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Anna Mae Groves

A vessel sharing positivity through beauty, wellness, and personal style.

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Why I Went Paleo, and 3 Tips for the Long Haul

September 8, 2020 By Anna Groves 4 Comments

If eating paleo is wrong, I don’t want to be right! When I am eating paleo, I feel incredible, sleep well, my skin glows, and my brain works properly.  And I have so much more energy!  I love eating this way because I never feel deprived.  I don’t have to count carbs and calories, and I get all the veggies, fruits, carbs, fats and proteins that I want.  I even eat sweet treats. I believe that if people eat a paleo diet (whole, real, unprocessed foods sans processed sugar, dairy and grains) they will feel INCREDIBLE.  But what got me here in the first place? 

Five years ago, I had cancer in the front of my mind. My mom and aunt had passed away just a couple of years apart.  They had both fought breast cancer and won. Later, ovarian and uterine cancers reared their ugly heads- my mom battled and won again. Eventually, though, the monster came back and claimed both my mother’s and aunt’s lives. Their father had died from prostate cancer when I was young, and my mom had the BRCA-2 gene. When my 29 year old sister was tested for the BRCA mutation, she ended up positive. Because of this, it prompted her to go in right away for a mammogram. Thank God she did. They found breast cancer in one of my sister’s breasts and she ended up having a double mastectomy as a 29 year old. Thankfully they caught it early and she didn’t need chemo or radiation.  

Grilled Marinated Chicken with Japanese Sweet Potatoes and green beans

All of those factors got me thinking- maybe I should be better at taking care of my body. I got curious. What feeds cancer? What halts it? I started looking into food. 

What I found is that inflammation is bad for just about everything. Inflammation ruins joints, causes or exacerbates all kinds of auto immune disorders, and can make your skin develop eczema and acne. Inflammation accelerates the development of wrinkles and causes lethargy, brain fog, and SO much more, including hair loss! But most importantly, inflammation fans the flame of cancer. A lot of things cause inflammation: pollution, stress, and sun are just a few. But the biggest cause of inflammation is what we eat- specifically, dairy, sugar, certain grains, and processed foods.  This is what prompted me to look into paleo eating. 

Beef Stew

What I found was that eating paleo is anti inflammatory when done right, and it’s all about consuming real, whole foods- not processed- and lots of vegetables, fruits, good fats and proteins, all while staying away from the inflammation culprits. 

You see, a paleo diet is not about going low carb or restricting yourself. It is simply about putting good things in your body and choosing the best foods that you can! I heard it said before that our food is either a poison or a medicine- what will we choose? Paleo is not a diet, but instead a lifestyle.  Do I eat paleo 100% of the time? No. However, I do make wise choices most of the time, because I feel better when I do. After eating this way for five years, I don’t give myself rules to follow- rather, I understand what makes me feel the best and I reach for those foods 80-90% of the time.  While this all started as a way for me to reduce the chances of cancer, I found that I didn’t gain the weight that most 40 year olds do, and my skin looks better than it would have, had I not started eating this way.  Some people think that eating a paleo diet is extreme, or hard.  It’s actually not at all- unless you consider eating whole foods and extreme measure- but here are three tips that helped me to make this a regular way of life.

That time I made Defined Dish Harissa Chicken

1. START WITH A WHOLE30

This is where I think everyone who wants to go paleo should begin and this is why:  A Whole30 will help you to understand how your body responds to certain foods, and it will make it possible for you to maintain a paleo lifestyle. Not based not on rules, but based on the freedom to choose what exactly makes you feel your best. It also rids you of habits and addictions which is imperative if you want to start eating paleo.  Whole30 is a 30 day program where you strictly eat three meals a day, the first within an hour of waking, another for lunch and the final meal no later than 3 to 4 hours before bed. This gets rid of the habit of snacking for emotional purposes. It also gets you in a nice rhythm that brings clarity of thought and better sleep. The whole30 is like a reset button that allows you to slowly incorporate certain foods after the 30 days for the purpose of seeing how some ingredients affect you personally. For me, as I incorporated things and took note, I realized that dairy made me break out and bloat, wheat and gluten caused brain fog and lethargy, and processed sugar made me feel like I got hit by a truck and made my skin look wrinkly.  I found out that corn tortillas and fresh corn don’t bother me, but popcorn makes me feel torn up. I saw that rice is OK but makes me a bit sleepy, and that oatmeal is cool, outside of a little bloat. For you, this will be different and that’s why the whole30 is so important.  Once you’re finished incorporating different foods, you’re on your way to food freedom! Two tips for a successful whole30- Set it in your mind that you will not be cheating and plan ahead! Come on. You can do it. It’s just 30 days. Buy the book “It Starts With Food” and read it. It will make the process easier on you! I plan to do a blog post on doing a successful whole30 as well.

