The Paleo Lifestyle - stop worrying about what other people think...

When you embrace the Paleo Lifestyle, there is one question you will get time and time again... "What can/can't you eat!?"  Don't let that discourage you.

This quote above made me laugh because you will encounter people who don't understand "Paleo".  They may roll their eyes and say, "Oh, you're one of those."  

Think of Paleo as a LIFESTYLE.  Don't think of Paleo as a DIET.  Think of what you GET TO ENJOY.  Don't think of what you are DEPRIVED OF.  

What I've found since embracing the Paleo Lifestyle is that most of my favorite foods that I thought I'd never get to enjoy again... can be made in a healthy, paleo-friendly way!  What's more, is they taste just as good, if not better AND they make me FEEL better after eating them.

Still confused yourself on the Paleo Lifestyle?  That's okay...check out these posts:  "Paleo 101"  &  "The Paleo Pantry List"

I wanted to address a problem that I've heard some of you may be dealing with... You'd like to give Paleo a try, but don't feel supported by others.

Sometimes other people in your life can make it difficult for you to try something new.  I know it can be very difficult to try something new without feeling supported, especially by family.  Maybe they don't want to join you.  Maybe they make fun or hassle you.  That's just them expressing that they aren't ready for it.  They may fear you're going to try to make them do it too!   Don't let this discourage you.

Here's my advice...if you're not feeling supported:

Do it anyway.  Do it by yourself, for yourself.  It will take more strength on your part because you'll most likely be around food that you are trying to stay away from.

Do it for 30 days, to start.  30 days isn't as overwhelming as a lifetime.  Even if you know you want to make a lifestyle change, tell family and friends that it's something you're doing for 30 days, as a discipline.  Tell your family why you want to try this.  Here's more on how 30 Day Disciplines work.  Or don't tell them at all!  ;)

When I first tried Paleo, I committed to 2 weeks only!  I told only my husband I was trying something for 2 weeks... he could do it, or not,  I was doing it anyway.  He said he might...but guess what?  He eats what I serve him, and it was GOOD FOOD that he loved.  We also started feeling so much better and energized... so he was an easy convert;)

Start slow and prepare meals for your family that are easy swaps.  You don't have to even mention the word "Paleo".  For example, most families eat meat and veggies for dinner, they just eat other non-paleo-friendly items along with it.  If your family still eats bread and grains with dinner, for now, so be it!  Just eliminate it for yourself.  By doing this, you're not cooking two entirely different meals, you're making one...with some extras for the rest of the family.  Again, YOU have to be strong!  You also have to COOK and plan ahead.

All it takes is a decision...

1. Decide - make a choice to try eating this way for ____days.
2. What is your "why" - why do you want to try this?
3. Plan - what are you going to do to make this happen for YOU?
4. Do it! - Don't give up.  Don't let others influence you.

Remember, the only person you can change or control is YOU.  No one else.  If your family members aren't ready to make a change, that's okay!  Don't get angry.  Just focus on your progress.  Focus on how you are feeling eating this way.  If you try to force others to do something they aren't ready to do, you won't get good results;)  When it gets hard, remember your "why" (#2).

By just focusing on yourself and the positive change you've made in your life, it will show.  Others will start asking you about it.  If they ask, great.  If not, there's really no need to talk about it.  Others who are interested will come to you.  They just may want to try what's making you look and feel better too!!

If you like the Paleo Lifestyle, continue!  OWN it.  It shouldn't matter what anyone else thinks.  The only person stopping you...is you.

I'm writing this about the Paleo Lifestyle because like I said, I know some of you are struggling with how hard it is to try Paleo with other members of the family who aren't on board.  I hope this helps you.  With how much it's changed my life and health, I encourage you to try it too.  With that said, this goes for anything in your life.  Don't let others stop you from improving yourself and your health.  You deserve it!

Do what's RIGHT, not what's EASY.