I am always interested in reasons why people decide to live a certain way. Whether it is eating paleo, vegan, gluten free, or bananas only! I love listening and hearing about people and their story. Today I am going to have Sara share with you why she and her family decided to go Paleo.
Sara Evanchick is a busy mom that finally decided to take charge of her health! Using real food and exercise, she has lost over 100 pounds and overcome several serious health problems. Now she works to inspire and motivate others on their quest for a healthy life.
By this time last year, I had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, cystic acne, uricartia, eczema, complex migraines, and doctors were experimenting with treatment for Myasthenia Gravis. I had unexplained vision loss, aphasia, sudden temporary paralysis of my limbs, difficulty swallowing, debilitating anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
After 3 years of hospitalizations and bouncing from specialist to specialist with no answers, I was desperate – and very literally fearing for my life.
My husband spent countless hours on the internet looking for information that might help. One night, he read about the neurological symptoms of gluten intolerance. The list matched. And frankly, we were running out of things to try. So I began cutting gluten/grains from my diet. Within a week, my vision started to clear. The aphasia, difficulty swallowing, and paralysis went away. Within a month, the anxiety, depression, and insomnia had disappeared. I had my life back!
It inspired me to do more research about nutrition and it’s effect on our health. It seemed that candida overgrowth might be the cause of my skin conditions so I started working my way toward a diet free of refined sugar. It worked! I have healthy skin for the first time in my life.
Because of all the foods I couldn’t eat, I had started making almost everything from scratch. I had cut all chemicals and artificial ingredients because I never knew what was going to make me sick. There was no processed food left in my diet. At that point, it dawned on me that I had adopted a paleo lifestyle without realizing it.
Today, I’m training for a half marathon. I’m at a healthy weight for the first time in my adult life. I’m strong – and getting stronger every day.
FAMILY LIFE
My husband’s diet is the opposite of mine. The man loves his Hot Pockets. I cook healthy food and [sometimes] he eats it. But he just can’t give up his love of the frozen foods department. It can be hard to stay on track with all that convenience food in the house but I just remind myself of how much I love feeling healthy.
My 3 year old eats similarly to me (mostly because I cook his food) but I don’t have him on a strictly paleo diet. He still eats some whole grains and a little refined sugar here and there. However, his digestion has improved greatly since we cut most of the pasta and dairy from his diet.
WHO HAS TIME FOR ALL THIS?!
It’s true. I spend a ton of time in the kitchen. If I’m not cooking, I’m washing dishes. It’s just a fact of life. But the longer I follow this lifestyle, the better I’m able to manage my time. I do a lot of food prep in large batches. An entire tray of chicken breasts, a whole pot of hard-boiled eggs, soup for the freezer, a crock pot full of pulled pork, etc. Preparing a large amount of food at once gives me quick options for busy days.
I CAN’T AFFORD IT!
It doesn’t matter what you do. A cart full of healthy protein and produce is always going to cost more than a cart full of pasta. I don’t have a magic answer for that. But there are ways to make it less expensive. Look for sales on meat and fill your freezer. The same goes for produce. Fresh can really break the bank, especially during the winter. Wait for a great sale on frozen vegetables and stock up. Get the most out of your ‘in season’ veggies by making soups or freezer meals.
WHERE DO I START?!
When you look at trying a Paleo diet, it can be completely overwhelming! But there is a lot of information available to help. One of my favorite resources is Paleo Mom. She offers scientific data and straight forward instruction. She also shares great recipes!! Take it step by step and don’t get discouraged. If it’s too overwhelming to do all at once, make a list of steps. Cut a few things at a time. It’s a HUGE life change and it takes time. Give yourself grace.
Penelope says
I love the back to the roots aspect of Paleo, it’s so basic and wholesome. I think in a way, we do that a lot, but not enough.
Colleen says
Amazing! What true dedication. Congrats on your loss.
Raijean says
I’ve been looking to find out more about Paleo.. thanks for the tips!
HilLesha says
That’s great that she was able to eliminate all of those issues! I might try paleo sometime, but I’d have to certainly optimize it with a vegetarian diet since I don’t like meat. Like her, I’ve experienced cystic acne, and I wonder if gluten may be the culprit.
Tammy Litke (@threedifferent) says
It’s not something that we’ve ever considered. We try and eat everything in moderation, and up until now we’ve been healthy so I still go with that routine. I’ve heard many many people though tell us that eating Paleo has been life changing for them.
vanessa: thequeenofswag says
Congrats on the great loss. I’m trying to get myself just as motivated. I have a lot to get off.
Crystal says
I think a Paleo diet would require me to cook & be mindful of what I was preparing. It sounds like a wonderful plan. I’m not sure if I’m ready for that big of a commitment yet, but it does sounds like a great plan.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
I’ve been wanting to read up more on Paleo. Thanks for the info and website.
Jenn says
I’ve been very interested in the Paleo lifestyle, thank you for the information.
TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs says
Wow, great job in really taking control of your diet and your life. We have had to go gluten-free since my hubs has Celiac but cutting sugar is one thing I’ve been avoiding…
Donna says
I’ve thought about doing a Paleo diet often, but just can’t seem to go through with it… not sure why. I think it’s the fear of change (and failure). But you’ve inspired me to really think more seriously about it.
Liz Mays says
I find the Paleo diet really interesting and I wouldn’t mind dabbling in it a bit. I know I couldn’t stick with it completely though. I’m too lazy!