So You're Going Paleo? - Molly

Believe it or not, people are joining Jason and I on our whole30. 

I am so excited to have some friends to share this experience with.

It can be overwhelming, especially when you think about the cooking part of it.

Yes, it will be more cooking, more preparation and more thought. But the results will be spectacular. You will feel better. You will feel stronger. And you will see a difference. 

Just read the testimonials here.

From acne to migraines to basic weight loss. Something will happen, but only if you are diligent and stick to the plan - the WHOLE plan for 30 days.

So how am I preparing for our whole30? 

 Here are some tips to help you get started - SATURDAY is coming soon!

1. Find a website/blog/book of recipes you are interested in. Here are a few of my favorite:
1. www.nomnompaleo.com - my favorite. Blogger from Palo Alto and she take amazing pics!
2. www.paleomg.com - This blogger is in Denver - very cool.
3.  Pinterest - search Paleo and things DO come up!
4. Everyday Paleo - the book is at Costco right now or check out here website www.everydaypaleo.com
5. www.jensgonepaleo.blogspot.com - I know this girl and she looks awesome. Best part is her recipes are realistic!
2. Make a meal plan one week at a time and build your shopping list.
1. Pick a week's worth of recipes to start. I like to pick recipes that overlap in some way. Example: one night I am making asparagus wrapped in prosciutto, so another night I will have roasted broccoli with prosciutto. 
2. Plan for 3 meals. ONLY 3 meals each day. It's hard to be honest when you feel snacky, so eliminate the idea of "snacks". Obviously, nuts, seeds, jerky and fruit (check ingredients) are always good options, but try to just think about the meals right now.
3. Every dinner you make, make enough to stretch into a lunch. Then you won't ever have to worry about lunch - it is just leftovers of something. 
4.  Whole9life.com gives you are great shopping list here. Just scroll down and see the link under outlined program.
3. Have stuff prepared for the week. If you have to cook it, you are more likely to cheat.
1. For the past 2 weeks I have been making eggcups. I got the recipe on Pinterest. I beat 24 eggs in a bowl. I then pour some in greased muffin tins. I add spinach, tomatoes, salsa, ham (maybe leftover prosciutto) - really anything works. I bake the eggcups at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or so. Viola!
2. Keep extra proteins pre-cooked in the fridge. If you are grilling some chicken breasts, grill extra to keep on hand. Hamburger patties, meatballs, bacon etc. Have stuff on hand. Trust me - it helps!
4.  Get rid of any temptation. Especially for the next 30 days.
1. Put condiments that don't follow the "rules" in a box in the fridge. 
2. Fill up on spices in the cupboards. Remember - you must be able to read all the ingredients and/or know what they are to be considered "whole". 
3. If you buy it, you will eat it. So start shopping smart NOW!
5. There is safety in numbers.  Husband, sister, mother or friend. Have someone keep you accountable. Now that I have talked about it, blogged it, facebooked it - I HAVE TO DO IT and I HAVE TO FINISH IT. 

This is the info I have gathered thus far. I will be putting meals, recipes and anything else that comes to mind on the blog.

If you need anything - motivation, recipes, shoulder to cry on or someone to dream about food with - reach out, email me - I want to help you succeed as much as I want to succeed. Others want you to succeed as well, you can find more info in the whole30 forum (on the whole9 website) here. I started a forum called "stillnotpregnant and starting a whole30 September 1st. Join the forum and maybe others will too!

Last and not least, know the rules - so you don't have any fogginess on the first of September. The whole30 is supposed to be strict. After September, you have make your version of "paleo" your own. I know lots of "paleo, but I drink red wine or eat chocolate" people. You have to do what is best for you, your lifestyle and those around you.

Saturday is nearing! Get your fridge stocked and your recipes ready. I would love to hear about what you are cooking and how you are feeling!