Week 2!!!! Let's Do This!! aka What We've Learned So Far

*Special Announcement* 

No food update for Day 8! I will, however, include the day summary at the end of the post! This is to dedicate more time to the creation of a proper recap post.... just like the ones from the old days!

... And Then There Was Recap

So I would like to start would by voicing a few thoughts before I head into the randomness that is my view of the world. I've been really enjoying the experience of undertaking the paleo challenge so far. Although it is taxing time wise and it is one heck of a challenge, I feel supported by those around me and also, that I am doing something thoroughly good for myself... it feels right. I am especially grateful for the response I have gotten from all of you who have graciously taken the time to read, and consequently tolerate, the smorgasbord that is my lyrical thought-chewing. Finally, thanks to all the paleo-ninjas this adventure has introduced me to who have been generous in offering useful ideas and moral support.

To you all, this is for you!

Ok ok Pete, now that you have gotten that out there, can we get to the fun stuff already?


Pete: Yes voice inside my head!!


THE FUN STUFF

*Spoiler* There will be talk of nudity and cupcake squirrels ahead *End Spoiler*


NOMINEE FOR BEST NEWLY DISCOVERED MAGAZINE

Verdict: Insightful, sensible and yet, primitive. I highly recommend it to all of who are nostalgic for the old days when bashing a girl over the head and taking her to your cave was the height of romance.

FOODS I MISS

Mike from the 5 Star Panel asked me what were the foods I missed so far in the challenge.. here is my answer:
- Although some foods definitely jump out at me when I see them, what I really miss is the ease of eating whatever. Being conscious about everything I eat is the MOST challenging part. Also, organizing my time to get it done. That being said, I miss Poutine!!! haha, not really but kinda :)

THE FIVE STAR PANEL IS ALIVE!!! AND THEY ARE ROCKING THE COMMENTS!!!

Here is a choice cut of my favourite offerings by the awesome peeps that agreed (perhaps a tad masochistically) to follow my adventures!

Shawn: "Drink Vodka! Vodka soda with lime!!"

Valerie: "By the way, if you prefer the "milk" factor in your coffee, coconut milk and almond milk are really nice options, just make sure you buy the unsweetened versions."

Mike: "It seems that you have a smoothie everyday, yet 4000 years ago you would have to make a smoothie with rocks. I think you are cheating."

Mike gets a second quote here because he cares: "I would really hate to have you die in the middle of this whole process."

Fred: (New Stuff - Unposted!!): "Nice Blog by the way, I've been reading it... but I don't like the fact that you go around in the appartment organizing stuff naked... *Waits a few moments* And the house doesn't even look different!!! I think you just like walking around naked!!"

Mom: "Interesting blog----really liked all the photos and interesting info!!!   But---no bread!!!!! What---no bread---how can a person live on no bread!!!!!  Sorry cannot find the question mark!!!"

MY POWERFUL INTENTIONS REVISITED

Here they are, the list has grown!!

1. Learn more about nutrition and what kind of impact it can have on my day to day life.
2. Offer some information and, hopefully, some inspiration to those of you who have similar inclinations.
3. Take over the world.
3. Show partially naked pictures of myself on the internet.
3. Become a force of nature!! Yesssssssssss
4. Learn some new things along the way (Top 3: photography, photoshop, cooking)

5.- Accept all forms of eating as part of life and be comprehensive with people and critters who do not share your way of being. (Thank you goofy looking muffin squirrel)

6. Be balanced and, when I need it, take a day off.

RANDOM SHOUT OUT THAT ONLY PEOPLE IN AUSTRIA WILL UNDERSTAND

Crazy Dragon Clan forever!! The CDC lives!! Yeahhhhhhhhhh

FALSE PROMISES aka SO PETE YOU PROMISE NUDITY AND THEN, THERE IS NO NUDITY?!!?? SERIOUSLY WTF DUDE??

My answer to this is that I did not promise nudity per se, I simply mentioned there would be talk of nudity. Important question ahead!! I am officially taking idea suggestions for my next before/after picture series. You liked the Red Star/Aviator/Striped Boxer thing but would rather a less communist look?? Have an idea that you think would rock? I'm all ears!! 

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED - WHAT I WILL IMPLEMENT

What I've learned:

- Going from free for all to paleo is challenging! Planning and good resources for support are key!

- Spaghetti Squash = Not so mysterious after all

- Eating Paleo is paleo frikin' delicious. I am thoroughly enjoying every meal and the reality is, when you can't eat things like pasta, bread, poutine, yoghourt... things that you have craved and enjoyed in the past, your body adapts. You start dreaming about that vegetable stir-fry and your mouth foams up at the thought of heading out to the spice store. Funny how life works sometimes.

What I will implement:

- Sleep! Sleep is important! I will sleep morzzzzzzzzz

- Be real about budgeting. Find a balance here once this month is over and I have all the appliances and side products I need!

- Make it social: Get my friends involved in some of my meals to make it more fun-tastic.

RESOURCES

One's I have used already:

- http://www.crossfitcapop.com/ - a great site for you Montreal Cross Fit enthusiasts

- http://www.bodytalkbalance.ca/ - a powerful ressource for Body Talk therapy and also features some useful paleo links!

- Robbwolf.com - the website for "The Paleo Solution", my first inspiration and source in undertaking this challenge

One's I will look into more fully:

- http://www.fermeducoqalane.com/ - site for a local farm where the meat is grass fed and optimal for a paleo diet

- http://whole9life.com/ - a thorough, detailed resource for paleo practitioners 

- Fitday.com - a fitness journal to help calculate just what's in that food you eat

This is just the tip of the iceberg; there is a lot I am omitting on purpose to avoid overpopulating this list. I will add to it next week!

YOU WERE PATIENT,,YOU WAITED FOR IT... EVEN READ THROUGH THE BORING PARTS!! HERE HE IS FOR AN ENCORE: GOOFY LOOKING CUPCAKE SQUIRREL!!

Its not that simple! 

Today, I met up with Melanie, a fellow paleo enthusiast to talk shop. After discussing all things paleo, we decided to do some...

CAVEMAN (AND CAVEWOMAN) HUNTING!!!

Your Heroes:

Melanie and Pete

*Just heard it's squirrel hunting season*

*ruffling in the bushes*

"What that be??"

"It be Goofy Looking Muffin Squirrel!! Get him!!"

"You'll never catch me. I'll hide up in a tree!"

"Caveman able climb trees. Paleo Stab! booyah!!"

Squirrel: "I surrender"

Pete and Mel: "Looks like well be eating cupcakes after all... hahahahaha"

And there you have it folks! I'm looking forward to week 2 and to keep owning this challenge!

SUMMARY OF DAY 8

Budget = 10$ on a lb of bacon and a lb of lean ground meat

Hours slept = 8

Peace!!