What’s Paleo?
To sum it up, it’s the diet humans have been eating for most of our existence; a diet filled with food we were meant to eat [real, whole foods]. This includes locally sourced meats, vegetables, fruit, nuts, and healthy fats (like coconut oil, avocado oil, etc.). There are many variations of the Paleo Diet, so it’s important to read many sources!
Want to know more about Paleo? Here are my favorite books on it.
Why do YOU eat Paleo?
It all started a few years ago when my dad was diagnosed with heart disease. He was the picture of health, an athlete his whole life, completed two Ironman Triathlons, and was into crossfit at the time. With a 90 percent blockage to the Widow Maker, he was in need of 4 stents and a pacemaker. We began searching for the perfect diet for him to prevent further inflammation and found the Paleo/Primal/Caveman Diet. Basically we eat real food, and focus on minimizing processed foods and refined sugars.
Healthy living became a huge part of my life and I became eager to learn more about nutrition and finding nutrient dense foods. I have more energy, am happier, and love my body more than ever. I struggled with digestive problems for a few years and a Paleo approach helped tremendously! I encourage everyone to eat this way, learn more about the importance of real food and discover what foods are best for YOU.
I’m from Covington, Louisiana. I went to Louisiana State University for undergrad, and graduated with a major in Biology and a minor in Business. I am now at LSU Medical School in New Orleans, studying to become a Dermatologist.
I love to spend time with my family and friends, cook, dance, ski, and travel.
How can I start a blog?
I wrote about this here in my post “3 steps to starting a blog“. It is actually super easy to do! I hope you start a blog and if you do share it with me! I’d love to get to know your story.
Find me on Twitter (where I rant and talk to myself), on Instagram (where I post yummy food), Facebook, or Pinterest. If you have any questions at all, email me at bravoforpaleo @ gmail.com . My media kit is available by request.
Your dad and I have been knowing each other since 5th grade. He’s amazing and as I reflect back over the years it’s impressive to see what you are doing. I know your dad is proud of you. Keep at it and God Bless You
Thanks for checking the blog out! God Bless You too!!
Hi Monica,
This is Cheryl Short’s sister, I have been very ill the past several years with autoimmune diseases. Most recently, a very scary one that caused painful bumps on my legs and arm. They diagnosed it as “Eurythma Nodosom” and quickly checked my lungs and brain for nodules. Something in the course of this painful disease (bed rest six weeks) made my Rheumatologist include Celiac Disease in my immunoglobulin tests. I came back positive (allergic to gluten) and was started on a gluten free diet. I am still learning about cooking and new alternatives so Eric recommended your blog to me. I am just now beginning to read it. I was hoping to maybe see you up at Cheri & Eric’s today for the boys party but Robert is ill and I am very fatigued. I can tell you, I have lost 7# since beginning my new Paleo life. I am hoping the energy level kicks UP soon. I only drink water or protein shakes. Do you have any good non carbonated, sugar free or low sugar drink suggestions? I love tea ( hot or cold).
Well, off I go to absorb your knowledge! Also, since going Paleo, my immune system (which was NON EXISTENT) Is returning to normal. I have an immune system after being without out for 9 years! BRAVO FOR PALEO! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I look forward to learning more from your expertise and yummy creations!
Thanks,
Debbie Knorr – Mandeville, LA
So happy that Mr. Eric recommended the blog! I believe that you can definitely heal yourself of this disease and build your immune system as well. I’m glad you are already feeling better and the energy levels will most definitely increase. You could still have the “carb flu”, missing carbs and easy energy. Your body will take time to adjust but it will be worth it. Email me at bravoforpaleo@gmail.com if you have any more questions! Good luck with your journey!
Monica
I have found that I can drink coconut water. If you drink the juice flavored one I try to eat a few raw almonds so that there will be less of a sugar spike. It is my understanding that fiber and fat cause sugar to be absorbed slower. By the way anything you don’t like the taste of can be something that you enjoy if you keep eating it in small amounts. Real raw sauerkraut is an example. Read a book on the benefits of sauerkraut a will cause you to want to add it to your diet! May God bless you on your road to recovery!! Vickie Hall
If you find you need to look further, try Autoimmune Paleo or AIP Diet. I am following the Root Cause Recipes and it is most helpful! All the best, Susie
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Thanks for sharing the Brussel Sprout Salad recipe.
I’m a photographer and I also like to cook/eat health conscious foods.
Good Luck in school.
