The Diet/Self-Improvement Thread

[zeebs]

Paleo diet success story.

Started that diet last spring. I had already lost a few pounds by June, when I bought a new pair of pants at New York & Company. A size 10. They were a reasonably good fit, maybe a little big, but the size 8 was too small.

IDK whether NY & Co has changed their sizes, but after cleaning out all the clothes in my closet this month that were too big for me, I went in there to try on some pants.

Guess what size?

Size 4!! I've NEVER been a size 4. Ever. I'd been anywhere between a size 8 and size 12 ever since junior high. Now, NY & Co has inflated sizing, so that's like a size 8 at a normal store, but that is THREE sizes. Holy cow!

It works. I haven't been exercising differently or doing anything else differently. All I did was switch to Paleo. I don't count calories, I'm just super strict about only eating meats, fruits, and vegetables. I also eat a little bit of dairy and I do take high-quality supplements every day too. As you guys know, I didn't start Paleo to lose weight, I started it for chronic health problems, but it's like I can't help but lose weight on it, no matter how much I eat.

I have more energy too and I don't get crabby when I'm hungry anymore. I just get hungry. It's like, I will eat however much is put in front of me, but if I don't have food for awhile, it's no big deal. I used to get major mood swings before, and I ate pretty healthy, actually, by conventional standards. Paleo is the best!!

A friend of mine has also lost 20 pounds on Paleo. Again, all she did was change her diet, no additional exercise and no calorie counting.

In other news, I'm planning to buy a new sports bra on payday so that I can start running in the mornings. I've never been a fan of running. Actually, that's the understatement of the decade: I have been an avid disparager of running for my entire life. BUT I got those Vibram five finger running shoes (just to knock around in, cause I like weird stuff like that) and I am telling you, between the diet and the new shoes, my entire attitude toward my body (and the human experience, actually) has changed. You may recall my promises earlier to start running. I think I might mean it this time!

[JenW]

Awesome, Zeebs!

[ladycattat]

so proud of you!!!!
Laurie

[egerandi]

That is so great to hear! Enjoy your new body and your new health - because it's not just about losing some pounds, after all!
Congrats

[egerandi]

discipline just doesn't fit in the luggage I'm taking

Never fits in mine either! I took two bags this time, and darn if I couldn't squeeze it in...

Well, discipline or not, I ended up only putting on two extra lbs, and those are gonna come off in no time.
I did end up eating a lot of seafood while on the trip, but resisted everything (how about 'em fresh pastries in the buffet... oh boy) else,
for the most part
The wait staff was more than accommodating when it came to my dietary restriction, and the chef even made some yummy vegan desserts for me.
I felt so blessed all through the cruise

Oh, and I found out there is such a thing as alcohol-free wine! Noticed it too late on the menu, but I'll have to try some soon and report back.

[superwahz]

Oh, and I found out there is such a thing as alcohol-free wine! Noticed it too late on the menu, but I'll have to try some soon and report back.

Yep, my Mom doesn't drink alcohol, but she likes the alcohol free wines! I think the brand she drinks is called Fre, can't remember what company makes it, but they sell it in our local wine shop, and I've even seen it in the grocery store wine aisle. I'm rather picky about my wine (only really like reisling or dessert wines), but the alcohol free ones make great sangria!

So proud of you all for the hard work you are putting in!! Now that we are back home (FINALLY!), I can get back into the swing of things and tackle my biggest goal for the next month---cutting out all dairy. I figure since my fridge is totally empty, a good start is not buying any dairy to go in it! So it's stocked with non-dairy cheese, almond milk, and coconut milk/agave sweetened ice cream... *happy sighs*

[tizzylou]

Superwahz: I can't tell you much about non dairy cheese, but I love almond milk! I will actually drink a glass of it, and you couldn't get me to drink a glass of milk before I discovered almond milk. I still eat some dairy however, since I use lowfat cheese and yogurt.

Egerandi: I'm impressed that you only gained 2 pounds while on your cruise, and your right about it being fairly easy to take them off quickly. Good job.

Zeebs: Awesome about your weight loss, enjoy your new healthy body. Egerandi is right, it's not just about the weight loss.

[egerandi]

Now that we are back home (FINALLY!), I can get back into the swing of things and tackle my biggest goal for the next month---cutting out all dairy. I figure since my fridge is totally empty, a good start is not buying any dairy to go in it! So it's stocked with non-dairy cheese, almond milk, and coconut milk/agave sweetened ice cream... *happy sighs*

Yay! And empty fridge is the best empty canvas

I highly recommend Daiya as vegan cheese: no soy, and melts like a dream. It's not exactly great cold, but for everything else it's lovely. Whole Foods and Ralphs has it all over the country, and some other local retailers too; check http://www.daiyafoods.com/where/index.aspx
I looked into some recipes, and I may end up making my own eventually

Good vegan butter substitute is Earth Balance, or you can just use coconut oil for most tasks, like frying, baking. I love coconut milk, but also hemp milk and hazelnut milk.
I believe there is also coconut milk icecream out there, but I still have to find it locally. The other day I gave into the temptation of frozen (dairy) yogurt down the street from us, and got really sicky :/ A good little reminder, for sure.

For cream, I'm using this: http://www.mimiccreme.com/ - don't remember if you have any nut allergies though.

Good luck with the change!

[superwahz]

I highly recommend Daiya as vegan cheese: no soy, and melts like a dream. Good vegan butter substitute is Earth Balance, or you can just use coconut oil for most tasks, like frying, baking. I love coconut milk, but also hemp milk and hazelnut milk.
I believe there is also coconut milk icecream out there, but I still have to find it locally. The other day I gave into the temptation of frozen (dairy) yogurt down the street from us, and got really sicky :/ A good little reminder, for sure.

For cream, I'm using this: http://www.mimiccreme.com/ - don't remember if you have any nut allergies though.

Have you been peaking in my fridge?? Earth Balance, coconut oil, coconut milk all in there, Daiya is the cheese I use! I wish it had been in existence when I was vegan for 8 years! I made a lot of "cheeses" from scratch back in the day, I'll have to pull my Vita-Mix out and try a few new ones out, if I find any good, I'll let ya know! Haven't found a hemp milk I like yet, hazelnut milk I'll drink by itself! I love the coconut ice cream, every bit as creamy as regular dairy, but I don't cough for 2 days after eating it so I'm happy. It doesn't taste quite like dairy, but I like the taste of coconut milk so it's not too bad...and I only eat a few spoonfuls at a time straight out of the pint sized containers, so it's all good!

I have not seen that mimiccreme! I'm gonna have to order some... Thank the gods, though I've had issue with many food allergies/intolerances I've never had an issue with tree nuts and it better stay that way! *knock on wood*

[Ghost]

Well done Zeeb, keep up the good work

i got weighed on wednesday and according to those blasted scales, I've gained 6lb in three weeks - aaaaarrrrrrrrrhhhhhhhhhh. I worked my 'toned' butt off to make sure I didn't gained anything. The only thing I can think of is that on holiday and when I got home I did different exercises which has built muscle mass (I can see it). I do not look like I've gained 6lbs!!!!!

well those scales won't know what hit them next week. we are doing a competition at my rosemary conley club "Lose a belly, win a telly". If I lose a stone in 12 weeks I have a chance to win a telly, so next week scales watch out.