I'm a bit hesitant about the "open meals".  You and I have been on Paleo
about the same length of time.  

I tried an open meal, and ended-up basically bingeing on pizza, of all
things--not a single drop of Paleo in that!  That was week 1.  I don't know
if it was a willpower thing or what.  I'd been doing so well that I was
really upset with myself afterwards.

A couple of days ago, we went out with friends, and I was able to order a
fairly Paleo meal (really the only problem being that it was probably
cooked in butter).  

So now I've decided that perhaps the only "open meals" I'll eat are in
restaurants with friends on special occasions.  
Jessica

-----Original Message-----
From: Paleolithic Eating Support List [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Edwina B
Sent: Monday, February 11, 2008 6:47 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: New to paleo and missing bread!

To everyone who replied thanks so much. It's lovely to know there are so
many of you who took the time to jot a few lines. It feels very supportive.

The only things I dip into are paleo style sauces, soups and left over
juices. Olivia I did find it helpful to hear that it may take 6 months. The
interesting thing is I don't really want bread until I smell it when
someone else has is in front of me. I think it's also a comfort food
association from way back. The smell is very nostalgic for me. But when
it's nearby I find part of my brain wondering 'is it really so bad for me
if I eat some?' I haven't caved in and am motivated not to because I feel
great. Does anyone do as Cordain suggests in The Paleo diet and allow
themselves one non-paleo diet a week? 

After one week on the paleo diet I did not need medication for menstrual
cramps for the first time in ten years since I was living in Japan and
eating almost no wheat or dairy. My new doctor who specialises in
nutritional medicine finally made that connection for me. I thought it was
about fish, tofu and seaweed. Every other time my cramps are so bad that if
I don't get medication in time I vomit and my hair becomes wet within
minutes from the sweating caused by intense pain. Sorry for the gory
details but I'm astounded no medical professional pointed out that dairy
(which I suspect more than gluten) could be the problem.

Cheerio
Edwina