Spotlight On...Julie Schwaiger!

Today's "Spotlight On..." is Julie Schwaiger

1. What nutrition path are you following for the Challenge? Prior to the Challenge, what (if any) path were you following?

I'm following Zoleo.  I've been eating mostly Paleo for over a year now but I'm new to the Zone and still learning.  The combination of journaling/Zone has been good for me because it keeps me honest about the quantities (...nuts!) I'm eating and makes sure that I'm not finishing off small amounts of food (...fruit!) from the kids.  My weight loss is still slow going, though: about 1-2 pounds/week.  I think the biggest changes that I've made are in adding LOTS of vegetables and cutting out yogurt.

2. What is/are your goal(s) to have met by the end of this Challenge?

My goals? 1) To run faster (around 9-10 mpm/5k pace at first). I love to run! 2) An rx pull-up! I've wanted an rx pull-up for so long now. My plan is to get my idea weight next spring - around my 44th birthday. 

3. Are you allowing yourself the cheat meal/hours each week? If you are, what is your favorite cheat? If you aren't, why not?

I haven't had a set cheat meal/hours but I'm going to start because I've had small cheats, like a yogurt or a bar, that I shouldn't have.  I had an unintended cheat hour the first week when my husband brought home fresh baguette bread and Kerrygold Irish butter.  So unfair! :-)  I so could've spent that on Pinkberry.

4. What one tip would you like to offer to other Challenge participants to help them stay on track with their nutrition path?

Stay strong in the second half and keep your eye on the prize. This probably won't work for others but cashew almond butter is my answer to all cravings: salty or sweet. 1/2 tsp for the fat of a Zone meal and I'm cured. 

5. How did you learn about CrossFit in the first place?

I learned about Crossfit from Jordan. I go back to Overload's pre-Crossfit days. Some friends (...Michele!) and I were training at the track for half marathons and various races we were running when we met Paula and Jordan. The whole journey has been fun and challenging. I've benefitted from all of the stages of their success, am forever grateful and it just keeps getting better!