My results: #noscalevictory is my take on it! I did lose 8 pounds pounds over the past 30 days - but more importantly I am feeling great, my bloating is diminishing and my clothes are fitting better. Can see the drastic difference in the my before and after pics above?
Like I’ve said - I’ve done a whole30 before. I actually spent the first three months of this year doing two whole30’s and one month as a whole30 + wine. My goal behind the first three months of 2014 was to simply lose weight. Which I did. I lost 20 pounds, quite easily, without changing my exercising habits one bit. And then I decided I wanted to try to add certain foods back into my diet… then I started to get sick again, and unfortunately, gained a lot of weight back.
After numerous doctor appointments, too many vials of blood taken, wishy-washy answers as to what’s wrong with me, and the possibility of celiacs disease looming over my head now… I am finally beginning to accept the fact that my body has several food intolerances. As much as I love ice cream and fresh bread and soy sauce, it is time for me to realize that my body just cannot handle it! My past whole30’s were excellent, but this was the first time I have honestly realized and full-heartedly accepted that it is time for me to LISTEN TO MY BODY and not my cravings.
I wasn’t convinced of this until mid-way through this whole30. I was still on board with more testing and all that. But now! Now, after 30 days of strict clean eating, I feel 1000% better. I know that this is exactly how I am supposed to be living my life.
This was a group challenge. I sent out weekly meal plans to the 45 people who committed to the #2catswhole30. Of the 45 - I think about 4 people made it the entire 30 days. Am I disappointed? Maybe a little. I was really hoping more folks would stick with it, beyond the initial withdraws and sucky times. But I need to dwell on the fact that my efforts positively affected a handful of people. One lady told me she hasn’t felt this good since BEFORE SHE BEAT CANCER. Another person was thrilled she lost 10 pounds and plans on continuing, and will be making her husband join also. My mom, who has been an extreme trooper {and has done two whole30’s with me!} she has become okay to life without cheese and bread. {Which, trust me, is huge!}
Would I have liked more people to stick with it? Of course. But several of those who “dropped out” have emailed me by saying they no longer drink soda {when they had been drinking 4-5 a day!} Another couple has told me that they have decided to make healthier choices for their lives and their marriage. So in the end, I’m happy that 45 people trusted me and my experiences, and were open minded enough to give clean eating a shot.
This whole30 has not only taught me to continue my journey and investment in my health, but it has inspired me to continue creating recipes. Despite the fact that so many people are tired of hearing me rant and rave about my paleo nonsense and whole30 ways, dare I say it has become a passion for me? My clean eating tips will probably become more prominent on this blog. Is that okay? Do y’all mind if I share them on here? Or should I venture out a bit with something separate? I need to find an even balance.
Where do I go from here? Like I said, I HAVE to continue eating this way. My body won’t have it any other way. My skin is clear! My mood is terrific! {The other day, Michael even said to me “I don’t mean for this to sound bad, but you’ve been in a much better mood lately…” HE IS SO RIGHT! And it’s glorious!} I feel more creative and more passionate about life. I now, firmly believe in the saying “You are what you eat.”
I plan on sipping a little wine this weekend, and eating a praline or two from my trip to Charleston last week {yes, I bought them 1.5 weeks out… because who goes to SC and doesn’t eat a praline?!} Other than that, and possibly buying stock in Chipotle, not much will change for me.
Thanks for partaking and encouraging me on my journey. Your support has meant the world to me. Cheers to good life choices, clean eating and a healthy future!
Do you want to learn more about the Whole30 and clean eating? You can read more about my Whole30 experiences here. You can read more about the official Whole30 program here. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me! I would love to talk to you about my experiences and how clean eating can change your life.
