This is it, friends!!! Tomorrow, we pinch. Check your email later for details about this weekend. We lost a few soldiers on the daily posts. I’ll let you know who’s still in it to win it. But everyone is more than welcome to come and get their measurements, either way.

I get asked a lot how I feel about almond milk as a replacement for cow’s milk. My first question is: For what? We’re not [...]]]> I really don’t mean to be a kill-joy. I promise. But I have to tell the truth when I am asked. And often when I am not asked.

I get asked a lot how I feel about almond milk as a replacement for cow’s milk. My first question is: For what? We’re not eating cereal. We’re not eating cookies. Why do we need a milk substitute?

Invariably, the answer then becomes, “Well what about for smoothies?” Okay, I get that. We’re busy. Sometimes liquid food is the best option when you’re on the go and there are no leftovers in the fridge.

But I am just not comfortable recommending almond milk or the boxed coconut milk beverages as a drink-by-the-glass solution. Primary reason: synthetic vitamins and emulsifiers. Man-made vitamins are simply not recognized by the body and cannot be utilized like a naturally occuring whole-food source. Instead, they’re seen as invaders which the immune system must address. Stress to the immune system is one of the main things we’re trying to avoid by eating this way. It’s a slippery slope to poor health. Not to mention, there’s research that suggests these synthetic vitamins are actually toxic and can contribute to birth defects, tumor formation and organ damage. Here’s a detailed post about commercial almond milk and how you can actually make your own.

Like making your own mayonnaise or sauerkraut, or dehydrating your own jerky … I know it can seem like “Why bother?” when you first get started. But as soon as you get in the rhythm of something, it becomes second-nature.

Removing grains, beans and dairy is a huge first step toward improving our health and I cannot WAIT to see everyone’s results on Saturday. I just want you to start thinking about how you’re going to fine-tune this lifestyle for the long haul and how you can prioritize whole foods above all else. You’re already 90% there!!

I read a great blog post today from two of my favorite healthy lifestyle gurus – Dallas & Melissa Hartwig of Whole9. They make an excellent point about us often getting bogged down in the minutae of paleo (how many [...]]]>

I read a great blog post today from two of my favorite healthy lifestyle gurus – Dallas & Melissa Hartwig of Whole9. They make an excellent point about us often getting bogged down in the minutae of paleo (how many nuts, how much fruit, can I eat bacon if it’s not pastured, etc. etc. etc.) yet still missing the big picture of hormone regulation and overall health. Please take a second to read their thoughts. Remember, the food stuff is INTEGRAL to your success in terms of overall health, energy, boosted immunity, fertility, WOD performance and looking good naked. But it’s far from the only piece of the puzzle. This is a lifestyle change. Not just a gluten-free diet.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all the mamas!

Holy cow! Only one week left! Next Friday is your “last day” on the challenge. Any guesses why I put last day in quotes? I hope you feel, look and perform better after making some positive changes to your diet and [...]]]>

Holy cow! Only one week left! Next Friday is your “last day” on the challenge. Any guesses why I put last day in quotes? I hope you feel, look and perform better after making some positive changes to your diet and are motivated to continue reading, continue researching, continue experimenting and see how far you can really go toward achieving your goals.

Fine tuning will include macronutrient ratios (are you getting enough protein, enough fat, enough carbs … too much of any of those, perhaps?) It’s rare that you’re eating too much protein, by the way.

Also look at meal timing … do you do better with fruit in the morning? Fruit only before WODs? Very little fruit on days you don’t workout? Do you need more starchy tubers (sweet potatoes, yams, winter squashes)? Especially on days you WOD? Things to watch for to help you decide are fatigue/energy levels … muscle recovery … power during workouts … plateaus in your lifting … weight loss stalls, etc. Those should be cues to tweak something. That’s why I think your food journals should continue even after our challenge is over to help you make those calls.

Also look at your ability to “cheat” – What happens when you drink beer (gluten)? What happens if you have a piece of bread at a restaurant? What happens if you have real cream in your coffee? Or put cheese on your burger patty? You can only know for sure if these things have been strictly OUT for a while and you add them back in conscientiously.

Make sure there is a militant focus on sleep in your house. I cannot stress how important this is for weight loss, strength gain, muscle recovery, immune system, etc. EIGHT to NINE HOURS in a PITCH BLACK ROOM. I’m not kidding.

Please, please, please take 10 minutes or so to read this post by Diane Sanfilipo on how to handle the end of a challenge. She makes some really important points about both the behaviors and emotions you’ll want to think about ahead of time.

Don’t forget NEXT SATURDAY (May 19) is when we do all your “after” measurements: Thruster/Burpee WOD, weigh-in, body fat, and pictures.

Then our anniversary party is the very next day where we will announce the winner!! Sunday, May 20. Please sign up on the whiteboard at the gym.

Have a great weekend!

This blog post is a few months old now, but I recently came upon it again and thought it might be appropriate for our Challengers. After one full month on Paleo, where are you in your 5 Stages of Food Grief?  :)

Share your struggles and triumphs on the more emotional side of [...]]]>

This blog post is a few months old now, but I recently came upon it again and thought it might be appropriate for our Challengers. After one full month on Paleo, where are you in your 5 Stages of Food Grief?  :)

Share your struggles and triumphs on the more emotional side of this journey, if you’re so inclined!