I love your ballet photo.
Ed
Thanks for commenting! Glad you like the blog and thank you for stopping by!
Hi Monica! I was directed to your website after hearing you on the Jimmy Moore podcast and thought it was so great to hear someone younger who is interested in the whole paleo movement. I love your blog and recipes!! Cant wait to try some of them out 🙂
Thanks so much for commenting Amie! I’ll have to give your blog a look too! 🙂
Hi Monica, I just followed your link from PaleOMG and started looking around. I am a Naturopathic Doctor and practice holistic medicine just as you are hoping to do. If you have never heard of Naturopathic Medicine before I highly encourage you to do a little research. It sounds like it would be right up your alley.
Best of luck with your blog and thank you for adding to my Paleo recipe resources!
Thanks for the comment! I am definitely interested in Naturopathic Medicine, and have already been looking at programs! I’d love to talk to you more about this! Glad you like the recipes!
Monica,
Thanks for showing me the website stuff today! At some point I should cease to be surprised at your abilities, but you must recall that I routinely deal with ordinary college undergrads.
For whoever reads these comments: the dietary details are beyond my expertise, but this young woman is a genius in her general intellectual capacity, and you would do well to take what she says very seriously. I ought to know: I taught her Calc II class, though I doubt she learned much from me. Just don’t expect that using her recipes will make you turn out like she did!
Stay awesome, Monica!
Thank you for such a nice comment Mr. Ben! I appreciate the compliments and enjoyed your class very much!
Monica,
Good luck, both in your studies and in paleo! I look forwards to the recipes.
One of my favorite writers, Walker Percy, was from Covington.
–Jonathan
Thank you very much! That’s interesting! 🙂 it’s a great place
thank you, Monica,for sharing your recipe without asking for us to buy it in a book! I hope your generosity in sharing is given back to you one hundredfold!! you da best!!
Of course! Make sure to sign up for my email list so you never miss a post!
Monica,
Your recipes are fantastic. I fell in love with your blog after trying the blueberry muffins. My kids loved them! Many years ago, when I was a biochemistry major in the honors college and a Phi Mu at LSU, I lived a much less healthy lifestyle. Then, when my husband and I began Paleo years ago, recipes were scarce. We existed for years on grilled meat and a veggie side. Tasty recipes for the occasional treat and to keep kids excited make all the difference. Thanks for all you do!
Alisha H. Ware
Wow! We have so much in common! I’m so glad I could help 🙂 I understand about the recipes too. When my dad started it was the same issue and now we can have Paleo desserts every now and then : )
Wow! I’m a Biochemistry major (as well as pre-med student) currently studying to take my MCAT this summer. I have been into the paleo diet for the last year to 2 years. Many of my friends and family thought I was crazy but after seeing the impressive strides I have made in my health and studies they can’t help but want to “try it out”. I plan to treat patients the same way, as holistically as possible and help them change their lives. It’s incredibly refreshing to see more pre-med students like us spring out of this generation. I believe we are going to make a difference! Good luck and never stop trying!
That is amazing how much we have in common! I agree, it’s so refreshing to hear about people like you too! We need to more young people I’d LOVE for you to write a testimonial for the blog, if you want. Email me at bravoforpaleo@gmail.com I’d love to hear more about your experience with Paleo
Wow Monica! So great to see everything that you are accomplishing. I can’t wait to go paleo after reading all this. I looooove that you have a coffee creamer substitute!
Keep up the fantastic work.
Thanks Abby! : ) good luck with starting!
Tell your dad hello!
Will do!!
Thanks for the blog help, Monica! My aims are much less ambitious than yours, since I mostly just need a place to park my stuff, but you’ve helped me at least turn it into something I can use. Take care,
Ben
No problem! Anytime! : )
I came across your page today and was surprised to see where you’re located! I live in West Monroe, but have been to BR many times over the years. I’ve been attempting Paleo for the past several months after having health problems off and on for years. I really enjoy it, but I always seem to “cheat” after a little while due to working 12 hour night shifts and not preparing adequately. Hoping your page will help me stay motivated to stick with it because my body really needs this change! I also spend a lot of time researching holistic healing so I look forward to your posts and advice!
