60 Days of Paleo: Let's Do This!
Ah, January. The time of year when those "New Year, New Me" proclamations ring loud and clear. Suddenly, everyone's a fitness guru and a culinary alchemist, ready to conquer the gym and whip up kale smoothies. It's admirable, of course, but let's be honest – sticking to those resolutions past the first two weeks can feel like a Herculean task.
For the past three years, I've kicked off the year with a month-long dietary reset. It's my way of detoxing after the holiday indulgence – you know, the endless stream of cookies, the over-the-top dinners, and the questionable decisions made while sipping eggnog. Typically, I opt for a pescatarian or vegetarian approach, a welcome break from the processed foods and sugary treats that seem to infiltrate every corner of my life during the festive season.
But this year, I'm stepping outside my comfort zone and embracing the Paleo diet, with occasional vegetarian detours for good measure. I'm hoping this will not only jumpstart my health but also inspire some seriously delicious and creative recipes to add to my culinary repertoire.
Important Note: I'm not planning on becoming a caveman and hunting for my meals. My focus will be on sourcing the best quality ingredients I can find – think local farmers markets, Whole Foods runs, and perhaps even a visit to the occasional butcher. Fresh, organic produce will be a cornerstone, along with lean, grass-fed meats. Frozen veggies are a perfectly acceptable alternative, but canned? Absolutely not.
Paleo Basics (with a Few of My Tweaks)
No Processed Foods: This one's a given.
No Refined Sugar: Say goodbye to the sweet stuff (except for a little honey and agave – I'm human, after all).
No Grains or Breads: Wheat, oats, barley, quinoa, rice – you're out.
No Legumes or Beans: Sorry, lentils and chickpeas.
No White Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are your friend.
No Dairy (mostly): While I'm generally not a big dairy fan, I'll be making an exception for cheese and sour cream – in moderation.
Instead, I'll be loading up on:
Fresh Vegetables and Fruits: The more colorful, the better!
Lean Meats: Grass-fed and organic whenever possible.
Healthy Fats: Olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and flaxseed oil are my go-tos.
Spices: To add flavor without relying on processed sauces.
Stay tuned for weekly updates, including delicious Paleo-Inspired Recipes and meal plans. Let's do this!
