Measurements

I figured it would be interesting to compare my measurements from the start of the WLC to where I was before/ after the Primal/ Paleo Challenge back in February.  I'll do this again in another 8 weeks but for now:

	Jan. 31	Feb. 21	Sept. 15
Hips (cm)	94.2	94.7	101
Waist (cm)	88.6	84.1	74
Thigh (cm)	63.8	60.7	55
Arm (cm)	31.2	31.3	30
Weight (kg)	69.9	66.7	62.8

Definitely interesting.  The only measurement that's gone up has been my hips which I can (hopefully) attribute to muscle gain?  I am happy with my progress. Ecstatic really when I sit back and reflect.  My body shape has changed a lot over the past year - since I started crossfit at the end of July 2011 and it's been a steady progress in the right direction.  Most importantly however it's been maintained, I still love what I'm doing which has made it easy to keep at it and continue to see results.

The biggest issue for me so far is getting my head to catch up to what I see in the mirror - so often I still think of myself as that girl who was 12kg heavier and out of shape (though didn't even realize it at the time). I have to learn to include myself in the same categories as the girls I work out with - the strong and fast ones who I still look up to.  I can keep up with them now, I'm in that category too and I need to remember that for myself.

I think we can all benefit from taking a step back and looking at who we were a year ago on this journey - what we could do then, how our bodies responded, how we viewed food... and far we've come - mastering new skills, lifting heavier weights, going faster, being stronger.  It's hard to see our progress in the day to day but everyone I'm surrounded by is making huge leaps and gains, putting in the effort and getting the rewards and I'm right there with them.  We need to remind each other of these accomplishments but more importantly we need to remind ourselves.  We need to see the positives, the gains and the achievements rather than beating ourselves up over things we haven't yet accomplished because I can tell you a little secret...if we keep at it like we all are then this time next year we are going to hugely eclipse who we are now at this moment in time.

Daily pep talk complete!

ETA: One further note about measurements (thanks for the comment btw Tim!) -  I think overall I'm happiest about how my (new) clothes fit more than anything.  I pretty much have a new wardrobe from this time last year - I've dropped several clothes sizes.  Back in Canada I was generally a 12-14, sometimes a 10 (north american sizes) and now I'm a 2-4 for pants, 6-8 for lululemon generally and I like being able to go in a easily find clothes my size on the racks - usually I pick up something and have to go back for a smaller size as I've underestimated where I am now but there are worse problems to have.

Weekend (Paleo) Confessions

I have to admit it I had a really bad Paleo(ish) weekend... it was hot - I'm talking 40 degree hot and food was not appealing to me at all.  I found that rather than eat well I just didn't eat most of Saturday - had a protein smoothie with mango and banana before redoing WOD 12.3 and afterwards an delightful coffee.  Post beach there was a nectarine that I grabbed at the market then nothing until dinner which was a homemade hamburger, pickle and sweet potato - nothing was very appealing - me and food were not friends.

That night I had a hot (12 year old) date to see Hugo and of course he had all the good snacks packed.  I ate a ton of grapes but have to confess that I did sneak a few of his extra spicy doritos (tasty so I was quite please when he polished off the bag).

Sunday was pretty much the same all over again.  I had another smoothie for breakfast (about the only thing lately that is still appealing to me) and then an apple as the 12 year old and I wandered around Adventure World.  I had way too much sun even while trying to stay in the shade and in the water to remain cool - my stomach just wasn't that happy.  I had a coke slushie on the way home with him because it was just so hot (though didn't have any coffee) and skipped lunch (food wasn't appealing).  Relaxed for about an hour then it was off to SUP so I knew I needed some calories - grabbed a Lara Bar and inhaled most of it and lots and lots of water.

After another 3.5 hours at the beach, paddling and playing in the water I was famished.  Dinner was a massive pork chop, brussel sprouts and asparagus but I also added some potatoes to my plate - they were what was appealing to me most of all that food - with a little butter and salt they were heaven.  Post dinner I also indulged further with some salt and vinegar chips which while tasty didn't sit well in my belly - but the 12 yo was eating them right in front of me and I couldn't resist the temptation.  Considering the lack of food all weekend they weren't a big deal calorie wise* but I know that they weren't the healthiest option and the feeling I had afterwards confirmed the fact.

Hopefully with the temperature dropping (slightly) and being back at work (air conditioning) I'll get back on track in the food department (eating enough and well).

