Diet Update

Hello all!!  I have been thoroughly surprised at how easy it's been to cut most carbs out of my life.  I cheated on our vacation and ate whatever I wanted, but with all the walking we did, I actually lost weight.  So far, I have lost about 10 pounds and feel great.  I've been prehypertensive for a long time now, but since starting this low carb/clean eating lifestyle, my blood pressure has been the lowest it's ever been.  This is amazing, since I have a genetic predisposition to high blood pressure, so I really have to keep myself in check.  I would say that if I had to put a name to my new lifestyle eating principles, it would be a combination of low carb (except I eat fruit), clean eating, and Paleo.  Here are the basic principles I've been following:

Nothing white:  No pasta, no white rice, no sugar whatsoever (only Stevia), nothing processed, and no refined carbohydrates.
Limited whole grains:  I've been snacking on Ezekiel bread whenever I NEED a carbohydrate in my life.  They're cinnamon raisin is incredible and very filling.  I'll also eat some Wasa crackers with hummus if I need a crunch.
Organic Popcorn:  I've been getting the Central Market brand organic popcorn in their mini snack bags, and this has been a lifesaver.  Popcorn is the ONLY true light food that fills me up.  The ingredients in the organic popcorn are natural, and it is delicious. 
Protein, Veggies:  For dinner, I've been making a high protein meat like chicken, with a vegetable such as broccoli or a side salad.  If I make a dish that calls for pasta, I omit it.  One of my favorite snacks is frozen edamame with a small amount of salt.  Delicious and so filling! 
Indulgence 5% of the time:  I had a friend come in town this weekend with lots of eating out and football.  I let myself eat like crap.  Then Sunday, I recovered with salad and good foods.  On Halloween, I know I'm going to eat sweets, and on Thanksgiving, you better believe I'm going to eat that gravy and stuffing until my heart's desire.  However, I will adjust and eat better on the days leading up to it and afterward. 
Flour Substitutes:  Almond flour is the BOMB.com.  I have been able to make Paleo-friendly apple muffins with ZERO carbohydrates (only from the apples) with almond flour.  It's truly amazing how many GOOD flour substitutes there are out there.  I make a clean eating mug brownie with almond flour, cocoa powder, Stevia, and coconut oil that is to die for!    

I'm starting to crave salads and lean proteins.  I don't even miss the pasta, breads, that used to make 70% of my diet before.  It's a wonderful eating plan, and I would highly recommend it if it fits into your lifestyle.

If you have any questions about my particular diet, I'd love to answer them!