First, I would like to announce the winner of the Name That Recipe contest for last weeks Lamb and Pumpkin Recipe. I let my 15 year old, Coby, pick the winner and after much deliberation and deep, deep thought – he decided on: Halloween Hash by Stefanie. Thank you Stefanie and thank you Coby for picking a great entry – I loved all of them!!
Now, on to the good stuff.
Before you started eating paleo, did food rule your life? It ruled mine. I had such a sucky relationship with food. I loved, and still do love food but I was constantly trying to do things better, “eat right”, stay away from this, add that back in, eat more, eat less,so I zoned, Atkined, South Beached, and Suzanne Somered, and what I did was I ate my way straight to the looney bin along with adding on pounds, health issues, and total confusion about what was good for me! To make a long story short, I finally was introduced to eating paleo and EVERYTHING changed, but, it was not an overnight light bulb moment. I have been asked before how long it took me to, “get paleo eating down.” The truth is, eating paleo is about the freaking easiest thing on the planet, it was getting my head right that was the learning curve. Eating paleo is so easy in fact that I tried my darnedest to make it as hard as possible. I freaked out over EVERYTHING. I remember sobbing to Robb Wolf almost daily at the gym – Robb, is this paleo, is that paleo is THIS OR THAT OR THIS PALEO until he looked at me one day and said, “Well, how do you feel?” I thought for a minute and realized that I felt pretty amazing and before he even replied I knew the answer, all that I was eating was paleo and paleo for me, and today I darn well know it when I eat something that is not paleo for me – because my body let’s me know in often extremely vicious ways! This whole “paleo thing” is not a one size fits all program. In fact, it’s not a program. It’s life and a better life because eating paleo means eating food that makes you feel amazing instead of fat, lazy, unhealthy, and sick. If you felt ok before, eating paleo might mean maximizing your potential and realizing that just feeling ok is pretty lousy compared to feeling VITALITY!!
Furthermore, what eating paleo looks like for me will look a whole lot different to someone with autoimmunity issues, allergies, or type II diabetes (to name a few). I am relatively lean and healthy at this point in my life so therefore, my paleo eating includes a few more yams and apple slices then it used to. When I was sick and fat, eating paleo for me meant very little fruit, only after a work out would I partake in yams and no nacho nights ever until I reached my goal weight and no longer suffered from the little health afflictions that I used to suffer from. Eating paleo for someone with food allergies is very different then my eating paleo. I’m ok eating a handful of nuts but a good friend of mine turns into an itchy, hive ridden mess so nuts are NOT paleo for her. Am I making sense? Now let’s dig a little deeper, what about vinegar, what about sea salt, what about the occasional use of a bit of raw honey, or baking soda, bananas, carrots, and coconut milk or God forbid red wine in my spaghetti sauce or a shot of tequila on Friday night?? Did cave people have an abundance of this stuff? Most likely not but they also lacked cars, farmers markets, and Trader Joe’s, and the last time I checked, I do not carry a club, wear antelope hair tunics, or greet my children with an UGH in the morning (unless I haven’t yet had my coffee). We could argue and debate for hours about how yams are a good source of carbs for post workout recovery meals (and healthy kids should eat them whenever), how baking soda is found in nature by mineral springs and is helpful in regulating blood acidity for endurance athletes, how vinegar probably won’t kill you if you toss some on your salad now and then, or that bananas, although of no real nutritional value, are nice to have around in case you are hankering for something sweet and it’s a better option then – oh I don’t know a donut??
Some of the stuff on that thrown together list is not paleo for some people and for some folks, now and then it’s about as paleo as you can get. So, when you feel like you are suffocating or turning into a paleo junky – think about how you feel? Are you lean, healthy, and continue to perform well in the gym? Then you are probably eating paleo, and that’s what eating paleo means – to YOU. If you feel like crap, gaining weight or not losing weight, or not coming close to reaching any of your fitness goals, it’s time to reassess! Maybe you are letting grains or dairy sneak back in, maybe you’re living on nuts between meals, and “paleo treats” (like my awesome nutty cookies) are turning into mainstays rather then now and then’s.
I do not know a single person who can sit down and list everything that is or is not paleo for EVERYONE because the truth is we are all very different with very different health concerns. The BOTTOM LINE IS, stick to the basics for this lifestyle, ALWAYS AVOID GLUTEN, and DO eat meat, seafood, veggies, a little bit of fruit, and good fats, but do not make yourself nutty – just eat what makes you feel good, and if you do not feel well, there’s probably something you are eating that’s not paleo – for you! Continue to educate yourself – listen to Robb Wolf’s podcasts, read books, search the internet – we live in the age of information at our fingertips but the best “science” is how you feel, look and perform.
