Going Paleo

So---for a number of years, there's been a movement in the nutrition world called the Paleo diet.

It's based upon the concept that during the time in our species' history before we developed agriculture, humans thrived on the foods we evolved to eat:  meats, eggs, nuts, vegetables, and fruits.

It's based upon the theory that daily consumption of post-agricultural foods, such as grains, legumes, and the milks of different species, has resulted in our health being compromised every day of our lives.

And there was no such thing as sugar.

Studies have shown that post-agricultural foods can cause inflammation and poor digestion.  Inflammation, when it builds every day over a lifetime, becomes systemic, leading to chronic health issues such as arthritis, atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, and even cancer.

So, anyway....being that I've always been interested in health and nutrition, I've heard about this diet style for years.  I've read about it here and there, but had not considered experimenting with it until now.

Recently, however, in reading about it more in depth, and talking with Dave about it, I've become convinced that there has to be something to it.  The nutrition science behind the theory is not only compelling, but completely logical.

I have friends who have gone down this path, who have reported improved energy levels, weight balancing (either loss or gain, whichever was needed), better sleep, and fewer aches and pains.

This is not to say that they never, ever have rice, or bread, or pasta, or ice cream, or cheese....but they have reduced consumption of these foods drastically, and they feel better, stronger, and healthier because of it.

Starting tomorrow, Dave and I will be doing a "thirty day challenge," in order to allow our bodies time to cleanse from a lifetime of gluten, sugar, alcohol, and dairy.

After the 30 days, we will see how we feel, see what's changed (like Dave's blood fats and weight, and my chronic poor energy and bad sleep), and then decide what to add back into our diet.

We will need support and encouragement as we go through this process. 

Especially Dave....I've been into healthy eating for a LOT longer than he has, and he still has some daily bad habits, like snickers bars and pretzels. 

Even though he is completely on board with this, and it was even his idea that we do it....he's convinced that he is going to be grouchy and unhappy during this process, and I keep trying to encourage him and tell him that it won't be as bad as he thinks.

Also, by putting it out there on my blog, and on Facebook, we will be held accountable to ourselves to follow through.  It's public now, so we gotta do it!

Please, wish us luck and good health changes!!