I know it wasn't a great weekend but I'm back at it full on this week - and once the company leaves my house all those temptations will be gone as well.

*I do not believe in counting calories AT ALL.  I don't think this is a good way to maintain health but it warrants it's own post another day...

Paleo Almond Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

I made some paleo almond banana chocolate mini-muffins yesterday and they are little bite sized bits of deliciousness. 

Original Recipe follows (italics highlight my changes/additions)


Almond Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
3/4 cup almond butter
1 cup almond flour
3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (used 4 bananas and blended them)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (I probably used more than this and also topped the muffins with more)
1/3 cup plus more for topping muffins Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips (I coarsely chopped up some dark chocolate rather than using premade chips which all seemed like they were full of junk)
 
I also added:
some flax (linseed) whole for texture
some coconut 
I didn't measure these

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  
Spray a muffin pan with coconut spray - I used a mini-muffin tray for bit sized muffins
In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except chocolate chips and mix everything is incorporated.  
Using a blender, blend bananas, eggs and almond butter
In a bowl mix all dry ingredients (except chocolate)
Stir blender mixture into bowl mixture
Now stir chocolate chips into batter.  
Pour batter into prepared muffin tin. 
Top muffins with a few additional chocolate chips cinnamon
Bake for 20 – 25 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  
Let the muffins cool and remove from pan.

http://www.multiplydelicious.com/thefood/2011/09/almond-banana-chocolate-chip-muffins/

The first batch (yielded approx. 48 mini-muffins)

Week Four - Practically Paleo...

So it's been one week since the Cooee Crossfit Primal Challenge ended - last Tuesday we were having our big feast.  So what has this last week been like for me?  Pretty easy actually and practically the same.  I am not being as strict and have made a few concessions which I am completely comfortable with - namely my morning coffee with (full-fat) milk.  That's the only recurring item that does not meet the paleo guidelines but it's my weakness and it makes me happy. 

I have also had a few items over the week - one lemon icy and some molasses in BBQ sauce and I have given in to drinking packaged almond milk in my morning smoothies even though it contains preservatives - specifically because it contains preservatives.  Although I found almond milk easy to make it wasn't lasting more than a day or two and therefore I went the prepackaged route.  Given that I only use a bit of it each morning I'll see how it goes over time.  Last night at dinner I also had one baby potato knowing full well it was providing me with very little nutrition but it was nice to be reminded of what it was like - I only had one and I didn't feel like I was missing out.  I'm also surprised that I haven't had any chocolate other than the cocoa used in some of the items at last weeks Primal Feast especially since I used to have the worst chocolate cravings - definitely impressed.

I'm not advocating "cheat meals" in fact I hate calling them that when they are nutritionally inferior meals that will more often than not make me feel the effects for long after the momentary satisfaction has left my lips.  I will however make reasonable choices as to when I stray from the paleo lifestyle (again, I also hate calling it a diet when it's a choice on how I eat, not a fleeting fancy for short term gains). 

I'm happy that I completed three strict weeks.  I personally believe that it helped eliminate cravings (pastas, chocolate) and allowed me to detox from specific foods that were stuck in my body.  Tracking my food daily for the period also helped me to become aware of what was going in my mouth and thinking about it before eating rather than after and I'm continuing to do this while allowing myself slightly more freedom to diverge in moderation.  I'll see how this goes - I'm going to track where I stray going forward but I won't always post it here.

Non-Paleo Indulgences (Feb 22-28)
Daily coffee with full fat milk (except sunday)
lemon icy (sat)
molasses (sunday, monday)
pre-packaged almond milk (daily except weekend)

Week Three (Final) of the Primal Challenge - What I've Learned

A bullet point list of what I've learned over the past three weeks of eating strictly Paleo...

