The conclusion of today will be 1 complete week for the Paleo+ Challenge. What do you think so far? Easier then you thought? Harder then you thought? Results so far? How is your logging going?
(even though I am not competing)I love the paleo+challenge! I need to do a training blog so badly! Logging my diet has been on scratch papaer wherever and whenever I find a free moment(which sucks). Paleo went well this week except for Sweet Mandy B's(the devil) yesterday. Im pretty sore from the wods this week, but feeling stronger then ever before! Taking ALL my continuing ed class stuff for next 2 years last week and this week, so been hitting the evening classes and loving them! Paleo isnt hard for me, I actually like it a lot. It is the ability to control myself and not give in when my kids are eating "crazy" food. Feel like I have been doing paleo+challenge for 6 months now, when I started CFC! It is a definite lifestyle and I have chosen to live my life this way! I LOVE THE PALEO+CFC LIFE! Bring on week 2 of PAIN!, I'm ready!
Tery - about timing of pre-wod food, it depends on what food you're eating. If you're eating something super easily digestible (like coconut water) than you can have it pretty close to the workout, however if you're eating something that's much harder to digest (like brocoli) than you'll need to eat that further away from your workout so that your body processes in time to support the workout. The PfA book says eat NO LESS than 2 hrs pre-workout (personal experience - I find eating close to 1 or 1 1/2 hrs work best for me because of the food choices I make). If your meal is higher in fiber (which is not optimal) you'll need to eat further away from your workout b/c fiberous foods tends to be more dense and just sit it your tummy. I hope that helps.
Thanks, Kerry - it does. Although I'm eating 5-7 times a day, I'm starting to struggle. According to the booklet Bryce gave us (and my notes from the class), I need to increase the # of meals as well as protein/fat/carb ratios to get my weight/mass up. It's all good, but my meals are kinda slow to digest. Is this an age thing or my body going "dude, this is a lot of food, what do you want me to do with all this?!".
I'll try moving to more liquid pre-wod meals (e.g., coconut water, whey proteins, etc) ... anyone have suggestions on a lower fiber, pre-wod cocktail?
Can I just say that some days are easier than others... I've never thought about my food so much and I feel like I'm still getting into the groove - I'm finding that taking small steps in planning go a LONG way! What I thought would be hard for me (eliminating dairy) is easier than I thought, but I do miss cheese (and my morning yogurt!). I think this is easier because I feel a huge difference with the dairy gone - I don't get that bloated belly any more - I used to comsume a lot of dairy, apparently!
I live for Sunday morning Brunch! That is the worst. I made it through okay with just a few peices of bacon. It was hard smelling the crepes with whipped cream and fruit.
Good so far. I haven't had any serious cravings yet, but that's partly because of the way I'm approaching my diet. It is not 100% paleo by any means. I try to reduce the salt in all my foods as much as possible, but when it's unavoidable or if a little salt makes the difference between horribly bland and very good, I will add the salt. Same with using a small bit of butter.
The way I see it, eating a diet that is essentially very healthy, with a small amount of "bad" things in it to make things taste good and satisfy you is a much better strategy than to be 100% strict and not enjoy what you're eating, only to go bonkers and have to have crazy cheat meals. Some people may disagree, but that's a choice I know will work better for me. Besides, what are you trying to get so healthy for if not to best enjoy life?
Food logging has also been very easy by using my phone to send pictures directly to the blog. Almost no work at all. Keeping a public log has also kept me a few times from eating stuff I shouldn't because I knew everyone would see it. It's amazing how well that works.
I will not lie - this has been very difficult on me. There are really very few things that I enjoy more than potatoes and cheese. However, I will admit that I feel so much better. I'm also noticing slight differences in my body comp, which is exciting. I've also started to have a little bit more fun with our meals. I'm looking on-line a lot for recipe ideas, and it is amazing all of the yummy stuff you can find by simply googling "(name of dish) paleo". I've found everything from paleo chicken pot pie to paleo carrot cake.
JJ and I are pretty much on the same train regarding approach. Mine could even be a little weaker when it comes to things like milk/lattes (despite the fact that I'm lactose intolerant). Cheese and potatoes weren't a huge problem for me since I grew up on a pretty solid Asian diet. When I gave up pasta about 7 months or so ago, I felt a ton better... may have cured the IBS I supposedly had that no doctor was able to give me a solution to. Never looking back :)
Jess, thanks for suggesting paleo carrot cake... I might have to give that a go!
I'm feeling great and having fun cooking at the same time - I really enjoy the fact that every single thing I've put together this week hasn't failed me. Using fewer ingredients seems to really make a difference and I'm slowly finding out how many things can be made strictly paleo and still be awesome. I feel confident in continuing and the blog space is really helping as well.
