On a Mission: 90/10 paleo

Week 1 & 2
I made it through the first week, although I wasn't 100% paleo.  I had my two servings of brown rice, which I was going to allow myself each week.  During the week, seemed to be easier than the weekend.  I'd pick up soup, or a smoothie or chicken and veggies over brown rice for lunch and I had my homemade paleo crunch or banana chips to munch on.  For date night, Chivo and I went to a Brazilian steakhouse, and I kept it mostly paleo, although I had to allow myself one of those little cheesy biscuits they put on the table.  I don't know what's in them, but it's delicious!  I think my boyfriend does much better on paleo than me, although he did have some funky cravings over the weekend - smores and siracha Cheetos (i think).   I didn't have coffee or soda all last week or over the weekend. Proud of myself.  :)  I am still drinking crystal light which Chivo thinks I shouldn't be drinking.  I should probably look at the ingredients and then maybe I won't want to drink it.  It just really helps me drink more water.  I guess I could try natural flavoring like lemon, cucumber or mint?

Over the weekend, I tried to keep it mostly paleo but I ended up making myself a quesadilla....fajita size flour tortilla, siracha sauce and Cheddar cheese on Saturday.  On Sunday, I went to a BBQ and had a hot dog...with the bun and a few tortilla chips with some queso blanco.  I tried not to go nuts though.  I brought plantain chips and salsa along with me so I wouldn't pig out on chips and it really helped.  I also let everyone try the paleo crunch and they all loved it.

Exercise
It was kinda hard to get back into exercising since I feel like I've been out of it for a little while with school stuff, and vacation.  I haven't made it into the gym yet to do weights but I've started walking at the park. 
I love going to the park with my dog and music or audio book.  The park has 3 mile loop with lots of runners and walkers.  Sometimes I meet my friend Stella out there so we can walk and talk.

Results
I've lost 4.5 lbs so far in the past 11 days, which makes me super happy!
I want to exercise more, and I'm sure I'll be back doing weights soon.  My goal is to run a 5k in 3 months.
I think eating 90% is what works for me.  If I really want something that's not paleo, I'll eat of few bites of it and that satisfies my craving.  I want this lifestyle to stick so 90/10 works better for me.  I've also been trying to think of food differently - Food is fuel.

Goals
My short term goal is to lose a total of 10 lbs by June 14th.  I'm already 4.5 down, but now I'm at the weight I seem to plateau, just gotta push hard to get past it!
My long term goals feel better about myself, get fit, look good, run a 5k by the end of September.

I just need to stay consistent.  I've got this!

Back on the Paleo bandwagon

So the Spring semester is over, I'm no longer an Enactus officer and I ate about a years worth of junk food on my vacation in the Smokies last week.  I feel like crap, super tired and a little too curvy at the moment.  It's time to get it right, get it tight!!  This chick is on a mission.  No more excuses, I just need to focus on willpower, focus on food as fuel and get back to eating right and working out.

I turn 30 (gasp!) in 3 weeks, my friend's bachelorette weekend at the river is in 3.5 weeks and I'm no where near ready to be in a bathing suit.  :/  I obviously don't expect to be bathing suit ready in 3 weeks but I plan on being in somewhat better shape by then.  My friend is getting married the last weekend in September and I want to be in MUCH better shape by then.  That's 4 months away and if I stayed focused, I can get into the shape I wanna be in.

I know there are other diets to lose weight and get in shape but I felt the best after following paleo before.  I just need to stick with it and meal plan.  It gets harder when you get busy and are on the go. 

I made myself and Chivo paleo granola last night.  It's really good and a great pick me up snack.  It doesn't have any grains.  It's made with nuts, seeds, coconut oil, shredded coconut and cinnamon.  Here's a link to the recipe that I used: Amee's Savory Dish: Paleo Cinnamon Crunch "Granola"  I used 3 TBS cinnamon, adjusted the different types of nuts/seeds to what I had or could find and I didn't use almond meal.

My Plan (A goal without a plan is just a wish)
FOOD:

*Strict paleo, but allowing brown rice once or twice a week for 3 weeks (until my birthday - I plan on eating some bday macaroons!).  It's nice that my boyfriend, Chivo, is into eating paleo and doing crossfit.  It makes it easier for me to stick with it and the support is nice.

*After my birthday, continue to eat paleo but allow 2 cheat meals a week and brown rice if I have an intense workout later in the day.  The cheat meals must be planned. 

EXERCISE:
*Weights - follow the plan from Jennifer Nicole Lee's Fitness Model book.  A full body workout each week.

*C25K - Couch to 5K app for the iphone.  Must follow this app, at least 3 times a week, whether is on the treadmill or at the park.


Today is Day 1.  It's going well so far.  Had a slight headache since I cut out my sugary sweet lattes and soda.

What is the paleo diet?

Here is my before pic from May 15th, 2013.  :/