-I don't like to refer to it as a diet as in my mind it's a lifestyle - a choice on what fuel you want to give your body
-It's easier than I thought it would be
-Although I occasionally had cravings for sugar (that went away quite quickly) I never stopped craving coffee (and it tasted SO good this morning - I'm not sorry)
-I lost 2.6kg (~6lbs) in three weeks (dropped 3.2kg but went back up in weight this past week - muscle?)
-My body fat dropped 5%
-I lost 4.5cm (1-3/4") on my waist, 3.1cm (1-1/4") on my thigh and 2cm (3/4") on my chest (all measurements are approx.)
-I love my morning smoothies but have really gotten tired (repulsed almost) of eggs no matter how I cook them
-Eating Paleo/Primal takes a lot of planning
-My spice cabinet is overflowing
-There is a Paleo friendly recipe for almost anything you're used to - the community is quite creative and Google is your friend
-Meals end up tasting much more delicious because of the forethought and creativity put into them - our Primal Feast last night is proof of this - everything was amazing
-Not all Paleo recipes will be amazing but some will be and playing around is half the fun
-I didn't miss dairy at all (especially since I gave up coffee) and making almond milk is simple (though sours rather quickly)
-You *can* still eat out while maintaining a Paleo friendly approach with just minor substitutions from the menu (ask for no toast)
-It's hard to explain to some people why you're turning down a piece of cake or not partaking in certain events but you feel better after the moment has passed
-Others will see your progress and buy into the changes you're making - even if not for themselves they'll understand the next time you pass on the cake
-It's okay to cheat on occasion but note how many of those occasions occur during the course of a week (probably more than you realize)
-Tracking your food daily gets very monotonous (I'm done with it though I'll probably keep a weekly log of my 'cheats')
-Start calling your 'cheats' less efficient fuel for your body and the temptation will surely lessen
-You can make almost anything with almond flour/meal
-My energy level is more consistent - there are no longer the highs and lows throughout the day
-I now read ingredient lists on anything that has an ingredient list - there shouldn't be anything on there that I can't identify, if there is I just won't buy it.
-For the most part I eat when I'm hungry and stop when I'm full, no longer aimlessly eating the food on my plate because it's there - I have a better awareness of my body because I'm focused on how I fuel it
-If I don't have sufficient protein at a meal I get hungry again faster/sooner
-There are Paleo friendly snacks that are easy to keep on hand for those random bouts of hunger (almonds, almond butter - I keep a jar in my desk at work, pure fruit baby food - great shot of energy pre-workout when necessary)
-Sharing recipes is fun
-I'll never give up coffee - ever
-Farmers markets are amazing places
-Three weeks isn't a long time, you can do anything for just three weeks... and they say three weeks is what it takes to make a new habit - win...

I'm sure there's many more things I've learned along the way.  And while I will continue eating Paleo friendly I won't be as strict as I have been these past few weeks.  I will however, better understand my cravings and indulgences that I think I have in the past.  I will notice more how they make me feel and how often I give in to them.  I like the way my body has responded to this healthier eating and what it does for me in return.  I can definitely see the benefits and as I mentioned, it's really not any harder to do.

What have you learned eating Paleo/Primal?

Paleo Food - Day 21

Breakfast (7am)
banana/blueberry/strawberry shake with almond milk and protein powder
2 tablespoons of Udon 369

Snack
handful of grapes
few pieces of biltong
handful of almonds

Lunch
pork chop with asparagus
2 plums

Snack
few almonds
large grapefruit
 
Dinner
Primal Feast at the box.... it was delicious and delectable and I broke my 3 weeks of no chocolate with Pete's magical chocolate mousse.... we'll leave it at that as I know how much weight I gained over dinner.  Ha!
 
Hydration
Morning - 1L berry water/filtered water mixed, 0.5L filtered water
Afternoon - 1L filtered water
Evening - 1L water

Paleo Food - Day 20

Breakfast (7am)
banana/blueberry/strawberry shake with coconut milk and protein powder
1.5 tablespoons of Udon 369

Second Breakfast (10am)
2 poached eggs
steamed green cabbage
leftover sausage and onions with mushrooms
handful of grapes

Lunch
rocket salad with cherry tomatoes, chicken, cucumber and half an apple

Snack
2 plums
handful of almonds
small piece of biltong
 
Dinner
grilled pork chop
asparagus
2 rosemary-garlic almond crackers
 
Hydration
Morning - 1L berry water, 0.5L filtered water
Afternoon - 1.5L filtered water
Evening - 0.5L water, 0.5L berry water

Paleo Food - Day 17

Breakfast (7am)
banana shake with almond milk and protein powder

Second Breakfast (10am)
paleo granola (walnuts, almonds, coconut, almond meal, sunflower seeds toasted in a cast iron pan)
almond milk

