30 Day Paleo Challenge

Hi Fit Foodies,

As you know I have a love for healthy eating and I am a strong believer in eating whole natural clean foods. Over the last two years, I have experimented with different healthy “diets” to in a bid to find one that would effectively fuel my lifestyle. However I dislike the connotations of “diets” and I strongly believe that healthy eating should be an all-round sustainable life choice, which is why I’m drawn again to the Paleo lifestyle.

Paleo is short for Paleolithic in reference to early humans. This lifestyle is fueled by foods consumed by early humans with a focus on organic grass-fed meats, fish, vegetables and fruits. It does not allow for processed foods, dairy, soy, legumes and grains, making it completely gluten free. Many dieticians credit the paleo diet as one of the healthiest ways you can eat because its nutritional approach works in line with human genetics allowing for a leaner, stronger and more energized you.Over the next 30 Days, I will be solely sticking to this diet and I would love for you to join me, 7 people already have!

Download Week 1- DFF Paleo Challenge

Download Week 2 – DFF Paleo Challenge

Here is a basic chart of what you can eat and what you should avoid. I realize that for some of you the foods on the “Avoid” list might be making over 50% of your diet right now but research shows that many of these foods are hormone unbalancing and inflammatory. Over the next 30 days you will change your approach to eating, allowing your body to heal and recover naturally. You will be happier and more energized and be well on your way to the healthiest version of you.

EAT

Organic Grass-fed Meats

Seafood

Eggs

Non-starchy Vegetables

Squashes and sweet potatoes

Fruits

Nuts and seeds

Olive, coconut, and avocado oils

Herbs and spices

 

Guidelines

1. Calorie counting is not encouraged on a Paleo diet. Eat generous amounts of lean animal proteins, beef, wild caught fish and free-range eggs.

2. Get to know your healthy fats, coconuts, avocado and olive oil; and use them your cooking. Paleo encourages fat consumption but as always remember that moderation is key.

3. Eat generous amounts of fresh or frozen vegetables, cooked and raw. There is no such thing as too much veggies! Eat starchy veggies like sweet potatoes and squashes in moderation.

4. Eat moderate amounts of fruits and nuts. Try to eat mostly fruits low in sugar like berries; strawberries, raspberries, blackberries etc.

5. Cut out all cereal grains and legumes from your diet, i.e. wheat, rye, barley, oats, corn, brown rice, soy, peanuts, kidney beans, pinto beans, navy beans and black-eyed peas.

6. Vegetable Oils are a no-go area. Bye bye margarine, soybean oil, corn oil, peanut oil, canola oil, safflower oil and sunflower oil. Additionally, eliminate refined sugar and soft drinks, if it’s in a box, don’t eat it.

7. Eat when you’re hungry and snack in between meals to keep your metabolism moving.

8. Sleep at least 8 hours everyday and try to keep your stress levels down.

9. Last but not the least have fun, laugh and remain happy. Give in to your cravings every now and then; it’s a lifestyle not a sentence.

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter on @Dubaifitfoodie. Every day I’ll be posting pictures of my meals along with tips for making the transition to this diet easier. Feel free to comment and ask questions. Tag your posts with #PaleoWithDFF so I can see what you’re up to, and so you can share recipes and tips with other members of the Dubaifitfoodie community.