Robert's Paleo Transformation

Robert before his transformation."About a year and a half ago, I was driving somewhere and counting my blessings.  The only thing I could think of that might be a welcome improvement in life was to lose a few pounds.  I had no idea that a transformation of this kind was even possible."

See the results of Robert's transformation here: 

I Had No Idea That A Transformation Of This Kind Was Even Possible

Nicole's Paleo / CrossFit Success Story

I was about 30 pounds (of fat) overweight, I had constant heartburn, sleeping problems, and chronic allergies.  Despite the fact that I had an incredible husband and stepson, amazing family and friends, a great job, and a beautiful home, and I still felt bad about myself. I knew that it was time to make a real, fundamental, and lasting change.

Read more: Paleo / CrossFit Success Story

Exercise is important, nutrition is key: How to loose 5 pant sizes

"Prior to my paleo lifestyle, I ate anything in sight at any time of day.  I thought that if I ate small meals (of anything), then it would be OK.  I was working out because in my brain at the time, I thought I could eat unhealthily and just burn off the calories at the gym.  Needless to say, this did not work out very well."

Source

PaleoNonPaleo

Before: "Well over 320 pounds"

"My health the past 13 years has been a roller coaster ride. I had hyperlipidemia, elevated liver enzymes, several sebaceous cysts surgically removed, extremely severe acne (dermatologist treated 30 years), GERD, irritable bowel, and frequent strep throat. I had several extreme febrile episodes of unknown diagnosis. ...I frequently felt fatigued and just wanted to collapse when home from work; I had poor sleep for many years – I attributed it to being 40 and overweight. I also had significant joint pain and stiffness in my shoulders, neck, ankles and knees – again I attributed it to getting older, being overweight and past injuries."

Read more Before and After: Healthier at Age 44 Than 24: How I Lost 115 Pounds and Turned My Life Around

Rosie's "miraculous" results

"The results I experienced from 26 days at the Perfect Health Retreat were nothing short of miraculous. I had been struggling with chronic fatigue for probably a decade or more. I’d been gaining 5-10 pounds a year and was up to 240 pounds at my heaviest. My sleep cycle was chaotic. I was tired so much of the time that when I did get a burst of energy (usually late at night) I’d often stay up all night at the computer to try to be productive. But then I’d sleep through the entire next day. And some days I’d force myself to function on only 2-3 hours of sleep. I was keeping myself going with Diet Coke, drinking up to 2 liters or more a day. I had been told by my doctor that I was pre-diabetic, my triglycerides and bad cholesterol were too high, my good cholesterol and Vitamin D were too low, and several hormones were out of whack."

Read More: October-November at the Perfect Health Retreat

Michelle’s life changing experience with CrossFit & the Paleo Diet

“Last July I switched from my previous gym to CrossFit Auckland and immediately noticed how quickly my fitness changed. I still wasn’t losing weight though so knew it must be down to my diet and lifestyle. After seeing photos from a friends wedding in January I knew I really had to change my lifestyle if I wanted to see results. Fate stepped in and I saw the CrossFit Auckland Paleo challenge advertised at the Box and signed up on the spot. I had no idea what the Paleo Diet really involved but knew it was what I needed. I gave myself the goal of losing 20kgs by the time I left for Europe which was in seven months time (the challenge started on the 1^st of February).”

Read more at Julianne's Paleo & Zone Nutrition

Amanda’s journey from sick to wonderful

“In December 2009, I was 25 years old and weighed 210 lbs. I was obese for my 5’5″ frame, never felt well, and was popping handfuls of pills every day just to get by. I was taking 2 anti-depressants, anxiolytics, prescription sleeping pills, courses of Prilosec once or twice a month, acid-blocking pills or antacid tablets 1-3 times a day, anti-diarrhea pills several days a week, and I was constantly catching respiratory infections and frequently took courses of antibiotics. 

“… one fateful day somebody posted a link to Mark’s Daily Apple.”

“I was completely blown away. Everything I thought I knew to be true about diet, health, and weight loss was all wrong.” 

Learn more: I Am Strong, Energized, Off All Medications, and Feel Wonderful!

Registered Nurse taught her patients the Standard American Diet

BEFORE

I am a Registered Nurse and was taught the Standard American Diet (SAD), therefore, I taught my patients the same, “whole grains and brown rice are good for you!”

AFTER

After David was convinced of this Primal lifestyle, he tried to convince me. I remember saying, “but David, you NEED grains!” “Why?” he asked. “Well, I’m not sure, but it’s part of the food pyramid.” I look back at that silly conversation now and giggle!

Learn More at Marks's Daily Apple: I Am Healed from the Inside Out!

From “NEVER Paleo” to “Never Turning Back”

"I will NEVER go Paleo." Those are the words I repeated over and over to my CrossFit coach, members in my morning class and anybody else who found success with the highly controversial diet that is a throwback to the Paleolithic days."If cavemen had access to corn, potatoes and dairy, they would have eaten it!’ I believed every word of what I shared with people.”

Then, somewhat later - 

This laughter came to a screeching halt when my celiac disease symptoms ramped up to life-altering proportions. After eliminating gluten and finding instant relief, I turned my attention to the many highly processed gluten-free products such as corn, potato and rice-based flours, baking goods, pastas and bread.

Source: I Tried The Paleo Diet And I'm Never Turning Back

Success Story: Vegetarian gives up high-grain, low-fat diet

"I decided to stop eating red meat when I was 12 years old. It was a decision I made based on something I had read about slaughterhouses. I eventually transitioned into a full-blown vegetarian. My mom followed suit and we primarily lived off veggie burgers and salads during my teen years. Oh yeah, and popcorn was a big staple in our house, with fat free “butter” sprayed all over it."

And later:

"Eating a high-grain low-fat diet was causing a host of issues, including an increase in seasonal allergies, acne problems, and constant digestion trouble."

Read more: Mark's Daily Apple

Success Story: Tim Bauer Survives a Walk Around the Block

Tim weighed 440 pounds. He had sleep apnea and GERD and was borderline diabetic. His marriage was failing. He wondered if he would see his “two beautiful daughters grow up, graduate, have children of their own.” Food had taken over his life:

"Food was my release. It was my dearest friend. It never judged me or laughed at me, and it was there for everything. When I was happy, I'd celebrate with pizza. Sad? Drown it in nacho cheese. Worried? The crunch of Doritos can cure that. Stressed? That's nothing a pint or two of Ben & Jerry's couldn't cure. Angry? Take it out on a burrito."

Then, a remarkable thing happened: he survived a walk around the block. That was the first step that eventually led him to a Paleo diet and lifestyle. 

Read more: I Lost Weight: Tim Bauer Cut Out Fast Food And Sugar And Lost 225 Pounds

My son screamed at me: “IT’S NOT ABOUT THE CALORIES!”

I always had a weight problem.  In my mind, I knew how to diet and I knew about nutrition.  For the longest time, I really tried to follow what I thought was right-mainly counting calories.  But my life was crazy: I was working 60-80 hours a week and raising three kids.  Eventually, I just gave up.  I gained SOOOO much weight.  I gained 70 pounds.  I was trying my best to stay active-I walked the dog, chased the kids around, but was still rapidly gaining weight.  Finally, I went to see a doctor.  His suggestion? To cut my caloric intake to 800 calories a day.

After the doctor visit, I went home to see my son.  He was the one who introduced me to Crossfit and Paleo, and basically screamed at me, “IT’S NOT ABOUT THE CALORIES!”  

Paleo Inspiration: Jeanne’s Story
via The Food Lover's Kitchen