My Paleo Top 10 Tips

As I've said throughout my journey - Paleo eating requires a commitment.  It's confusing at first.  And for my family, it took away all of my "quick meal" options...because all of my "quick meal" options involved bread or tortillas or a drive thru!

So, here are my Top 10 Tips to be a Real Life Paleo Success Story

1. Have a PLAN:  Don't go to the grocery store without a list, use a calendar so you know exactly what days you will need made-ahead or pre-packaged meals in your freezer or lunchbox.  This does get easier, but at first - a PLAN is essential.  (A Realistic Plan, please!)
2. Devote one day or a couple of evenings to MEAL PREP:  I spend about 6-7 hours every week getting food ready for the upcoming week.  I have two kids, so I have to be ready with quick breakfasts (fritattas and egg muffins are my go-to's), lunches 5 days a week and after school snacks.  We also need quick options for healthy meals at least 4 evenings a week so we aren't tempted to "pick something up".
3. Find an ONLINE SUPPORT group:  I love Instagram (you can find me @WildflowerKitchen), but you can find tons of great blogs (Real Life Paleo@Wildflower Kitchen comes to mind!), websites, Periscope accounts, pod casts and Facebook accounts that offer photos, inspiration, personal stories and great recipes.  
4. Find a PALEO BUDDY:  If you can start this journey with a friend or as a family - I believe your success rate doubles (maybe more).  Think accountability.  Think support.  Think high-fives.
5. Stay CLOSE TO HOME:  Avoid big social events that involved food for the first 2 weeks to 30 days of your Paleo journey.  I went to an NJHS event for my daughter and of course, they had cake.  I love cake.  I used to say that cake was my favorite food...it was actually icing, but I thought cake sounded healthier!  And even though this was MY idea and I was my family's coach, I was tempted.  And kind of felt "cheated" by not getting cake.  Luckily, I was there with my family and we supported each other...so we didn't eat cake, but it was difficult.  (I can honestly say that I feel almost no temptation from sweets anymore...I never dreamed that was a possibility.  So I don't feel the need to avoid any events anymore.)
6. LISTEN to your BODY:  Don't get caught up in traditional thinking about what Breakfast is supposed to be or what Dinner is supposed to be.  The first 30 days is the perfect time to learn to LISTEN to your body and your hunger.  I have found that I crave big protein in the mornings and like raw, crunchy veggies early in my day.  I want eggs and scrambles in the evenings.  Eat what you want/crave as long as it's within the PaleoPlus diet.
7. STAY OFF THE SCALE:  Don't weigh yourself every day.  Paleo eating is about so much more than the number on the scale.  I didn't weigh myself for 30 days and now I weigh once a week and no more.  
8. MOVE:  Find something you enjoy doing and move your body.  Clean eating gives you energy.  For me, it reduced joint pain almost immediately.  Take advantage of it and get moving!  Park farther away from your destination.  Take the stairs.  Take a group exercise class.  Walk your dog.  Go for a swim or a bike ride or a stroll in your neighborhood.
9. TRY NEW FOOD:  Every time you go to the grocery or farmer's market - buy something fresh that you've never eaten or prepared.  Then go home, find a recipe on the internet, prepare it and EAT IT!  We need to eat a wide variety of foods and colors and textures to get all the vitamins and minerals and benefits of a PaleoPlus diet.
10. DON'T BEAT YOURSELF UP:  After the first 30 days (I really think you need to be perfect for at least 30 days...sorry), don't beat yourself up if you go out to eat and can't confirm the type of oil your chicken was cooked in or if you forget to pack your unsweetened almond milk and put a bit of soy milk in your latte.  PaleoPlus isn't about perfection.  It's about feeling your best.  Beating yourself up never made anyone feel their best!