Diet, Questions, and Books

This week I am having issues with hunger.  I am finding that I am incredibly hungry at the end of my workday.  This is not a good thing because I workout in the evening.  I cannot eat an entire meal before going to the gym without it ending up on the gym floor.  So, for next week my focus will be on getting in the fat and protein earlier in my day and hopefully this will help the hunger pangs from creeping up on me at 4pm.

I have had a few questions via my Facebook account and I thought some of them were worth sharing here.  This is in no way professional medical advice-this is just what I have found to work for me.  Also, if I endorse a product I am not getting paid in anyway for it.  I have just found that the product works for my lifestyle and helps me.

1.  Digestive issues with switching to Paleo is common, usually constipation.

Most Americans' are deficient in Magnesium.  I have found a product called Natural Calm.  I get mine at Earth Fare Markets or Seven Grains, but I am sure it is available in many stores and also through this link to Amazon.  My favorite flavor is the orange.  

http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Vitality-Calm-Orange-powder/dp/B000OQ49ZW/ref=pd_sim_hpc_4

You can also attempt to absorb Magnesium through the skin via Epsom Salt baths.  However, I have not found it to be as effective at helping digestion as the Natural Calm.  But it is nice to soothe sore muscles.

2.  Does everything have to be organic or local?  

This is my own personal opinion, I like to support the local economy so I choose to purchase local when I have the opportunity.  It is not necessary to do, just follow the Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen lists to know what you should spend the extra money on and buy organic.

Dirty Dozen/Clean 15 listings:  http://www.organic.org/articles/showarticle/article-214

It is also good to eat antibiotic, hormone free meats.  I choose to also get the grassfed variety when it comes to my beef/bison.

3.  Is this a gluten free diet?

Yes.  This is free of all wheat products.  You may have them in moderation.  (I cannot due to my intolerance to it.)  However, if you follow the 80/20 rule you can absolutely have wheat as a "cheat meal".  It will not disrupt anything unless you have an intolerance to it. 

I am currently reading Primal Blueprint and I am waiting on my ordered book Practical Paleo to get here.  I am finding a love for educating myself on more of the medical "side-effects" that going Paleo has to offer.  Already, I experienced the dramatic change in my insulin and cholesterol.  So I am looking forward to really working hard to tweek my diet and see what other benefits I will have.