In September 2010 I started my first class of Krav Maga. I decided to take the selfdefense class because I needed to prepare for the inevitable and knew that it would be better to start now. What I didn't realize was what else came with the Krav classes,FIT and nutrition. It is very similar to CrossFit training and improved my conditioning in a short period of time. Brandon is the FIT instructor and also coaches on nutrition,he is the main force behind Spokane Primal. Both he and Brayson, the Krav instructor, advocate a Paleo lifestyle and you can see the results in them.
The idea of changing my diet was not new to me. I had done it before, several times in fact, all in attempts to find health. As a teenager and young adult food was a problem. At 5'9" i weighed around 100-110 pounds. Too thin for my frame and height. Now, I'm not rambling about this to have anyone go "Oh poor Ginger, we feel so sorry for her." Nope, I don't want it or need it. I want to share that food has been one of the substances in my life that had a HUGE impact. The pendulum swung in the other direction and I became around 40 pounds over weight. When this happened, I tried many quickie diets to slim down and even did radical overhauls to my diet routine. Needless to say, the results were few, far between and I felt like crap.
After my first FIT class, Brandon talked about nutrition and the Primal/Paleo diet. It made perfect sense to me. I understand completely that diet is an everyday Concern, not just a few weeks at a time. Good health depends on maintaining a good diet. Getting rid of gluten is something I had done once before and the results startled me; I felt better then I had in years. So I was willing to chuck it again. Dairy was One of my staples where I was concerned about. Removing the majority of dairy was much easier than I thought. I may have coffee with some cream now and again but it is very infrequent.
After four months of regular and very enjoyable exercise plus a new diet lifestyle, I have dropped about 30 of those 40 pounds. And I feel great! I sleep better, I don't have heartburn anymore, my skin is beautiful. It is amazing what a change this has brought about. I am now doing a 30 day primal challenge and got the husband on board. Everything has been 100 percent from my end and it is wonderful.
The network of Primal/Paleo people is the most supportive group I have encountered. I truly feel that I have been wandering adrift and alone for so long and now have found my tribe, my network, a fantastic support.
Thank you all.