Paleo Diet – My Week 1 Update

Last week I mentioned I was starting the Paleo Diet plan for 30 days to see how my body responded. To read the last post, please click here.  Here’s a run-down on what I consumed, how I cheated, and what’s happening as a result.

What I’ve Been Consuming

Here’s how I’ve been eating over the past week. First we’ll look at the major food types.

Proteins: The plan allows for liberal amounts of lean meats as the major source of protein. This past week I made a pork roast/stew in my slow cooker and added carrots, onions, celery, and some seasoning. It lasted for two dinners and 4 lunches. I also cooked some chicken breasts to supplement the dinners for the week. Breakfast consisted of eggs and turkey sausage… I don’t tired of eggs and my lipids/cholesterol levels are very good. Still I try not to eat them every day, though I could.

Fruits & Vegetables: I mentioned the carrots and onions in the stew. I’ve also been eating an orange each day and banana every other day. I’ve also nibbled on green seedless grapes and organic apple slices. I’m a big fan of fresh steamed green veggies, so I usually steam either green beans, broccoli, or asparagus or a combination of all three at dinner. I usually make more than Justin and I can eat (he will eat broccoli) so I can eat them the next day at lunch. I also had two salads at lunch with iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado with some shrimp thrown in for some protein.

Grains: These are a no-no on Paleo, but although I haven’t had any toast or bread, I did finish the remains of the raisin bran and shredded wheat cereals; 1 bowl apiece. But I sliced up a banana to make me feel better about the transgression.  I also, in a moment of weakness, indulged in a handful of cheddar fish crackers. I’ve been told that having fish crackers in the house is a dead giveaway that I’m a parent.

Water: I’m a hugs fan of Dasani brand bottled water and buy it by the case. Tap water is disgusting and I’ve tried the Brita filtering system but it’s still gross. So I buy water by the case in plant-based plastic bottles, recycle the used ones and try not to feel too badly about it. I normally drink three to four bottles each day but I know from experience more water is a dieter’s best friend. So I’m going to up it a bit this week.

Coffee: Never giving this up. It’s pointless to want to at this stage in life. I’ve been successful in cutting out the dairy as it really only enters my system via Half-n-Half in my coffee. So I’m opting for either black with Splenda or with a non-dairy, non-soy creamer. Basically, chemicals in a cup. My plan is to continue this way for the 30 days and then reintroduce it..maybe…we’ll see.

Alcohol: My favorite red wine is Primitivo, an Italian zinfandel imported under the Layer Cake label. It’s like drinking liquid Nirvana. BevMo carries it if you’re interested. And don’t let the screw-top fool you. It’s to die for. I drank a bottle of that this week as well. It lasts a week because I use a vacuum stopper.

In all, not a bad first week considering the times when I felt I really wanted something sweet and resisted. Hopefully, these carbohydrate cravings will subside this week.

How I’ve Been Exercising

I walk our Canine-American Buddy twice a day. Sometimes Justin walks him after school, but for the past three weeks I’ve been doing it. About a half-mile in the morning and 2 miles in the late afternoon. I don’t jog..it’s just not pretty. So walking is it for me right now as far as exercise goes. I should be doing more. This week I return to work after taking three weeks off so I’ll return to walking at lunch before eating.

Other Changes

While not something new altogether, I’ve taken a conscious step to deepen my Buddhist practice in the past week. I don’t like labels but practicing as a Practical Buddhist (one that dispenses with robes and rituals) would has helped me to deepen my commitment to the Paleo diet. I mediate daily, read from books on my Kindle that support my path, and find that it reinforces my positivity. I also began writing a brief ebook called Practical Buddhism: Spiritual Practice Without the Robes and Rituals. I’ll release it here on the blog free for subscribers in about a month.

I’m not weighing myself. I know that I weigh around 230 pounds. That means I’m about 40 pounds over where I should be. When I feel my clothes start feeling looser, I’ll check in with the scale and see then what’s happening in that area. For now, not weighing in is a positive step because I want to remain focused on my nutrition, increasing my exercise and moving forward without an overt marker that might only discourage me.

So that’s where I’ve been and where I am this fine Saturday morning. Another update next Saturday.