Post by: swick on August 23, 2015, 02:07:33 PM
This thread is getting a little long, it's full of some awesome and totally supportive mustachians! For those that don't know, Whole 30 http://whole30.com/ (http://whole30.com/) is a 30 DAY program designed to cut out food groups you might have issues with so your body can heal, reset and you can figure out how food affect YOU.
It is basically a stricter version of Paleo. It's good place to start if you want to go that way long term (it also helps you figure out your mental and emotional relationship with food)
Want to quite sugar? It is a great plan for that too!
RESULTS: EVery mustachian so far in our group has seen some positive effects. Wieght loss, reliving of syptoms, reduction in chronic pain, higher energy levels. Everyone is diffferent, your milage will vary. BUt it's only 30 days (although many of us have kept on longer or are doing a modified version of the program to fit their needs and goals)
Hi Musiatchians!
EDIT/UPDATE: Several mustachians took up the September challenge, we have had a few join along the way. What we discovered is such a drastic change in quality of life and life style, many are sticking with it (or finding their own healthier groove) and this thread is a WEALTH of info and support. So...Wherever you are on your whole 30 journey, Starting out, or well on your way, please join us!
***
Hubs and I are going to be doing our first "Whole-30" starting Sept 8th. Why Sept 8th? We have a large family reunion the weekend before and no control over the food. Also, our 2nd Anniversary is on the 7th, so figured it would be a good, healthy way to start a new year of marriage.
So...anyone want to join us? Anyone have any specific hints/tips/recipes/experiences they would like to share?
I'm thinking my biggest challenge is making sure Hubs has enough to eat. He's not very keen on most egg preparations, mushrooms or avocados and is pretty reliant on carbs. If anyone wants to join us, that'd be awesome!
Post by: ender on August 23, 2015, 03:45:23 PM
Sweet potatoes are a great staple-ish food. We made quite a few bakes with them, which were great.
Some meals we liked:
- Baked veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, sweat potatoes, etc) with Italian sausage
- Stirfry can be great, just no rice
- crock pot - pork spare ribs, tomatoes, onion, frozen peaches, some spices. This is something I loved and we still make
I liked it, I find a lot of these meals to be better. Bulk meat is a good thing to think of.
For snacks, we kept around some nuts/raisins which I liked (Sams has good deals on these).
Post by: swick on August 23, 2015, 04:14:18 PM
My wife and I did this earlier this summer. I found it very easy to be full and not hungry but my wife was much more hungry.
Sweet potatoes are a great staple-ish food. We made quite a few bakes with them, which were great.
Some meals we liked:
- Baked veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, sweat potatoes, etc) with Italian sausage
- Stirfry can be great, just no rice
- crock pot - pork spare ribs, tomatoes, onion, frozen peaches, some spices. This is something I loved and we still make
I liked it, I find a lot of these meals to be better. Bulk meat is a good thing to think of.
For snacks, we kept around some nuts/raisins which I liked (Sams has good deals on these).
Thanks, Ender :)
The crockpot chicken with peaches sound great! We have a lamb and chicken order coming in so we should be good for meat, although some of our cured pork products have sugar in them - so we might have to get some non-cured stuff. We live in an area with lots of local organic farmers, we are very fortunate in that regard!
Hubs loves stir-fry's but most of the sauces he uses have some form of sugar or soy in them, so it is going to take a little bit of brain retraining (or just being super conscious) of it so we can find alternatives.
Post by: mom22boys on August 24, 2015, 01:55:32 PM
My biggest tip is to keep it simple. What worked for me was to make the same thing for breakfast all week, the same thing for lunch all week, and then mix it up a little for supper or on the weekends. I know some people don't want to eat the same thing over and over again, but it really works for me.
It was surprising easy the first time around, other than finding things without sugar! That was my biggest eye opener....sugar in EVERYTHING! You (We) can do it! You will not be sorry you did!
Post by: swick on August 24, 2015, 02:25:36 PM
I'm in! I did my first Whole 30 in July and LOVED it! Unfortunately I didn't do the reintroduction phase as planned (due to vacation/family visiting), and of course now I feel like crap. I may start a little earlier, just because I want to feel good again.
My biggest tip is to keep it simple. What worked for me was to make the same thing for breakfast all week, the same thing for lunch all week, and then mix it up a little for supper or on the weekends. I know some people don't want to eat the same thing over and over again, but it really works for me.
It was surprising easy the first time around, other than finding things without sugar! That was my biggest eye opener....sugar in EVERYTHING! You (We) can do it! You will not be sorry you did!
