Back!!

Okay, I took a little break.

Well! Vacation! Needed it! Bad!

We went to Hawaii. And I would dare to say that Oahu was one of the Easiest places to eat Paleo while on Vacation!

Still

Here I am, Still trying to figure it all out.
My gallbladder has been gone for a long time, but apparently is a common thing to have problems when it is gone and you try to do a higher fat diet (such as the Paleo).
I was eating very little meat before, so this has been rough on my digestion.
I tried a lot of the Paleo suggestions, but my Pancreas and Liver are inflamed... Likely more to do with my disease and lack of organs and arteries in my intestinal/digestive areas! boo.
My doctor said he wanted me to come in, but of course I am trying to work it our first.
I am taking probiotics/dietary enzymes twice a day, and those are doing me very little good. Once they where off, I am back to square one.
So, I tried the grain thing, and it did tend to settle my stomach down. But, it killed my energy. And it didn't 'cure' me. Sooooooooo what is the point in that.
I am back to going all Paleo with more carbs than before... but only from veggies/fruits :)

Mexican Stuffed Peppers

Mexican Stuffed Peppers

4 Medium Red Peppers cut Lengthwise (or green, I cut the tops off when using green, they stand up better than the red)

1 lbs. ground beef

1/2 Onion Chopped

4-6 mini sweet peppers orange, yellow, red or one larger sweet pepper chopped

1 clove garlic crushed

1/2 bunch Cauliflower, shredded with cheese grater attachment

Handful of Kale torn

1 Can of tomatoes or 2-3 romas chopped and smashed lightly

2 cups of stock

1 Tbs Mexican Seasoning

1/4 cup Shredded Cheddar (optional for Dairy peeps)

1 thin Slice Muenster Cheese, torn up (optional for Dairy lovers)

Preheat oven to 375. Line a Lasagna Dish with Peppers cut side up.

Saute onions, peppers and garlic in a Tbs or two of fat/oil in a large pan. Add in beef and brown. Sprinkle with seasoning and mix well. Add tomato and toss for a minute, then add cauliflower and do the same. Cover with stock, you may not use all of it Add torn Kale. Simmer down until liquid is reduced. About 15-30 minutes.  Fill Peppers with mixture. Top with Cheese if using Cheese. Bake until peppers reach desired softness. Ours were firm yet soft after about 20 minutes.

Spinach Breakfast Pie

Spinach Breakfast Pie:

6 Eggs

1/2 cup Chopped Bacon (optional, or sausage)

1 1/2 Cups Chopped Spinach

1/4 Onion Diced thinly

1-2 Clove Garlic Crushed

1/2 Cup Coconut Milk

1/2 tsp Baking Powder

1/4 tsp Pepper

Dash Sea Salt

Beat all ingredients together until fluffy. Bake in a greased 9" Pie Pan at 350 for 30 minutes.

Bumps bumps bumps ... no one said the road was paved.

Well, Here I am at almost 4 weeks in. My inflammation and energy levels have been amazing. I was able to cut out the occasional pain relievers like Tylenol.

All of this has been very encouraging for me to keep going.

I noticed that there were some foods that my body absolutely was more than happy to be rid of, and did not want back. I have learned so much about my body.

Now, for the bumps in the road. I have some pretty severe Kidney, Liver and Pancreas issues. Damage that can never be undone. My Gallbladder already died, we had a short memorial and danced on his grave. 

My other organs missed it a bit, and a few tried to commit suicide from the grief, taking the host with them.

Well, digestively, this has been a problem the entire time I have been on this diet. My body is not tolerant of the fat in meats, and raw veggies and fruits. Pretty big staples of this lifestyle. 

I have been tolerating the unwanted side effects of my liver and Pancreas for the past 4 weeks. This last week, it has reached a new level of discomfort. My symptoms have spiked and made me very very ill.
I have noticed that many of the Paleo bloggers and sharers on the Forums are much like myself in personality. Taking it personal if they 'fail', then realizing it is a journey and picking back up and fitting the lifestyle to their needs.
That is where I am now. I am not giving up. I am not turning back. I am going to do what it takes to stay out of the hospital and get myself on the path to wellness asap. If that means introducing a little grain, I will. I have already made adjustments, based on lots of the Paleo Worlds experiences and suggestions. But the truth is, I need to lean on my own experience. I will be limiting my meat even more for a little while, and I am leaning toward leaner meats in the future. Not exactly the Paleo base, but Paleo opened the door for me. It taught me how to listen to my body in a whole new way. Now, I need to  use what I learned to keep changing my life.

