MelanieAvalon.com

How To Dine At Restaurants On The Paleo Diet

By melanieavalon / August 9, 2014

Dining at restaurants Paleo-style actually isn’t that difficult once you get the hang of it. Most restaurants have some sort of meat dish on the menu, as well as vegetables. You just gotta think outside the box! Paleo is also super easy because you don’t have to gauge calories or scrutinize portion sizes {sigh of relief}. Here’s some tips and […]

Fiber: Food’s Favorite Reality Star

Fiber

Paleo

Supplements

By melanieavalon / August 5, 2014

Let’s zero in on fiber for a second. I like to think of fiber as a Reality TV star: quite famous, but of questionable merit. While not as deleterious to our health as the low-fat paradigm, the whole EAT MORE FIBER thing is a bit misleading. Fiber refers to indigestible carbohydrates found in the cell walls of plants. Fiber adds no […]

Paleo Q&A

Uncategorized

By melanieavalon / August 5, 2014

The Paleo world brims with grey areas, differing opinions, and questions. Here are my personal opinions on some common ones. As always, experiment and do what works for you! And if you’ve got a question not addressed here, post in the comments or Contact Me! PROTOCOL QUESTIONS (3) What Should My Macronutrient Ratio Be On A Paleo […]

And You Thought Gluten Was Bad? Meet Lectin.

Plant Antinutrients

By melanieavalon / July 30, 2014

Oh hey Lectin! (AKA.: Gluten’s nefarious cousin lurking in the corner.) Lectins are a protein found in plants. They function as a part of the plant’s natural defense system. They’re particularly concentrated in grains (primarily wheat, but also rye and barley). They also reside in legumes and tubers such as potatoes, beans, and soy. Lectins are notably resilient to […]

What’s Your Gluten Clique?

Gluten

Paleo

Plant Antinutrients

By melanieavalon / July 27, 2014

I’m Joining the Club! When I found out a few weeks ago that I’m allergic to wheat, I jumped for joy. It was like my official invitation to the gluten-free club. I was no longer the “poser” I felt like up until that point. (Like: “Hi! I don’t eat gluten because… umm… it’s bad. Can I sit with […]

Why You Might Think Broccoli And Brussels Sprouts Taste Bitter

Studies

By melanieavalon / July 25, 2014

My mom hates Brussels sprouts, which is why she never made them for us growing up. I didn’t try one of them until a year or so ago (and LOVED it personally). But if you don’t like Brussels sprouts or broccoli or a few certain other green veggies, there may be a scientific reason for that! Cruciferous vegetables […]

The Magic of Fainting Spells (Or How I Found Out I’m Allergic to Gluten!)

Personal

By melanieavalon / July 25, 2014

Many months of my early teen years were spent in the company of a friend named Accutane. While I’d hardly go within a mile of it now, the drug did indeed change my skin type from oily, acne-prone madness, to clear as a whistle. I also got the advantage of less oily hair, but the disadvantage of sunburn. […]

Junk Food Addiction (Yes, It’s Real)

Standard American Diet

By melanieavalon / July 24, 2014

“Bet You Can’t Eat Just One!” Ever had that moment where you simply had to eat another one of those pre-packaged cookies or slice of suspiciously colorful sheet cake even though you weren’t really hungry or, in all honesty, it didn’t taste that amazing. Guess what! It’s not all in your mind! Well, it is….but that’s the point. Addiction to “junk […]

10 Tips for Starting Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent Fasting

By melanieavalon / July 23, 2014

1. Arm Yourself With Knowledge  Know that you will NOT die if you don’t eat for a few hours. If you think what you’re doing is harmful or antagonistic to your body, fasting will become a huge hurdle in your mind. Read articles and do research to understand what’s actually happening in your body during a fast. (As Olaf […]

Intermittent Fasting Fears

Intermittent Fasting

By melanieavalon / July 19, 2014

A common reaction to intermittent fasting is straight-up FEAR. Fear that you will die. Fear you are doing something harmful to your body. Fear it will be difficult. Fear of the unknown. Let’s tackle these haunting specters one by one, shall we? But first: here’s something to ponder which stuck with me ever since I heard […]