Decisions, decisions.

My mama always says honesty is the best policy so that's what I'm giving you today. Honesty. Thanksgiving is around the corner and the decision to stick to a strictly Paleo diet is looming over my head. I'm considering cheating....well, I prefer to call it a meal pardon. You know-how the President pardon's one turkey on Thanksgiving-it would be like giving my whole30 a one meal pardon. That's how I like to look at it anyhow.

I'll tell you why:
1. I am a woman and therefore am ruled by emotions and hormones and those are directly linked to Holiday memories.
2. I question whether sticking to Paleo for one meal is more important than enjoying those "little pleasures" in life with family and friends.

I mentioned in a previous post I do not think a piece of pumpkin pie or a batch of chocolate chip cookies every once in a while will cause harm. But I will add... if besides those occasions you eat a Paleo diet (yes, I realize the contradiction of that statement).

I think there are different types of Paleo people. My husband could have a complete Paleo Thanksgiving meal and think nothing of it. He doesn't seem to be bothered by what he's giving up in comparison to sticking to the diet. I, on the other hand, am already grieving over the loss of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner and I truly believe it has nothing to do with sugar cravings. I do crave sugar, but it is easy for me to turn it down on a day to day basis. As a matter of fact, I turned down many delicious smelling pastries and breakfast casseroles at MOPS this morning for a plate of yummy fruit. But, there are occasions think a break from the strict diet is better for your mental and emotional health than sticking to the diet is for your physical health.

When there are opportunities to create memories or have sentimental times over a nice, sweet sugary treat I don't see why that is such a bad thing. When I bake chocolate chip cookies with my son I love to see him enjoy them. I love remembering how I did the same thing with my mom and grandmother. I love to bake pies and see people enjoy them. I don't live by my family anymore so sometimes baking those things takes me back to my grandmothers basement for the memories of the 50 people packed like sardines around the table every Holiday and family birthday and I love it. I love showing people I love them through baked goods...by showing people I care by taking time to bake something special simply because they are who they are. I like to eat Thanksgiving dinner filled with breads and sugar because I am thankful I am on this earth to be able to. I know, I know: you say "but you can do the same thing with Paleo recipes!" And to that I say, you're right. I have made lots of muffins with my boy and we have had a great time. But it's not the same and you know it.

Having said all that, I think the ability to do these things can only happen with the presence of restraint. There is a point where the negative physical side effects outweigh the mental and emotional benefits and it is slippery slope from that first bite of pumpkin pie to that point. Anyone who has seen The Biggest Loser can vouch for that. Heck, anyone who has fallen off the Paleo wagon before can vouch for that. It takes a lot of thought and preparation to stay on course, but just one bite to get off. So I realize this post is COMPLETELY against what the good people at Whole9 want me to post and even think, but it's where I am.