Paleo Revisited

Last summer, on my flight home from a conference in Miami, I read Doug Willen's book, entitled "Quantum Paleo." It was the first literature I has read about the Paleo, or Caveman, diet, and it opened my eyes to a whole new way of thinking about food. I immediately jumped onto the diet without really evaluating the why or how, and quickly discovered that it simply wasn't the right time in my life to make a change of that magnitude. But the idea has been pecking away in the back of my mind ever since, so over the past few months I've been doing more and more reading on the Paleo lifestyle, exploring recipes, and talking to others who eat Paleo.

Over Christmas holidays I decided to start slow. Immediately after Christmas, I eliminated gluten from my diet, and stopped drinking dairy products. Within a few days I felt a dramatic change. All the bloating and fullness in my abdomen disappeared, my energy level increased, I started sleeping better, and I no longer felt tired and burnt out mid-afternoon every day. I also noticed benefits when exercising. I was running further and faster without getting as tired, I was recovering more quickly, and I was less sore in the hours and days following a strenuous workout. All that from eliminating wheat (I never ate much rye or barley anyway, so gluten free for me is mainly wheat free)? It couldn't be that simple. But it appeared it was.

Within a couple of weeks I realized the jump to Paleo would not be too hard. The only other staple grains in my diet were rice and corn (my husband is Mexican and we eat a lot of corn tortillas), and rarely eat refined sugar, so how hard could it be? Well, we'll see. Yesterday I began my new Paleo eating and am very excited to see what this new lifestyle change will bring!

Sickie-wickie

Yup, Dylan's sick. The nasty flu bug that seems to be hitting everyone lately. Today is day 4.

It started Friday when we were at the endo appointment, though at that time it was only a stuffy nose and sore throat. By Saturday morning he was vomiting (only once thankfully), weak, achy, coughing, and had a fever ranging from 101 to 102. With no appetite, bg levels were the biggest concern, but they held steady for once! Sunday was more of the same all day. He managed to get up long enough to have a shower and change into clean pj's, but that was the extent of his activity.

Today I am hoping he is on the mend. Fever is down to 99, but nothing else has changed. Appetite still absent, weakness still present, and the cough is getting nastier and nastier.

I have been texting back and forth with the endo all weekend, updating her on his status. With his bg in range and no difficulty holding down fluids, however, there is really nothing she can do for him. We just have to wait this one out and hopefully he'll be back on his feet in the next couple of days.

My 48

Cherise Shockley, founder of DSMA and DOC member extraordinaire, suggested members of the DOC complete this little Meme as a fun way to get to know each other better. So here's mine...

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?

Nope. I was adopted as a baby and am not named after anyone in either my adoptive or biological family.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
I cry often. I'm a romantic and the simplest, cheesiest movies/television shows/books make me cry :)

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
If you can call it handwriting; mine is a full-on hybrid of printing and cursive. Though when at work, I have some pretty awesome whiteboard printing!

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LUNCH MEAT?
I prefer home cooked meat to lunch meat, but occasionally will toss a little black forest ham on a salad.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?

3 kids. Josh, age 16; Dylan, age 12; Olivia, age 9.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Definitely - I rock!

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
Not as much as I used to. Was overkill and I'm trying to cut back ;)

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
No. Terrified on high open spaces, so no bungee jumping, skydiving, hangliding. At least for now, maybe one day that will change.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CEREAL?
I don't eat grains.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Always. The only shoes I own with laces are my runners, and they last longer is taken on and off properly.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Physically? Yes. And I'm getting stronger every day. Emotionally? I'm getting better. And I can always find strength when I need it most.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ICE CREAM?
I don't eat dairy, though when I did, I loved peanut butter chocolate ice cream.

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their smile

15. RED OR PINK?

Pink all the way!

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVOURITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
I can be very shy when meeting new people.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My grandfather

18. WHAT IS THE TECHNIQUE THAT YOU NEED TO WORK ON THE MOST?
Caring less about what others think. Not really a technique, but oh well...

19. WHAT COLOUR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Rainbow socks, no shoes right now.

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Pork loin braised in salsa verde.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
My own thoughts.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOUR WOULD YOU BE?
Silver - only available in those giant 64 crayon boxes that come with the little sharpener in the side (I love crayons).

23. FAVOURITE SMELLS?
The ocean, coffee

24. HOW IMPORTANT ARE YOUR POLITICAL VIEWS TO YOU?
Fairly important

25. MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE?
Could go either way, as long as the beach house is not too hot. I love cold winter weather.

26. FAVOURITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Hockey, cycling

27. HAIR COLOUR?
Light brown

28. EYE COLOUR?
Darn brown

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
No

30. FAVOURITE FOOD?
Does water count? Otherwise roasted veggies. Mmmmmm.

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Scary is good, as long as there isn't a ton of gore. And I love comedies. One can never have enough laughter in their life.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
The Looper. Not one I'd recommend.

33. WHAT COLOUR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Camouflage hoodie.

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Winter, winter, winter!!

35. FAVOURITE DESSERT?
I don't really eat dessert. But chocolate mousse is an all-time fave.

36. STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO?
Cardio. I love long distance running and cycling.

37. COMPUTER OR TELEVISION?
iPhone.

38. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Bread Alone by Ryan Hendricks.

39. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
I don't have a mouse pad.

