Me, Cavewoman.

My metabolism isn't what it used to be. Long gone are the days of eating donuts, Lunchables and mac and cheese without it appearing on my waistline soon after (don't get me wrong, I still sneak some every now and then). I have to work hard to look good; I run, I do yoga, I do a lot of cardio and I am a conscious eater...most days. It doesn't come easy, despite what some people think.

I've spent the last few weeks in Tulsa working the Pinto World Championship horse show, and my healthy lifestyle has gone out the window. Working 18-hour days means that sleep is more important than squeezing in a workout. My food options have been anything less than healthy: lasagna for lunch, chicken fried steak for dinner and mashed potatoes galore (not the mashed cauliflower version, either). There is a smorgasbord of junk food available 24/7; everything from ice cream to M&Ms, Cheez-Its to poptarts. Calories on calories on calories. Its dangerous, lemme tell ya. I have tried to stick to my guns, but some days I fail miserably. I just can't say no to cookies.....its a serious problem. I need a cleanse. I never thought I, Amanda Bradley, would crave vegetables, but I would kill for some green beans and asparagus right about now.

In light of my recent unhealthiness and my upcoming Caribbean vacation, I've decided to go Paleo for a month when I get home from Tulsa. Luckily, I have Paleo experts Cole and Ryan to assist me throughout this endeavor (I'd be a failure without their support, for sure). I may still slip up on 4th of July weekend...but it would be un-American of me if I didn't eat homemade ice cream and cobbler on the US of A's b-day, right?!

Paleo Pancakes - tested and approved. 

I thought it would be hard to give up things like goldfish, yogurt, cookies, cheese and bread. I mean, they are major staples in my diet, lets get real here.... But there are a ton of clean eating options to substitute with. Ice cream made from coconut milk, honey and fruit, Cheez-Its made from nuts and seasonings, pancakes made from bananas, eggs and almond butter, dried green beans, kale chips....the options are endless. Clean eating can be delicious. You better believe I will be experimenting to find the best Paleo-friendly cookie out there....

So, what is Paleo? Its clean eating: whole food, real food, natural food. Nothing processed or refined. Its often thought of as the "caveman diet." Meats, eggs, veggies, fruits and nuts. The good stuff.

I've been living a "semi-Paleo" lifestyle for a while pre-world show, so I won't be switching over cold turkey (thank goodness). However, giving up those last few staple foods will be challenging. Breakfast is going to be a tough one for me to conquer; I need my yogurt and granola... But don't worry, I'm not going to be a crazy crash dieter. I'm more focused on living a healthy lifestyle than losing those five extra L.B.s. I promise I won't turn into one of those crazy health nuts, either. I'll be craving a Big Mac like nobody's business before long (its a fact). Until then, I will be enjoying my last few bags of goldfish while I still can.

Wish me luck! 

*side note: I apologize to anyone who follows me on Pinterest for the excessive amount of Paleo recipes I will be pinning. Also, if anyone has recipe suggestions, please let me know!