5 Questions with Growing Up Paleo’s Chrissy Gower

I'm thrilled to have become friends with Growing Up Paleo's Chrissy Gower, a NorCal Strength & Conditioning trainer as well as paleo-mom extraordinaire. She's completely down-to-earth, practical and no-nonsense when it comes to making sure that she's raising her little guy, Kayden to be the healthiest and happiest that he can possibly be.

1. How did you first learn about Paleo and what was your diet/lifestyle like before?
I first heard about Paleo from my brother in law Robb Wolf, though it took me a few years to get on board. I have always been active/athletic but my nutrition was simply eat whatever, when ever. When I decided to go back to school and get my Masters in Ed. while still working full time with my husband, something had to give and that something was unfortunately my exercise routine. So with a crazy busy lifestyle filled with little sleep, little exercise, and fast food… well I think you get the picture. I went from feeling and looking good to feeling and looking not like myself… I was uncomfortable in my own skin.

2. What was the biggest motivating factor for you to make the change to Paleo?
Being uncomfortable in my own skin and the fact that my husband pointed out that I was out of breath from getting up and walking to the bathroom in the middle of the night…seriously this happened!…Made me/us want to make some serious changes including getting back in to the gym so Robb could kick our butts and actually listen to what Robb was saying about nutrition.

3. What surprises you most about how your life has changed as a result the change?
Honestly….It worked and it is really not hard! My tastes for food have changed, I feel better, and I definitely look better than I did before making my nutritional changes.

4. What are/were the most challenging parts of getting your family on board and raising your child Paleo?
Well my husband and I made these changes together, so that made the transition easier. Because I had already established good eating habits/better way of life when I found out that I was pregnant it just made me more motivated to keep it up. Now my choices not only effecting myself but my baby. I have just continued our lifestyle with the same nutritional values since Kayden was born. He eats what I eat! The most challenging part of raising Kayden this way is going places where people don't understand my reasoning for not giving Kayden traditional foods like pasta, bread, etc. and better yet don't realize that wheat/gluten is sneaky and in lots of things. So I am careful and usually pretty prepared.

Kayden loves his Paleo meals!

5. What's the best advice you have for other moms or moms-to-be out there who haven't yet made the switch or are struggling?
Trust your instincts! As a mom you will know what you/your baby needs! Make it easy for yourself; eat protein, veggies, and good fats you will be healthier and happier in the long run.

I also asked Chrissy to share her favorite, fast, go-to dinner with you: