Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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Hey all,

This may be a strange question, but I've been thinking about hiring a Paleo cook, and was wondering if anyone else has done it? Has it worked out? Was it expensive? How did you find one?

I'm a single mom, full time grad student and have a part-time job. Because of my living situation, I have to share a kitchen so I can't always get in there when I need to. I also have fibromyalgia, so whatever energy I have goes to the kids and school first.

I need quick fast meals, but whenever I start Paleo I end up eating mostly nuts and deli-meats. I know I end up not eating enough veggies and that my nutrient levels remain out of balance. I tried to take one day a week to just prepare everything and follow the meal plans laid out in some of the books I've purchased, but at the end of the day, I'm just too tired.

The money, time, energy, kitchen situation tends to tip the scales when things get going. All of the little factors get in the way and I fall off the wagon. The longest I've stuck with Paleo is about 2 months - Each time I haven't passed the point of the severe fatigue, but my mind was clearer, and I know that even though I was tired, I felt better when I didn't eat grains and dairy. I could even work out a little. But it was still more about food elimination than nutrition.

Bottom line, I've gotta get better, which means I've gotta get Paleo. Any suggestions are appreciated -

Thanks.

flag	asked Oct 23 2011 at 2:35 Kristine 31●1

	I think given your situation, it's a good option to explore. Then you can prioritize your time with the kids and deal with what must be an incredible workload. Sorry I have no practical tips to offer - where I live in Asia it's an affordable thing to do (perhaps move over here!) – esque Oct 23 2011 at 8:40
	I started my blog to help people just like you! I make everything in my crockpot, and I almost always have tons of leftovers... – Sarah Oct 23 2011 at 19:20
	Thanks guys. Sarah, I checked out your blog. Great stuff! – Kristine Oct 23 2011 at 22:33

Suz - Paleo Oz · Answer 1 · 2011-10-23 13:30:53Z UTC

A cook would be great as you could have a lot of variety... but I think maybe you can achieve more than you realise yourself?

Have you got a slow cooker? I literally spend five minutes some mornings chopping up a few veggies, throwing them in the slow cooker with some meat/ herbs/ stock. I get home after a long day to an instant dinner.

I also think steamers are a great buy as you can put in chicken/ veg, go and do something else - then return 20/30 minutes later to dinner! You can put in extra, so lunch the next day is taken care of too.

Would the other kitchen sharers take turns with you? So much "Paleo" food could be served to CW eaters without them even realising it was Paleo.

Rogue Nutritionist · Answer 2 · 2011-10-23 16:33:35Z UTC

I was a personal chef until recently for about a year and a half for a single mama of young twins wanting to lose significant weight.I charged her $15 an hour for all my work, including shopping. I prepared meals for the whole week at my own house, then delivered to her. I cooked portions for my family, so that was how I felt good charging so little. Her and I would sit down periodically and discuss menu items, and she gave me regular feedback about what the kids liked (she always liked everything!). She originally found me through mutual friends, so that's where I would start looking, within your community of friends and family.

Priscilla · Answer 3 · 2011-10-23 17:40:34Z UTC

I've cooked for friends before, and I have usually charged double what the food cost me to purchase (ie. Pot roast w/ veggie ingredients cost me $20, I charge $40 for the tray of cooked food). If your financial situation can handle it, I'd start asking around locally, maybe even asking your classmates/people at your school. Friends usually work out deals for friends. And most people are willing to make things the way you want, if money isn't involved, so I wouldn't worry about them being paleo themselves, as long as you can spell out what kind of meals you are looking for.

However, in my honest opinion, a slow cooker & pressure cooker saved my life. I chop up veggies and sear meat for about 5 minutes, and the devices do the rest. They cook low/slow or high/fast too, so you can buy cheaper & tougher cuts of meat. Other quick eats on the go are nut butters, tuna w/ homemade mayo, hard boiled eggs, frozen veggies.

Dan Moffett · Answer 4 · 2011-10-26 09:56:37Z UTC

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To Anonymous Chump:

After what I've been through, I just want to try and help others avoid the tragedy. My story has helped some.

answered Oct 26 2011 at 9:56

Dan Moffett
73●2

Dan Moffett · Answer 5 · 2011-10-23 21:10:35Z UTC

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I wish! My quick on the goal meal is 100% grass fed beef sticks, hard boiled eggs and a salad. You can get the nitrite free beef sticks at US Wellness Meats http://www.grasslandbeef.com/StoreFront.bok just carry a small cooler and you've got a meal. I've lost 142 pounds in the past 19 months. Must be doing something right. http://danmoffett.blogspot.com/

answered Oct 23 2011 at 21:10

Dan Moffett
73●2

	You've posted about your amazing weight loss at least 5 times in the last 15 minutes. Congrats and such. – Anonymous Chump Oct 23 2011 at 21:12
	Wow, that is amazing. Congrats! – Kristine Oct 23 2011 at 22:41

Has anyone ever hired a cook?

5 Answers