Here’s a fun recipe that I made for lunch today with what I had in my fridge.
Shrimp Loves Coconut
1 lb large shrimp, tail on peeled and deveined
1/3 cup coconut flour
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 egg whites
2 cups coconut flakes
Pre heat oven to 400. In a mixing bowl, stir together the coconut flour, salt, and cayenne pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. In another bowl, pour the coconut flakes. Taking one shrimp at a time, dry well with a paper towel and dredge each shrimp in the coconut flour mixture, dip into the egg whites and then roll into the coconut flakes. Bake on a lightly greased (with coconut oil) baking sheet for 12- 15 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and the coconut flakes start to brown.
Enjoy!
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THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!!!
I so needed to read something like this! I will be directing friends and family who think I am a nutcase to this entry to hopefully help them understand better why I choose to eat this way and to have my children eat this way.
I could not agree with you any more on how crazy easy eating paleo is! Meat, veggies, some friut and nuts – yum and done!
Sarah,
All very good points! It took me a while to grasp the “Paleo-is-easier-than-you-think” mentality too. But once I got my noggin wrapped around it, oh boy, did it change my life for the better.
All the best,
Travis
Great post and such truth! As for the recipe, I will definately be making these this weekend the kids and hubby will love them and I’m sure I will too!
Excellent post. I’m going to paste a link to it every time someone on Paleohacks asks, “Is ______ Paleo?” It doesn’t have to be that difficult! Far easier than all the “re-create ‘normal’ food” projects I used to do when I was a vegetarian and a vegan. The shrimp recipe looks very yummy too–I highly advocate cooking from whatever is lying around the house. It helps if you happen to have delicious shrimp lying around!
I love your post. I’m one of those that has tons of allergies and right now, eggs are NOT paleo for me. Any suggestions on how to make this recipe without eggs? I looks totally awesome!!!
LOVED reading this…I am still in the process of figuring out what Paleo is to me, and trying desperately to get my kids to eat ANY kind of vege!
One thing I do know is that Coconut is NOT Paleo for me…I am not allergic or anything, I just can’t STAND it…the consistency, the flavor, the texture – gag! You have so many wonderful recipes but so many of them contain coconut. What to do? Suggestions? And thank you for your work on this…inspiring!
YUM! cant wait to make these!!
OMG, those look scrumptious and so simple. Question for you: Have you found a source for wild caught shrimp or is all shrimp these days pretty much farmed?
Hey Veronica! Trader Joe’s carries wild caught raw shrimp – that’s where I bought these! They are the Wild Blue Colossal!
Hi Becky! Try using coconut milk instead of egg but I would dip the shrimp first into the milk, then the flour, then the coconut. Let me know if that works!?!?
Hey Susan! If I ever use coconut flour in a recipe, try almond meal instead. As far as a good sub for coconut milk, in any baked goods go for unsweetened almond milk, but in something like coconut milk soup, well, I guess it just is what it is… Are you sure you don’t like coconut?? ; )
Great Post! I’ve enjoyed my new Paleo diet for two months and totally get what you’re saying about the body knowing what it wants. I love this diet and feel better than I ever have and am convinced that my body was allergic to the food that I was raised to believe was good for me. This morning I ate a serving of something not on my preferred paleo foods and I felt sluggish, chunky and tired all day. A clear message from my body. Sadly that’s how I felt for years! So happy for my Paleo Solution that has given me energy, weight loss and mental clarity. Can’t wait to try the coconut shrimp. Thanks!
the biggest thing for me is to break my shopping habits. i’m so used to just walking around & grabbing the same old stuff & i only really get to shop after work at 9pm so i just want to get in & out quickly. but i’m getting there, it’s been great so far even though i’ve still got a way to go. this site has helped me realise how many recipes there are too, i love it!
This entry could have have come at a better time for me. Thank you!
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm…..coconut shrimp. Movie night snack with my kids this weekend! And thanks Coby for picking my submission!
Great post. Can I use on our nutrition blog?
Hey Justin! You can totally use this on your blog – thank you!! : )
I too had some mental issues with food before starting a paleo lifestyle– I still DO have some of these issues, but eating whole, real, awesome foods helps me keep my crazy brain in check. I’m healthier and fitter now than I’ve been in years (maybe even my whole life!). As a result, I’m WAY happier…it’s funny how food can rule your life…it certainly ruled mine before I discovered this awesome community.
Thanks for sharing your story! It’s nice to know that other people who go through similar food things turn out okay…
WOW, this was probably one of your best posts! While I lost 50lbs (eating less and moving more) now that I’ve embraced a more Paleo lifestyle, I’m not a slave to foods that I once was. I now make sure I’m eating Paleo 80% of the time so the remainder can be for ice cream or family events I don’t want to miss out on. I hate it when I see some people that eat paleo pushing it down other peoples throats or arguing over what’s paleo and what isn’t. Thank Sarah for putting it in perspective. I love your approach!
