Convincing the masses

One thing I need to learn while eating Paleo is that we don't have to convince anyone that this is a healthy choice for our family.  My husband and I are both intelligent adults who have been given charge of raising these beautiful children and don't need to justify our decisions to friends and family.  Phew...now that I've stated that I need to learn to live it.  I mean seriously, why do I feel the need to be in agreement with everyone.

I have had several well intending friends and family members ask if I think this is a good idea for the kids.  I can't believe we think that people think the way we've been eating is a better idea than eating a diet filled with fruits, vegetables and meat.  What we are eating is natural and vitamin packed.  It is the food God created and intended for us to eat.  God didn't create us to consume chemicals and high fructose corn syrups with every meal.  Does it really make sense to think that we are better off eating man made foods compared to food grown naturally in nature?  Ironically the majority of people don't see this, or maybe they are blinded by their sugar addictions.  :)

We have completed 3 full days of Paleo.  Tannin tells me that for the first time since he can remember his stomach doesn't hurt, Andy hasn't used hardly any insulin, I've lost a few pounds and most importantly we have spent a lot of time together in the kitchen.

Time Consumption

Eating Paleo is time consuming...meal planning, shopping, cooking and washing dishes.  I feel like the last couple days I've lived and breathed food.  I guess I didn't realize how often we used take out and pizza as a go to.  We have eaten unhealthy for so long and have truly enjoyed the convenience of processed junk.  I'll admit there was a part of me last night longing to pull out some noodles or hamburger helper and make a quick meal.  And it struck me that this is only day 2.  If we are truly making a lifestyle change I can't be longing for the days of convenience, I need to learn how to make this new lifestyle convenient.

Most likely this means taking a Saturday or Sunday and prep cooking pancakes, egg muffins, meats and chopping veggies.  Learning to make some staple dishes that my family enjoys and I can whip out in 15 minutes.  It's ironic that I was thinking we'll get bored of eating like this yet we could eat pizza 5 nights a week and never tire of it.  *sigh*

Yesterday we experimented with banana pancakes.  The kids weren't too sure that just mixing some bananas, almond butter, eggs and cinnamon in the blender would really make a pancake.  To everyone's surprise and delight it was delicious!  Tannin cooked them for everyone.  I have to say that it is wonderful seeing Tannin take on a more active role in the kitchen.

For lunch we had tacos.  Kat was not convinced that she could eat a taco without a taco shell.  She cried and refused to eat, Tannin discovered that tomatoes aren't as bad as he imagined and Drew ate everything in front of him with joy.  Funny how they are all so different.

Dinner for the kidos was easy...bacon, eggs and melon.  I have to admit it seemed strange to not serve bread with this meal as it has been a staple with bacon and eggs as long as I can remember, but they didn't even ask for any.  While the kids were at church Andy and I enjoyed steaks cooked in bacon grease, mushrooms & onions with a sweet potato.

As I finish up yesterday's blog Tannin is at the stove trying another go of his banana pancakes and Kat is anxiously waiting to enjoy them.

Did you really just say that?

Day 1 of our Paleo lifestyle.  Kat decided to start her protest early and refused to drink her breakfast smoothie.  This is going to be a long month is all I could think.  I was encouraged when I read another blog that talked about the Try 3 Times rule.  The idea behind it is that it takes trying something on 3 separate occasions before they become accustomed to it and like it.  So I won't give up and I won't give in.  I survived the terrible 2's, how hard can this be?

Yesterday the kids helped me pick 5 buckets of apples so we decided to make some applesauce for lunch.  It was fun, Tannin loved it and was very impressed with what he made.  He picked, cut, cooked and then put the apples in the food mill.  Not only are we eating something healthy, it was free and we had fun as a family making it!

For lunch we had  baked chicken breast topped with onions and mushrooms, asparagus and freshly made applesauce.   Tannin ate the asparagus and said it wasn't too bad.  Wait, did I hear you right?  Did you really just say that?  Big surprise Kat didn't like hers.