My Paleo Success Story: Allie Fisher

*Lindsay’s Note: I love when people share their paleo success story with me. It’s so motivating so read about how others have been able to change their lives and heal themselves with food. This is a guest post by Allie Fisher of Sweet Potato Bites. Enjoy!

Allie Fisher’s Paleo Success Story

Paleo. All you have to do is utter that one word to someone and it immediately sparks some sort of reaction – good or bad. While I’m not here to tell you to eat paleo (how you eat is your own business), I’m here to share how having a paleo-inspired diet has contributed to me having a healthy lifestyle.

For most of my life I’ve been one of those people with digestive issues. I’ve been on any and every antacid out there, I’ve had more tests done than I should’ve before age 30, and every time I had a blood test I came up anemic (and thus had to take iron supplements). At the beginning of 2014 I decided I had enough and started to make some changes.

I’ll be the first to disclaim that I am an avid crossfitter and runner, but my crossfit box had absolutely no influence on me going paleo. I did it for me, on my own timetable.

The one thing that people find the most intimidating about the paleo diet is how you have to cut out EVERYTHING all at once. That approach didn’t work for me so I did it at a pace that was comfortable.

I started by eliminating gluten, and having a couple of paleo meals throughout the day. Then I’d go a day or two just eating paleo. Then I’d string a few days together but maybe have some cheese or gluten-free bread in there. And slowly but surely I started to feel better.

By June of 2014 I was off antacids completely, and by November 2014 I was officially no longer anemic and my iron was in the healthy range once again. I attribute this to eating whole, natural foods and reducing things like processed snacks and bread that were wrecking havoc on my system.

So where am I at today? I’m not 100% strict paleo, but for the most part I have a paleo-inspired diet. I do eat things like Greek yogurt and some cheeses for extra protein, I have gluten-free bread when the craving strikes (especially when I’m training for a race or a long run), and I always have room for a glass of wine, because let’s be honest, life’s too short.

Otherwise I eat a diet comprised of lots of fruits, vegetables, meats (bacon!), sweet potatoes and healthy fats like avocados, almond butter and coconut oil. As a healthy food blogger I try not to make anything too “off limits” but also aim to make the best choices and what works for me. My husband is also a crossfitter and eats whole grains and has no problem with them which goes to show you how we all react to foods differently.

If you are considering a lifestyle change, paleo or otherwise, I recommend starting out slow, and doing what works best for YOU. I found the right balance and now I’m the happiest and healthiest I have ever been.

 What about you? Do you have questions for Allie? Have a paleo success story you’d like to share with us? Post in the comments and let us know!

Summary

Article Name

My Paleo Success Story: Allie Fisher

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Allie Fisher is a write at Sweet Potato Bites and went paleo in 2014. Learn more about Ali and her paleo success story here.

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Allie Fisher