Your Questions

There have been a few questions posed to me on the blog and at the gym. I have tried to research as much as possible, so here is what I have come up with:

I Don't Like Meat. What Can I Do?
Unfortunately, if you don't like meat there aren't a lot of alternatives. The Paleo diet is built around lean meat. Allison posted that she normally eats meat once a week and that it has been hard for her to eat it multiple times throughout the day. This is when I would say variety is key. Do you like eggs? Those are a great source of protein that are Paleo friendly. Make sure to get Omega 3 enriched eggs. Like I have said there are differing pinons on how many eggs you should eat a week on Paleo. Some Paleo veterans say eat as many as you want, some say limit to six per week. I'm leaving this up to you. I am mixing egg whites with whole eggs. It is your call.

Try different meats. Seafood is a great way to get your protein without feeling like you are chewing on a cow. Try shrimp, fresh crab meat or salmon. Talk to your butcher and ask for suggestions. The guys at the new Reasors are awesome. They have an amazing selection of proteins. I saw ground buffalo last night which I am going to have to try just once so I can say I did. Basically, if you are going to eat Paleo you can't omit eating meat, but you can mix it up and eat lots of proteins other than beef and chicken!

What About Sea Salt?
There is not a lot of information out there on sea salt, but I have seen multiple Paleo recipes that call for sea salt. I am going to give it the OK if used in extreme moderation as any salt should be used in any type of diet. I'm sure I will get some debate here, but just be smart. A little sea salt is not going to derail your ability to lose weight. Even Paleo Kits use sea salt to marinate their beef jerky.

What About Breakfast? I Like Yogurt and Oatmeal!
I know breakfast is probably going to be a bit of a challenge for some. We are all used to eating sweeter more starchy items like cereal, oatmeal, toast with jelly, bagels, yogurt, etc. Eggs, salmon and cold chicken are great breakfast items. They are filling and don't feel too heavy. Pair that with some fresh fruit mixed with walnuts or slivered almonds and you will be good to go. This morning I had some chicken breast with tomatillo avocado salsa (heaven!) on top with a grapefruit and some almonds. I was very satisfied. It isn't going to be easy, but after a few days it will feel more normal.

Here are a few sample breakfast menus from The Paleo Diet (pages 142 to 151)
Breakfast Number 1:
Raspberries with walnuts
Scrambled eggs with a small beefsteak
Herbal Tea

Breakfast Number 2:
Blueberries and cantaloupe
Cold crab legs
Water with lemon

Breakfast Number 3:
Strawberries
Two egg (omega-3 enriched) omelet stuffed with spinach, mushrooms and onions sauteed in canola oil
Water with lemon

Breakfast Number 4:
Grapefruit
Cold beef slices
Decaffeinated coffee

I Still Miss Peanut Butter.
Sunbutter, Almond Butter and any other kind of nut butter will save your life. Make sure it has no extra ingredients like cane sugar. Ick! Pair it with fruit or eat it alone.

My Friends and Co-Workers Think I'm Nuts.
I'm so proud of everyone who has told me they have talked to their family and coworkers about Paleo. Way to go! Don't let them get you down. Stick to your guns. Don't give in. Who cares if they give you a hard time? Just tell yourself they are jealous because you are making a positive change in their life and they aren't. Try to get them on board. Just like Kelsey said in the comments on yesterday's post, soon they will see your results, start asking questions and be more positive about what you are doing. Remember, only you can allow yourself to fall off the wagon. It isn't their fault if you eat a cookie they give you! You control what goes in your mouth.

My Update:
Day four. Keep it up! I have to tell you, I'm feeling great. I slept amazing last night and woke up wide awake. That never happens to me. I'm not starving in the middle of the day. I ate an apple immediately after yesterday's CFJ workout and it kept me going a good two hours until I got home and finished all my cooking for the week. Amazing!

What has been your favorite meal so far? What have you made that you will never make again? Have you noticed a change in your body yet? It is still early, but I hope you are creating good habits and staying prepared throughout the day.