Going Paleo - sort of

A few weeks ago, my newborn had started a rash all over his face, neck, head and starting to go down the shoulders.  My awesome pediatrician in Austin, TX told me I needed to cut out dairy from my diet and in the meantime put lotion on his face to stop the crusting from the rash.  I cut out dairy - and presto, his face clears up.  I can't believe it - well, because I LOVE dairy....what I mean by dairy is creamer and cheese and clotted cream on scones.  I hate milk, won't drink it unless it's mixed with coffee or espresso or even tea. 

So, after two weeks of going dairy free, I eat a few meals with cheese - my fav.  My son breaks out again and bad.  I decide it's time to go dairy free for sure.  Now I'm stuck with what to eat and how to cook again.  

I could go the vegan route again....I did that once before.  My blood cells almost went anemic and no amount of iron supplements would help.  No, going vegan was definitely out.  

I remembered that a former colleague of mine went Paleo and his entire family had great success.  I went to his blog page Paleo Parents and started to read up.  I wanted to do Paleo last year - but our move to Manila made sure it was more than impossible without spending boatloads of money to import foods.  I decided that now that I was back in the land of plenty - aka U.S.A., it was finally possible to at least try.  

I reread Robb Wolf's book, downloaded and read a few other 'primal' food blogs and books and started.  

I will be honest - I was HUNGRY the first week.  

Let me reiterate - I was hungry, with a toddler running around and an infant that I'm fully breastfeeding.  But you know what, I'm starting week 3 now, and I'm not as hungry anymore as I was.  I realized it's like any lifestyle eating change, even with Weight Watchers, leaves you hungry as your body adjusts.  

So, in the end, I've lost 3 lbs in 2 weeks. Not bad for eating almonds, cashews, and full fat oils and bacon.  Yes yes, I eat fruit in there and veggies.  I aim for at least 80/20.  I try to aim for 100% paleo diet, but as a mom by myself for now, I allow some slippage here and there, mostly with rice as a side dish with a takeout meal.