Before I started the Paleo challenge, I decided that I would approach it very strictly, with only one cheat day per week. This was a big deal for me because I was cutting out dairy/grains/sugar cold turkey, and didn't even realize how many things I eat involved these elements! From a small teaspoon of sugar in my coffee to a single slice of cheese on a bunless burger, I have excluded everything. Now, after a week of it, here's what I have to say...
Pros: I really like Paleo in the sense that I'm don't feel super constricted by measurements, and I essentially eat in Zone proportions anyway having done Zone for so long. Though I did feel hungry/low-energy at times, I could easily find something to fill me up and get my energy back. When I wanted something non-paleo, it was always out of craving rather than hunger (it was great to really analyze when my body is actually hungry and when it's just craving). And especially after my non-paleo day yesterday, I can tell how eating well affects me positively in terms of performance. I ate like junk yesterday, and I felt like junk as well.
Cons: Like I said earlier, I couldn't believe how many food items involve dairy/sugar/grains, and how even the smallest bit would be counted against me. I got super frustrated with how restricted I felt. But then I started to realize a pattern that I've developed...I will eat very well in terms of a challenge/for points, but then when the challenge is taken away, I feel like some sort of weight has been lifted off my shoulders and go right back to eating the way I would before. A lot of the junk yesterday was not from hunger, but just like feeling like I was free for a day, so why not take advantage of it? I'm not happy with this mentality.
I really admire people like Bill who naturally eat well, both in paleo and zone proportions, without any added system of rewards/punishment. It's just a healthy lifestyle to have, and I've been trying to consider how I can get myself closer to that point. I mean, even something like the word "cheat meal". What exactly am I cheating? Life? I want to get myself to the point where eating healthy is a dedicated, personal choice, for performance and for healthy living, rather than a strict regimen. I guess I'm sort of aiming for a 90/10 lifestyle, where 90% is eating well, and the other 10% is just for the random occasions or events, without feeling any feelings of guilt or shame.
So here's what I've decided for the rest of this Paleo challenge month: I really like Paleo, and want to continue to use it as a lifestyle for me well beyond the end of the month. I don't want to allow myself to think in terms of strict vs. cheat days. No more cheat days. That being said, I don't want to scold myself for having a little bit of milk/sugar in my coffee. To me, it's not very realistic, and if that's the worst thing in my diet, then I'm okay with that...and like I said, this may not be the same for everyone, it's just a personal choice. So for my personal 30 day challenge, I'm aiming to kick dairy/grains/sugar primarily out of my diet, but will allow for small quantities every now and then. My main goal: 90/10, and get to a healthier mindset.
could finally start to regather my balance and my legs, I really only had one thought running through mind..."