Yesterday was a rough paleo day

These kale chips are $5.99 per bag and taste like
saw dust. And look at all that wasteful packaging!

I'm surprised I made it through yesterday without a massive paleo failure. Seriously, it was rough. Not that I was around a bunch of non-paleo food or anything -- I wasn't. I just could not stand the sight or even the thought of my normal, everyday menu.

Here is what went down:

I left the house early, because I had an appointment with my midwife at 8:40am. No time for breakfast. By the time my appointment was over, however, it was definitely time for breakfast. I was miles away from home, though, and had plans to meet a friend for coffee (so, I couldn't just head back to my house). I wanted to kick myself for such poor planning. Why didn't I have a hard boiled egg and some fruit in my bag (not that I wanted an egg anyway -- blech)? That's when I spotted Panera. I thought about bagels and cream cheese. Yum. I cannot remember the last time I sunk my teeth into a bagel. Admittedly, I was tempted. Fortunately, though, I didn't give in. I re-directed my thoughts, and reminded myself of the consequences. Instead, I went to New Seasons Market. I wasn't really happy with anything New Seasons had to offer, but I settled for a Larabar and one of those buffalo Tanka bars (this might have been the first time I've ever tasted buffalo -- the bar was OK, but I don't understand why the manufacturers use sweetened cranberries). Anyway, I didn't love my breakfast but at least it got me through the morning.

After I arrived home from the gym, I looked in the fridge hoping to find something for lunch. Total waste of time, because I already knew what was in the fridge -- nothing. Well, nothing other than some leftover chicken. I was sooo not in the mood for chicken. I took a 90-minute nap instead, all the while wishing I could just eat a normal lunch. Like a sandwich or something. To be honest, I kinda felt sorry for myself (which I really have no right to do, because I chose this lifestyle and I am healthier and stronger because of it).

After my nap, though, I felt better and realized that yes, I did have a few things in the fridge. Like four-dozen farm fresh eggs (we get our eggs from a friend who raises chickens), two juicy grapefruits and a zucchini. The zucchini didn't make the cut, but the grapefruit and eggs were great.

Unfortunately, though, that wasn't the end of my rough paleo day. I left the house at about 6pm for the Mini Sledgehammer writing contest over in Northeast Portland, and didn't even think about the fact that I would be gone for four hours (and not only that, I would be hanging out at a place that served only served wine, cheese and paninis). And even if I did make it home in time for dinner, what would I make? Eggs and grapefruit again? No thanks.

I left Mini Sledgehammer feeling somewhat ... desperate. All I really wanted to do was skip dinner, crawl into bed and start fresh in the morning. But the reality is, I can't -- I have another life to nourish. My thoughts drifted to all the delicious things I would eat in that moment if it weren't for my commitment to paleo. A Blizzard from Dairy Queen. Sourdough toast smothered in butter. Falafel. And yes, once again I actually considered giving in. I wanted to give in. Somehow, though, I summoned the will to stick to my guns and wound up going to New Seasons one more time. I bought: canned tuna, carrots, an apple, an avocado, a box of coconut "ice cream" bars (btw, I don't really consider these 100% compliant because they contain agave) and some kale chips. My fatigue and hunger are reflected in this list, because under normal circumstances I wouldn't buy the coconut bars or the kale chips. And, as luck would have it, the kale chips are disgusting (I might actually return them). I did enjoy the tuna and carrots, though, and I went to bed feeling victorious rather than defeated and disappointed.

Now,  I just have to see how today turns out!