Mr. and I started our Paleo Journey pretty much together. I can't say that it was a smooth beginning. We definitely have learned a lot through the process and continue to do so. Here's a quick list of 10 things you should know when starting the Paleo Journey as a Couple!
1. Support from your partner!
Support from your partner is key to your journey. It's been one of the best things we've done as far as our relationship is concerned. We've literally lost a person (130 lbs) in 6 months. It's not all been pretty but we are a stronger TEAM because we've been on the journey together!
2. There's No 'I' in Team!
Teamwork makes the dream work! I couldn't have done this without Mr. rolling up his sleeves and pitching in. We both like to be in the kitchen but neither of us is fond of the clean up afterwards. We do teamwork with cooking when we are both home. This way it doesn't fall on one persons shoulder! We definitely recommend teamwork when starting the Paleo journey. Get involved with some aspect and help out! Meal planning, grocery shopping, carrying groceries inside, putting groceries away, meal prep, cooking, and clean up can all be shared with your partner!
3. Oscar the Grouch!
I was soooo grouchy the first 30 days and I admit it! I wasn't overly excited with starting the Paleo Journey (I just wanted my cheese and yogurt back and maybe chocolate too). I also started working out at 5:30 a.m. so that our schedule wouldn't mess up our kids schedules too much. Before the journey I was a night owl and so I had a hard time with the transition. There were many nights that first month that I went to bed at 8-8:30 p.m. when I put the boys to bed. Just know that the sugar/process food detox is hard. You will feel better but it takes a little bit. Know that your partner is going through the same thing. Try to take a deep breath and roll with the punches.
4. Take each other's measurement's!
Mr. did this with a coach at the gym and I did not. He would probably be one of few people that I would have let do this. I think it's really important to do for many reasons but especially so when the number on the scale isn't going down you can retake measurements and know the difference. Please do this for me...since I don't have my exact numbers!
5. Set Goals Together!
Mr. was really good at bringing this up with me throughout our journey. He would talk about what his next goal was and ask me what mine was. I didn't want to focus on a number on a scale but just to feel better. He was really encouraging me to give myself some number. Not only that but when we struggle to get to the gym we also will set weekly goals. Mine this week is that I want to get to the gym three times this week. Setting goals other than numbers, gives us something to look forward to besides what is on the scale! Remember to be specific with your goals. Start small. Have mini wins. It will boost your confidence for bigger and loftier goals!
6. Shades of Paleo
Mr. and I have different shades of Paleo. I was really struggling with this in the beginning until I read this quote above from Robb Wolf. This really helped me let go of the fact that he would do things like chew gum (with artificial sweetener). Mr. and I's Shade of Paleo isn't the same but I no longer get hung up on how different we follow the same lifestyle. I also no longer worry about my Paleo Shade versus other people.
7. Talk along your Journey!
Communication is KEY! We've all heard this phrase before. I think it's an important part of the Paleo Journey you are going through. If you are having a bad day or a craving, talk to your partner about it. They may be going through something similar. Check in with each other about how the food you've been eating is making you feel. Talk about energy levels, tastes of foods, things you'd like to try, etc.
8. Offer advice ONLY when asked!
I think this is important to remember because sometimes we complain just to complain BUT our humanness when we hear something is not to understand but to solve the problem. In my humble opinion I think areas of this Paleo Journey can be delicate. Many days when talking with outsiders they tend to criticize the lifestyle as too difficult or too restrictive and I think it's important to not have a similar conversation at home. Sometimes Mr or I will say things just to air them out and not because we want each others opinions. We try to wait to offer advice only when asked, with each other, and the public in general.
9. Don't be afraid to experiment with food!
I am not going to lie...I am a rule follower, recipe follower kind of girl. Mr. however is not...on all of the above. He is so much better at changing things up and experimenting with food than I am. I am not the type of person that makes up recipes in my head. I will never have a cookbook of my own food. He on the other hand could do both. I also think it's important much like it is with kids to keep trying things. The first time I had kale I couldn't stand it. The next time I had it, I tried it in the chip form and it was better. The past weekend we had it braised and I loved it. In fact, between Mr. and I we pretty much ate a whole 5 oz container.
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| Braised kale from this weekend! |
10. Encouragement is Key
Lastly and most importantly, encourage your partner! Paleo is not a mainstream lifestyle and therefore can be difficult. There isn't a day that has went by that we haven't given each other encouragement. Sometimes it's to get to the gym and other times it's a "damn, those jeans look good on you" comment. It's been a fun journey to be on together. We've loved inspiring and encouraging others while we remember that Food is A Drug #Paleo!
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