Day 29

Wow...today and tomorrow then the Paleo part of the Hugo Challenge is officially over. Its hard to believe this month has flown by so fast!! But, although it is pretty much the end of the Challenge, I am not done. I plan to continue eating Paleo most of the time. I'll make some small changes - like including a planned cheat meal and adding back my post-workout protein shake (I'm not super fond of sweet potatoes unless they have butter and marshmallows), and I'll really focus on eating more lean, healthy protein with every meal and snack. But, for the most part I want to keep eating this way as much as possible.

I learned some good things through this Challenge

1) I allow my busy life to be more of a priority than my health sometimes - too often.

2) I can't always do it all, and it really is okay to just take a break

3) Overtraining can happen before you know it if you don't pay attention to your body - so heed the warnings early on, or be smart upfront and PLAN in rest days - lighter loads are sometimes not really "rest"!

4) Eating healthy is really not all that hard.

5) It is surprising how "empty" calories quickly fill up an entire meal without you realizing it.

6) It is easier (and more effective) to keep eating healthier when you look at it as a lifestyle change rather than a temporary quick-fix, but it can also be easier to do somewhat gradually by eliminating major things one at a time.

7) It is definitely easier to make major lifestyle changes when you are surrounded by people who are doing the same things you are doing, or who are at least very supportive of your changes.

I can't wait to see what everyone's results are like! I've seen some pretty awesome stuff so far!