Finally losing weight

When you're sick of saying "what if I never gave up...", this is for you.

[busypaleomama-blog]

Day 32/365

First month in the books! I lost a total of 11 pounds, and I feel pretty good. I've noticed that I've been able to sleep a lot better, and also my energy level is very high. I've been able to plan all of my meals accordingly, shop once a week, and control my appetite with actual food. I've had a ton of people interested in the Paleo diet, and have referred them to my Pinterest page, my blog, and simply Google. The results have been astounding. And I'm loving preparing meals, and cooking for myself every single day. I will say, on the last day of January, I ordered a pizza as a congratulations to myself. Veggie from granddad's in Grandview, and I had three pieces and was full. Also made my roommate take the rest of it so I wouldn't pick at it. It felt good to not shove an entire medium pizza down my throat. Also, the trip to the grocery store has become enjoyable. I've gotten to know the seafood and meat department employees, and have gotten very good deals, great recipes, and suggestions from them. I would absolutely suggest anyone who grocery shops to at least become knowledgeable of fresh foods from your grocery store. Everything has a season, and knowledge is power. It will also help you save a ton of money! For those who don't follow me on Pinterest, my username is TheJen26 and my Paleo board has TON of paleo info. February starts my workouts. I'm going to start being extremely active, any chance I get. I've weaned myself into it this month by starting my winter hikes at the Columbus Metro Parks, which are amazing by the way! I suggest anyone who wants to get together for a good 2 mile or more hike, get on the Columbus Metroparks website (www.metroparks.net) and look up the schedule. Usually every Saturday/Sunday morning or afternoon.

[busypaleomama-blog]

Day 23/365

It’s been a little over three weeks, and I am proud to say I am confident this will be a continued lifestyle change for me.

I’m down 9 lbs as of this morning (172 to 163.8 to be exact), I’m fitting into a size 12 jean (14 before), and my belt loop has went from the very last one-don’t judge- to the third to last. I haven’t measured myself, only taken progress pictures who I’ve sent to ONE person, Christa.

My biggest accomplishments so far have been the temptations I’ve been able to overcome. On Friday the 16th, I went bowling with the guys from my team at work and passed up pizza, beer, jello shots, and a mixed shot. Yes, they drank a lot. :) However, I stuck to red wine-Cabernet to be exact- and a burger without the bun. I felt good too! Even later that night, my roommate and I went out to dinner and drinks and I still stuck with wine. I felt great in the morning, and went on a 2+ mile hike with my parents. 

Approaching the end of the month, I’ll be so excited to hit 10 pounds down. I never thought I’d lose weight this fast, and so easily. The Paleo diet has been easily managed through preparation, dedication, and knowledge of what I can and cannot eat. I haven’t even begun to seriously work out, other than minor changes such as stairs vs elevator and hiking on the weekends. 

Still miss pizza. Still miss chocolate. And almost died when my daughter threw away half of her grilled cheese. However, we are making changes at home as well to incorporate a similar diet for Maia. I can’t wait to get the chicken nuggets and mac & cheese out of our fridge!

[busypaleomama-blog]

Day 11/365

First week at the office in the books, and it was pretty simple! The things that helped me (see previous post) and the routine of my days kept me on track. The only thing that stands out for me is late at night. The time where I normally have a bowl of cereal (which I still miss), but I’ve been able to overcome it.

Tea, especially a chamomile or lavender, right before bed is saving my life. Because my FitBit was showing me that I’m only getting 3-4 hours of real sleep each night, I researched ways to fall asleep and stay asleep. -1 cup of tea about 30 minutes before I lay in bed, and making sure that when I actually lay in bed… I’m not scrolling on my phone or texting. Rather, reading. Last night was my first success. I had a cup of chamomile tea and laid in bed with a book, and within 30 minutes, I was asleep. My sleep tracker also says I got over six hours of sleep last night!

I will also admit that this weekend has been temptation central. My daughter is sick, the temperatures are in the negatives, and we haven’t left the house all weekend. So the sound of pizza, grilled cheese, or ice cream have been imploding my brain. But, I’ve stuck to it. Reaching for a sweet potato when I have a sweet tooth, or adding in more protein. I also drink a lot more coffee, and less water. I need to watch that more closely. But, it’s cold!!

*i have to add, I made paleo tacos this weekend that were AMAZING! The recipe is below*

I started reading a book called Paleoista by Nell Stephenson that is really helping me. It stresses the importance of REAL food, has over 50 recipes, and great case studies of people who switched to the paleo diet.

I’ve been impressed with how easy the diet has been, aside from the expected temptations, and how quickly it helps in multiple areas. I’ve already felt more energy, lost around four pounds, and appear a lot less bloated. (Yes, I’m taking pictures of myself in a full length mirror. Judge away)

Paleo Tacos (of course, you can make tacos however you want. But this was easy, very cheap, and delicious!) Ground beef (I chose a grass fed, 96% lean beef) White onions Peppers (red, and green) Garlic minced or clove whichever you prefer Avocado Leaf lettuce Taco seasoning or just salt and pepper Brown ground beef while mixing in seasoning then drain of excess grease Chop onions and peppers then sauté in a skillet with olive oil and garlic until browned Use the large leaves of lettuce as your wraps for the beef, peppers, and onions Top with shaves of avocado

[busypaleomama-blog]

Day 7/365

I've lost four pounds (potentially) since the first!  *I must note my weight fluctuates depending on the time of day, but weighing myself first thing in the morning helps* 

I've read studies that it takes 21 days to form a habit. Then I read that it takes 66 days for a new habit to become automatic. However long it takes, it gets easier by the day.

