Saturday, February 12, 2011

We're going flour and sugar free



I'm anxious for Monday to get here.  Wait, that sounds bad.  I'm nervous and excited for Monday because our little family of 4 will be embarking on a no flour, no sugar diet for 7 days.  Also known as a primal diet, it is free from flour and little to no sugar.  We're a mix between a traditional foods diet and primal, currently. 

I got turned on to going primal by a new friend, who has been doing TF for about 5 years.  She said she still loves to bake and does so with gluten-free flours and raw honey and other healthy, nutritious ingredients.

Essentially, eating primal is like Atkins, only better for your health, the animals and the environment.  The animals that we eat should be fed what God intended for them to eat.  Cows don't eat grains, pigs don't eat poo, and chickens don't eat feed made from chickens.  Sadly, this is what our conventional food system is like today.  Try to find grass-fed beef, pastured pigs or free-range chickens in the store, it's virtually impossible.  Unless, of course you visit a small health food store with a good butcher.  We however, can't afford to pay $6/lb for grass-fed beef at the health food store; we bought our last beef from my aunt.  It's the most wonderful beef I've ever eaten.  We're almost out and will be now purchasing from a friend of my dad's and this time we're getting a 1/4 of a beef.

I could go on and on about this diet, but seeing as this week I've already lost 3lbs by dramatically limiting my sugar and gluten (in preparation for Monday), I can tell you that I feel better and hope to keep losing :)  The point of this 7 day "detox" is to see how much better we feel on Sunday.  My hubby has never slept well and I've read numerous times that going primal has solved many sleep issues.  We're also moody when we eat crap...like many of you out there, right???  I'll be sure to keep you up to date and later this week I'll be posting a whole bunch of links to my favorite primal websites and blogs.

Does anyone else follow a primal or traditional foods diet?

9 comments:

  1. I'm not primal but I can lowcarb, I was also gluten free for a stint, usually that first week is terrible on the body, headache, fatigue, grouchy, etc. I hope all goes well for you guys, maybe a two week try might be needed if the 'flu' like symptoms happen.

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  2. Great point and that's why this past week I've weaned myself from almost all flour and sugar. I'm praying next week won't be too horrible :)

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  3. This is very interesting. I am keen to follow your progress and read more into this.

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  4. This sounds like a really good idea! I am also looking forward to seeing how this works for you guys.

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  5. Thanks for your support everyone. I think my hubby will have the hardest time. He loves his junk food. I'll be sure to update throughout the week

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  6. I've been eating a traditional diet (Nourishing Traditions), mainly, for about 5 years. But my biggest down fall is sugar...I'm so addicted. It's crazy...I try not to eat it, but it's hard for me. For me,I crave a small piece of chocolate. We don't eat sugary items for any of our prepared meals/snacks...but I still sneak that piece of chocolate here and there, actually almost every day..it's terrible...I wish I knew of a way to NOT rely on sugar and eat/do something else to help me ween myself. I tried having a cup of herbal tea, unsweetened (that's how i like it anyway); it didn't work. I'm a tiny person and hypoglycemic, I feel like I'll pass out if I don't eat that darn sugar...if you have any info let me know. :) thanks!

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  7. Mariah,
    I'm hypoglycemic too and it bites. The more I eat sugar, the more it affects me. I have had more energy this week and none of the "sugar letdowns/feeling faint" like usual. I too love chocolate, but I'm going to convert us to very dark chocolate, 85%+. Thankfully my hubby likes dark choc. too :)

    I would suggest going 7 days w/o sugar to wean yourself. You'll realize how much better you feel once the withdraw symptoms have faded (usually 3-5 days). When I get sugar cravings, I eat meat (I prefer red, but any will do), usually leftovers. It truly helps me banish that craving and it gives my body something. healthy :)

    I hope this helps you :)

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  8. Can't wait to see how this goes. I am really trying to limit the sugar in our diet, but it's definitely difficult! Looking forward to being inspired by your success!

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  9. I am attempting to cut out sugar and white flour and it is much harder than I thought (mostly because I lack self-control, lame , i know). Hope it goes well. P.S. I love seeing blogs of people in my area of the country. Last year we moved from eastern Wa to N. Idaho.

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