What makes me an authority on Whole30, Paleo, losing weight, or getting fit? That’s a good question, and I hope that you question the credentials of all people who offer information about any topic you are seeking guidance on.

Here are my credentials:

• I was a US Marine (the Marine part of my name here, PaleoMarine) from 1986 to 1997.
• Upon leaving the Marines, I gained weight. A lot of weight. I reached a high of 312 lbs.
• I tried various diet plans and exercise plans to try to lose weight. They all failed.
• I cut out sodas in 2013 and lost about 10 lbs/year until 2015.
• In September 2015, I started Whole30 and broke my addiction to sugar.
• In October 2016, my wife and I began a Paleo lifestyle.
• Through Whole30 and Paleo, I have lost over 110 lbs.
• I began running in September 2016 after not running since 1997 (on active duty in the Marines).

Here are my uncredentials (I totally just made that up):

• I’m not a nutritionist.
• I’m not a doctor, nurse, PA, or medical professional.
• I’m not a personal trainer or fitness instructor.

With that said:

• What worked for me may not necessarily work for you.
• Doing exactly what I did may not give you the same results as quickly.
• I don’t have all the answers.

You can (and should) take everything I write with a grain of salt. This is all based on my observations and experiences through my own journey. I can only speak for myself and the experiences I have and have watched my wife have. As they say in car commercials, your mileage may vary.