For years I tried dieting, pills, exercising, you name it and I still never lost the baby weight. I gained 65lbs when I was pregnant and another 15lbs after I had my daughter. 4 years later, and I still hadn’t lost any weight. I considered myself to be a pretty healthy eater, so what was the problem? The problem was ME! I wasn’t actually trying. Sure, I skipped the 3rd roll for dinner and I only ate one meal a day sometimes, but I wasn’t really paying attention to what I was eating and I definitely wasn’t exercising the way I should.
Then, my daughter asked me to play with her and I ran out of breath. How could this have happened to me? I’m young, there is no way I should be running out of breath. For God’s sake, I was in the military, why am I not more fit?! So, that was my last straw, I decided to do some research and really lose the weight and not just lose weight but to be healthy. My main focus is to be healthy and happy. I’ve been at this healthy and happy journey for a little over two months and I’ve had my setbacks and I’ve hit some major goals. But, overall I keep going and I have learned a ton in the past two months. I lost 23lbs in two months and I have 43.8lbs more to go.
So How?
How did I lose 23lbs in two months? I didn’t follow the Keto diet, I didn’t take some pill, I didn’t use a wrap and I certainly didn’t starve myself. I looked up so many diet plans and workout plans online, on Pinterest and I decided to make up my own (kind of). I followed closely to the Paleo takeover. I also don’t really call it a diet, because I will not go back to the way I was eating before, even after I lose the weight. I still will have to maintain my weight after I lose the fat.
I also never joined a gym, well I did once and then never went back and I’m still trying to get my money back-so unless you know you have the time to dedicate to go the gym 4-5 times a week, just work out at home, the park, run in your neighborhood, etc. I workout from home 5-6 days a week. No, I don’t do a vigorous workout or workout for 5 hours a day, I literally do 30-60 minutes a day. Whether that’s a cardio workout I found on Pinterest, lifting the (small 10lb) weights I have at home or going for a jog with my daughter and dog.
What Is The Paleo Takeover And What Did I Change?
Here is what the Paleo Takeover Looks Like
Here’s What I Eat
I never feel like I’m missing out on things. I don’t crave any desserts and I don’t starve myself or limit myself. Yes, I have a restricted eating lifestyle now but I feel 10x better about myself and I’ve already gone down 3 pant sizes! My healthy and happy journey is not even close to being over because it’s apart of my life now. It is incredibly shocking what we put in our bodies and it’s time to start paying attention. Also, remember it’s not all about looking the best but to be healthy and happy. So, if you don’t like something about our takeover or the Paleo takeover, change it to fit your needs. Make sure you check back to learn how I spend $1.67 a meal and eat Non-GMO, Organic meals. Also, take a look at my before and during pictures below.
Are you on a health journey yourself? What do you do to stay healthy and happy?
Before……
During (23lbs down)….
Milton Goh says
Wow congrats on your great weight loss results! How do you manage to remember what you can eat and what you can’t? Do you always refer to the list when you’re buying groceries? 🙂
Nina Bashaw says
I love this post! I to try to live a healthy lifestyle and as hard as it is to keep going at times, it really helps to look back and see how far you’ve come on your journey. I also a eat dairy free diet, I feel so much better since making that change!
bee turck says
great post, been working on myself this summer so far too – some health issues caused me to make some big changes, but however those changes come, it’s important to stay on the happy and healthy track! Thanks for sharing love your story! xx Bee
Brandyn says
Good for you! I have been awful about my health. I get in kicks where I try to get in shape, but I usually give up fairly quickly. I have considered trying the Paleo diet, so I may have to consider it again!
Maureen @ Wisconsin Mommy says
You look fabulous! I love the whole Paleo way of eating – except for the no dairy part. I really struggle with that aspect!
Heather Johnson says
I personally eat a balanced diet with “moderation in all things” in mind. I could never ever give up dairy products. I also love whole grains. Yummers!
Sarah Bailey says
It sounds like you have really found something that works for you, that is amazing! I hope one day I can do the same, my failing mobility made me put on weight and I totally comfort eat too so I need to find a way to eat better and be more in control.
tara pittman says
I love that you figured out how to exercise without a gym. I recently got a free gym membership and I hardly use it as I love running outdoors.
