As many of you know we have narrowed our eating significantly in the last year and a half.  We have GREATLY reduced grains, sugar, dairy (for Brian), corn and soy.  I say ‘greatly’ because when we eat with friends or family we don’t make it a big deal. We just eat what is being served.  We have seen huge effects on our health and energy.  Brian and I have both gotten to a healthier weight and feel better!  We didn’t really know we weren’t feeling well, but now we do!  

However, now we are starting to narrow it even more.  Have you ever heard of the Paleo Diet?  Short for paleolithic?  The diet/lifestyle short and simple is meat, veggies, fruit, seeds and nuts.  It removes grains, rice, sugar, corn, beans, dairy and all processed foods.

Diary by far would be the hardest for us. I’m still not 100% sure we need to remove it, especially since we mostly use raw dairy I’m less likely to think we have intolerance issues.  There are also so many healthy aspects to milk especially and the nutrients it contains.  My boys LOVE having a glass of milk with their meals and I’m not quite sure how we would substitute it!  They also have a love affair with cream cheese, sour cream, blue cheese, yogurt and Koa and I love some good raw cottage cheese!  YUM!

After listening to Stacy from Paleo Parents speak at our latest HMN meeting I’m definitely motivated to give it a try.  She reports that dairy caused irritability, whining, inability to focus or sit still and other behavior/ADD type reactions.  (Please comment Stacy if I don’t have that right!)  I have two boys who are active, but I wouldn’t, by any means, say they have any tendencies towards ADD/ADHD. However… We definitely deal with some whining in this house!  I know that is a rite of passage for all parents, but I also would feel terrible if I’m requiring a certain type of communication or behavior that is out of reach or extremely difficult based on an intolerance to dairy.

I’m still thinking about it.  I’m one of those people that when I make a decision I will make it and stick to it.  So I need to make sure this is really something I want/need to attempt.  I also am a planner and will need to plan how we will be replacing or working around the substitutions!

All that said, if you have been following this blog, you will see a few changes in the recipes that are posted.  Mainly just doing a better job of removing most corn and beans.  I’m not planning on being 100% paleo, but I want our diets to be healthy and what our family needs.  Right now, I think these few changes will be good for us, but as I said earlier still not sold on removing the dairy!

Also, it appears that baby Aisling has allergies to eggs and soy.  The eggs will be hard since we eat TONS of them and there are lots of them in just about any baked goods that contain [amazon_link id=”B0045TR7AS” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]coconut four[/amazon_link] or[amazon_link id=”B0006ZN538″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ] almond flour[/amazon_link].  Soy is much easier though!  Since now hubby and Aisling can’t have it, there is no reason to even have it in the house!

Most of you know me and my desire to have new, exciting, and delicious foods to feed my family.  The kids aren’t very picky for the most part and for that I’m very thankful!  All that said!  When Stacy was at our meeting she brought their new book[amazon_link id=”1936608871″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ] Eat Like a Dinosaur[/amazon_link] with her for us to browse!  I’m a fan!  I saw some AMAZING recipes that would be hits in our family!  I’m so glad I got a sneak peak!  That definitely convinced me it’s a must have!  I’ve now added it as the next  book on my Amazon Wish List!

As we’ve been working on changing our diets there are some websites and blogs I’ve found helpful.  Below is a listing of some of my favorites!

• Paleo Parents – great blog on how to get the whole family to eat paleo and not just eat it, but enjoy it as well.  They also stress the importance of getting the kids involved in all parts food… shopping, prepping and eating!

• Nom Nom Paleo – Awesome resource for fantastic recipes

• Family Living Simple – More good recipes!

• The Paleo Mom – And some more yummy looking recipes and great drawings.  Also starting a few posts on the science behind paleo which is GREAT so far!

• Healthy Guts – Prego Paleo!  and recipes too!

• The Food Lovers Primal Palate – More great recipes.  Tend to be a little more labor intensive, but yummy!

There are TONS more blogs and websites out there to offer more ideas, info and support in your food choices.  Take a look and let me know what you find or what your favorite resource is!