Paleo Archives - Susan Choi

10 Top Paleo & Health Resources You Need To Know

Over the years I’ve tried a few diets and lifestyles. I loved few, disliked most. Nothing ever seemed to be “the answer” until I blended everything I knew from the top experts in various fields and found something that worked for me.

I have found myself applying this to various areas of my life when it comes to formulating what works for me, from diet, lifestyle, learning, coaching, mindfulness, exercise, and more.

It probably helps that I’m the type of person that absolutely LOVES to learn. I can’t get enough of it! Any time I have spare time I’m watching a conference on YouTube or listening to a podcast. I find it absolutely fascinating at how much information is out there and why people feel so strongly about one stance vs. another.

What I also find fascinating is how much new information is discovered every year. Who knows what really works other than to getting to know your mind and body for yourself?! I mean, in the 90s it was low fat, and now?

Now fat is the cool kid on the block.

This is why I keep an open mind. Just like how conventional medicine says there is no such thing as “adrenal fatigue”, and while the naming of this syndrome is yet to be conclusive, what I do know is the effects that this hormonal dysregulation had on my mental and physical self.

What matters is finding out what works FOR YOU.

What matters is getting to know YOUR OWN body and mind and not compare success stories.

What matters is identifying the right people and resources that will help you become your OPTIMAL SELF.

With that said, here are the top Paleo experts and other resources I keep an eye on for the latest and greatest as this field continues to expand.

While they all have common themes, they also differ in slight ways. What’s most important to consider here is not what they say, but how you feel, perform, and think, as you apply advice and adjust your lifestyle.

If you don’t know where to start, choose one adjustment and commit to two weeks, then see how you feel. Give yourself constraints and honor your decision to try something new.

Finding what works for you is a journey; and you have to remember that as you evolve so will the lifestyle – so you might as well enjoy the ride.

In wellness,

Susan

Photo by Maarten van den Heuvel on Unsplash

Favorites Lately – Beet Mango Smoothie

I discovered this Beet Mango Smoothie recipe on accident. I’m sure there’s a similar recipe somewhere on the interwebs but truth be told, I was looking for something refreshing to drink on a hot summer day and when I looked in the fridge I had all the ingredients to make this delicious beverage AND IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT 🙂

What I love about this recipe is that it’s fairly low in sugar, has a ton of fiber, and most importantly will keep you cool on these particularly hot summer days! Thankfully it’s also fairly simple to make. Here are the ingredients:

5-8 cubed raw beets (at least a handful)
1/4 – 1/3 cup cubed mangoes
Ginger the size of half your thumb or a little more (I love ginger so I tend for a little more)
1 whole lime (half if you aren’t into acidity)
2-3 ice cubes

Blend and ENJOY!

Taking the time to make this beautiful drink in the morning seriously makes my day and I hope it adds a bit of joy, serenity, and wellness to yours.

In wellness,

Susan

Richmond District Farmer's Market. San Francisco, CA

The Zone vs. Paleo Journey

Yesterday I wrote about how I found Paleo and why I still follow this way of eating. I’ve found that it’s truly a lifestyle and I love the way it makes me feel.

While it may have sounded like an all too easy transition to cut grains, gluten, and processed foods, I wanted to share a bit more about why I was miserable on The Zone (Enter The Zone: A Dietary Road map), how it affected me psychologically, and how I made the transition to Paleo.

Continue reading “The Zone vs. Paleo Journey” →

Why Paleo?

Paleo is different now than it was almost 10 years ago, and I’m still not sure the way I eat is exact Paleo (because hey, I still love my rice), but I love what it stands for. Especially how Mark Sisson describes it.

I found paleo through crossfit back in 2008. I happened to come across a cool looking photo on the front page of msn.com (remember that?!) featuring crossfit and how it was the best way to get in shape. To be honest, while getting in shape should have been alluring enough it was the barbell and the “cool” Olympic lifts that drew me in. I’ve always been open to trying new things and this seemed perfect.

I inquired at a nearby box and the first session was free so I went the next day. What I loved instantly is that the hour went by so fast! It was effective, challenging, and fun. However, if there was one criticism I had was the fact that, back then, there was no such thing as an “Elements” of “Foundations” class. They would just put you right to it without any proper training or background on form, lifts, or skill based movements. Therefore, I nearly had the dreaded rhabdo which I was THIS close to going to the ER for. Nonetheless, I’m glad current Crossfit boxes have come a long ways to get the proper training in place, and despite what happened I’m still an avid crossfitter, albeit at much lighter weights than before..

It was during this time of drinking the koolaid (oh yes, I was part of the cult following!) that I saw Primal Body, Primal Mind: Beyond the Paleo Diet for Total Health and a Longer Life by Nora Gedgaudas along with Enter The Zone: A Dietary Road map by Barry Sears on the front counter of the box I was attending. I was intrigued enough so I started to follow the Zone diet in hopes of PR’ing more often. Yes, I warned you I drank the koolaid 😉

Unfortunately the Zone made me miserable and in hopes of finding something better I stumbled upon Mark’s Daily Apple and Robb Wolf’s work.

Suddenly I found myself truly understanding, for the first time, how food played a role in our daily lives.

Continue reading “Why Paleo?” →

Deep Dive Into Paleo/Gluten-Free Baking

When I first moved to San Francisco I started to do some “light” baking. And by “light” I mean gluten-free blueberry corn muffins. Yup, that’s it 😉 Then when I realized French macaron’s were naturally gluten-free I took a French macaron class and it changed my world! I learned the basics of baking during this class and how temperamental baking can be if you don’t know what to look out for.

There are three main reasons as to why I love baking and am learning to become an earnest baker:

I love sharing. My closest friends know when they see me carrying anything in my hands it’s usually baked goodies for sharing. I can’t help it. It’s my way of showing love
Thanks to Michael Pollan’s Cooked (which you can find on Netflix) I try to cook everything. I’ve always been a healthy foodie, and like my foods natural in its original form. But Michael Pollan takes it to another level. You want that apple pie? Bake it. You want bread? Make it traditionally and wait a few days. Michael Pollan inspired me to truly take an honest look at every item on the table and see what can be made from scratch.
It’s a form of meditation. Baking is a science and if you aren’t watching temperatures, the soft/hard peaks of egg whites, or the rise in your dough it’s over. Baking gives me great joy and it serves as a form of meditation for me. There’s just no time to think about anything!

Continue reading “Deep Dive Into Paleo/Gluten-Free Baking” →