I must say that my family is still benefiting from the paleo lifestyle, and I will continue to cook in this manner for them. More recipes to come!

Creamy Chorizo Sopa

Creamy Chorizo Soup:

2-3 Tbs Fat/oil

1/2 Onion Chopped

2 cloves garlic Crushed

1 tsp Oregano

2 bay leaves

3 Chorizo Links, cut open

6 cups stock

7 oz. can of Hatch or Green Chiles, or roast your own!

2 Diced Sweet Potatoes

1 Cup Chopped Kale (or Spinach)

1/2 tsp Salt

1/2 tsp Pepper

1 Cup Coconut Milk

Heat Fat/Oil in pan and brown Chorizo that has been removed from the skin, add onions and garlic and saute until translucent. Add Oregan and Bay and Saute 2 minutes more.

Add Stock, Chiles, Sweet Potatoes and simmer until potatoes are soft.

Add in Chopped Kale until Kale softens slightly.

Season with salt and pepper.

Add in Coconut Milk and simmer for 5 minutes more.

Serve!

Shhhh don't tell...

My body was very happy about the start of my Paleo journey from day 1. Since then, anything that my body hates it rejects as usual. Or I get horrid heartburn.
Remind me some time to tell you about vomiting on the Radiology lady that tried to get me to drink the fizzy drink.
I tried to eat a little tomato a while back, and it hurt. And the last two days, I tried to eat an egg.
I think I had better behave myself and stick to the Autoimmune protocol!!! :)
My family has been enjoying all of the eggs and veggies that are on my do not eat list. ;)
I have to admit something though.
Since my diagnosis, I have been on serious medication. Everyday, I have taken my medication faithfully. I have been late for a dose here and there, but my body always reminded me it was missing.
Sunday, as I lay in bed for the night........ I realized, I had not taken ANY medication that day.
Why???
I felt so normal, I forgot I had to. I felt like my old self. My real self. Not my Takayasu self.
It was too late to take my doses, and I didn't feel physically bad. So, I just took my medicine on Monday as normal.
I have always wanted to take a medication vacation. It sure would be nice to go a little longer, but what a great day it was.
 Shhh, don't tell on me.

Shredded Mexican Chicken Tacos

Shredded Mexican Chicken Tacos:

2-3 Larger Sized Chicken Breasts or equivalent

1/2 half Onion Sliced

1/2 half Green Pepper Sliced

1/2 half Colored Pepper Sliced (or just a whole green one) I like a little red as well.

3 Roma tomatoes roasted or a can of tomatoes

2 cups Chicken Stock

2 tsp Favorite Mexican seasoning (more to taste, I went to far last time, ahhaha)

dash of cilantro

Put All in a pot and boil together until chicken is cooked through. You can crock-pot this as well.

I let this go a few hours, add more stock if needed. Shred chicken when cooked through, and stir all together well, and simmer for 10+ minutes more or until liquid has reduced. This can be ready in 45 minutes or many hours. Depends on how much time you want to put into it.

Fill crisp lettuce with Filling, top with crumbled muenster cheese if you are eating dairy.

Favorite Mexican Seasoning:

4 Tbs chili powder (I make my own)

4 Tbs Paprika

2Tbs Coriander

1 Tbs Salt

1 1/2 Tbs Cumin

2 tsp Cayenne

2 tsp red pepper flakes

2 tsp black pepper

2 tsp oregano (I like Mexican oregano, but regular works)

Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Salad:

One large bunch of Broccoli, cut heads off

3/4 -1 cup Homemade Mayo

1-2 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar

1/4 cup Almonds or other

1/4 cup Raisins or other (Grapes halved?)

1/4 cup Bacon or other

Mix Mayo and Vinegar to desired taste. You may add a few TBS of sugar sub if you are using any. We are not

Then add the rest of the ingredients and toss until well coated.

Week one Accomplished!

