Paleo Diet: Day 1

I don't think I've mentioned this quite yet... but I'm embarking on a new mission for the next 30 days. A group of my co-workers are doing a "Paleo Challenge"- and the winner gets a free month of CrossFit and a case of Coconut Water. I'm always up for some friendly competition!

The theory behind the Paleo Diet is this: People lived without McDonalds and Diet Coke for thousands of years. They were also taller, leaner, had a longer life expectancy, and were cancer-free. Processed foods are the number one cause of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and are linked to more weird and random illnesses than I care to or have the ability to list. The idea is that if you revert back to 4 basic food groups, you will have more energy, a cleaner digestive system, will get sick less often, and will look something like this:

The 4 food groups are:
1. Meat
2. Vegetables
3. Fruit
4. Nuts

Which means no dairy, grains, or anything processed. This even means that potatoes, pasta, cheese, coffee, pita bread and (ghasp) wine are off limits.

Now let's be real: I'm drinking a glass while I'm typing this entry. I will cut out everything except my occasional glass or five- depends on how my work day goes. I'm not THAT competitive. But I'm going to try my best to adhere to the plan as best as I can... I'm curious to see how I feel (and look) after a month.

Today was my first day on the diet. Here is my entry from the survey we fill out daily that tracks our progress:

What is today's date? *

June 20, 2011

Please list what you had to breakfast: *

a banana

Did your meal include?

•  Source of protein
•  Vegetable
•  Fruit

Please list what you had to lunch: *

1/4 garlic and herb chicken and peas from Nando's

Did your meal include?

•  Source of protein
•  Vegetable
•  Fruit

Please list what you had to dinner: *

a bottle of red wine and a can of tuna. classy.

Did your meal include?

•  Source of protein
•  Vegetable
•  Fruit

Please list your snacks throughout the day: *

None

Did you have coffee today? *

•  yes
•  no
•  i'm afraid to tell you

Workout today? If yes, please say what: *

No

How are you feeling? Are you enjoying the paleo challenge? Is there any type of food you miss so far? *(are you feeling more energetic, tired, angry...etc)

I have a headache and feel drained. And angry. I think it's a combination of work and my lack of time to eat a proper meal today. I had one espresso at work because I totally needed a pick-me-up, but I'm going to cut back on the coffee and see how it goes this week.

At least I was honest!

While the goal is to look like the girl in the picture at the top of the page, I actually feel more like this:

I did cheat and have one espresso, but a) it was Monday morning and b) one espresso is better than my usual cup at home plus double iced espresso or Venti Soy Latte from Starbucks every day. I drank water all day, didn't have my customary Diet Coke at lunch, and didn't eat ANY sour skittles from the jar on my desk. That in its self is an accomplishment.

Zeke and I are supposed to go to the grocery store, but i really just want to sit on my couch, force myself to watch The Bachelorette, and finish my wine and can of tuna fish. We can go grocery shopping tomorrow.

I think I'm going to pick out my recipes tonight and will (of course) keep you updated on cooking like a cavewoman. I'm sure there's SOMETHING I can make using the stand mixer ;)

Have a great night, and please enjoy a fat juicy burger or big bowl of fettucini for me :- /

I'll be here... eating my can of tuna...