In case you missed it, I started the Whole 30 diet one week ago today. I’ve been sharing some little updates and food pics on social media, but I wanted to also share on my blog some updates of this process. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Whole30 diet, let me give you a rundown. This is a 30-day elimination program of sorts (though there are other lengths of time as well, like Whole 90) consisting of a paleo-like list of compliant foods. In fact, it is even more strict than paleo, so I’ve seen it called paleo’s paleo. The no-no food list is a long one, but the main groups that aren’t allowed are dairy, grains, sugar, legumes, soy, alcohol, and MSG. The goal is to eat only whole foods for 30 days and to not take any body measurements throughout the whole program.
Whew. Just thinking about it gives me a little anxiety.
This program is challenging. It is definitely outside of my wheelhouse but I knew I needed to make a change, so I am committed to making it through the whole month and with as much positivity as possible.
Why I am Doing Whole 30
The answer to this is threefold.
- I am aware that I have some food intolerances that have been causing me problems for, honestly, a few years. I want to eliminate any foods that could be causing unnecessary inflammation in my body. I’m hoping that as I reintroduce foods slowly, I will gain a better understanding of which foods are negatively affecting me.
- I need a kick-start to a healthier lifestyle. I’ve been on autopilot since our wedding in August of last year and I needed something to help me regain the motivation to live a healthier life. I’m hoping this month will teach me a lot about healthy options and eating with the goal of energizing myself instead of entertaining myself out of boredom.
- I need a way of taking control back. I feel the need to prove to myself that I can do hard things. I need to show myself that I have the willpower to resist things that I have let control me for too long.
What I am Eating
Breakfast: This is where I struggle the most, honestly. I’m not much of a breakfast person and I struggle to make myself eat earlier in the day. I have been eating a little at a time, mostly fruit leather, bacon, and/or part of a smoothie. I am most picky about foods that are normally eaten at breakfast, so I’ve had to alter my specific Whole 30 plan a little. The rules allow but do not encourage no-sugar-added smoothies and juices, but this is the only way I regularly get fruit into my diet.
Lunch: I have been making lots of salads, which I love. My most common meal of the week was a turkey burger over lettuce with a compliant salad dressing. I have also made some potato wedges in the oven with organic ketchup, which was very filling and surprisingly good.
Dinner: John and I have been grilling a lot. So far we have made burgers (only allowed for me with a lettuce bun or on a salad), pork chops, and grilled chicken. I have either roasted veggies in the oven or grilled them in a special grill rack.
Drinks: La Croix has become a favorite of mine! I love the curate drinks the most. A friend introduced me to coconut La Croix mixed with 100% pineapple juice and it is a good treat. Smoothie drinks occasionally. Unsweet teas.
Eating out: There are really few options for eating out safely. The two decent options I’ve found are from Chipotle and Zoe’s Kitchen. At Chipotle I get a salad with double carnitas and mild salsa. At Zoe’s Kitchen I actually really like the Mediterranean Chicken with a greek salad (no feta or pitas) and grilled potato salad.
Snacks: While snacks are discouraged, I haven’t found myself even wanting them too much. When I do need a little something, fruit leather has been my go to. I plan on making a compliant hummus this week that I can eat with veggie slices.
Week 1 Update
Days 1-2: Very low energy. No appetite. Struggled to eat enough. Mild headaches throughout the entire day.
Days 3-5: Pretty decent. Spells of low energy, but overall felt ok. Few to no headaches. Appetite was still suppressed. A minor breakout that was unexplained by other potential causes. Hormones a little wonky.
Days 6-7: ROUGH. The cravings came out of nowhere. Emotions at an all-time high. Anger at the people who created this program. Appetite is back, which almost makes everything worse.
These are my main updates for week 1! I am staying hopeful that things will continue to get better and that my energy would only continue to increase. I will update you all once a week and I can’t wait to get to day 30 so we can see if there were any significant weight differences. I’m trusting that the mental difference will be just as beneficial.
Have a wonderful week, my friends!
