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You are here: Home / Monthly Challenge / May Challenge / May 2015 Challenge: Paleo and Push-ups Challenge

May 2015 Challenge: Paleo and Push-ups Challenge

April 30, 2015 by Ajima Jackson 65 Comments

It’s time for our May 2015 Challenge! If you are participating, I want you to leave a comment below and tell us why.

May Challenge

Eating Goal: Your goal will be to go Paleo with your eating for a minimum of 14 Days.  You can follow the simple guidelines we provide below or pick an actual book/guide to help you  (examples below).  We will start on May 6th so that you have time for grocery shopping and meal planning.

Exercise Goal: Your exercise goal will be 10 push-ups for beginners, 20 for intermediate level exercisers and 30 push-ups for more advanced people who’ve been working out regularly and have more arm strength. That’s push-ups in a row. You will be committing to doing (or try to do) push-ups at least every other day so that you can reach our group goal by the end of the month…or go way beyond it.  On days where you don’t do push-ups, we suggest you do the exercise listed on the calendar for that day (2-3 sets). Download the Calendar.

Going Paleo for 14 Days – Starting April 6th

Suggested Guides 
for Going Paleo
Join our May DietBet
and Lose to Win $$dietbet article (affiliate links above)

What should you eat? – This simple list is just meant to serve as an example of the types of foods you could be eating during your 14 days of Paleo. These are not the ONLY foods you’ll be eating and how much you actually limit beans, grains, dairy and processed foods is ultimately up to you. For a more detailed list, print out this Paleo foods list from the book “Practical Paleo“.

  • Eat a variety of meat
  • Eat a variety of fish
  • Eat vegetables – no limits
  • Eat fruit – Unlimited, but you may want to cut back at little on high sugar foods like banana, peaches and mangos and eat more low glycemic index fruits (apples, berries).
  • Eat nuts and seeds
  • Eat natural oils

What is Paleo?: Paleo is a popular eating plan that has a focus on eating “real”, unprocessed foods that our primal forefathers and foremothers would have had access to. The concept is that you will be eating foods that your “ancestors” may have secured by hunting and gathering. You can eat foods such as fish, lean meat, nuts, seeds, mushrooms, spices, herbs, vegetables and fruits. On this plan, you will not eat foods that are made by modern means of production such as processed foods/oils/sugars, grains and dairy.  Many people on the Paleo plan also stay away from legumes (beans and peanuts) but that is up to you.  The focus is on foods that are specifically made for the human body to burn fat, recognized by the body as food more than as chemicals or toxins and that help you to have optimal energy.  Vegetarian or Vegan? You can still try Paleo by cutting back on grains (bread, rice, etc). Check out our article on Paleo for even more info.

Here are some benefits that you may encounter from eating this way:

  • Identify food intolerances or allergies – #1 benefit
  • Removes most trans-fat and processed sugars from your diet
  • Healthy fats from fish, nuts, seeds, avocado and olive oil
  • More stable blood sugar
  • Reduced allergies, especially for those with issues with dairy and wheat products
  • Weight loss due to cutting out a lot of junk and processed foods
  • Clearer skin
  • Less inflammation
  • Eating more nutrient dense foods

How does Paleo help people lose weight? – Paleo is an elimination diet.  Basically, people lose weight from not eating processed foods, carbs from grains and beans, as well as calories and fats in dairy (such as ice cream and whole milk).

How can Paleo improve your health? – Many people have found that by eliminating chemicals, additives, dairy, grains and other foods that are restricted that they feel better overall. Some people have realized they have gluten issues or lactose intolerance.  We’ve all heard about people who’ve seen improved health by avoiding wheat gluten or dairy, so this is not a new concept.  As you try Paleo for 14 days, we want you to focus on how going Paleo impacts you in terms of health, as well as weight. If you are concerned about not have calcium due to reducing dairy, I suggest that you take a multi-vitamin with vitamin D and calcium during the 14 days.

So, for 14 days, we will say no to… Here is a detailed list of foods to avoid.