Well, I made it through week One without any hiccups.
I have never had any withdrawal symptoms. My body adjusted the first day, and was VERY happy about the changes.
Last night, to celebrate my first week... and my renewed energy, my Husband brought home some "low carb" burgers from Mooyah Burger.
Now, he is following the Paleo Diet but a little more loosely than I am.
I am trying to stick to the Autoimmune guidelines.
I am telling you, my body adjusted QUICK.
He brings home these tasty burgers, and it had cheese, tomatoes, mayo and ketchup.... all of which I am not eating.
It was wrapped nicely in loads of lettuce leafs. I tried to scrape them off, and I only had one bite of tomato. It actually gave me a bit of a stomach ache.
My body reacts very quickly to things it doesn't want. I have been known to vomit uncontrollably after a meal that I enjoyed eating, but my body hated.
I had heartburn all night. I guess tomatoes are not my friend.
I knew that already though. hahahah. It is not my first love hate relationship with them.
I guess it is time to give them up. :p

More Recipes to come this week:

Asian Turkey balls with CauliFried 'Rice'
Mexican Chicken with CilantroChurri Sauce and MexiCauli 'Rice'
Broccoli Salad
Spinach & Bacon Quiche
and a few more if I have time.

Roast Beef & Butternut Squash Stew

Roast Beef & Butternut Squash Stew:

2 lbs Stew Beef

2+ cups of Butternut Squash cubed

1/2 onion chopped

1 1/2 cups Carrots chopped or baby

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 celery stalk chopped

1 tsp rosemary

1 tsp thyme

1 tsp basil

2-4 cups beef stock

In a large pot, saute the beef until browned with a small amount of oil/fat.  Remove the beef from the pan,  Saute the onion, carrots, celery, squash and garlic for 5 minutes.

Add in the dried seasonings, saute for 1-2 minutes.

Add beef back to the pot, and the stock.  Add 2 cups stock and cover. Simmer for 1-2 hours.

Or add 4 cups stock and reduce by half. 

Or Crockpot for 4-6 hours on high or 8-10 on low.

This was our first taste of butternut squash, the whole family loved it. We do enjoy all other squashes... we have had most of them. Hehehe. So, it was not a stretch to welcome this one in. You really do not miss the potatoes with the squash in there.

Weekend Update!

I made it through the weekend! We did not eat out once! It was nice.
It has been 5 days, and I am doing just fine. I must say in all honesty, I am not experiencing the horrible withdrawal symptoms, in fact, I feel better than usual!!!!
My neck is still feeling pretty good.
The truth is, I did not consume caffeine daily nor did I have a sweet tooth. So, I did not have to come down from those.
I have had a few people ask me, why I am on a DIET? Well, it is not obvious that I have an illness. And truthfully, I do not let it impede my life to the best of my ability. I keep active and I am 5"2', about 112 lbs usually. I am about 5 lbs. heavier that than right now, from my steroids. mmmm steroids.
I am not on a weight loss DIET, I am changing my current Daily Diet for health reasons. Being 'skinny' does not mean you are healthy by the way!! I encourage ALL people to seek out the healthiest lifestyle possible, and live the longest life possible!
I do not have my weekly eating plan ready yet... truth is... I have so much food leftover from this week, we can eat for a few days!

Taco Night?

One of our only hang ups about dropping breads/carbs out of our daily line up is that being Mexican in background... I have a tendency to make rice and of course a lot of Tortillas. 

We LOVE Tortillas around here. We make our own, we buy them local... we will eat them anywhere, anytime, with anything (or alone)!!!!!!!!

So, How do I make my favorite meats that we usually fill up our Tortillas with???

My solution is... Mexican Lettuce Tacos! 

Using Lettuce Wrap Technology... we made pork filling and my famous Chicken Burrito filling (coming later). Ha.

Here is my Pork Recipe:

PORK TACOS:

5-7 lbs Pork Loin

1/4 - 1/2 cup Fat oil
3 Tbs Chili Powder
1 Tbs Cumin
1 Tbs Granulated Garlic
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

Start by covering your pork loin in water, and I like to add some homemade salsa or something I enjoy for a little flavor to the water, not sure if it makes a difference.

Simmer on Low for 7-8 hours, you can crockpot this as well.

When the loin is ready to shred easily, remove from water and shred.

In a separate sauce pan, warm your fat/oil with your 1/2 to all of your seasonings, just to a warm, not a boil.

Add this to your meat, and mix well.

Serve in Lettuce Wraps, if you are eating cheese - I recommend  Muenster!

Sauteed peppers and Onions are also a great condiment!

(I am not eating this, being on the Autoimmune guidelines... but my family is eating it happily!)

Paleo Mayo?

Paleo Mayo

I tried my hand at my own Mayo. I will not be eating it, because I am doing the Autoimmune thing. But my family will. And I put in my upcoming broccoli salad.

