Archive - July 2014

This post took me a few days to do the research, and here it is!  I know you’ve all been waiting.  I am not a doctor, nor do I have any medical training; my posts are based on research and personal experience.

Hashimoto’s Disease is a type of hypothyroidism where the thyroid function is reduced.  It was one of the first autoimmune diseases ever discovered, and it was discovered by Hakaru Hashimoto in 1912.  Blood tests can be done to see if you have it, although it is often misdiagnosed as depression, PMS, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, or an anxiety disorder.  These tests haven’t really evolved yet.  The only way it really shows concern in a blood test is when it’s in an advanced stage.  Stool analysis is said to be a much more sensitive test in it’s ability to detect a problem.  Dr. Kenneth Fine used this method and concluded that 35% of Americans are gluten intolerant, that’s 1 in 3!  A horrible statistic for a country where refined flour is consumed in huge amounts.

The tie between gluten and Hashimoto’s is this…”the molecular structure of gliadin, which is the main protein of gluten, closely resembles that of the thyroid gland.”  So when you eat gluten, it permeates your intestines and leaks into your gut.  The immune system then goes into defense mode and attacks it.  If you suffer from a thyroid disease and you consume foods with gluten, your immune system will attack the gluten and your thyroid.  The consumption of any gluten can lead to a 6 month long attack on your thyroid!  It will be more than necessary to eliminate gluten 100%.

Celiac disease and gluten intolerance are undetected quite often.  There is a huge misunderstanding as to what these issues actually do to the body.  It’s more than just a digestive issue.  In previous posts I address other issues that gluten intolerance can cause.  Based on personal experience, I believe that we would all be better off going Paleo, or completely gluten free, at the very least.  Try it for 30 days.  Eliminate as much as you can: gluten, dairy, grains, legumes, processed foods.  After the 30 days you can start reintroducing things and see where you stand.

Beware!  A lot of products contain hidden gluten.  Do your research and be pro active when food shopping or going out to eat.
Here’s a few examples:

• Soy sauce – fermented wheat
• Sauces and soups – often thickened with flour
• Condiments – gluten is used as a stabilizer and thickener
• Asian food – sauces contain gluten
• Licorice – contains wheat (there are gluten free options)
• Seitan or “fake” meat products – contain wheat protein – seitan is pure gluten
• Vegan cheese – many contain gluten
• Oats – naturally gluten free, but more often than not, cross contaminated
• Barley and malt – sweetener in chocolate, carob, candy, coolers, and hard lemonade

I read that wheat flour can actually stay in the air for up to 24 hours.  It is recommended that you should be careful when using shared kitchen utensils and appliances.  Also, wooden cutting boards are porous and the gluten can actually get trapped!  Terrible for someone who may suffer greatly from consuming even the smallest amount of gluten.

Read your labels, ask your questions, and use logic!  At first, your transition to gluten free or paleo may be rough, but stick with it!  You will eventually be more aware of the benefits of not eating gluten.  Feel empowered by the food choices you make.  They are good for you and make you feel good!

Paleo was, and still is, one of the fairest choices I’ve made for my body.  I know some people can’t conform to saying they have gone Paleo, but you can just consider it – morally, ethically, spiritually, physically, positively, absolutely, undeniably and reliably (name that movie!) – 100% gluten free!!

“You can’t out-exercise a bad diet.”

Everything in this post is based on my own personal observations.

Okay, so I decided to watch some Paleo/diet debates.  First thing I noticed, the person who is against Paleo is always on the high “energy” end.  They get so worked up.  Second thing I noticed, the only thing people who are against Paleo can really debate with someone who is for Paleo is usually the definitions of some of the terms used; processed foods, anti nutrients, etc.  I saw a debate where they said that when you kill a cow and cook it, that it then becomes processed food.  Well, no.  Foods packaged in cans or boxes are processed.  If the list of ingredients is long or hard to pronounce, the more processed the foods are.  Additives and artificial flavors are things you would find in processed foods.  Here’s a good example: avocado oil, olive oil, and nut oils can be obtained by using a cold press, whereas canola oil, soybean oil, or other types of vegetable oils go through a chemical extraction, bleaching, and deodorizing.  So any food containing those processed oils, are bad news.  But now you see why part of the Paleo lifestyle includes olive oil or the nut oils.  Ghee is minimally processed (yes, minimally processed), and it’s a must-have for Paleo-goers.  Plus, you can make ghee at home, and you don’t need fancy equipment.  Why can’t we eat grains?  Because grains are highly processed.  Humans can’t actually digest grains without them going through extensive processing.