My biggest fear with this huge lifestyle change I've committed to was going back to work. The routine of my every day life, the temptations of cookies in the break room, and the relaxing cigarette on the way home. But-it's day three back at the office and I'm doing fine. Really! The temptations come and go, as predicted. Especially when I see those chocolate granola bars and Mountain Dew in the vending machine. But the steps I've taken to keep myself in control have helped in extremes. Bringing my extra large tumbler cup to work to fill with water every hour has been my lifesaver. Getting up to pee every 20 minutes isn't ideal, but before this week, I would go days without drinking water. 

I've also stressed how important it is to meal prep. Making sure my lunch is always packed before I go to bed the night before has been key. I pack my breakfast (2 hard boiled eggs), 2 snacks (usually trail mix for the early afternoon, and carrots for the late afternoon) and my lunch (a salad with peppers, onions, greens, and some type of protein like tuna or chicken). What I've been most surprised by is that I'm never hungry. Some say it's the protein I'm eating, or the snacks I balance between meals, but either way... it's great. 

I've started to look at processed and unhealthy food as an addiction. When I smell someone cooking a hot pocket or seeing the Jimmy John's delivery guy walk by, I immediately perk up. But I'm not hungry! I just feel the need to eat something greasy and gross to be satisfied. Luckily, I haven't caved.

Keys for this week: Water intake-making sure I am drinking at least 100 ounces of water a day, but my goal is a gallon. (easier said than done)  Packing lunch-continuing to prep before the work day so I'm not throwing random stuff into my lunch bag and then ending up splurging on a salad that costs $7 Walking more-I sit...all....day....long at work. I've committed to getting up every hour and taking a lap around the office or a hike up the stairs (I'm on the fifth floor)

Day 7 and I'm feeling good!

[busypaleomama-blog]

Meal Plan #1

Breakfast: (140 calories)  2 hard boiled eggs *you can make your entire week's worth and they'll keep in the shell, in the refrigerator for up to 9 days. * 1 Apple (80 calories)  Snack: (140 calories)...

[busypaleomama-blog]

I’m not losing weight. I’m getting rid of it. I have no intention on finding it again.

[busypaleomama-blog]

Day 2/365

I survived the New Year hump, and not with much sweat. I'm battling more with smoking, (yes, I decided to quit cold turkey on the first as well) than I am with food temptation. Paleo makes sense to me because I'm not a picky eater. I like most food-which got me here, and I'm no idiot. I know that processed food is bad. I know that having pizza four times a week is not okay. But, did I care? Mmm...pizza. 

Meal prep is where it's at! Anyone who can dedicate a couple hours per week to organize and prepare their entire weeks worth of groceries (kid included) will have success. Thinking that you can change your entire lifestyle without prep is foolishness...so I've realized. My main goal is to dedicate my Sunday mornings to grocery shopping for the week, preparing each meal and snack, and mentally scheduling my "active" time. (I'm not ready to call it working out) I think anyone who changes their entire eating routine AND incorporates a five-day-a-week workout session instantly is ridiculous. I need to ween myself into this. Or maybe I can only handle one thing at a time...*ponders*

Wins so far include my amazing salad at Piada today: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=767454740001113&set=a.252501758163083.60995.100002097836819&type=1&theater

Tuna salad that I found on Pinterest that was fantastic:  http://www.pinterest.com/pin/58969076346816044/

Favorite snack so far are Veggie Chips from Giant Eagle and a handful of trail mix (without the chocolate unfortunately). 

Water has also been key for me. My FitBit app helps me track my water intake, which has been set to a gallon per day. I read this article about a woman who drank a gallon of water per day and the change was pretty incredible. Speaking of FitBit...it's amazing! Tracking my steps, distance I've walked per day, my exact calorie intake and burn is so convenient. I hate to say I've come victim to "counting calories", but when it almost done for you, it's hard not to.

[busypaleomama-blog]

Day 1/365

So here it is! The cliche "I'm going to change my life in 2015" blog post. 

I hate to admit that I've said that exact sentence every year since my daughter, Maia, was born. She'll be six in February....

Every year I look back at how quickly the year went by and think "if only I would have finished the year with the same determination that I STARTED with". 

Here I am. A 28-year-old single Mom who can't recognize herself in pictures anymore. No, I'm not 300+ lbs, and no, I don't have a huge sob story about why I need to change my habits... I JUST DO!

As a kid, I was never the skinny one. Jess, my younger sister, was always a skipped meal away from being anorexic. But I was always active. I ran track in school (not greatly, but I ran!), I was in the marching band (which is more active than you think...jerk!), and was in great shape. I can remember being 130 pounds and thinking I was fat. What I wouldn't give to be 130 pounds again.

As I type, I weigh 170 ish pounds. (The "ish" because I teeter between 170-174 on any given day) I squeeze into 12+ size jeans, and can't remember the last time I saw a picture of myself and thought I looked good. Which is funny, because I consider myself a beautiful woman. Even those days where I spend a little extra time getting ready or put something other than a t shirt and jeans on (my roommate, Ben, would laugh at that because it's a VERY rare occasion that I don't have a t shirt on) I still don't think I look good. Why? My weight.

So, here's the plan: I blog about the steps I'm taking to regain control of my weight, I switch to a strict Paleo diet (I picked Paleo because my Dad made the switch and lost substantial amounts of weight, and because it makes sense to me), and I get my ass back into the gym. Literally. Before today, I bought brand new running shoes, a FitBit, and two weeks worth of groceries that would give me NO excuse to not eat well. 

Hopefully over the next 365 days a few people will read my blog and feel inspired, or leave kind words. That's what we're here for-right?!