My weight plateaued at 185 lbs. through most of summer, which I was okay with for the most part because I had lost 50 lbs. over the course of about six months, which is a HUGE physical adjustment. Also, I lost those pounds through diet changes (going paleo/primal) with almost no exercise at all (read: none) and I suspect I’ve maxed out what I can do for my health via dietary corrections alone.
Still, it leaves me 40 lbs. over my goal (145 lbs., which on me is about a size 10 dress size; hardly “thin” but it gives me a very Marilyn Monroe-esque figure which I prefer), not to mention that both my physical strength and stamina are paltry. I’m at the stage where I am healthier than I was, but I’m not as healthy as I can be!
So what to do?
First, I’m kicking the bad habits to the curb. I was allowing wayyy to much refined sugar (in the form of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream) into my diet, along with “sneaky” grains like rice (sushi!) and corn (corn chips!). Mostly, though, I fell far too often before the Potato Trinity: chips, fries, and taters. Wayyyy too much starch for my system. So I’m chucking all that to the curb. No grains or refined sugar at all and potatoes as a once-a-week treat. I bought the book Paleo Comfort Foods as incentive to cook more than I have been, as when I’m eating out it’s just all too easy to make an “exception” and order French fries or tater tots (seriously, I’m such a junkie!).
Second, I’m trying out Tim Ferriss’ recommendation of 30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking up. I have a habit of not eating until I’ve been up for hours, which is not good; and even then I usually ate fruit (high sugar and carbs) first, so I wondered what the effect would be. I keep it simple, two scoops of whey protein with 16 oz. of my coconut milk tonic. And, WOW, what a difference that makes for the whole day. I feel full, and stay full, and over all eat smaller portions for lunch and dinner. I think my body really likes this plan.
Third, time to up the ante on working out. I’ve started doing yoga class twice a week, which is very challenging; running twice a week for 20+ minutes; and going for a really long bike ride once a week (one hour or more). I sneak in shorter bike rides (20 min.) after work if the weather is good. I really should do some form of weight training but I’m counting on the yoga to sort of fill in for building strength right now. My two goals are to not over train (something I tend to do) and to not stop working out for stupid, made up reasons (justifications, I haz them!).
I’m excited about moving on to the next stage of the process. My goal is to become an athlete in body and mind, and while I know it’s going to take a few years, I believe in myself!
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