Ugga, Ugga

That's caveperson speak in the title there.  Why? Because I am eating like a caveperson. Note: the PC version instead of saying caveman or cavewoman by the way.  It's the 21st Century.

I know I've mentioned the Paleo Diet before but I have not fully brought myself to be 100% paleo.  Mainly because I like sugar and cheese too much.  I mean if I could eat bacon, sugar, cheese and beer for the rest of my life I would be extremely happy. However, the gym is doing a 30-Day Paleo Challenge and I am game!  We can do anything for 30 days, right?  I've made small changes over time, but have succumbed to stress eating and poor planning for more than a month now.

My goals are to lose 10 lbs and hopefully have some recurring joint and muscle pains in right shoulder, lower back and right knee disappear.   I realize that may take time and potentially some physical therapy but this is what I'm starting with other than popping ibuprofen and purchasing stock in Bio-freeze.

So here goes...eating only meat, veggies, fruits and nuts for the next 30 days.  No refined sugar, processed foods, grains or alcohol.  This thing ends on May 17.  Then at approximately 12:01 am on May 18th, I will be drinking a BEER.  Ha, who am I kidding.  I'm officially an old person and go to bed at like 9:30 every night.


I am so freakin glad that Bacon. Is. A. Meat. and that there were chickens during the Paleolithic Age.

photo from here http://wordsandtoons.com/2008/11/

Here are some details on the Paleo Diet taken from Cosmopolitan Primal Girl's blog.  I liked how she summarized a few things:

Why is it called Primal?
It mimics the diet of our caveman predecessors.  Prior to the Agricultural Revolution, people did not suffer from chronic diseases that plague our society today – high blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity (ever heard of a fat caveman???), type 2 diabetes etc etc etc.

There are 2 key hormones that come into play:
1) Insulin – It’s a “Master Hormone” and is released by carbohydrates.  If we get too much of it we store it as fat (triglycerides).   Insulin is a storage hormone, meaning it sticks stuff into our cells and if our insulin is high, we can’t get anything out of the cells in our body.  It is the key mediator of inflammation – which is related to the onset of many diseases.  The beauty of insulin is that we have total control over the levels based on what we’re eating. You want to aim for a low insulin levels and improved insulin sensitivity.

2)  Glucagon - This is the counter hormone to Insulin and is released in response to Protein.  It releases stuff out of your cells and you need it to round out the hormones.  Glucagon is critical in improving insulin sensitivity.  Glucagon dominance allows your body to use fat for energy (YAY! Who doesn’t want that??).  

Where do I get this amazing Glucagon that you speak of?
Protein!  BUT, it’s the protein found in meat and fish. Not Nuts, Beans or Rice.  The protein in these foods does not release glucagon.  If you’re a vegetarian, you need Tofu or Tempe.  This is why it’s important to have protein with every meal.   

How can I improve Insulin Sensitivity?
Follow a Primal diet and exercise.  Simple.


Here's to the next 29 days (I'm holding up my water bottle).  Bring it!