Day 22: Sunday Family Dinner

Some people have been asking me how I feel now that I have been eating this way for 3 weeks. Overall, my energy has improved. I wake up in the morning with more energy than I should having an infant. I often wake up before the rest of the family. My lifelong stomach issues have subsided. I have lost all my baby weight plus some. Also, my blood pressure is getting really close to getting back in the normal range. It is nice to feel really good about how you are eating, especially when nursing. I am still playing around with getting enough calories and carbs (while nursing) and my anxiety issues are still a work in progress. My husband noticed that I have more energy and am in a better mood lately (when my anxiety isn't kicking in). I have found that eating alone can't do it all. Paleo/Primal eating should be part of a complete healthy lifestyle including fitness, stress relief, good sleep and plenty of sunshine (and anything else you think would fit in there). I am starting to add in some anxiety reduction techniques such as acupuncture and energy work and am even going to start a Tai Chi class tomorrow. Lastly, I am going to join a fitness center so I can start getting some light cardio before I venture into the Cross Fit arena.

One other thing I want to mention is that there is a free online Paleo Summit going on for the next several days. All you need to give is your e-mail and you will be able to access the podcasts. Yesterday  was Day 1. The podcasts from Day 1 will be up for a little while longer (they had some technical problems early one so they extended Day 1 for a short while). Even if you have missed Day 1 you can still catch the rest. Day 2's speakers look really interesting. In fact, one of them is Sarah Fragoso, the author of the book I am using a lot. I think each day's podcasts are generally up for 24 hours. Check out the Paleo Summit website for more details.

Breakfast: This morning we made the breakfast Frittata For All (Everyday Paleo, 183) again. It was very yummy and filling. I am still amazed at how much it fluffs up in the oven. I also ate a leftover Paleo Apple Muffin from yesterday (Everyday Paleo, 214).

After breakfast a friend came over to see the new baby and we went out for coffee to get some quiet time and chat. It was so nice to see her and chat. I had decaf coffee with my own Stevia sweetener and I brought some cashews to munch on because I knew all the yummy food in the coffee house would tempt me.

Lunch: Kids Love Cabbage Slaw (Everyday Paleo, 134) and some sliced turkey and roast beef (low sodium)

Snack: Apple Slices and almond butter

Dinner:  My brother, his wife, and a couple friends came over for dinner yesterday. We made Lemongrass and Coconut Chicken (Nom Nom Paleo). Our guests made sauteed mushrooms, and seasoned asparagus (paprika and garlic powder). All of the food was so tasty. The chicken was a lot better than I had anticipated. Everyone loved it and we probably should have made more. It was a nice dinner with great conversation. Scott and I have grown to really enjoy our Sunday dinners with family and even some friends. It is also nice to hang out with my brother who is so motivating about the Paleo and Crossfit lifestyle. He has truly embraced it and the changes in him are many. Of course he has gotten himself into very good shape physically, but his mood and energy have improved dramatically too. All of that together has him feeling very good about himself and life.

Dessert: My brother made fried bananas in coconut oil with cinnamon and honey. They also brought Trader Joe's Creme Brulee and Flourless Chocolate Cake. I had some of the bananas and a bite of the cake. I really don't miss the processed desserts much anymore (the kids were incredibly excited to have them though). The bananas will be a nice addition to our dessert menu in the future.