  • Highly processed foods of all kinds – Fast food, fried food, frozen dinners, soda, commercial juice, etc.
  • Grains – Wheat products, rice, bread, crackers, corn, oats, barley, buckwheat, quinoa, rye,
  • Dairy – Milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, cottage cheese, half and half, etc.
  • Beans
  • Added sugar/Processed sugar
  • Processed oils – Trans-fat, canola oil, sunflower oil, palm oil, margarine, corn oil, etc.  Cook with olive oil or coconut oil.  Many Paleo lovers also use real butter.

Foods to limit

  • Peanuts and peanut butter
  • Potatoes and Yams – High sugar/high glycemic index

Pushup Challenge – Click here to download our push-up tracking calendar (PDF).  By the end of the month, the goal is to be able to do 10-35 push-ups in a row with good form, depending on your level of fitness.

May Pushup calendar

Can’t do a real push-up right now?  Not even one? You are NOT alone.  Doing push-ups is not easy when you haven’t done them regularly or built up the upper body strength needed, but we want to help you change that.  For some, the goal will be to do modified push-ups instead of regular pushups. If those are challenging for you, it’s still a challenge.  It’s all about your level of fitness.  If you go from being able to do 5 modified push-ups to doing 1 full push-up…that’s progress.

How to Participate: You will commit to doing push-ups every other day or at least 3 days a week to build up strength.  Each Saturday you will record your personal best on your copy of our workout calendar.  On the days that you don’t do push-ups, add the exercise of the day to your regular workout. Make sure that you take at least one rest day per week.

Muscles used when doing push-ups

  • Shoulders (Deltoids)
  • Chest (Pectorals)
  • Back of the Upper Arm (Triceps)

How TO Videos – Regular pushups and Modified Push-ups

Additional Exercise Demo Videos from April

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we may receive compensation as a percentage of the purchase.

Related posts:

  1. December Challenge – 21 Days of HIIT
  2. August 2015 Write It Down, Work it Out Challenge
  3. April 2015 Challenge: Plant-Based and Moving It!
  4. March 2015 Daily Calorie Burn Challenge
  5. November Challenge 2014 – BWLW’s “Do the Work” 3 Part Challenge
  6. She’s a 10 Workout – Day 11- April Challenge
  7. Video: Aja Shows You How to Get Through the May Exercise Challenge Routines

Filed Under: May Challenge, Monthly Challenge, Uncategorized Tagged With: 14 days, bwlw, eating challenge, exercise challenge, going paleo, how to do pushups, may challenge, monthly challenge, Paleo, paleo challenge, push ups, push-up, weight loss, workout, workout calendar, workout challenge

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Comments

  1. Kim codner says

    April 30, 2015 at 9:04 pm

    Lets to this!!! N

    Reply
  2. Quetta says

    April 30, 2015 at 10:02 pm

    I’m in!!!

    Reply
  3. Miranda says

    April 30, 2015 at 10:23 pm

    I am in. I need to do this. I am extremely overweight. I am doing this for health and well being.

    Reply
  4. Brittany Ward says

    April 30, 2015 at 10:35 pm

    I’m in….I have been restarting for far too long. I’m ready for my after pic

    Reply
    • Kenya says

      April 30, 2015 at 11:13 pm

      Brittany I couldn’t have said it better myself; exactly how I feel!!

      Reply
    • Tra Lin says

      May 2, 2015 at 1:38 pm

      That’s it right there Brittany and Kenya! We are going to do this and be successful!

      Reply
  5. Monique V. says

    April 30, 2015 at 10:36 pm

    I’m in! Ready for a new challenge!

    Reply
  6. Jasmine says

    April 30, 2015 at 10:41 pm

    I want to make a deeper comment to a healthier lifestyle. Also, get my high blood pressure under control.

    Reply
  7. Teonn says

    April 30, 2015 at 10:42 pm

    I am in because I want to be healthier.

    Reply
  8. Tawana Jackson says

    April 30, 2015 at 10:44 pm

    I am doing this challange because I want yo live a paleo lifestyle and loose this extra fat skin on my arms.

