How I Started Eating Primal

About two years ago my now boyfriend introduced me to a book that little did I know, would have a big impact on my lifestyle.  That book was “The Primal Blueprint” by Mark Sisson.  I also started reading his blog at http://www.marksdailyapple.com.

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I am not a dietitian or nutritionist so I am not going to get all scientific on you.  Eating primal (very closely related to paleo) is based on eating and moving the way our ancestors did….yes cavemen.  Which is why this is often called “The Caveman Diet.”  After reading the book I decided to give it a try and started eating a new diet that consisted of mainly:

  • Meat, Fish, Poultry
  • Eggs
  • Nuts
  • Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
  • Minimal Dairy

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I removed from my diet the following:

  • Simple Carbs (White bread, flour, rice, etc)
  • Processed Foods

I began to see improvements within just the first month.  I lost some weight, nothing drastic, but it felt great.  I definitely gained more energy too which of course helped me want to stay active most days of the week.  This new diet combined with new activities including yoga and crossfit have put me in the best shape I’ve ever been in.

Humps to get over

When I tell people about my diet they are often pretty skeptical.  When I first started eating primal the hardest part was that I was starting to eat FAT.  Yes animal fat…from steak, from chicken, and from a lot of BACON!  I thought “no way.” If I was eating all of this FAT then I was going to gain weight, right?  Wrong.  Cutting out carbs and processed foods re-programs your body.  It will start to burn the fat you are introducing.  Think of the fat as your fuel.  This is the fuel humans were created to run on and burn.  Okay, that’s about as scientific I’ll get!

2010

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2013

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The pictures above may not even look that different but all I know is adopting a primal lifestyle has made me the strongest and healthiest I have ever felt!

Take Me Back Tuesday – Aruba!

If you take a look through my passport you might find an Aruba stamp on every page.  My parents have had a time share there for about 10 years now so I have been quite a few times.  It is an absolutely beautiful island!  The locals are friendly, there are a ton of activities to do, and beautiful places to see.  Aruba has something for everyone from families to couples to friends!  I have always gone during the month of January which has always had perfect weather.  Although I hear it’s pretty much perfect year round.

Accommodation

The La Cabana

The La Cabana is an awesome resort off of the hi-rise strip and right across from the beach.  I haven’t been there in a few years but my parents said that they have been doing a ton of renovations recently so it just keeps getting better and better!

Pool

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Pool Bar

They have great happy hours with live music!

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My Favorite Things To Do

Kukoo Kunuku (Pronounced koo-koo koo-noo-koo)!

This has always been one of my favorite things to do in Aruba.  This crazy and fun school bus picks you up at your hotel.  You first stop for a champagne toast at sunset up on a hill.  It’s gorgeous!  Then they take you to a local residence to have dinner.  The night really gets started with stops at three different local bars around the island.  It’s a blast!

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The Jolly Pirate Snorkeling Tour

This snorkeling tour is so much more than that!  The snorkeling is really cool and takes you around a ship-wreck but on top of that you get open bar, snacks, and the chance to jump off the rope swing!  Or hop on the “captains” back and flip into the water.  You also get to see an amazing sunset!

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The Tattoo Booze Cruise

This one is for the party people!  I went on this with my friend when we were about 20 years old.  It goes out at night and is a lot of fun with a ton of music and dancing.  They also have a 3 story enclosed water slide that empties into the Caribbean sea….can’t believe I did that!

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Four Wheeling to the other side of the island

There are a bunch of different companies that do these tours.  I’ve done a couple but they all pretty much go to the other side of the island to show you some gorgeous uninhabited beached and cliffs.

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Restaurants / Bars

  • The Sopranos Piano Bar – A super fun and intimate piano bar.  You can stand right next to the piano and request songs!
  • The Flying Fishbone Restaurant – An absolutely gorgeous sunset with tables are in the sand right on the water.  Great for a special night!
  • Texas de Brazil – A Brazilian Steakhouse.  You just can’t go wrong at a Brazilian Steakhouse.

You really can’t go wrong in Aruba.  It’s an awesome place to get away to a beautiful place, relax, and have some fun!

Grilled Spinach and Feta Burgers

I made it through Monday!  Is it strange that I feel like that every Monday night?  It’s always such a long day.  It looks something like this:

  • 8:30AM : Arrive at work
  • 6:00PM: Leave work
  • 6:30 – 7:30 : Gym time 
  • 7:30 – 8:30 : Grocery shop
  • 8:30 – 9:15: Cook dinner
  • 9:15: Eat dinner
  • 9:45: Shower
  • 10:00 : Plop in my bed and turn on the computer

Yeah, that type of day pretty much wipes me out.  But it feels good to get a sweat in, have a nice healthy dinner, and make yummy lunches for the rest of the week!  Eating healthy is all about preparation so my Mondays are key to that.

Workout

Tonight for my workout I chose the Crossfit WOD called “Helen.”  It wasn’t crazy intense but a good workout to ease back into the week.

Helen

Three Rounds for Time ( I ended up finishing just over 13 minutes)

  • 400 meter run (The first two I ran at 7mph and the third at 8mph)
  • 21 kettle bell swings
  • 12 pull ups

Dinner

I’ve really been loving making different types of burgers for my Monday dinner / weekday lunches.  They’re simple, especially on the grill, filling, and great as left overs for lunches.

Grilled Spinach and Feta Burgers

  • 1.5 lbs grass-fed ground sirloin (this will make 5 burgers)
  • 1 cage free large egg
  • A handful of fresh organic spinach (chopped up)
  • Feta Cheese
  • Sea Salt
  • Pepper
  • Garlic

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Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.  I didn’t really measure the ingredients, just eyed it.  Form the beef into 5 different patties.  Place over medium heat on the grill for 5-7 minutes on one side.  Flip the burgers and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

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I paired my burger with some quinoa and roasted veggies.  What a delicious meal!

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