For the next 30+ days, I will be eating meat, vegetables, healthy fats, fruits and nuts. I will not be eating processed food, sugar, dairy, grains or legumes, and I won’t be consuming any alcohol.

I’ve done a few Whole30 challenges before, but this time I’m looking for something a little different. I lost touch with my Paleo choices last year and I would like to reconnect with what it means to feel healthy, vibrant, and in tune with my whole self.

If you’re doing a Whole30 or other challenge, if you are living/exploring the Paleo lifestyle, or if you are simply looking for some tasty recipes to add to your repertoire, be sure to leave a comment to let me know you’re out there! I am so glad you stopped by!

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Day 8 is done!

Quote of the Day: Don’t look back. You’re not going that way!

Boy – did I need to hear this today. I am entering the days of the Whole30 which are typically more challenging because the mind wants to go back to its old patterns and habits. Our minds create well-worn pathways that I sort of picture like slip-n-slides. If we arrive at the top via some established trigger – like walking in the house, 3pm, visitors, working, etc. – then our brain just wants to go on autopilot and speed along the slide. If we are trying to create new habits, however, we need to get a new pathway going. Right about now, my brain is fighting the work of the new pathway and it can be a little tiring.

I am not going back, though, because I know that in just a couple of weeks I will feel so great. I know that this is a better way for me to eat and live. That’s not to say that there aren’t occasions for the things I’ve enjoyed the past few months, but really they should be an occasion and not a nightly occurrence.

Day 8 – The Details

5:00am – Black coffee

6:00am – 2 eggs, kale, 1/2 tsp. coconut oil, sauerkraut

10:30am – (post-workout) Leftover langoustine tails in mushroom sauce, 1/2 burger, carrots

2:15pm – 3 meatballs in marinara over cauliflower mash and arugula, handful of grapes

5:00pm – Banana

6:30pm – Cucumber and tomato salad, Beef stew

Food: With work in the morning and a basketball game at lunchtime, my eating was a little irregular today. Not a big deal – it all felt fine. But then I had a lot of cravings throughout the afternoon and evening. I wanted to eat randomly and too much. What I have found interesting both in the past and today is how it truly is possible to distract oneself and move on from the craving. If it isn’t actual, physical hunger, it will go away. Sometimes it just needs a little nudge.

Mood: It was mostly a steady day. I took a bath before dinner, which I really appreciated because I’ve been pulled in a lot of directions lately. I’m feeling a little bit worn down, but I’m sure it will pass.

Sleep: 8 hours! Still had the alarm on because it was a work day, but no alarm tomorrow so we’ll see what my body needs.

Activity: Weights and dog walk. I really needed to get outside and breath a little bit. It was chilly but beautiful!

Focus – Meditate Daily: Done. I have been meditating daily in 2016 and really love the space and calm it provides me. Tonight felt very settling to me.