Great post, Sarah. I think you have inspired me to REASSESS!
OMG…so simple and delicious!
I would add some lime juice once baked, I think it’s the perfect touch!
Graciela
Thank you so much for this. I have recently been diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis and my Rheumatologist suggested that I try this diet, and I have been doing pretty good, but stressed over what is/isn’t paleo. It’s only been a month and most of the time all my joint pain is gone, but when it comes back I know that I ate something that I shouldn’t have. I’m still working on what works/doesn’t work for me. I’m so glad I found your blog – it seems like I’ve been eating the same things all the time, you have opened my eyes to how easy and tasty eating paleo can be. I can’t believe how much better I feel already! Thanks for your inspiration!
I had a similar wrestle with food when I switched to Paleo. My diet had slowly been morphing towards paleo but I had to make a conscious decision to make that final leap. The funny thing is how my diet continues to change and morph. I find that now that I’m eating clean / whole foods, I’m more open to listening to my body and realizing that not all paleo foods are good for me – I have a very picky / complainy / demanding body and I’m only 33!!! Lol
Great post, thanks for sharing. And I love those meals we make with what we find in the fridge. I made an awesome broccoli slaw today by creation not design!
Thank you!! You mean I don’t have to obsess that I’m doing everything “perfectly”?? I should just do it?
What a relief!! A very timely post- we’ve just discovered some serious allergies in my little one (nuts and coconut!) and I was trying to convince myself that a paleo life couldn’t work now. Maybe I should just try not to think so much!
This post is exactly what I needed today!
Thank you, like many others, I too just needed to read this right now. An inspiration!!
Amazing – I needed this one too! I’m only 2 weeks into trying Paleo, and I’m constantly trying to analyze what’s working or what’s not (hard to do in only 2 weeks.) Thanks for sharing this.
Also, where do you get your coconut flour?
Hey Sarah! I get my coconut flour at Raley’s, it’s the Red Mill Brand. Also, my local health food store carries it as well.
Great post. It’s nice to have “what works for you” reiterated. People get so caught up in what’s “supposed” to be eaten or that they’re “more” paleo than someone else because they don’t eat yams and it just gets silly. It’s not a competition, it’s your health. Do what feels best FOR YOU.
Couldn’t agree more! Great post.
Great post. This helped me look at it from a different angle. I’m doing my best to get the family on board, but it’s challenging with busy lives. Gotta change my perspective and let it happen, instead of forcing change.
Thanks again.
Thank you so much Sarah! You make eating paleo easy and down to earth. I just found your website over a month ago and it has been helpful on so many levels. I am enjoying all of these new recpies and ideas. Thanks again!
Danielle
Great post! I couldn’t agree more. I can make myself crazy at times, but you’re right, I need to give myself a break sometimes if I’m feeling good. By the way, I made some coconut shrimp too, but I didn’t have the coconut flakes to make mine look as yummy as yours. But I did make a delicious apricot dipping sauce, so check out the recipe if you like:
http://cookingcaveman.tumblr.com/post/1278367853/im-koo-koo-for-coconut
I’m going to share your latest post with my readers, and with my friends on Facebook. I think it’ll make them feel better about trying out paleo for themselves.
Amen! This post rocks. I have really enjoyed your recipes and blog for a long time, but wow, way to nail down the principle. Maybe a new paleo blog is in your future? (oh yeah, you are already writing a book).
Keep up the good work I really enjoy reading and borrowing your recipes. Can I send this to my xfit leaning challenge group?
Steve
Hey Steve,
Yes of course you can send this to whoever you would like to!! It’s my pleasure…. : )
Great post! To me Paleo really makes sense. I’ve done Zone and it drove me crazy! All the measuring and weighing was a pain. I’ve never struggled with being overweight but diabetes and heart disease runs in my family so I really want to be healthy and feel good. After my first day on Paleo my stomach bloating completely went away! I am still in my first 30 days so I am hitting it hardcore-no dairy, sugars, flours, peanuts, juices, salt, coffee or alcohol.
Thank you so much for this post! Could not have come at a better time! I too have been trying to make Paleo much harder than it is, but I’m finally realizing how easy it can be. This is definately a receipe that I know my whole family will love!! Thank you again for being such a wonderful inspiration!
Awesome post. Paleo doesn’t have to be confusing, and you’re right, the macronutrient balance is going to be a little different for everyone depending on their weight loss and athletic goals.
This was just the motivation I needed! I have told some of my friends who are struggling with diet to read this post. THANK YOU!!! And I have really enjoyed your recipes!
