My first experience with paleo or primal eating was in 2009 when I was competing in CrossFit competitions and my nutrition coach at the time, James Fitzgerald, encouraged me to give up grains, sugar, alcohol and what felt like everything I lived on. Following his instructions, I was able to drop fat, lean out, become lighter and my diet enabled my body to recover faster all while building lean muscle.
My diet consisted of green vegetables, salads, fresh fruit, lean protein, eggs, fish, some nuts and seeds and other good fats. This diet allowed me to get down to a very low body fat. I cut out processed foods, grains and sugars; I felt great and had loads of energy. My training goals became reachable, I was stronger and faster.
Since then, I have suffered multiple debilitating back injuries while Olympic lifting, adrenal fatigue, a new career to get going, a divorce and in general a shift in my life. My digestion literally shut down while all of this was going on, literally shut down. I tailored my diet to suit what my body needs. I love cooking and I follow my eating style, still staying clean, focusing on plant based foods and adding quality protein to each meal. I no longer train 6 days a week so my protein requirements are lower. I no longer kill myself to have 10% body fat, and I am in a much happier place. I am not fanatical about maintaining a strict paleo diet, I choose to approach my diet and training differently. I have more rest days, more yoga, more meditation, more family and friend time. Do I still smash out the odd CrossFit workout? Hell yes, but I love it so much it’s a slippery slope for me, once the switch has been flipped, it’s all or nothing, and that is not always a good thing. For me, moderation is the key to my health in the gym and in my diet.
Although most of my recipes and the way I continue to cook remain very primal based, I choose to add in some gluten free grains. I’m not 100% paleo, no, more like 80% and I enjoy it. My focus is a healthy balance of vegetables, some fruit, not loading my plate with meat and choosing clean sources of animal protein along with some plant-based proteins. I very rarely consume dairy and when I do; my preference is goat cheese or raw cheese because I’m aware of what my body can tolerate.
One cannot deny the science behind a paleo diet and the metabolic benefits, the ability to lower cholesterol levels, improve glycemic control and undeniably lower fasting insulin levels. I believe in a balanced diet and I have realized with blogging and sharing my opinions on food, nutrition and recipes that you cannot please everybody. I have my own version of a healthy diet and I adapt my recipes to suit what my needs are. I use whole foods, in balance and I encourage you to find out what balance is right for you.
My favorite fast dinner or lunch is soft boiled eggs on a bed of fresh greens and sriracha dressing. It could not be easier and requires very little time or cooking skills. It is the perfect example of clean, primal living.
Soft Boiled Eggs
Place eggs in boiling water, cover and continue to cook for 6 minutes. Drain, run cold water over the eggs until cool enough to handle. Peel the eggs or crack in half and scoop the eggs out with a spoon.
Sriracha Dressing
Serves 1
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon raw honey
- juice of ½ lemon
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil or MCT oil
Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl and spoon over the eggs and greens.
Additions: black sesame seeds, seaweed, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