I ate pretty well this week. Made slight changes to my diet, including reducing eggs eaten each day from 2 to 1 and eating more fish. Feels good, haven't noticed much of a change, but I did need to go buy more new clothes this week as some of my workout clothes were getting loose again (BEST!).
I did, however, struggle with food cravings at the end of the day today, which is unusual. I was craving chocolate like it was my job. I bought some chocolate tea and coconut milk to have a light cheat that would cut the craving without ruining my nutrition. It did the trick.
I've been paleo for about 5 months now and I don't usually have a problem. I used to cheat twice a week and my goal is not to cheat at all during the challenge. I tend to make my own food, but I wish I had the culinary skills that EO, the ottes, or JJ/Donna have.
I have 2 big issues with paleo though. The first is if you're not a big veggie eater, things get boring real fast. I don't eat squash, zucchini, mushrooms, tomatoes, and more so my recipie options are limited.
The second, is on dates. If am I out with friends, it isn't a big deal if I mod the heck out of my food because my buddies know and it is just what I do. On a date, especially the first, going paleo is tough and I end up cheating. Trying to explain, why I want a burger with no bun, no salt on the fries, etc. is just too much for me to get into.
I've been eating paleo since last April and love it. With Jess now giving it a shot, it makes the meal planning even easier and broader. You know you're hooked when the things you thought you'd miss most and couldn't wait to cheat with no long satisfy you the same way. I found this took about 3-4 weeks for me. Cheats will dwindle down to just an item here and there that you might be craving and not be a whole meal. Good luck everyone, week 2 will be easier than week one.
JJ mentioned this also, but we also throw a dash or so of salt on most of our steamed vegitables. I have noticed by cutting back on most of the salt and sugar, I've become much more sensative to it, so I keep using less and less.
T, in your case because you're trying to put on weight, it may be benificial to track 2-3 days on something like fitday, to see where you're truly coming out gross calorie wise as well as macro nutrient wise. I'm actually in the same boat and am going to track my diet the next 4-5 days just to make sure I'm really hitting the protein grams and the total calorie numbers I'm shooting for. I HATE weighing and measuring, but think it will be worth it to verify I'm actually performing the plan I have in place, which I'm planning on using for the next 3 weeks. Day 1, I was 10% carbs, 33% protein, and 57% fat and at 2800 calories. My ratios are right where I want them and calories not bad either, maybe a little light.
I'm finding that using my cell phone to photograph my food and then uploading to the blog via TXT, MMS, or email is most efficient.
ReplyDeleteQuestion about cheating: what are the rules around this? (esp. for those of us trying to gain weight/lean muscle mass)
(even though I am not competing)I love the paleo+challenge! I need to do a training blog so badly! Logging my diet has been on scratch papaer wherever and whenever I find a free moment(which sucks). Paleo went well this week except for Sweet Mandy B's(the devil) yesterday. Im pretty sore from the wods this week, but feeling stronger then ever before! Taking ALL my continuing ed class stuff for next 2 years last week and this week, so been hitting the evening classes and loving them! Paleo isnt hard for me, I actually like it a lot. It is the ability to control myself and not give in when my kids are eating "crazy" food. Feel like I have been doing paleo+challenge for 6 months now, when I started CFC! It is a definite lifestyle and I have chosen to live my life this way! I LOVE THE PALEO+CFC LIFE! Bring on week 2 of PAIN!, I'm ready!
ReplyDeleteTery - about timing of pre-wod food, it depends on what food you're eating. If you're eating something super easily digestible (like coconut water) than you can have it pretty close to the workout, however if you're eating something that's much harder to digest (like brocoli) than you'll need to eat that further away from your workout so that your body processes in time to support the workout. The PfA book says eat NO LESS than 2 hrs pre-workout (personal experience - I find eating close to 1 or 1 1/2 hrs work best for me because of the food choices I make). If your meal is higher in fiber (which is not optimal) you'll need to eat further away from your workout b/c fiberous foods tends to be more dense and just sit it your tummy. I hope that helps.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kerry - it does. Although I'm eating 5-7 times a day, I'm starting to struggle. According to the booklet Bryce gave us (and my notes from the class), I need to increase the # of meals as well as protein/fat/carb ratios to get my weight/mass up. It's all good, but my meals are kinda slow to digest. Is this an age thing or my body going "dude, this is a lot of food, what do you want me to do with all this?!".
ReplyDeleteI'll try moving to more liquid pre-wod meals (e.g., coconut water, whey proteins, etc) ... anyone have suggestions on a lower fiber, pre-wod cocktail?
Can I just say that some days are easier than others... I've never thought about my food so much and I feel like I'm still getting into the groove - I'm finding that taking small steps in planning go a LONG way! What I thought would be hard for me (eliminating dairy) is easier than I thought, but I do miss cheese (and my morning yogurt!). I think this is easier because I feel a huge difference with the dairy gone - I don't get that bloated belly any more - I used to comsume a lot of dairy, apparently!