No way, that’s so cool you are from Louisiana too! I think you are at the right place if you are looking to heal your body. Paleo will definitely help with your health problems. It takes time to get 100% clean eating, but you can get to a place where the “cheats” don’t exist! It’s all about your relationship with food and learning! If you have any more questions feel free to email me! 🙂
Just heard you on WWL Radio. Got back to work and went right to your website. Enjoyed listening to both you and your dad. Wow, do I need to read more about this. I used go to the gym and ride bikes but for the last few years I eat out and don’t do anything physical anymore (and I live by the Tammany Trace) and that has got to change. Diet is the biggie for me as just like you said, I hit the fast food going home and just don’t cook anymore. Look forward to learning more regarding this approach. Thanks for your insight and thanks for the website/blog! Mike in Abita Springs, Louisiana
Mike, thanks for commenting. So glad you heard us and enjoyed it. Stay in touch, let me know if you have any questions.
I met a naturopath and listened to her speak about the rigor of their doctorate programs. I highly recommend them for you. I will say this because she pointed out that medical care definitely has it’s place and natural medicine is a supplement—I have a serious endocrine disease that only a specialist in LA was able to diagnose (Cushing’s Disease) Despite getting high cortisol blood work and reporting debilitating fatigue, my holistic MD kept recommending yoga and natural foods. (That should not have been my only treatment.) have a brain tumor and hypercortisolism; no diet or exercise will cure that ( or make lose weight). Please stay open minded because there are people like me in the world. Best wishes to you!!
Thanks! I am planning on getting an MD and supplementing with natural medicine. Of course I believe food is the new medicine, but first would like to be certified as an MD.
Would you mind sharing the name of the specialist that helped with your diagnosis? I’ve had multiple ongoing health problems that my doctors are having difficulty figuring out at the moment. I have a new doctor now who seems really great but is retired so only works one day a week…always looking for someone who people have had a positive experience with.
Hi I just wanted to say that I’ve visited your blogs a few times and love your posts. I had never before today read your bio and was amazed to see that your from Louisiana and go to LSU. I’m also from Louisiana and go to LSU and just wanted to say how amazed and proud I am to have someone from Louisiana have such a successful paleo blog and to be such a great representative of the paleo lifestyle especially while in college! Keep up your amazing work!
Aww this is so exciting!! Thanks for commenting Katherine : ) Love to see another Louisiana girl interested in health too!
Hi Monica. Which pair of the blue light blocking sunglasses did you purchase?
Hi Monica,
I am new to Paleo and love the lay out of your web site. I am learning how to cook all over again as I favored “comfort foods” in the past.
Good luck in your studies ( from sunny San Diego, California).
Hi Patti! Thanks for commenting. I am glad you like my site and hope it can help!
I’m jealous of your location! I love California!
Monica
How often do you make paleo treats and desserts?? How often do you eat them? Once a week, month, everyday 🙂 ?? Thanks!!
Probably 1-2 times a month! I’d say once a month! I try not to overdo them, because they are treats! 🙂
Hi Monica,
I just discovered you site. I am 47 years old and recently diagnosed with Type1 diabetes. It was such a shock because I am a vegetarian, not over weight, I don’t smoke or drink.
I’ve been more of a paleo eater in the past months, and wonder if you have more vegetarian recipes, that are low carb and sugar. It’s a very challenging diet. I do need protein to sustain energy between meals and insulin, but do not eat any meat, chicken or fish.
I will keep checking to see if there are new recipes posted. I will be trying the Paleo Oatmeal tomorrow morning.
Hey Erika,
Thanks for commenting. From what I know Type1 is genetic, so your lifestyle doesn’t have much to do with it. I do have some vegetarian side dishes, but most of my protein comes from animals! I hope that you find the recipes helpful! Let me know how the oatmeal turns out.
Amazing!! Your work will heal many! Thank you for dedicating your life to helping others!
See Jinger Healing foods on FB is who is teaching me to heal my body through food.
Awesome!
Thanks Nicole! And I will be sure to check it out.
HI Monica, I just stumbled upon your blog from Pinterest. I am slowly trying to adapt the paleo diet and find your blog is a great resource. So thanks for all the tasty recipe ideas! Also, my family is from the Mandeville, Covington, Madisonville area and got family pics done at Heidi Bower’s studio a few years back. She is the best!
Take care,
Jayme
Hey Jayme!
Thanks for commenting. I’m glad you have enjoyed the recipes! Good luck to you. And yes Heidi is great!
Monica
Hi Monica!
