So… flash back to about a year and a half, summer 2010- we were visiting Utah and I hadn’t seen anyone in my family for months. My brother comes walking in looking younger and fitter and more full of life than I’d seen him in a long time (it’s not like he was fat or old-looking before, but there was still an amazing transformation). We started talking about this new diet he was on and I immediately lost interest. “Dieting” has always been such a horrible idea to me. Starving and depriving my body has never sounded enjoyable or healthy. He started naming all the things he didn’t eat- grains, dairy, sugar, salt, processed meats- ALL MY FAVORITE THINGS! I was super happy for him, but I knew I could never give up on my favorite foods, no matter how unhealthy they supposedly were.
I’ve never considered myself a “healthy” person. I’ve had problems with falling asleep, anxiety, depression, allergies, stomach aches, fatigue, low blood pressure, and headaches my whole life. In all those days of suffering I never thought the food I put into my body had anything to do with it. I was more focused on medicines. I was constantly consuming Ibuprofen, Pepto Bismal, allergy medicines, and my blood pressure medication with some relief, but never anything lasting.
These problems finally came to a culmination after we moved to Texas. I’m not sure if it was the stress of the move, the intense heat and humidity, or my body had just had enough, but my health was so dire I couldn’t even function. I had reached rock-bottom and was so desperate for any relief.
I decided to read the “Paleo Diet” and see for myself if it made sense. After reading the book I decided it couldn’t hurt to try for a few weeks. After THREE DAYS on Paleo my headaches and stomach aches completely disappeared without any medicine. Now it’s been about two months and the transformation has been amazing- for both me and Bryan. As long as we eat the right foods our health is incredible- lots of energy, great sleep, a sense of well-being, less allergies, weight loss, and just plain feeling great.
In a nut shell the Paleo diet isn’t really a “diet”. It’s a lifelong way of eating and exercising- eat as many fruits, veggies, and meats as you want with a small amount of nuts. It’s super simple. The CRAZIEST thing of all is I don’t feel deprived. I LOVE the food I eat not only because it tastes delicious, but it makes me feel amazing.
There are some cons of course: It’s super expensive and we can’t even afford the organic and grass-fed recommendations which cost even more money. But we are proof that it's still possible to feel great even though we can't afford "high-end" foods. We figure spending more money on food is a smart investment for our future health, but we also get more out of each day when we feel good. Another con is the time it takes to prepare and clean up is major (it’s not hard to imagine eating cereal for breakfast is less work than a veggie and meat omelet with cut up fruit on the side). But again, the sacrifice is completely worth it.
Since this is a major part of our life now, I will be blogging much more on the subject. Things like how the kids are doing on the diet, exercising, and my continued acne problems are a few I’d like to discuss, along with many more topics in the works.
I know I sound like an infomercial trying to sell something, but I truly feel passionate about this diet. I told Bryan I wish I could hand out the Paleo Diet book and the Book of Mormon to everyone I see and say, “This one’s for the health of your spirit and this one’s for your body.” I don’t know what dismal health I’d be in if my brother hadn’t shared his new-found knowledge with me, but I’m so grateful he did. Love you Golden.
