laodamaren

haha! My name is Andrea Van Acker https://m.facebook.com/andreavanacker simple :-)

Wahh! We're a growing force indeed :-) What do you guys say we make a facebook group with some Belgian rebel updates? As for me, I'm barely ever on this forum but I'd love to see updates from my fellow countrymen/women

Im so done. SO.FUCKING.DONE. with myself, as is very common in The Respawn point, I presume. Some detail: Hormonally completely out of balance, haven't had my period for 6+ months (btw: I am 19 years old) I am currently pursuing a degree in Biochemical Engineering but cannot get my concentration there and failing my subjects. I am earning money on the side to finance student housing and tuition but risk getting fired because I constantly have a headache and can't get work done. I stopped doing sports 2 months ago and have been saying to get back to it ever since Even though I lost quite some weight during the holidays and don't look/am not overweight, I feel the most sluggish, fat and yucky in a loooong time. I have big digestive issues with gluten, dairy, fructose, peanuts and soy, yet I haven't been able to resist any of them lately and the physical results are more than clear. Yet I bring a nice healthy lunch to university every day and people see me as the super healthy example in life. What the actual fuck? Who do I think I am kidding? I know my weaknesses, I know exactly where my problem lies. I have received every opportunity to do something about it, but I haven't taken it. And I don't know why. It is time for me to change, not change what I do, but change what I am and what I think. All these different factors contribute to one thing and that is creating a mess in my head. Consequentially, that messes with my social life (I don't go out during evenings anymore), my school results (I sometimes have to skip entire days because I feel so sick) and my mental well-being. I have tried numerous things before, whether it is Whole30, AIP, Paleo Restart etc (but always within the 'paleo template') but I think that triggers my obsessive behaviour. I used to commit to Yoga Practice every single day. Now I haven't touched my mat in 2 weeks, for no apparent reason (again). There is something deeper than just 'food' or 'busy life' that triggers this. It is pain from the past that has never been processed correctly and manifests itself through behaviour like this. I have therefore subscribed myself to a mindfulness practice, aimed at providing me with ease of mind ultimately resulting in mindful eating, balanced and committed to a long-term goal (rather than short-term satisfaction). I've got such a long way to go, but I know that if I don't start committing to it my life might just fall apart in other areas. This is not who I am nor who I aspire to be. Time has come to change myself for real. To allow myself a future in which I can be a person I can be proud of. Enjoy your weekend guys :-)

I'm here too!

Wow guys, thanks for the good response! I had never considered the dorm room part, as where I live that is something that simply doesn't exist. (okay, there are cafeterias, but no such thing as a meal plan for students). I'll definitely make work of that! Also microwaveable meals sounds good, I thought of giving "microwave adaptations" to recipes, but it might well be a fully separate chapter. Cheers

Hey rebels! I have a question for you. I'm currently writing an ebook with the name "Cavemen in College". Basically, it will be a guide to all students at university on how to remain Paleo. This includes: - The basics of Paleo, what it is and why people do it - My story, how and why I became Paleo and how this book was established - How to make Paleo cheaper than a "normal" college diet - How to combine studying with an active lifestyle (sports etc, inherently a part of Paleo imo) - Tips for going out, social events,... - Meal planning and templates - Tips & Tricks (for example: Handy kitchen appliances,..) - A big collection of recipes divided in the categories: 1. Spice mixes and dressings 2. 5-minute hearty meals 3. paleo comfort foods 4. make-in-advance meals 5. packed lunches 6. sweet treats Of course, things may still change My question is now: Do you see this as a good initiative? Something that was missing? Would you consider purchasing it? Any feedback is moooore than appreciated! Have a good one rebels, rock on

Cobaltsword: Currently studying at the TU Delft in the Netherlands! I made the decision because physics was too abstract for me in the end, and the fact it was 'applied' physics made it neither really theoretical nor very engineering-like. Basically felt like doing nothing Geotechnical engineering is AWE-SOME though! (although rather busy indeed.) Rebels, I had a little question for you. Assuming that you all are somewhat mindful about nutrition, would you buy an ebook "Paleo for College sTudents" in which there are practical tips, money-saving tips, how to combine study with physical activity and a whole lot of fast, easy and cheap paleo meals? (I'm currently writing it, and I see a lot of potential but would love to hear your opinion too :3) In good health!

