I've been doing a strict 30 day whole nine Paleo Challenge since Jan 3. For the first couple of weeks it went pretty well: some cravings, no major weight loss but I generally felt pretty good - no cheats but I do drink coffee. For the last week and a bit though I have been feeling really, really, really tired and hungry almost all the time. Yesterday I broke down and ate some bread and cheese and some potato chips (total comfort food for me). Before beginning this challenge I was a vegetarian for about 4 years (but I ate eggs and milk). I'm 143lbs, 5'4", I do crossfit 3 to 4 times a week and yoga once a week.
My questions: 1) Why am I getting this intense hunger 2 weeks into this switch? Will it end???
2) Did I completely mess myself up with my break down yesterday?
3) I would like to lose about 10 pounds - I have not lost any weight so far. Could this come later once my body is more used to this kind of eating? Or will I need to eat even less food?
Typical food intake
Breakfast - 2 egg omlette
Coffee with almond milk
Lunch - Green Salad with Tuna and an avacado
Snack - handful of almonds or walnuts and an apple
Snack 2 (I want to eat all the time) - beef jerky
Dinner - Chicken and veggies in a coconut curry
Snack 3 - Usually have sunflower seeds or something before bed
Any help would be really, really appreciated - I love the ideas behind the Paleo lifestyle, but I'm so ready to break down and eat a big bowl of rice and beans :)
Thanks!!!