With summer fast approaching, the rush to get fit and slim overwhelms a majority of women in America. For my attempt to get into shape this summer I decided to complete a “30-Day Paleo Challenge.” What is Paleo? “The paleolithic diet (abbreviated paleo diet paleodiet), also popularly referred to as the caveman diet, Stone Age diet and hunter-gatherer diet, is a modern nutritional plan based on the presumed ancient diet of wild plants and animals that various hominid species habitually consumed during the Paleolithic era—a period of about 2.5 million years which ended around 10,000 years ago with the development of agriculture and grain-based diets” (Wikipedia) Pretty much you just eat a lot of meat, veggies, fruit, and nuts.

Now, do not get me wrong, this is difficult. It takes a lot of will power and most importantly PLANNING. Especially being in high school, it is very difficult to find paleo options in a cafeteria. If you love salad then you could eat that every day. But I always bring my lunch to ensure my paleo safety and fullness. A normal lunch will consist of; veggie soup, an apple, some turkey, carrots, and normally almonds as a little treat.

Going out to eat is always a little bit of a struggle as well. Unless you go to a restaurant that serves meats that are not covered in sauces or cheeses, or salad (which most do, but ALWAYS ask for NO cheese.) This is where planning comes in place. I like packing my own food to take with me so that I know that I will be full after a meal, and not have to worry about making bad choices. Or you can always just eat before you go out.

Sweets are a struggle as well. There are TONS of paleo desserts on the internet. They might sound gross, but you have to be open to new options. Finding new favorite foods is a great thing. My favorite food was chicken strips, but now I am obsessed with dried mango slices.

If you are willing to make a major diet change, you may feel side effects such as; overwhelming sense of being healthy, natural energy, and happiness. I feel so much better than I used to. My immune system is stronger, I run faster, my body is more toned, and I am always awake. When you combine this diet with exercise, you will cut fat (your body switches from burning carbs to burning fat) and build muscle because your protein intake (which builds muscle) is increased.

Just be aware, once you begin eating paleo, it is very hard to go back to eating normal. I limit my cheat days because I feel nauseous when I have dairy and I get SO tired when I eat lots of bread. Instead of cheating, indulge yourself in healthy options. You will not be filled with guilt after words either. Good luck!