My Whole30 Journey
I started my Whole30 on October 1st,
and I am DETERMINED to follow it to the letter for the entire 30 days and make
REAL changes. I am closer to 300 lbs
(295!) than I have ever been in my life and I feel truly terrible…aching
joints, the tendinitis is in a major flare-up, my mobility is compromised in a
huge way…even tying my own shoes is a major effort, not to mention taking care
of my personal hygiene. I meant to start
journaling yesterday on day 1, but since I did not, I’ll start my journal with
Day 2.
October 2 – DAY 2
I had a good first day yesterday, and intend to have just as good of a day today. I did have some major diarrhea; I think because of the 2000mg of metformin that I took in the morning I definitely won’t be taking that again. I made a big pot of stew in the Instant Pot that is 100% compliant and will be eating on that for a few days.
I had a good first day yesterday, and intend to have just as good of a day today. I did have some major diarrhea; I think because of the 2000mg of metformin that I took in the morning I definitely won’t be taking that again. I made a big pot of stew in the Instant Pot that is 100% compliant and will be eating on that for a few days.
October 8 – DAY 8
I certainly haven’t been keeping a log of this journey like I had hoped to. If I could just discipline myself to take 30 minutes out of each day to write down my thoughts, I would be SO proud of myself. Same thing I’ve been thinking/saying for over 40 years. HAHA Anyway, I made it through the first week. It was pretty rough, especially day 3 and 4. I probably could have gone to work, but I would have been miserable there for sure, so I just took Days 3-5 off work and pretty much stayed in bed most of the time. Very self-indulgent, but I thought that I deserved it, since I’m staying on this way of eating so faithfully. No sugar, no grains, no dairy (!), no alcohol. But I’m eating good – and I’m starting to feel better by the day. I am not getting on the scale…Whole30 really emphasizes not to do that, so I will not. I do go to the doctor on the 18th, and of course, she’ll weigh me, but I will close my eyes and tell her not to tell me. I don’t want to know. I want to be more in touch with how I am feeling than what the numbers on the scale say.
I certainly haven’t been keeping a log of this journey like I had hoped to. If I could just discipline myself to take 30 minutes out of each day to write down my thoughts, I would be SO proud of myself. Same thing I’ve been thinking/saying for over 40 years. HAHA Anyway, I made it through the first week. It was pretty rough, especially day 3 and 4. I probably could have gone to work, but I would have been miserable there for sure, so I just took Days 3-5 off work and pretty much stayed in bed most of the time. Very self-indulgent, but I thought that I deserved it, since I’m staying on this way of eating so faithfully. No sugar, no grains, no dairy (!), no alcohol. But I’m eating good – and I’m starting to feel better by the day. I am not getting on the scale…Whole30 really emphasizes not to do that, so I will not. I do go to the doctor on the 18th, and of course, she’ll weigh me, but I will close my eyes and tell her not to tell me. I don’t want to know. I want to be more in touch with how I am feeling than what the numbers on the scale say.
Here are some of the things I’ve made in
the last week, all 100% Whole30 compliant.
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| Chicken Salad - this is now a staple! Chicken breast, apple, celery, grapes, homemade mayonnaise, basil, served over a bed of citrus lemony greens. SO DARN GOOD! |
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Egg Soufflés: I fried up
some mushrooms and onions in ghee, steamed and chopped a
little spinach, chopped up some broccoli and roasted red pepper, and beat 6 eggs
together. Then I layered the vegetables and poured the egg on top.
Baked in my confection oven at 375 for about 30 min.
little spinach, chopped up some broccoli and roasted red pepper, and beat 6 eggs
together. Then I layered the vegetables and poured the egg on top.
Baked in my confection oven at 375 for about 30 min.
October 9 – DAY 9
I've spent about five decades at war with my body, with my short legs and stocky frame and junk food cravings and emotional eating. In comparison, giving up grains and dairy is easy. And in return, I’ll forge a partnership with my body that uses good food as fuel. (Borrowed and adapted from Melissa Joulwan, the author of "Well Fed".)
I've spent about five decades at war with my body, with my short legs and stocky frame and junk food cravings and emotional eating. In comparison, giving up grains and dairy is easy. And in return, I’ll forge a partnership with my body that uses good food as fuel. (Borrowed and adapted from Melissa Joulwan, the author of "Well Fed".)
