How’s everyone’s week going so far? Mine is the continuation of what has been a very stressful week concerning my dogs. Fay mainly. My little baby has been diagnosed with a heart murmur (which we knew about), but some other health issues have been discovered. I drove up to College Station, TX (3 hours away) this morning for more tests. She might even have to have surgery on her heart tomorrow. I won’t go into too much detail since she is still getting tests including another ultrasound as I type this out. I will keep you guys posted on what the final diagnosis is.
Just in case you missed them:
Week 1: Paleo Diet
Week 2: Paleo Diet
Between our vet bringing these additional health issues to our attention last Monday, filling out my CASPA application, trying to figure out what is going on with my classes this semester, possible volunteering opportunities, figuring out EMT state certification after I already have my national cert (I passed the national exam two weeks ago! Yay!), you would think that I would have turned to an iced sweetened coffee or eating an entire bag of chocolate chips for some stress relief. Nope.
Last week was my third week of following the Whole 30 plan, and let me tell you, it was a struggle only with the sweets, but it wasn’t as bad as you would think. I feel like I have more willpower now to say no than I did 3 weeks ago. Sometimes I really want a cookie, but most of the time I’m actually craving a sweet potato or fruit. Who am I???
The hubs and I had a great week of eats. My favorite thing from last week? Zucchini Pesto Rollups from PaleoOMG. Really good.
Then, we used the pesto on our eggs the next morning:
Kai was just praying that I would drop the plate. No luck. haha
Week 3 Thoughts/Results:
* Weight. Technically, I’m not allowed to weight myself on the Whole 30 according to the rules, but I will say that my jeans are a little looser. My stomach seems to be decreasing in size, but I just think it is because the 24/7 bloating has decreased.
* Sugar cravings. Minimal except when hit with an extremely stressful situation. The craving usually fades within 10 minutes. I actually feel like I’m in control. Weird.
* Constipation Issues. I’m not going every single day still, but for a few days at a time. It is better than it was before, but not as good as I think it can be. Meanwhile, my husband, who had no digestive problems before I started this is going 4 times a day. I received Practical Paleo, written by the author of the website: Balanced Bites, in the mail last week from Amazon (bought with my own $$), and I’m making my way through it. I’m thinking with more diet tweaking with the help of this book, I can have the digestive system that I’ve always wanted!
It’s the small things, right? lol. But really, I’m serious. I’m loving this book so far. It even has a guide to poop…
And it explains why my stomach is messed up:
It also has some really good recipes in it along with meal plans for whatever ailment you might have. It is REALLY comprehensive in a REALLY good way. I hope that any of you struggling with stomach issues consider buying this book. I’ve already ordered a copy for my mom. 
Anyway, that was basically last week and this week so far! I’ll keep you updated with Fay!
Quix August 28, 2012 at 4:12 pm
Wow, stinks that you have had such digestive issues but very happy you seem to have found something that works!
I hope your doggie is ok, she looks super cuddly!
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marisa August 29, 2012 at 12:21 am
I really hope everything turns out for Fey!! Thanks for sharing your journey with whole30/paleo. A friend of mine did it a while back and it sparked some interest…but know I’m really considering it. I’ll have to order that book.
marisa August 29, 2012 at 12:23 am
**now not know…
AmyD August 29, 2012 at 12:54 am
A friend is doing whole30 and I’m very intrigued. I wanted to start when she did, but with a 2 week trip to Japan in the middle (I know they say no excuses), I figured that wasn’t the best time. I’ll be back from Japan in just over a week and will get serious then. I’m glad to hear it’s working for you.
I’m thinking positive, healing thoughts for Fay.
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Sarah August 29, 2012 at 11:02 am
Hope everything goes well with Fay!
Crystal August 29, 2012 at 5:53 pm
yay! I have ideal poop! and I hope your doggie is ok:)
Kirsty August 30, 2012 at 4:10 am
Hi Nicole
I thought you might be interested in reading about the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) (http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info/) and the GAPs diet http://www.gapsdiet.com/Home_Page.html
They are very similar to each other and are also similar to the Paleo diet. The main difference between them and the Paleo diet is that they concentrate on resolving your stomach issues. Initially the diet will be quite restrictive however as your stomach heals you will be able to introduce more foods.
Good luck
Kirsty
Nicole August 31, 2012 at 2:49 pm
Thank you!! I don’t mind restrictive if it will help me!
jc August 30, 2012 at 1:58 pm
It’s the veggies that make you healthy!
The Paleo Diet Is Uncivilized (And Unhealthy and Untrue).
http://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2012nl/jun/paleo2.htm
Seven Reasons Why We Have NOT ‘Evolved’ to Eat Meat
http://freefromharm.org/animal-rights/seven-reasons-why-we-have-not-evolved-to-eat-meat/?goback=.gde_1065857_member_149583971
Nicole September 3, 2012 at 9:35 am
Thank you for your very opposite opinion! I was vegan for a few months and didn’t feel any better unfortunately. I’ve done a lot of reading lately, and it seems that starches might be causing my stomach problems. More experimentation and reading is needed. Thank you for the informative links.