I have been reading about the Paleo lifestyle, and my friend and IM (Iron Man) Athlete has been Paleo for several years. I attempted it for 7 days this summer. However, I think I went about it all wrong. I was unprepared. I had no idea what to fix for meals. So I would just make my family their meals and try to pick out and eat what I could from the dinner. I was also right in the middle of my triathlon training. I was riding nearly 100 miles a week on my bike and run several times a week as well. It was not the right time to start a new way of eating. I began to feel deprived and annoyed with the diet. Well here I am nearly 6 months later and once again debating the Paleo way of eating. Why?
- The health benefits that can come from cutting out all the garbage I usually turn to which includes but is not limited to--fast food, convenience foods (frozen pizza etc) crackers, cheese, and worst of all diet pop.
- Weight. In the 7 days that I complied with Paleo in the summer I dropped 8 lbs. I have maintained 5 lbs of that loss. But I still have at least 25 lbs I need to lose.
- Improved athletic performance. According to everything that I have read after the initial week or two of the Whole 30 you have an increased level of energy as well as more healthy nutritious food to fuel your workouts.
- I am afraid of failing.
- I am afraid of feeling deprived.
- I do not want to give up the foods I love.
- I have a hard time giving up foods that I have always been taught are healthy and good for you.
- Paleo especially the whole 30 is very restrictive.
- Greek Yogurt
- The occassional use of ketchup
- my creamer in my morning cup of coffee