Day 27

I had my first significant endurance workout today since starting the Paleo diet.  I had read plenty of testimonies of endurance athletes who said they suffered no ill effects since starting the Paleo lifestyle, but I was still a little apprehensive due to the lack of carbs in the diet.

Anyway, I strolled out the door this morning about 7:30 for a leisurely 7-mile run.  The first couple miles were pretty tough, mainly because I haven't really run in a few weeks and I had to find my stride again, but once I got in my groove, it felt great.  I took no water or fuel with me, and I still felt fine at the end (at least in energy).  I felt pretty winded, but that was not for lack of energy, that was for having little aerobic training in the last couple months.

I guess the real test will be this weekend when I run the Andrew Jackson Half-Marathon in Jackson, TN. 7-miles is one thing, but 13.1 is quite a different beast.

Day 26

Well, I can now write a post about the importance of sticking to the diet.  I have had a week of "fudging" (although I ate no actual fudge) and I can definitely tell it.

On Friday, I said hello to my first baked good and processed sugar in over three weeks in the form of a cupcake that someone brought to work to share.  Then, on Friday night, Mal and I went out to Texas Roadhouse with her family and I enjoyed (briefly) some fried onion, non-Paleo caesar salad, a big, buttery 16-oz. NY Strip and some buttery steamed veggies.  Almost immediately after leaving the restaurant, I felt the crappiest that I had felt all month.

Saturday went better until the evening when I went with a couple friends to hear a bluegrass band and enjoyed my first soda in a few weeks.  Again, I immediately felt crappy for a few hours.

Finally, on Sunday afternoon and band practice, we were served some of the most delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies (I had three) and hand squeezed lemonade (I had about a gallon and a half).  This had a worse effect on me than any of my previous departures.  For the rest of the day (and last night) I just felt aweful (i.e., no energy, bloated, uncomfortable, etc.).

Now, this morning, I am up to 162.5 lbs when I started last week at about 158.5.  I am actually looking forward to eating nothing today but good fresh fruits, veggies, and a little protein, probably some grilled chicken.

I need to get that healthy feeling back.  It's like a drug!

Day 24 Breakfast

Good post ride breakfast this morning. Out of bed at 5:00
On the road by 5:30
Met up with the group at 6:00 for 35 miles (total)
Back at the house at 8:00
Breakfast at 8:22.

Day 23

Diet is still going fine.  Mal and I have decided that we are going to keep up with the diet even after the month is over.  I am still down about 10 pounds overall.  Would like to lose another 5 or so, but I doubt I will as I have started working out more.  Not hitting it really hard, just banging out some push-ups and chin-ups whenever I think about it.

My big goal is to master the hand-stand push-up.  At this point, I can do three (sissy) push-ups leaning against a wall.  I would love to be able to do at least 5 free-standing or 10 against a wall.

Day 17

So, I guess you can add this blog to this list of things that seem like a great idea at first, but are poorly followed through.

It has been almost a week and a half since my last post, and not a lot has really happened.  I AM, though, officially down 10 pounds from my initial weigh-in (169.6 down to 159.6 this morning).

Still enjoying the "diet food."  We have had some really great meals with only a couple non-Paleo splurges in the past couple weeks (a couple cookies and some potato soup at LifeGroup and some deep friends sweet potato fries at lunch Thursday).  Some of the food highlights have been:

Salsa Chicken with fresh Avocado

Grilled Shrimp and Asparagus

Fresh Apples and Sunflower Butter (my new favorite snack)

Grilled Chicken Kebobs (with fresh pineapple and green bell pepper)

Grilled Salmon salad (with fresh tomato, mushroom, and homemade balsamic vinaigrette) 

Roasted tilapia and tomatoes with steamed Brussels sprouts.

Day 7

I guess I can say that I came up with my first original Paleo recipe.  I am calling it:


MEXICAN CHICKEN STIR FRY

Ingredients:
2 tbsp EVOO (or other more Paleo oil.  EVOO is all I had)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
6 small mushrooms, quartered (I used portobello)
approx. 10-12 cherry tomatoes
approx 1 lb. grilled chicken, cut into 1/2-1 inch chunks
2-3 oz. organic salsa.

Sauté the garlic, onion, pepper, tomatoes, and mushrooms in the oil for about 15 minutes.  Add the grilled chicken and salsa (already warmed up in the microwave) to the sauté mix and stir in.  Let simmer for another 2-4 minutes.


OK, so basically, as you can probably tell, I basically just threw all my favorite ingredients together and hoped it turned out well.  I was afraid it was going to be a train-wreck all the way up until we sat down to eat it.  Had just the right amount of spice from the salsa, but still tasted fresh from the vegetables.

Mal and I are still really enjoying the diet.  We are both down in weight a significant amount, will post the numbers tomorrow.

Day 6

Almost a week in and still going strong.  I am really loving the way I feel!  Even after a big meal, I never really feel bloated or uncomfortable like I used to.  For example, last night, Mal and I made 8 chicken/pineapple/bell pepper skewers and finished them all, but still felt really good afterwards.

Also, my stats are starting to look better.  I am going to wait til tomorrow (one week) to post the numbers, but suffice it to say that I am encouraged.

Last night was definitely a test of will power.  Mal and I provided snacks for our LifeGroup meeting, and we couldn't think of anything Paleo to bring, so I personally made two pans of chocolate chip cookies and did not eat any cookie dough.  Also once we got to the meeting, there were chips and salsa and queso (also some of my favorite snacks) and I resisted.  Kinda proud of myself.