The key is to keep it simple.

My goals for the next few weeks are to building my cardio (again), lose 15 lbs., get healthy, and most importantly – feel amazing.  Feeling good is the priority.  If you don’t just feel good overall – even before reaching your goal – you’ll probably never achieve it.  Keeping it simple, helps you not feel overwhelmed.  I’ve followed Paleo to all different extremes.  I’ve followed a simple 30 day, I looked at books that made me have to search high and low for certain ingredients.  I’ve spent lots of money on food shopping and I’ve also spent hardly nothing.

It took me awhile to learn the basics.  I had to learn new things…I even had to learn how to cook!!  I had to follow books and recipes and plans to a T – because I didn’t understand it.  Now, I’m on a different level.  I get it.  I can integrate it in my own ways.  I understand the basics and the fundamentals of eating a Paleo based diet.

Some updates on where I’m at …

I have been working on my cardio and to my surprise, it’s coming back much easier than I thought.  I’ve been eating better and eating much smaller portions.  Although, I am having a hard time giving up my coffee (with sugar).  One thing at a time, right?

My Achilles tendons are still hurting me, so I’m taking my leg work easy.  I don’t need any injuries.  My mind has been in it, long before my body has.  But I’m adopting the attitude of “just get up and go”.  I’m pushing myself a little more than I have – well, a moderate amount more than I have.  I can still be doing more!!  I’ll get there.  I’m feeling good.

I kept my food shopping as simple as I could, as well.  Just bought some meat and lots of veggies.  I also bought a couple oranges and some aloe juice.  When you lead a busy life, sometimes the meal prep can be overwhelming.  It’s also the first thing that I give up if I feel like “I don’t have time”.  I have been finding time to get some good cardio in – keeping it over 35 minutes but under 45 – for maximum fat burning.

What keeps you guys motivated??

“If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.”

So here we are, it’s summertime.  I failed on getting the beach body I wanted, no surprise though.  Stress and emotional eating will get me every time.  Nobody really needs to understand my story, because we all have our own.  The important part is that I’m trying to be good to myself…I’m trying to get back to where I was.  It’s hard, and some days seem harder than others.

I did make a half gallon of kombucha.  It should be done in a few days, but I probably won’t do a second fermentation.  I’ve also been doing a cleanse…hopefully, break my sugar/bad eating habit, and get back into my paleo ways.  Some days I’m so mentally ready, but then I lose steam and get lazy.  I see all these fitness people on Instagram, and wonder where they get their inspiration.  I wish I could trade my addiction to food for an addiction to working out.  Maybe I can get hypnotized!!  haha.  But seriously, how do we pick up such horrible habits?  Why can’t we break them even if we know they are bad for us?  I already feel stressed, but then I eat and I feel stressed about it.  So why do we want to torture ourselves?  I’m not even sure.

I hope that for anyone out there, you can read my story and get some peace that you’re not alone.  Everyone should share their story.

“When we share our stories, what it does is opens up our hearts for other people
to share their stories.  And it gives us the sense that we are not alone on this journey.”  
– Janine Shepherd –

Week one of Paleo – again.  I must have done this week a dozen times, but this time I’m sticking to it.  I haven’t been feeling great lately.  Stress and life have been getting to me.  I remember when I was starting Paleo, how great I was feeling – mentally, physically, emotionally.  I want to be back there.  I can do it.  Day one is in the books.  I already feel better today, aside from being tired.

The success of sticking to a Paleo diet, is to have the support of people around you.  There’s no cheat days, there’s no excuses.  Some people love to watch other people fail.  If you want to follow a Paleo diet – stick to it.  Do yourself a favor and do it the right way.  You WILL get results, I promise.

If you’re someone who doesn’t understand Paleo or know much about it…just ask.

“PALEO IS NOT A DIET.  It’s about eating REAL FOODS that do not harm your body.  It’s about MAXIMIZING your potential by eating what you were MEANT TO EAT.  It’s about FEELING AMAZING inside and looking better on the outside.”

My new book arrived, Paleo in 28.  It looks like an easy book to follow.  It has a meal plan with a shopping list (my favorite thing).  I will be going shopping later for Week 1.  We will see how that goes.  I’m excited to get started!

Has anyone used this book??  Feedback is welcome!

“When I lost all of my excuses,
I found all of my results.”

Went food shopping today and picked up some chicken and a whole bunch of veggies!  It’s amazing how many meals you can make from just that alone!  Hopefully my new book arrives soon.  I’m excited to get back on track.

25 squats – 25 sit ups….1..2…3 ….GO!

“It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
– J. K Rowling –

I ordered a new Paleo book!  It’s a meal plan for 4 weeks, with only 5 ingredients.  It makes paleo easy, and the ingredients aren’t boring!  I can’t remember the title of the book, but I’ll post it as soon as I remember.

Still doing my 25 squats daily, but now I added in 25 sit ups.

I also ordered Flat Tummy Tea.  I figured it’d be a good little addition to add some detox tea to my regimen.  We’ll see how it goes.  If you tried it before, let me know what you thought!

“In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.”

Aside from being sick, I’m actually feeling pretty good.  I feel refreshed that it’s a new year.  I’ve been starting everyday with 25 squats!  It’s a good way to get the blood flowing and work on your butt.  haha.

What’s your morning ritual?  Do you go to the gym, do you do sit-ups…let me know!  I have a crazy work schedule so I can’t do too much.  25 squats works – you can brush your teeth and squat at the same time. It may take some practice, but it can be done.

Yesterday for my breakfast/lunch I made some sausage, peppers, and onions.  It wasn’t too fancy, just the main ingredients, plus some spices and a can of diced tomatoes.  Keep it simple and spice it up.

“Live life with a little spice.”

It’s a good time to get a fresh start!

Had a rough last part of 2016, but I made it.  Now I have to take care of myself.  Scary how taking care of myself was the last thing I was concerned about.  I started off this year with that awful stomach thing I had going on – I didn’t think I was gonna make it through that, and here I am!

Back on track (for the n-th time, haha).  For real though…I’m serious.  I’m going to have a great 2017 and this is how it’s going to start.  I’m in a wedding in May for my friend Kelsey, so I need to make sure that dress fits and looks good.  I also need to feel the best I can feel.  I’m going to be 34 this year, but I’m still feeling 25…so I’d like to at least make sure I look 25 (even though people think I’m only 22).  I’ll take it.

Keep it real people.  Let me know what inspires you to feel the best you can feel!

Happy New Year!

“Today is the first page of a 365 page book…make it a good one.”

Feeling good, finally.  I forgot how good it felt to really be conscious of all the choices you make when you eat.  People knock Paleo, but honestly, people don’t know what they are missing.  The same people complain about being tired everyday, or always hungry…or enjoying adult beverages on the weekend, then wondering why they can’t get a flat stomach.

Tonight, for the first time since Christmas 2012, I decided to FINALLY use my pressure cooker!  It’s in the de-pressure process as we speak.  Can’t wait to enjoy my beef stew!  I used the recipe from the 30 day Paleo book.  My house smells INCREDIBLE!

Do you guys use pressure cookers?  What do you make?

“Do not go where the path may lead.
Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail…”
– Emerson –