Happy Hour 5-7 pm

First: I have to give a big shout out to Geoff and Becca for winning the Paleo Zone Challenge in January.  I have worked out with both of these people and have seen a fantastic physical transformation in both of them.  They both completed the 30 days without cheating, and truly showed what it looks like when Amanda says "The numbers don't lie." In only 30 days, Geoff lost 6 lbs, 3.25 inches, and 4.1% body fat.  Becca lost 12 lbs, 4.5 inches, and 5% body fat in the same amount of time, all from eating clean, natural foods in normal quantities, and not giving in to dietary impulses.  They are great examples showing that persistance, hard work, and dedication pays off.  Great job guys!

Speaking of giving in to impulses, Happy Friday! During the challenge, Friday Happy Hour was my toughest time.  If I could just get through 5 pm to 8 pm, I would then get tired and be okay lounging on the couch.  It was the feeling that I was missing out on something that everyone else was doing that was hard for me.  Today is extra special, because apparently it's National Margarita Day.  Cinco de Mayo usually ends up being an official margarita day for me, but now I get to add February 22 as another day that officially belongs to tequila and limes.

The great news about tequila is that it's Paleo approved.  Now, don't be fooled.  Strict paleo advises that you avoid all alcohol because of the sugar.  I'm not talking strict Paleo here, because I've been known to be over-served the liquor from time-to-time.  Here's your Friday Happy Hour, National Margarita Day, Paleo Nor-Cal Margarita recipe:

2 shots Patron or high quality tequila (this is a requirement.  Don't use Mexican toilet water tequila.  Smooth is the key)
Juice of 1 entire lime
Club Soda
Sea salt for the glass

Lime the rim and salt a tall glass.  In a shaker or another glass, add ice, tequila, lime, and fill with club soda.  Shake or mix between 2 glasses, and pour into the salted serving glass. 

These margaritas go down smooth, and are refreshing.  They are also lower on sugar and calories than most alcholic drinks.  The trick is stopping at 2 or 3.  After that, you will get tequila brain which usually ends up less than flattering at the end of the night, and you will be lucky if there is no photographic evidence of your tequila brain.  So I've heard. 

If tequila isn't your thing, then try P Diddy's brand, Ciroc Vodka.  Vodka typically isn't true Paleo, because it's made from potatoes, which are definitely not paleo.  Unless... I just got an idea - I need to find out if a) there's a sweet potato vodka on the market; or b) I can find a still - I have enough redneck around me that I actually know where to find one - and try to make me some sweet potato vodka.  Before I solve the Paleo Vodka crisis though, I can just go to the liquor store and get Ciroc, which supports the rap, clothing, and movie empires of P Diddy.  Ciroc is made from grapes, not potatoes.  Grapes are a fruit, so therefore okay.  Again, the sugar content is higher than plain ol' water, but we are talking about happy hours here, not salads.

Don't be swayed by gluten-free beers.  These are, of course, a better choice than standard beer, but beer is made from grains and more grains.  If you are trying to stay clean, no alcohol is of course best.  Beer would be pretty far down the list of acceptable paleo indiscretions.  I have a love affair with red wine, which is also paleo, but very high in sugar.  It also gives me a horrendous headache, mostly because I don't usually stop at 2 glasses.  If you are going the wine route, go for organic wines.  They do not have any nitrates or nitrites in them, which are considered to be a leading factor in the headache development program.

Enjoy your happy hour, whatever it may be.  If you are not partaking in the alcholic happy hours, then hit the gym or go to the movies.  Happy National Margarita Day!