4.0 in Napping and Netflix

April 26, 2015

     It has been just under 13 weeks since my Paleo journey began! The weeks have flown by. I cannot believe that my freshman year is coming to a close! Recently, I have had more people asking me about the Paleo diet and how it's possible to follow it with an on campus meal plan. While I could go into the details about what exactly I eat and how often I work out, I think it is more important to focus on a broader, more important change.
     First of all, it starts with you! So many times I used to look in the mirror and think about what I would like to change and how much I wish I could have what I consider my "dream body." The first change I had to make was my mindset. I quit looking in the mirror and thinking about changing. Instead I started doing it.
     It's not as simple as it sounds obviously. We've all convinced ourselves at one point or another that we were going to start eating healthy and working out and then we failed. Why? Well these answers may vary. But it's probably because we didn't make it our priority. It is very easy to cheat on a diet or skip the gym when it isn't up very high on a to-do list. Last semester, I went to the rec center about 3 times total because I had convinced myself that there just wasn't time. But then I took a look at where my time was actually spent. I took a lot of naps. A LOT of naps. I got a 4.0 in napping. I was president of the nap club. Also, I watched a lot of Netflix. I was somehow able to get through 5 seasons of Grey's Anatomy and 3 seasons of Scandal last semester, but there wasn't enough time for the gym?? That wasn't the case. I wasn't making time for the gym. It's funny how we can seemingly be the busiest people in the world, but when we make something a priority, all of a sudden there is plenty of time for it. We've all started dating someone new at one point or another and found ourselves squeezing in every little amount of free time to see them. There is time. I promise. It all just depends on how you choose to spend it. This semester, I've taken about 7 naps total. That's nothing compared to the 45 I probably had last semester. I have rearranged my priorities completely and seen the benefits that can come from it!
     The next piece of advice I would give is to have patience. A lot of people assume that my results have happened overnight because they don't know about the three grueling weeks I spent trying to learn how to survive without my favorite foods. They don't know that for 4 weeks in a row, I didn't lose a single pound, despite being in the gym 6 days a week and eating 1200 calories a day. They only see the overall positive results that 13 weeks have produced and not the actual roller coaster it has been. Getting started is the hardest part. Really it is. People won't notice weight loss at first. It takes about 4 weeks for you to notice change, 8 weeks for your friends and family, and 12 weeks for the rest of the world. This has proven extremely true in my case. It can be difficult to continue when results aren't evident to those around you, but in 3 months from the day you began, you will be so happy you did. Nothing worthwhile happens overnight!
     There are 2.5 weeks left in the semester. My goal was to be 30 pounds lighter by the end of it. Today, I reached a total loss of 28 pounds. This goal is right in reach, and I will obtain it. Set goals for yourself, make them a priority, and start DOING. 

"Hey Dad, Wanna do a Half Marathon?"

April 10, 2015

Well howdy y'all, it has been a while because what they didn't tell me about spring semester was that there is hardly a second to spare! Just got through another busy week packed with 3 tests and other shenanigans, but I made it out still breathing!
It's been a very exciting week for me as far as milestones, weigh loss, and training go. Recently, I have started running to the gym before and after workouts. It's only about a mile run, so there and back put me at 2 miles a day. Well, that was fun, but then I found a trail I really liked and started running there. Last weekend I ran about 11 miles total and absolutely loved the mental strength it caused. Nothing feels better than finishing a long run and knowing you survived....because in the moment it seems like you won't. I've really never liked to run, so this new found hobby is very shocking to me. I've watched my dad run and train for marathons since I was 9 years old, and I've always admired people like him with so much heart and determination. I used to tell myself that one day I would run a marathon. So....I'm starting with a half! Dad and I will be running the Dallas 13.1 this October! I'm pumped to continue training and pushing my body and to listen to all the wisdom my dad has gained over the years about shoes, icing your legs, where to put your keys so they aren't stabbing you in the arm...there's so much to think about.
Also, I am officially down 24 pounds and still going strong on Paleo! It's crazy to think that in January, I mentioned to my family that I was going to lose 30 pounds this semester. Back then it seemed like a pipe dream, but by some crazy means, it is actually becoming a reality.
Remember that the body is capable of more than we can imagine. It's up to our minds to believe it!