Jenn 2’s Slimdown: After the Cleanse

Well, I did it. I started the Whole30 elimination diet on October 1, and went 30 whole days without sugar, dairy, soy, legumes, and—get this—alcohol. I only “cheated” once, during a 50-mile gravel grinder in Monument, Colorado, where I ate four Cliff Bar shot BLOKS because my jello-like legs were no longer able to pedal. I also had a lick of frosting off my fingers when I was serving my husband birthday cake. Pretty harmless, whereas before, cheating might have meant three beers, a pint of ice cream, or a half box of cereal.

All in one day.

I’m amazing myself right now, people.

I made it through three media events with an open bar, one housewarming brunch with a tray of homemade sticky buns, two “expensed” business dinners with my husband’s colleagues, a birthday party, and a crisis at work.

And here’s the thing—it was surprisingly easy.

Somehow, it was easier to completely eliminate everything than to limit the bad stuff.  And since I wasn’t eating much wheat before I began the cleanse, I didn’t get the “carb flu” like I have in the past when I’ve tried restrictive diets.

I worked out at Rally Sport in Boulder with my amazing trainer, Kevin Keiras, twice a week, getting stronger all the time. Kevin has been working with me since June. Instead of making me miserable by pushing me beyond my physical limits, he honors my current level of fitness and encourages me to shake off my preconceptions of what I can actually achieve.

He doesn’t treat me like a fat girl, but like an athlete.

I’ve discovered that I’m a natural weight lifter, and I love it. This month, I reached a milestone when I benched 100 pounds (four reps too!). Being able to lift that much weight makes me feel incredible and so confident. Next up: 110.

My husband and I also completed our second endurance ride on gravel. And it was a killer.

So, are you ready for my results?

This month, I lost 7.5 pounds and 2.5 inches from my waistline. I’m down 18 pounds since June. I haven’t been at this weight in almost 4 years. I feel a huge difference in the fit of my clothes, my face is much thinner, and I can ride up hills on my bike much easier.

I feel better.

I plan on maintaining my paleo diet for the most part. I’m cutting out dairy completely, but I will make room for a few grains like quinoa and brown rice, and a dessert now and then.

Next week, I’m going on a Caribbean cruise on Holland America Line with one of my best friends. Cruises are notorious buffet free-for-alls, but I think I’m up to the challenge.

I’ll check in with you next month!

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To read the whole series, click here.

Category: Body