I’m dreaming of butter coffee and quiche from Picnik in Austin. Paleo FX was such an amazing experience. I learned a ton more about paleo. I attended sessions from the autoimmune protocol to the healthcare system to paleo for women. At times, I felt like I was the most unhealthy person in the room, but that thought in itself goes against the main lesson I learned at Paleo FX. Stress matters. Stress can negatively impact the body in ways no food can fix. It made me really think about what “stresses” me out. What pressures I feel to be paleo perfect? Are they worth the negative effects on my mind and body. No. I’m far from paleo perfect and that’s not a bad thing! Living a healthy life isn’t a one size fits all bullets on a page.
I learned a lot from two autoimmune protocol sessions. While I don’t have an autoimmune disease, I feel it is important to better educate myself. I’m going to try and incorporate more seafood into my blog along with possible offal! Scary. The thought of liver makes me gag a little, but it is high in vitamin A, D, E, K, B12 and folic acid. After eating mainly chicken and turkey for years, my diet was less than rounded. I really want to work on not only eating a more variety diet, but also sharing different types of recipes.
Another very interesting fact I learned at the Ancestral Health for Women panel was about calcium. I’ve bought into the traditional notion that calcium mainly comes from dairy. False. You can find calcium in leafy greens, seaweed and sardines. Also to properly absorb calcium, it has to be consumed in a 2 to 1 ratio with magnesium. Even more shocking, vitamin K2 actually builds strong bones. What?! Not purely calcium?! K2 can be found in egg yolks, natto, chicken liver, salami, sauerkraut, chicken breast and ground beef along with hard and soft cheese.
Paleo FX was more science based than I anticipated, but it brought out the nerd in me. One session about genetics brought me right back to AP Biology, and I wanted to start graphing Punnett squares. I am a really big nerd, and the science behind Paleo truly fascinates me. I definitely want to go back to Paleo FX next year. Maybe I will even be living in Austin this time next year. Who knows?
book: It Starts with Food by Dallas and Melissa Hartwig
Dallas and Melissa both spoke at Paleo FX, and I loved their perspectives on eating clean. I’ve completed one Whole30, and while it was challenging it was a great experience.
song: Human by Christina Perri
The hook of this song is “only human and I bled when I fall down.” I think this is an important notation when thinking about paleo perfectionism. You are only human. You don’t have to be perfect!
recipe: Sardine Spread from The Paleo Foodie Cookbook by Arsy Vartanian
This recipe makes me believe I could eat sardines willingly!
quote: “Sitting is the new smoking” -Darryl Edwards
He made this quote at Paleo FX, and it really resonated with me. We need to get up and get moving. Even if it is just a little lap around the office.
Have a great weekend!
x vanessa
I think you point out the most important part — not stressing about being perfect, or the most knowledgeable. It’s impossible to do everything right and be happy and stress-free. Great write-up!
Thanks!!
I’ve known for years that sitting will kill you, but first it will cause you other health problems. I do Accounts Payable (ie, lots of sitting), but was able to have my employer build me a standing desk and I love it. It’s been two years and I’ll never go back. It was very simple and inexpensive too. Basically they just measured and put a stand on top of my regular desk to raise the height.
I also make the effort to use the farthest away printer and park far away from the door. It all adds up!
I love this!! It is great there are some employers out there willing to help out, and good for you for asking!