Tuesday 23 April 2013

Paleo ................... A Lifestyle Change

On Monday 8th April, I was told that if I didn't change my lifestyle, there is an excellent chance that I will be diabetic in 5-10 years time.  Understanding that diabetes is the pre-cursor to many major illnesses, it left me with no choice but to make the change.

I have done a paleo kind of diet before so it wasn't completely new to me EXCEPT this time I wasn't cutting corners like I did the last time.  There were occasions when we went out and I had pizza (wheat and dairy), there were times we went out and I had muffins / pancakes / chocolates / grainwaves (wheat and sugar) - because, at the end of the day life was worth living and who wants to deny themselves everything all of the time ?  I certainly didn't want to deny myself all the time and I was happy to make the occasional compromise.

Now I am faced with the challenge of - how many compromises are OK ?  Is one a day OK ?  Is one a week OK ?  Is a wedding / birthday / celebration OK ?  Since 8th April - I have cut out soft drinks completely - I have been drinking water, veggie juice, V8 fruit juice (1/2 glass a day max) and soda water with a dash of lime in it.  I went from probably 2-3L of coke a day, to nothing - and that was fine - I ate carrot sticks and gluten free dairy free dip.  On Saturday I felt like a coke.  I would have given my first born  right ovary (without anaesthetic) for a coke.  I wanted it so badly I could taste it.  On Sunday I would have given both my ovaries for a coke - but I didn't.  I had the bloody veggie juice and I sucked it up.

Sunday afternoon A left for Townsville.  We have known for quite a while that he was going to have to travel we just didn't know when.  A few weeks ago I doubt I would have been able to get through the day without him here but I am feeling so much stronger in myself that I know that I will be fine.  I miss him dreadfully but I know that he has to do this and there is nothing I can do except accept that he is away and get on with what I need to do.

Tonight I got home from work and was watching TV when K got home.  We had dinner and she fell asleep on the couch next to me.  I wanted that bloody coke so badly again.  I had some more veggie juice instead.  I got up from the couch, had a shower and eventually got that coke out of the fridge and in three glugs, it was gone.  And I thoroughly enjoyed every single drop of it.  Will that increase my risk of diabetes ?  I honestly don't know.  Can I stop at one ?  Bloody oath I can - because if I don't one becomes two becomes more than a few and the slippery slope appears out of nowhere.

My eating has been great.  I am finding it difficult when we are out to find suitable food to eat but I think that may just be a learning thing for me.  I made some lovely apple and macadamia biscuits last week.  K and I made more on Sunday as well as some apple and cinnamon biscuits and some banana and pecan muffins.  While there is no sugar in these, they do provide great 'sweet' snacks - something that I do miss.  Some people suggested first cutting out wheat and then dairy and then sugar but I found it easier to just cut it all out together - sort of like pulling the plaster off in one quick swipe instead of slowly pulling it off.  It has meant that I have had to be more prepared with my meals - I have to make sure that I cook enough at night so that there are enough for left overs another night as well as enough for me to take for lunch as well.  Sometimes I battle with having protein at every meal.  The only way I can do it at breakfast is with protein powder in my smoothie.  I do miss having toast for breakfast or with fresh bread with soup - there is nothing nicer than hot toast with squished up avo and a dash of salt for breakfast - unless it is a fruit smoothie made with coconut milk, fruit, egg and protein powder - because that is  my reality now and I am embracing it and enjoying it.

This coming weekend is going to provide a big challenge for me from a food point of view - we are going away with BIL and SIL.  They both understand the situation I am in and A, being so supportive, will do his best to make sure that we go to places where I can find things to eat.  I have my trusty Paleo app on my phone that I can pull out in emergencies to find out exactly whether I can or can't eat something.  If the worst comes to the worst, I can get a plate of steamed veggies and tuck into the biltong (like jerky only 1000 times better !!!) that I am supposed to be making while A is away !!!

When we realised that he was going to be away until the night before we left, I went into a bit of a panic because I had asked him to make biltong for us to take away with us.  He already had it marinading in the fridge but he knew that there was no ways I would hang it, so he hung it before he left with strict instructions about when I was to switch the light on (at night) and off (in the morning) so that it kept the drying process going through the night.  First night he is away - I think to myself "I'm sure he said that it was OK for tonight to switch the light on tomorrow night because he only switched the light off before he left for the airport at 2.30" - so I didn't switch it on.  I called him when I was on my way home and he asks "You must have remembered to switch the light off this morning because I called K to say good morning and asked her to check and she said that the light was off."  "Uhmmmm - no - I didn't put it on last night - I thought you said it was OK to leave until tonight."  Clearly that wasn't right.  So I told him I would switch it on as soon as I got home - for pete's sake I have to walk right past it in the garage to get to the house !!!!  Well, I forgot - completely - until at about 8.30pm K said "Hey Mom - do you think we can have some biltong with dinner ?" - The words "Bugger Poo Bum" (or quite possibly something a little stronger) came out my mouth as I dashed as fast as my chubby legs would carry me to the garage to switch the bloody biltong box light on !!!  Geez, I hope I remember to switch it off tomorrow.  That biltong probably has no idea of what is going on - if it turns out to be any good it will be in spite of everything I have done and not because of everything I have (or haven't) done !!!!

