Day 72

Sorry for no updates, I am still very much on the wagon!

I weighed this morning and am 20# down. That's about an average loss of 10#/month. (With NO cardio exercise I should mention, just lifting)
I feel great! I have plenty of energy, I sleep so much more soundly, and of course am loving the weight loss. My PCOS symptoms are vanishing and I'm off those meds. My cycles are much more regular and easier.

I still find eating no sugar, beans, nuts, soda, gluten, etc. easy! Other than some alcohol I have stayed almost 100%. I eat meat every morning (bacon!), a light lunch, and meat and veggies at dinner.

I know some of you read this, please share your story with me! Have you tried eating this way? Do you want to know more? I promise you won't be disappointed!

Day 38

Ahhh, the couch. I was so ready to sit down for a while. However, I have to get up in about 5 mins to start dinner. ; )

So today I went to class and needed to get in some YMCA hours for class. While doing the Leptin Reset I'm not supposed to do much cardio, mainly just lift.... in the evening. Whoops, there was no way evening was going to work for me today. So I went in and did about an hour of lifting. I could have done it faster but like I said, I need to get time in for school. So I took my time and stretched and listened to my new songs on my iPod. When I lifted last week I was really sore for about 3 days. I anticipate the same will happen over the next few days. I do expect it to be better next week, just in time to change things up a little. I was so happy to talk with a trainer there for a few mins. He said he totally thinks the paleo/primal movement is great and has already started some changes himself. I can't wait until people like him can share the good news without worrying about their job or the government.

I weighed in this morning, really just to make sure I lost any water weight from that time of the month. I did... and then some! I am up to 17# lost! I didn't measure this weekend, never got the time. I will this weekend, I can feel the differences!

I have enjoyed eating all the meat I can. Especially seafood and stuff high in omega 3's. No chicken though, super high in omega 6's... not good for the hormones! Although my family isn't paleo I have been making gradual changes. Right now I have to focus on myself but see everyone switching over in the near future. Once I am healthy again I can start working on others.

I hear the USDA will be changing the food pyramid once again... or is it a plate? Whatever, they will be lessening the daily recommendation of carbs and grains. Woohoo, a step in the right direction! Maybe then health insurance and Dr.s won't be such a big issue.

Day 34

Whew, my brain is on over-drive. I've done way too much Math today and need a break. Although I like being in college most of the time, doing it as an adult with a family is hard.

So, here I am 34 days in. I've been doing the Leptin Reset for 27 of those. I'm working on getting my hormones and leptin back in whack. Yes, they were totally out of balance due to several reasons. Want to know if yours are too? Do you have excess belly weight? Have trouble falling or staying asleep? Heavy, irregular periods? Mood swings. It's not just PMS ladies. Our leptin has been ruined by birth control, sugar, bad habits, genetics... and it can be fixed!

So, on that note, I had my 1st period since starting. Normally I am sleepy the days leading up, moody and they are heavy and harsh, lasting at least 7 days. I also gain about 5-7# in water weight. My belly bloats.
BUT.... this time, nada! Ok, so maybe a little. I was not sleepy, I did not feel moody, and I only gained 2#. It is still heavy but I hardly cramped. Woohoo!

I look at food so differently now. I do NOT need carbs to get energy, other food gives us energy! I don't have to eat grains, dairy or a lot of fruit. I just don't. The USDA or government cannot change my opinion of this. My body is thriving right now and I haven't had a bit of those things mentioned. I go to the Dr. tomorrow for my yearly and blood work. I'm betting she'll be astonished and be more apt to listen to why I'm doing what I'm doing.

1 month - 31 days!

So here I am, 31 days in! I know I haven't posted the last 2 weeks but be sure, I have not fallen off the wagon! I'm doing well!

Here is the short of it... I'm losing weight, inches, and my body feels good! I'm falling asleep easier, staying asleep, and waking restful in the a.m.

I have lost 15#, 1.5in from my waist, 1.25in from my hips, 1in from my thigh, and .5in from my upper arm.
My belly bloat or full feeling is gone, my face is slimmer, and I have water retention.

Come on guys... something's gotta be working.
www.marksdailyapple.com has all the info you'll need to get started. Stop eating all that processed food, bread, fast food, and stop counting calories. That's not at all what it is about. It's all about lowering your carbs and upping your protein! No snacks and getting your omega 3:6 ratio back in order.

Day 15

Ok, I'm 2 weeks in. Wow, time has flown by! That means I am on Day 19 of no beer, Day 15 of eating primal, and Day 9 of the Leptin Reset.

I read recently, in several different places, that during LR you are not supposed to do any aerobic work out. Well, that takes care of that! LOL So other than walking and bedroom activities, I'm not working out for now. I'm still not quite sure how long I do the LR, but it seems 6 weeks is a good point. I still have a lot to learn and amazon.com is taking their sweet time sending me my book, Primal Blueprint.