Excellent post! Exactly what I needed to hear at this point in time (I’m a newbie)! THANK YOU SO MUCH! I can’t wait for your book to be published! You’re such an inspiration!
Thank you so much for all of your input. It is nice to know that you are not the only one who has struggled with trying so many different diets. My husband and I love your site! You have encouraged us and taught us that eating Paleo is not at difficult as one would think.
Bomb Diggity Post Mrs. Sarah! Loved reading it and can’t wait to post it on my FB page to share with my loved ones. Keep rockin’ it, I love your site and check it frequently.
Thanks Blaire!! I miss seeing your smiling face!! : )
Hi! With holidays coming around I see all these sites talking about cooking ahead and freezing things to save time, but they are mostly things like casseroles and burritos.. Have you been able to successfully freeze meals ahead of time to save time?
Thank you so much for putting out this blog. I have a toddler and a baby and sometimes it is just so time consuming to try and come up with recipes that my kids and husband will eat, but they’ve loved everything I’ve cooked from your site. Especially the chicken piccata! Thank you!
Hey Sarah L.! I successfully freeze my spaghetti sauce recipe, filling for stuffed bell peppers, any of the soup, stew or chili recipes freeze well, the egg cupcakes, and even frittata also freeze well. Oh, the marvelous meatballs will also do ok in the freezer. I hope that helps!
Hi Sarah,
I really enjoy your Paleo blog and love your recipes. I am trying to convert a chocolate cake recipe into being paleo. Do you have any suggestions as how I could convert the 1 2/3 cups whole wheat pastry flour it calls for?
Thanks you!
Hmmmm, maybe sub with coconut flour?
Really good post. I’m afraid I don’t do ‘Paleo’ all that well, but it works for me. Lots of fruit, veggies, nuts/seeds and meat works well for me. I’m discovering all sorts of veggies and fruits I’d never noticed before, like Spaghetti squash which I really like and wish I’d found years before. I’m cooking mostly from scratch and finding some thngs I need like a Mandolin slicer and knives without serrated edges that can be sharpened razor sharp.
Nope, I don’t obsess but I can sure tell when I eat something that doesn’t agree with me!
yes so i am making these tonight for my birthday
big ol 25 haha
anyways, i think you nialed it with this post, it is a mental acceptance. this seems so hard for people to understand and grasp and LIVE. everyone wants rules, yes/no answers someone to lay everything out for them. it doesnt work that way and one will never learn to listen to the body and feel from their mind.
way to go love the read!~
My wife and I had the coconut shrimp tonight and it was delicious. Got wild blue colossal shrimp from Trader Joe’s and made a few adjustments. Dredged in almond flour and used a whole egg before covering in coconut. Served with olive oil sauted yellow squash and turnip with fresh herbs.
Thanks for all the great recipes and keep ‘em coming!
Yum! Thanks for the delicious recipe! Served our coconut shrimp with an apricot preserve sauce (a little olive oil, apricot preserves, spices- garlic, cayenne pepper, cumin, white pepper, etc). To die for!
Yum Lindsey, I love the sauce idea – that was the missing component!
Thanks for the post. It’s nice to know that I can eat Paleo and adjust it to my body. I am grateful that I don’t have any allergies, or immune problems, so I don’t have to avoid anything. Then again, it makes it really hard for me at times. I’m still a newby at this, and I think I’m doing pretty well even though I know I can do better. I guess my point is that I”m gald it took you time to really get it. I’m working on it, and your post helps so much! Thanks again.
I agree 100%. Eating Paleo is different for everybody and everybody individually can decide what they want to eat and /or “cheat ” with. I definitely cheat on occasion but I also realize that the next day i might not feel as chipper as I might have if it was a stricter paleo day. It is worth it to me to have some chocolate on occasion. Life is too short. Eat paleo 95 percent of the time to the best of your ability, the other 5 percent of the time makes me happy.
)
http://www.nevertooldforcrossfit
I love your blog. It makes me so happy.
After about 3 months of eating Paleo it has finally sunk in for us that Paleo is different for everybody. My foray into Paleo and Crossfit has resulted in my family figuring out that multiple members are Gluten Intolerant/have Celiac disease. The only standard in our house now is that we avoid Gluten altogether. My husband eats a variety of dairy products, my kids eat some (gluten free) grain products. For me, my performance is better without dairy or grains, so I don’t eat any. Despite the variability in our diets, I really only have to cook one meal for everybody each day and we just modify based on specific needs. Thanks so much for the post. It really hit home for me.
Been eating paleo for last 3 years and only now finally understand it can be different for everyone. Always know when I have deviated off it – I feel it. Now understand why my friend can eat bread and scones sometimes and be ok but not me. Thanks.