Who would have believed it? None of my friends or family would have – that’s for sure.

Pork medallions with cauliflower and brocolli.

Since making the decision to tackle the Paleo Diet, I have not only convinced myself to start eating better – the food tastes different. I started on this journey because a client is asking me to help promote his latest venture in the arena of a more natural approach to health, fitness, nutrition and disease. He has dedicated his life to study why we have disease and concluded that the presence of disease is something caused by our diet more than any other factor.

In order to market something, I have to understand it – so it was only natural that I give it a try. It was an easy decision mainly because the diet makes sense. I have a health and fitness background and consider myself very educated on the subject. In a nutshell, the Paleo Diet reintroduces us to the diet of our hunter/gatherer ancestors. It is high in animal protein and yes, high in fruits and vegetables. The thing it leaves out is something that has turned into the bulk of our diet – the grains and processed foods. Natural foods in their natural form = good. Grains, legumes, and highly processed natural foods = bad.

 

In the past week, I have eaten zucchini, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, green beans, carrots, apples, oranges, spinach, broccoli and even artichokes! And you know what? None of it killed me AND it actually didn’t taste bad. I think that maybe with the reduction in grains, sweets and salty snacks, my sense of taste is actually changing. This has amazed me with every bite.

I am blown away simply because I have never been able to stomach eating vegetables. This is the part of dieting and weight loss that always hurt the most for me. I was able to lose weight a couple years back (dropped 50 pounds over 6 months) by increasing exercise and cutting down the volume of food. Sure, I tried to eat better, but I did it not by cutting out the chili-cheese fries, but instead just eating the fries themselves. That combined with exercise was all it took. I knew I was playing with fire and tempting fate.

I think I am on the right track finally. While I won’t for a minute say that I crave cauliflower yet – but I am able to eat it and that is huge!

So what is the end game? Well, I think it is to “avoid the end game.” It is to extend life and quality of life. It is to be around to watch the kids graduate, have kids. It is to spoil grand kids.

I weighed in last week on my initial visit at 207 pounds. I would like to be around 185 and have a lean, muscular physique. Will I get there with the Paleo Diet? Time will tell. Right now, it is working for me and I am pumped about what is to come.

Wish me luck.