Journal of a Busy Mom

living one day at a time

Paleo Diet Recap

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We are almost approaching the end of our “hardcore” month of Paleo. We decided that we would do 30 days of strict Paleo. As we approach the end, we have decided that realistically (especially for the kids) we need to adopt a 80/20 approach. We will eat Paleo 80% of the time. Well what does that look like my kids ask. Basically, at home we will continue to eat Paleo. Our 20% will come from parties, sleepovers, eating out (occasionally) and other miscellaneous opportunities to eat. Or those “oops” meals.

At home we will try to add:

  • white potatoes (still unclear whether its Paleo or not)
  • rice (Basmati because it has the least amount of arsenic)
  • beans (mostly black, we love black beans)
  • and perhaps some grains like quinoa (I miss spaghetti)

I will be adding some new favorite recipes to my blog. I never thought I would like some of them, but I did.

Here are some pics of those upcoming recipes:

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Paleo Steak & Veggie Rolls

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My journey with the Paleo diet started January 2nd. At the end of this month we will come completed a 30 “cleanse”. I have found some delicious new favorites, there is the first.

First up are these yummy amazing Paleo Steak Rolls. I found the recipe here.

Ingredients include:

Skirt steak (also called Arrachera in Mexican Butcher shops)

Green pepper

Red pepper

Carrots

Zuccini

Salt/pepper to taste

Homemade rub or any rub of your choice (optional)

  1. Cut the steak into strips.
  2. I add salt and pepper and olive oil to my veggies and then wrapped them with steak.
  3. Use a toothpick to keep secure. Grilled them on my stove griller.
  4. Oven at 350 degrees and cook for 20 minutes.IMG_0748

Both of the kids liked them. I saved some for lunches for the next day. We easily eat 2 each.

I love having my veggies and protein in one dish.

Ligia

Embracing Change: Going Paleo

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There has been a big change in our family’s diet this month. We’ve been gluten free for about 7 years now. Mostly the boys because they have Celiac Disease. I have a whole page on Celiac Disease for more information. My daughter and I were probably 90% gluten free. Well, January 1st we went Paleo. Yes, Paleo. So I am going to be sharing a lot of new recipes all of which are Paleo (therefore, naturally gluten free)

This is the book I got to get me started. It is really good. I liked that the first half of the book taught me about the diet and the second half is recipes.

If you are not familiar with the Paleo Diet check out these sites:

Paleo Leap

The Paleo Mom

Basically, the diet consists of meat, vegetables, fruits, nuts and fats. There is no dairy, soy, grains, beans, potatoes, and corn. I should say mostly no dairy, since we can still have butter. Pretty much it is cutting out processed food as well. Needless to say, I had to overhaul my pantry.

For the past month I have been scouring Pinterest and my cookbooks to find Paleo friendly recipes. It has been very interesting. Somedays, I am very resentful!

So why are we doing this?

I could really care less what the “cavemen” ate. It really comes down to allergies and overall well being. My hubby and son are now pretty much lactose intolerant as well has gluten free. Many people who have Celiacs end up not being able to have dairy. I have Thyroid disease which really requires I eat way healthier than I do. My daughter has Type 1 diabetes. She does not need the ups and downs of sugar, carbs, etc. So all in all, our whole family needed a diet makeover.

The Paleo diet seemed to fit what we all needed: no gluten, no dairy, no sugar, and a healthier diet.

We are committed to 30 days of hardcore Paleo (especially for Mom and Dad) and then we are going to try and add some things back like beans, rice, organic potatoes, and maybe MAYBE GMO-free corn?! I’m just hoping.

Realistically, we are thinking 80/20. Eighty percent of the time we will be Paleo and 20% we’ll have some cheat days. I rather call them Treat Days, sounds more positive. I don’t like to cheat.

So, happy, happy, joy, joy….

Ligia