30 Day Paleo Challenge

OK people - here's how the 30 paleo challenge is going to work: you are going strict paleo for 30 days - no cheating. It's only 30 days - you can do it. Your body needs this time to adapt to a new way of eating, and changing habits takes about 3 weeks as well.

I'll keep you posted on the start date.

The rule sheet is below - please post your questions and comments below. Read the rest of this blog for more information and recipe ideas. I will be adding posts on a regular basis so come back often. Remember to check in daily- good luck!


If you need extra motivation/information please read this post about a 30 day paleo challenge by Melissa at Whole Nine. This challenge was last summer - read throught the post and also the comments by participants at the bottom - there is tons of great info here.

What you CAN eat
• Meat – especially lean cuts. Try to avoid processed meats – these are usually loaded with salt and preservatives
• Seafood
• Eggs
• Vegetables, including root vegetables like beets and turnips (but not potatoes)
• Fruits
• Nuts & Seeds (but not peanuts)
• Good quality oils (cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil)


What you can NOT eat
• Grains (including bread, pasta, rice)
• Beans & legumes (including peanuts & peanutbutter)
• Potatoes
• Dairy products
• Sugar & any sugar substitutes
• Processed foods of any kind
• Alcohol

** For the duration of the challenge it is important to FOLLOW THE RULES strictly. Your body needs this time to detox and adjust. You can start incorporating 'cheats' after the challege....but don't worry about that right now.


Tips for starting out
• Never eat carbohydrates alone. Always add protein or fat to your meal or snack.
E.g. salad with olive oil, apple with chicken or nuts/nut butter, etc.
• Eat lots of protein – try to eat some with every meal and snack. It is good for you, and it will make you feel full and satisfied.
• Eats lots of good fats – they also keep you full and satisfied. Cook with olive oil or coconut oil, eat avocado with your meat or in a salad.
• Eat lots of vegetables and fruit – eat as much as you want. When you cut out grains you need to replace them with lots of veggies and fruits. Try making vegetable soups, snacking on raw veggies, roasting root vegetables and be creative when making salads.
• Use coconut milk – as a replacement for milk/cream in your coffee or tea, drizzled over fruit as a dessert, or in meat or vegetable curries.
• Watch out for prepared sauces and condiments – most are full of sugar and preservatives.


Check this out:
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=110203569417&topic=10780