The Primal Challenge is coming to a close this coming Tuesday, June 5th. We hope that you are all seeing some great success with your new Primal lifestyle and that you will continue to Grok and roll even after the challenge is over. Please note that your tracker sheets will be due on Wednesday, June 6th. Those who have completed the requirements will be eligible for a cash prize that will be determined on Friday, June 8th. Please be sure that your tracker guides are completed. Thank you all for your participation and keep GROKING ON!
How are you all doing with closing in on the final days of the challenge? What are the biggest changes you have seen in your lifestyle? Please post in comments.
The biggest challenge for me presented itself when my stress level increases. I've discovered that my 'comfort trigger' isn't sugar, it's carbs, more specifically,pretzels. I've been doing my best to replace my comfort trigger with something significantly more healthy - going for a short walk or doing something fun, like practicing my hoopla-hoop tricks. This challenge has brought me back to many of my fun hobbies, I'm grateful for that.
Posted by: Jeannee R. | 06/04/2012 at 09:09 AM
The biggest challenge for me over the last few weeks as well as the last few years has been sleep. I've been trying to get to 8 hours of sleep, but its proving to be very difficult. I use to be lucky to get 5 1/2, now I'm finding 7 1/2 is the most I'm getting when I really try. I think if I continue to work at it, I'll get there eventually. Small steps! This challenge is definitely one I want to incorporate into every day life after it's over. Perhaps not be as crazy strict with the grains, but at least live generally by these laws. I must say, I feel healthier already!
Posted by: Danielle Sig | 06/04/2012 at 10:07 AM
I am sad that this challenge is ending, and quite frankly nervous. I can do so well with my eating and self control when we're doing a challenge as a group, but then I seem to slide rapidly afterward. I really want to keep this going because for me the biggest change I noticed is myself. My attitude is better, I have more energy, and I feel like I'm just an overall in a better place with myself. I love feeling this way! I did lose a little weight, not much, but enough to make a difference in what I see in myself. That was great also, but I love the other changes way more. I know that if I put my mind to it I can keep this up, I just hope that I do. I love having the support and accountability of the group, but now I need to learn how to do this on my own. Last time didn't work so well, so maybe second times a charm?
Posted by: Sam | 06/04/2012 at 10:17 AM
My biggest challenge has been and usually is sleep. During the week, because of work and school, it makes it real hard to get 8hrs of sleep. I get it on the weekend but I always feel like my body is playing catch up. As far as the diet goes, I do want to continue to eat primal. As mentioned from others, maybe not quite as strict but pretty close. I definitely feel more healthy overall and doing this challenge has opened my eyes to reading the labels more carefully as well as educating myself about what certain vitamins can provide as a necessary supplement. Doing this challenge as a group definitely has its benefits as its fun to chat about the likes, dislikes, cravings, etc.
Posted by: brian | 06/05/2012 at 07:00 AM
The final day for the challenge is here, but I aim to continue on with a primal lifestyle. I enjoy eating healthy and always have, but I have never elimnated grains completely from my diet before. Can't say I miss em that much, except for perhaps some rice! I'm half Asian...fam members look at me like I'm a weirdo when I pass on the rice. LOL! I'd have to say the biggest change is the increase in my energy level. I'm getting the sleep and eating the foods that properly fuel my body for workouts. I've enjoyed reading the posts by other challengers for motivational tips and to help me stay on track.
Posted by: Tiffany | 06/05/2012 at 11:31 AM
The challenge was very good for me because it reaffirmed both the positive and negative. On the positive side, I eat a ton of plants and animials, I sleep, I play, I get my sunlight, I use my brain, and I (most of the time) avoid stupid mistakes.
The biggest obstacle continues to be avoiding poisonous things. During the challenge I was better, but still not where I want to be. I know I don't have to be perfect, but I still need to improve and that means a whole lot more self-discipline.
Another thing I learned, and should have known, was that without a tangible goal in place I'm never going to be as dedicated as I should. I was well into the 30 days when I had a talk with Jocelyn about daily carb intake and realized I had no real intent other then to track my carbs. That gets me nothing but a cool app on my phone. Once I set a goal to drop my weight the discipline to follow through improved tremendously.
So that's my 2 cents of advice...if you are worried about falling off the wagon as the challenge ends, set small acheiveable goals to keep you focused!!!
Posted by: Mark | 06/05/2012 at 02:42 PM
Sleep was the biggest challenge for me. Getting 8 hours several nights a week is difficult, especially when the household is active at various times through the day and night. I've always been a good "power-napper", able to literally sleep for 20-30 minutes in the afternoon and get up and get going again. What I discovered during this challenge is that I have become focused on resting, as well as sleeping. I think ahead about what my week is going to be like, and plan my rest times (in addition to attempting to have decent bedtimes each night to get a full night's sleep). What I'm noticing as a change is that even when I don't get my 8 hours at night, I still can feel rested. My stress level is down, as I am not trying to pack in a million activities in a day. That's not to say that there aren't days that things come up that cause me to give up my rest time. But, when it does happen, it is not such a drain on my system.
Posted by: bernadette | 06/06/2012 at 06:17 AM
The greatest hurdle remains preventing harmful factors. During the task I was better, but still not where I want to be. I know I don't have to be ideal, but I still need to enhance and that indicates a whole lot more self-discipline.
Posted by: Fairfax weight loss | 12/16/2012 at 06:17 AM