Couch to Crossfit, Crossfit to Paleo

Crossfit = combination strength training/ aerobic/ crazy intense/ you feel like your going to die by the end of most WOD's/ workout.  (I started it last September.)

It kicks my rear every. single. time. But, I keep going back. I am probably the least in shape at my gym. But, I keep going back.

Part of it is the people. Part of it is the competition- against yourself and against others. Part of it is the amazing trainers. Part of it is that I am coming up on 35 and I am NOT going to enter into halfway to 70 looking like I'm 50 because I didn't take care of myself.

I  took a challenge on January 1. It was a challenge made by my gym to go completely gluten free. However, I decided to step it up a notch or two and eat Paleo.

Paleo= Meat, Fish, Veggies, Fruit, Nuts, and Eggs. NO dairy, legumes, sugar, or grains.

The first week was a bit hellish. My whole body shook. I was pale and clammy and all I could think about was how badly I wanted a big chocolate bar. But, I pressed through and am 7 pounds lighter with TONS more energy, a better mood, and a sense of pride over the fact that I have continued to say "no" to sugar.

I have discovered that I like Paleo. I like it a lot. I have started feeding my family mostly Paleo. I threw out our junk food drawer. I plan meals and have plenty of fruit and veggies on hand for snacks.

Our fruit bowls, which I stocked yesterday, but will be empty by the end of the week.

I left the boys home alone for a few minutes yesterday and came home to two empty grapefruit halves. It was, perhaps, a little disconcerting that they used a knife without me here to cut it open, but I was proud of their snack choice!

I am loving experimenting in the kitchen and have decided to use this blog to share some of my creations, and the creations of others that turn out well. (My friend, Juli, has some amazing recipes on this page.)

Here is my experiment from last night:

Sausage, onions, and apples cooked in a bit of olive oil, wrapped in a lettuce shell with zucchini dipped in egg whites and coconut flour and fried in olive oil- SO YUMMY!

The kiddos loved it.

I am hoping that by sticking with Crossfit and Paleo, in a few months I will look less like this:

and more like this:

(These girls are from my gym and are awesome!)

More importantly, I want to have the stamina and energy to do things like this:

Because I want to be around to watch these kids grow up:

And I'd like to do more than just watch them grow up. 

I also want to keep up with them. And maybe even pass them up.