WHOOT! Looking forward to having the company! Funny you should mention the re-introduction phase. I have been reading a lot of people's blogs about doing the whole-30...but none of them really go into the re-introduction part. I'm rather curious how it will all go for us. I imagine I'll learn some things I'd rather not know!
Post by: CryingInThePool on August 24, 2015, 04:06:06 PM
Personally I find it easier to do the Whole 30 in summer. A variety of Salads and grilled vegetables = less effort/burn out for me.
I'll probably squeeze in one more before the end of the year but want to do my first Whole 90 starting in January if anybody wants to psyche themselves up for that.
Post by: swick on August 24, 2015, 04:13:07 PM
I'll be just coming off my 3rd Whole 30 at August end; I'm in a month on then off rotation at the moment so not sure I'll line up with you this year but I'll follow along with interest.
I'll probably squeeze in one more before the end of the year but want to do my first Whole 90 starting in January if anybody wants to psyche themselves up for that.
Wow, that is awesome! Any chance you can share some of your experiences? How are you feeling? Notice any improvements?
Post by: ender on August 24, 2015, 04:34:09 PM
My biggest tip is to keep it simple. What worked for me was to make the same thing for breakfast all week, the same thing for lunch all week, and then mix it up a little for supper or on the weekends. I know some people don't want to eat the same thing over and over again, but it really works for me.
Yeah this is helpful too.
For breakfasts, I was just having a tilapia filet (Aldi's has them about $5.50 for 2#) fried in a pan. Works great, and I'm still doing it since they come perfectly packaged into individual filets!
Post by: CryingInThePool on August 24, 2015, 05:20:02 PM
First off I've been gluten free for almost 5 years and I've done rounds of sugar fasting in the past so I didn't really hit the 'carb wall' or maybe feel the extremes that total newbies would. Seconding the previous poster about using sweet potatoes judicially - I usually start week one with a small one baked and cut up into a cold salad portioned for the week. +1 on batch cooking for breakfast and having the same thing all week.
First time round it was bit expensive too as I had to test and try new condiments but now Coconut Aminos & Red Boat are just staples like Ranch and Mayo used to be. I'm also much better at estimating how greens and vegetables are going to cook up/last for meal planning so less spoiled food and my Spiralizer is already a sunk cost. To be successful I think you really have to try and eat foods and spices you wouldn't normally buy. Squash and Fish got more play for me but whatever your blank spot is keep the recipes simple but ingredients expansive.
Liquids. I don't drink coffee and I had already kicked Pop a few years back. While you don't have to be caffeine free I decided to give it up too. It was a mental argument I made that this wasn't a diet it was a fast to reset my body. So I gave up the unsweetened ice tea in the morning too. Which basically means I drink only water during Whole30. That's actually something I stick with between Whole 30s now; I add back in Wine and Alcohol but still mostly drink just water.
I don't weigh myself as per their advice. The biggest changes for me are in how I feel and how my clothes fit. Don't get me wrong I've lost weight too but it's secondary to how differently my clothes fit and my body feels. It's pretty exciting when clothes that were tight on you switch to super loose and then --OMG I think this is too big for me. Feeds the virtuous circle that keeps me coming back to the Whole 30 again and again.
Post by: mom22boys on August 25, 2015, 05:53:53 AM
My go-to breakfast is coconut milk/banana smoothie - easy and full of fat/protein goodness. Normally I'll add some peanut butter but that's out under Whole-30 so I'll either go without or will substitute almond butter if allowed.
I'm not trying to be a rule-nazi....but I know the program recommends to not do smoothies/protein shakes. The reason is because it's becoming a trigger food for people. But, I'll leave it up to you to do your reading and see what you think.
I'm in the same boat with the carb-binge. Gotta get clear again! I'm going to start on Sept. 1 too.
Post by: IndyPendent on August 25, 2015, 06:09:13 AM
1) Whomever mentioned the impossibility of finding most foods without sugar is spot on
2) Don't try to go whole 30 and give up a raging caffeine addiction together. Pick one.
3) Do expect to see all the stages of resetting they discuss. Examples are fatigue and "kill all the things"
4) Do NOT kid yourself and sneak just one thing--your body is not fooled and you will set your progress back.
5) Do experiment with new foods, or you will hate eggs by the end.
6) Do expect your grocery budget to go haywire, especially if you are used to staples like rice, beans, white bread, etc. There are ways to reduce the bill to MMM levels but it takes a while to figure it out.
My wife has a bunch of recipes she's assembled or created as we do whole 30ish eating most of the time anyway, except for wine occasionally. If anyone wants them I'll collect them in a pdf and share them on Google drive.