Lunch
chicken salad with green onions, cucumber and half a green apple

Snack
apple
almond butter

Dinner
beef burger with avocado, caramelized onions, tomato and spinach

Hydration
Morning - 1L berry/filtered water mixed
Afternoon - 2L filtered water
Evening - 0.5L berry/carbonated water mixed

Paleo Food - Day 16

Breakfast (7am)
banana/blueberry shake with almond milk and protein powder

Second Breakfast (10am)
2 scrambled eggs with green onions
beet chips

Lunch
rocket salad with diced tomatoes, half an avocado and asparagus
chicken breast and leg (with skin)
plum
handful of cherries

Pre-Workout
Apple, banana, peach baby food (only fruit)
 
Dinner
Rocket salad with cucumber, green onion, half an apple and steamed asparagus
half a breast of chicken and a chicken leg (with skin)

Hydration
Morning - 1.5L filtered water
Afternoon - 1.5L filtered water
Evening - 1L water, 0.5L berry/carbonated water mixed

Paleo Food - Day 15

Breakfast (7am)
banana/blueberry shake with almond milk and protein powder

Lunch
2 scrambled eggs
1 slice cajun roast beef
1/2 avocado
2 spoonfuls almond butter

Snack
apple
almond butter

Pre-Workout
Banana, pear and mango baby food (only fruit)
 
Dinner
Ribs with paleo BBQ sauce
Steamed asparagus
beet chips 

Hydration
Morning - 1L filtered water
Afternoon - 1L filtered water
Evening - 1L water, 0.5L berry/carbonated water mixed

Paleo Food - Day 14

Breakfast (7am)
banana/blueberry shake with almond milk and protein powder

Second Breakfast (10:30am)
2 scrambled eggs
small slice of cajun roast beef

Lunch (2pm)
chicken and stir-fried veggies with zucchini ribbons
large grapefruit
1 slice paleo banana bread

Snack
apple

Hydration
Morning - 1L berry water, 0.5L filtered water
Afternoon - 1.5L filtered water
Evening - 0.5L water

Paleo Food - Day 13

Breakfast (7am)
banana/blueberry shake with almond milk, protein powder and a spoonful of almond butter

Lunch
2 poached eggs
2 coconut chicken nuggets
steamed kale
1 slice banana bread

Snack
apple
almond butter

Dinner
Ribs with paleo BBQ sauce
Green beans

Hydration
Morning - 1L berry water
Afternoon - 2L filtered water
Evening - 0.5L water, 0.5L berry/carbonated water mixed

Paleo Food - Day 12

Breakfast
banana shake with almond milk, protein powder and a spoonful of almond butter

Snack
Grapefruit
Handful of grapes

Dinner
Ribs with paleo BBQ sauce (recipe below)
Two paleo chicken nuggets (recipe below)
Green beans
Paleo Banana Break (recipe below)

Hydration
Morning/Afternoon - 1L berry water
Evening -  1L berry water/ carbonated water 

Coconut Chicken Nuggets
1 pound ground chicken
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ cup + ½ cup almond flour
½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
½ cup coconut oil
Salt & Pepper 

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a bowl combine ¼ cup almond flour, ½ cup coconut and salt & pepper.  Mix to combine.
In a separate bowl, combine the ground chicken, ½ cup almond flour, onion powder, garlic powder, egg yolk and salt & pepper.  Mix well until everything is incorporated.
In a sauté pan, melt coconut oil on medium heat.  Take about 2 tablespoons worth of the chicken mixture and roll into a ball and then coat with the coconut and almond mixture.  Repeat with the remaining chicken.  You should make about 15 to 18 chicken nugget/balls.
In small batches place nuggets into heated coconut oil and cook on each side for about 3 to 4 minutes.  Transfer balls to a parchment lined bake pan and place in oven for 4 to 5 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through.  Repeat with the remaining chicken nuggets.
Allow nuggets to cool and serve with Paleo “BBQ” Sauce (recipe follows). 

Paleo “BBQ” Sauce
3/4 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
10 tablespoons tomato paste
4 tablespoons shallots, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions:
Heat coconut oil in a saute pan over medium heat.  Place minced shallots and garlic in sauce pan until soft.  Stir in remaining ingredients and simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes.

