Paleo Challenge is ON!

Welcome to day 1!

     I hope that by now everyone has taken their measurements, cleaned out their pantry, and read over the info Matt and I put together. Being prepared is the path to success!  Most importantly, HAVE YOU SET YOUR GOAL?  For best results, you need to have a focused goal that you are working towards - %body fat loss (1-3% is reasonable), # pounds lost (depends on your current weight), inches lost, strength PR increased. . . Make it realistic and quantifiable.  It may sound silly but WRITE IT DOWN!!!!  Putting it in writing will create an increased sense of commitment and reality to your goal, than having it just floating around in your head.  Put it somewhere where you will look at it daily - on your mirror, in your car, ON YOUR PHONE :)  Take these next 30 days to become a better version of you!

What can you expect from me?

1. I will be posting a new paleo recipe each of the 30 days.  Now these aren't just any old recipes that I found on the internet and decided to post.  Well, many of them are from the internet BUT they are all recipes that WE HAVE ACTUALLY COOKED AND EATEN!  Many things out there look good in pictures, but can turn out less than ideal in the kitchen.  Don't worry because all of these recipes have been tested and approved!
2. Articles, tips and great products to try.  If you are anything like me, I didn't want to just listen to someone tell me "do this" and "do that" on the paleo diet.  For me to fully commit myself, I need to truly understand!  And the best way to do this. . .  read and learn!  So I will be passing along great resources for you to gain a full understanding of why it is we support the paleo lifestyle and how it positvely affects your body. 
3. Motivation and inspiration.  As they say, motivation is like bathing - both are required daily!  We all need a boost every now and then!  So I'll post inspiring pictures, quotes, and reminders to help you stay on track towards your true potential!

What do I expect from you?

1. Log.  Log.  Log, log, log, log.  Keep track of your workouts, keep track of your food, hell keep track of your sleeping, water intake, energy, you name it.  If it's an area that you want to see improvements in, the only way to do so is to keep track!  We provided a paper copy of a 30 day food tracker as well as a weekly progress sheet for you to use.  If those work GREAT!  If not, find something that does.
2. Ask questions, share progress and support each other.  Not sure about a certain food or product?  ASK US.  Made a huge step forward today or found a tasty recipe?  SHARE IT.  The more we are interacting with each other - asking questions, sharing pictures and ideas - the easier the next 30 days will be.  Let's apply the same concept as in the gym - we sweat together, we suffer together, we grow together.  This 30 day challenge should be no different!  
3. Try your best but be accepting of mistakes.  It's only 30 days.  You can do ANYTHING for 30 days.  Stick to your guns, dig in, and get through.  However, know that we are all going to make mistakes here and there.  It's ok.  Record it, take a deep breath, and move on.  It's not the end of the world, it's not a reason to give up, and it's not a reason to stop and start over in 30 days when you can "start fresh".  Be honest with yourself and stay focused on your goal.
4. ENJOY!  Life is fun.  Food is fun.  This is meant to be FUN.  It's not meant to be a punishment worse than death.  You are a part of this challenge because YOU chose to be.  YOU want to change something about the way you look or feel.  Have fun with it and enjoy the ride!  Kicking carbs and sugar is not easy, but it's also not the end of the world.  Find something that you like.  Switching to paleo often allows you to find new foods or new ways to eat old foods.  Like I say at the top of the blog - fuel your body right, but make it taste good!