Post by: swick on August 25, 2015, 10:38:50 AM
I don't know what I am going to do on the caffeine front. I know I should quit and have several times over the years (you'd think after spending 3 days on the floor each time, I'd get the hint that year those are classic withdrawal symptoms)
I blame my love of good coffee on being Danish and working in and then managing an independent coffee shop starting when I was 16. 4 shot affogato for breakfast? sure seems like a good idea! (sarcasm)
So going to switch to tea for the whole 30, maybe splurge on some matcha. I don't like black coffee unless it is super high quality (Gosh I sound like a snob) so going to spend the money instead on some better food ingredients. But a splash of steamed milk in a french press is just lovely. I have been trying some of those "Paleo" cream substitutes ...blech!
Wow I got side tracked! IndyPendent - if you and your wife would be willing to share a google Doc of tried and tested recipes, that would be amazing!
RE: starting earlier in September, that is awesome! I can learn from all of you :)
Hubby also has the week of the 8th off, that is another reason I chose the date it will allow us to have a week of adjusting and cooking together and trying to sort out breakfasts and lunches and such before we have to worry about feeding him at work. He usually gets dinner leftovers. At least his lunchmates won't tease him during the whole 30 about never having "MEAT" in his lunch kit. He usually does, but we tend to use meat more as a flavor accent, so should be interesting.
To add to the challenge, we are trying really hard not to eat any food made in China and support local as much as we can. This will probably make our grocery budget higher, we tend to eat a lot of beans and lentils and supplement with higher quality meat.
Has anyone made their own Ghee?
Post by: rugorak on August 25, 2015, 01:41:48 PM
My GF was much better off than I was. I was cranky and hungry a lot. She was hungry a lot too but felt a lot better. We both lost some weight. She had/has more to lose so maybe that makes a difference. We've both been paleo/keto/low carb/whatever you want to call it for a while so it wasn't a huge thing for either of us. Just the little things. Lack of cheese for her and lack of a little honey in my green tea for me. Besides the taste since I started having some local honey in my tea my seasonal pollen allergies have been so much better. I used to have to take antihistamines at least once a week from May until October but since only once or twice a year.
On the plus side we are planning on reducing our sweeteners and paleo treats to much lower levels than prior to this. I think that is the biggest thing to get out of it. Find out what your "bad" foods are and make adjustments for you. We are still easing back into things but just a few tiny things are making us both feel much better.
Post by: mom22boys on August 25, 2015, 03:44:08 PM
My GF and I just are getting off it. She made ghee aka clarified butter. Basically just put in in a pan over a low heat and strain it if I remember correctly. Be careful not to do it too much or it will brown some. She actually likes it that way. I didn't.
I learned from doing the Whole30 that there is a difference between clarified butter and ghee. Clarified button is if you do NOT let it brown. If you let it brown, then it's called ghee, and has more of a nutty flavor. I made clarified butter the first time around (still have some in my fridge) and I used it mainly for frying eggs. I didn't think there was much flavor to clarified butter, since you're supposed to make it with unsalted butter. Boooo! I found the salt made a big difference in the flavor. I might have to try ghee next time and see if there is more flavor.
Post by: sugarsnap on August 26, 2015, 08:38:59 PM
My digestion is better and it's really great to feel full for hours and not need to snack. It was hard for me to get used to eating lots of fats and meats and I still haven't found a great breakfast besides eggs even though I'm not a big fan of eggs.
I didn't try many whole30 recipes, I just kept to the basics. Palm size portion of meat, a bunch of veggies and some fats. I had a lot of chicken salads with avocado and homemade basaltic dressing.
I'll be keeping to the whole30 for another few months but I will have some wine and a few squares of dark chocolate occasionally as well as muffins made from whole30 ingredients.
I haven't tried adding in gluten again and I'm a little afraid to do so! I don't plan on eating dairy. I'll probably get a little more lax about trace sugar in foods but continue to avoid it where I can. I guess I'll try out soy at some point.
I didn't find it hard to find stuff to eat at all. I had chipotle once which was slightly off plan because of the wrong type of oil. I also reverted to regular paleo (had some rice and honey, and a small bit of jerkey with soy) on a grueling multi day backpacking trip but otherwise was easily able to comply 100%.
Good luck! I find I'm feeding my whole family better now. My husband lost 10 lbs just by eating the food I cooked for dinner but not going paleo or whole30. Men!
Post by: mom22boys on August 31, 2015, 08:51:15 PM
Breakfast is scrambled eggs with fresh salsa, fruit
Lunch is lettuce, tomatoes and tuna. Nothing fancy.
