Food for thought and beauty.

I have been paying specific attention to what I eat for a little over 12 months. I've dieted my whole life, but have more or less watched calorie consumption rather than what I ate.  Last year Roissy talked about Paleo eating and a few readers backed him up, my curiosity was piqued.  At first I thought it was raw food eating and I thought there would be no way I'd eat my food raw.  Once I discovered the principals and researched what to eat I went for it.  I ate a 99% pure Paleo diet for five months and lost a lot of inches.  I don't weigh myself because of what it does to my mental state, but I did drop three dress sizes.  I slowly started introducing non-paleo foods to see how my body handled them and sure enough I slowly started putting weight back on.

I recently was called HUSKY! in front of my man by an old man and this was all the wake-up call I needed to get back on the food wagon.  I didn't go back to Paleo I opted instead for the Ultra Simple Diet to detox and see how I did.  The only real difference that I can see is they don't mind protein powders, rice or flax.  I don't eat gluten grains, processed sugar, dairy or red meat in abundance.

I felt better almost immediately. I bloat terribly with diary or gluten, removing those gut irritants makes me look like I've lost 5 lbs the first week.  Many people commented on my weight loss, when for me it's simply loss of bloat.

It's a disciplined way of eating to be sure.  One has to be committed to substituting and planning in order to make it through restaurants and family occasions.  One week at a time is the best way I've found for me to attack it.  My man is away and I thought it would be a perfect time to get serious.  I walk about 3 miles a day, do a boot camp class every week and eat very clean.  I've dropped a dress size since he left. Plus I firmed up the booty a nice side benefit.

I've read Good Calories Bad Calories by Gary Taubes.  It's one you really have to wade through, but great information.  If you like research, this is a must read.  I've linked to a site which has summarized the book for you.  Mark's Daily Apple is a great place to get started in the Paleo lifestyle if you're curious.

What goes on in the inside of us is reflected on the outside.  Eating well, exercising and striving for a balanced life will add to your beauty.  Food is where it starts, you can't possible exercise enough without also changing your food to make a signifiant difference.  I found by eating Paleo I wasn't hungry, I didn't have to white knuckle through it and I lost cravings I thought I'd have forever.

Well I'll get off my soapbox and simply add encouragement.  You can do this.  You can feel better in a short amount of time.  You will look better, have patience.  It's a journey, don't go nuts trying to arrive tomorrow.