It may not be perfectly Paleo, but here is what I did.

2 whole Large Eggs

2 Tbs Vinegar

1/2 tsp Ground Mustard

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 cups of any combo Fat/Oil you like.

Pulse the first 4 ingredients in the food processor. Then poke a whole in a plastic cup with a toothpick (or larger depending on the thickness of your fat/oil), put the cup into the spout of your food processor, and fill with your oil. It will drizzle in slowly and eventually form a Mayo.

It worked nicely in the Broccoli Salad, and it may not be perfect, but it is better than store bought.

The First Day is Over!

Well, the first day was not a real big deal. But something BIG did happen.

I was not hungry for most of the day. Which is fine, I always listen to my body.

I ate some carrots, and a simple salad with turkey and bacon for some protein. I did a decent job on drinking water. I drank it slowly and sipped. It only made me sick if I had too much at once or only water in  my stomach. I did have to take my pills with juice still. They just will not go down. 

I tried to eat a Sweet Potato Fry, just one, and it made my stomach hurt. 

So I was happy, I had a lot of energy. I would call it successful.

The BIG thing. My neck.
My carotid artery, has been a real issue for me recently.

Sooo, strangely enough... on the very first day of the Paleo, My neck was killing me in the morning as usual. I took my Daughter to her Song & Dance at the Library and we checked out books, it was throbbing.

But, by mid afternoon................ no pain!!!!!!!!!!! And I went to sleep with no pain. It was still tender.

But, it had really been horrible. keeping me up at night, waking me up at night. horrible. 

The relief was welcome. I do not know what to attribute it to. But it motivated me to keep going today. 

I am still achy, so we will see if there is more improvement or if returns.
Not gonna lie, I cried this morning. 

Roasted Veggie & Tomato Soup

Roasted Veggie & Tomato Soup

14-15 Roma Tomatoes cut into 1/8 chunks

2 Celery Stalks, rough chopped

3 Large Carrots, rough chopped

1/2 Onion, rough chopped

1/2 Green Bell Pepper, rough chopped

1/2 Red or Orange Bell Pepper, rough chopped

6 Garlic Cloves

1 tsp dried each: Rosemary, Basil, Thyme, Oregano, Parsley, Sage & Pepper

Drizzle of fat/oil.

4 cups Chicken Stock

Directions:

Toss Veggies with Seasonings and Oil. You can really use anything you like. It turns out yum anyway you make it.

Roast at 350 for 30-40 minutes.

Hand Blender, Blender or Food process after roasting. At this point I put it through a food mill. But you can eat all the chunks. We have gone both ways.

After milling the veggies, add 4 cups chicken stock and cook down until reduced by half. 

At this point we add bacon, sometimes. And cook til warmed through.

It is good with or without 'cream', it is good with or without cheese... but mine love some shredded Parmesan.

I portioned out some for freezing, some for lunches, etc. Easy warm up.

I forgot the Onion in this one, still good.

Day One. Here we Go. Paleo

Here we go. The whole truth and nothing but da trufh rufh.
Yesterday, I was not feeling up to picking up said Paleo Groceries. Ha.
So I skipped Breakfast and went this morning. No biggie. I skip meals all the time, I was not hungry either. Mostly because, last night, my 'last' meal... was... wait for it... Pizza from Pizza Hut. *Gasp*

My Husband and kids will be eating a little different than I will be. I am going to try to follow the Autoimmune Protocol. So many of these recipes will be the family meals I prepare for them. I am also not limiting my kids on any foods yet. If you are a super paleo buff... you may have lots of good ideas about this. thanks. In my own time.


I then ate a handful of Carrots. I love them, couldn't help myself. While I prepared the Roasted Veggie Tomato Soup for tonight. I will be at my Mommy Book Club. This happens every Month or two. I am nervous about it since it is at a Pub tonight. I do not drink at all, but I adore bar food.
I am also planning to make Mochi. A Japanese treat. We are reading 1Q84. No worries there. I am not a sweet eater. I bake and bake and bake and never bite!

My plan is now to go make a Salad with all my faves and a basic dressing.
I have some recipes from today that I will post in a few!

Funny thought for today: My 8 year old Son and my 3 year old Daughter, are at the Doctor with me on Monday. School was out for my boy. And I take my kids everywhere with me. They are good. Yo.
My Son says to my Daughter..."'Can you say supercalifragilisticexpialidocious?"
She replies to him... "Chaaaa, SuperDuperPeanutButterAndChocolateGoldfish!"
No Lie. We were laughing so hard.