Supper is salmon with veggies, maybe green beans and potatoes
Post by: Naomi on September 01, 2015, 04:46:16 AM
I bought some meat and vegetables last night to start with and want to keep track of how much $ I spend. I'm not going to try to figure out the cost of stuff that I already have though.
chicken - $15.55 (2.36 lbs)
beef - $ 17.68 (2 lbs)
green beans - $5.99 (2 lbs)
baby spinach - $4.49 (1 lb)
eggs - $3.55 (16). I buy eggs from a guy w/ backyard chickens - 18 for $4, but my husband ate 2.
I guess this is a start. I have some watermelon, 1 grapefruit and some strawberries in the freezer and that's about all the food I have in the house right now anyway. I'm going to need some more vegetables.
breakfast - eggs w/ spinach and watermelon
lunch - chicken and green beans
dinner - idk
I work 12.5 hr night shifts and sometimes only eat twice a day so may just do that instead of trying to plan 3 meals/day.
Post by: eyePod on September 01, 2015, 08:44:43 AM
In the end though, we had a great routine after 2 weeks and had a blast with the rest of it.
On the whole, I've taken some of my lessons. I don't drink milk anymore (didn't realize how bad it was making my bathroom time) and I drink my coffee black. I eat more veggies, although it's definitely not enough.
I lost 10 lbs when I did it even though I ate non-stop. I was also at my most fit and playing lots of volleyball and doing crossfit 3x per week so that's not very surprising.
Post by: FausseBourgeoise on September 01, 2015, 08:50:39 AM
The main reason I wanted to do the W30 is because I tend to get bingey on sugar. I am the sort of person who can flip a switch in my head and just cut something out entirely if it is forbidden, so this worked very well for me.
That said, I went on vacation and started up eating a bunch of non W30 stuff again and started to gain weight back. I kind of want to do it again but I think I will just force my cooking to trend W30.
Non-scale victories? Yes definitely energy, better, faster, stronger workouts. Clearer skin. Moods evened out after a few days.
The timeline they describe was fairly accurate. I needed naps at times, I found 'tiger blood' at a certain point as well.
I ate a LOT of eggs and used a lot of coconut milk. I also did trays of chicken thighs with salt, pepper and paprika. Those were my go-to items. I did go and buy some alternative flours and coconut aminos that were on sale -- didn't use the flours much and did enjoy the coconut aminos as a soy sauce substitute. After the program there's a much cheaper replica recipe that uses trace amounts of sugar I've been meaning to try.
At times I absolutely had to eat more than 3 meals a day. Do not worry about eating too much food. I did up sweet potatoes, roasted carrots and yams for when I was after something "substantial". Zoodles and cauli-rice are your friend. I didn't really miss any of the foods in particular, it just required work. And it is more expensive, but eye-opening.
What worked for me was making a big pan of something, eating a bit of it, then an hour and a half later finishing it off as a 'snack'.
Yes, they speak against 'snacks' but the thing is it took me about a week to be able to force myself to eat those huge quantities of food required in one go.
Also on Saturdays when I work and don't have time to have a real sit-down, I hauled out nut butters, bananas, coconut flakes, veggies, and little pieces of chicken. It wasn't "perfect", it wasn't "template", but it was what I needed to do to make it through the program.
EDIT: Beverages!! I almost forgot. Black coffee is not that bad. I cut it with coconut milk now but on W30 I drank it straight. Also, lemon juice in water is a lifesaver, and will taste amazingly sweet, so so so good.
Post by: CryingInThePool on September 01, 2015, 10:15:29 AM
Totally worth the extra couple of $$ for a good organic brand - i prefer the Santa Cruz Organic Lemon Juice. I bought multiple bottles; one for work, home, parents house. It's also good in a pinch for W30 based marinades.
Post by: mom22boys on September 01, 2015, 10:50:49 AM
Post by: eyePod on September 01, 2015, 12:24:54 PM
Oh, and Frank's red hot is allowed and should be put on everything.
Post by: eyePod on September 02, 2015, 04:36:08 AM
Post by: mom22boys on September 02, 2015, 07:35:41 AM
The salmon wasn't thawed in time for supper, so I ended up making a big batch of crumbled turkey sausage (which I use almost the whole week). Since my boys had already eaten left overs, and it was getting really late for my supper, I used a little turkey sausage with 2 eggs, added some oil for the fat, plus a little fruit, and called it good. Not the ideal day, since I was too low on veggies, but today will be better.
Post by: swick on September 02, 2015, 10:00:02 AM
Good tip on the Franks hot sauce! Anyone else have suggestions for condiments that are approved?
