how does this look for clean eating

[grk2012]

What kind of sweet treats are you allowing yourself? Too restrictive all at once is likely to backfire. For example, I have a tradition of getting a peanut butter cup Blizzard the night before a long run of 10 miles or more, but we don't stock the fridge with ice cream on a regular basis. DH and I will enjoy flavored decaf (with half and half, see your own comment re: limits!) as "dessert" most nights. You don't want to do ANY dairy at all? Not even soft, white, fresh mozzarella layered with garden-fresh tomatoes and basil, drizzled with rich balsamic vinegar?

[emyinpink]

do you react poorly to dairy? personally beans affect me a lot more than dairy, and I couldn't give up my cream in my coffee or butter for cooking. I would also make sure that you're getting enough fats.

also, make sure you allow for the occasional treat. or at least some fabulous dark chocolate or you'll go crazy .

[juangela]

I think it matters far less what we think and more what YOU think. Try it. I agree with the other ladies, allow yourself some cheats now and then.

I might also recommend cutting things out 1 at a time. When I went paleo, I started with grains/legumes and went without those for a month. Then I cut the dairy. It was easier for me to focus on one thing at a time. I did cut down on my dairy throughout the month before I cut it, so it made it a pretty easy transition.

Looking at your plan, I'd start with cutting gluten first. You'll likely get the biggest change from that.

[emyinpink]

honestly, my cravings never completely go away, but they do cut back dramatically. I would buy some single serving extremely high quality dark chocolate. I personally like the ones that are individually wrapped.

[grk2012]

May 17, 2012 15:26:09 GMT -5 @domerjen said:

maybe i'll keep dairy at first and see how it goes.

as for treats, i'm very embarrassed, but i have a chocolate bar every day in the afternoon during naptime. usually ice cream or cookies in the evening after the kids are in bed. sometimes other chocolate in between if the kids are straining my patience. it's pretty disgusting.

i do think it'll be hard, but from what i've read the cravings will go away if i cut it out, so i'm game to try. it seems like having "cheats" will just allow my cravings to continue. unless these people that say the cravings go away are liars.

Why not challenge yourself to give up the nap snacks, ice cream, and cookies first before going whole-hog with everything else? Sounds like those are the real problems, not dairy and grains as whole groups. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.