Celebrate Southern: Whole60 Results

Okay so I am well aware that this post has nothing to do with anything southern and it may or may not fit the extremely loose guidelines we have in place for this linkup - HOWEVER!!! It’s day 61 of my Whole 60! I did it guys! I DID IT! And I have to share my Whole60 results with you. (I’m so excited I am throwing off my entire blog schedule just to get this post live. It is what it is!)

My mind // Is extremely clear. While I have TONS of things to do (with vacation this week) my mind is feeling pretty sharp these days. I will say, just like I said on almost all of the other quarterly check-ins (Day 15, Day 30, Day 45) I’ve found that my entire body, but especially my mind, is at it’s best when I’ve had A LOT of water. I’m not quite as bad as my mom about drinking water, but I struggle to drink 2+ liters of water a day. I’ve learned that I feel best with 3 liters daily.

My skin // Considering “Aunt Flo” is coming to town this week, my skin is extremely clear. There is not one single zit or blemish on my face!

My weight // I weighed in today! I didn’t lose as much as I was hoping but I did lose a decent amount! The first 30 I lost 8 pounds. For the second half of this adventure I lost 6 more. So my total weight loss in 60 days was 14 pounds. Not bad for two months. (I was secretly hoping for 20.)

My sleep // I’ve found that I can work on less sleep. I can stay up a bit later with my husband and get up early with the pup. Maybe because the sleep I’m getting is better quality??

My cravings // I think I am going to have to do a post on “cravings and struggles” one day. I can honestly tell you I am not craving anything “bad” like I have with past whole30s. I find it amazing. Yesterday (Day 60) I went to a birthday party… they were oh so thoughtful and even bought me gluten-free brownies to enjoy while everyone else was chowing down on cake. I felt horrible saying “No Thanks” to them - but it was day 60. I wasn’t done. And I really didn’t want them.

So cravings? None. Will I partake in anything today that is not-whole30? Wine. I do worry that I haven’t done this long enough because I’m still mentally pulled towards red wine. I realize that no, I’m not craving it at all. I just want it.

My struggles // Still exercising. My husband has created a workout schedule for us. While it gets overwhelming (and my anxiety flairs up quite a bit more learning new gym things) I’m enjoying this Suz+Mike time, despite the fact that my legs are always hurting or feeling like spaghetti.

My loves // This is going to sound so vain, but I love my results. Yes, I could’ve done better (by adding exercise earlier on) but my body is changing for the best. Yesterday, my grandmother (who doesn’t follow this blog or know anything about my Whole60) pulled me aside and said “Suzy, have you lost weight?”

What I’ve learned // I’ve learned that there are certain things (like wine) that I just “want.” I’m not craving it, I don’t NEED it. I just want it. While I was really hoping this would break during the 60 days, I now realize how emotionally attached I am to some foods and drinks. I’ve learned that it’s okay to be the only one at the party without cake. It’s okay to sip sparkling water at the bar. I’ve learned that my body and my health is more important than a snickers bar. I hope this helps me in the future when I think “eh, just one more bite of _____.”

Even when it comes to clean eating, I’ve learned to stop and ask myself “Why do you want this ____?” (Insert almond butter into that blank most of the time!) It sounds silly, but if I have to ponder it, then that’s what I need to do. Am I hungry? Am I bored? Am I feeling sad? Will this bite help me reach my goals?

No Scale Victories:

Results in Numbers:

Overall Weight // -14 pounds

Waist // -3.25 inches

Belly // -2.25 inches

Butt // -1.75 inches

Left Leg // -1.75 inches Right Leg // -1 inch (but now they are the same!)

Boobs // -1.75 inches

So would I do another whole30? Yes. Would I do another whole60? Probably. This whole60 was a good thing for me. With numerous Whole30’s under my belt, I think I learned more with the Whole60 than I have with the Whole30. I learned that I can do it. I learned that it’s about life in the long term mindset, not just 30 days. I’ve learned that some friends will think you’re crazy - but a few will fully support and encourage you.

Wanna learn more? Surf around my blog a bit for clean recipes and tips… but head on over to Whole30.com and check out the ins and outs of this program. It’s strict. It’s built on tough love. It’s not necessarily easy. But if you are honest with yourself and if you follow every single rule, it will change your life.

Now give me a glass of wine and a banana pancake.