Monday, October 29, 2012

Kids - They are What They Eat

It has definitely been a journey so far with introducing my sons to the paleo way of eating. I would second guess myself CONSTANTLY. And then there were those weeks that I realize they are back to eating pretzels and graham crackers for snacks since it is easy and cheap. Those were the weeks Jacob, my now 4 year old, tantrumed constantly throughout the day. I'd chalk it up to a coincidence each time. I'd get my paleo kick back and prep all the foods and snacks throughout the week, having carrots, broccoli, apples, bananas...all ready for them to munch on throughout the day. Those Paleo weeks...did they just HAPPEN to be the weeks my son shared with his 2 year old brother, was super focused (actually responding to me when I said his name...literally it takes 15 times and physically moving his head to get his attention on some occasions. Well not some occasions...the non-paleo occasions, to be more specific), and was an all around complete angel? I had to have my sister talk some sense into me...nope...not a coincidence at all.

It's plain hard to change a 3 old's olds eating habits. When they grow up LOVING, and i mean LOVING graham crackers dipped in milk as a special snack, it is hard to take that away. You feel guilty like you are taking away their teddy bear they've had since they've been a baby. Its all in our minds, Moms. I passed up graham crackers in the supermarket one of the first weeks we started paleo with the kids. Jacob asked for them a couple of times the first week. I showed him we didn't have any. Not much he could do really. He might have thrown a fit or two that week, but then he saw the big bowl of fruit on our counter. He realized he could just pick anyone he wanted...any time of the day...and I'd say yes. Woh. That was cool. Week 2 of no graham crackers; he totally forgot about them.

I seriously thought it would be harder than cleaning out the pantry. But the hardest part was getting myself out of my own head. It all boils down to the simple fact, Kids will eat if they are hungry. So when they are hungry, if you have actual food around and not the sugar-filled, boxed, chemically altered snacks...then you may just realize how awesome your little one can be when they feel good too. I have witnessed first hand with myself and my kids....we are what we eat.

- Jacob, my 4 year old, eating his new favorite dinner...chicken wrapped in spinach leaf "blankets."

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Pregnant and Paleo

So this isn't Cindy...it would be a surprise to many of you if it was and she was the one expecting...for the 6th time. It's her sister, Kim and my husband and I are expecting child #3 in March. This will be the first pregnancy since I have gone paleo. My pregnancy has become our new little experiment. There will probably be many posts in the next couple of months regarding my quest to maintain my paleo lifestyle while growing a little one in my belly.
So this much I can tell you so far... If you are going to get pregnant or already are...eat paleo. I still consider myself a paleo 'newbie.' I started in February of this year (2012) and found out we were pregnant in July. So with a couple months under my belt I already knew it was something I would follow for life. It wasn't a diet for me...but a lifestyle change. When we just found the good news, I researched like crazy for paleo pregnancies and how it all works. Were there things and nutrients I was missing out on? Was I hurting my baby? I'll save you the time I took researching and just let you in on the Answer...absolutely not.
Top reasons I stayed on my paleo diet while pregnant:
  • So much more energy than my other pregnancies.
  • My hormones are actually 'normal' - Those nights I have a little too much popcorn (one of the non-paleo salty cravings I do still indulge in once in awhile.) I wake up cranky, with a headache, and crying about something. Eating paleo makes me feel normal and sane. (And my husband stays happy too...a must!)
  • They tell you to eat good food while you're pregnant. Duh - that's paleo. All the blogs and apps that give you daily and weekly pregnancy updates on what you should be eating...they all say eat veggies, fruit, proteins for your vitamins. Stay away from excess processed sugar - check. Increase your DHA with avocados, walnuts and wild-caught salmon. Hmm...Sounds like a paleo meal I make on a Friday. Everything that you think you are missing from whole grains, you are getting from the vitamins in veggies, fruits, nuts, and meats.
So I'm 19 weeks pregnant now. I feel amazing with tons of energy. I'm glad too since we are getting into my favorite season where the boys and I can get outside to play!!!
Pumpkin Patch Adventure last week with me and the boys.
Nap time is over, so my writing time is done for today. More random pregnancy thoughts will come soon I'm sure...
-Kim