I'm still new to this way of life, but loving the journey. As with anything it's all about finding what works for you, and remembering that everyone has a unique physiology. I have not lost a vast amount of weight, unlike other people I've read about at Mark's Daily Apple forum, but I do feel good. I feel stronger, more energetic and I'm seeing some changes in the mirror. Perhaps I'll be brave enough to post some photos soon. Usually I sleep like a log, but tonight I'm suffering a rare case of insomnia, so in order to occupy myself I figured I would post a ew observations that I've made over the last 6 weeks.
1. NO CRAVINGS
This has to be the biggest observation I've made. From someone who has followed many diets, with varying degrees of success, I have to admit I am very surprised at the lack of cravings. On June 20, 2010 I went cold turkey dropping grains, refined/processed foods, sodas (not that I drank much anyway), legumes, and dairy from my diet. I also cut out potatoes and other tubars for 5 weeks (I reintroduced them this week, as well as dairy).
I started cooking primarily with coconut oil, and olive oil when I needed a change. I started eating a lot more meat and fish, salads and non-starchy green vegetables. I kept New World vegetables to a minimum (peppers, squash etc...) at first.
My diet for the first 5 weeks worked out to consist of about 60% fat, 25% protein and 15% carbs. Not once did I crave anything made with grains, but I did indulge in a brownie one day. I love bread, but had no desire to eat any. I love milk and cheese (and cream) but until this week ddn't have anything. I stopped drinking tea and coffee, for the most part except a couple of one off occasions involving Starbucks.
2. BETTER SKIN
I've never had really bad acne, but I have noticed a definite change in my skin. I haven't had any breakouts worth mentioning. I might get the odd zit around that time of the month, but it doesn't last. My skin feels soft and is glowing. I still wash my face using Dermalogica products, but I've started using coconut oil as a body "lotion" after showering instead of my usual lotion.
I've read some stories of people dropping all soaps and lotions, but personally I don't see myself doing that. Natural is good, but I know what works for my skin, and Dermalogica is pretty good (no parabens, and not tested on animals). I love the coconut oil on my skin though, but I'm not going to drop the soap from my showers, or stop shampooing my hair. I don't shower every day, and might wash my hair once or twice a week. I've been doing that for years though.
3. MORE ENERGY
I've definitely had more energy. I feel a lot less sluggish now, and sometimes feel I could take on the world! This energy increase has meant my bellydance students have started dreading the shimmy drills I've added to my weekly classes.
Now I've got my eating habits sorted I'm beginning to change my exercise regime up. I still have the bellydancing of course, but I've increased my Yoga (except this past week) and I've started adding in SimpleFit exercises and Shovelglove. The next step is to add some sprinting sessions in.
I'm also lusting after some Vibrams so I can go outside for some "barefoot" exercise. I exercise barefoot at home, but the Vibrams will prevent my feet melting on the hot pavement if I go for a walk.
So those are my top three observations so far. I'm hoping that in time I'll also see some movement in the right direction on the scale (for vanity reasons). However, I would much rather remain the same weight but lose body fat.
The next couple of weeks are going to be tough because my husband is home for 30 days of vacation. He's not currently on the primal diet so I'm having to battle his love of cereal and other grains. At least he supports me though, but I keep waving the Primal Blueprint book under his nose every so often in the hopes that he'll read it.
I also sent a copy of the book to my parents in England. I don't want to change anyone, but some of the information in the book would benefit them a lot I think.
Right ... I think I'm starting to waffle now ... that means I'm getting tired ... hopefully.
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