Post by: mom22boys on September 02, 2015, 10:32:24 AM
I'm dying to try some of the sauces from Tessemae's. http://www.tessemaes.com/ I checked at my local Whole Foods, which was supposed to carry them, but they didn't have them. Frustrating! So, I may just have to order online and have them shipped.
EDIT: I forgot to mention that the Tessemae's website has a filter for Whole30 so you can be sure to only order things that are compliant.
Post by: mom22boys on September 04, 2015, 02:37:17 PM
Post by: mom22boys on September 07, 2015, 06:16:24 PM
This round has been even easier for me so far. I'm getting into a good routine with the food options. I haven't tried making the mayo yet, but I did make the chicken coconut curry from the whole30 book. Wowza! That is amazingly good. I made a double batch of the sauce and have been using it for multiple meals.
Post by: swick on September 07, 2015, 09:07:39 PM
Found these recipes for mayo/ghee sauces, might help, mom22boys? I'll be trying them.
http://whole30.com/2014/08/mayo-ghee-sauces/ (http://whole30.com/2014/08/mayo-ghee-sauces/) would you be able to share the chicken currey recipe? Sounds good!
I have a fridge full of veggies Lack of appetite and several CSA drops, so should be good once we get going :)
How is everyone else doing? Any wins? Challenges?
Post by: Sailor Sam on September 07, 2015, 11:27:28 PM
How is everyone else doing? Any wins? Challenges?
I've been waffling, but now I'm in. I celebrated tomorrow's start with 2 donuts, some doritos, and a strawberry flavoured ale. Now I don't feel so good :(
Post by: Naomi on September 08, 2015, 05:00:57 AM
Making mayo is really easy if you have an immersion blender. I've been making it w/one for years. I remember trying to make it by hand w/a whisk before, but don't remember if it worked. The whole 30 recipes swick linked to are pretty standard way of doing it.
And since I'm on mmm - still tracking my spending...
marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes,tomato paste - $7.16
potatoes - $6.98 (6 lbs)
carrots - $0.79 (1 lb)
onions- $1.40 (1.41 lbs)
grapes - $2.14 (2.16 lbs)
watermelon - $5.99
So, I've spent $71.72 + whatever I already had at home (was not very much at all). I shouldn't have to buy anything for at least another week though -except maybe evoo. Probably more expensive than eating rice and beans, but I don't think it's too bad.
My biggest thing is just getting bored cooking/eating the same stuff so I hope to see more people posting w/ more ideas since today is officially the start date.
Post by: Dulcimina on September 08, 2015, 08:46:04 AM
Post by: mom22boys on September 08, 2015, 09:46:00 AM
Sauce
4 tsp olive oil
3/4 onion, diced small
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 Tbls yellow curry powder
1 can stewed tomatoes (I used 4 medium fresh tomatoes from my mom's garden)
1/2 cup coconut cream (the cream, not the milk, in a can of coconut milk), put the can in the fridge for a little bit to help the cream solidify more, easier to get it out
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until clear (about 2-3 minutes). Add the minced garlic. After you smell the garlic (about 30 sec), add the curry powder. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, making sure to not let it burn. Add the tomatoes and simmer for about 3-4 minutes, until the tomatoes break down. Pour the mixture into a blender/food processor and pulse it until somewhat smooth (I pulsed about 5 times, and there were a few little chunks). Let the mixture cool a little, and then mix in the coconut cream, salt and pepper. (I left the mixture a little warm so that the cream melted into the sauce better.)
It's great on meat, but we also put it on our veggies and baked potatoes. For using it on meat, see below:
Chicken
Preheat the grill to 500. I used legs, thighs, and breast pieces. Cover the chicken top and bottom with the sauce (marinade a few minutes). Put the chicken on the grill with the meat side down (if you have a bone in piece like thighs) for about 3 minutes. After that, the meat should pull away from the grates pretty easy, so flip and finish cooking over indirect heat (if possible). About 10-15 minutes depending on how thick the meat is.
Post by: CryingInThePool on September 08, 2015, 09:54:07 AM
My W30 Staples:
www.amazon.com/dp/B00K6ZJ1W2
www.amazon.com/dp/B00P9I8U0U
www.amazon.com/dp/B00LLW3QD4
Post by: Sailor Sam on September 08, 2015, 10:57:41 AM
I really like nomnom paleo's version, which can be found here: http://nomnompaleo.com/post/3440774534/paleo-mayonnaise (http://nomnompaleo.com/post/3440774534/paleo-mayonnaise). She has good descriptions. If you've never made an emulsion before, the key is to add the oil very, very, very slowly at first. Alton Brown has a great segment on the the science behind emulsions in his Mayonnaise episode. I can't find it on YouTube, but it might be on Netflix.
