There are so many bloggers, writers, and smart “paleo-people” out there! I thought it might be fun to ask some of them a few questions to see what is going on in their “neck of the woods.” I am hoping to make this a weekly element on my website… If you are a blogger, and would like to be featured on EasyPaleo.com, be sure to comment on this post so I can contact you.
This week we’re talking with
Clean Eats in the Zoo
Shanti is the wife and mommy who runs “Clean Eats in the Zoo,” and boy, does she have her hands full! Check out the picture of her and her family above. She is proving that Paleo-eating can be accomplished, even when life seems crazy!
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Easy Paleo: Tell us a little about yourself.
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My name is Shanti, and my husband Chris (a.k.a. Superman) and I have been married for 13 years. We have 5 kids, ages 8 and under. I home-school the kiddos, and Superman is an 8th grade math teacher. A little over a year ago, we moved onto 10 acres, and have been slowly but surely transitioning our life to be less dependent on the American food supply, and more on homegrown goodness. We planted an orchard with 74 fruit trees (lots of different kinds), we raise pigs and sheep and goats, and we have about 25 chickens. My new project (hopefully) in the spring will be planting a large garden to help feed us all!
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Easy Paleo: Tell us your Paleo story.
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Most of our story (including my husband’s Celiac disease diagnosis) can be found on my blog HERE and HERE.
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Easy Paleo: What is your favorite Paleo recipe/menu item?
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Probably my “The Grub” Meatballs! HERE’S the link!
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Easy Paleo: Tell us a little about your website.
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I have realized after two years of dealing with Superman’s illness that there are many people out there experiencing physical pain in their lives that could be alleviated by merely changing their diet. Of course this doesn’t mean every ailment will be solved with dietary changes, but I firmly believe at least some relief is to be expected. I have developed a passion for helping other people discover what works for them, and inspiring them to make positive changes in their health. I post weekly menus on my blog in order to help others feel a little less overwhelmed about thinking of meal ideas each week. And I post relevant articles and findings relating to diet and nutrition. My goal is to inspire and encourage people in their journey to healthful living!
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Easy Paleo: Tell us about your giveaway!
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My current giveaway is a free copy of Paleo Comfort Foods or Wheat Belly when I reach 1,000 likes on my Facebook page!
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Easy Paleo: As a parent, what has been your biggest Paleo obstacle, and how have you overcome it (or “how are you overcoming it?”)?
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Initially, it was the feeling that I was constantly in the kitchen prepping and cooking. I have learned to prep when I can on the weekends and to find simple, quick, on-the-go snacks that I can give my kids. I also have a “snack shelf” with pre-made snacks that the kids can grab. I have baggies with almonds/raisins, coconut chips, mixed nuts, homemade sweet potato chips, etc. In the fridge there are bagged carrots and celery, and many fruits.
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Easy Paleo: What do you wish everyone knew about Paleo?
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That once you get used to it, it’s not overwhelming! It can seem too flippin’ hard at first, but once you get into a groove, it’s awesome! It is sooooo worth the efforts, as we have noticed incredible changes in our health, our kids’ health and our overall quality of life. Also, I don’t believe you have to be “perfect” to eat Paleo. It’s all about finding a balance for your life–for us, that means the kids eat Paleo about 80% of the time. At home, it’s Paleo. But they have the power to choose their food when we go to friends’ houses or out to eat. I want them to own their dietary choices instead of me being a dictator.
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Easy Paleo: What would you say to parents who use their kids as excuses to avoid jumping on the Paleo bandwagon themselves?
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See above answer. Also, I truly feel our kids should be a BIG reason to make these changes. Yes, they’ll gripe at first. Yes, they’ll complain. But over time, their tastes WILL change, and you will reap the rewards of sticking to your guns to help ensure your children have a healthy future!
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Easy Paleo: What are a few of your kids’ favorite recipes?
Dinner/Snacks:
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Desserts:
Easy Paleo: What are a few of your Paleo goals/resolutions for the new year?
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Just to stay the course. Keep it up. Try new recipes. Challenge myself in a culinary sense. And enjoy food! .
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Thanks Shanti!
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