The Dr. Sweets' Diet

Here is a handy list of what I eat and what I keep away from my body...

Let's start with the Goods!

1. Any and all vegetables, including root vegetables (I know some of these are considered fruits). The darker green and more colorful ones, the better. I often eat Kale, Spinach, Broccoli, Broccolini/Broccoli Rabe, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Avocados, Tomatoes, Beets, Cauliflower, Arugula, Cabbage, Bok Choy, Collard Greens, Artichoke, Squash, Pumpkin, Eggplant, Cucumber, Plantain, Peppers, Zucchini, Asparagus, Onions, Scallions, Garlic, Sweet Potato, Water Chestnut and the occasional Celery.

2. Any fruits. Berries (Blueberries, Rasberries, Strawberries mostly), Bananas, Apples, Oranges, Grapefruit, Pineapple, Watermelon. The list goes on. I also enjoy dried fruits like cranberries and strawberries.

3. Legumes and beans (This is not Paleo). I love any and all beans. Chick pea, black beans, great northern beans, lima beans, lentils, you name it.

4. Nuts and seeds. Almonds, Walnuts, Cashews, Pine nuts, (unfortunately I can't eat peanuts... they give me a migraine), sunflower seeds, pepitas, flaxseed, sesame, etc.

5. Meats, Seafood, Proteins and Fats. Beef, Chicken, Lamb, Pork... this means steak, pot roast, ribs, fish, sashimi and bacon! My other fats/proteins come from eggs, olive oil, olives, and guacamole.

6. Dairy (also not Paleo). I drink lattes, so I need a little skim milk every now and then. I also love yogurt, plain is the best (you can add whatever you want to it), and cheese! Every now and then I treat myself to a little ice cream.

7. Extras: Dark Chocolate and Red Wine.

(this picture from http://www.crossfitidog.com/nutrition/paleo-food-pyramid/)

Now the Bads...

1. Grains: Any wheat, rye, barley, bulgur, orzo, couscous, bran, oats, corn, rice, cereal. This includes pasta, oatmeal, bread, and anything made with grains.

2. Processed Foods. If it's in a box or in the middle portion of the grocery store, I tend to stay away.

3. White potatoes

4. Carbonated drinks

5. Fake sugar

6. Unnecessary sweets

7. Beer and other wheat based drinks like Vodka, Whiskey, etc.


So here is a tip on replacements...

I have replaced potato chips with sweet potato chips or plantain chips. You can use cauliflower to mash or make a base for pizza. My pancakes only have two ingredients, bananas and eggs. I'll post a recipe soon. For flour, you can use almond meal, coconut flour or plantain flour. Buckwheat and quinoa are considered a seed so these are okay to eat as well!!

Do I cheat... I sure do. When it is something that I really can't resist. Sometimes I regret it because I will get a headache or stomach ache, but sometimes a little cheat every once in awhile is okay. My favorite cheats include pizza, corn tortilla chips, and tamales made with corn. So go ahead and indulge a little. :)