As an aside, can anyone teach me how to embed links into words, instead of having the whole link visible? I want to be one of the smart kids.
*On second thought, I guess we don't have cake. Sooooo, yeah.
Post by: swick on September 08, 2015, 11:24:30 AM
Hullo there mom22boys. I haven't tried paleo BBQ sauce, but I'm going to encourage you to make mayonnaise like a crazed cheerleader. Mayonnaise makers are like a secret tribe, and oh man, are we smug jerkfaces. Because we know how easy mayo is, compared to how terrifying people thing it is. Please come join us! We have cake*
I really like nomnom paleo's version, which can be found here: Paleo Mayo (http://nomnompaleo.com/post/3440774534/paleo-mayonnaise). She has good descriptions. If you've never made an emulsion before, the key is to add the oil very, very, very slowly at first. Alton Brown has a great segment on the the science behind emulsions in his Mayonnaise episode. I can't find it on YouTube, but it might be on Netflix.
As an aside, can anyone teach me how to embed links into words, instead of having the whole link visible? I want to be one of the smart kids.
*On second thought, I guess we don't have cake. Sooooo, yeah.
So to make a clickable link you: Click "Insert your hyperlink" button
This will give you your url block. Add your website address in the first block (after url=) then add the text you want to show up between the blocks
It will look like this but with square brackets replacing the regular brackets.
(url=http://nomnompaleo.com/post/3440774534/paleo-mayonnaise)Paleo Mayo(/url)
PS your post was awesome, it made me laugh this morning :) I am a proud card-carrying member of the mayo-makers club :D
Post by: mom22boys on September 08, 2015, 11:33:49 AM
Please come join us! We have cake*
*On second thought, I guess we don't have cake. Sooooo, yeah.
Sailor Sam - LOL....now you have me thinking about eating cake! But, the beauty is that the thought passed really quick. I love Whole30 and how it helps get those temptations out of your system. Thanks also for the nomnompaleo tip too! What do you use for oil, avocado or the light olive oil? Or both or other? I'm really excited to try this, but I need to get the oil first.
Naomi mentioned using an immersion blender so I got one at Costco this weekend (Yes, bad for my Savetember, but health is important!). I read more blogs this weekend, and it sounds like the immersion blender can work miracles for mayo.
Swick - Bummer about being sick! Hope you're feeling well enough to start today. And thanks for the tip on the url. I didn't know that either.
Post by: swick on September 08, 2015, 11:44:30 AM
I'm getting a delivery of duck and chicken eggs and a Turkey this afternoon. Planning on going to the store for some avocados, bananas and sweet potatoes, and some light olive oil for mayo.
I made some ratatouille out of our CSA garden veggies which I'll add some ground beef to make a stew. Maybe serve it over some cauli-rice.
I did have a bit of success with making some Pecan Milk. By far the best soaked-nut milk I have made so far. Tasted awesome in some coffee with a bit of coconut oil.
Post by: mom22boys on September 08, 2015, 11:46:29 AM
I'm still in. I worked an extra shift this past week so my eating was pretty boring -a lot of leftovers.
My biggest thing is just getting bored cooking/eating the same stuff so I hope to see more people posting w/ more ideas since today is officially the start date.
Yeah Naomi! Glad you're still sticking with it. Last week I did a lot of leftovers too, and you know what? That's ok! Do what you need to do to make it work. My first round in July I kept it really basic. This time I'm keeping it basic for breakfast and sometimes lunch, but trying to expand my recipe options for some slower weeknights and weekends. This weekend I was at my parents, and I had the Whole30 book along, because I'm trying to convince them to also do this. (Mom has high BP for years and both are constantly on a 'diet'.) That's when we tried the chicken coconut curry from the book and WOW was I impressed. The good thing....so were my parents! I think it finally convinced them to try it, and they are going to start tomorrow.
Here are some other ideas (some of which I make and some I plan to make this round):
- Chicken fajitas (with my own seasonings) and then eat it over romaine with guacamole
- Beef stew
- Chili (without the beans of course)
- Pork chops (want to try the recipe in the Whole30 book with the walnut crust)
- Shrimp with the same sauce from the chicken coconut curry
Post by: Bob W on September 08, 2015, 12:03:01 PM
Thanks for the motivation.
Post by: Sailor Sam on September 08, 2015, 01:02:47 PM
It will look like this but with square brackets replacing the regular brackets.
(url=http://nomnompaleo.com/post/3440774534/paleo-mayonnaise)Paleo Mayo(/url)
PS your post was awesome, it made me laugh this morning :) I am a proud card-carrying member of the mayo-makers club :D
Yes! Thank you so much. Now I can insert with the best of em.
