On Monday, September 14th, I began my Whole30 journey.
For those of you who are unclear on what this is, the most simplest way to describe it, is a nutritional reset that allows you to learn how different foods are affecting your body.
This means for these 30 days, sugar, alcohol, dairy, grains, and legumes are to be avoided.
I.KNOW.
Whole30 is something that I have had a huge desire to take on for YEARS…
Yes, YEARS!
But to be honest, it scared me.
It felt restrictive, and with a busy schedule and family to feed, I had no idea how I’d conquer it.
Well, I am here to tell you, it IS possible, and it’s already been impactful for not just me, but my entire family.
There are five phases in Whole30, and today is the final day of “Adaptation”.
Adaptation occurs on Days 1-7, and this phase can be challenging because your body is adapting to not having all those sugars, preservatives, additives, and more!
This really can affect your hormones, and have you feeling a variety of symptoms; bloated, lethargic, irritable, headachy, foggy, & digestive issues.
Am I convincing you yet?! 😉
Simultaneously, this week also introduces you to improvements in things like joint pain, swelling, anxiety, and cravings.
Now, I am SHOCKED to report – I have not had many challenging symptoms!
On Day 4, I felt pretty dizzy and tired…
Day 6, I had a lingering headache, and I have had some bloating, lethargy, and digestive stuff as my body adjusts… but they’re no game-stoppers, and it’s all been very manageable.
The BEST part of this phase for me personally…
Has been the lack of cravings.
Loves…
I am that girl who LIVES for her sugar.
I love sugary coffee cream, baked goods, chocolate, and cocktails!
To be able to whole-heartedly tell you that on Day 3, I had ZERO cravings…
And haven’t since…
Now THAT is worth EVERY SECOND of challenging symptoms.
Now… let’s talk about three amazing realizations and observations I’ve learned this week…
Food prep, family impact, and ingredients.
I underestimated the amount of preparedness required, and I have no idea why… because I literally began my coaching journey, coaching people on nutrition and movement.
I guess it’s been a minute. 😉
I have learned that having the Whole30 ingredients in your fridge is not at all the same as having them ready to eat! ;)…
I spent one hour preparing my lunch the first couple of days, and that is just not realistic.
I’m learning to make extras for everything.
Leftovers have been a savior for me this week, especially when on the road or in a time crunch.
I’m also learning I don’t need to buy ALL the Whole30 options… :)…
Having a couple options for each meal/snack is plenty, AND… less overwhelming.
Now, when it comes to my family… :)…
Ya know how when you are making a change, it tends to be contagious?
And ya know how I mentioned I was worried how this would affect my family!?
Well, the effects have been grand.
For several days, my kids have REQUESTED the meals I am eating…
AND… every day…
They all LOVED the dinner.
Now, they are still enjoying their actual, non-bib lettuce tortillas ;), however…
It warms my mama heart and makes me feel SO good…
Knowing they’re filling their bodies with MOSTLY quality foods/ingredients.
I will admit, I am that mom who always purchases packaged snacks because they’re requested, desired, and easy…
But man, I also know they’re not the best.
I prepped my girls snack boxes the other day with fruit, hummus, apples, etc…
While I anticipated hems and haws and a whole lot of…
“Where’s the Takis?!”…
They were ACTUALLY beaming and asked if I could do it more often.
In addition…
Man oh man…
What an eye-opener it has been to fully pay attention to nutrition labels again!
Even the “good stuff”, You Guys!
SO MUCH ADDED SUGAR, preservatives, and additives.
And I don’t say this as a judgement…
I say this because as someone who has been feeling off for a while now…
Reviewing these labels is a very clear and immediate answer as to why.
As a lover of learning…
I LOVE the knowledge I’m acquiring.
I love the impact this is making on my mind and body.
I love the passion that is returning to me as a coach.
I love that my family is benefiting from good, healthy eats.
And I love feeling less anxious, alert, and inspired.
I will continue to share my journey on social media and will update via blog post on the following phases; Adoption (Days 8-14), Smooth Sailing (Days 15-21), Home Stretch (Days 22-30), and Reintroduction (Days 31-46).
Thanks to all of you following along on this journey and cheering me on!…
Accountability is key when it comes down to stuff like this!
All of you, are keeping me accountable… and for that, I am grateful!