Weekly Plan: Week 1

It would be convenient to wait until Monday to start a Meal plan. But guess what, if you wait until Monday... it may never come.

These are meals that myself, my husband, and my 3 year old will all likely eat. My 8 year old, it extremely picky and eats white meat only and a large variety of vegetables. He will not eat tomatoes, onions, mushrooms or anything Mexican. who is this kid?!? He loves Asian flavors. So many of my recipes will include these flavors as well. He prefers to only eat hot food, and often eats the school lunch. Which is starting to drive me crazy... have you been to lunch lately. Not at all what I picture when I read the menu.

Wednesday Meals:

Eggs

Waldorf Salad

Roasted Veggie Tomato Soup with Zucchini fritters

Thursday Meals:

Spinach Quiche or Chorizo Scramble (I will have both made)

Roasted Veggie Tomato Soup

Mexican Pulled Pork

Friday Meals:

Spinach Quiche

Turkey, Bacon, Tomato Salad

Beef Stew

Saturday Meals:

Eggs & Bacon

Leftovers

Chicken Soup

Sunday Meals:

Chorizo Scramble

Leftovers

Asian Lettuce Wraps

On the weekends we occasionally go out, or eat leftovers at home! We have a few Paleo friendly restaurants we enjoy. If you were wondering, my kids are not tolerant of heavy dairy or milk. And they are not going to be on a strict Paleo diet. I am not at that point yet. Maybe in time. As usual, they will eat healthfully and continue to be healthy, active and happy kids.

RECIPES TO FOLLOW!!!!!!!

 

Everybody has one!

A vice, a hang up, something that you just do not want to give up. Soda. Alcohol. Cheese. Pasta. Sugar!

You name it, it is hard to give up. 

Sometimes you may even have withdrawal!

Well, my problem... is not really any of those things. I will probably miss breads, pasta and those yummy things.

But my real problem is WATER.

I have a significant amount of damage to my throat and stomach. This has made it very difficult to drink water. I generally throw up from water, and my own saliva. Anything tasteless. I can drink it fine, swallow it down. But it burns, and it comes back up shortly!

I take a pill for this... but what do I swallow the pill with? ha.

I do not drink Caffeine. No coffee, No tea. A rare root beer, when eating out, but I never finish it.

I mostly drink Gatorade or lemonade. I have to switch these up every few months or they make me sick as well.

It seems mad crazy right? But totally true. I can not take any liquid medication either. It goes down happily, but comes up angry.

So there is mine, Every body has one. 

I am going to conquer mine. What are you doing with yours?

Starting From the Beginning.

My Story. From the beginning. Literally.

I was born in Pontiac, Michigan. You may have seen it on your nightly news. A dying city.

My Mother was a Teen Mom, but not the whiny MTV Teen Mom you are thinking of. She was the work 3 jobs, never on welfare, kind of Mom. We started out in a Trailer park, next to the railroad tracks. I mean FEET from it. And she moved us on up to a town house, with a basement! I was a child of the 80's and I guess she was too. We ate a LOT of fast food. My Mom took us out to restaurants and gave my brother and I, money to eat all week. 

We mostly ate from the convenience store. By that I mean 7-11. 

When my Mom had time to cook, rarely, we had box meals. 

I have two amazing Grandmother's who can throw down in the kitchen.

My Southern Granny who makes the meanest dessert around, and my Mexican Abuelita that tears it up every Sunday still. This is relevant because, I can cook and cook well... Dessert and Mexican food! Ha.

At 13, my Mom married and her new husband sent me to his Alma Mater... a private high school. Pretty big deal for me. I met my husband there. So we have known each other since we were 13, and started dating at 16.

At 23, my husband and I, had moved to South Carolina and were expecting our first child. A son. I was horribly, horribly ill through the whole thing. My doctors were baffled. If it was possible to go wrong, it did. I still have visible broken blood vessels in my face from being physically ill. 

And delivery was impossible. My doctors were not sure why, when it came to the point where my child and I, were both in danger... I had an emergency C-section. 

We were fine afterward, but it was a scary event. Afterward, I was still vomiting daily. My doctor diagnosed me with Acid Reflux and gave me pills. yuck. It helped. I had damage so badly, you could see it from the back of my throat. 

