skwidlund Member

I struggled a bit, until my husband (a pastor with a Master's in Theology) said this: "Does it really matter in this issue whether we evolved or were created? Either way, humanity clearly wasn't meant to eat a diet that damages God's creation in so many different ways, from individual health to environmental impact. And…

The most consistent source I've found for coconut aminos online is vitacost.com - it's $7.49 for an 8 oz bottle and you can get free shipping when you spend over $50. I usually try to do a stock-up order from them every few months. My youngest has a soy allergy, so we can go through it fairly quickly between stir fry's and…

I had my gallbladder out about 14 years ago and have eaten mostly paleo for about 18 months now, and it's the best I've felt in years. I find that my digestion is a little happier with a bit more carbs than most, so I'm careful to add things like sweet potatoes and other starchy vegetables. I'm also careful with fats -…

I get compliments on how healthy and shiny my hair is - my aunt even said she couldn't sit behind me in church because it's distracting. I think it's kind of funny. I swear it's not as dark as it was getting either, but that might just be grays coming in. My nails grow like crazy, too, and they're really strong!

Cauliflower, kale and broccoli are on my list every week, as are zucchini and other squashes when they're in season. Spinach, kale and other greens too, plus brussels sprouts, parsnips and cabbage. This steam saute method from The Clothes Makes the Girl can be really helpful for keeping things on hand and ready to go:…

It takes time. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about 4 years ago, and was at the point that I would get the kids to school and then go back to bed until they got home. The pain, the tingling in my hands and feet, the mental fog - it was horrible. My doctor told me dietary changes wouldn't help, and then proceeded to try…

Nomnompaleo.com is a great resource for solid recipes that don't focus on paleo or primal treats. It's one of the first places I search when I need ideas.

I'm pretty strict with grains, gluten, legumes, etc. while on a Whole30 and I don't paleofy any recipes either. If I'm going to give myself a little slack, it's with oils while eating out (though I try to keep that to the minimum). I do think it's up to each person to decide where their rules lie, but I try to stay pretty…

I went 110%, but I was coming to paleo from a necessarily gluten-free diet already. I made the change after a year of GF and six months as a vegetarian that left me nearly as sick as gluten did. In a sense, I think it's a lot easier when health issues spur the change - I can barely function because of pain and mental fog…

I'm intending to go through February, with a 1 day break (I promised my 10 year old we'd make dark chocolate sunbutter cups and I intend to eat one!). January's Whole30 was to give me a clean slate after some bad holiday eating. I think I'm going to use February to experiment with taking nightshades out for a while to see…

I've found that without a gallbladder, I have to stay a little higher carb than most paleo eaters. My digestion is a lot better, and so is the rest of me if I eat a sweet potato or other starchier vegetables. I'm going nightshade free for a while at the end of this Whole30, and I'm with you - I love tomatoes and peppers,…

One more that I just found: http://paleodietlifestyle.com/transitioning-to-paleo/ - it's nice to know going in what to expect! Lots of solid resources on that site too!

Here's a great breakdown from RobbWolf.com: http://robbwolf.com/what-is-the-paleo-diet/ (his whole blog is an awesome resource).If you sign up for his email list, I'm pretty sure Robb sends you some great tools like suggested shopping lists and stuff. Practical Paleo is the book I recommend the most - it's easiest to…

I don't count for a couple of reasons, but the main one is that I tend to focus more on numbers than actual nutrition or listening to my body. I also tend to start working in foods that I shouldn't be eating just because I can make them work with the final numbers (which is probably why I tend to not lose weight when I'm…

Stacy from the Paleo Parents has written quite a bit about this (paleoparents.com). This one in particular turned on a lot of light bulbs for me: http://paleoparents.com/featured/how-to-enjoy-bacon-without-a-gallbladder/. There are a few other posts if you dig around, and lots of links off of this podcast:…

My husband thinks it's all in my head, but I find kombucha after getting gluten-ed helps me get back to normal more quickly. Lots of water, too!

During my last Whole30 in September, my young cousin died quite tragically. It was hard to stay true with a few days of travel and the horrible emotions that came with it, but I was able to process in a way that I've never experienced before. I was also full of energy and able to help out my aunt and uncle in whatever ways…

There used to be a big list in the Paleo/Primal group, but here's mine: http://pinterest.com/skwidlund/ I've got multiple Paleo boards (general, treats, sides, slow cooker) and a Whole30 one that I'm careful to keep totally Whole30.

When you get through to the other side, it's worth it! Mine usually hits a little later than the norm seems to be, but upping my fat a bit definitely helps me get through.

I've done two successful rounds in the past 15 months. This third is easier in the sense that I fully know what to expect, but it's also the first time I wasn't eating a fully paleo diet going into it. The first few days were a little rougher than I was used to. This time I'm going for a Whole60 to really tighten things up!

Dried apples with cinnamon or kale chips. I can't get kale chips to taste good in the oven, but I can't stop eating them when they come from the dehydrator!

I make note of what I've eaten in my Food Notes section for accountability, but don't track calories. Personally, when I track calories it tends to lead to less healthy choices for me so this works best for me. I think it's up to whatever works best for you, and that we shouldn't be afraid to experiment to find it.

I use this recipe and we all love it: 3 lbs lean beef sliced about 1/4" thick (I ask the butcher to slice it for me or put the meat in the freezer for about an hour to make it easier to cut) 2/3 C coconut aminos (if you're okay with soy, you can use half tamari) 1/3 C water dash of ginger 3 cloves garlic, grated 2 tsp salt…

I find breaking the scale habit to be one of the most important things I take from doing a Whole30, so I'll weigh Tuesday morning and put it away. I'm planning to go for 60 days, but I think I'll probably pull it out at the end of the first 30 and do measurements. I do log my food in the Food Notes section, but I don't…

Hi everyone! I'm in for my third Whole30, but I think I've determined I'm going for a Whole60 this time.

I'm in for my third! I was going back and forth a bit this week, then made a bean soup my husband requested for dinner last night and spent most of the night nauseated and sick. Not fun, but the incentive I needed. I'm kind of debating stretching it to a 60. I'll be posting my menu plans each week on Sunday on my blog at…

I love hearing when others have great results with fibro symptoms too! That, more than anything else, is what keeps me eating paleo. And the longer you eat this way, the better it gets!

She's doing a whole series and it's so helpful! There's also one on leavening and fats and another on binders.

From the Paleo Mom - http://www.thepaleomom.com/2012/11/the-science-and-art-of-paleofying-part-1-paleo-flours.html. Really helpful!

I do this plus a good shake of red pepper flakes. So good!