I was Hungry for 29 Years - Another Friend's Paleo View

Ok - this post comes from my CrossFit BFF Jilly! I love her and am beyond thankful for having her in my life! We work really well together and are great at pushing each other...funny how people think we are sisters or have known each other for ever. That's pretty fantastic - I asked her to write about her view on Paleo...so here you go :)


First off, Melissa is a total badass. She makes me do pull-ups AFTER CrossFit workouts and is the most positive person I’ve met in a long time. She asked me to write a “guest post” about my Paleo experience. Please don’t stop reading her blog if I use too many dirty words.

Special K, fat free yogurt, skim milk, brown rice. Until late last year, my pantry was a landmine of insulin-spiking foods. Today my fridge is brimming with spaghetti squash, egg foo young, Kerry Gold butter, breakfast casserole, roasted beets, and 43 35 pounds grassfed beef. Moo y’all.

 

So how’d that happen? While visiting friends I heard about this really cool gym that offered lung-busting workouts in a fun atmosphere. Enter CrossFit Aspire. I snapped up a Living Social deal for a few workouts and was hooked. One day I accidentally showed up for a nutrition seminar and learned Paleo 101.

But wait, I’m supposed to eat steak? And butter? I thought, “What the hell, I’ve tried all sorts of wacky things. At least I can eat bacon.” After a week, I wondered aloud if eating Paleo raises your body temperature because while I used to be constantly freezing cold – with my fingernails turning blue – I was now comfortable. Apparently that means my blood sugar had leveled off to a normal amount. Who knew?

Beyond not being cold (which is so amazing I could talk about it for hours), Paleo means I’m not hungry all the time. I’m eating foods that fill me up and are good for me. Before Paleo I posted a status on Facebook that said, “I am hungry every moment of everyday ever.” I remember it because I had about 50 likes and comments in 10 minutes. I was not alone. Now I want to find all those people and feed them shredded pork carnitas and avocado slaw.

My energy level, gut and strength has never been better. I can do things – like back squat 165 3x5, boo ya – that I never dreamed about before. And my stomach doesn’t rumble with hunger or distress.

I should also mention Paleo + CrossFit has helped me lose a decent amount of body fat and drop a couple clothing sizes. If I were braver I’d show you the photos – don’t try to convince me, it’s not happening. Haven’t lost any weight though (sorry people). In fact, I think I’ve gained 10 pounds over the last year. But I honestly don’t care. I’m focused on getting an unassisted pull-ups. And I’m going to do a wicked stupid happy dance when I do.

 

(FYI - She got that unassisted pull-up this past Saturday - insert her stupid happy dance - and my extreme happiness for her - hard work totally pays off!! KUDOS to my Jilly!! )

Guest Post -- Tricia's Paleo Thoughts - I'm Not Alone :)

Eating Paleo, it’s easier than you think. Real Food that’s great for you and taste awesome at that! No lie J

When I decided to sign up for the 30 day Paleo challenge, I was a little skeptical of a couple things. I was skeptical as to whether A) I could make it through 30 days with NO dairy (no cheese, no creamer for my coffee, no icing) or Alcohol (wine!) and B) how much would it REALLY change my body physically and in strength.

Well, I made it through the 30 days and I have to say it was so much easier than I anticipated and I think it’s easier than people think. Granted, I was pretty much a “healthy eater” to begin with, but I really believe once you get into the routine and habit of something, it becomes easier and easier to conquer. I am/WAS a cheese on everything type of gal as well as light creamer and splenda in my coffee type of gal so to prep myself for the challenge, I weaned myself off those things slowly the week before the challenge. I know drink my coffee black (or with a little bit of almond milk in the morning) and have not had a piece of cheese in who knows how long.

My #1 goal for this challenge was to make it through the 30 days, and I surely made it. My goal wasn’t necessarily weight loss but to see and feel the effects of eating Paleo for 30 days even after I already was pretty much a “healthy eater”. Well I made it through the 30 days and I did lose some weight and lean out and I feel healthier/stronger than I did as a previous healthy eater. I even let these thighs of mine make some appearances in spandex shorts! I swore to myself I would never/could never wear those things!

I didn’t think it too difficult sticking to the food guidelines for the Paleo challenge because that was the only food I kept in the house. So if it wasn’t in the house, I couldn’t eat it… Out of sight, out of mind…The second week, I did (as some of you on FB saw my post) get a sweet tooth that I needed help to eat something Paleo that would satisfy the craving! By the end of the 2^nd week, it was back to smooth sailing. I walked past the isles of sweets, junk and Halloween candy galore with (practically) no problem. There is pumpkin beer and Sangria in my fridge that I didn’t even touch.

I loved the 30 day challenge. However, I wish I kept a journal about it as I went along just to see the changes/difference/improvements from day to day.  I am curious to know what my actual body fat was when I started and on day 30. I felt and noticed a difference in the way I physically felt and in my actual appearance with in a week. I also was happy with my CF WOD’s for the most part, I did have some faster WOD times and heavier lifts and I hope for those to get better from here!  I also wish I would have explored more recipes, but I was just impressed that I cooked and baked all my meals!! I never cooked too much before the challenge. However, I kept it simpler and cooked the same stuff in bulk (switching up spices or meats or veggies a little).

I’m going to stick to it for the most part. I might add in a couple things here and there OR might add one day a week (if need be) to “cheat”. And by cheat that might be an alcoholic beverage or a taste of a dessert etc. Something minor and not over indulging. The next 30 day challenge I would love to take this a step further and eat very strick Paleo!