The Weight Loss Digest

 

One of the most profound moments in the parenting adventure is the day the last child moves out of the family home and into a life of new-found independence and adventure.

So many emotions will be running through your minds and hearts as you and your partner fondly bid farewell and find yourselves with a brand new life as empty nesters.

While this can be a difficult adjustment, it is also a time when you can rediscover your own independence and freedom from the responsibilities that were a part of your daily living for so many years while raising your family.

One of the biggest benefits for many is the opportunity to take back complete control of the kitchen!

During the teenage years, kids tend to bring in all kinds of non-Paleo snack foods.

While our children were all still home, we welcomed their friends and the neighborhood kids to hang out at our house.

Along with the kids came the occasional pizzas, chips, and cookies.

Teenage boys especially seem to show up with appetites and can’t seem to socialize without simultaneously foraging for anything that appears to be edible.

We rarely bought non-Paleo foods for our kids, but when friends came over, often some mysterious food items would appear as well.

During this busy and joyful period, you may have found it difficult to stay true to your Paleo lifestyle and sometimes found yourself making some less-than-great food choices.

Good news!

The kids are on their own now and you and your partner have regained complete control.

Paleo eating has now become simple, with your cupboards and fridge stocked with only the freshest meats, fish, fruits, and veggies.

Every time you venture out to the grocery store, you will come back with only those life-giving foods that you have longed to make a part of your daily routine.

Hopefully, you and your partner are committed to eating Paleo for the rest of your years.

This is an especially important time of your life as we all know that the diseases of our modern civilization become more prevalent after the age of 50. Now is the time to focus on your health and fitness.

Adopting a pure Paleo lifestyle is your key to longevity and will increase your odds of missing out on all the ailments that plague so many seniors in their later years.

Empty nesters make many adjustments once their children are on their own.

If one of you has been responsible for all of the cooking, make plans to share the fun.

Plan a night or two when both of you cook a delicious Paleo meal together.

Try some new recipes that you didn’t have time for when your family life was so busy. Make extra and enjoy the leftovers the next day.

Create a new way to prepare fruits or veggies.

The possibilities are endless and you will find that the time together is well spent and the benefits of renewed energy and vitality essential to living your life to the fullest.

 

All the Best,

Lorrie Cordain, M.Ed., Co-Author of The Paleo Diet Cookbook