October 11 – DAY 11
Packed my food for the day since I'm going to be on the road till probably 11 tonight. I have vegetable chicken curry over spinach (2 meals worth), breakfast egg soufflé, hard boiled egg, tomato, cucumber, carrots, cauliflower hummus, melon and grapes. And some macadamia nuts in the car. I shouldn't starve! #Whole30
Packed my food for the day since I'm going to be on the road till probably 11 tonight. I have vegetable chicken curry over spinach (2 meals worth), breakfast egg soufflé, hard boiled egg, tomato, cucumber, carrots, cauliflower hummus, melon and grapes. And some macadamia nuts in the car. I shouldn't starve! #Whole30
October 12 – DAY 12
Today's Day 12 of #Whole30 reset. I think the whole key to this is prepping. This weekend I'll make some clarified butter, mayonnaise and ketchup. Prepping lots of vegetables and proteins so meal prep and packing lunches are no-brainers. I will be out of town 3 nights total next week so prepping and planning ahead is going to be especially important. I've got this!
Today's Day 12 of #Whole30 reset. I think the whole key to this is prepping. This weekend I'll make some clarified butter, mayonnaise and ketchup. Prepping lots of vegetables and proteins so meal prep and packing lunches are no-brainers. I will be out of town 3 nights total next week so prepping and planning ahead is going to be especially important. I've got this!
October 18 – DAY 18
We're making these for me to take on the road with me! YUMMM! (Yep, heading to Spokane tomorrow for 2 nights.)
Chili Lime Chicken
Wings are grilled crispy and totally Whole30!
October 19
– DAY 19
Today is Day 19 of my #Whole30 ! I went to the doc yesterday, and when she weighed me, I told her I don't want to know anything except if I'm on the right track. I told her my starting weight on October 1st, and she said that I am indeed on the right track! She is gorgeous, fit, compassionate and empathetic; she follows the primal way of eating 90/10 AND works out with kettlebells...so having her in my corner is such a blessing. WhoooHooooo! This morning I'm leaving for another trip...three days and two nights away. I'm taking my food with me, including beef stew, chicken salad, Chili Lime Chicken Wings, and assorted vegetables, nuts and fruits. I have GOT this! I'm starting to consider perhaps making this a #Whole60!
Today is Day 19 of my #Whole30 ! I went to the doc yesterday, and when she weighed me, I told her I don't want to know anything except if I'm on the right track. I told her my starting weight on October 1st, and she said that I am indeed on the right track! She is gorgeous, fit, compassionate and empathetic; she follows the primal way of eating 90/10 AND works out with kettlebells...so having her in my corner is such a blessing. WhoooHooooo! This morning I'm leaving for another trip...three days and two nights away. I'm taking my food with me, including beef stew, chicken salad, Chili Lime Chicken Wings, and assorted vegetables, nuts and fruits. I have GOT this! I'm starting to consider perhaps making this a #Whole60!
:)
October 21
– DAY 21
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| Brunch for the drive home from Spokane |
October 25 – DAY 25
I was whipping up a batch of mayonnaise and my stick blender broke! It was a cheap one (Toastmaster), but I've only used it a handful of times! I bought it far too long ago to try to send it back, SO I bought a new one...a KitchenAid with some COOL attachments and a GREAT warranty! Wheeeeee!!! Can't wait to get it! Happy Birthday to me a little bit early! LOL
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!
Chicken, green beans, pecans, cilantro, mint, basil and mayo. #Whole30 yummy!
October 26
– DAY 26
Breakfast Day 26: pork tenderloin, tomato, cucumber, egg, strawberries, blueberries. I LOVE eating #Whole30! Thinking of making it a #Whole60 !
Breakfast Day 26: pork tenderloin, tomato, cucumber, egg, strawberries, blueberries. I LOVE eating #Whole30! Thinking of making it a #Whole60 !
October 28 – DAY 28
Lunch, and my new cookbook that just arrived yesterday and is amazing! Will be using it lots this weekend! #Whole30 #WellFed
October
29 – DAY 29
Today is Day 29 of my Whole30. I feel so good that I'm thinking about making it a Whole45! The hardest thing to give up has been sour cream, cheese and alcohol, but I also haven't had any IBS symptoms since Day 5, and I used to have those on a nearly DAILY basis. So reintroducing the foods I've not had for the past 29 days makes me a little nervous...is it gluten? Dairy? ALCOHOL? (*GASP*)
;)
I've had a few go-to dishes, with enough variety that I haven't gotten bored,but I need to increase my repertoire. I just got the brand new Well-Fed Weeknights book by Melissa Joulan. It's a cookbook of complete Paleo meals in 45 minutes or less. Most, if not all of the recipes are also Whole30 compliant. I freaking LOVE this book! I've just recently gotten her other 2 books as well, but this one is the BEST! She gives you directions on exactly what to prep ahead of time (an hour or two on the weekend), then you can throw together an amazing meal in less than 45 minutes...and she gives you step-by-step directions. I think this book is going to be the most-used one I have.
