About This Blog

What is this blog about anyway!?  Just what it says.  365 days to a new me.

This is my second 365.  Yep.  Second in a row!  I’ve changed it up a bit.  My original 365 days was April 12, 2010 through April 11, 2011.  That journey for me was born out of being frustrated with my weight (it’s always been a problem), having some health issues due to my weight.   It was a pivotal year for me.  I went through the year without eating any sugar, gluten or cheese – and I managed to not cheat!  To know that I am capable of such resolve and will power is empowering.  My weight has always been an issue in my life – I was finally sick of it and intended to do something about it.  I lost a total of 42 lbs and over 30 inches.  Not bad – but I was hoping for greater weight loss.  Suffice it to say all the studies are true – gluten free diets are not weight loss plans.

This year – I’ll turn 40.  In December.  I’d like to be at my goal weight/clothing size by my birthday and then spend the remainder of this journey focusing on toning and maintaining the weight loss!

Reasons to do this…

• Lose the remaining weight I need to lose.  Right now that amount is 88 pounds, but I am ultimately more focused on inches and size of my clothing.  That said my goal is to be in size 8/10 clothing at the end of this 365.  If it’s smaller – all the better!
• Improved health & energy.
• Continued ability to be more active in my life.

Why 365 days? To create a deadline.  I operate best with one.

Why a blog? I love to write, I always have. I want to blog this personal challenge – even the tough stuff. Accountability & Support – with all of you all reading this – it creates accountability – not wanting to let you down, not wanting to let myself down.  It creates a support group of sorts – comments and encouragement welcome!

Why Primal, no sugar, no gluten? Primal – while I lost 42 pounds during my first 365 – I have much more to lose so I needed a specific eating plan to lose the weight and get lean.  I started this second 365 doing the 4HB and the progress was super slow so now I’m doing the Primal Blueprint.    No sugar – it creates cravings, it’s unhealthy, it’s an enemy of my body. No gluten – I have a gluten intolerance.

What are the goals I hope to reach?

Lose weight/get fit and tone.

How do I intend to accomplish these goals?

With purpose. A book I read talked about a shift in paradigm.  In the old paradigm – reward fueled success.  In the new paradigm – purpose fuels success.  I intend to operate under the new paradigm in order to succeed at the task I have set before myself.  Surrounding this goal with purpose will be essential to reach my desired outcome.

With prayer. Simple as that.  Without prayer, without God, I cannot do this.  I will lean on Him when I am weak.  I am hopeful that my own prayer, combined with yours for me – I will have the strength and resolve to make it through each day.

With healthy choices. In addition to the three main things I’m eliminating from my diet – I also plan to make healthy choices in the other areas of my life.

With exercise. A gym membership works best for me.  My favorite gym and the one I belong to is Clubsport.  I am not always excited about traditional working out – I like variety and ClubSport can give me that.  Traditional work-outs, classes, swimming (which I love) and hopefully at the end of these 365 days I can conquer the rock climbing wall (wasn’t able to do that after the first 365)

With support. I have worked hard to create a support team – friends and others.   My personal trainer, Shannon Miller – she will kick my butt!  My massage therapist Kristina West – she will be working many a sore muscle and making them feel better while encouraging me to continue on.  My friends and family are my immediate support and Shannon &  Kristina are there for extra accountability, encouragement and to push me!

What is the Primal Blueprint?

The Primal Blueprint diet is based on the book by Mark Sisson and the concept is built around a low carb diet much like our primal/paleolithic ancestors would have eaten.  The goal is to reprogram your genes for effortless weight loss, vibrant health, and boundless energy.

What are my definitions of no sugar, no gluten?

No Sugar: I will not be cooking with refined sugar.  White sugar is so unbelievable toxic to me – my joints will ache within and hour and a half of having it.  I will however use a few natural sweeteners from time to time such as honey, maple syrup, molasses, agave syrup and stevia to name a few.

No Gluten: umm…just that…NO GLUTEN