Wow! Suddenly so many new "Ones of us" It's cool to see the community expanding. So, what are you guys up to? I recently started doing Pole Fitness and I'm absolutely loving it!! Also changed my degree from Applied Physics to Geotechnical and mining engineering and I'm so much happier about that too! In good health and strength :3

Short update, although kinda late (a) full week in now. A short reflection: How did I do this week? -2 kettlebell workouts: Check -1 barbell workout: Check -Pole fitness class: nope (Lots of work, test the day after. Lesson: plan study time ahead, don't do it last-minute) - yoga: not 3x, only once..reason: laziness and not giving it a priority position. NUTRITION: -friday night party night: toomuch tequila (although it's Paleo, still doesn't mean I should have copious amounts of it ) - Overall my nutrition is on point, I allow myself to loosen up a little bit during the weekends! LIFE SIDE QUEST: - I slacked a bit with studying, mainly because I was tired and thinking too much about other things, resulting in an overload on Sunday, forwhich I now pay the toll Lesson: PLAN AHEAD. PLAN AHEAD!!! physical results: for starters, I didn't gain weight, which is an accomplishment in itself I'm taking progress pictures every 2 weeks, so next sunday should be the day! That's when I can officially judge for the first time! My arms are getting significantly stronger though, I can see the definition even through my little ''protective'' layer haha. I'll try and update more often! Stay fierce, stay dedicated!

POLE DANCING IS THE ABSOLUUUUUUUUTE GREATEST THING THAT HAPPENED TO ME IN THE LAST MONTH!! :3

Hey Assassins! It's been a looong loong while. My last challenge/NF activity was in May/June! In the meantime, what happened? - Finals - Holidays - Moving abroad - Starting university Right. That's a lot. But now +/- 3 weeks after I have moved in to my new place, I'm ready to hop back on the wagon and level up again! I made a list of 'first steps' to take before starting out again: - Sign up at the local gym - CHECK - clear your apatment from all kinds of junk food - CHECK - Clean up your working space for a clearer mind - NOT YET CHECK - Go to the supermarket for a big haul of NF Academy Level 10 food (basically full Paleo) - NOT YET CHECK I've been having a lot of gut issues and am currently being treated for it, but the main nutritional influence it has is: no gluten, dairy, starches or sugars, therefore level 10 is basically my only option Okay, okay. Don't want to wander off too much. Here's what I'll be working on for (at least) the next 6 weeks: 1) Main Quest. I CANNOT STRESS THIS HARD ENOUGH, THOSE LAST 15 POUNDS GODDAMMIT. (Hope I made that clear to you, ahem) I'm taking measurements tomorrow, progress pictures today. Will take them every week, just to see how much it changes over time. Not only that, I signed up for pole fitness classes, and I'm absolutely loving it. By the end of these 6 weeks, I want to be able to master the ''Chair Turn'', which is the only one i really struggle with right now. How will I do that? - Of course, attend all Pole Fitness classes - Do my usual yoga 3x/week - Kettlebell workouts, 2x/week - 1 barbell workout. NB: These aren't all meant for that ONE turn, but they improve overall performance, which is obviously what we're aiming at 2) Life Side Quest. Okay, this one is rather easy to me. I started my Applied Physics degree two weeks ago, and the workload is huge. Every 5 weeks we have an exam, so we're supposed to study and revise every single day just in order to make it. Therefore, my life side auest is simply to study well, without neglecting my fitness/nutrition goals and vice versa! So my workout schedul looks like this: Monday: Kettlebells Tuesday: Pole fitness Wednesday: yoga (mainly restorative) Thursday: Kettlebells Friday: Yoga (balance + inversions) + any cardio (spinning/running/swimming/...) Saturday: Barbells Sunday: yoga (restorative) + long walk (easy cardio) It looks like a lot, but it's what I need in order not to mentally crash from all the math during the day Will keep in touch

Hey y'all!! I just moved to Holland for university (TU Delft!) and i've been super busy with everything whatnot, but I'm back in the game now and although I have jumped to the other side of the few rivers, I'm still siding with you Let's get going! (although I'm not yet sure what i'm working on, haha)

I won't be able to participate in this quidditch match I'm only there on saturday!