The “Can I do this? I think…maybe…I can!” Edition
When I announced on Facebook, perhaps presumptuously, that I was beginning the Whole30 plan, some of my friends expressed strong negative opinions. I don’t blame them, really. It seems counter-intuitive to not eat whole grains for a month, let alone forgo my beloved dairy.
[For what it’s worth, I’ve been cheating by adding heavy cream to my coffee. I feel guilty but not enough to stop.]
One friend, though, put it most succinctly: “It’s only one month. I will do it with you.”
Hi, friend! Being accountable to you has made this journey fun!
And then there’s this whole “feeling really good” thing. I mean, I feel good–really good. The bloated feeling is gone and the energy is back. The mental fuzzies are gone as is the depression, and my libido? Hello! How I’ve missed you, libido! (Clearly the timing on that one was perfect. ; )
Best of all, and this is a BIG one for me, temperance is sl….ow….ly becoming a habit. I have served Kettle potato chips without eating a one; we’ve had movie nights where I did not gnosh; and (perhaps the biggest test of all), I made a French Silk pie and didn’t cry as I served it.
[There will be other French Silk pies, believe me. I’m thinking I’ll have some on Day 31.]
[Along with a moderate serving of pasta.]
[And perhaps a glass of chocolate wine.]
So that’s how it’s going. I’m on Day 19.
It’s been fun! I feel grateful. I made a deal and I’ve kept it.
Very proud of you! I've done close to a year on that diet (for Felicity) and felt great! Luckily for me, I can feel almost as awesome with just cutting gluten out, so that's what I do although I am much more aware of the food I eat.
Yay for hubby's being home! I know how good that feels!!!!
Way to go, Margaret!
Good for you!
Coconut cream is a close second to cream…. Is that allowed?
On the natural aisles or coop store….
Yes! I bought several cans at Trader Joe's and used it in my coffee for the first two weeks.
Sounds like awesome results. I would love to know some of your daily menus/snacks and if it has been expensive to follow.
It has been slightly more expensive but I think it's worth it, don't you? As far as my daily menu goes, I have leaned heavily on Melissa Joulwan's Blog The Clothes make the Girl. She's awesome!
I also HIGHLY recommend their daily newsletter. It costs $14.95 but has been an invaluable resource and source of encouragement.
Wow, that is great Margaret! How do you feel without those extras? I too would love to know your snacks in particular. I am considering proposing this diet for my husband and I. He has such a sweet tooth though so I am not certain we can make it. 🙂
So glad that your hubby made it home!
Well, strictly speaking they don't want you snacking, because your meals are supposed to fill you up. *I* snack, though, on mostly fruit or a handful of nuts. I've never had too much of a sweet tooth, (salty/crunchy's *my* weakness) but when it got overpowering, I would have a nice crunchy apple or a couple of Medjool dates. The cravings eventually go away!
I think it's great that you've had success. I know you said, "It's only a month." I think most of your friends who were concerned were thinking, "But what happens after the month is over?"
One day at a time, Charlotte! One day at a time. : )
See, I felt soooo much better too on my Paleo + Beans diet earlier this year. I lost 20 pounds, had mental clarity in the mornings, and felt less achy all the time. I did, however, have to reduce nuts due to omega 6. Made my bones ache.
But it is so difficult to keep up as a permanent lifestyle. These days I am aiming to keep grains to once a day, I have dairy again, but am up 5 lbs and feeling achy. I have to find a balance until things calm down and I can get in the kitchen again.
I do have a Trim Healthy Mama book on the way and hear great things about it.
But good for you – it feels good to feel good, does it not? Especially for us in the over 40 club?
I've heard good things about THM too, except you can't have bananas and that would make me sad.
I was going to look up THM but no bananas? forget that!
I'm so proud of you, Margaret, for making it to day 19 on your 30 day cleanse! It's so amazing how our bodies react when we return to whole foods and give up processed foods. You've inspired me to just into #HLR and I'm now on day three. I am amazed that this avid coffee drinker (me) doesn't have any cravings for coffee. I've never found that possible in the past. Thanks for the inspiration to get me going!
Congratulations! I'm so glad you are feeling better.
I'm late coming to this, so you are even closer to your end date! Yahoo! Way to go!
Love the one day at a time attitude!