Hi, I’m Nick Puffer.  I’m a full time Web Marketing / SEO Specialist for Downtown Motor Company in Gulfport, MS and also work part time for Starbucks as a Barista.  In between jobs, I run a blog about diet and exercise with a focus on becoming more organic.  Over the past 3 years I have striven to become more healthy and have gained a passion for learning about the effects of processed foods.

For almost 3 years now, I’ve been on a journey to go from 325 lbs to 160 lbs.  On my last weigh in, I weighed 210 lbs exactly and have a little over 3 months to complete my goal.  My goals started out simple when I began my journey: I essentially thought of things that I couldn’t live without in my diet.  For example, coffee was one of those things I didn’t want to lose so I chose to always keep it on the menu.  Soda’s on the other hand, was something I could live without, so I ditched the sodas.

I hit a wall when I initially hit 215 lbs.  In fact, I gained 15 lbs back again doing some of the things I’ve normally done to lose weight.  This happened around October of 2012 which was probably the worst time of the year this could happen for me.  I love to eat during the holidays, and I’ve always allowed myself to somewhat splurge during this time.  So, needless to say, January hit and I was back up to 230 lbs.

To cut a long story short, I’m now on a journey to lose 60 lbs in 16 weeks using basic exercises and the Paleo Diet.  The Paleo Diet (Caveman or Noah Diet) is basically eating things that cavemen would’ve eaten.  Vegetables, fruits, and plenty of proteins and 100 % organic.

I’ve been on this diet for over two weeks now and the toughest part of it seems to be finding organic foods.  I finally found a great source of fresh and organic fruits and veggies at a local mom and pop whole foods store which sells the 15 lb package for $26 – $30 per week!  I’m a single man, so, this should be more than enough for me every week.

I’ve asked around for free range eggs and found one person that delivers to the health food store bi-weekly.  I love eggs, especially boiled, so I’ve been really struggling to find a good source.  This is surprising, because, in my mind, I thought this would be the easiest to find.

So far, and unfortunately, I’ve been hitting dead-ends when it comes to grass-fed beef and free range chickens.  The only source I’ve come across is buying online and having it delivered yet the cost of organic proteins is already high enough before getting hit with high shipping fees.

The only luck I’ve had in finding organic meats is Harvestland Chicken at Wal-mart, which if you read the fine print it states that the chicken is still minimally processed.   At least the chickens aren’t given hormones or steroids.  This is better than eating the run of the mill chicken from Wal-mart yet; I would still rather pay more and buy from a local farmer.

I was pleasantly surprised at the variety of goods I can purchase from my local whole foods store.  Not only am I able to purchase organic fruits and veggies there on a weekly basis, I’m also able to get my seasonings and snacks such as raw nuts and fruit juices.

With the help of my local health food store, I believe I’m about 70 % organic with the foods that I currently eat and have spent on average $65 per week on groceries.  I do eat a lot of veggies; yet, I feel that I still have a long way to go in finding a good source of meats.

In my current challenge, I’ve lost over 15 lbs in two weeks.  My meals are healthier, smaller, tastier, and more satisfying and I can honestly say I believe all of those facts derive from me buying organic.  I’m not 100 % organic yet, but, I’m setting out to be.  It’s made such a difference in my life already that I couldn’t see myself turning back to processed foods after my challenge is done with.

To find out more about my diet and exercise challenge, please visit: www.nickpuffer.net