My tummy is troubled. Not always. But when it’s all out of whack, I feel bloated, tight, pained, and uncomfortable. I’ve had so many tests, I can’t even name them all, and nothing (nothing!) has revealed itself as the problem. I have narrowed down my suspicions, though, and I keep coming back to the worry that something I’m eating is screwing up my insides. That’s why I’ve decided to take matters into my own hands and heal my body one bite at a time.
For almost one week, I have eaten a Paleolithic (Paleo) diet — basically, I am mimicking the eating habits of our long-ago ancestors who ate only what they could hunt and gather. My diet, therefore, consists of animal protein (but no red meat for me), vegetables, fruits, and naturally-occurring, high-quality fats (like some, but not all, nuts). The purpose of eating primal is to decrease inflammation inside the body and to achieve a higher level of physical and mental health. Buying grass-fed meats and organic foods is the best way to accomplish this way of life, and while I am not totally there just yet, I’m doing my very best to follow the rules. The proof is in my gas bill — I have trekked to grocery stores and markets every day this week chasing down products that fit the bill — and in the new items that now line the shelves of my fridge and pantry. Paleo Bread is today’s score.
The bread I am accustomed to eating is not on the Paleo list. But this way-expensive, gluten-free, grain-free, yeast-free, dairy-free, soy-free, starch-free option, made by Julian Bakery and available at my local D’lites Emporium, is approved. It’s made with coconut (there’s an almond option, too) and is low in calories, low in carbs, high in protein, and high in fiber. It’s also not quite as tasty as real bread — the kind I once slathered with honey butter at the Outback and dipped in oils at Macaroni Grill. I did yummy up my new purchase with a bit of almond butter and sliced red grapes, and I think I’ll be fine with this mini treat, even though the bread slices are really small and really thin, and they don’t toast very well.
I am not sure whether I’ll be a loyal fan of this bread. (To its credit, it is very filling.) Honestly, I’m not certain where this Paleo journey will lead me. All I know is that I am taking this quest one day — and one bite — at a time.
