Two weeks ago today, I started my journey on #Paleo after doing research into non-dairy diets to try and clear up my sinus congestion and I am extremely happy with the results so far. I have more energy than ever before and feel like my body is starting to feel healthy again from the inside.I still have a way to go before reaching my optimal state but slowly the changes are happening and I am seeing results that I have not been able to achieve trying multiple conventional ways. I have given up grains, cane sugar and dairy and have made some adjustments to my lifestyle.
Number 1: The Paleo plan is more than just your way of eating. It is a lifestyle. I have changed a few things that I never ever thought I would change, conventional wisdom has had to be put aside and trusting my inner cave girl has become a must. I wake up earlier and try wake up with the sun which is very peaceful. This came as a happy coincidence of washing my curtains.
Number 2: I still need to improve on becoming more active and mobile and not sitting all day at the computer but with time and more energy I know this will improve. Now I go for walks and jump on the trampoline. I use the web to scour for new muscle routines and have even taken to watering my garden more as this all adds to increasing my movement. When I go shopping, I park as far away from the entrance as possible so that I walk to not only get more movement but to be out in the sun a bit.This is over and above my two Pilates sessions a week that I now put 150% energy into to achieve better results for myself.
Number 3: I am going out into the sun for short periods of time without sunblock. I never ever thought in a million years that I would do this. But I have to ensure I get as much Vitamin D as I can and also prep my skin for the December beach holiday. This includes eating more foods like tomatoes and I have even started trying some red wines.
Number 4: I am speaking kindly to my body and image in the mirror. Congratulating my body on its achievements and being genuinely grateful that I am physically able to move about and be active. I even went clothes shopping and for the first time in forever, found myself admiring my curves and although I have a long way to go, I was happy to buy the “bigger stuff” that makes me look beautiful now. I can always tailor the clothes later if need be.
Number 5: My cheats are treats. I do not feel like I have fallen off the bandwagon or even need to. I have consciously cheated. Conscious cheating has allowed me the freedom to enjoy my cheats and not to feel guilty about them. I have even been caught off guard at an event but thankfully I had eaten before I went and had a few treats but I did not go overboard which I think is the key. When I do cheat, I cheat smartly. I have also not given up my social life and have been able to enjoy social gatherings as well. This is a lifestyle change and not a quick fix challenge. Another key reminder is that even if a recipe is a Paleo treat recipe, it is still a treat that must be eaten with care and I am learning not to overindulge in treats.
Number 6: My fridge and pantry are full of Paleo friendly ingredients and my Pinterest board is full of Paleo friendly meals, dinners, and snacks. I can honestly say that when you put all the right fats into your meals, your meals become so much tastier and very filling. My sugar and carb cravings have quickly dissipated and I have not grown bored of the meals I can have because once you start looking, there is a plethora of yummy meals that can be made.
Number 7: I have come to rely on my family and friends to support me but most importantly my husband understands and has allowed me to cook us dinner and food that we can both enjoy Paleo style. I have not forced him to go Paleo but even if he does go 50% Paleo, I feel that’s better than nothing. I am also gearing up for the holiday season when we will be away for 10 days so I have to make sure I have all my meals and snacks planned to ensure minimal damage and maximum enjoyment while we are away. Thankfully my in laws are great supporters of healthy lifestyles and eating so I know I will continue to be supported throughout our vacation.
Number 8: I am sleeping so much better and my mood has stabilized so much. As a result my husband has reported that I am a lot more calm and happier these days albeit when he messes with my dark chocolate stash. Then the crazy comes out. Lol
Number 9: I am keen to try even more new things. I have tried olives (still hate them), I have tried different foods and recipes (some were disasters, some amazing), I am keen to try new activities and have been happy to start spending more time doing activities rather than watching series. I have successfully made my husband a beautiful Salmon fillet that he has claimed as his birthday meal going forward. This is a big deal because I don’t eat anything remotely fishy so cooking a seafood meal is quite the feat. I have even tried intermittent fasting which has so far been successful without any sugar lows or crashes and at times, I put the computer down and spend time playing games with my husband or going for a swim as well as doing some gardening which is totally new for me and very rewarding. I even started creating my own Paleo friendly recipes and started to convert some of my old beloved recipes to be Paleo friendly. I also now indulge in a few detox foot baths with Epsom salts and baking soda that have made my feet heavenly soft. I walk barefoot when I can and cant wait to walk or jog at the seaside. Change doesn’t panic me anymore, I feel the fear and do it anyway.
Number 10: I have written my goals down and read them often. I track more than just my Kg’s and have written a little letter to myself reminding me why I am doing this. Seeing my results graphically displayed has made a huge difference and has kept me motivated. I track my sleep, my mood, my weight, my hydration levels, my body fat percentage, my lean muscle %, my cm’s and have even taken the dreaded before picture in a bikini nogal. With the help of a smart scale and a bit of creative juice on Excel, I have managed to easily track my actuals vs my goals. I have even gone as far as buying bikini’s for December even though I know I am nowhere near conventional bikini readiness, I feel I need to love my body now and give it a chance to heal from the years of abuse. I know that I am doing my best and my best is all I can do. Eventually I might get to bikini ready stage but I may not and in that event, I am only ever going to experience one beach holiday at 29 so may as well make the best of it and shake what my Mama gave me.
Physically, my clothes are fitting better, I have had compliments that I look good, I have lost cm’s, I have lost 5.5% body fat, 3.1 kg’s and gained 1.2% muscle all while eating a lot of yummy food and thankfully I love water so that has been quite easy for me. I feel lighter and no longer feel bloated. My skin is more radiant and not nearly as dry as it was before. As it turns out, I still have sinus issues which we have figured out is from my puppies :-). Nothing a few homeopathic tissue salts cant take care of.
If you are interested in learning more about the Paleo way of life I would suggest two sites to start with here, and here.
Till Next Time
Grok on