2. DON’T MAKE IT COMPLICATED   

Paleo eating is simply eating REAL whole foods. Don’t try to go low carb or deprive yourself. Just eat real food and call it a day. Heavy on the veggies, some protein, fat and good carbs from a sweet potato or other root veggies is going to make you look and feel amazing- and you’ll feel satisfied!  Once you’re done with a whole30 you can absolutely go back to snacking and having sweet treats- it’s just that now, they will not have processed sugars and grains.

Just some marinated chicken, baked sweet potato with ghee, and broccoli. Not complicated!

3. FOLLOW PALEO FOOD BLOGGERS 

Once you’re used to eating paleo, you’ll realize you’re cooking a lot more. And you will definitely want some variety and inspiration! Some great follows are listed below:

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1. @thedefineddish for delicious easy weeknight meals 2. @isimplyam_flor for a whole30 coach with Dominican influences 3. @theprimal_gourmet The man with alll the tricks and barbecue hacks 4. @iheartumami.ny Good for you Chinese food 5. @nocrumbsleft known for the most amazing elixirs and dang good food 6. @allthehealthythings What she said… all the healthy things – paleo and gf 7. @paleorunningmomma Everything is good, but if you have a sweet tooth, Michelle is the one to run to. 8.@nomnompaleo Asian inspired food made paleo and easy

And that is how I went paleo successfully and long term. I really believe that a paleo diet is sustainable because of the fact that you are not depriving yourself or setting yourself up with strict caloric or carb guidelines.  Instead, you are simply living your life, eating real, whole foods. I hope you’re inspired to do this, for a long healthy, life… and to look and feel your best.

Thank you so much for stopping by! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a post!


Filed Under: Food, Lifestyle, Wellness Tagged With: clean eating, how to eat paleo, how to go paleo, paleo, paleo tips, whole30, whole30tips

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Charlotte says

    September 9, 2020 at 2:29 pm

    Thank tou for this!! 🙌🏼 I need A change and i can feel my body just Not feeling like a 41year old Should feel like! Loving All you post and tips ✨🤗 i heard you on Living with Landyn’s Podcast . (That’s how i found You) ..So Thank u for sharing your lifestyle, advice & tips ✨ 👏🏼

    ❤️ CharlottE

    Reply
    • Anna Groves says

      November 8, 2020 at 6:27 am

      Yay! Thank you Charlotte!

      Reply
  2. Ericka says

    September 27, 2020 at 5:59 pm

    How often do yOu eat fruit? Do you Limit yOur fruit intaKe at all?

    Reply
    • Anna Groves says

      November 8, 2020 at 5:38 am

      Hi! I eat fruit any time! Just when on a whole30 they recommend not to because the whole point is to eliminate your sugar addiction so eating Fruit to satisfy the sugar cravings will negate the whole thing 🙂 but after that you can go to town!

      Reply

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A vessel sharing positivity through beauty, wellness, and personal style.
I get a lot of questions about how I learned to do I get a lot of questions about how I learned to do things. Things like makeup. Editing. DIY.  Blogging. Pictures. Instagram. Running.  Cooking.  Reels.  
 
My friend, here’s the thing.  I didn’t learn how to do them before I did them.  
 
I repeat:  
 
I didn’t learn how to do them BEFORE I did them.  
 
I learned WHILE I did them.  
 
Every artist, interior designer, photographer, writer, mother, father, runner, athlete, chef, dancer, accountant, teacher, content creator, roofer, painter.... not a single one knew what they were doing before they did it.  
 
And do you know the difference between you and them?  
 
They started. In the unknown.  In the dark. In the fear.  They went for it.  
 
And then, do you know what they did? They saw that they weren’t amazing the first time and.....  
 
....they did it again.  
 
and again.  
 
and again.  
 
And each time they learned something new.  AS THEY WENT.  
 
For years I watched my incredible friends do things they’d never done before. And AS THEY WENT they became great.  
 
I waited SIX years to start a blog because I didn’t know what I was doing.  Because I was afraid of failure. Because I was scared of messing up in front of others. I let fear win. Until one day in May of 2019, I woke up.  
 
As far as these DIY’s? I STILL don’t know what the heck I’m doing. But I’m learning in front of your eyes. As I GO.  
 
My beautiful mother had a plethora of gifts and talents. She was an artist. A writer.  A creative.  And many of her dreams died with her because she let fear stop her.  We never got to see her full potential. It grieves me deeply.  I won’t let that be me.  Please don’t let it be you.  
 
So.... that thing you’ve been wanting to do? What are you waiting for?  
 
It’s go time. 
 
Psalm 37:23-24
Someone said something really rude in my DM’s an Someone said something really rude in my DM’s and I’m so proud of myself.    
   
Everyone is different, but I always feel the need to reply or defend or explain.  I even took a screenshot of what they said so I could share it.  I typed my response and hit send.  About 5 minutes later, I went back. It was still unread.  I pressed “unsend” and deleted the screenshot.   
   