    Reply
  9. Rachael Llanos says

    April 30, 2015 at 10:45 pm

    I enjoy losing, toning, gaining new friends! Celebrating the accomplishments of ALL my sisters! I love it! Taking on a healthier (beginner/advanced) approach to living! Please keep it up!

    Reply
  10. Kourtney says

    April 30, 2015 at 11:09 pm

    I am in because I am worth it.

    Reply
  11. Kenya says

    April 30, 2015 at 11:14 pm

    I’m in!! I would like to try this challenge and see if I can sift out what triggers certain physical reactions!!

    Reply
  12. tonya says

    May 1, 2015 at 12:09 am

    Im in!! Doing this for me new lifestyle change!

    Reply
  13. christina jeffery says

    May 1, 2015 at 1:53 am

    I’m in

    Reply
  14. Delona says

    May 1, 2015 at 2:11 am

    I am in! I love challenges. I just finished one and already a part of anther. Challenges keep me motivated. This will also be a way to increase upper body strength.

    Reply
  15. Zee says

    May 1, 2015 at 4:50 am

    Whew. I’m in!

    Reply
  16. bibiana George says

    May 1, 2015 at 7:00 am

    Yes

    Reply
  17. Natasha Smith says

    May 1, 2015 at 7:04 am

    Going to do this

    Reply
  18. la Tee says

    May 1, 2015 at 7:09 am

    Im in it to win it

    Reply
  19. Tracy Green says

    May 1, 2015 at 8:17 am

    As always I am up for a challenge.

    Reply
  20. Tawanna says

    May 1, 2015 at 8:52 am

    I’m in!

    Reply
  21. Angela Tucker says

    May 1, 2015 at 10:18 am

    I’m in – it’s past time to reach my weight-loss/ fitness goals!!

    Reply
  22. April Brandon says

    May 1, 2015 at 11:02 am

    I’m in.. need a new start..

    Reply
  23. Shirell says

    May 1, 2015 at 11:19 am

    I want to do the paleo but will be traveling for business from the 6th-20th. Any suggestions?

    Reply
  24. Kathrin Julien says

    May 1, 2015 at 11:19 am

    I’m in. I need to get back to working out so this is the perfect start.

    Reply
  25. Carlitta says

    May 1, 2015 at 11:23 am

    I’m in too. I can’t wait to see the results!

    Reply
  26. J Farrar says

    May 1, 2015 at 11:36 am

    I need to get my health in check. Found out I was pre-diabetic, had high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I don’t want to live my life that way. This seems like something I can do and stick to it. It will help me get starting on my weightloss journey.

    Reply
  27. Lakeisha says

    May 1, 2015 at 12:12 pm

    Im in and I am looking forward to starting my journey!

    Reply
  28. Joelle says

    May 1, 2015 at 12:32 pm

    I’m in, because I want to live a long life. I have a history of diabetes in my family and I see what it can do to one’s quality of life. I know diabetes does not have to be a death sentence and I know it does not have to be hereditary. I want to feel better about myself.

    Reply
  29. Lissha Sadler says

    May 1, 2015 at 12:57 pm

    Im In…Having surgery so I can do the diet but not the exercise wight away

    Reply
  30. Kamylle says

    May 1, 2015 at 1:44 pm

    I already practice the Paleo Diet due to its elimination aspect. It’s a lifesaver for me. This is going to be fun just knowing that we can support each other. I’ve printed my calendar and I’m ready to go! (Be careful not to eat too many nuts! This will throw your calories into overload. If you are trying to lose weight, it’s still a good idea to count your calories)

    Reply
  31. Dorothy C. Lewis says

    May 1, 2015 at 3:16 pm

    I’m so starting this on Sunday!

    Reply
  32. Kila says

    May 1, 2015 at 3:21 pm

    I will be participating because I want to get my motivation back and get back on track with getting in the best shape ever!

    Reply
  33. Brandi says

    May 1, 2015 at 3:58 pm

    Let’s go!

    Reply
  34. sharon says

    May 1, 2015 at 5:47 pm

    Yes! I’m in.

