I can't believe it...Day 30

Well friends, it is finally here, day 30 of 30 days of paleo! When I started the challenge, I was really skeptical about being able to be strict for 30 days straight, but again, this is why I believe writing down your goals, is so essential. If you take the time to write them out, make them specific, timed, and realistic, you are so much more likely to have success. My whole motivation for starting this blog was to document my experience and hold myself accountable to completing this challenge.

Today, Chad and I headed to CrossFit and completed the following WOD:

EMON 25minutes

10 jump lunges
10 around the worlds with plate
10 push-ups

I swear I thought this workout would never end, but once I got about halfway through I knew I'd be able to complete it. I'm telling you, CrossFit is addictive! Afterwards, as promised, I had our trainer check my measurements. I wanted to revisit my original goals and measurements  from day 1 so here they are:

Objectives:
1. eliminate processed crap from my diet while increasing protein intake
2. test out the Paleo lifestyle and see how it makes me feel and perform athletically
3. loose the excess weight gained since October 5th (my wedding day)
4. attend CrossFit no less than 4 times a week
5. sleep no less than 7 hrs/night preferably 8

Stats:
weight: 148
Waist 1 in above BB: 27 1/4
Biceps: L-10 3/4  R-10 3/4
Hips: 37
Thighs: L-22 R-22
Chest: 37 1/4 

Over all I am really pleased with my progress this month. I ate a diet rich in healthy fats, fruits and veggies, and good quality meats and eggs. I had no grains, legumes or alcohol. I did have paleo cookies one night and used unsweetened cocoa powder of 2 occasions. Again, I'm not perfect :) I attended CrossFit at least 4 times a week and sometimes 5. The one thing that I still need to work on is getting enough sleep. Here are this morning's measurements

Weight: 145
Waist: 26 3/4
Biceps: L-11 R-11
Hips: 37
Thighs: L-21 1/2 R-21 3/4
Chest: 37 3/4

Ok, so I know my measurements aren't super impressive however, I'm happy with my results. I was most concerned about dropping inches in my waist because that is the best determinate of fat loss. I lost 1/2 inch in my waist and lost between 3-4lbs. I feel really strong and I've noticed that I am more toned overall. Below are pics from this morning as well as the ones I took over the course of the challenge.

                                                                  2/7/13

                                1/9/13                 1/23/13             2/7/13

What I've really taken from this challenge is that I can do extremely well on a diet free of grains and I definitely don't need as many carbs, as I thought I would, to sustain me during workouts. I am so excited to continue to use the paleo principals as I move forward. I plan to eat about 80/20: 80%, paleo 20% not. I plan to add a small amount of dairy back as well as allow myself the occasional glass of red wine. I want to stay mostly grain free and make an effort to avoid gluten. I don't think I have a sensitivity to dairy or gluten, but I'm curious to see how I feel when I have these foods again.

For me, experimenting with diet and exercise is exciting because its like a constant science experiment to see how my body changes and reacts. I'm always in pursuit of the "perfect" combination and I love to do this because it means I am taking the time to truly listen to my body's wisdom. There is no one diet that fits everyone, we all have to find what works best for us. However, there are certain universal truths that should be taken into account.
1.Whole foods are ALWAYS best!
2. We are only as good as what our food ate, so eat grassfed whenever possible.
3. Eat as many fruits and veggies as you can stand, and do your best to buy local and organic.
4. Read labels and avoid preservatives and chemicals that you cannot pronounce.
5. Sugar/simple carbs cause blood sugar spikes, which cause your body to secrete insulin, leading to fat accumulation and storage.
6. If you do not get enough rest, no amount of diet or exercise will help you drop weight. SLEEP!

Not to worry, I plan to post today's meals and I plan to continue to write about my wellness journey. Thank you to those who have been following along. This has been a great experience!