There are many, many, many reasons to stay fit and most of them are obvious. For me, the reasons are simple:

I'm addicted to Nutella (just with a spoon, the low-fat way I tell myself); I barely get any exercise, (even the subway is across the street from my place) and I can't cook (scrambled eggs don't count.)

I not only need to change my fitness regime, I need to change my lifestyle.

There are times when I find myself eating out three meals a day for days on end. Sure, it's an enjoyable, mess-free life (no dishes!) but not only am I going broke, I am finding it hard to feel good about myself. And that is not something I am willing to live with.

I first heard about the Paleo concept from my doctor. For as long as I can remember, he's been telling me about his decision to eliminate dairy and other processed foods from his life. Last time I saw him, he sat me down and showed me an article from Harvard University that supported his theories.

I nodded, all the while thinking to myself he was crazy. I eat cereal for dinner and milkshakes for breakfast.

But after my boyfriend's brother and his girlfriend – both fitness coaches and personal trainers – sat us down and taught us about healthy, balanced eating, I decided it was worth a try.

They both subscribe to the Paleo (as in Paleolithic) diet, a grain-free way of eating that mimics the way our ancestors ate before food was processed to death. That means a diet rich with lean meats, seafood, veggies, fruits and nuts. Soy-free, almond milk instead of milkshakes. Almond flour instead white flour. Flax-meal crackers instead of bagels. Spices instead of ketchup. And fruit instead of chocolate.

Oh. Em. Gee. Not only am I going to have to learn how to eat healthy, I am also going to have to learn how to cook because I'm pretty sure my favourite restaurant doesn't have flax meal on the menu.

I don't know how I feel about this Paleo philosophy just yet but I'm willing to try to see just how it will make me feel better.

Just thinking about it now makes my confidence waver a bit. But then I remind myself that I've already thrown out the Nutella and, like every new challenge, things always happen one small bite at a time.