Ready, Set...Paleo!!!

And we're off! Paleo Challenge Day 1. No better time than the present to begin. I made a meal plan and shopping list, and we went on our big shopping trip to load up on all the ingredients I will need to get me through week one. It was a little more than usual, but not as bad as we anticipated. We actually are running out of room in our fridge because of all the fresh vegetables we bought!

Goals for the challenge (these may change slightly):
1. To follow a somewhat strict Paleo template for 30 Days (really focus on avoiding all grains and dairy).
2. To jump right back in without guilt if I indulge in something that does not fit with the plan.


Provisions:
1. I am nursing so I will not go as low carb as some may during the 30 Day Challenge.
2. I will eat dinner out for Valentine's Day. We already have reservations!
3. I will have an occasional glass of wine and piece of dark chocolate.
4. I will continue to have my 1 cup of coffee with Stevia on most days.
5. I may have an occasional Keurig Apple Cider.

So today we woke up and had Almond Meal Blueberry Pancakes (Everyday Paleo) with almond flour. It takes some practice getting used to using almond meal for baking. Without the gluten, the texture is a little different. I liked it, but I think next time I will leave out the coconut flakes because it changed the consistency. The kids loved the blueberries though!

For a snack I had 1/2 an avocado and the kids had apple slices with sunflower nut butter and some guacomole. I need to work on my snaking options because they usually leave me hungry.

For lunch I had leftover salad with lots of veggies and some canned salmon. It was more filling than I thought. To get some extra carbs I had a banana. I also need to work on my fruit choices to make them lower glycemic.

For a snack I made some kale chips with garlic and olive oil (you could use salt but I am cutting back). They were great. Alexis really enjoyed them and even the hubby had a few helpings. I highly recommend them because they are quick and easy.

For dinner we had Spice-Rubbed Slow Cooked Chicken (Everyday Paleo Book, Fragoso) and Mashed Cauliflower (Paleo Comfort Foods, Mayfield) and some more kale chips. I threw in an apple sauce for some extra carbs.

Overall, the day went well. We sat down for a nice family meal. The hubby loved the chicken and he said he would definitely do it again. The cauliflower was even tasty.

Pictures to follow...

I am ready for Day 2!