40. FAVOURITE SOUND?
Rain, laughter

41. FAVOURITE GENRE OF MUSIC?
Depends on my mood. Anything from pop, to classical, to jazz, to nature.

42. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
New York City, Miami, Hawaii - all about the same distance from Vancouver.

43. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Teaching. And I'm a d-mom - I think that's the awesomest talent EVER! Us d-moms are pretty amazing.

44. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Vancouver, BC, Canada

45. WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW?
Vancouver, BC, Canada

46. WHAT COLOUR IS YOUR HOUSE?
White and brick.

47. WHAT COLOUR IS YOUR CAR?
I don't have a car right now, but the last one was black.

48. DO YOU LIKE ANSWERING 48 QUESTIONS?
It was fun!

Who's next??

Maybe the 5-second Rule is a Good Thing After All...

A very interesting article published today by Toronto's Sick Kids Hospital today in regards to GI tract bacteria and its corresponding protection, in mice, against autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes.

And to think, all those times that I stopped my kids from eating dirt, picking things up off the ground, or made them wash their hands after touching pretty much anything, may have been in vain. Turns out a little bacteria could actually be good for us!

Check out the full article here.

Preliminary Racing 2013

Exercise plays such a critical role in diabetes management, that I try to lead my example, and teach my children (type 1 and not type 1) that exercise is a fun way to spend time together and a perfect way to keep our bodies strong and healthy. Because exercise is one of the MOST important parts of my life, I love sharing my enthusiasm for an active lifestyle with others, too. My favorite activities are running and cycling, but I also love snowshoeing, Bikram yoga, hiking, and walking. Anything outdoors is ideal, though it is extremely rainy in the fall and winter months where I live so when the rain stops, I take major advantage of it! I have big plans for 2013 year when it comes to exercise. BIG PLANS. Racing is calling my name, and it's long overdue that I started listening. 

2013 will be all about SPEED. Races confirmed for 2013 include...

Vancouver Sun Run, April 21st. I have run this race many times, but last year I skipped it and the year before I walked it with my mom. It is the largest 10 km road race in North America and is a total blast. With over 50,000 participants and live musical entertainment every kilometer, it is almost as much of a party as it is a race. I'm training hard for this one, as I'm hoping to shave 5 minutes off my Sun Run PR, set years ago.

BMO Vancouver Marathon, May 5th. Ran the half-marathon last year on their gorgeous new course, but was extremely disappointed with my result, which was more than 20 minutes slower than my BMO half-marathon PR. Going to give it another shot this year and finish with a result I'm proud of.

Spartan Sprint, May 11th. After the Warrior Dash last year, I knew I would be doing way more obstacle races. This one is a quick little 5km and is perfect for those new to obstacle racing. I'll be doing this with a huge group of Visalians, most of whom are cross-fitters and mega, mega fit. We'll see how well I keep up!

Tough Mudder, June 22nd & 23rd, Whistler. Next to the Cyclebetes National Relay (if it's back this year), this will be the highlight of my summer. I am SO excited about this one! A 10-12 mile course designed by British Special Forces, that combines running with military-style obstacles in icy cold water, mud, and hilly terrain. The same race runs two days and again I'll be racing with the Visalian crew.

There definitely will be more than the above to come this year.

New Year, New Goals

The advent of a new year is cleansing, in that it's the perfect opportunity for us to make new goals, set new challenges, and live life to its fullest. It's a time to discard practices that don't enhance our lives, in favor of those that do. Call them what you will; goals, resolutions, changes; the purpose behind the name remains the same: to improve our life.

I used to be one of the naysayers, not believing in resolutions. Until 5 years ago, when I decided to quit smoking on Jan 1st, 2008, after almost 20 years as a smoker. I've never slipped, never had a puff, never even been tempted in fact. Yes, the first few weeks were hell, but it was one of the most beneficial decisions I've ever made. In retrospect, I find it hard to comprehend the fact that I used to smoke; the idea of slowly and intentionally poisoning myself seems so absurd and foreign now. Ever since, I've been a full-on believer in resolutions. Why not? They work for me.

My 2013 resolutions are all health-related, pertain to nutrition and exercise, and will require a great deal of commitment, motivation, and dedication. Why the extreme, you may be asking? It's quite simple. I've been feeling like crap for too long. I've seen my doctor, has a gazillion different tests, and there is absolutely nothing physically wrong with me, which means the feeling of crappiness is self-induced and within my ability to change!

Nutrition-wise, I am giving up gluten and restricting other grains to a rare intake of corn and rice. I am limiting dairy to organic Greek yogurt and occasional cheese, completely eliminating all processed foods and sugar, and cutting out alcohol. And I'm upping my protein shakes back to two a day. Basically, I'll be eating whole, natural foods, in their original state.

In terms of exercise, I need to step it up. Waaaay up. The sporadic running I've been doing for the past 2 years is getting old; it's time to really commit. So Dec 28th, I kicked off a new 90 day challenge, in which my goal is to take 5 minutes off my 10km PR, set 6 or 7 years ago, and reduce my body fat by 5%. To train, I have committed to a 4-run per week schedule. Cross training will be once a week, with either snowshoeing or cycling, and I'll be doing 1 Bikram yoga class a week. I'm not doing any specific strength training program, but am doing daily Crossfit workouts which run about 15 minutes each. And to keep myself motivated, I'll be racing a lot this year, in road runs, obstacle course races, road cycling, and may even tackle a triathlon.