Paleo

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 (1^st-16^th) 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...