Today is Day 29 of my Whole30. I feel so good that I'm thinking about making it a Whole45! The hardest thing to give up has been sour cream, cheese and alcohol, but I also haven't had any IBS symptoms since Day 5, and I used to have those on a nearly DAILY basis. So reintroducing the foods I've not had for the past 29 days makes me a little nervous...is it gluten? Dairy? ALCOHOL? (*GASP*)
;)I've had a few go-to dishes, with enough variety that I haven't gotten bored,but I need to increase my repertoire. I just got the brand new Well-Fed Weeknights book by Melissa Joulan. It's a cookbook of complete Paleo meals in 45 minutes or less. Most, if not all of the recipes are also Whole30 compliant. I freaking LOVE this book! I've just recently gotten her other 2 books as well, but this one is the BEST! She gives you directions on exactly what to prep ahead of time (an hour or two on the weekend), then you can throw together an amazing meal in less than 45 minutes...and she gives you step-by-step directions. I think this book is going to be the most-used one I have.
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October 30 – DAY 30
DONE! Dinner: baked sweet potato, beef & broccoli sesame stir fry, English cucumber and bell pepper
October 31 – Day 31
So, I’ve completed the Whole30. Textbook perfect, other than the
couple of Quest Bars that I indulged in. All semantics, Quest bars are “clean” and
acceptable to the Primal way of eating, I just need to be careful with them! It’s
too easy to keep them in my nightstand and have one as a bedtime snack, even if
I’m not hungry. And the Paleo Granola.
I’m not buying that stuff again. WAY too easy to sit and eat the whole
damn bag, which is more like 6 servings.
I’ve found some Sweet Potato chips that I enjoy as well, and I can also
see them becoming an issue if I don’t watch myself.
Anyway, I feel great, I'm really enjoying the food I eat and I’m down about 20 lbs! I enjoy not constantly wanting chips, pastries, candy, pasta, etc. I've learned that the MOST important key to success is to plan ahead! Pamm at work did the Whole30 with me, and she hated every minute but she didn't plan ahead at all. One day (on a weekend no less!) she ate nothing but three apples! Not only does that mess with your blood sugar BIG time, but it also only supports the disordered eating patterns that I'm sure all of us here experience! I don't consider what she did anything close to resembling Whole30. And I doubt that she lost any weight either.
Anyway, I feel great, I'm really enjoying the food I eat and I’m down about 20 lbs! I enjoy not constantly wanting chips, pastries, candy, pasta, etc. I've learned that the MOST important key to success is to plan ahead! Pamm at work did the Whole30 with me, and she hated every minute but she didn't plan ahead at all. One day (on a weekend no less!) she ate nothing but three apples! Not only does that mess with your blood sugar BIG time, but it also only supports the disordered eating patterns that I'm sure all of us here experience! I don't consider what she did anything close to resembling Whole30. And I doubt that she lost any weight either.
One thing that
Pamm has illustrated perfectly is if you try to wing it on this plan, you'll
fail. Or, to quote someone much smarter
than me:
When I followed
the paleo/primal/grain-free way of eating about a year ago, I was very
successful with it until I started leaning a little too much on
"paleo-fied" junk. Quest bars, Paleo Granola, etc. Those things are
all well and good unless I start over-using them. They are meant to be
OCCASIONAL things. Plus I ate FAR too much cheese. So inevitably, I quit losing
weight, and that "I don't give a
damn" attitude started creeping back, and before I knew it I was
face-first in the toxic pit of processed foods, and within a few months I'd
gained everything back that I'd lost and THEN some. I was hurting all over again, I was gaining
at an alarming rate, my mobility was suffering…and I kept at it until I reached
an all-time highest weight. I was only a
few lbs from 300 lbs, and I felt worse physically and emotionally than I’d ever
felt before!
I've decided to extend it...maybe
I'll go for a Whole45 or Whole60. I suspect that my body is
intolerant to dairy, but I'm not ready to test the theory yet...I enjoy having
a normal and regular digestive system way too much! Soooooo....here's to Day 31
of Whole30!
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