Was this a long week or is it just me? Being on a highly-restricted diet will do that I guess. Before we get to that, here are my workouts.
Monday: Yoga
Tuesday: Run
Wednesday: Heavy Strength, Stepmill Tabata
Thursday: Rest
Friday: Yoga
Saturday: Strength, balance, mobility, stepmill
Sunday: Heavy Strength
Our weather thus far this winter has been on the mild side but this week ended with a nasty winter storm that brought us snow topped with freezing rain, high winds and then a drop to the sub-z zone.
It feels weird to have only run once this week but I’m honoring my decision to let my hamstring heal. To be honest, these 6 weeks of the AutoImmune Protocol are supposed to be a “restful, restorative” time and running is not exactly either of those, so while I’m still working out, I’m not pushing the envelope…as much as I normally would.
White Minestrone Soup with Rosemary-Thyme Focaccia
Last week I gave myself an A+++ on the AIP diet and told you how amazing I felt. Um…yeah I wrote that right before I hit the wall. About 5 days in I got SO irritable. After spending the better part of Saturday doing meal prep and crafting the fine AIP Rosemary-Thyme Focaccia you see up there in the pic, the Caveman, who can indulge in any sort of bread he pleases, decided he’d go ahead and eat it. I probably don’t have to tell you how angry I was. Yes, I’ve become territorial with my food.
After doing some research about my food-induced foul mood, I learned that it’s common for the AIP diet to make people cranky, anxious and even depressed at the beginning since the change in carbs (gluten and dairy supply the brain with dopamine, who knew?) alters the chemical balance in the brain.
Plantain pancakes, berries and a Maple-Bacon Patty is my current fave breakfast.
I plugged in my daily meals to My Fitness Pal to get an idea of my caloric intake and macros and all checked out pretty spot on. My protein is a smidge high, which typically I struggle to take in enough, so I’m happy about that, and my fat is just a hair high sometimes too, which doesn’t surprise me given all the coconut milk and avocado on this diet. It is interesting though, that despite taking in plenty of calories and even high protein and fat, I was able to drop 5 lbs and over an inch off my waist in just two weeks. That most definitely did not happen when I did intermittent fasting.
Overall, I still give myself an A+++ on the AIP front. My Dr. was right: She said “the first couple of weeks will be difficult but you won’t starve.” I’m starting to get into a food prep routine, and I think I’m over the hump on the foul mood. The big challenge ahead is we are road tripping to the University of IL in Champaign this weekend for another of Thing 2’s Honor Band performances. I’ve got a couple of snack options (if the Caveman doesn’t eat them first) and I can bite the bullet with tuna and avocado for 3 days if need be. Wish me luck!
Loving
DYLN Water Bottle. Since I’ve be laser focused on my diet, I’m also hyper aware of my hydration and lack thereof. This bottle helps me immensely. There’s a diffuser inside that transforms normal tap water into alkaline antioxidant water. The large, 32oz size is perfect for taking to the gym and everywhere. It’s double insulated so water stays cold for 24 hours, and the wide mouth easily accommodates ice cubes. It’s a great way to help keep disposable bottles out of landfills.
ZOOMA Bermuda. I’m going! I haven’t been to Bermuda in over 20 years and I’m so excited to return for ZOOMA’s Inaugural race series there.
Isn’t that conch medal something else? There’s still time to join me. Save 15% off registration with code RUNWITHME.
Longer Daylight! This past week was the first time I noticed the longer daylight in the afternoon and I love it! We’ve gained about 25 minutes of daylight since the winter solstice and it’s totally noticeable.
Not Loving
The Killer Inside. This is a documentary about former New England Patriot and convicted murderer Aaron Hernandez. I was not aware of him when all of this was going down but wow! It’s not that I disliked the documentary, it was riveting. It’s just so sad how someone so brilliantly talented could be so messed up.
How was your week? Have you noticed the longer daylight? Any racecations coming up?
I’m linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down. Join us!
I’d be cranky eating a restricted diet too! I give you a lot of credit for sticking with it. I’m so glad to hear that you are seeing all kinds of good results!
Good luck to Jill this weekend!
this reminds me of the time I was trying out Paleo forever-years-and-a-day ago. Personally I find whenever you are “forced” (or have chosen) to do something different than what seems to be the rest of the world, it does make one irritable at a certain point. Even I’m trying to reign everything in and follow my TDEE calorie guide and cookies are not part of that plan. But who brought home cookies yesterday? Hint: it wasn’t me and I live with only one other parson…
the days ARE getting longer but it still feels very dark in the morning when i go to work. We’ll get there I guess. It is after all still January.
