Inspired to get back on Paleo

What did you give up for lent?  I decided to challenge myself to be healthier and get back on paleo.  My goal is to eat mostly paleo, allowing myself 2 cheat meals a week. 

My boyfriend, Chivo, inspired me to get back on paleo.  He's been very good about eating mostly paleo foods, even when I was eating whatever I wanted.  He said he really feels a difference since he's been on paleo.  He doesn't need naps like he use to, and his body is looking more defined - which I am totally loving!  I think his love for Crossfit is what originally inspired him to start paleo because he'd hear about it at the box from the people he'd work out with and from articles that he'd read online.  He really is turning into a fine tuned machine!  He just got his L1 Crossfit Certification, which taught him even more about nutrition and his Crossfit form.  I must say that it really inspires me to do better for myself.  I want to get in better shape.  I'm not too worried about being tiny, I just want to be toned and healthy.  We are going to the Smokies in May and I gotta get in better shape so I can keep up with Chivo and all the hiking he has planned for us!  Chivo has been showing me some Crossfit moves and he's challenged me to do 25 push-ups and 25 air squats a day.  I've done so so on this challenge so far.  I gotta step it up!  The squats aren't so bad, but the push-ups are murder!!  My arms are weaklings.

So I've been back on paleo for almost 2 weeks now.  I've done pretty well about eating mostly paleo, although I think I have cheated a little more than 2 times a week.  It's hard to not having any grains, legumes, corn, etc!  Monday's and Wednesday's are my most difficult because I go straight from work to school at lunchtime and the campus eateries aren't really all that paleo friendly.  They have lots of sandwich shops.  So most of the time, I'll have a Core Power protein shake.  I know it's not 100% paleo but I think it's better than eating a sandwich and chips. 

I do much better when I plan ahead and bring plenty of paleo friendly munchies with me.  And let me tell you, Trader Joe's is my new best friend.  I think we go there at least once week.  That place is amazing!  Organic, healthy and affordable.  You can find dried fruit that has no added preservatives or sugar.  Lots of fresh veggies and fruit.  A nice variety of meats, and delicious bacon chunks. 

I like the way I feel on paleo.  I ran a 5K this past weekend and I ran more than I have before.  I feel like I have more energy, I'm happier, I feel leaner and better about myself.  When I say happier, I'm serious!  I've noticed that things are making me laugh more.  That kind of laugh that is contagious and makes your eyes tear up.  I've noticed that during cheat meals, I get full very fast when I eat grains and then I feel kinda miserable afterwards - bloated, and that Thanksgiving-full feeling.  That feeling makes it easier to stick to paleo.  I'm working on getting better!  Did I mention that I've lost 5 lbs in the last 3 weeks??  I started a C25K program and paleo.  I'm really enjoying my results so far.

I really like the way my life is going right now.  I got a promotion at work to Sr. Civil Designer.  I'm following through with my goal to run a 5K without stopping - using the C25K program.  I'm Vice President of Enactus University of Houston and I'm in charge of planning and organizing a 5K.  I have a great boyfriend, I'm getting into shape and we have a vacation planned to go to the Smoky Mountains!

 

Run for Recess 5K - which benefits James D. Ryan Middle School's music progam.  I've found some great sponsors so far - Wal-mart, Fleet Feet and Core Power.  For more info on the 5K, click here.  Or Register for the run on active.com.  I really enjoy being in Enactus, but next semester I don't think I'm going to be an officer so I can focus more on Enactus projects and my working out.