I’ll be perfectly honest here.  When we started talking about food here, it was a lot of recycled material.  Nothing wrong with that, but we didn’t have a ton of real-world experience from OTHER people.  I eat clean, and workout hard and knew what my body felt like.  However, I was probably not exactly empathetic when it came to relating to the early stages of changing YOUR diet. 

So I faked it.

I recited the company line.  I gave links to trusted resources.  I asked a lot of questions, and some smart people gave me some great advice.  However, there was a trust component to it all.  I hoped that it would work out, and had to trust the results would pop up.

Things are changing.

For example, I have a personal training client whose exercise consists only of assisted squats and some walking...and she’s lost nearly 40 pounds in 2 months with clean eating.  I have a handful of others that are eating clean and have shed between 15-30 pounds.  Then there are the others that arent trying to lose weight per se, but just be more fit.  And their strength, stamina and overall output are growing exponentially.

The difference now is that we know what to expect, and can offer better advice.  Real world, one-dude-to-another advice.  And the results people are getting are becoming consistant and predictable.  You do X, you get Y.  Simple.  Just DO it.

Try this one on for size...That first week was tough, but I bet you lost 4-7 pounds.  You might have also had some loose stool, and you were possibly a bit concerned.  Second week was a real doosie, right?  Came close to falling off the wagon, right?  I bet you were starving and moodie...until you realized that you werent eating nearly enough, especially protein and fat.  After you figured that out, it started getting easier, right?  Sound familiar?  Wish someone had told YOU what to expect?

The amount of experience in our collective little social database is growing.  With more and more of you getting the most out of your food, there are several cool side cars.

1. 1.It’s gaining momentum...outside the box. When you guys are eating clean, others are watching.  Your kids.  Your co-workers.  Your boyfriends.  And it’s making real food cool again, instead of the big box manufacturers telling you what’s cool or “heart healthy”...lol.
   

2. 2.It’s getting easier.  Each time you guys share a recipe that makes it easier at home, it matters.  Each time you give us a tip on a restaurant that serves clean and cheap food, it matters.  Every little spice, coupon, website, video that you share makes it easier for the next guy who is struggling to make a good decision about food...AND IT MATTERS.
   

3. 3.It’s more fun this way. C’mon...after you tried sliced apples and almond butter the first time, you loved it.  And the only thing more satisfying than that decadent combo was seeing the next person you told about it tell you how much THEY loved it.  How about when you found the BEST guacamole and couldnt wait to plan a Mexi-night so show off your latest score?  Not to mention how much better a cheat night feels when you share it with your friends who can appreicate it as much as you do.
   

You guys rock!  You’re making good food choices, and letting us know about it.  KEEP IT UP!!!

POST YOUR LITTLE WARS THAT YOU FOUGHT (OR ARE CURRENTLY FIGHTING) AT THE BEGINNING.  NOTHING IS OFF LIMITS.

If we get 20 comments, I’ll post another little cooking video next weekend :)

P.S.  Check out Jason’s origial recipe homemade Paleo Tacos!  These look awesome, and look even better than the Thai Lettuce Wraps from Cheesecake Factory.  Marinated Chicken Strips, Homemade Guacamole (tomatoes, jalepeno, garlic, onion), Salsa and Heart of Romaine stalks so you can pick it all up...Bib lettuce or reb cabbage are other good choices.  Nice job Yason!