2014 was the year I discovered oils. It was easily one of the best gifts I've ever been given, and I am so thankful to those who have walked with me on my oily journey. It has allowed me to find options that I feel actually help my body as opposed to mask my symptoms. Oils are lovely, and I love nothing more than to have in depth conversations on oils.
But 2015 seems to be the year I discovered paleo. I kind of love it as much as I love oils. I am beyond thankful that I took this plunge, and I am completely amazed at how much it has changed my life for the better. Paleo is as lovely as oils, albeit in a different way.
Back in January, I had a zyto scan done (scans body frequencies to determine what oils/supplements you body needs). It showed that some things were off with my gut, which wasn't surprising. I have had an easily upset stomach for years now, although I have never been able to tie it to a particular sensitivity. In response to that scan, I did a candida cleanse. It was so hard because you basically starve your body of all sugar. I had no idea how addicting sugar was until I went without it. I craved sugar in the most surprising way, but I was determined to make it the 30 days. I really didn't enjoy it at first. The meals I was eating were fairly unappealing.
And then a friend suggested AgainstAllGrain.com and I probably immediately bought her cookbook. When that book arrived, it was like the heavens opened and my soul smiled again. I found a passion for cooking I don't think I ever had. I felt like I had found my purpose standing in the kitchen mixing sauces and sautéing vegetables. I didn't know how pleasant it would be to make something I am proud of, and that is completely healthy for me, and completely healthy for Jude. He has adapted so well to this lifestyle too. Just ask him about mashed cauliflower ;)
Left: Mexican Chicken Chowder by Against All Grain
Right: Sausage and Butternut Squash stuffed Tomatoes
I have stuck with meal planning for the first time in my life. I plan out healthy vegetable and meat based meals that are delicious (because of her recipes, not me). It's exciting and thrilling and also cathartic after a long day. At the end of the dinner, I have a quiet satisfaction knowing I did something good for my body. It's delicious. I have baked so many of her desserts- I don't feel like I'm depriving myself of anything. I don't miss bread, or sweets, or even ice cream. In fact, now when I taste normally sweetened food, I lose interest in a bite or two. That sugar addiction is real, and now that I have broken the addiction, there just isn't much enjoyment in super processed sweet food. I prefer my slightly sweetened chocolate chip cookies to the real ones. I find real ones icky! Which is just crazy that in 4 months I can completely alter my lifestyle, but also my food preferences.
It's exciting to me because when I discovered her book, I discovered the rest of my life. I can't imagine not eating this way. For one thing, I realize now that my system is very food sensitive, and it just runs better on healthy food. The times we are out and I eat less paleo, I pay for it for the next 3 days. I really love this lifestyle. Paleo is something that I can and will stick with, simply because I enjoy it. I prefer it. I have had tons more energy. My moods have been more stable. My gut health has shown improvement (I still have some healing to do). My hormones seem to be more stable. I can't tell you how many people have told me my skin looks great and that I look like I'm glowing. I haven't had bad acne in months! I've even lost 12 pounds! And for the first time in my life, I find myself truly wanting to exercise. I have all this energy that I need to get rid of. I still have a long way to go with that, mostly because of scheduling, but the desire is there. And that is not something I've ever enjoyed. I have a long way to go to help my body recover from just the hazards and toxins that are 21st century life, but I truly feel like I am on the right path. It's a change that was hard the first 2 weeks, but now, it just feels right. I can't recommend it enough!
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