Paleo Perfect Abs: Your fool-proof guide to healthy eating

Nothing says fancy like fresh herbs....

So as I'm preparing my new favorite side dish - L-Rae's Paleo Perfect Spaghetti Squash - I got to thinking... Why do people find it so hard to eat clean? My meal prep for the week never lasts longer than an hour and I'll be damned if prepping for clients (i.e. 20+ meals at a time) has ever taken more than 2 hours. Grocery shopping is an annoyance that happens to everyone. So while you're there, why not get food that's going to give you energy, heal and nourish your body and get you those abs you've been dying to see?

Breaking news: ABS ARE MADE IN THE KITCHEN

Registered Dietitican, National Mens Physique competitor and personal trainer extraordinaire, Tim McComsey is famous for saying, "Diet is 80% of the battle when it comes to weight loss. If you're not seeing results and you're working out... chances are somethings gotta change in your diet."

We need protein, fat and carbs in our diets in varying amounts depending on our goals. Do you have any idea what your ratio looks like? If not -- Keep a food diary for 3 days... It might surprise you.

I generally follow a Paleolithic Diet...  basically a hi-protein, hi-fat, glorified low-carb diet. Is it the answer for everyone? No. has it and does it work for me? YES! Click here to get the book

Based on the diet of our ancestors, this dietary guideline consists of foods that could easily be hunted or gathered during paleolithic times. For example: All natural meats, nuts, berries, roots ect. NO dairy, NO refined sugar and NO added salt, chemicals or preservatives. This diet has worked wonders for many people because it emphasises the importance of a clean diet of healthy fat and protein.

Sounds confusing and pretty restricting if you've never done any research on it so....

Here's a fool-proof guide to healthy eating:

1. Know what you want before you shop

You're more inclined to eat something that sounds and tastes good. Know what you're hungry for and plan your shopping list accordingly. Practice using foods that are easy to prep and taste great hot or cold.

2. Choose wisely

Buy:

Foods that follow your meal plan
Food items that are on your prewritten shopping list
Green Leafy vegetables
Lean all natural animal meats
Healthy fats: Almond butter, coconut oil, avocado.
Food that consists of less than 10 ingredients (And you should be able to pronounce them all!)

Don't Buy:

Food items that are in a bag box or can (Exception: Organic food items such as organic canned beans.)
Food that has more than 5grams of sugar
Foods that markets "Fat-free" or "Sugar-free"
Food that your grandmother couldn't have gotten 60 years ago
Food that your grandmother wouldn't eat. Period.

3. Make time to prepare

Schedule an hour 2 times a week to cook your meats and sides ahead of time. Having healthy, lean options pre-made will help you from eating out or grabbing something unhealthy on the go.

4. Be prepared

Pack your food for the day and bring it with you - wherever you go! 

**How I donned my nick-name Snack-Pak**

5. Plan a meal to reward your dedication to healthy eating

Have a reward meal once a week. Its GOOD for you... and it will keep you motivated to keep your head on straight and work towards your goals the rest of the week. 

No one ever accomplished anything without sacrificing something else.

Do something good for yourself already. Determine your goals, make a plan... and get to it!

Try this easy Paleo recipe that will have your head-spinning into Flavor Town and your abs poppin in NO time :)

L-Rae's Paleo Perfect (Garlic and Fresh Herb) Spaghetti Squash 

What you'll need:

1 small to medium spaghetti squash

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 tbsp fresh herbs (I used rosemary and thyme)

1 clove crushed garlic

Cayenne pepper

Mrs. Dash no salt seasoning

Cut your squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Place the halves in a Pyrex baking dish with 1 cup of water in the bottom of it. Microwave on high for 6 minutes then turn them over and microwave them for 6 more. Take out your dish and let it cool - BE CAREFUL - The water and the spaghetti squash are hot. When they are cooked you will be able to scoop out the strands easily.

Transfer your spaghetti squash into a saute pan and add the remaining ingredients. Add cayenne and Mrs. Dash to taste and turn the stove top to medium. Heat until the coconut oil has melted and stir until all ingredients are combined.

I served this side-dish with steamed baby kale and lean ground turkey... Try it out! Its a fall meal that you're sure to love :)

Inspired Wellness by Lauren Rae