Taco Wednesday Specials: Fresh Recipes, Deals & Party Ideas

By 5 p.m. on a Wednesday I felt exactly like this—tired, worn down, and still recovering from a sinus infection. The week already feels long even though it’s only midweek. My runs have been more slow shuffle than speedy miles, and I’m definitely ready for something satisfying to eat.

Date night at Taco Mama brightened my day. This small local spot in Tuscaloosa makes fantastic nachos, which is what I always order. I love the relaxed atmosphere, the friendly staff, and the personal touch of a manager who knows regulars by name. The service is consistently great, which makes it an easy favorite.

It helped that I managed a run that morning. I prefer running after school to shake off the day, but late nights often force early treadmill sessions. I squeezed in 2.6 miles before heading to school for my early duty—slow, but a grateful run nonetheless.

I’m getting back on track with better eating. I plan to follow a mostly strict Paleo approach while experimenting with alternating days: higher protein and fat on some days, and lower fat with more starchy vegetables and occasional rice on others. Rice is the only grain I tolerate well. This plan follows a new protocol from a trusted voice in the Paleo community and feels sustainable for me.

I’ll document the process here. I want to lose some body fat and I know that cutting back on sugar and processed treats will help. This weekend I’ll take measurements, plan meals for the week, and prep some dishes on Sunday so healthy options are ready. I’m looking forward to feeling stronger and more energized.

The holidays are coming, and already I feel like it’s January—ready to move past sweets and indulgences and focus on health. Small consistent changes feel more manageable than extremes, and I’m hopeful this plan will keep me steady through the season.

Bring on Thursday!