Back on the workout wagon

Paleo is (semi) easy but working out is hard/tough. It's hard to find time but I've recently found that if I make time for it, I feel better. My arms are toning and my stomach is flattening. I did 40 minutes of biking today and walked once or twice this week. It's easier when you have a goal or something to keep you going. The thing that is keeping me going is the fact that I bought a size 4 (from Loft) dress on consumerism day (aka Black Friday). A size 4?! I recently bought a 6 at Loft too. So I got to thinking...is it that Loft just fits me better because I'm a 8/10 normally. I don't get how I can go into Loft and buy a size 6 or 4. Doesn't make sense to me so I'm using that as motivation to keep working hard. I'm doing it for me. 

Also, I've decided to join Pilates and hopefully I'll do that two or three times a week, depending on my budget. I'm excited to do something off campus, for me, so I can tone and shape my body. I have a goal of further weight loss and I'm ready to kick it into high gear.

On another note, I finally got a food processor and a hand mixer to make dishes out of "Against All Grain"! I'm so excited about my new kitchen toys because I can make some delicious dishes and I will be sure to blog about it!

Until then. 

Totally neglecting my blog

Greetings Paleo readers,

I've totally neglected my blog and my apologies. It has been a busy 6 weeks. I must say I'm feeling very good today. Paleo is back in action despite my vacation over the weekend. Walking has started again and I'm going to get back into lifting 3 days a week. I've also started thinking about starting some sort of fitness class, martial arts, cycling, yoga, cross fit (despite my worry about my knees) or even Bar Method. I just know that I need something more. 

Tonight I cycled for 30 minutes and lifted. I feel good and sore :D

Eating wise, things have been more challenging recently. For some reason, the dining hall has it out to get me (not really though) because lately everything has been not Paleo/g-free friendly and there is so much chicken and veggies a girl can take! 

I am committing to purchasing a food processor and a hand mixer next week so I can start to tackle my new cookbook "against all grain." I've made my shopping list and know exactly what type of ingredients are needed. I'm very excited about making some bread and some different meals over winter break because when the dining hall is closed it's hard to think outside the box for meals. I'm also going to buy "Personal Paleo Code" when it comes out. I really love that there are ways to alter Paleo to fit your lifestyle and needs. I really think the 80/20 rule is good and as long as one is consistently doing some sort of physical activity, you will reap 100% of the Paleo benefits.

Stay tuned for more.

The return of the Paleo!!

Greetings folks,

I have been on a hiatus for a stretch of time. Not because I've fallen away from Paleo rather it's been one hell of a six months. Paleo hasn't been a number 1 priority. Since June, I've sort of switched to gluten free, but I have made my transition back into the Paleo world! I'm very happy to be back and feeling good. Though I'm having a hard time figuring out what I can eat quickly in the morning that's Paleo and not eggs. I'm kinda over the egg thing, I think.

I have strayed from Paleo quite a bit: fried chicken wings, some ice cream, cookies (gluten filled and those that are gluten free--I don't discriminate), you name it, I've eaten it lately. That being said, the scale hasn't moved....much I'm pretty happy that I've only gained 4-5lbs since May. I'm happy with that. My life hasn't been "normal" since then but it's finally starting to stabilize. 

For those of you who don't know, I am going through a divorce and that has greatly affected my workout/eating. Growing up, I relied on food for comfort and this situation is no different. Despite initiating the divorce and being content with my decision, I have turned to certain foods (and eating out a lot) for comfort. While food is not a permenant comfort, it works in the moment. 

As a result of the divorce, Stella, my walking companion, lives with her mom and I have found not having her around has made me a lot less motivated to get up and walk in the morning. This morning was different. I woke up, got dressed and walked out the door. I walked around Claremont with the beautiful sun shining. It felt so good to walk for 55minutes after not walking like that for 4 months. I now know, that I cannot and will not neglect my walking or workouts any further. It just feels too good to get up and move. 

The return of my Paleo (80-20) lifestyle is full force and I'm so glad. When I started Paleo in January of 2013, I was in a bad place, emotionally, physically and mentally. Now, nearly 8 months later, I'm in a much better place and finally finding my groove with my Paleo life.

Stay tuned for more and remember, put you first.

Traveling across the country Paleo

This is no easy task my friends. Traveling on a plane, all day is tough even if you aren't Paleo but being Paleo is difficult! I have to buy snacks and make sure that I have enough to eat because I can't have a meal because everything served on a plane has some sort of bread or gluten filled item or dairy. I'm currently eating jerky and drinking water. I have stocked up on fruit and have some nuts as well as dark chocolate. Sadly, I didn't have enough time to eat a meal before boarding the plane but I will be snacking while flying. I also have dried fruit which is good for sugar. It's hard to be so strict and have so many dietary restrictions traveling. I need to plan better next time for sure. But it's not easy, my friends.

Be well and eat well!

Birthday = not Paleo

This was my birthday week and I definately didn't eat as Paleo as I should've. I gained 2 lbs this week, which isn't a lot, but it has changed my energy level. I'm slower and more tired. But between tapas, gluten free birthday cookies, alcohol, dim sum and sushi (with rice) this lil Paleo fell off the Paleo wagon. It's interesting because so many people jump down other's throats for not being strict but I think bending the rules every once and a while is fine! Just gotta get back on the wagon today. 

I just wanted to update so people know that I didn't fall off the earth and I'm far from perfect when it comes to this journey I call life.

Stay tuned!

It's official!

After 20 weeks of Paleo have yielded a 20 lbs deficit. I started at 156 (even though I wrote in my blog 155--I was embarrassed to say I weighed 156--don't ask). I'm stunned at the result and am excited to keep going and feeling good because Paleo is really the right way for my body to eat! Eb is down 28 lbs and very much excited. "This is the most weight she has ever lost", she reports. 

Yesterday, eb was talking with a friend and she was shocked we don't hardcore workout, we don't punish ourselves by not eating, and we aren't always 100# Paleo. Paleo eating is easy. It's a mindset and figuring out what works for you. I'm very happy this way of eating has made it's way into our lives because I have never felt so good. 

I don't think paleo is for everyone but I do think everyone should try it for a little while :)

Be happy, healthy and well! Thanks for reading and keeping up with my (our) Paleo Adventure! 

Paleo=no legumes

This post is dedicated to my good friend who wants to know why beans aren't suppose to be consumed while being Paleo:

http://www.cupcakestocrossfit.com/health-and-fitness/are-beans-really-good-for-your-heart/

http://ultimatepaleoguide.com/paleo-diet-food-list/ (this one doesn't really talk about the WHY)

http://www.paleoplan.com/2011/03-15/foods-to-avoid-on-a-paleo-diet-plan/