Big Motivators

When deciding to clean up my diet, I had some pretty big motivation to do so.

First, I realized that I was consuming so much more food than I needed for my body. I would finish dinner and be so full and uncomfortable. I felt sluggish all the time. Even though I was still working out at least 3 times a week, I didn't feel more fit or healthier. My clothes kept getting tighter. I realized I was eating serving sizes as large as my boyfriend. No wonder why I was gaining so much weight. 

Second, I started having some really bad gut issues. I would bloat. I had horrible gas(TMI, but it's true). I would wake up with a "sour stomach" almost every morning and after most meals. Never in my life, have I experienced the "sour stomach" to that extent. I remember thinking, 'What the hell is wrong with me? I have never had stomach issues like this.' It. Was. Awful.

Third, my skin. Oh, my skiiiiiiiinnnnnnnn! I have always had great skin. A breakout for me was 2 zits, seriously. My breakouts turned into zits all over my face nonstop.

And last, I realized everything I was eating was packed with sugar! I couldn't remember the last savory meal I had. Or the last meal where I actually tasted the true flavor of the food.

I finally reached a breaking point one day. I knew my weight gain was because of the food choices I was making(duh!). I came to the conclusion that my gut issues were due to the types of foods I was eating(*hint* I was right!). My bad skin was due to a new makeup I was using, but I knew my diet wasn't helping the situation. The sugar, well the sugar is because I am addicted to sugar and I didn't want to be anymore.

It is amazing that it took so much to get me serious about Paleo. I lost all of my weight while training for my 1st half marathong(<---Ha! I always type marathong.), I lost all my weight by eating really clean. So, it's not like it is totally foreign eating to me. It's just getting out of the habit and eating foods that are convenient.

Paleo

It is no secret that I have been wanting and trying to get to my goal weight for quite some time.

I found when I was training for my first half marathon, calorie counting worked for me, but this time around not so much.

My bestie did a whole life challenge and had amazing results.

I have wanted to try eating more paleo, but always thought it looked like too much work and I thought I would get bored with the food choices.

Let me tell you though, it is not boring at all! It is actually really fun.
Check out tonight's dinner

Excuse the iPhone photo. Ha! That is macadamia nut/shredded coconut encrusted tilapia with roasted veggies and honey mustard dipping sauce. The honey mustard was made out of homemade paleo mayo, mustard, and honey. It was simple, but delicious!

I have so many fun things I have been eating!
Paleo spaghetti
Chicken salad in butter lettuce leaves
Eggs sunny side up on salads
Nut butter and banana most nights for dessert
The list goes on and on.

I am about 75% paleo now. I would like to be more like 90-95%. It does take work, but it is worth it.

Since going paleo, I have lost 6 pounds in 3 weeks and I couldn't be happier with that.

I feel better about myself, my skin is clearing up, running has been easier, and I sleep better at night.

I look forward to sharing more meals with you soon.

On the running front, this week was good. It was a step back week. I love step back weeks. Sometimes my body just needs a rest. It was definitely ready for the rest this week. I do look forward to the 11 miles next Saturday.

I have been slacking on the lifting, but I look forward to getting back to it this week.

have you ever eaten paleo style?

what is your favorite strength training move? And what muscle group is your favorite to workout?

Once A Month Blogger

Has it already been a month since I ran 7 miles! Wow, time flies. Let me catch you up on the latest happenings!

• I am still training for the half marathon. My running in the past 2 weeks has slowed down a bit, but I am still feeling really confident. 
• I have started eating more "Paleo Friendly". I will have a whole post on that tomorrow. I am not 100% paleo, but come back and you will find out more ;)
• I went to the local farmer's market 2 weeks ago. 
• My Boyfriend had his 30th birthday!!! Happy Birthday, Sweet Cheeks! I love you!
• We went camping to celebrate!
• I had 10 miles scheduled on my training plan for when we were camping. I ran 7 of those and I am happy with that! 
• It is the busy season at work! I love the holidays, most stressful time ever at work. However, I love seeing my friends and family! 
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