April: The Paleo Diet (Or, Say Goodbye to the Captain)

The second month-long challenge for April is the Paleo Diet.  Inspired by Andrew Bacon's Challenge, I decided to try to only eat what is on the Paleo Diet (basically what a caveman could eat), for the month of April.  On the diet, you can only eat: Lean meats, Fresh fruits, Vegetables, Eggs, & Nuts.  No processed foods, no dairy, no cereal. 

Now, I have heard a lot of things from both sides about this diet.  Some say that the lack of carbs is just plain stupid, while others (especially some friends who are now in the military) have right up there next to the gospel. 

Here's my take:  I have been doing a 'practice run' this week.  I've mostly been eating fruit for breakfast and lunch and meat and vegetables for din-din.  I haven't really been swayed either way until yesterday.  I've been slowly getting over the holidays (yeah, the ones in December), and finally have been running regularly for like two weeks.  I've been trying some longer runs (2.5 miles, if that counts as 'long').  Anyways, the point is this: I had been running the 2.5 mile loop in about 23-24 minutes.  That's like a 10 min mile.  But, yesterday, I finished it in 19:50!  I cut off four minutes of time since last thursday?!  How did I go from a 10 minute mile to under 9 mins? 

Maybe I've just been getting used to running, but I am leaning towards the fact I've been eating healthier. 

But we'll see how April goes.  Now I just have to kill my addiction to the Captain...

I am changing a few of the rules though.

1. Milk in protein shakes is allowed.  Like Andrew, I'm not trying to lose weight, but gain some muscle.
2. Yogurt is allowed.  Hopefully the Greek kind, with way more protein and less sugar. 
3. Coffee after Easter.  I've given it up for lent. 
4. Finally, 'fresh' fruits and veggies are expensive - I'm allowing canned/frozen ones.  Just gotta check that salt/sugar content. 
5. Peanut Butter.  I know cavemen didn't have any... but that's their problem.

There's a good chance I'm going to break some rules, but it's still gonna be an interesting month!  Probably have some updates later.