Yesterday I bought my first pair of size 6 pants. Ever. Ever since I can remember, I have never, ever been able to fit into a size 6. So I figured it was time for an update as to how I’m doing on the primal diet. In a nutshell, I’m doing great. My energy is good. My allergies have moderated – I still have them, but they aren’t as bad as they once were. I am no longer churning through copious amounts of tissues each eve and morn. I have abs now! They aren’t crazy defined or anything, but they are there. At least I can see them. 🙂
Overall, I’ve just been following the 21-day Blueprint over and over again, with a few mods. I haven’t been religious about the sprint workouts. I DO want to do them, but I just don’t remember to, in general. My exercise plan looks something like this – run every other day and do the PEM exercises on my non-running days (pushups, pullups, squats, and planks). If I don’t feel like running, I walk speedily on the grass alongside the bike path (whilst listening to the Paleo Solution podcast). I find that walking in the grass really works out my legs and butt – almost more so than running. Tim and I have recently starting biking too. My coworker and I are going to start doing Hatha yoga on Monday nights as well, so hopefully that will help me build up flexibility and core strength.
I’m up to running 2.5 miles. I can do 15 modified (knee) pushups. I still can in no way do a pull up, but I can do a flexed arm hang for 30 seconds and lower myself to the ground in a controlled fashion. I can do an elbow plank and side elbow planks for 60 seconds. I’m still far behind where I hoped I would be based on the guidance in the 21-Day challenge, but I’m not disappointed because I am definitely improving. I could probably push myself harder and get better results, but I’m in for the slow, long sustainable haul. I’m actually considering joining the local Crossfit gym. I don’t have anyone to go with me though, and I’m scared to go alone because I’m an intimidated baby. Maybe I’ll work up the courage.
I’ve been eating at least 80% primal, I would say. Tonight I’m going to eat pizza, but I don’t eat it often – maybe once every other week. For cheats I eat A LOT of dates and A LOT of pistachios. I need to find a cheaper pistachio source. I also still drink pretty regularly. However, I’ve noticed my body DOES NOT like beer, which is sad. I feel best on red wine, second best on whiskey and club soda, which has become my go-to drink at bars that don’t serve good red wine.
I’ve found that I really don’t miss bread or desserts in general. I know that I’ll feel bad if I eat them, so that helps me stay away from them. I still crave ice cream about once per month (hmm, wonder what that could be). I got some Ben & Jerry’s Greek frozen yogurt last week. It tasted pretty good until I read the ingredients and saw corn syrup on the list. Blast. Being able to eat as much healthy fat as I want really helps curve the cravings. I put at least 1/2 a teaspoon of coconut oil in my coffee each morning, and I’m very generous with the avocado, coconut and olive oil when cooking.
So, down to the details. Here is my starting and current stats:
Starting: Weight 149.3 Bust 36 Waist 31 Hips 43
Current: Weight 132.9 Bust 34 Waist 28.75 Hips 40.75
Thus, the size 6 pants. Admittedly, they are a little snug, but they have that dumb two-way stretch, so I think they’ll be alright. Also, in the interests of full disclosure, while my starting weight was officially 149.3, I was typically hovering around 147 when I started the primal blueprint.
I’m going to sign off and go eat my Mama Bossos pizza, which I’m sure to heartily regret tomorrow, but which will taste ultra-tasty tonight. Good night everyone, and if you have any questions or curiosities about the primal diet/lifestyle, hit me up in the comments.
Links referenced above:
http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=hlo06-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0982207778“>The Primal Blueprint 21-Day Total Body Transformation