I will still stand by the fact that every single person needs to find out what works for them.  If you stick to a strict 30 days of Paleo, you can then introduce things back into your diet, such as dairy.  If it works, then great, if it doesn’t, then you know.  People get a little hung up on the idea of a “caveman diet”.  Calm down, people!  Obviously, we are lucky enough to not have to go out and hunt for our own food, or move huge boulders to make shelters, but what we can do is mimic cavemen to modern standards.  Living Paleo is comparable with someone who is vegan, or gluten free, or someone who follows the famed “South Beach Diet”, in that, we do and eat what we want because that’s what works and it’s what we believe in.

I am a perfect case example of why Paleo could work for some people.  I’m not into diets, and I’m not the hugest fan of working out.  I have stated facts and examples of ailments I had, and I’ve told you what becoming Paleo and doing research has done for them.  I will reiterate some of them now…I was sick so often, once I went Paleo I managed to remain healthy.  I lost a bunch of weight in a healthy way and have been able to maintain the weight loss.  I have more energy, considering I work an overnight shift.  My cryptic tonsils are no longer an issue having eliminated dairy.  My joints have not been achy and sore since stopping my gluten intake.  My eczema has cleared up so much that it’s almost completely gone!  Migraines?  Thing of the past.  Need I continue?  If you’re interested in what else it’s fixed, I suggest you go back and read my old posts.

“If you keep good food in your fridge, you will eat good food.”

For anything you do that you want to succeed at, there is a formula you must follow.  Remember, the formula is different for each individual.  It may take time, but you’ll get there…I think I finally figured mine out.  (although it could use some tweaking)

So in order to successfully live the Paleo way, you must recognize that we are eliminating certain foods, so in turn, we need to replace the nutrients some other way.  I’ll explain…

Numero uno:  Dairy

We have eliminated dairy having adopted a Paleo lifestyle.  This means we will need to get calcium in our diet.  Calcium is important for new bone growth and keeping our bones strong!  You can easily incorporate this in your diet by eating collard greens, kale, broccoli, spinach, or even canned sardines.

Numero dos:  Grains and Potatoes

This makes you miss out on complex carbs.  These are a main source of fuel for our bodies.  Fruits and foods packed with vitamin D and omega 3 will help you get the boost you need!  This will also help raise your serotonin levels and give you fiber.  Sweet potatoes and turkey meatballs makes for a pretty good meal, if I do say so myself.

Numero tres:  Legumes

You need to make sure you get fiber — both soluble, and insoluble.  Each one has a different function.  To allow the body to absorb more nutrients, soluble fiber will make you feel full and will slow digestion.  As for insoluble, well let’s just say this helps with movement.  Sayonara constipation!  Fiber’s pretty easy to get into your diet.  Most of the veggies we consume are great sources of fiber.  Brussels sprouts and bacon, anyone?

“I don’t count calories, I count chemicals.”

First and foremost, for anyone who lives in NJ/NYC, there is a Paleo Presentation tomorrow, Wednesday, July 23, 7:15PM at Family Chiropractic Center of Bayonne — 734 Broadway, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002.  Dr. Noah and Dr. Mike will be rocking the house!  They are also starting a 30 Day Paleo Challenge on August 4…so what are you waiting for?!  Noah posted THIS video…go check it out!

So over the weekend I was hanging out with Noah.  He had made some lamb fries (aka lamb balls), and well…when in Rome.  haha!  They tasted like pork, not bad; I had more trouble getting over the fact that they were lamb balls.  I believe he said he got them from U.S. Wellness Meats, just in case anyone was interested in trying them.