Both of the above recipes found at: http://www.multiplydelicious.com/thefood/2011/09/coconut-chicken-nuggets-with-paleo-bbq-sauce/ 

Paleo Banana Bread
 3 bananas (about 1 ½ cups) mashed
3 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon honey
¼ cup vegan palm oil shortening (I used coconut oil instead)
2 cups blanched almond flour
½ teaspoon celtic sea salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
I also added 1 cup of chopped pecans to give some texture

Place bananas, eggs, vanilla, honey and shortening in a food processor (I used a blender)
Pulse ingredients together
Pulse in almond flour, salt and baking soda (mixed this in by hand into a big bowl)
Scoop batter into a greased 7.5" x 3.5" Loaf Pan
Bake at 350° for 55-65 minutes 30 minutes (only too 45 minutes for mine to cook)
Remove from oven and allow to cool

Recipe Source: http://www.elanaspantry.com/paleo-banana-bread/#more-28839

Dinner

Paleo Food - Day 11

Breakfast (11:30 - big sleep in)
Pete's Paleo Porridge (recipe below)

Snack
handful of cherries

Dinner
chicken with tomatoes, green and red onions, mushrooms and ribbon zucchini
handful of kale chips
 
Hydration
Morning/Afternoon - 1.5L berry water/ carbonated water
Evening -  1L berry water/ carbonated water

Pete's Paleo Porridge
In a blender mix up the following:
1/2 cup pecans (I used walnuts as it was what I had)
1/2 cup almonds
1/2 banana (I used a whole one)
1/2 tsp cinnamon (I dumped in enough)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 coconut/almond milk (use what you have)

You can heat in the microwave (I did) and add more coconut/almond milk or another sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of berries.  Mix it up.

Kale Chips
Pull kale leaves from the stalk and break apart
toss in avocado oil (enough to lightly coat)
bake at 350F (175C) for 12 minutes
eat!

Kale Chips

Dinner - with zucchini ribbons!

Paleo Food - Day 10

Breakfast (7am)
banana/blueberry shake with almond milk, coconut milk, protein powder and a spoonful of almond butter

Second Breakfast (10:30am)
2 scrambled eggs with steamed green cabbage and friend ground turkey with green onions

Lunch
cauliflower
2 coconut almond cookies

Snack
1 Coconut almond cookie
handful of cherries

Dinner
beef burger with avocado, caramelized onions, tomato and spinach
 
Hydration
Morning - 1L berry water, 0.5L filtered water
Afternoon - 1.5L filtered water
Evening - 0.5L water, 0.5L berry water/ carbonated water

Paleo Food - Day 9

Breakfast (7am)
banana/strawberry/blueberry shake with almond milk, coconut milk, protein powder and a spoonful of almond butter

Second Breakfast (10:30am)
2 scrambled eggs with steamed green cabbage

Lunch
half an avocado, cherry tomatoes and cucumber
two mini hamburgers with green onion
2 coconut almond cookies

Snack
1 Coconut almond cookie

Dinner
wasn't hungry after a late lunch
 
Hydration
Morning - 1L berry water, 1L filtered water
Afternoon - 1L filtered water
Evening - 1L water

Paleo - Creative in the Kitchen

So last night I had some leftover almond meal (from the almond milk making) and was on the verge of creating more (more milk) so I was struggling for a creative use for it and limited to solely what was in my pantry - and also avoiding anything with chocolate or cocoa (though I know these are not off limits - I'm just not eating them for now).  So I started towards something that would resemble my banana bread recipe and involved me adding the almond meal and some coconut flour into a bowl and mixing that up when the texture started to remind me of one of my other favorite recipes - Eagle Brand Squares - so I went with a play on that and created a concoction of Coconut-Almond Cookies.  They are fluffy and sweet enough and quite tasty though if I were to do this again (yes) I would not use the coconut flour.

Original Recipe - Eagle Brand Squares
1-1/3 cup graham crumbs
1-1/3 cup coconut
1/3 cup melted butter
enough chocolate chips (I never know the exact amount, just go by the mixture)

Mix all of the above together in a bowl
Add one can of condensed milk (Eagle Brand - hence the name)
Mix, spread into a 9x9 pan and bake at 350°F until brown on top

These are crazy addictive - so good and so easy.  So I was excited to try something similar.

Paleo Coconut Almond Cookies
(all quantities are approximate*)
1 cup almond meal
1/2 cup coconut flour (wouldn't use next time)
1 cup coconut
3 tablespoons macadamia nut oil
1 cup coconut milk (enough to hold the mixture together)
2 tablespoons honey

Mix all together, roll into balls and flatten onto cookie sheet.  Bake.

