Monday, August 23, 2010

Paleo Update - Week 3

Today is Day 22 of my 30 day paleo challenge, which for those of you familiar with math will recognize as the day after the first 21 days of this challenge.  And my, wasn't that a grammatically awkward sentence?

So, how am I doing?

Day 1:  193.2 lbs.
Day 22:  186.2 lbs.
Poundage difference:  7.0 lbs!

Yesterday's weight was even lower -- 185.8 lbs, which it's probably been more than two years since I've seen that number on the scale -- but I only count Mondays in my weigh-ins. 

I'm still enjoying this new way of eating, but I am looking forward to not being so strict.  I miss cheese.  I miss sushi.  I'd like to have a glass of milk.  But I do like a lot of things about this paleo lifestyle:
  • The weight loss.
  • More than the weight loss, overall I feel and look leaner.
  • Bacon.
  • More bacon.
  • Feeling satisfied more quickly.
  • Having that feeling of satisfaction last longer.
  • Not counting calories.  That one should probably top the list with weight loss and a leaner look.
  • Did I mention there's bacon? 
  • After the first seven days, very manageable cravings that I can placate with, say, fruit.  Or bacon.
  • Things like shrimp and scallops and avocados on a regular basis.  All of which go great with bacon.
However, I did make a list of things I want to eat after the 30 days is up.  Here's what I have to date:
  • Sushi.
  • A burger (with cheese and bacon!) and fries.
  • Coldstone Creamery (the real peanut butter in with chocolate ice cream and bits of peanut butter cups).
  • A Cinnabon cinnamon roll.
Not all at one sitting, though.  Or even in one day.  In the very recent past I could've eaten all of that over the course of one day but now that sounds fairly revolting.

On the subject of cinnamon rolls (with or without bacon, your choice), I was watching TV this weekend and one of the characters got this gigantic tray of cinnamon rolls.  That kicked my cinnamon roll/chocolate glazed donut craving into high gear.  Luckily I had that awesome number on the scale before I went to the grocery store or I might have succumbed to just one donut.  That's when Cinnabon got added to my "I wanna" list.  In retrospect, I don't think I've ever had a real Cinnabon cinnamon roll.  But I figure if you're going to have something, it should be the best of that particular something.  Like eating crappy or mediocre grocery store sushi when you're desperate for sushi.  Afterwards, you're still craving sushi because you just had crap and you had a bunch of calories without getting rid of your craving. 

I encourage folks to check into paleo, maybe give it a try just for 30 days.  Don't focus on what you won't be having.  Instead, focus on what you will be having:  all the meat, seafood, fruits, and veggies you can eat.  And it's tough to overeat on something like carrot sticks or even steak.  Or even bacon.  (I've tried.)  Other than a new way of thinking about meals, this -- particularly the weight loss -- has been fairly effortless.  By which I mean I've exercised exactly once in the past 21 days.  I'm kind of afraid to at this point; I don't want to jinx things.  Eventually I will.  Exercise, that is, not jinx things. 

Here's to having a wonderful week -- with lots of BACON!

Cheers,
the CilleyGirl

4 comments:

  1. Bacon was the theme of my weekend! Bacon and eggs to cure a hangover...bacon wrapped dates (the best Paleo item EVER)...followed by another day of bacon and eggs with avocado for breakfast, and cauliflower roasted in bacon grease, then smothered in pesto later!

    Also, this post made me think of this:
    http://www.cakespy.com/blog/2009/12/25/pork-roll-bacon-cinnamon-rolls-by-rainy-day-gal.html

    I fully plan on making these for my next "cheat" day...whenever that is (I need to stop cheating before my "cheat days" to have a real cheat day.)

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  2. Well done CG!!!

    Be careful on your cheat day and expect the gut pains and gastric cramps from HELL when you add wheat, dairy and white rice back into your diet....it will really remind you why these things should be 'special guest stars' in your diet rather than regulars. I suggest the cheeseburger with only one half of the bun, and try only half of your previous serving size of the other 'goodies' (I am soooo lucky we don't have Coldstone Creamery here in Amsterdam!!! Peanut Butter and Chocolate ice-cream is my weakness and I don't even like sweets!) and see how you feel....

    And we would like to see the Ferret!!! ;o)

    Keep up this good work and I will have you convinced to join me on the beaches of Greece or Spain in no time!! hehehehe

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  3. V, I am SO making those bacon cinnamon rolls for Labor Day weekend!! Yum!!!!!

    RG, I'm working my way towards bikini awesomeness. Hopefully soon!

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  4. Keep a lookout for gluten-free ice cream (Coldstone isn't) and your cheat days wont leave you miserable and bloated! I've put a lot of coconut and almond flour baked goods into my life to satisfy the sweet cravings.

    Congratulations on your weight loss and good luck!

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