My story is probably all too familiar. I'd gained weight steadily after 30, and found myself approaching 40 with the situation spiraling out of control. I couldn't cut the grass or go for a walk without being winded, my blood pressure was controlled with three medications, and my cholesterol was to the point where my doctor wanted to medicate me there as well.
Then the chest pains started and I was done. I starved off 30 lbs the first year, but quickly gained 20 of it back. I don't remember how I discovered Paleo-Primal (probably surfing my way through other low carb resources due to some success in the past on Atkins) but something clicked.
Taubes, Eades, Sisson...I've read widely and continue to educate myself through blogs and books (Wheat Belly is next on my list!)
Today I commute by bicycle to work every day, and try to lift weights a couple of times per week. I just completed a 500 mile cycling tour. Grains are no longer a part of my life, and I'm working now to upgrade to more organic, local, and especially grass-fed foods.
I do all of the cooking for my family, so it was hard the first year preparing food that I couldn't eat. My wife has joined me on the Paleo-Primal path now (down 23lbs!!) so it's a lot easier.
What advice (if any) would you give to someone interested in trying a carbohydrate-restricted or paleo diet? Were there any obstacles that you overcame that could help future dieters?
You eat less variety than you think. When you start, pick a meal and get it easy and repeatable. If it's 2 eggs and bacon, then that's what you eat every day. Then figure out how to eat a healthy lunch every day and repeat it 5 days per week. Accumulate small changes and before you know it you'll be on auto-pilot
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