What’s Happening: Daylight Savings Time

As the days get longer and the nights get shorter, it’s easy to justify an hour or two of missed sleep here and there – especially since the time change started us all off on the wrong foot on Sunday. But don’t forget that sleep isn’t optional: if you’re feeling run-down this week, or you’re struggling to get your balance back after losing an hour, it’s worth taking the time out for an early bedtime or a nap (And if you are hitting the sack earlier but you’re still not getting a restful night of sleep, try our recent article on Paleo and insomnia to find out what might be ailing you).

Even without losing an hour, February and March are months when many people find it hard to keep going with positive changes they’re trying to make in their lives. The magic motivation of New Year’s resolutions has long since worn off, and the weather is still cold, wet, and dreary for most of us. It’s natural to crave sugary cocoa drinks and other quick sources of carbs and caffeine when you’re down, but these quick boosts of energy come with a high price tag for your health. Instead of turning to whipped cream and chocolate to help stave off the blues, try some of these great Paleo comfort food recipes:

• Sweet potato and sausage soup – when you want something savory for a cold afternoon, this soup is thick and comforting, and nutritious to boot!
• Lamb and sweet potato cottage pie – a hearty and filling dinner recipe that features a meat most people rarely enjoy. If you’re feeling bored with a rotation of beef, chicken, and fish, try this dish for a change.
• Paleo pizza – you can’t phone it in from Domino’s, but this de-junked version of a classic dish is great for a healthy treat.
• Coconut vanilla ice cream – for some dessert, satisfy your sweet tooth with this Paleo indulgence, and you won’t even miss the taste of commercial ice cream.

For some cold-weather entertainment, one exciting piece of news in the Paleo world is an upcoming animated children’s film, The Croods. The movie tells the story of a prehistoric cave family that’s literally Paleo, and it’s already sparked some tasty new recipes, no popcorn required! Sarah at Everyday Paleo was inspired to cook some Carnitas-stuffed sweet potatoes, and Michelle at Nom Nom Paleo grilled up a batch of smashed steak skewers with barbeque sauce. And to finish everything off with a delicious dessert, Sarah at The Paleo Mom created these stuffed bananas based on a scene in the movie.

It’s not every day that Paleo gets such positive (and entertaining) press; usually it’s all dieticians lamenting how “extreme” it is and worrying about how we’ll ever get all our vitamins without regular doses of whole wheat bread. The movie is a nice change, and a great way to get kids a little more enthused about the Paleo lifestyle. If you can find a theater that will let you bring in your own Croods-themed Paleo goodies, so much the better – otherwise, try livening up the rainy days of early spring with a Paleo movie party in your own home, followed by a group expedition to the theater.