What's for breakfast?

One of the first questions that arises when starting on a Paleo path is: What's for breakfast?

Gone are the days of pancakes, cereal, toast, and those oh-so-convenient sandwichey thingeys at the nearest behemoth fast food chain. If you're really going Paleo, dairy is out, too, so no more yogurt. So what the heck is for breakfast anyway?

The answer seems simple: meat and eggs. But is it really that simple?

True Paleo advocates argue against eating eggs - at least on a consistent basis. They contend that eggs were only seasonally available to our ancestors so, therefore, should only be seasonally consumed. This is a valid point; however, high quality eggs (organic and free range with high Omega 3 levels) have myriad health benefits that far outweigh concerns of seasonality. Egg yolks, for example, are one of the only foods that contain Vitamin D, which our bodies can only produce through sun exposure. Since our exposure drops significantly in cooler months, it seems even more important to consume eggs "out of season." Yolks also contain Vitamin A, B Vitamins, lutein, and magnesium, not to mention protein, the aforementioned Omega 3 fatty acids, and a host of amino acids. Of particular importance to women (especially in the baby-making years) are the levels of calcium, folate, and choline contained within those little orbs. These nutrients are imperative to building strong bones and healthy brains, in, both, the woman and any little cavebabies she may one day start brewing. On a more superficial note, the sulfur content in eggs, paired with the plethora of nourishing vitamins, minerals, fats, and acids, has been shown to promote clearer skin, stronger nails, and thicker, faster growing hair.

But what about the meat to go with those eggs? Bacon and sausage are, inarguably, the two most popular breakfast meats. But are they really Paleo? The different camps in Paleo/Primal territory each have their own stance on bacon and sausage. Some love the stuff, advocating almost daily consumption of the tasty meats, while others entirely condemn them. Some of the most prevalent arguments against these meats are that they are highly processed, high in saturated fat, and high in sodium. It is difficult to argue that they are not highly processed, and the Paleo/Primal mindset is to consume minimally processed foods. The fat content, however, is more tricky. There are numerous conflicting studies being conducted on the dangers and benefits of saturated fats. In moderation, saturated fats provide long-lasting energy and allow fat-soluble vitamins to be more readily absorbed and utilized. In excess, though, saturated fats pose some problems, especially to women. These fats, which are abundant in traditional breakfast meats, contain arachidonic acid. This fatty acid increases inflammation within the body, which, in reproductive-aged women, can seriously increase pre-menstrual cramping and increase the painful symptoms of various reproductive problems, such as fibroids. Similarly, the high sodium content in these meats increases water retention, which increases that unpleasant premenstrual bloat and also exacerbates cramping. Another serious issue women should consider is that high levels of sodium may increase blood pressure and the risk of stroke, the occurrence of which is higher in women than men. While sodium is a necessary nutrient, humans should consume less than 2,000 mg a day. Considering that two slices of bacon contain over 1,000 mg, perhaps it's time to reconsider breakfast meats, especially if you're a woman plagued by a painful, unpleasant cycle.

Another morning staple is coffee. Is it all right to drink coffee while following a Paleo lifestyle? Yes and no. Again, there are arguments that our ancestors did not have coffee. But, if you drink your coffee black - no sweeteners, creamers, or flavors - you will certainly reap some health benefits. The aromatic elixir is packed with antioxidants and reduces inflammatory response. Indeed, a Harvard Medical School study found that coffee consumption may help protect the drinker from such maladies as cancer and diabetes. And it doesn't hurt that a cuppa Joe perks us up, chases away the morning fog, and sharpens our mind. But that caffeine has a dark side. It is highly addictive. Soon we can't get that clear, happy buzz from one cup, so we move on to two, three, even more, just to wake up, easily consuming well over 500 mg of caffeine a day. Before long, without careful moderation, we can't function without it and become plagued with fatigue and stabbing headaches. Women, especially those interested in one day brewing up cavebabies, need to be very attentive to their caffeine consumption. Studies have discovered that women who consume more than 300 mg of caffeine a day (most small cups of coffee contain over 150 mg) take longer to conceive than those who consume less, and, once pregnant, have a notable increase in their risk of miscarriage. Caffeine also strips our bodies of B Vitamins, which are necessary for optimal health and fertility, and impairs liver function. This decrease in liver performance allows hormones, most notably estrogen, to build up in the body, causing a host of problems, including weight gain (or difficulty losing weight), more painful menstrual cycles (from cramping and breast tenderness to irritability and mood swings), and reproductive disorders (such as uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts). With this in mind, women should seriously consider cutting back on their morning java habit.

So, what is for breakfast? Eggs are always an excellent choice, especially when combined with a rainbow of vegetables. Fruits are also a wonderful option - grab a bowl full of berries or nosh on a banana. It is important to eat protein with breakfast to fuel your muscles and keep you feeling full throughout your morning, but seek out healthy alternatives to the processed traditional fare. A traditional, stick-to-your-ribs breakfast that is also Paleo-friendly is steak and eggs. If you have the time pan fry a slab of meat and serve it with eggs and a side of berries. Some cavepeople, pressed for time in the mornings, eat leftovers for breakfast, sometimes adding a side of scrambled eggs to make it feel more "breakfasty." Many cavepeople wash down their morning meal with a cup of tea or, even, coffee, though, for optimal health and fertility, you should try to slowly decrease your caffeine consumption. But, whatever your breakfast habit, you should try to sneak in as much nutrition as possible, eating a proverbial alphabet soup of vitamins and minerals. Doing so will help you perk up faster and feel more energized throughout the day.

The journey starts here

This blog is intended to serve as a home during my quest for vibrant health, happiness, and an uncluttered, stress-free life. With the barrage of conflicting information about health – especially women’s health and fertility – it’s all too easy to flounder, get confused, or just quit pursuing the truth and mindlessly accept convention. This blog is intended to provide inspiration to move beyond that – to go against the proverbial flow and truly engage life, being conscious of the impact of your choices.

My primary interest right now, is in pursuing a Primal/Paleo lifestyle. There is a lot of general information out there about these paths, but very little from a woman’s perspective (and even less, still, about specific female issues). I aim to discover ways for women to live vibrantly, to gain the strength, health, and independence to truly support themselves, their families, and their loved ones. Inspired by the fictional character, Ayla, from Jean M. Auel’s “Earth’s Children” series, I will seek ways for women to thrive by living the way “nature intended,” despite the controversy surrounding that phrase. This blog will present my experiences, studies, and pursuits as I embrace the cavewoman within.