Listen, that is growth.  Late is better than never.   
   
I was letting the mean spirited words of a stranger on the internet live rent free in my heart even though I knew it would bear no fruit for me.    
   
No more. God, give me the strength to stand by this. I won’t let someone’s unkind words hold space in this temple. It’s too precious of a house. The gatherings at this house are invite only....and I am in charge of the guest list.    
   
I hope you’ll make a beautifully exclusive guest list for your house, too. 🖤   
   
#youarethetemple
How it’s going >>> How it started 🖤🖤🖤 Y How it’s going >>> How it started 🖤🖤🖤 You, me and God make a pretty strong triple strand cord, Rob G.  Happy Valentine’s Day! #NotEasilyBroken   
‭‭   
Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4:9-12‬ ‭
You guys! 😭😭😭 The headboard is done and I You guys! 😭😭😭 The headboard is done and I’m literally tearing up as I write this.  
 
It could be that I’m just tired, but I really felt like giving up a few times, and I am so proud of myself for pushing through to the finish line.  I wish you could see the headboard and room in real life. It is so much prettier in person.  
 
Besides getting the wrong length screws and having a manual staple gun (which I do not recommend for stapling cane btw 🤦🏽‍♀️).... 
 
I got what I thought was a kreg jig, then went back and got an ACTUAL kreg jig, and when I got home I realized I really sucked at using a kreg jig. 😬 
 
After I finally got it, I then forgot to adjust the height of the guide, and drilled ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE ACTUAL KREG JIG 😩😂🤷🏽‍♀️ (see the whole saga in stories)  
 
Anyway, I think it looks awesome. Thank you for all of your encouragement. So many of you didn’t laugh AT me, but WITH me, and you encouraged me to keep going.  I appreciate you, and I hope you’ll do the same thing when life gets hard, too.  
 
Have a wonderful weekend and an amazing Valentine’s or Galentine’s or Palentine’s or MeMyselfandAgoodBookentine’s. Ok? 
#diyheadboard #caneheadboard #idcoathome #diybed
Valentine’s Day is almost here and I’m thrille Valentine’s Day is almost here and I’m thrilled to share my favorite new scent -  Scarlet Poppy by Jo Malone London – available now at @nordstrom.  I can’t stop smelling it… enveloping ambrette, rich scarlet poppy, warm creamy tonka bean, and a touch of fig make this the perfect addition to my collection! 
  
I’ll be pairing it with Myrrh & Tonka over my Wood Sage & Sea Salt body crème.  
  
@jomalonelondon 
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Y’all, Rob made us a romantic date night meal! I Y’all, Rob made us a romantic date night meal! Is he a chef yet?! SWIPE to see it and his shopping list :) I sent him into @aldiusa for ingredients to create something scrummy and he did it! Scallops, shrimp, asparagus and roasted potatoes! 🙌🏾 Head to my stories to check out his adventure.  #sponsored 
 
To recreate something like this, you can find everything at ALDI! You will get in and out quickly, plus as always- find delicious, affordable foods.  #ALDILove
I found a home for my little valentines arrangemen I found a home for my little valentines arrangement in the nook! 💐 Yesterday I took a bundle of plain store bought blush roses and gently spread apart the petals. Then I tucked in white and purple wax flowers and such.  TIP: start with like items (the roses) and then tuck in smaller pieces at different lengths to fill. Did a little time lapse in stories! I really like asymmetric arrangements. Do you prefer symmetry or are you the lopsided type, too?  What’s your favorite arranging tip? 👇🏾#floralarrangement #valentines #valentinesgift
It’s #MANIMONDAY! 💅🏽 If you have trouble w It’s #MANIMONDAY! 💅🏽 If you have trouble with your polish chipping, I’ve got some tips that work for me! Head up to stories to see it in action, but here’s the gist:  
1. Don’t wash your hands right before - if your nail bed is damp, it will expand and then contract- chipping your nails. I like at least an hour of drying time after a hand washing or shower.  
2.  Don’t touch your nails! After removing polish, I buff, then dip into the remover again. If you touch your nails, the oils from your fingers can keep the polish from adhering.  
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What are your tips?  Or if you have questions, leave em below!
Save this post for a puffy eye tip below! If you d Save this post for a puffy eye tip below! If you didn’t already know, I’m a HUGE advocate of retinol and I got some incredible results testing Shani Darden’s Retinol Reform - such good results that I am actually trying eye cream!  
 
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HERE’S A TIP: On the days that I wake up extra puffy, I make a “mask” out of the eye cream. I put on a thick layer, let it sit for five minutes, then roll it into the eye with a cool jade roller until it absorbs. It’s a game changer!  
 
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I made this headboard from a single piece of maple plywood, sanded it with 220 grit sandpaper, kept it raw, and leaned it against a dark wall for contrast. Looks just like the headboard from a $1000 CB2 bed (last slide)! 
 
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