Human Garbage Disposals. All of us.

This is slightly off the topic of this blog, but since I’ve been doing the CSA/Farmers Market thing I’ve been asked a few times if I’m sticking to a Paleo diet because of it. Here are my thoughts…

I did the Paleo Diet for 3 months, just to see what it was all about. I liked it because I introduced myself to different ways of cooking. I worked mainly from Sarah Fragoso’s Everyday Paleo cookbook (link brings you to her website that has almost all her recipes). I introduced myself to almond flour and coconut milk. I experimented with different vegetables. I didn’t think I ate a lot of grains, but when you consciously decide to remove them from your diet, you realize how much you actually eat. It was a great learning experience. (Confession: I still ate cheese. I’m from the Midwest… pretty sure it’s illegal to NOT eat cheese. Lactose intolerance doesn’t exist – okay, yeah, it does… but I feel horrible for those people. Cheese is fantastic.)

Ultimately I decided it wasn’t for me. Many claim it’s great for weight loss. I gained weight… and not in the way I wanted. But I’m glad I gave it a try.

Slow cooker Sunday.

I have no motivation to put thought into meals today, so I’m breaking out my trusty slow cooker and throwing stuff in it. Kale, tomatoes, onion, had a can of cannellini beans in the cupboard, and a sweet potato. I think these will work together. Just need to figure out what spices to use to make it not completely “blah.” I have ground beef I purchased at the Farmers Market. I should add that to the pot too and boost the protein content.

I love making soups in my slow cooker because any that I don’t eat right away can be frozen. Nothing goes to waste… well, unless I forget about it and it develops freezer burn. Note to self: leave a reminder on the fridge that soup is in the freezer.

Hey baby, show me your Macros.

Some folks have asked about IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros), so here it goes.

Disclaimer: I am not an expert on IIFYM. This is my understanding of it based on my own research (which was not done to my usual research standards).

General concept: As long as your overall macro-nutrient totals for protein, carbohydrates, and fats are being met for the day, it doesn’t matter what specific foods you consume in order to meet those totals.

Sounds easy, right? Not so fast.

Shake it up.

The whole “buy local” rule should apply to my protein powder. I get it at a nutrition store owned by a colleague, who also happens to be the creator of the product line I use. Therefore, I’m supporting 2 local businesses… it totally counts.

I work out 6 days a week and am used to chugging a protein shake post-workout. Also, after a few days of IIFYM, using only CSA and Farmers Market food to fit my macros just isn’t feasible. Well, it’s feasible for carbs, but not for protein. I just can’t eat that much meat and even if I could, I’d be blowing my fat limit by doing so.

Right now, I’m running a tad short on my macros. I plan on blending up a smoothie to help me kick this day’s IIFYM ass. Some vanilla protein powder and just enough fruit to take care of the remaining carbs will be a nice before bed treat.

If you’re in the Northern Virginia/DC area, check out Arlington Nutrition Corner. Ten times better than GNC with people who actually know what they’re talking about… also, wholesale prices.  http://www.arlingtonnutritioncorner.com

 

AHH! I’m going to starve.

This week is going to be a disaster, I can already feel it.

My first CSA box arrives on Tuesday… which means shopping this morning at the Farmers Market was difficult. I have a vague idea of what will be in the box, but trying to buy stuff to hold me until then AND stuff to complement what’s in it is a pain in the ass. Also, I really wanted lamb chops, but the vendor didn’t have any this week. I’m at the mercy of the farms. Instead, I bought a small assortment of things without any real plan of action. *sigh*

So it begins…

I turned 33 last week. The internet tells me this is my “Jesus Year,” during which I’m supposed to make some kind of change. What better change to make than one for your health and local community? Jesus would be proud (right?).

THE PLAN

Grocery stores are BANNED! I will be walking by them protecting myself with a finger cross like some evil, unholy monster from the grave lives there for the next few months. Perhaps I should get a vial of holy water to carry around too, just in case my strongly crossed fingers are ineffective.

CSA and Farmers Market only for food. I’ll also be giving IIFYM (see below) a try.