You know the game “52 Card Pickup,” right? I’m in charge here. I throw the deck of cards all over the floor and then you pick them up while I point and laugh… Man, I love this game! Just kidding – but you have to admit that game kicks ass when you’re the one throwing the cards…
Let’s get serious now, no more games. So, here we are, it’s February and the New Year’s resolutions have lost their steam and while many of us are in the thick of a 30 day challenge, things are getting a bit tough. You’re probably looking forward to eating something besides eggs for breakfast, salad for lunch and chicken and broccoli for dinner. Yeah, a burger (with the bun and maybe a side of onion rings) sounds damn tasty right now…
Sure, paleo eating is one of the best things you can do for your body, performance and health but more times than not you end up eating the same thing over and over and over… Can you say BORING?? Your taste buds have seen about as much action as someone watching paint dry. Seriously, it’s a wonder you’ve been able to subside on eggs and chicken this long without growing feathers and a beak. This is hardcore food fatigue here folks and I’m going to be brutally honest with you – are you ready for this? Wait for it… THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO GOOD REASON FOR IT!!!
Yep, you heard me – if you’re in a state of Chronic Food Fatigue Syndrome (CFFS) it’s no one’s fault but your own. Do you feel victimized? Well don’t; because even if you are suffering from a nasty case of CFFS – I’ve got a solution for you so that it never happens again. This has got to be one of the best ideas I’ve ever had – no joke (although that says a lot about my past ideas…). So, here’s my thought and where the 52 Pick-Up comes in…
There are how many weeks in a year? Come on, you know this one – pretend this is Jeopardy and you’ve wagered everything. That’s right – there are 52 weeks every single year – no exceptions. Now, what if every week you added just ONE new food or ONE new recipe to your grocery cart or menu? Think about it – by the end of the year, you’d have 52 NEW taste adventures for your ‘bored buds’ and it doesn’t even seem like a lot of work now does it? ONE new food or recipe every 7 days – if you can’t commit to that, then you have more issues than my last boyfriend… I’m not saying something new EVERY day but throw caution to the wind once a week. If you’re in a chicken rut, try getting crazy with some beef, pork, fish, bison.
If broccoli and spinach are the only vegetables you’ve ingested in the past two weeks, take a stroll through the produce department and branch out. Check out these EXTENSIVE lists for more vegtable and fruit options than you even knew existed.
Vegggies – http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/vegetable-nutrition-database
Fruit http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/fruit-nutrition-database
There are hundreds of different herbs and spices to use on your foods. Here’s a list of 8 great options to get you started.
http://robbwolf.com/2010/11/29/the-paleo-table-8-herbs-spices-you-should-get-to-know/
And, guess what? You may think I’m ‘nuts’ here – but nuts and olive oil aren’t your only fat options. Try coconut oil, olives, coconut meat, coconut chips, avocado and guacamole. Seriously, look at all these options! And we haven’t even touched the recipe possibilities. How can you justify your CFFS? I mean really – go sell crazy somewhere else…
I know what you’re thinking, “Who’s got time for this cooking thing?” Am I right? (Don’t even try to pretend you weren’t thinking it.) Well, rest easy folks; you don’t have to be a gourmet chef or spend hours in the kitchen to make a great tasting meal. There are so many great paleo cookbooks that are full of excellent, quick and easy options. And there’s this great tool that can help you find tons of options for free!! (hint: starts with a GOO and ends with GLE So now what’s your excuse? Let’s make the next 52 weeks an eating adventure! Your body and your taste buds will be forever grateful!
This is a game we can all win! Let’s Play 52 Pick-Up – Stack your deck!
Source: www.robbwolf.com
By Amy Kubal, MS, RD
Amy Kubal is a Registered “Paleo” Dietitian and the ring leader of Robb’s RD consulting team. She works with a wide range of clients from competitive athletes to those dealing with complex health problems. Check out her bio and consulting options, and her blog Fuel As Rx to get your Paleo nutrition fix