So I wrote a blog post about Paleo, and then life got in the
way and I completely forgot to post it.
Oops? My boyfriend had a business
trip in the beginning of February (1st-16th) so while he
was away I decided to try Paleo. I had
been thinking about trying it for months and my gym was doing a challenge later
in the month, so I figured why not! I
stocked up the kitchen with Almond flour, Coconut flour, Coconut Oil, Almond
butter, and a ton of veggies, fruits, and meat.
Little did I know how expensive it was going to be! But I committed to giving it a shot and I wasn't
turning back for that reason. I started
on a Saturday, and he first work week was tough, I craved carbs. And I crashed on Thursday, I took a nap after
work which I never do. But after that I
had never felt better. I had more energy
and I only needed one cup of coffee a day (with almond milk which was an
adjustment). I saw my body changing, too,
with muscle definition. I fit into jeans
that I hadn't worn in two years, and on top of that those jeans only fit for
about a month when I went workout crazy after a break up. So that was a major mood boost! People were noticing a change, too, because I had a couple co-workers and family members tell me I looked thinner! I spent a lot of time in the kitchen, though,
something I was not used to, hours upon hours on Sundays to prepare food for
the week.
I was worried about
my workouts while on Paleo, though. I
had read some blogs saying they just didn't get the same workout without the
carbs, and on top of crossfit I’m trying for two half marathons! The first run I did with my new diet was six
miles, and I tried a banana and a sweet potato beforehand (when usually I have
a banana and a bagel). My run was
fantastic! I went out with a friend, one
where we have the same pace. I ended up
breaking away and just ran. I know
crossfit has helped my running, but this was just amazing! I ended up with a 10:54 pace. I know that doesn't seem fast, but that’s a
huge deal for me! My last year’s
training runs were around 11:30-12:30 minutes per mile, so this is a big
improvement. And my WODs weren't
suffering either, I saw some PRs and still amaze myself by getting through some
of them.
Since my boyfriend’s been home, just two weeks now, the diet’s
been more off than on. I will never say
it’s his fault, because he usually tries to tell me what I want to eat isn't
Paleo and tries to stop me. But it’s
harder having someone else around. When
he was gone I only had to worry about me, but now on the weekends I need to
find something that’s good for us both, which is not much, or cook two
meals. So we've ended up eating out more
(our banks/credit cards aren't happy) and half the time I do really well –
burger but I don’t eat the bun, but then the fries stare at me so I have to eat
some! I’m not a huge drinker, but I
drink socially, which obviously happens more around him, as well. Do I feel different now? I would say yes, because somedays I just want
to reach for a second cup of coffee. I don’t
know if it’s because I’m cold (I hate
all the snow we've been getting in Jersey) or I legitimately need it. So I’ve been grabbing tea in the afternoon
which helps. I feel like my body isn't
what it was two weeks ago. I know I have
a body image issue regardless, but I don’t see the same muscle definition that
I did while I was pretty strict on Paleo.
So I've made a plan, a compromise.
During the week I eat strict Paleo (except if I need alcohol – just being
honest) and that includes date night with the boyfriend. And each weekend day, Saturday and Sunday, I get
one cheat meal. Let's see how this plan goes...