So for breakfast this morning I ate a pouch of pink salmon mixed with a tbs. of mayo. I also had some beef jerky and medium cheddar cheese. Kind of a weird breakfast but I had a field trip to go on and I was low on meat.

Lunch was 1 cup of tomato soup and some pork rines. I wasn't very hungry again.

Dinner was delicious! I had 4 oz. of salmon, 1.5 cups of spaghetti squash and homemade guacamole. YUM!

I am taking a before picture this weekend along with my measurements. Right now I've lost about 8lbs. depending on whether I've peed or not. We all know the scale can be iffy and isn't always accurate. However, I see some waistline I've been missing!

Day 12

So I've missed a few days of posts. However, I am still going strong! I am on Day 6 of the Leptin Reset. I have been eating 50+grams of protein for breakfast each day. No snacks, just a small lunch and dinner. Under 50grams of carbs per day.

For breakfast I had left over shredded pork and steak. Easy to eat and filling.

Lunch was beef jerky. I just wasn't hungry.

I'm excited about tonight's dinner. I baked a spaghetti squash in no-salt, pepper, onion and garlic on 350 for 45 mins. Scooped it out and added a little more of each seasoning. I cooked some ground beef with just a little spaghetti sauce. (The family had traditional spaghetti) I paired that with some sliced cucumbers and pica de gallo. YUM! If you haven't tried spaghetti squash you are missing out!

Day 8 - Day 2 Leptin Reset

Ahem... I have lost 6 lbs. Just saying.....
So when I started this overhaul I was menstruating, so I realize I have lost some normal monthly "water weight". But 6 lbs... I'm so o.k. with that! My stomach doesn't feel as bloated or big either, though I have a long way to go.

Today is Day 2 of the Leptin Reset. I am changing my body's way of using stored fat and energy.
Breakfast was leftover steak and 4 eggs. 53g of protein total. It is kind of tough, I just wasn't that hungry. But I am determined to give this my all. I WANT my body back!

Day 7 - Day 1 Leptin Reset

Well my body is a little upset at me I think. I still have the headache and now I am spotting/cramping. I sure not taking my Metformin is the cause. I have been off it 5 days now? (edited... I haven't had caffeine for 5 days, that's my headache source!)

Today I started the Leptin Reset program. Basically it jump starts your body back in to burning the stored fat. Insulin resistance goes hand in hand with this. I've read so many success stories over at Mark's Daily Apple it's hard not to try it.

So this morning, within 30 mins of waking up, I had to consume 50g of protein. Yes, you read that right. 50! Oh, and with minimal carbs. I had a clementine. So, breakfast consisted of 4 slices of low-sodium bacon, 4 turkey links, 3 eggs over easy, and 3 slices of sliced ham. 49g of protein total. It was a lot of food, and different than what I'm used to, but I'm giving this a 100% go.

The thought is that the protein and fat will keep me satisfied throughout the day. I won't be as hungry as fast if I were eating grains or cereal. At my next 2 meals I will eat some protein and still little carbs. I plan to load up on veggies!

Dinner was steak, beets and summer squash, yum!!

Day 6 - Headache

So I am on Day 6, almost a full week! I have had a headache all day, I imagine it stems from my dietary changes or lack of meds. My body might be in a little bit of shock.

I had to fast for breakfast due to a Dr. Appt at 11:45a.m. I told my Dr. I was going off the Metformin for a while. Although it did help my menstruation, it did NOT help my ovulation... which is the point. She actually said o.k., she just wanted to see me back in 1 month. I haven't taken it for 5 days. I also stopped my Zyrtec today. My real allergy is to animals and I am no longer around them daily.

Lunch was sliced pork, lightly sweetened applesauce, and sliced green bell pepper. I had a little hummus too.

Dinner was delicious! I fried up and crumbled some light-salt bacon. I then sauteed zucchini and mushrooms with it. My husband came home and couldn't believe the smell! He enjoyed it with me. I sliced some tomato and ta-da, dinner!

I've decided to track my food for now until I get used to what I'm doing. My numbers for today are: 33g carbs, 21g fat, and 40g protein. Although my calories are low, I'm not hungry.

Day 5 - Hmmm

So yesterday was Day 5. I had a lot of trouble sleeping and woke up with a headache. I think this is because I have cut down (a lot) on alcohol. Ok, I was quite the drinker. Beer just makes my mouth water, I can't help it. But, other than some wine over the weekend, I have been beer-free for 11 days! I think cutting back is interrupting my sleep (although it is a very good thing).

For breakfast I wasn't very hungry but decided for insulin reasons I shouldn't skip. I made 2 eggs over easy and had 7 turkey smokie links. Oh, I had a little coffee too with just a tad of splenda.

For a late lunch I had 2 pieces of deli turkey meat, guacamole, carrots, and celery. I knew we were going to a Pizza Place and I surely didn't want to eat a lot there. They didn't have a good salad bar or gluten-free crust. I had 2 slices of thin-crust, light cheese, chicken, bacon, and mushrooms. I guess that my cheat for the week. You know what? It didn't even taste that good and I still don't miss carbs!

