Paleo(ish) Trial – Week Two Review

Well, I did it!

Today was last day of my two-week Paleo(ish) Trial. It’s been an awesome two weeks, and I am so so glad that I stopped using my lack of self-control as an excuse to avoid this. I have spent years being that person who “couldn’t”–I couldn’t possibly give up sugar because I have no will power. I couldn’t possibly stop eating processed foods because I’m so busy! I couldn’t possibly make better meals for myself because I have no time.

I’m so happy that I finally proved myself wrong. Life is so much better when you just stop believing that you can’t so something… let me be proof that you can.

I’m a little embarrassed to admit this, but I used to get insane sugar cravings. They were so bad. Once one started it was like I couldn’t focus on anything until I had satisfied it. I used to sneak down to the basement or hide in in the kitchen to eat a cookie (or four) because I didn’t want Ruby to see me eating things I knew I shouldn’t. I would hear myself telling her that she couldn’t have it because it wasn’t good for her, then I would turn my back and eat that exact thing I wouldn’t let my daughter have. I knew I wasn’t setting a good example for my family, and it took me a long time to accept it and be ready to do something about it.

This has been a big change for me. The things I’m eating aren’t really all that different from things I would normally buy, but this trial has helped me “cut out the crap” and break some really bad habits.

I think that the way I’ve approached breakfast these past two weeks has been one of the biggest changes. Instead of reaching for frozen waffles or toast, I’m beginning my day with eggs, greek yogurt, fruit or a smoothie. I find myself SO full afterward that I’ve cut out my mid-morning crash where I would begin my day’s downward spiral of poor food choices.

In fact, this trial has pretty much helped me to cut out snacking all together. The meals were simple, delicious and very filling, and I stopped having those crashes through the day where I felt like I needed to eat something, even though I wasn’t really hungry.

It has also helped make me even more aware of some pretty bad habits I have when I’m out. I somehow got in this routine of buying myself a “treat” almost every time I’m out. As I cut out sugar, processed foods and fast foods completely from day one, it took me a day or two for my mind to catch up. I ran out on an errand one evening, and as I was coming home I thought, “Oh, I’ll just swing in here and get myself a donut”. It took me a minute to remember that those are definitely not Paleo(ish) and I was still very full from dinner. Actually, I was very proficient at justifying why I “needed” or should be allowed to have something from any fast food place I passed.

And I never, ever felt good after I ate it.

Now that I’ve cut it out for two weeks, I can honestly say that I can’t remember the last time that I felt this good. I have so much more energy, my mind feels clearer, and I feel better about myself now that I’m not mindlessly snacking on garbage all day long just because it’s “there”.

I really don’t find that I’ve missed any of the foods that I’ve reduced or cut out. Seriously.

(I honestly never ever thought that I’d say that.)

(I mean, I seriously love dessert. And allll the carbs. And all kinds of things that are not good for me.)

So, this is why I’ve decided to make this a permanent change for me. I get that the Paleo(ish) diet is not for everyone, but this has been such a positive experience that I just don’t want to go back to the way I was eating before. I don’t think I’ll ever adopt a hardcore Paleo lifestyle–kudos to those that do, it’s just too much for me. But the changes I’ve made over the last two weeks have been just enough to motivate me to stay on this path. The changes to my meals weren’t really all that hard… making the decision to start was.

In short, it’s helped me understand that my body is worth “fueling” with good foods. That I am worth it.

So, that’s where I am. I think I’ll stop posting photos of every meal I make, but I would love to keep sharing photos and recipes for new things I’m trying. I watched Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead today and buying a juicer or nutribullet is on the top of my list.

(After I buy a new vacuum. I desperately need a new vacuum.)

Thanks for following me through my trial–your encouragement, support and suggestions were SO helpful and made this so much fun for me! Please keep it coming–I love trying your recipes and ideas as I still feel so new on this healthy eating train.

So, my Paleo(ish) Trial has officially ended… but my new healthier lifestyle has only just begun. :)