On Sunday night I went for a walk that was probably about 1km long - don't know how long it took me but I was happy that I felt HEAPS better than I did the last time I walked with Al last week.  Maybe things are starting to turn the corner for me.

I have also been reading a book called "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway" by Susan Jeffers.  I can't tell you what a great book it is although, for me, it is one that I am going to have to read a couple of times as I find I get a little over whelmed sometimes with all the information in there.  I really think it will make a difference to how I move forward in life - more positive and looking for solutions instead of problems.  She talks about a no lose model - the one where, no matter which decision you make, it is the right one for you, that there are things you learn along the way that you will need for later in life, or to introduce you to different situations / people.  I really want to start living like this - stop second guessing decisions that I have made and learn from every situation that I am in.

And, because it is Tuesday, I am joining in with Essentially Jess for #IBOT.

Have you linked in with Jess today ?

TFTD : You're not a failure if you don't make it, you're a success because you try - Susan Jeffers

43 comments:

  1. That sounds like a big lifestyle change for you. I am sure you've thought of this, but do you think your craving for coke is more about the caffeine? That once you wean yourself off caffeine (not fun), you might not crave it so much? And what about coke zero? Still has caffeine, but less, I think? And no sugar. A bunch of other nasty ingredients, sure! But maybe it's a stepping stone?

    I sometimes get a craving for Coke zero, and I don't even drink it regularly! Made by witches, clearly.

    Good luck with your diet and walking Me.

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    1. I don't really know about the caffeine thing - since having it on Monday night I haven't felt like it again - long may that last !!!
      I used to be a big drinker of Coke Zero/Diet Pepsi/Pepsi Max but can't stand the taste of any of them now. I would prefer not to have any soft drinks if I can - happy with my water and veggie juice most of the time.
      Have a great day !
      Me

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  2. I remember reading that book years ago - i think it must have done something as I've done a lot of stuff over the years that has freaked me out - the most recent relaunching my blog and importing toys from France (yet to be launched). Life is full of fearful but tremendously rewarding experiences if we follow our dreams. I hope your diet goes well. I don't think you can go wrong with it actually, my GP told me about it recently. Not keen on giving up milk in my coffee but the rest sounds reasonable.

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    1. WOW - how exciting !!!! It is so true - sometimes the fear we suffer from is actually worse than the event itself.
      Some people do paleo and still have milk in their tea/coffee - guess it just depends on how strict you want to be and how far you want to take it.
      Have the best week !
      Me

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  3. it is such a huge lifestyle change hun. it would take anyone time to adjust/adapt and figure out what you can and can't have when you're out, i can't even imagine how difficult it could be?? i hope you have a fantastic time away and that this lifestyle change doesn't interfere with that. massive love and hugs from me xoxoxox

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    1. Am off to make some more snacks to take with us - one thing I won't be is hungry - I am making sure I have plenty if I want to eat !!!!
      Thanks for your friendship and support - I really appreciate it !
      Have the best day !
      Me

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  4. That really sounds like a huge lifestyle change good on you for tackling it head on. Dont beat yourself up if you slip up just keep on moving forward each day. It is really great that you are starting to feel better too. Good Luck with your continuing journey. X

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    1. That is true - so long as I am moving forward, it is a good day !
      Have a great week !
      Me

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  5. I find the best strategy for eating the way I want to eat is to not have the food I don't want to eat in the house. Today, I went shopping and bravely walked past all the chocolate and biscuits at Aldi, but, boy, it was hard!

    Good luck with journey!

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    1. I do try to do that but it is difficult as A doesn't eat paleo and K isn't as strict as I am - on the whole I try to buy things that I know they like that I don't really like because it certainly does make it a lot easier.
      Well done for walking past the chocolate and biscuits - what a great feeling that is - very empowering !
      Have a great day !
      Me

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  6. Good luck with all the changes hon xx I love Susan jeffers xx

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    1. Thanks Deb. She is a great writer isn't she ?
      Have a wonderful day !
      Me

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  7. I am sure it will taste just perfect :), hey what app do you use?

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    1. Thanks Jackie - I use Paleo Central and Paleo Recipes.
      Have the best day tomorrow !
      Me

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  8. I know you can make these changes, you are strong. I hear you on the nasty black sugary drink ugh I had a massive addiction of liters per day, just ask my teeth :( I now have a small one here and there. Best of luck xx oh and I am soooo googling biltong!

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    1. Funny - since I had that can on Monday night I haven't felt like it at all !! Long may that last !
      Biltong is like jerky only a thousand times better !!!
      Have a great day tomorrow !
      Me

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  9. I hope it works for you hon! I wish it worked for me being on Paleo... I can do some of the recipes but not others.
    One step at a time though!
    xxx

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    1. It sucks that you can't do paleo - on the whole I don't mind it at all. Sometimes I think of what I used to eat but for the most part it is all good.
      Have a great day !
      Me

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  10. It sounds like a much healthier diet even if you are naughty occasionally. I probably need to do something similar - complete sugar junkie here - although I hate soft drink so that's one thing I don't have to worry about!