    Reply
  35. Tiffany says

    May 1, 2015 at 7:49 pm

    I’m in

    Reply
  36. Cynthia says

    May 1, 2015 at 8:58 pm

    I am in. I feel so bloated and overweight. Lost track of my healthy eating habits and workouts for over a week but I’m not giving up.. dusting myself and moving on.

    Reply
  37. Andrea says

    May 1, 2015 at 9:02 pm

    I’m so in and ready!!!!!!

    Reply
  38. Kendra says

    May 2, 2015 at 12:27 am

    I’m am going to try this challenge. I found this page today by a facebook post. I just want to get out of a slump and back in shape.

    Reply
  39. Michelle says

    May 2, 2015 at 12:54 am

    I’m in I have to lose weight for my diabetic issues….

    Reply
  40. c. williams says

    May 2, 2015 at 2:31 am

    I’m in! So ready to get this done!!

    Reply
  41. Gabrielle says

    May 2, 2015 at 3:17 am

    I’m in. I need some sort of challenge to get me motivated to get back into shape. Let’s kill it ladies!!

    Reply
  42. karen Nash says

    May 2, 2015 at 9:16 am

    I’m in, paleo and push-ups, yay!!!!!!

    Reply
  43. Sharon McCarty says

    May 2, 2015 at 9:53 am

    I am in….need to loose my stomach have been walking between 5-8 mules at least 3 days a week need to learn to eat healthier.

    Reply
  44. Herminise says

    May 2, 2015 at 4:09 pm

    I’m in…motivated to stay healthy, Lord willing see my oldest son get married, and see my youngest son graduate from college!

    Reply
  45. Rhonda says

    May 3, 2015 at 2:31 am

    I’m in. I need to make a commitment to a healthier me. I want to finally learn how to do a push up and get my upper body strength back and lose my last 30 pounds.

    Reply
  46. Stephanie Jenkins says

    May 3, 2015 at 9:44 am

    I’m in..love a good Health and fitness challenge

    Reply
  47. Cathy says

    May 3, 2015 at 10:28 pm

    I’m in I’m tired of the pain I’m in all the time

    Reply
  48. Nettie Scott says

    May 3, 2015 at 11:52 pm

    I’m in..I cant wait n c how this going to work

    Reply
  49. Jennifer says

    May 4, 2015 at 7:07 am

    I’m in! Challenges are a good motivator for me.

    Reply
  50. kathy dorleans says

    May 4, 2015 at 6:02 pm

    I’m in, i’m scared but ready for the challenge

    Reply
  51. kim says

    May 4, 2015 at 11:00 pm

    I as in

    Reply
  52. Betty says

    May 5, 2015 at 12:23 am

    This will be a first for me,I’m in

    Reply
  53. Tia says

    May 5, 2015 at 9:43 am

    I’m in! Because I cannot fit any of my old clothes…

    Reply
  54. nichele says

    May 5, 2015 at 12:15 pm

    im in

    Reply
  55. Siretta says

    May 5, 2015 at 12:51 pm

    I’m in! Time to get my body right.

    Reply
  56. picola nugent says

    May 5, 2015 at 12:59 pm

    I want to join the may challenge

    Reply
  57. Quiet says

    May 5, 2015 at 3:20 pm

    I’m in

    Reply
  58. Glenda Richardson says

    May 5, 2015 at 9:37 pm

    I’m in.

    Reply
  59. Belinda Bryant says

    May 5, 2015 at 11:18 pm

    I’m in!!!!!

    Reply
  60. Tumi says

    May 6, 2015 at 2:34 am

    I would like to lose 5kg and tone

    Reply
  61. Angie says

    May 6, 2015 at 11:20 am

    I’m in

    Reply
  62. Madison says

    May 6, 2015 at 11:25 am

    I am in! Started the push-ups on the 1st and the paleo today. Paleo is the only way of eating that shrinks my waist. If I could just be consistent. Good luck everyone!

    Reply
  63. Annel says

    May 16, 2015 at 10:32 am

    I’m in. Accountability is great!

    Reply

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