30 Day Challenge: Life After the Challenge Part 1

A lot of people have asked me how I am eating now that the challenge is over. I can honestly say I have stuck with Paleo/Primal eating for the most part (75-80%, maybe more). When I am at home, I will still avoid processed foods, soy, dairy, legumes, and grains as much as possible. That being said, I have eaten a pita bread from Rose's  (dairy and gluten free) here and there, and a small piece of high percentage dark chocolate on most days. I also had a yogurt yesterday.

I have eaten out a few times including going to Rose's for their gluten-free pizza and Da Luciano's for my dad's birthday. They serve fabulous (in my opinion) Italian food. Best part for me, they have a large gluten-free menu! If you have never been to Da Luciano's, I highly recommend it. It is a small place, and sometimes the wait can be long, but it is worth it. They do take reservations. I had the chicken marsala and indulged in their gluten-free bread. I also used a little Parmesan cheese with the olive oil to dunk the bread in. For dessert, I shared some gluten-free Tiramasu. I went to Panera for lunch and had a small Caesar salad and tomato soup (no bread/croutons). Lastly, I went to Red Robin where I had a grilled chicken breast and some guacamole and sweet potato fries (may or may not be gluten-free). Besides that, I have eaten at home most of the time and my dinners have continued to be strictly Paleo. Restaurants don't have the same appeal to me as they used to. I have learned that eating at home with the family can be just as enjoyable.

Some of the perks of eating at home:

1. 3 kids in a restaurant....enough said.
2. I control my portions and the ingredients that go into my food
3. I don't have to pay for seconds
4. Saves money
5. More time-efficient

I find that I feel better when I avoid dairy and too much sugar. One thing I have especially enjoyed about this way of eating is that it is really stress-free for me. I have tried many diets in the past and the biggest thing I have come away with from them is not permanent weight loss, but guilt. Guilt, because I couldn't sustain it. Guilt, because my temptations would get the best of me. With this way of eating, I don't feel deprived. If I want something that is not "Paleo/Primal", I eat it. Then, the next meal I get back to the basics, not because I have to, but because I want to.

Eating Paleo/Primal has become a way of life for me. While I may indulge here and there I can definitely see myself following the 85/15 rule. I will eat Paleo/Primal at least 85% of the time.

Check out these two links:

1. Coming Soon: My Crossfit/Paleo Experiment- Check out my brother's story on his blog! He has been my inspiration in this process and incredibly supportive! I am so proud of him! I will post it as soon as it's published.

2. Will Eating Red Meat Kill You? -Those of you who have seen footage of the meat study that just came out might want to check out a response to the story from the Primal side. I have never been a big red meat eater and still am not, but it is still frustrating to see the generalized statements about the horrors of red meat I have seen on the news.

Coming up in Life After the Challenge Part 2:

-Scott's top 5 picks for best meals we have had since the challenge started
-Amy's top 5 picks for best meals we have had since the challenge started
-More recipe ideas
-Tips for eating Paleo/Primal
-Pro's and Con's of eating Paleo/Primal
-Final reflection

 I have decided I will continue to blog. It has helped me to check in with myself and I have really enjoyed it.
Thanks to all those who have supported me throughout this adventure! I am excited to see where it will lead!