Guest Posting on Paleo Parents, Balanced Bites Seminar, and Overcoming Sugar

I am over-the-moon excited about my new role over at the Paleo Parents’ Blog. I get first dibs on some of the latest books coming out in the Paleo arena as well as sample new products. Best of all, I get to share my opinions and interact with the community on a larger scale. I first met Matt and Stacy at one of their Paleo Meet-ups at their house in Virginia. I was so happy to find out they were in my local area and were so in to fostering community. Despite an unfortunate incident involving me not being able to find their front door, they put first impressions aside to invite me on board along with some other fantastic women. Stay tuned for my first book reviews coming up later this month.

Another memorable event this month was last weekend’s Balanced Bites Seminar here in DC. It was an amazing opportunity to be a part of what may be Diane and Liz’s final seminar together, at least for the foreseeable future. They were both as lovely and gracious as I would have thought based on listening in each week on their podcast. I even got to snag the photo above, thanks to Stacy (of Paleo Parents) and Anne (also on the Paleo Parents’ team). I almost punked out, but they didn’t let me. True friends! It was also a treat to meet Primal Toad (I gave him a ride back to his hotel) as well as hang out with Bill and Haley from The Food Lovers. They are just adorable and their newly adopted little puppy was too cute for words. As someone who really immerses myself in all this Paleo Stuff, it was like the internet coming to life. Such a blast!

Underlying all this Paleo excitement lingers a bit of a personal tension. Since my last Whole 30, I’ve been struggling with my relationship with food in general and sugar in particular. I’ve found myself overeating to the place where I start to feel uncomfortable and even have gotten heartburn later a couple of times. I can’t really remember the last time I experienced this kind of behavior.  I also crave sweets and have turned to Paleo baking and chocolate. Although I feel calm on the surface, I think I’m dealing with some latent stress that I’m suppressing. I guess I need to spend some time with myself figuring out what that’s all about.
 

I’m also going back and forth about doing another Whole 30. I can honestly say that when I was coming towards the end of this last attempt (I made it 26 days, I think), I really felt fantastic both mentally and physically. But, obviously I was still fighting it, evidenced by my ending early and going slightly off the rails since. I both crave and rebel against the structure of it. I’m leaning towards giving it another shot, mostly because I’m simply not feeling great right now.

All this is to say that I surely do not have all this figured out. I’m not much for weighing myself lately, but I can confidently say that I’m proud to have kept off the lion’s share of the 50 lbs I initially lost going low carb, then Paleo (based on clothing). I’m in this for the long haul. My number one goal is to get myself back to feeling fabulous again. I know from experience that focusing on nourishing myself with food and working out is the way to get there. That breeds a feeling of accomplishment that spurs me on. So that’s what I’m going to do: keep up The Smarter Science of Slim workouts (these have been going great, by the way), and get back on track with my food. Whether that’s with a Whole 30, 21 Day Sugar Detox, or just my own version of strict Paleo is to be determined. I will keep you posted.

Are you struggling with any of this stuff, or is it just me? Chime in an let me know how it’s going.