I'm glad I could bring you a moment of levity. It's wonderful to make people genuinely laugh.
Post by: Sailor Sam on September 08, 2015, 01:16:22 PM
What do you use for oil, avocado or the light olive oil? Or both or other? I'm really excited to try this, but I need to get the oil first.
I've used both, and found I vastly prefer avocado oil. I just like the taste better. But both oils work just fine for actually making the sauce.
Post by: Sailor Sam on September 09, 2015, 09:25:49 PM
I just finished making ranch dressing, using coconut milk. I can't eat dairy, so this has been a pantry staple for years. But it has never tasted so good as the glorious explosion of rainbow pooping unicorn that happened in my mouth today. Despite stuffing food into my maw on a regular, I'm starving. I've been starving for 2 days. And I have a headache.
Anyone feel like commiserating? If not, I'm just, you know, gonna go back to laying on the floor and wailing.
Post by: swick on September 09, 2015, 09:59:20 PM
Things are going ok, I have no idea of it is whole 30 or just the fact that I am recovering from traveler's plague and the vertigo/nausia/general ick is from that. Just about hit the deck this morning.
We are finding breakfasts a challenge, hubby really likes texture and isn't big on eggs. Breakfasts are usually carby starchy goodness so it is a bit of an adjustment.
We are also not good at the whole three meal a day thing, we skipped lunch and had an early supper, so will have to eat something before bed. I'm use to lots of little meals because I have hypoglycimia...so I might have to experiment and see what actually works for me.
How is everyone else doing?
Post by: mom22boys on September 10, 2015, 07:34:17 AM
But it has never tasted so good as the glorious explosion of rainbow pooping unicorn that happened in my mouth today.
Agree Swick....I love reading Sailor Sam's posts too. I'm not sure I've had the pleasure of 'rainbow pooping unicorn' in my mouth, but the coconut curry sauce was darn close. I am soooo wanting to try the mayo, but living the life of a single mom makes it hard to hit the groceries whenever I want/need avocado oil to make it. Tomorrow my boys go to their dad's so I think this will be experiment-with-new-foods weekend. Mayo (aka rainbow pooping unicorn) here I come!!!
As far as other things, it's going awesome. Yesterday I realized how HAPPY I was! On Monday I was a grump to the kiddos, but the last few days I just can't get the smile off my face. I'm feeling great. I've had a few times where I've felt like snacking, but then I've stepped back and realized it's just my old ugly habits rearing their heads, and I wasn't really hungry.
Swick and Sailor...hope you get over the ickies soon. I SOOOO hate the vertigo/nausea junk. I actually had extreme dizziness about 10 years ago, and it was the worst thing ever. The doctors could never figure out what it was (not vertigo, meneir's disease, etc). Anyway, dizziness runs in my family, and I have noticed since on the Whole30 that I don't get it anymore. LOVE THIS EATING!
Post by: mom22boys on September 10, 2015, 07:35:59 AM
Yeah, sign me up. Won't be following the exact whole 30 but refocusing on my low carb, high nutrient focus. No booze of course. Reviewing the Whole 30 site now.
Thanks for the motivation.
Forgot to say welcome Bob! Congrats for cutting back on the junk. I know you said you weren't going to do the exact Whole30, but I would highly recommend it. It's really been a life changer for me.
Post by: Naomi on September 10, 2015, 08:26:08 AM
I'm about to walk to the store and grab a few things and then go to bed.
Thinking about a hamburger for dinner w/ some potatoes and something green.
I don't think white potatoes were allowed the first time I tried this last year ? I hate sweet potatoes -regardless of how they're cooked. Probably why I only made it 15 days. I'm running a lot more right now and there's no way I'd be able to do it w/out the extra carbs.
Post by: swick on September 10, 2015, 09:15:39 AM
Awesome job, Naomi! I think they let potatoes in end of 2014. Its great that you didn't give into the junkfood cravings!
Post by: ketchup on September 10, 2015, 09:27:08 AM
We made this earlier in the week, and it made enough to be a side for a few different meals: http://nomnompaleo.com/post/1356598429/worlds-best-braised-green-cabbage
Last night we had salmon and steamed artichokes.
Tonight we're making this: http://vahuntergatherers.com/2012/03/05/curried-ground-pork-with-carrots-and-celery/ I've made it before and it's quite good.
Post by: mom22boys on September 10, 2015, 11:57:53 AM
Swick - I can't say that I've had the Full - Hungry direct flip without feeling 'normal' between. One thing I do between meals though is drink water, water, water. Have you tried that? You often hear that people often truly aren't hungry but really just thirsty. I found that to be true with me. Of course everyone is different. :-)
Ketchup - Glad you're joining us, by accident! That cabbage dish sounds delish.....I've just discovered Nomnompaleo.com and I love it. The biggest thing I struggle with on Whole30 is what to serve for side dishes. and getting more variety. I better try this one, and also I just read her recipe for the riced cauliflower.