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    1. I used to be a real sugar junkie - it's amazing how I have seemed to curb those cravings - probably because I am not having the sugar in the first place so that cycle doesn't start.
      Have a great day !
      Me

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  11. Good luck with your changes, what a journey, we try very hard to eat only fresh products, no pre made, not saying we are very good at it but we are very aware. xxx Rae

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    1. I think awareness is great - it means that when you make a decision it is a conscious decision to eat something you know is/isn't right for you.
      Have the best day !
      Me

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  12. I must say I am in awe of your persistence and commitment, I can't seem to stop any of my bad habits at the mo. Big pat on the back from me! Em

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    1. Thank you. I think it is probably easier for me because my circumstances aren't as particularly taxing as yours are !!!
      Have a great day !
      Me

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  13. Good on you, it sounds like you're really committed to this lifestyle change and you're doing so well :-)

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    1. Yes, you are committed. I hope it gets easier. Most people (me) would've caved by now. I guess though, when you're presented with a negative health scenario, it changes the game. Best of luck.

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    2. Thanks Francesca - I am trying really hard because I want my body to be the healthiest that it can be.
      Have a great week !
      Me

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  14. Bloody impressive when you have that type of craving. Have found though it pays to go public with it-not only do you get the support - it makes it feel real. Must go public with my alcohol free commitment - though I think the sign you go public is a sure sign of success. Go you!

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    1. Thanks Pip - that is exactly why I blogged about it so I didn't feel deceitful sitting in bed drinking my coke and not saying anything to anyone. I felt more accountable (the main purpose of my blog).
      So glad someone else feels like this too !
      Have the best day !
      Me

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  15. Well done so far! I think you hit the nail on the head with some of your comments about trial/error and learning - like figuring out what's available to you if you do decide to eat out. I think it's great to try and take the reins and get control over your health and eating patterns. Now if only I could it myself...

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    1. I don't think I would be trying quite this hard if the alternative wasn't so bad !!!!
      Good luck with getting yourself started.
      Have a great day !
      Me

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  16. You say Coke, I say wine! Good for you for holding off as long as you did. I'm a firm believer of everything in moderation - of course my beliefs and actions are almost never the same. I've got a friend who's been Paleo for about a year now, and she says it's all totally worth it. She feels fantastic, and she certainly looks fantastic. Good luck!

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    1. Funny, since I had the coke on Monday, I haven't felt like another one !!
      I am still really tired but I think that is probably to do with the adrenal fatigue rather than what I am eating.
      Have the best week !
      Me

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  17. It really is hard to do and knowing how far you can go to 'treat' yourself is still a huge mystery for me. In my case, I get a clear indication by being sick, but even then I still am not always sure of what triggered it.
    Now with Coke - are all cokes the same? I mean can you have coke zero? (I have to admit I agree with Parental Parody on swapping for wine!).
    I have been drafting a blog post for a while now on why we crave the very things that are going to hurt our body. Maybe it is a good time to dust it off and publish it :)
    Becc @ Take Charge Now

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    1. I think that once I am off my tablets and I can see exactly what what I am eating is doing to my weight (rather than the medication) it will be a little easier.
      I have gone off coke zero/diet pepsi/pepsi max - and am happy to leave it with no soft drinks unless I get a craving like I did the other night !!!
      Will keep an eye out for that blog post !
      Have a great day.
      Me

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  18. Thanks Robomum - I do think it will get easier. As you say, facing the negative health situation was what I needed to change my head space.
    Hope you have a great day !
    Me

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  19. Apparently Chrome doesn't like any blogger blogs, I tried sooo hard to reply yesterday! But I'm back in IE and trying again lol

    That book sounds like it'd be a great read! That's where I want to be as well.

    One day the whole food thing will be easier, it's just going to take time to get into the swing of it fully :) The main thing is, you are sounding so much better :)

    MC xx

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    1. Thanks MC - I certainly am feeling heaps better (well I was until K decided that she would now like a 21st - next weekend - so stressing more than a little about that given we don't even know if A will be home !!!)
      The food will definitely get easier - got a great recipe book down at Lennox Head so will be trying a few of those out.
      Have the best day !
      Me

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  20. It's a huge challenge to make such a change in your diet. Well done, sound that even though you have some craving and difficult moment you are doing great in general.

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    1. Thank you.
      It's funny - since I had that craving for coke, I haven't had it since. In fact A offered me a sip of coke on the weekend and I had it but I didn't like the taste !
      Hope you had a great weekend !
      Me

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  21. L,I think you're being so sensible and very organized, which is surely the best way to approach this. I'll be following your progress with great interest, and cheering for you all the way.
    I have that book too, think it may be time for a re-read.
    Take care lovely. xx

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    1. Thanks Lisa - that book certainly has made me think and I know that when I read it again, I will get even more info from it that will help me to move forward.
      Have the best day and take care !
      Me

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