“Planning” is a verb precisely defined as:

1. ”to formulate a scheme or program for the accomplishment, enactment, or attainment of”

2. “to have as a specific aim or purpose; intend”

3. “to draw or make a graphic representation of”

I’m most confident you know this already. Therefore, you’re probably wondering why I have just spelled it out in my blog this morning. Because…….

It is going to be the very core of your Paleo Success!

Forrest summed it up as number’s 6 and 7 in his 7 tips included in his most recent blog.

I’ve had many of you ask me, “Amy, how do you do it with 2 little monsters, a full-time professional outside the home and all the stuff that comes in between?”

“How do you consistently eat healthy?”

“What do you recommend for easy snacks, quick meals?”

“What do you do when you travel?”

My simple answer is “I plan”.  

You must understand that planning to eat clean, healthy meals and snacks are a TOP priority in my household. Why?

Allow me to share a little of my childhood with you.

See, I grew up in an amazing, loving Italian family where gathering at the table each evening for a meal was a priority, food was readily available at any gathering and if you didn’t sit down and eat, regardless of your satiety level, it was RUDE! (I’d always give any date a heads up….bring your appetite!)

Now, I’m very much like my mom in that I’m extremely family oriented and believe family meals should be a priority in the home. This is actually a perfect time to educate my kids on what and why we are eating what we are eating. Thank you Mom!

However the not so good takes of childhood meals – I clearly remember being taught (or forced) to ALWAYS clean my plate. As you can imagine I was ”the clean plate club champ” (ha!). My brother and I would seriously fight over the last scoop of mashed potatoes and debate who could eat the most pizza. Can you just see me?

NO, YOU CAN’T!!!! (I’ll pretend)

But sadly, it’s true. Thank goodness for a speedy metabolism and athletics to keep me from exploding.

Then one day, sometime in 8th grade when my friends obsessed over the number of calories from fat they consumed I realized my metabolism wasn’t going to hold up as well as little bro’s. I needed a plan.

Hmmm??? I think I’ll become a lacto-ovo vegetarian. That’s the ticket! AND I’ll start counting those fat grams too. Snackwell’s anyone?

Really….What did all this mean? Would I have to worry about my weight? How I feel from what I eat? Why do I carb load before a Cheerleading tryout, Volleyball game or Softball tournament? (Carb Loading at my parents or grandparents was an easy task to say the least. We had pasta hanging from the ceiling! )

That’s about the time my interest in nutrition and fitness sparked and it continues to amplify to date. 

Which brings me back to the reason why planning healthy, clean meals is a top priority. I firmly believe that nutrition, fueling our bodies appropriately is the key to overall health and well-being. Athlete or not, it all starts there.

We’re beginning week #2 into the Paleo Challenge and I wanted to share with you what I do to stay focused and in compliance to a Paleo Lifestyle. I’m not going to lie – planning ahead can get tough.

Above is a visual of this week. I take one day, usually a Sunday to follow the list below.

1. Shop the Perimeter.

I stick to shopping the perimeter of the grocery store, minus the almonds (nuts), tuna fish, olives and freshly ground Almond Butter (Whole Foods – thanks to the Nelson’s & Mendy W it is the ONLY almond butter I find tasty). See the Walden’s Supermarket Tour (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMUxmK87Obk&feature=player_embedded) and (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mUvcJej53s&feature=player_embedded). It’s a fabulous guide and a perfect reminder of Paleo tips (especially meat & eggs). 

Quick tip - think variety & lots of different colors to guarantee you consume all essential nutrients.

2. Wash, Cut, Season, and Cook.

I season any chicken or meat needed for both lunch & dinner. I grill, bake or pan sear enough for my lunches. If I choose to have fish for lunch I grill it on the Foreman while cooking my scrambled egg whites in the AM. It’s ready in no time. I also boil 18 eggs (cage free) at the beginning of every week. I wash and cut my raw veggies and fruits. Then they’re ready to go for all my meals and snacks. For example: 1 bunch of celery, 1/2 bunch carrots, 1 carton of grape tomatoes, 3-5 cucumbers, 1 eggplant, 1 small bag organic baby spinach leaves, 2-3 small sweet potatoes (1/2 small = 1 serving for me). For fruit I love berries (Strawberries, Blackberries, blueberries, raspberries), apples, oranges, kiwi and avocado. The key here is small; think baseball size. I pre-portion in Tupperware containers 1/4 – 1/2 cup to have handy for lunch or snacks. Anytime I eat a fruit snack I ALWAYS combine a protein source. I also purchase ~8 Primal packs weekly to have on hand for an emergency or a planned snack.

3. Keep It Simple.

I love to cook and I enjoy trying and creating new recipes, but for me it’s not realistic on a weekly basis. I have to keep it simple. If my kids enjoy taco seasoning and BBQ sauces I’ll use it on theirs, but am capable of saying, “no” for mine. I use fresh and ground spices and herbs (ie: cinnamon, cumin, basil, peppers, ginger) to add flavor to all our meals, alongside olive oil.

4. Pack it Paleo.

I’ve always been a brown bagger! Yes, I’ll pack a cooler for any occasion – the office, car, plane, D1 - just ask my co-workers they’d attest. I can usually find something Paleo on the road but unfortunately have my reservations about “fast food”. It’s just NOT Paleo. I don’t let the funny comments of co-workers get to me – I’m proud to pack it Paleo!

5. Drink Up.

Aqua, Aqua, Aqua! To make it more interesting and appealing for the entire gang I wash and slice limes, lemons and oranges to give it natural flavor. I love that my kids ask me for water and not juice. They enjoy receiving a surprise slice of fruit in their cups too.

I’ve never been a big milk drinker but do keep unsweetened Almond Milk on hand for that special occasion or if my little guy wants a gulp of chocolate milk (he doesn’t know the difference & I stick it in the freezer for a thicker, creamier consistency which he then thinks he’s getting a milkshake:).

When you’re feeling weak try repeating to yourself, “I’m going to win this and giving into this weak moment is not ok”. Turn and walk away!

Looking forward to eating clean and a successful week #2 with all my fellow PC friends!