Three years later, I started to get migraines. I had never experienced anything so painful in my life. My left eye was in severe distress. I could not see out of it. I did not go to the doctor for it, I did not want to be on any medication. I tried a few things and it seemed to help a little. Did I mention I am not a fan of medicine??? ha. 

Then one day, My Dad died. Suddenly. Leaving us all devastated. As his oldest child, I had to fly home and bury my Dad, instead of burying myself under the biggest cover possible. Heartbreaking in the worst way. But I am a warrior, right???

My Migraines became worse during this time, and I was vomiting uncontrollably. I had my wheel chair bound Granny with MS staying with me, and she had broken her hip! Requiring a hospital stay and physical therapy and a Husband who was off to Spain for work. But after a short time things settled a little. I decided, life is so short and my family need to grow. I was soon pregnant again with my beautiful Daughter. If it was possible to have a worse pregnancy than the first. . . it was, it was possible. Iron shots 3 times a week. Trips to the hematologist. GERD. Gestational Diabetes. PrEclampsia. And the list goes on and on. My poor Doctor was so worried, the 6"2' linebacker hugged me every time I came to the office, which was often. After I unsuccessfully went into labor again, early, after my water breaking while violently vomiting... we turned out alright after an emergency C-section.

My Doctor says to me, "I have never said this before, but I am not sure what is wrong with you, but you should not have any more children. please. I am not sure you would make it."

At this point, I had planned on not having any more natural children anyway, but it was crazy to hear.

Afterward, I quickly dropped down to 90 something pounds. And I was consistently ill, kidney, liver and other problems. My doctor still baffled, and having tested me for all the usual, decided it could just be the ole stand by... Gallbladder.

My Gallbladder was not functioning... at all really. So, out it came. Ahhh, relief. 

For a minute. 

Later, I started to have some pretty serious pain in my right side. Now, at this point pain is no thing for me really. I can hang with pain. But not this time. It was bad news. I wanted to leave my body behind and float away. No relief. 

My doctor gave me serious pain pills, and scheduled some tests. But as a Stay at home Mommy with two small kids... and a husband who was away on business at the time, I had to wait a week or so to get in there. 

So the pills took the edge off, and I never in my life needed a pain pill so badly.

My husband got home, and I went in the next day. Alone to my CT, leaving him with the kids.

I have had a few CT scans, but nothing ever turned up. This time, the technician had a strange hunch. 

And he did more than his job required that day. He moved the machine up and took a look at a few things no one had before.

He came out and told me to go straight back to my Doctor's office, and do not stop anywhere.

My diagnosis. Takayasu's Arteritis. 

The main Artery to my intestines was fully occluded, my liver and kidney were trying to shut down on me. Pain. 

I had to check straight into the hospital. Having never left my kids alone for the night.

A 29 year old Mother, with 2 small children. And a crappy diagnosis. Not one that could be cured, a life long crapfest. poop. 

My family and I, moved to Texas to be near more advanced Medical care. It has been 2 years, with daily prednisone, immune suppressants, heart medication and many many many more pills. Did I mention I hate medication? ha. At some points, I have been on 21 pills. 

I have never in 2 years gone a day without medication. After my diagnosis, My doctor said, if I had waited one more week... I would not have made it. Did I mention I have 2 kids???

I have aneurism, intestinal issues, the artery to my eye - you guessed it... cutting off my left eye from the blood supply! And kidney disease, liver disease and heart disease in my arteries. I have some serious inflammation. 

And last week, my most recent test showed what I have been feeling after my last major flare up... my common carotid artery (in my neck, right side) is what I will refer to as NOT HAPPY. 

I am very blessed, and have not had to have any heart valve or other surgeries as of yet. It is my goal to keep it that way.

Now, What does this have to do with the Paleo Diet? 

My husband, is a natural frenemy of the carbohydrate. He loves them, they hate him, he hates them. 

He discovered the Paleo diet, and has been on it for 2 months. First it helped him drop those pesky 10 lbs that everyone wants to get rid of, and then it helped him feel overall healthier and happier. He has tried the Atkins before, and it was hell on his body. The Paleo has been more in tune with his needs.

So I try to help out and cook tasty things to keep him on track and motivated to live the lifestyle he wants. 

This means that I am cooking meals solely for him, and then meals for the kids and I. Silly right?

I have been very intrigued about the health benefits that the Paleo Lifestyle boasts. 

I will do anything, I mean anything to improve my health and well being. 

This is my journey. It will not be perfect.

Do not come for expert anything. 

I will share my adventure with you.
All of it.Unedited.