ShootingStarsMag says
Thanks for sharing. I’m so glad that you’ve found a plan that works for you. I’m in a weight loss program through my local hospital and it’s going really well. It’s not always easy and I do crave things here and there, but for the most part, I’m getting used to eating a different way.
Helene Cohen Bludman says
Congrats on your weight loss! I need to try Paleo. It sounds like a doable plan for me.
Aduke @ Aduke Schulist says
I am on a health journey. It is so hard because I have such a sweet tooth! I love healthy foods, but I equally (or perhaps more) love the sweet stuff.
Lynzy & Co says
Congrats so much on your weight loss. That is such an awesome thing for sure. I am totally going to have to look into Paleo for sure. It sounds totally yummy and doable for sure. Thanks for sharing.
Mei Redillas says
thank you for sharing this.
having a belly fat isn’t feel good, it’s time to let them go. lol
jason says
Thats so me that taking the gym membership and then just not going regularly. This post is an eye opener.
linda smith says
This is such a great post! You look amazing and so healthy!
Cynthia Nicoletti says
I heard alot about the Paleo diet. Sounds really good and you can eat many of the foods you enjoy.
Jessica says
My husband and I want to eat healthier. We may try the paleo lifestyle because it isn’t costly and we have heard it is very effective.
Emely Roman says
Good for you! I’m currently trying to lose thirty pounds myself and it’s so hard! There are so many options to try out there to help you lose weight and keep it off but the most important factor is YOURSELF.
Elizabeth Brico says
This is interesting. I’ll share it with my husband who is looking to lose weight and be healthier. I have been vegan for 15 years and I swear by it! Vegan superpowers are real! Well, sort of. Anyway, I’ve gained weight after having three kids, but not a crazy amount, and my body adapts pretty quickly to fitness (the other way around too though lol). Some other things too but my point is, I love being vegan and it has worked great for me. But for some, it’s super hard, so I’m glad that there are other diets out there to keep mamas healthy plus happy, and that you found one that works for you! Congratulations!!
Anvita says
Wow, you done a great job. It’s not easy to incorporate diet changes but glad you did it and it worked for you. Way to go.
Betzy Cuellar says
This was very useful and helpful.
Mommy Rockin In Style says
Wow! I was impressed by the results. Glad that Paleo diet works on you dear. Keep up the good work!
Blair villanueva says
I never tried dieting pills, because i am worried it might affect me negatively. So I jist watch my food intake, not go crazy with sweets and fatty junk foods. And being surrounded with happy people makes me live happy. Less stress and no tolerance for negativity.
sondra says
I’m glad you found a plan that works for you, you look great. Losing weight can be such a struggle but you did something about it and that’s what really matters.
Lalia Frolick says
Both you and your daughter are so beautiful! I know the Paleo diet is all the craze, I’ve known a few people who did the Paleo diet (although I know that’s not exactly what you did). I’m glad you found something that works for you and you’re happy with the results. That’s what matters!
Elizabeth O says
Congratulations! As long as you are happy with your choices then go for it. After 2 years on meds for a health issue, I packed on more weight than when I was pregnant with my twins. I decided to get my life back on track this year and have shed 24 Ibs so far. I eat EVERYTHING in moderation, stay hydrated, and exercise 6 days a week. I love it.
Alexia Pinto says
I really love your philosophy with losing weight. I am a fitness trainer and even will say that joining a gym is not worth it, there are hundreds of exercises you can do at a park or in your own home and even with no fitness equipment.
Rebecca Swenor says
Congrats on loosing the 23 lbs. and getting healthier. I actually would love to try doing the Paleo takeover because I love most of the foods on there. Exercising is something I have to do more of even if it is just short walks a day. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Alison | So Chic Life says
I adapted the Paleo lifestyle several years ago. It does work well but be sure to get in lots of veggies and some carbs. I found myself eating too much protein and eliminating all carbs which is not good either. Glad you were able to see results – you look great!
Missy says
I primarily follow a paleo diet, and it has helped me both physically and mentally. I still have a long way to go, but it’s amazing how awful I feel if I slip up and eat sugar or dairy now. It’s hard on my body.
theworkingmomsdiary says
I completely agree! If you follow the diet, when you do eat something processed or something with too much sugar, your body is like what the heck is going on. I had that experience when I tried to eat a turkey hot dog for Memorial Day, it did not turn out so well for me. Good for you for following it, I’m so happy it works for you!