By Kenda - January, 8th 2013

At 37 I may not be “old”, but my body has definitely slowed down and bad food clings to me like cat hair. When I gave birth to little man 3 years ago I was shocked that the weight didn’t melt off like it did when I had Big Man 12 years earlier. I breast fed. I walked. I tried the cabbage soup diet. The weight didn’t budge. In July of last year I decided I’d had enough and started cutting back on how much I was eating – but not what I was eating. I joined the gym and started a weight training class. And, for a while, it actually worked. I went from 187 to 154 in 4 months. I was so happy. Not only had I dropped weight, but I’d done it without actually “dieting” or totally giving up any of the foods I enjoy.

I really should have known better. The problem with losing weight just on sudden motivation and without an actual plan is that results are only temporary.  As soon as I realized I had lost enough weight to make a significant change in my appearance – I relaxed. There were no guidelines to follow except my own, so each day I ‘cheated’ a little more and a little more. By the time December rolled around I was no longer disciplined enough to weather the storm of party foods. Unfortunately I also had surgery at the same time which restricted me from lifting, pushing or stretching for over a month – so, while I shoved delicious holiday meals in my mouth, there were no gym visits. Now I’m back up to 165 pounds. It’s time for an actual plan and not one that I devised myself to suit my cravings.

Meal Plan: Paleo

After looking over all the varied diet plans online right now, I decided the one that best suited my needs was Paleo. It cuts out all processed foods, grains, carbs and dairy; and promotes lean meats, vegetables and healthy fats. I’m already a meat and vegetable eater by nature and my biggest weakness is carbohydrates and snack foods so this meal plan seems like what I need and can handle. It also seems to be the most natural, safest for your body and something that can develop into a lifestyle. The lack of breads and pasta will make me want to cry in a corner, there’s no getting around that. But, I’m going to research inventive ways to replace those foods and (if I’m feeling lucky) maybe even make my own Paleo-friendly bread.

Hydration

I hate water. I don’t mean I’d rather have something else. I mean if I’m thirsty and I can either drink water now or wait 30 minutes to drink a Pepsi – I’ll wait for the Pepsi. I don’t know why I dislike it so much, but I never drink it by choice. Now I have to drink

Physical Plan: Get My @!# Back To The Gym

Starting this week I’m back in the gym. The plan is 1.5 hours – 2 days per week on the machines and my weekly 75 minute weight training class (Body Pump). And I seriously need to do something with the elliptical in my office other than hang my coats on it.

Goals

• 135 pounds by April 31st
• Improve BMI
• Increase Strength & Endurance
• Improve Hydration Habits

Now, I’m not Miss Fitness or Clean Eating Queen so I won’t be concentrating on that for the site. But, I will share with you my progress and any recipes I think you would enjoy. I’ll also write more about what Paleo is, how I’m adjusting and any benefits I experience. Stay tuned!