I took a short walk yesterday and will be walking at least everyday now. I do have to get active and I know I have to ease back into it. I would like to get back into my HIIT (high intensity interval training). On September 19th I have to start going to the YMCA for school. No excuses, I will get 'er done!

I've decided to track my calories starting today. I use Sparkpeople.com and love it! They have 3 different paleo/primal teams I am part of. I want to see my carb intake to see just how low I am. I know there is a fine line I don't want to cross.

If you are reading these I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to pass this along to others who may be beginning this journey as well.

I am off to the Dr. in a bit for blood work and such. I have been off my Metformin for 3 days, I ran out. I am thinking I'm going to stay off for a while and see what happens. I'd like to be drug-free while transitioning my body over. I'll post how that goes!

Day 4

Wow! Not only do I have tons of energy, but I just feel good. ; )
It may be all in my head but hey, that counts!

This weekend we had family staying with us. I resisted all the junk food they ate, but did enjoy the wine! I am 9 days with no beer, a favorite of mine.

Breakfast this morning was 5 lil' turkey smokies (in bbq sauce) and 3 turkey sausage links. I wasn't hungry for anything else.

Lunch was Applebee's. I ordered the french onion soup and spinach n' shrimp salad. The soup had cheese and bread pieces, but not overload.

Dinner was pork chops, beets, and sliced bell peppers. Here is a picture. I am full and feel good about what I ate!

I still have not exercised. I have been busy though, not sitting around on my hump. I have got to get out and get moving, I know. This week's weather is nicer so I will put my walking path to use at least.
I am down 2 lbs. I know it is water weight as my ankles aren't swollen like they have been lately. I'm hoping to see the scale start to go down soon and for my girl parts to cooperate this month. I go the Dr. on Wednesday. Although I think she is a moron and will be changing Dr.'s, blood tests don't lie.

Day 2 - I don't feel hungry all the time

Breakfast was scrambled eggs (failed the omelet attempt) with diced ham. I put some pepper, no-salt, and a dash of tarragon. They were pretty good, but eggs in the a.m. aren't my favorite. I like them better at night. I need to search for more breakfast ideas.

For lunch we were on the run. I ate about 6 slices of cracked black pepper turkey meat, a handful of almonds, and carrots. I snacked on carrots, cucumbers, and celery when we got back.

My SIL was in town so we cooked out carne asada on the grill. I enjoyed my meat with guacamole, onions, tomatoes, and turnip greens as a side. I had some white wine also.

Day 1... officially

So, it's my 1st official day. I was able to go shopping for more paleo-friendly food and now have more options.

*Before I go any further I want to say that I am just learning. I do NOT know everything, more like hardly anything so far. So, If you find something I say wrong or can offer some advice please feel free to leave me a comment. ; )

So breakfast was tough since I didn't have any eggs, lunch meat, or almond milk. I had hummus, nut crisps, and a small clementine. Not totally paleo but about the closest I had.

Lunch was a mixed (bag) salad topped with sweet 'n spicy tuna. It was really good! Here is a picture. I actually had about 3x this much but forgot to take a picture until I was almost done.

Dinner will probably be leftover from last night. Chicken, mushrooms and turnip greens.

I have not exercised in the past 2 days. I realize this is needed to lose weight as well. I'm going to write another post about my health and exercise intentions. Give an insight as to why I am doing this lifestyle change.

Intro - Day .5

Ok, I can't call this Day 1 because I just started. Really, like a few hours ago. However, being the first day of school for the kids I spent most of my day researching and reading about PCOS (poly-cystic ovarian syndrome) and how a paleo diet can help. I came across blog after article after web site. I feel so encouraged to read true stories that sound just like my own.

Paleo basically means going back to primitive eating. It includes natural foods that could be eaten raw, though you do not have to. It excludes foods that are man-made and hard on our digestive systems.
Approved foods include things like meat, veggies, nuts, some fruit and seafood. It excludes foods that are processed, grains, dairy, legumes, and refined sugar.

Long story short, PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that affects ovulation and so much more! Keeping your insulin levels level can help with the symptoms. A paleo diet can do just that!

My Menu for Day .5
I already had a slim-fast this morning before I decided to try going paleo. Oh well, on to the next meal. For lunch I had butternut squash soup. It was pre-made so it may not have been 100% paleo approved. It was pretty close though. I didn't have time to go by the store for fresh veggies and such before dinner. I decided to tweak what I had on hand. I cooked turnip greens with seasonings and some bacon pieces. I cooked 2 chicken breasts in sliced mushrooms with salt-free seasonings. My family had a few different things, I am not attempting to switch them over as of now.
Here is a picture of my dinner plate. I love that your servings sizes can be larger and you can enjoy veggies galore!