl too. This helps prevent oxidation.
Add tomatoes before serving.
All the above can be served with veg crudités or veg crisps
But Keeping It Paleo doesn't have to be daunting. Take it every day as it comes, limit the intake of crap foods and eat real foods instead. Of course there is going to be booze at every turn, mince pies at all angles - but you don't have to fall of the wagon.
Over the next few days I will give you random tips on how you can help limit your sinful eating and incorporate your angelic Paleo eating into every situation.
My 1st Tip today was to PREPARE for that party or house visit before you go! You need to make sure there will be something available for you to eat as otherwise you will likely panic, go over hungry and eat a shit load of crap throwing caution to the wind. You will regret this! Bring something with you - or if possible ask the host what they are cooking. A standard dinner is likely fine for you - meat and veg etc but if it isn't suitable bring your own meat.
One feature of every party is the party dips and chips - which usually means corn tortilla chips with additive filled shop bought dips. Eugh.
Prepare your own dips and bring fresh veggie crudities instead. Easy, fresh and healthy. And you wont overeat. Throw in some whole almonds too if drink is involved. This will limit your consumption of the roasted salted kind when the beers kick in later! AND I bet you'll have more people eating yours than you think!
Here is a few healthy dips you can prepare in advance, arrange on a plate, cover with cling film and off you go!
Ingredients:
Roasted Aubergine and Garlic Dip:
1 Large Aubergine
4 Tbsp of Good Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper
2 Cloves of Garlic
Easy Smoked Paprika Mayo Dip:
1 egg yolk
1 tbsp of Lemon Juice
1 tsp of dijon mustard
3/4 cup of mild olive oil
Salt& Pepper
1/2 tbsp of Smoked Paprika
Homemade Guacamole:
2 ripe avocados
1 red onion diced finely
1 red chilli finely diced with seeds removed
1 ripe tomato diced with seeds removed
Lime/lemon juice
Salt & pepper
Directions:
For Roasted Aubergine and Garlic Dip:
Cut the aubergine in half lengthways and cover with about a tbsp of the oil. Season and place in a 200C oven with the garlic for 15- 20 minutes or until soft and tender.
Place in a bowl and cover with cling film for a few minutes until cool enough to handle.
The clingfilm should have made the skin easy to remove - remove it all.
Place the aubergine, garlic and remaining oil in a processor and blend until almost smooth.
Check for seasoning, cool and serve.
For Roasted Aubergine and Red Pepper Dip (Pictured)
This is a variation on the above recipe and is my favourite of the two. Make as above but add one roasted red pepper to the mixture when blending. (Use jarred)
For Easy Smoked Paprika Mayo Dip:
Place egg yolk in a bowl with lemon juice and mustard
Mix until smooth and the slowly start adding the oil in a fine stream until it emulsifies to a smooth sauce.
Add the smoked paprika, mix, cool and serve.
For Homemade Avocado:
Peel and de-stone your avocados and add to a bowl.
Mash with a fork and add all the ingredients except the tomatoes which should be added before serving. Check seasoning. Mix well.
Cover with clingfilm and keep the avocado seed/stone in the bowl too. This helps prevent oxidation.
Add tomatoes before serving.
All the above can be served with veg crudités or veg crisps
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