Jessica wrote to me on Facebook with her story, and I knew I had to feature her because she has battled multiple miscarriages, PCOS, and infertility.
Here is Jessica’s summary:
Time on paleo: Consistently since February 2013
Results: Total of 45lbs lost since February, 60lbs since my honeymoon, 45 inches lost, menstrual cycles have returned after a 6½ year absence.
Essential advice: TAKE IT ONE MEAL AT A TIME
Tell us a little about yourself (location, occupation, family, hobbies, etc.)
I am located in Georgia. I run a organic cleaning company. I have no children, but married. My hobbies are art, music, walking and helping others in the community.
What was the “clincher” that persuaded you to jump on the paleo bandwagon?
I jumped on the “bandwagon” after having a photo taken of me on my honeymoon. It made me cry for the entire afternoon. I was floored by how I let my weight get out of hand.
I was also diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and then diagnosed with infertility after multiple miscarriages. I was tired of being on medications and decided I would do what I could through food/diet.
How did you approach going paleo – gradually or dive right in?
I’ve done paleo twice. The first time, I dove in and gave up quickly. This go around, I did it gradually.
What improvements have you noticed?
After going 6½ years without a female cycle (they stopped after my last miscarriage) I have recently – since June – started getting my cycle back in order. I feel I have more energy, more clarity, clearer thinking and feel more confident. I’ve lost a total of 60lbs. I feel better about taking photos; I don’t hide so much from the camera – all my photos were taken at an angle or were of just my face.
How paleo are you? (80/20, 90/10, autoimmune, etc.)
I would say I am 80/20. I do a combo of paleo and clean eating. There are occasions when I have sprouted grain or gluten-free products. I also use raw milk cheese on occasion.
How did you find out about this way of eating?
My older brother told me about it. He lost a lot of weight doing paleo. Also was told about it from other friends.
Tell us about “A Day In The Life Of Jessica” – a typical day especially from an eating and exercise standpoint:
The “Day In The Life Of” me is pretty simple…I wake up every morning (obviously), I have pastured eggs, bacon and I love my H2O. I sometimes will have a spinach salad with it. After I eat, I go walking. I do about two miles in the mornings mixed with some jogging. I have a healthy snack when I get home – usually homemade larabars or veggies/fruit. I go to work, eat on the way – I pack my lunch – chicken breast/fish, veggies, etc. Come home to go walking another two miles and do weights. Cook dinner for my hubby 🙂 The rest of the evening is spent relaxing and spending time together if we aren’t doing Krav Maga (martial arts).
What helped you when you were struggling?
Whenever I am struggling I have learned that prayer, support from friends/family has always been help to me. I know I can rely on them.
What, if any, exercise routines do you do?
My exercise routine consists of spin class two times a week, walking and my exercise ball and dumb bells. 🙂 Pretty simple, but effective.
What has been the reaction to your paleo success from those around you?
People around me have seriously begun to notice a change in my moods, despite the PCOS/hormone issues. I get complimented all the time on how great I look and how happy I appear. 🙂
How has your life changed now? (More activity, promotion at work, stronger relationship, etc.)
Switching to a clean/paleo diet has changed my life by increasing my confidence. I feel happier. I feel better around my husband. I feel less depressed, more active. I am also not smoking.
What activities do you do now that you didn’t do before?
I TRY to jog…getting better. :)- I also can do my spin classes and walk five miles a day 🙂
What books/blogs/support groups did you use to help you?
Have you experienced anything negative as a result of your changes? (Earlier success stories mentioned having to lose certain “friends”, others have said there are restaurants they now avoid because they can’t eat their former favorites.) How have you dealt with those negatives?
I have experienced some negatives to my changes…my once puffed out tummy has deflated and I’m worried about having to have surgery. Hopefully weights and crunches will help tighten that loose skin. Also going out with friends who are on a budget like ourselves makes it a little difficult for finding foods that are safe. 🙂
What three practical tips would you offer our readers based on your experience?
- Don’t be so hard on yourself.
- Listen to your body.
- Take it one meal at a time.
Are you struggling to sustain a paleo lifestyle change? Or not sure how to start? Or perhaps those around you are resistant and you’re feeling undermined and unsure. The Modern, No-Nonsense Guide to Paleo provides practical tools to ease the transition to a full-on paleo life. Each chapter includes strategies, tips and checklists to identify the actions to power you on your paleo journey and create sustainable change. Buy it at Amazon.com.
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