ReplyDeleteI live for Sunday morning Brunch! That is the worst. I made it through okay with just a few peices of bacon. It was hard smelling the crepes with whipped cream and fruit.
ReplyDeleteGood so far. I haven't had any serious cravings yet, but that's partly because of the way I'm approaching my diet. It is not 100% paleo by any means. I try to reduce the salt in all my foods as much as possible, but when it's unavoidable or if a little salt makes the difference between horribly bland and very good, I will add the salt. Same with using a small bit of butter.
ReplyDeleteThe way I see it, eating a diet that is essentially very healthy, with a small amount of "bad" things in it to make things taste good and satisfy you is a much better strategy than to be 100% strict and not enjoy what you're eating, only to go bonkers and have to have crazy cheat meals. Some people may disagree, but that's a choice I know will work better for me. Besides, what are you trying to get so healthy for if not to best enjoy life?
Food logging has also been very easy by using my phone to send pictures directly to the blog. Almost no work at all. Keeping a public log has also kept me a few times from eating stuff I shouldn't because I knew everyone would see it. It's amazing how well that works.
I will not lie - this has been very difficult on me. There are really very few things that I enjoy more than potatoes and cheese. However, I will admit that I feel so much better. I'm also noticing slight differences in my body comp, which is exciting. I've also started to have a little bit more fun with our meals. I'm looking on-line a lot for recipe ideas, and it is amazing all of the yummy stuff you can find by simply googling "(name of dish) paleo". I've found everything from paleo chicken pot pie to paleo carrot cake.
ReplyDeleteJJ and I are pretty much on the same train regarding approach. Mine could even be a little weaker when it comes to things like milk/lattes (despite the fact that I'm lactose intolerant). Cheese and potatoes weren't a huge problem for me since I grew up on a pretty solid Asian diet. When I gave up pasta about 7 months or so ago, I felt a ton better... may have cured the IBS I supposedly had that no doctor was able to give me a solution to. Never looking back :)
ReplyDeleteJess, thanks for suggesting paleo carrot cake... I might have to give that a go!
I'm feeling great and having fun cooking at the same time - I really enjoy the fact that every single thing I've put together this week hasn't failed me. Using fewer ingredients seems to really make a difference and I'm slowly finding out how many things can be made strictly paleo and still be awesome. I feel confident in continuing and the blog space is really helping as well.
ReplyDeleteI ate pretty well this week. Made slight changes to my diet, including reducing eggs eaten each day from 2 to 1 and eating more fish. Feels good, haven't noticed much of a change, but I did need to go buy more new clothes this week as some of my workout clothes were getting loose again (BEST!).
ReplyDeleteI did, however, struggle with food cravings at the end of the day today, which is unusual. I was craving chocolate like it was my job. I bought some chocolate tea and coconut milk to have a light cheat that would cut the craving without ruining my nutrition. It did the trick.
I've been paleo for about 5 months now and I don't usually have a problem. I used to cheat twice a week and my goal is not to cheat at all during the challenge. I tend to make my own food, but I wish I had the culinary skills that EO, the ottes, or JJ/Donna have.
ReplyDeleteI have 2 big issues with paleo though. The first is if you're not a big veggie eater, things get boring real fast. I don't eat squash, zucchini, mushrooms, tomatoes, and more so my recipie options are limited.
The second, is on dates. If am I out with friends, it isn't a big deal if I mod the heck out of my food because my buddies know and it is just what I do. On a date, especially the first, going paleo is tough and I end up cheating. Trying to explain, why I want a burger with no bun, no salt on the fries, etc. is just too much for me to get into.
I've been eating paleo since last April and love it. With Jess now giving it a shot, it makes the meal planning even easier and broader. You know you're hooked when the things you thought you'd miss most and couldn't wait to cheat with no long satisfy you the same way. I found this took about 3-4 weeks for me. Cheats will dwindle down to just an item here and there that you might be craving and not be a whole meal. Good luck everyone, week 2 will be easier than week one.
ReplyDeleteJJ mentioned this also, but we also throw a dash or so of salt on most of our steamed vegitables. I have noticed by cutting back on most of the salt and sugar, I've become much more sensative to it, so I keep using less and less.
T, in your case because you're trying to put on weight, it may be benificial to track 2-3 days on something like fitday, to see where you're truly coming out gross calorie wise as well as macro nutrient wise. I'm actually in the same boat and am going to track my diet the next 4-5 days just to make sure I'm really hitting the protein grams and the total calorie numbers I'm shooting for. I HATE weighing and measuring, but think it will be worth it to verify I'm actually performing the plan I have in place, which I'm planning on using for the next 3 weeks. Day 1, I was 10% carbs, 33% protein, and 57% fat and at 2800 calories. My ratios are right where I want them and calories not bad either, maybe a little light.