To me, Paleo is a lifestyle, not a diet, and I love it. I’m sure you’ve heard of the “Cave Man” diet. When I am eating paleo, I feel fantastic overall. My energy level is higher, my brain fog is lifted, my skin glows, and I sleep better. I get to eat all the veggies, fruit, protein, carbs, and fats without having to count calories because it’s not a diet! Maybe a few Paleo die-hards may approach their way of eating like this, but I just want to eat healthier and feel better. We can stay healthier and happier by getting back to eating real food. 

In a nutshell: Prioritize whole, unprocessed, nutrient-dense foods. Eat vegetables, grass-fed, and pastured meat and eggs, wild-caught seafood, healthy fats, fermented foods, fruit, nuts, seeds, and spices.

MY START

About 4 years ago I was feeling sluggish and gaining weight even though my eating habits were the same. I was convinced it was because I was 41 and my body was just slowing down. I had never had trouble with energy or losing weight and figured it was my time, but something else just felt off physiologically. I was waking up every morning with terrible inflammation in my hands and feet and felt as if I needed a two-hour nap daily. My menses were off, I was having a period every 3 weeks and my memory was shot! Imagine waking up and feeling like you have a hang-over (without nausea), and you ate way too much salt. My brain felt pickled, if you can imagine.

My mom suggested I get my thyroid levels checked because she was diagnosed with an under-active thyroid in her 40s and her mother was diagnosed with an over-active thyroid around the same time.
Hypothyroidism is a disorder in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. My grandmother was diagnosed with Grave’s Disease, which is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones regulate body temperature, heart rate, and metabolism. An overactive thyroid causes problems with organs like the heart, as well as bones and muscles.
I went to get checked out and to my surprise, my levels were (just barely) off, however, Hashimoto’s antibodies were found. I was given a diagnosis of Hypothyroidism and a script. Armed with info, I started my journey. The medication prescribed helped with energy, but the inflammation was still there until I changed my eating habits.

My practitioner suggested I avoid gluten, dairy, processed foods, certain oils, soy, and alcohol. Phew, now that’s quite a list of fun food to stop. And so, my Paleo journey began. I understand what makes me feel the best and I reach for those foods 80-90% of the time. Because I’m human and I’m craving something that’s not paleo, I will enjoy myself. However, I will now weigh the cost. Will it be worth feeling “pickled” and fatigued? If I’m at my favorite Middle Eastern restaurant in Detroit scarfing down fresh pita, or in my old Chicago neighborhood grabbing THE BEST deep dish pizza, then YES, it’s worth it for something I cannot get here in Colorado. But often I think no, not worth it, and move on. I chose to feel my best and Paleo helps. Here are some tips that helped me on my journey to make this a way of life and not a fad diet.

MY TOP THREE TIPS:

START SLOW

I knew I needed more than just making a few swaps in my diet. So I started researching programs that would fit my needs and I could incorporate my paleo lifestyle. In my health journey, I found that if I tried to go into anything new full force, I quit. 

I came across The FASTer Way to Fat Loss; it is a six-week program, on Instagram. Followed them for a few months and decided to try their method. What hooked me first and foremost is their motto, “if it came from the Earth or had a Mother” it’s healthy and clean. SOLD. Their program either signs you up with a coach or you sign up directly with one. Are you kidding me, I get to have a coach to hold me accountable and teach me everything! Yes, Please!  So many times I try and read things on my own and try to implement them. I guess what,  just don’t, I like the human connection and I like someone telling me what to do. Aslo, there are a group of like-minded women on the same path in your cohort, a six week meal plan is given should you need it and  there’s an app to help me stay organized AND daily live workout sessions with head trainers. The FASTer Way To Fat Loss has a misleading name. There is nothing FAST about it, but within six weeks you will leave feeling healthy, knowledgable, and equipped to continue your wellness journey with confidence. 

This is my coach (friend/cheerleader/motivator), Renee Song, and she is just so amazing and knowledgeable! I promise you the gains from this program are well worth your health investment. You will change your mindset, eating habits, and workouts while making some pretty amazing friendships along the way. To find out more about Renee and her reasons to join check out this post, to learn more about when her next session is click here.

After your six-week program you have the option to stay on with your coach and continue in their personal VIP Group. Their community and accountability are something that piqued my interest and soon realized I need them.

If you’re not ready to join a six-week program, check out Whole30. I had many friends try with great success. To me, I needed accountability and a whole wellness approach.

I found this to be an excellent starting point resource from America’s TEST KITCHEN 

Also, consider Thrive Market, which is an online membership grocery shop where organic, non-GMO food and healthy products can be purchased at lower prices. Thrive Market has a wide range of goods including organic groceries, gluten-free products, meat, seafood, and so much more.

DON’T COMPLICATE THINGS!

Paleo is simple, eating real, whole foods. I understand it may seem extreme to some, but if you start slow, I promise it’s easier than you think. 
Keep veggies front and center, and add protein, fat, and complex carbs, like a sweet potato. You will feel satiated, I promise. In the beginning, Start with a few swaps in your pantry. For example, use olive, coconut, and/or avocado oil instead of canola, corn, sunflower, and peanut oil.

Keep breakfast simple with oatmeal, eggs, and veggies.
Try a coconut milk yogurt such as harmless harvest or Cocoyo with berries, chia seeds and gluten-free granola. Don’t overthink it or you’ll overwhelm yourself.

FOLLOW FOOD BLOGGERS

If you need some inspiration, here are some great follows:
– @daniellewalker Danielle helped me begin to understand that there is no such thing as deprivation eating Paleo – she is a genius and wellness expert. Check out her cookbooks 
– @thedefineddish Alex is an expert when it comes to easy and delicious meals – her first cookbook has been my steady guide; my cookbook is covered in food drippings!  
– @theprimal_gourmet Ronny is a master at melding flavors and his knife skills are ridiculously fun to watch. What I love the most is how Ronny infuses Balkan, Middle Eastern and Latin flavors, check out his cookbook.
– @nocrumbleft Teri makes everything look spectacular and her sauces!! I could eat them alone with a spoon!! Her recipes evoke love and motherhood. If you try anything, you must try her marinated red onions first and foremost! No Crumbs Left Cookbook
– @nomnompaleo Michelle never disappoints and her website is drool-worthy. If you love Asian food, she will be your best resource – Nom Nom Paleo Cookbook: Ready or Not!

And that, my friend, is why and how I went paleo. I truly believe that a paleo lifestyle is sustainable and attainable. Because you are NOT depriving or restricting yourself. Honestly, if I didn’t have Hashimoto’s antibodies, I would still eat this way. I just feel so good and healthy. It’s my sincere hope you’re inspired to do this, for a healthy life while looking and feeling your best. As they say, it all starts with food!

Thank you so much for stopping by! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a post! I also send out bi-weekly newsletters. Feel free to share this with a friend considering paleo or having trouble with their thyroid.

If you have any questions please reach out to me on Instagram @touch_of_stass or email me at touchofstass@gmail.com

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There is absolutely no additional cost to you if you purchase with one of these links. Thank you if you do!

xx, N