We're over a week into Mark's 30 Day Challenge and if you have not started yet, what is holding you back? I love the way he has formatted it. It's all about what changes YOU can make, regardless how small. If all you want to do is start eating more veggies, then you are in. Baby steps will lead to success in the end. The tough part is taking that first baby step.

The great thing about the challenge is the daily contests. He is giving away a ton of fun, primal stuff!! Here's my entry for the "Show Us Your Breakfast" contest. It's a version of "Joe's Special" this time containing ground buffalo sauteed with garlic, onion, butter, pastured bacon and organic spinach. I love simple dishes like this that I can adjust to whatever I have on hand, then have it available for several days. Primal eating doesn't have to be difficult, the key is being prepared.

The contests can be as easy as leaving a comment or submitting a picture, to much more involved tasks like creating a workout video. All in all, it's a fun way to immerse yourself in the primal community.

So how have I been doing on my goals that I set for this challenge? Here's an update:

1- Get more sleep: I really need to work on this! Since the challenge started, I have actually been getting less sleep...oops!
2- Walk the Talk: I have been eating full primal about 80% of the time. I have had a couple slips, with travel and graduation celebrations, etc. I still have a lot of travel this month, so it will continue to be a challenge, but I have less functions to attend so I can better control what I am eating. What I find interesting is how quick conventional thinkers are to critize. And of course, their way must be right. I was traveling with my parents last weekend, and my mom was quick to point out how fattening/salty/etc beef jerky was or commenting how heavy an omelet in the morning is. I wanted to say "fat doesn't make you fat" but it doesn't quite make sense coming from me since I still have weight to lose. Soon, I will be a living, breathing example of how amazing the Primal lifestyle can be.
3- Limit alcohol intake: This has been going very well. I've only indulged three days since the challenge started with is a big decrease for me.
4- More time outside: I was able to spend quite a bit of time outside while I was in Indiana, then I came home to rain. But it should be clearing up so I hope to get some outside time in this weekend. Next week won't be a problem as I will be in Hawaii....I will be getting lots of outside time then!
5- Drink more water: I have definitely been getting more water. Since I am not having cocktails in the evening, I find myself drinking a lot of water.

Yesterday was a challenging day as I was traveling all day to get to West Lafayette Indiana from Seattle. Jeez, it takes all stinkin' day! We flew out of Sea-Tac at 10:20 am and arrived at the hotel at almost 9:00 pm. Granted there is a three hour time difference but man, was I wiped!
I actually did ok eating wise, and was able to avoid some of the usual pitfalls.

Primal eats:
Morning: Protein Pack - hard boiled egg, three ham and cheese roll ups, a tablespoon mayo.
Snacks: raw almonds, grass-fed/finished beef jerkey
Dinner: side salad with garlic ranch, chicken breasts topped with ricotta, goat cheese and sun dried tomatos, and a small side of pasta with red sauce, one beer

Yes, I had pasta. I caved, I admit. I didn't realize that it came with the meal I ordered, and there it was. I only had a couple bites, and then pushed it away, so I won't beat myself up too much.
Hope everyone is doing well on the challenge. Baby steps get you a long way in the long run!

Primal eats:
Morning: big cup of homemade chicken broth, handful of raw almonds
Afternoon: grilled grass-fed/finished top sirloin (which had been marinated in fresh garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil), 1/4 avocado, cucumber and onion marinated in raw vinegar
Evening: Salad - lettuce, tomato, grilled chicken, bacon, shredded cheddar, red onion and Blueberry dressing. 4 beers.

My main accomplishment for the day? Ordering a takeout salad, without any dressing or bread. In a matter of a minute or two, I whipped up some homemade blueberry vinaigrette. Using a Silver Bullet (or other small blender) puree together: fresh (or thawed) blueberries (or any other berry), olive oil, balsamic vinegar, a bit of honey, salt and pepper. It is the perfect summer salad dressing!!

Take the Challenge!

Mark Sisson posted the latest 30-Day Primal Challenge over at Marks Daily Apple. Go check it out and then get involved in the forums. This is a design it yourself challenge, where you decide what your goals are going to be. It's not a competition, but a way to start or enhance your primal lifestyle. The forum even has a place to start your own journal, and as we all know, the Primal community is uber-supportive.

My goals for this challenge are:

• Get more sleep. On average, I tend to get 5-6 hours a night. I would like to increase that to 6-7, and allow myself to tap a nap if I need it. I tend to feel guilty if I take a nap, as if I am wasting time. It's time to listen to my body and give it what it needs.
• Walk the talk. It's time to show friends what the Primal lifestyle is all about. I am the first person to tout the benefits of eating primal, but I am not the best walking example. Time to be a walking advertisement.
• Limit alcohol intake. I've been spending more time lately with friends trying to cool off at the local watering hole. This is not benefitting my primal-ness. Time to limit it to a couple glasses of red wine a week (a sensible vice according to Mark!).
• More outside time. The sun is out and it is time to get there and enjoy it, whether it is walking the dog, or working in the yard, or just playing like a kid.

• Drink more water.

Daily Eats:

Breakfast: big cup of homemade chicken broth, handful of raw almonds.

Lunch: grilled Top Sirloin, 3/4 oz 72% Dark Chocolate

Dinner: big cup of homemade chicken broth, grilled Top Sirloin, roasted free range chicken, small zucchini (fresh from my garden!) sauteed in coconut oil and soy sauce, frozen grapes.

Good luck with the challenge everyone! I will make an effort to post daily and keep you posted on how I'm doing. Feel free to add your goals, status updates, etc in the comments section.

Mark's New Challenge

Wow! Where has the summer gone? I didn't realize that I had been out of touch so long. The good news is tomorrow Mark is annoucing a new 30-Day challenge on Marks Daily Apple. I urge everyone to check it out and join in. I know I am looking forward to....it will definitely get me back on track! It's going to be a tough month to stay on track, I have almost three weeks on the road, but I am up for the challenge!