Paleo Success Story – Adriaan
I am a Software Engineer/Developer by trade, but I am soon leaving this profession to embark on a new journey, adventure, and career as a Nutritionist.
But much more interesting than my career change is why I’m about to make this change and what led me here.
My Life Before Paleo
Just over a year ago, I was morbidly obese and in a really bad place.
Normal physical tasks were difficult for me, and I was rapidly accumulating various illnesses. Without exaggeration, I had very high blood pressure, a painful hernia, frequent migraines, chronic acne, gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD), sleep apnea, and pretty severe depression.
In fact, suicide was something that crossed my mind on many occasions. I felt like my entire life, including my social life, was out of whack and still headed in the wrong direction.
Finding Paleo Was a Life-Changer
One day, I started listening to Abel James’ podcast (The Fat Burning Man). I’d been searching for some way – any way – to improve my life.
Like everyone, I’ve made a number of bad decisions in life, but I made an excellent decision that day. I decided that being Paleo made sense and that I was going to use it to start changing my own life.
I’m a Different Man Now
I made that decision on August 19, 2012.
Since that day, I feel like I’ve gotten a second chance at life. I’ve lost over 100 pounds, and my whole life is different and better.
Pretty much all of my prior illnesses are completely gone, and I’ve lost 14 inches off of my waist alone.
Perhaps best and most surprisingly of all, getting healthier has dramatically improved my social life. When I was sick and obese, I had a handful of friends, and I barely felt comfortable hanging out with them in my condition at that time. Now, I have a plethora of friends whose company I enjoy on a much more frequent basis.
I have more energy than ever, and I really have a new-found respect for my body and for the food that nourishes it. [This would be a good breakout quote if you need one]
A Day in My New Life
I have incorporated Paleo into pretty much every aspect of my life, and I love it a little more every day.
Some things, like shopping for food and cooking, take a little bit longer. But those activities have become second-nature to me, and I’ve really learned to enjoy and cherish them.
We also sold our car. I now walk between 5-10 miles per day, and on the weekend I cycle for a few hours.
For meals, I eat a variety of foods, but I love eggs (particularly in omelets with veggies), soups, and stir-fried meats with veggies. All are very easy to make and very flavorful, not to mention highly nutritious.
I Sometimes Wonder How I Got Here
Before August 2012, I would never have imagined that I’d be where I am now.
My mindset about health and food has changed completely, and I’m happier than ever.
And on an almost daily basis, I try to motivate and inspire others to follow my own journey, which is largely why I’m about to embark on a new career in nutrition. This type of passion is something I never had before, when I considered myself to be very introverted.
However, I truly believe that eating and living this way can save and improve lives in ways many people don’t know is possible. And I know – from personal experience – that it can be easier and more fun than most people imagine.
My Message to You
You likely already know and believe this, but it’s worth saying again:
Paleo is REALLY worth it, 100%.
Paleo is a life-changing lifestyle, much more than just a diet. And although it can seem a bit daunting at first, if you keep your eye on the bigger picture, it’s really not that hard.
And after all, what’s more important than your health and well-being?
I’m so glad that I took responsibility for changing my body and my life, and I hope that everyone else will also!
Images: Copyright © Adriaan
Article and photos by Adriaan