I can imagine that completely changing your diet makes you a little cranky and territorial. Sounds like you are adapting to it well. I do tuna and avo salad a lot also chick pea/white bean w avo are my go to’s/ Can you do the beans like that? Zooma will be fun. I have NoLa RnR Feb 9th. Under trained and nervous!
Well done on still sticking to your AIP! I am with you on protecting your food – I would have KILLED my husband, never mind just being in a foul mood.
I would love to do a half-marathon in Bermudas. I am sure it’s beautiful! Looking forward to that race recap some time in the future.
I think your husband is lucky to be alive! Glad you made it through the week and are getting in a better grove. I think there’s extra pressure to be “perfect” on this diet and that makes it stressful on its own.
Keep going Marcia, you’re doing awesome! And yes I’d be cranky to say the least.
I think any diet will make a person cranky and territorial! I am SO jealous of Bermuda! I will follow your social media posts!! I am watching that documentary now, I am only 2 episodes in, he played at UF so I am very familiar with the name. Have a great week!
Longer daylight is definitely a reason to celebrate!
Great job keeping up with the diet.
Enjoy Bermuda!
Congrats on all the dietary success!!!! Wish I could high-5 you in person 🙂 I have already noticed the increased daylight…I leave work most days between 4:40-5:00, and I can tell the daylight is still clear and present well after I get home. Onward to summer!!!!!
I noticed from Friday evening it’s staying lighter longer, very cheering! No racecations here but I will be going to London to stay with my best friend and either run or support the marathon.
Oh man…as I was reading about the bread that you made I was like “I hope no one else ate it”, LOL. I am sure he will not do that again! I have absolutely loved seeing all the food that you have cooked on this protocol – it really all looks delicious!
I haven’t seen the Aaron Hernandez. documentary, but I do wonder if he had CTE? I know many players have been diagnosed with this after their deaths and it can affect your brain chemistry. That might explain his very violent and bizarre behavior
The longer daylight has been AMAZING!!! I feel like I’m coming back to life a little bit each day. I haven’t seen the Aaron Hernadez documentary yet but I remembered when it was all going down. He had a lot going for him and then boom…all gone. Really sad.
Oh, a half marathon in Bermuda sounds wonderful. Have fun!
I agree with everyone else, your husband is lucky that you didn’t do anything worse than get mad. When your food is greatly restricted I can certainly understand being very protective of it. Good job staying within your diet guidelines. Hopefully, you’ll turn the corner and start feeling back to normal soon.
I am so glad you’re going to Bermuda. Darlene saw you mention it somewhere else and told me last night – so glad we’ll get to meet.
That foccacia looks amazing
Glad your body is responding to the AIP and your feeling as expected with the early mood side effects. Hope hamstring is behaving
Oh Bermuda!!!! Wow! And it’s so soon too! I can just imagine how beautiful that race is going to be! You’re making such great progress on your AIP diet and I’m sure once body gets used to it, your mood will be back to normal!
You are doing great with your diet! It makes sense that you could be more irritable from the changes in food, but Im glad its working! Those meals actually look really good. Although if I put all that work into prepping food and my husband starting eating it I would be recruiting him to help out next weekend:) How fun that you will be running in Bermuda!
I think I’d have some choice words for anyone who ate my bread and I’m not on a special diet LOL! I continue to say that I think you’re doing an amazing job with the AIP diet.
I need a new water bottle so I will be sure to checkout DYLN! So wish I could join you in Bermuda – it’s been decades since I was last there. I know you’re going to have a blast!
I’m sorry he ate your bread! Not cool!
I’m also sorry you hit the wall. Food-related mood wings are miserable. I’m glad you’re finding your groove though and that you are seeing some great results! Keep up the good work! And hide your bread!
Last thing I need is another water bottle, but that DYLN bottle might be something I need sometime in the future.
Love that conch medal! Wish I was going to Bermuda!
I have noticed the longer daylight! Makes me so happy. That medal does look lovely. Have a great time in Bermuda. I meant to watch that documentary this weekend but did not get to it. I’ve also heard it is really good. I remember hearing the story about him but did not pay too much attention to it.
Bermuda looks amazing! I have never been there. Runcations don’t fit into my life right now, but hopefully they will when my kids are off to college 🙂