Meet the Old Kristyan
My husband and I decided to try the Primal Blueprint 21 day challenge at the beginning of 2012. We took the whole family primal (us and our 4 kids). My husband has had many allergies and chronic digestive issues and his teeth have always been horrible. I just didn't feel great and wanted to drop 10 or 25 pounds. My younger children were having behavioral issues due to sugar sensitivities and my daughter's molars had grown in rotting (I believe due to our 2 years of vegetarian lifestyle). We decided to give it a shot- we could do anything for 3 weeks.
I didn't expect to feel immediate improvements. My life seemed to revolve around food before. Suddenly I didn't need snacks and I wasn't thinking about what my next snack or meal would be. Food became simple. I saw a huge difference in the kids. Tantrums were fewer and farther between, they didn't have to snack all day to stay happy, and we began communicating so much more easily with each other. My husband's allergies and digestive issues improved vastly. Our dental issues disappeared. The entire family had 100% cavity free check ups for the first time ever!
My lifelong skin issues cleared up fast, my hormone imbalances immediately began getting better. My periods got much lighter and shorter. My energy levels rose- I just want to play all the time! I lost about 15 pounds in the first 3 weeks and I felt so good! We hit the end of our challenge and decided we were in it for good. We didn't want to go back! Now, almost 7 months from day one, I've lost 25 pounds and almost 20% body fat. I'm wearing the same clothing size as I was in the 8th grade. I didn't lose weight because I worked my tail off for hours each day. I started losing weight and THEN began exercising more (short and hard) because I physically craved it! I trail run because I love it, I weight lift because I love it, I play hard and do yoga and love every second. I've never loved exercise like this! I have energy to spend and it makes it so fun! This is how bodies are supposed to be.
I didn't expect to feel immediate improvements. My life seemed to revolve around food before. Suddenly I didn't need snacks and I wasn't thinking about what my next snack or meal would be. Food became simple. I saw a huge difference in the kids. Tantrums were fewer and farther between, they didn't have to snack all day to stay happy, and we began communicating so much more easily with each other. My husband's allergies and digestive issues improved vastly. Our dental issues disappeared. The entire family had 100% cavity free check ups for the first time ever!
My lifelong skin issues cleared up fast, my hormone imbalances immediately began getting better. My periods got much lighter and shorter. My energy levels rose- I just want to play all the time! I lost about 15 pounds in the first 3 weeks and I felt so good! We hit the end of our challenge and decided we were in it for good. We didn't want to go back! Now, almost 7 months from day one, I've lost 25 pounds and almost 20% body fat. I'm wearing the same clothing size as I was in the 8th grade. I didn't lose weight because I worked my tail off for hours each day. I started losing weight and THEN began exercising more (short and hard) because I physically craved it! I trail run because I love it, I weight lift because I love it, I play hard and do yoga and love every second. I've never loved exercise like this! I have energy to spend and it makes it so fun! This is how bodies are supposed to be.
Meet Kristyan Today.
What was the biggest challenge to adopting a carbohydrate-restricted or paleo diet?
My biggest challenge was avoiding the "fail-eo" foods. Resisting the urge to go crazy on the grain-free baked treats was hard at first, but I think they can spell disaster to those trying to lose weight if not used very sparingly.
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?
Keep your food simple and your workouts short and hard.
Eat good, clean fat and don't be afraid to adjust to your body's needs.
Learn as much you can about the inner workings of your body and why your diet works. When you know the facts, you can't abandon them along the line!
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