Creating Day 14 - #Reverb13 - Decisions, Decisions

What was the best decision you made in 2013? What were the results? How will you continue the good work in 2014?

I am happy to report that I made several good decisions in 2013 :)  The best one?

I think for 2013 the best decision I made was to read start reading the book "It Starts with Food - The Whole Thirty" on the recommendation of my good friend, Leyani and change my eating habits. (I say start because if it's not an awesome romance book sometimes I don't finish the whole thing - shhhh)

The Whole30 | Whole9

This book was my introduction into "Paleo" eating/lifestyle back in March and it was the start to my first 30 days eating more vegetables, proteins, fruit and healthy fats and not eating grains, sugar, soy or dairy.

I know, I know some of you are reading and saying, "What the heck?!?!?"  But for me it works.  My body loves it!  I have struggled with my health on and off for years.

I had gestational diabetes with both my pregnancies with the warnings of developing it full blown later in life unless I dropped some weight.

I also have had some immune system issues (I've had Bell's Palsy 3x!!!  but that's for another post) so I knew something had to change for my health.

Well for my 40th birthday three years ago I trained for my first triathlon (for two years) and redeveloped the habit of consistent exercise.  I love triathlons because with the diversity of training I don't get bored and abandon the exercise ship ;)  So I'm going on 5 years of exercising almost daily.

My body was still not completely happy as evidenced by some immune system issues and other symptoms that I didn't recognize until I did the Whole 30 program.

1st thing - I am now sleeping through the night!!  This is HUGE.  Before I blamed my bladder, the dog, the cats, the kids, the husband, etc, etc.  not realizing that it was my body being restless and trying to get rid of things it didn't like.  Now that I have found what my body loves to eat I get a complete restful sleep of 8 hours.  Wow. What a difference that makes with so many things - my energy level, my exercise, my mood, my stress level.  

Another bonus is that I am down several sizes.  When I started this journey I was a size 16/18 the other day I found a great little black dress at the thrift store (It still had the original tags on it - total score!!!) in a size 10 that I tried on and it fit!!  Wooohooo - how fun is that!!!

My body is feeling strong and healthy.  I am paying attention to what it likes and doesn't like which is having great results.
Who knew I had a dairy sensitivity??? - not me until recently!

I could go on and on because of the difference it has made this year. 

There is a great community online if you are interested in checking it out.  Some of my favorite resources include:

The Paleo Mom 
Paleo Parents 
The Whole Thirty 

As with anything there are pros and cons.  It might not be the thing for some people.  Of course some people are saying it's a fad and just 'another' diet.  What I know for sure is we each need to do what works for us.  We need to be conscious and take the time to check in with our bodies and ourselves and see what works and doesn't work (I've spent way too many years avoiding this and staying checked out).  The Paleo lifestyle works for my body.  My lab work is looking better than every.  Before I started this I was flirting with high cholesterol and high blood pressure and now I'm not!! My levels are fantastic - another win!

So yes - it was a very good decision for me to start reading the book and starting this journey to great health.

I also have to give a shout out to my amazing friends and support team  that has been created through this process.  

Leyani - for introducing me to the program and continuing to inspire and encourage me with funny texts, food exchanges and so much more.

Ellen - who is an amazing weight lifting partner and a terrific cook who loves to experiment with new recipes and share :)  It's so great to have wonderful neighbors and friends.

My friend Shelly who cooked me the best chocolate cake I have EVER had for my birthday in June and she did it using only the ingredients I could have - I was blown away with it's deliciousness and her thoughtfulness. 
 
 So many people have been supportive and I am grateful for each one.  Whether it's your support during my Paleo adventure or the numerous other projects I embark on I am thankful.
 

I feel confident that I can continue in 2014 with this decision because it is working so well.  I feel good.  I would say that I eat 95% + Paleo with the occasional dark chocolate bar &/or glass of yummy red wine.   Eating well and cooking more has become a healthy habit in 2013 that I am committed to continuing in 2014.  

Thank goodness for great friends and good recommendations!

Christine