I baked them at about 180°C for about 20 or so minutes - basically until they were golden brown as in the photo below.  They are a light sweet treat and I'm sure I'll make them again - I just had two with my lunch and I really wish I'd packed more - yum!

What favorite recipe of yours have you made paleo/primal friendly?

The Result

*This is how I typically bake - approximations rather than exact measurements - I know this drives some people crazy but I'm a chemical engineer it's how I work...

Paleo Food - Day 8

Breakfast (7am)
banana/strawberry/blueberry shake with almond milk, protein powder and a spoonful of almond butter

Second Breakfast (10:30am)
2 scrambled eggs with ground turkey and green onions

Lunch
handful spiced almonds
half an avocado, cherry tomatoes and cucumber

Snack
apple

Pre-Workout
Pear and supberberries (blueberry, blackcurrent and acai) baby food (only fruit)

Dinner
3 mini hamburgers with steamed cauliflower
coconut cookie (new recipe!)

Hydration
Morning - 1L berry water, 1L filtered water
Afternoon - 1L filtered water
Evening - 1L water, 1L ginger berry/carbonated water mixed

Week One of the Primal Challenge - The Good and The Bad...

I've been avoiding this recap for a few days as really don't know where to even begin but I guess I'll start with the progress...

I've lost 2.3kg (5lbs) in a week.

The first time I saw this change (Monday), I didn't believe it and so I weighed myself again last night and the number was the same.  I'm a bit shocked by this as I didn't feel like I was making any substantial changes to my diet but apparently there was more crap to be taken out than I'd expected.  Two more weeks to go.

Things I'm Loving about Primal/Paleo*
-The fact that there are a bunch of us from the box in this together
-I have lost 2.3kg in a week
-I am being forced to be more creative in the food I prepare
-I'm finding lots of really wonderful (and easy!) recipes that I wouldn't have looked for without this challenge and that I'll continue to use when done with the challenge (Almond Milk!)
-There is a lot of recipe sharing going on amongst those at the box and it's amazing
-Managed to go out for breakfast on the weekend and eat easily with a few substitutions
-My appetite has changed - I'm not constantly hungry or looking for snacks
-I know that I can overpower my sweet cravings but having a drink of water or something and ignoring them for 5 minutes then they're gone.  I don't have to cave into my cravings.
-There seems to be less waste eating clean.
-I was out last weekend and got hungry and easily picked up some almonds and a pear rather than a pastry.
-There is an abundance of primal/paleo friendly products in stores everywhere here - not just select ones and the markets are amazing
-My spice cabinet has swollen in size and it's awesome

Things I'm Finding Difficult about Primal/Paleo
-I miss coffee.  I really, really miss the comfort of coffee especially on the weekend.  That being said I really don't ever want to experience the headache I had when I stopped drinking it
-I don't know that I feel any better or worse.  I know I'm treating my body better, seeing the weight drop off the scale but I still feel tired and I'm not really sleeping any better.
-I miss coffee
-It takes a bit more planning and time to eat this way - I spent a good portion of sunday afternoon cooking up things for the week - however I did have food for the week afterwards
-I miss coffee

It's funny in writing this - I'm quite surprised that there are so few difficult things about this.  It hasn't been that hard in fact.  I know when the three weeks are up I won't be as strict however I've already learned a lot and I'll definitely be a lot more conscious about what goes into my mouth and where it comes from.

*It's technically a Primal challenge however I've decided to also strictly given up dairy, coffee and chocolate (at least so far).  Note also that I know that coffee and chocolate are allowed in moderation but I have chosen for these three weeks to not have them solely to see what effects they have on my body along with this clean eating.

Paleo Food - Day 7

Breakfast (7am)
banana/strawberry/blueberry shake with almond milk and a spoonful of almond butter

Second Breakfast (10:30am)
2 poached eggs with 1 cup green cabbage fried in water and ground turkey with onion

Lunch
handful spiced almonds
2 mini-hamburger with homemade guacamole, cherry tomatoes and cucumber

Snack
apple

Dinner
chicken fajitas with red pepper, onions and mushrooms

Hydration
Morning - 1L berry water, 1L filtered water
Afternoon - 1L filtered water
Evening - 1.5L water