photo: Angela DeCenzo Photography
hair and makeup: The Make Up Dolls
Low energy. Moodiness. Depression. Last year, up until August, I felt bad. Not horrible, but just not myself – physically, mentally and emotionally. My list of symptoms was long, and on top of the list was inexplicable weight gain. Being over 40, I’d heard that this was just a fact of life I’d need to expect and accept. But was it? I knew I had to change my diet to adapt to my changing (aging!) body, but I didn’t know how to start.
I consider myself knowledgeable about healthy eating. I’ve always subscribed to the adage “you are what you eat.” I eat mostly organic and sustainable. I’m very mindful of where my food comes from. And I never, ever eat fast food.
But in August, I learned that despite my best efforts, I still had a lot to learn about eating for optimal health, for this is when I stumbled upon Able James, blogger and host of the podcast called “Fat-Burning Man Show.” Able was giving an online workshop about health and nutrition on creativeLive. He talked about his struggles with his weight and how his body had been completely “out of whack.” I felt like Able was speaking directly to me – I related to every word he said.
After much research and experimentation on himself, Able discovered the secret to healthy eating. He now follows a Paleo light diet, which basically translates to avoiding sugar, refined foods and gluten. The main source for nutrition comes from vegetables, fruits, nuts and fat, with sides of meats, fish and poultry. After listening to him speak, I looked at my diet and quickly realized that I needed to “break up” with sugar and gluten.
So, that is exactly what I did. I ate anything I wanted as long as it didn’t contain gluten or processed sugars, and I avoided anything overly processed. I didn’t count a calorie or measure servings. I would eat a food and observe how it made me feel. If I felt amazing, I would eat it again. If I felt like crap or was hungry 30 minutes later, I would adjust by adding more fat or protein. Much to my surprise, making these changes to my eating habits was not too hard – in fact, it was really easy. And the pounds just melted off! My moodiness shifted to happiness and my energy level amped up. In the past, exercise seemed like such a chore and was nearly impossible. Now, I need to move and work out. In fact, I look forward to it.
This whole transformation, which took less than 4 months, has been life changing. I’ve lost 23 lbs. and am down two sizes. I feel AMAZING! If I can do it, anyone can.
I feel so passionate about getting fit and staying healthy. The journey has just started, and I’m so excited to explore, inspire and bring awareness to nutrition and good health.
