Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I know I did. I ate a lot, and managed to maintain my lowest weight. ;c) How? Elementary, my dear Watson. Like I have been saying, and like you will read online…put good things in your body, and good things will happen. The gluten free stuffing didn’t even set me back (I thought it was going to), but that does not mean I will be introducing it into my current way of life. It was my “treat” for Thanksgiving…and boy, did I enjoy it.
Update: Two new baby kombuchas formed, and a gallon of new kombucha is brewing. Three bottles are in the second fermentation stage…and I will be opening them tomorrow! (3 days fermentation) I don’t need to get anymore on my ceiling.
As we all know, I like to find out the why’s and how’s of things…such as, why can’t I eat this…or how is this not “paleo”. There’s a lot of foods that can be primal or paleo…or some people will argue whether things are paleo or not. Upon further research, I have come to the conclusion that many of these controversial items and whether or not to consume them depends on one thing…are you active or sedentary?
By definition, active is engaging or ready to engage in physically energetic pursuits (Google), and sedentary is tending to spend much time seated; somewhat inactive. So that makes sense. If you’re sitting around on your couch most of the day, those controversial foods, such as rice, should not be consumed; if you’re active, then you have more room on your plate (so to speak) to eat these foods. Although, you shouldn’t really eat them either way (in my opinion)…but if you’re on the fence about it…then categorize yourself, active or not. This is based on the simple fact that hunters and gatherers (the people this diet is modeled after) were always active. Hence the name, hunters and gatherers…hunting and gathering…the hunter and the gatherer…okay, you get the point. So if you’re one of the sedentary folks, then get active. I read online, and I’ll have to agree, that a brisk walk daily will not make you “active” per se, in terms of Paleo and being able to enjoy that rice.
I don’t go to the gym as often as I’d like anymore, but I spend a lot of time on my feet between preparing meals, cooking, food shopping, and the like. I also have a lot more energy (since becoming Paleo) to run around all day doing random things around the house, cleaning, or playing with the dogs. I’m not sure how many calories that burns, but it’s definitely burning something. I am affectionately know as “The Hurricane”…go figure. haha
I go by a strict Paleo diet, and I feel that no cheat will be worth it. The “cheat” will be the gateway drug that will make you feel like, “A little of this won’t hurt…”, and that’s not the attitude you want when trying to accomplish clean eating. Paleo has treats you can enjoy, in moderation. Although all ingredients are Paleo, they aren’t as nutritious as the “non-treat” foods. Starting January 1, I’m going to be doing another 30 day super strict Paleo (no treats and less sugar), and follow one of the plans in Practical Paleo. I can’t wait!
So BTW, in case y’all were wondering, key factors to being one of the healthiest countries in the world…fresh food, unprocessed food, grass-fed cattle, and good healthcare. FYI, America didn’t make the list. I was just curious to see who these countries would be and why, and this article popped up…The World’s Healthiest Countries (and What We Can Learn From Them). Very interesting.
“You can’t plow a field simply by turning it over in your mind.”
