Where do I go from here?

First, let me say that I think each of us needs to find out what works for us and our body. I have been at this for some time now and I still have not uncovered what food choices are right for my body. I have tried a variety of options, some that work wonderfully for others. I am glad that these diets and lifestyles work for others but I have not figured out how to make them work for me.

Along my journey, I have become aware that grains (even whole grains) are not aiding in my quest to be healthy and fit. In fact, having had eliminated them during the detox, I still felt quite a bit of energy. So, I am not keen on making them a big part of my food during the day at this point. In other words, I am giving up on the food pyramid idea. I have done a lot of research and really do not see anything nutritionally about grains that I cannot get from other sources. With that and the fact that the majority of processed foods I have eaten are in the grain family, I am keeping them out of my lifestyle.

So, what does this mean? Well, again my research has led me to the primal lifestyle (www.marksdailyapple.com). Yes, I know it sounds like another fad diet (the caveman diet, paleo, etc.). But I did not land here searching for something as much as I did by knowing there was something that was impeding my progress and wanting to find something that support that. It is also something that I can do without spending a lot of money on it. I don't have to buy supplements, a diet plan, or even the book. I can just about find all the information I need on the internet and via conversations with others that I know are on this journey.

Now, he is a proponent of eliminating legumes. I am still thinking on this one. I understand the reasons and am going to keep them off my plate most of the time, but I do think that this may be one item that will fall into that 20% area from time to time (more on that later).

Then there is dairy. Well, the idea is that you are only supposed to consume high fat dairy. Of course, this should only be in moderation. Personally, I am not sure about this. I am still researching this one, so for now, dairy is out. Eventually, I may consider some cheese and such but as far as a go to item for meal planning, it will not be dairy.

Regarding the 20% area, I mention above. The idea is you are to strive to be 100% compliant but settle for 80%. So, you are not totally "off plan" if you stray a bit. So, if Tim wants to make his curried lentils one evening, well, I may choose to indulge. If the only "healthy" choice of foods at a party is hummus, I may dip my carrot into it. BUT I may choose not to as well. I am going to strive for 100% primal.

As of today, I have added a lot of protein sources back into my meal planning. So, basically other than a pita and hummus at a Lebanese restaurant on Saturday, I have avoided grain products, legumes, and dairy for a few days. I am energetic, even awaking without my alarm clock!

I have added a food page to this blog. I will be posting what I eat and such to keep myself on track to being 100% compliant and note when something falls into the 80%. I am doing this to be able to review what I am eating and to keep myself publicly accountable. Feel free to peruse it to get an idea. I hope to also add a recipe page at some point to share some of the great recipes I am using.

So, I leave with this:

"Don’t give up. There are too many nay-sayers out there who will try to discourage you. Don’t listen to them. The only one who can make you give up is yourself." -Sidney Sheldon