Liz started eating Real Food, loosely based on the Paleo Diet, a couple of months ago. Here's what she has to say about it:
“I have always had an issue with food and diet. I’m an active individual but I tend to over eat, or rather eat the wrong foods. I was always eating a lot of heavy foods and have a sweet tooth. I have struggled with weight and body image for a long time. I decided to join Element CrossFit to take control of that struggle and change it into something positive. I have been a part of Element CrossFit for 9 months now, had amazing results, I’m stronger and able to do things I never thought I could. After about 8 months I hit a wall. I noticed that I got tired during workouts easily. I wasn’t performing like I wanted to be. After one particular work out, Rachael finally turned to me and told me it was time to fix my diet. She told me about the Paleo diet.
I had previously tried the Zone, and just found with my life style it didn’t work. I often work mid day to night shifts, and not consistent hours. Packing food based on blocks for two full meals plus snacks, was a lot to do, and I really didn’t have the time. I was a little lazy about it, and just didn’t feel it was for me. However, the Paleo diet sounded really easy to do, just stop eating grains and things like legumes. I didn’t really think it would do much, but it was worth a try.
I have now been following this diet for about a month. I can’t believe the difference it made! With in 2-3 days I felt better...which is weird because I didn’t know there was anything wrong! I wish I could explain it better then this, but it feel as if I came out of a fog. I feel more alert, and more energetic. Within the first week, I saw weight loss, for me that wasn’t the most important thing… but it was nice! It made an impact at the gym, but also in my life. I just felt amazing! I did and do still see a lot of benefits to my body, I am already becoming leaner and faster. I don’t feel as gassed in workouts. At work, I really believe I am more productive because my energy levels are higher. I am also not constantly hungry! Before for breakfast I would have a grain based meal, but two hours later I was starving! So I would eat more grain or unhealthy food because it is what I had at my disposal, then be hungry again. This was frustrating. Now, I eat breakfast and I am fine until lunch, have a small snack mid way through my day and then good to go until dinner.
I thought it wouldn’t be something I could maintain, that if would be a short term change. So much of what is on supermarket shelves is processed foods and grain based. But this has been really easy, and I don’t crave any of it. I don’t feel like eating pastas or breads. When I do eat it, I feel like I am in that fog again. I am eating fresh food which has so much more flavour. Now, when I read food packaging I realize I don’t know what half the stuff in it is! It is some chemical or preservative and don’t really want that in my body.
I look at this as a lifestyle change, not a diet or a punishment or a quick fix to a weight issue. It has been a really easy change to make. I highly recommend it to everyone. It is nice to be out of that fog, not feel bloated or weighed down everyday. I mean, I have lost weight, leaned out, continue to get stronger, am more productive at work, more productive in my social life, and most importantly able to keep up with more people on my metcons! I feel amazing. Try it out.”