Paleo is a lifestyle, not a diet (you don’t know how many times I’ve had to try to defend myself).  I have fully accepted and embraced this concept. People always pull the, “So what do you eat?  Twigs and berries?”  I usually end up just asking what they like to eat, and responding with, “I can eat that, too!”  Conversation usually ends there.   People can be such haters…eesh.  Don’t let them get you down though.

I’m working on compiling some recipes of my own.  Last night I made a beef stew!  Holy delicious!  I made sure to write it all down after I ate it and realized how good it was.  Amazing how much my cooking skills have improved.  I would really like to put together a cookbook…I have some good material so far.  I’m starting to understand the ingredients I’m using, so that’s a big help to creating recipes.

“Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions.  All life is an experiment.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson-

On March 31, I turned 31 years old; I can’t even believe it.  And although it’s hard to believe I’ve spent 31 years learning, experiencing, feeling, discovering…I can believe that this past year, I’ve felt better than I ever have.  Lately, I’ve been trying to summarize all of the information I have found and the discoveries I’ve made.  I’ve learned so much, and I was able to turn everything into a positive.

I’ll try to sum this up, mainly touching on my own experiences.  I needed to start with 30 strict days…and it ended up changing my whole world.  I took small steps, and I continue to take small steps.  You have to be open minded to trying new things and changing old habits.  You have to be willing to go through trial and error.  Don’t always go by what you read on the web…you need to listen to your own body.  There’s always going to be naysayers out there, but there’s also going to be a lot of people supporting you.  Find your supporters and embrace the support they give you.

Have faith in yourself.  Believe that if you want something bad enough, you’ll make the strides, and you’ll get it. We all have our struggles, but it’s our struggles that make us who we are.  I believe nothing will ever be put in front of you that you can’t handle.  We are stronger than we allow ourselves to think we are.

So far my first week into my 30 days has been good.  Sticking to it, although yesterday was a frustrating day for me and all I wanted to eat was french fries.  (which I didn’t end up getting, but I should have)

Please share your stories with me…I’d love to hear them!!

Twitter: @paleyoblog  <—add me.

“If you never failed, you never tried anything new.”

My friends and loyal followers, I have been absent far too long…and I apologize.  I’ve been so busy over the past couple months, but…I am happy to report I am still #paleostrong, down 43lbs., and about to celebrate my 1 year of Paleo anniversary on August 9!  It’s been easy, it’s been hard, and it’s been everything in between.  I enjoy it though!  I have mastered making kombucha…but I still can’t ferment anything.  Haha  Going food shopping and cooking has become a much easier and more manageable task as well.  I’m a few days into another 30 day meal plan.  This time around I enjoy it way more than I did a year ago.  One thing still remains the same…not a big fan of fish.  Can’t win ’em all.  🙂

Another big development in my life — my dad was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes back in April.  He spent over a month in the hospital and a rehabilitation center.  Thanks to my Paleo lifestyle and all of the knowledge I gained over the last year, I have been able to help him control his sugar with diet alone!  I have even learned some other valuable things!

I still have a strong support system, and my mom loves my cooking!  (That’s saying a lot.)  I get my distaste for fish from her…she never eats my fish dishes.  I have felt pretty good mentally and physically; it’s probably the best I have ever felt in my adult life.  I’m always getting compliments from friends — “Your hair looks so healthy.” “You look so fit.”  Oh, and a couple of my former favorite shirts now fit again…thus, they are my current favorites again!  Such a great feeling!

I’m also finding my outlook on life is much better.  My mental attitude has greatly improved, and yes, I think a healthy, balanced diet is key.  I can also tell I am much more physically fit.  I can now run a mile in under 9 minutes without any struggle.

I will start to blog again.  I added something to pinterest, and I twittered to my followers that I’M BACK!  Thanks for sticking around!  Make sure you subscribe.

Follow me on twitter @paleyoblog!!!!

“We need to recognize our accomplishments, no matter how big or small, and be proud of them.”