As we're still in the process of tabulating and judging, here are some comments from participants we'd like to share. Big congrats to ALL the BTB45 participants, and please continue to cheer on those folks continuing for the full 75 days!
“To put it simply, I feel great. I'm sleeping better (although, I have always been a pretty good sleeper), have more energy throughout the day and find myself really looking at processed foods in a different light. I'm trying to make an honest effort at continuing this paleo journey for as long as possible, though (somewhere, a chicken farmer is thanking me) and am trying to ingrain in myself a long-term approach to eating and fitness (because, you know, I'd like to live as long as possible). My hope is that these methods will make it stick this time.”
“This week has been weird. All 3 WODs have been "benchmarks" for me. Not bench mark in the BTB/Crossfit sense, but an absolute measure of "how shit should have been all along." I have used RX weights as much as possible and kept up with the crowd (most of whom were NOT using RX weights). I have caused trainers to remark about my improvements in running and pullups. I used a green band for pullups instead of my beloved tan band and got nearly identical results. My running felt like it was work, but I was laying down times that were silly…It must be a combo of the diet finally working and consistently showing up for a WOD 3 times a week since January. I feel like I am finally making progress. Muscle is starting to appear in places where i have NEVER had muscle (according to my wife) and despite my claims that "it's just lumps of ghee floating around under my skin" I am starting to believe that it's actually working.
“I feel a lot better and cannot believe it has been almost 45 days The hardest thing for me has been that I eat out so much for work. I have tried to stay as close as possible but I know bringing my lunch is better. I have also not been as strict with wine. I definitely had less than normal which is progress. Have lost some weight. About 10 lbs and I am excited about taking my measurements. Clothes fitting better. Looking forward to the next 30…”
“So the biggest surprises that I have had so far are: 1) This is not as hard as I thought it would be. With some advance planning, I am able to prepare for my weekly business travel by making breakfasts to take with me and planning which restaurants I will go to for dinner where paleo options are available. 2) How much I am starting to crave good, real food. I actually get excited about broccoli, spinach and brussel sprouts! I am also rediscovered cooking for myself. I feel so much better, especially in my gut, much less bloating and IBS symptoms.”
“I find myself evangelizing paleo every chance I get. I am so glad when my friends ask me questions and I am surprised at how thirsty I am to seek out additional nutritional knowledge. I find myself making lots of special requests at restaurants to switch out starches for additional vegetables, modify some of the dishes, etc. People seem very willing to accommodate, many times the wait staff is familiar with paleo and more than willing to help.”
“Here are some key achievements so far:
-Eliminated soda. I don't even desire it anymore which is amazing to me b/c I loved diet coke
-Eliminated bread. I was never huge bread lover but sandwiches had become a regular part of my diet ( mostly out of convenience. I've switched the sandwiches with salad and add vegetable as much as possible
-Increased awareness into processed crap sneaks into our daily and how messed the US food system really. I am trying to aggressively eliminate processed stuff but it seems to everywhere. This is still something I need to work and continue to become more vigilant and knowledge about processed foods and how to avoid.”
“This morning I had the tell tale sign that this thing is working. My pants are noticeably looser. Nuff said.
I am in a good rhythm with both nutrition and WODs. So far, so good on achieving the overall goal of momentum. WODs are more consistent, and I am performing better. I am increasing work capacity but not feeling whooped, gassed, etc. before the end of them.”
“I'm starting to like paleo. I just feel better. I'm sticking with it this time... I swear.”
“As this challenge is coming to an end, I am feeling that I am really glad I did it. I have been a skeptic for a long time. I have learned a few things.
a. I have a little bit of gluten intolerance.
b. I have gotten used to foods with less sugar. For instance, I think I will start making my own mayo all the time. The homemade stuff at first tasted weird, but I am used to it now and prefer it actually. Ketchup too. I feel a lot of condiments in the grocery store are too sweet. With that said, I still have a sweet tooth. I really like having a small piece of chocolate after dinner. The really dark kind though, and I don't need that much.”
The best thing about this challenge has been:
“Seeing the struggles everyone else has in eating right and not falling off the wagon. Being able to read everyone else's journal has been helpful to keep perspective.”
“seeing and feeling actual results, as well as showing myself I can stick with it (aside from a couple of small cheats).”
“getting new recipe ideas”
“that it has really helped me to get my cravings in check. I don't have the intense cravings for junk like I used to and am finding it easier to say no to food I don't really need.”
“Feeling GOOD.”
“Learning about the Paleo Diet. Since starting this challenge I have read “The Paleolithic Solution” by Robb Wolf and have listened to many POD casts. Just about everything I find out make since and I cant wait to implement into daily life.”
“Becoming more conscious about what I feed my body. I spend a lot of time working out to maintain my healthy lifestyle. I did think about what i was eating before but this challenge has increased my appreciation for cooking meals as opposed to eating out and also it has increased my awareness of what I cook - my priority was always working out before nutrition and sleep. So, I would say that getting a handle on both I feel healthier.”
“Proving to myself that I can go 30 plus days paleo and not die”
“I've started cooking again and enjoying food. During my pregnancy, I rarely cooked and was a picky eater because my taste buds were all over the place.”
“accountability and eating clean feels so good. Also have to say the dark room is revolutionary.”
“Realizing that I have control over what I put in my mouth, and that good food makes me feel better.”
“I've explore new foods I normally avoid or have never tried. I'm a little picky, you can't force feed me. I won't eat everything, but I'm better now. It's coming with age.”
“eating well with my wife and daughter doing the same program.”
The best result I've noticed so far is:
“clothes getting back to fitting.”
“looking and feeling fitter, quicker and healthier-and getting noticed for it”
“less swelling in my face and stomach”
“My belly seems less prominant and I feel less bloaty.”
“There are several, but overall I'd have to say the best is that my stress level has plummeted.”
“Being able to do a Muscle Up. 6 weeks ago I could not.”
“not in pounds or the scale but in leaning out. it's been slow. i saw it first in my arms and back... my stomach is coming along...”
“My abs starting to show and feeling better”
“slimming down!”
“not feeling sore after workouts to the same degree as before. Also just all around feeling good.”
“My pants fit better -- Less Muffin top from pregnancy!!”
“feeling and looking more fit.”
Lots of great things from lots of great folks. Way to go!
jeff 
