80-20

I had a piece of pizza last night.  Actually, I had two pieces.  And, straight up, they tasted good.  Wait, isn't this a Paleo blog? Yes, it is, but remember that the Paleo diet is a healthy, happy spectrum, not a sentence.  Before you think I've failed you, let me explain (boy, if I had a dollar for every time I've heard that from my kids.)

100% Paleo, 80% of the time is the rule I choose to live by.  Most weeks these days, it's 100% of the time.  80-20 isn't going to work in every aspect of your life, but in lifestyle dietary choices, it's okay.  I don't recommend you pay your bills 80% of the time.  Or remain consistent with rules for your kids 80% of the time.  Or abide by society's laws 80% of the time.  These ratios could get you in the kind of trouble that this blog won't be able to help you with.  With eating and lifestyle though, the ratios are a tiny, and I do mean tiny, bit more flexible. 

Every couple of days, someone says to me, "Are you still on that weird/crazy/crossfit diet?" I smile, and say, "Yes, I'm still eating clean.  It's really not crazy, I just spend a lot more time thinking about and preparing real food."  I read something on one of the Paleo sites last week that talked about vegetarian diets and kosher diets.  No one asks them if they are still on their crazy diets, because God forbid we offend them in any way.  I have a good friend who's been Vegan for several years.  Yes, she's knows I'm incredulous that she will cook meat for her husband, even smell bacon, and have no earthly desire for it.  Turns out, except for meat for me and soy for her, we eat a lot of the same things.  But people just say "Ahh" to her, and accept that she eats pure, non-animal born food. 

sorry about the selfie.  But I'm home alone, haven't yet taught my dogs how to take pictures, and wanted my favorite t-shirt on the post today.

If people follow a kosher diet, which is also much cleaner than a traditional diet, no one second-guesses them either, because their diet is based out of their culture and heritage.  Dairy seems to be the big deal breaker for everyone who talks about Paleo.  "Oh, I have to have my Greek Yogurt every day.  Greek Yogurt is healthy for you, why can't you have that?"  Was Greek Yogurt anywhere outside of Greece 5 years ago? Because if it was, I don't remember seeing it in my local Giant. Somehow, people lived without it before that.

If you have spent at least 30 days detoxifying your body and getting the garbage out, and your goals are slightly less aggressive, then you can approach Paleo as a spectrum, if you choose.  Let this be a warning though: This is where the slippery slope turns into falling off Mt. Everest, so do this ONLY if you can count on your own self discipline, and you can be completely honest with yourself and others.  If you find yourself picking at a corn chip or an M & M here and there, you are not being honest or following the 80-20 rule.  I strive for 100%, and then allow a cheat meal no more than once a week if at all. My weakness is picking, so I don't do it.  If the pick starts, for me it turns into a meal.

Some Paleo Officionados include pure grass-fed dairy or ghee, a clarified butter in their diets, in limited portions.  Some include goat's milk instead of cow's milk.  Some will have rice occasionally, but not gluten.  Some will include beans here and there.  If there is one item you think about constantly, have it occasionally, but make sure you are eating clean all around it, for days on end.  For some people, it's ice cream.  Give yourself a ration, and say that once a month, if you've been clean everywhere else in your diet, you'll have a small amount to feed your obsession. 

Be honest about 80-20.  If you are stretching the truth, then go back to 100%.  Remember, you are working hard and eating clean.  By doing this, you are putting your body into a state of optimal health.  When in optimal health, it means you can survive and rebound from occasions of eating something non-paleo, if you choose.  However, remember that you will get a Paleo Hangover of some sort.  Your digestive system will not smoothly welcome the slice of pizza or bowl of ice cream after weeks of shedding toxins.  You will definitely Pay to Play. 

Here's where I stand 12 hours after my pizza ingestion.  Or rather Infestation.  I have a headache.  I will probably get a zit that was en route to a 14 year old but somehow made its way to my chin.  I have heartburn, something I haven't had in months.  My small intestine will make its presence known for two days.  Was it worth it? Sure, because I won't think about pizza for another month or two. 

Don't beat yourself up, just understand why you chose to eat something non-Paleo, and work with that understanding.  Tomorrow is a new day, and start fresh and clean once again.  I had my usual eggs, green beans and fruit for breakfast.   If you find that you are having trouble, than go back to strict basics.  Reach out to your Paleo friends not for endorsement and enabling, but for guidance and re-focus.  

I'm over the pizza thoughts now.  I'm back in the kitchen today, whipping up roasted veggies and marinating meat.  My kids would rather have pizza, but they understand and are appreciative when the real food hits the table.  Back to basics.