I've been doing some thinking this past week about eating "off the Paleo Farm" and both it's immediate and long term effects, mentally and physically. For me I generally do not go off the farm. I may have a weekly treat such as Paleo Brownies and Coconut Ice Cream, or dark chocolate dipped in fresh ground almond butter. Which for me provides those
little treats needed to keep life fun. And hey, sometimes a girl just needs some Chocolate!But...on our trip I wasn't as careful and for the first time in probably 7 months I ate "off the farm" in some form almost everyday. Even then it wasn't what many would even consider a "cheat", goat cheese or blue cheese on my salad and vinaigrette dressing that probably had some sugar and other less than desirable ingredients in it, and grain fed beef instead of grass fed. And off course the real dairy ice cream I ate two nights in a row (had to finish off that pint of Haagen daz, dulce de leche!). At the time I didn't notice any huge adverse effects other than some digestive issues and congestion. Over the past week it has been much more of a struggle to stick to Paleo and make good choices in my eating.
At my Level 1 Cert Class, they were suggesting a weekly "cheat" day, where you allow yourself to have the dairy ice cream, pizza, beer, brownies, etc. Almost a though it were necessary, but I am here to say DON'T DO IT! Don't sabotage yourself, if you feel the "need" to "cheat" (I really don't like that word and the connotations it gives), make a better choice. I think having a "treat" day is more appropriate and by all means treat yourself, "cheat" by eating a "Paleo" treat. Have some coconut or macadamia ice cream, make some Paleo Chocolate Pudding, or Paleo Brownies, have a Nor-Cal Margarita or two. By making better choices on your treats, you will be giving yourself a huge advantage both mentally and physically. You don't want your body craving crap or living all week for that "free day", "Cheat day" or even"Treat day". Come on folks, is that any way to live? When I stick to Paleo and allow myself to enjoy an occasional Paleo treat it's easy. In fact for me it's been really, really, easy to say no when offered something outside the Paleo guidelines (until now). Because I know it'll make me feel bad for days and I now know it'll make eating Paleo a struggle instead of a joy.
So...go ahead treat yourself, have some fudge babies, paleo brownies, coconut ice cream, etc., but please do yourself a favor and pick paleo friendly alternatives.
I have been making a huge stock pot of soup every Sunday night, putting in all the misc. veggies I have in the fridge that may be going bad or limp. This time I used some frozen veggies, in addition to the fresh. I love to use this Breakfast Sausage recipe and cooking it in some oil or bacon grease, crumbling it as I go, rather than making patties. I add that to a chicken soup stock base, (this time it was boxed, but when I can I use homemade). Then just throw in whatever veggies I have around, this time it was, kale, chard, spinach, peppers, celery, carrots, snap peas, zucchini, green beans, onions, garlic etc. I am sure I am forgetting some, oh and some bacon (after all everything taste better with bacon!). I also like to use the Kirkland signature Organic salt free seasoning along with some oregano or basil, maybe some curry powder, whatever you like. It is always a big hit and makes great leftovers for the next couple of days, the kids pack it in containers and take it to school for lunches and my husband and I enjoy having a quick lunch or snack to grab too. If you are on a budget it is a great way to stretch your meals, and your dollar.
