Six Weeks ago I set a goal: Lose 23lbs in 8 weeks or less so that I can fit into my tuxedo. I am heading to a trade show and have been invited to 2 black tie affairs. The choice was simple. Either get below 200lbs or have my wardrobe let out at the waist line.
Since I chose to drop the weight there was a second choice: Diet or exercise? Both is really not an option for me because I am not looking for a quick change so I can go right back to my old life style. Working out at a traditional gym is not my thing and its very time consuming. Now, I know what you are thinking “Mr. J you dance 3 nights a week isn’t that enough exercise?” Its really not…Since I have been dancing 3 nights a week for a decade and a half and through that time I managed to put on 43lbs (I started dancing WCS at an even 180lbs). The only real choice was to find a diet that I could turn into a lifestyle and maintain for the duration.
After much thought and research I arrived at the Paleo or “Caveman” Diet. This is the easiest one to remember and stick to because there are no rules about how to start, or what to eat at what time, and there is no calorie counting. The concept is sound and even if you eat out every day (which I do) there are options other than the obligatory diet salad. The best part is that, if you stick to the plan, you almost can’t help but lose weight because whole food doesn’t pack the calories that processed food does.
There are 4 groups of food that you can eat: Meat, Veggies, Fuit, and Nuts and the combinations are truly endless
Other than knowing a handful of things about food like potatoes, rice, and corn are actually in the grain family and not vegetables (sweet potatoes are a root vegetable and are ok to eat) the diet is simple. The first week was little tough because you really can’t eat anything grain based like pastas, breads, rice…and I was an addict! Now that I am 6 weeks in I feel like my body’s reset button has been pushed and I am full of energy.
If you are looking for a way to reset your body, I urge you to give the Paleolithic lifestyle a shot I am glad I did!
Now for dancing stuff…Deb and I started working on the lesson plan for August 2nd at DNE’s Weekly Ballroom dance/Night out and its pretty badass!
Below is the Two-Step Pattern for This Sunday night Plus I am the DJ that night so wait till you hear some of my new stuff!
See you all for this week’s Pizza Party/WCS dance at DNE this Friday night!