Week 3

Well, last week wasn't so great. I was gassy, bloating, and backed up. I didn't lose one pound (I didn't gain either). Alas, this is why they tell you not to weigh yourself on Whole30, because you'll get discouraged!

I figured the bloating would only last a few days, but it actually went for a week straight! By Sunday, I decided it was time to see what other people did when this happened to them. Turns out, this is quite common and people start by taking digestive enzymes, probiotics and a magnesium supplement.

So, I tried taking those today and it has worked! The bloat is gone, as is the constipation. The verdict is still out on the gas though...

I also need to start working out my ab muscles, but I haven't had quite enough energy to work out yet :/

I did find bones and made broth! But it wasn't good.... so second time the charm maybe?

Also, I finally got my hands on a SCOBY, which means a fresh batch of homemade kombucha is in my future! Gotta get the right container first though. And organic cane sugar juice!

Day 9

This marks the first day since I've been on Whole30 that I haven't dropped a pound.

I've found when I eat more throughout the day, I lose more weight. This past weekend, I didn't eat much because I didn't prepare enough to eat for a weekend away from the comforts of my Whole30 friendly kitchen.

That aside, I've been around a lot of temptation but I haven't been caving! I am dedicated, which makes me feel good about myself! 

While eating a lot is important and making sure you are eating enough, I am seeing the my grocery bill go up. I am facing the possibility of this being a rich people diet.

We shall see if I can find better ways to shop for the foods I love and need though.

Other than that, I'm waiting for endless energy and, let's be honest, my goal weight!

Week One

I Today is the one week Mark! I've learned a lot in this short week but still feel I have a ways to go.

This past weekend was frustrating because I was at a cabin with family. This was frustrating for a couple reasons:

1. I had to explain the change in eating habits to everyone, one on one. I was asked a million questions and a lot of people doubted the entire program. My grandpa, who is quite opinionated, said "Yeah, those diets don't usually last too long." The thing is, this isn't a diet, its a different approach to eating. This isn't to just lose weight, it's about being happy about what i put into my body. This about healing my digestive issues, and eating what gives me energy.

2. I brought food that I could eat and everyone wanted that food too. They had plenty of food that I couldn't eat. But still wanted some stuff I had. For example, I bought grass fed butter, and my step mom found it and asked if she could use some of it for the bread being served during dinner. I said yes, but it was still like... Seriously? I also roasted some broccoli because I needed some veggies to balance the meat. Everyone suddenly had a love for broccoli too. I know this sounds like I'm being petty and I probably am but you know how family just gets under your skin?

3. Being around all that food was tough. At home, I don't have those temptations. When we were at the store, my sister in laws wanted two packs of Oreos, chips, sandwiches, and macaroni salad. For breakfast, my brother arrived with 8 muffins, and two dozen donuts. There was amazing looking bread, potato casserole, s'mores, cupcakes, cookies, and candied nuts. It was so hard not to just have one taste. But, I didn't. I have goals and I have seen tremendous results in just a week. Eating those foods never made me happy or feel good, but eating Whole30 does make me feel good. Okay okay, I had some potato casserole that had sour cream and a light cheese topping!!! But, white potatoes are Whole30 approved now, so it wasn't the worst.

4. I started to get a bit judgy about the food everyone else was eating. I used to eat like that, so I know but still! It was all breads and sugars and carbs! I often notice how I tend to binge wat around my family, partly from the social aspect and partly because I get anxious around big groups, even if I know everyone. I have always dealt with that by eating, and this weekend really highlighted that escape route that i have now closed off.


That aside, I am happy about how my body is looking! I do weight myself, so there is another cheat (!!!)... I started at 210.6 and am now 203.9! That feels really great after doing weight watchers since May and not shedding one pound. The thing about Weight Watchers is that it doesn't kick your sugar addiction! Which was always my downfall. At work, the vending machine has peanut M&Ms for .50! It's evil and I could eat a bag and still be within my daily point system. Paleo just works for me in a way that other eating approaches don't.

I haven't experienced the energy level boost, that is for sure. As I sit here and type this at 6 pm, I'm mentally listing activities to keep me awake until a reasonable bed time.

Day Two

Full confession: I weighed myself! I've read other people weighing themselves throughout and that somehow gave me permission to do it. Anyway, even if it was nothing but water weight that I dropped, it still is the perfect motivator to keep on keeping on.

As far as eating, the first day could have been planned better. At least for lunch.

Day 1:

Breakfast: Bacon wrapped egg bakes with spinach

Lunch: crock pot chicken and broccoli

Dinner: pumpkin pancakes 

Today:

Breakfast: bacon wrapped egg bakes with spinach (I made 6 and they reheat perfectly)

Lunch: Crock pot pork rump roast (easiest thing to do ever!)

Dinner: TBD

So far, I feel so much better today. Yesterday was rough! I started taking Cod Liver oil today and I'm hoping that will make a difference too. 

My digestion is way better, I've had IBS issues for years and this is the first time in a long time it's gotten better without a supplement like probiotics or dandelion tea (just to name a few). It's still weird in ways I won't elaborate on though.

I will say that if you are a busy person, a crock pot is the best thing out there. You can make delicious whole30 meals for the next few days with a 30 min prep time! 

My next challenge is to make bone broth! Finding bones has been difficult though, as has finding a butcher. The hunt continues!

Day Zero

This blog isn't for anyone but myself.

I am embarking on a new phase in my life. One I am excited about and have prepared for: Whole 30. There are thousands of blogs on Paleo and Whole 30 living, and I am not here to compete or reinvent the wheel. I simply want to journal  my experience. 

Tomorrow is day one. I've prepped my breakfast and lunch. I have plenty of food to make everyday this week and excellent recipes to fall back on.

I've decided to do Paleo for a variety of reasons, my weight being the biggest motivator. The second being that I have been quite unhappy lately. 

I get out of bed and I ache. Im sluggish. I have brain fog. I have anxiety. I'm dissatisfied with my life right now. 

I am a 100% healthy 29 year old who has the best dang boyfriend anyone could ask for. I'm freshly graduated, working full time and am totally in love with not being a student (that is; I make money instead of borrowing it). I have a lot going for me. But I still feel stalled.

This diet is the first change towards getting unstuck. 

I started this path with doing just Paleo. Which means I ate butter and goat cheese :) I decided to ease in Whole 30 because my addiction to sweets was out of control. I was honestly afraid I wouldnt be able to stick out Whole 30 while starving out the sugar cravings. I've tried in the past, but I get anxious and nauseous. It's awful.

So, I need to work out the sugar cravings while also learning how to cook Paleo.

The best remedy for sugar cravings is Paleo but not Whole 30, so in an effort to really prep myself for success, I went Paleo first and made Butter Buttons to curb chocolate and sugar cravings. 

Butter Buttons sound kinda gross but ultimately, just one or two holds me over for the entire day. I get over the sugar addiction in a day! So, now that I have kicked the allure of sugar from my body, I feel ready to take on Whole 30! 

Puke and Rally Flow Chart

Here is some fun I whipped up; inspired by a random conversation that came about on 4th of July weekend with my mild to moderately amusing family.

Enjoy . . .