I found your blog recently and fell in love with everything about it! Thanks for all the yummy goodness and your personal inspiration :-}
I want to ask you, how do you deal with critical comments/remarks that people in your life, friends, classmates make in regards to your eating lifestyle? I do the same as you and just shorten it to “I have food allergies” too (which I’m so glad I’m not the only one who says this haha <3) because I don't want to start preaching about why I really eat paleo and have been for almost 5 years – but I just still can't get over when people criticize my food. I thought I would get use to it by now but having people make fun of me for "eating cardboard" "sand", "mud", or saying that "I should live in a bubble because I'm allergic to everything" still hurts. Especially when my really close friends do it to me.
I know I am eating real food and that I am doing this because don't want to live a life of pain. I really care about what goes into my body but I just still get hurt when people say harsh things about it. Do you ever go through this? How do/did you overcome it or confront it?
Thanks,
Monica M xoxoxo
Another Monica?! They’re rare to find.
I’m so happy that you are enjoying the blog. I deal with the criticism by brushing it off. People are always going to criticize things you do, and you can’t let it get to you. I make it clear to them we are all different and we all need to find what works for US! What I eat shouldn’t matter to anyone else. I think it’s important to be confident about your style of eating but not cocky! You just have to be careful how it comes off. Sometimes people make rude comments because they think you “think you’re better than them for not eating ____”.
Lately I haven’t even been saying I’m allergic. Because I’m not allergic, I’m just sensitive to gluten and dairy, and I feel better not eating them.
I hope this helps! In the future, I may be bloggin’ about this. Look out for it 🙂
<3
Monica
Monica…..
My two cents (which were not asked for, but …..) I find that people who make caustic remarks, are just not kind, or they are uncomfortable / not knowledgeable about whatever the subject is at hand. When we get hurt or angry, it is our body and mind “reacting” rather than “responding. I am working on being more Mindful, and responding versus reacting. Very challenging, because when the issue is as personal as eating, it hits our emotions and that Fight or Flight response. Many people are insecure, unaware, or plain mean. Would you risk your sense of peace, or calm for that? If they are insecure or unaware, be kind and give a short, happy explanation about how you have found nutrition to be so important to your sense of well being and your energy levels. (unless they are family or close friends, who love you, your specific health issues are yours and you do not need to share, nor explain) When we stop treating the way we are doing something, as odd, unique, different, whatever, then we will not feel the need to explain nor justify. If the people, are just plain unkind, then you definitely have no need to justify anything, a simple “I love this way of eating. It works for me” Give them no ammunition but more…..do not be influenced by their Reactions. Remember: Reactions are intimately personal, and truly, have nothing to do with you, but with how they process and respond. When you become more comfortable in your choices, you will not feel a need to explain or get their approval. This is your life, and you are taking care of it, in a way you have learned helps you. There is no justification needed, nor should you suffer their unkindness. I find this way of eating, does not stick out like a sore thumb in a restaurant, so the discussion is rarely ever even come up. There is no justification needed for your choices. I am sorry you have been hurt or upset. Stress is as strong a problem as the wrong foods. It is imperative, we find OUR center, and not allow negative input to touch it. The more you practice the less it will happen, and the less you will have to physically avoid them. Get to the point they can say what they wish, and it doesn’t touch you, and you have reach peace.
the bottom line: your body, your health, your choices……take care of YOU.
I’m not sure how I haven’t come across your blog before! But I’m from LA too. Work in Covington. live in NOLA!
Hi Monica! I will be a freshman in college this fall. I have been eating paleo (AIP actually) since I was diagnosed with celiac a year ago. I’m just wondering if you have any tips on how to maintain a paleo lifestyle while in college/dorms. Thanks!
Hannah
Hey hannah! Email me and I can help you more! I would love to help 🙂
Congratulations on your quest to eat healthy and to teach others. Stay true to your heart; medical school will try to beat you down. Their answer is “try” another drug instead of getting to the root cause. Healthy foods as well as healthy thoughts are the answer. Good luck to you in your future.
Thanks so much Eva! I appreciate it.
Wait a minute?/!!\
Who is your Dad?!!!
Clint Bravo!
Hi Monica,
I found your recipe on Pinterest. I enjoyed reading your story. I am from Hammond, La. I love Paleo life. Thanks for the yummy recipes!
Such a small world! How cool! Thanks for commenting Alicia 🙂
Hi Monica! I’m live in Baton Rouge and recently discovered Paleo. Do you have an article yet on local resources?
Unfortunately I do not yet. I don’t eat out a ton in Baton Rouge, but I am moving to nola soon and will probably begin talking about my favorite places there.