Post by: Sailor Sam on September 10, 2015, 01:30:53 PM
One thing hubs and I have noticed, not sure if it is normal? It's like constant hunger, you eat you go from over-full and pass right through back to hungry without ever feeling "normal"
This could* be an issue with switching from glycogensis (where body energy is derived from glucose) to ketogenesis (where energy is derived from fatty acids). Both systems are hormonal processes, and both end with ATP in your cells. BUT hunger and satiety signals are also hormonal processes, which is (probably) currently keyed to glycogenesis. Your body is getting the energy from ketogenesis, but the satiety is bypassing the 'I'm full' hormone. Secondary problem, cells that has existed only under glycogenesis can also be very inefficient while first switching over to accepting energy from ketogenesis. These cells lack metabolic flexibility. Even if plenty of energy is available, the cells are inept at accessing it, thus signal hunger.
Swick, sorry if that was information you already know. No one likes being pedantically lectured. If this is new information to anyone, try reading about being a fat burning beast. Just type the phrase into Google.
DISCLAIMER: Like the two (2!) current posts about religion, food politics are contentious. Debate rages about the necessity of metabolic flexibility. It may, or may not be important. Potatoes, grains, legumes, etc may, or may not be harm for you. This post neither endorses, nor rejects, the theory of paleolithic diets.
Post by: swick on September 11, 2015, 12:34:40 PM
Hmm so this is Day 4 for us?
Random thoughts:
Enjoying pecan milk in coffee a lot. Coffee is my main use of non-cultured dairy so this might be something I keep up with, at least until I wean myself off coffee, which in reality is probably not going to be during this challenge.
I am not use to eating so much meat, and I'm not enjoying it. We really aren't eating a lot - but we tend to use meat as an accent with whole grains and legumes.
Also not enjoying eating so many veggies, I think we just need some more variety. We have burned through our CSA (We usually struggle with that) so we are picking up some more veggies today and a wider variety.
Hubby made a pretty great ketchup type sauce out of some oven roasted tomatoes I made and some red pepper paste. It is helping, but he is really not a fan of eggs. Breakfasts are proving to be a challenge for him.
Today I made some chestnut flour crepes with eggs, coconut milk, ghee, and filled them with stewed raspberries and strawberries and used the pecans pulp leftover from making the milk. I have had the chestnut flour in my freezer for like, two years.
We debated heavily if this was considered "cheating" or not, but pancakes aren't a trigger food for us and we had some great discussions about "why" we are doing the whole 30. For us it is more about resetting out bodies learning to love whole, nutrient dense food again and figuring out if we have any food intolerances. Hubs is feeling especially down about having to eat so many eggs day in and day out for breakfast. Yes we can do dinner leftovers, but he is going to be getting those for lunches once he starts work and having something else for breakfast that fills him up is a good thing. On that note, he said he didn't pass from stuffed right to hungry after eating them, so that is a win!
How is everyone else doing?
Post by: Sailor Sam on September 11, 2015, 01:36:01 PM
Getting to the philosophy is always the fun part for me. Those crepes would have been considered sex with your pants on in my household. This is my second Whole30, and part of my joy is to really crank down the specifics. First time around I never found compliant bacon, and used stock with sugar in it, and I ate butter. I'm sure there were other sins. This time around is about being exactly within the guidelines. Just to see if I can do it. Plus, I ain't gonna lie, I want to lose 10 lbs. So my motivations are intellectual rigorousness and fat loss. I already know my food sensitivities, so that part doesn't interest me.
Has your husband considered a sweet potato hash type dish for breakfast? It's dead easy:
Cube a sweet potato
Cube some pancetta (or bacon if you have compliant. Bore's Head pancetta is good to go.)
Cube an apple
Get a pot. Soup pot size works best for me
Render the pancetta, then remove from the pot
Add the sweet potato. Lower heat to low-ish but not super low. You still want a little sizzle from the pot, but not much. Cover. Cook until potatoes are soft. Brown em a little (if you like that sort of thing). ~20 min for 0.5" cubes.
Add the apple, and put the pancetta back in. Cook for another 5 minutes
Serve or store
Delicious both warm, and cold. The carbs in the sweet potato and apple might help with the hunger-->full-->hunger swings. One pro-tip: make small cubes, around 0.5". Otherwise the cooking time is horrendous.
Post by: mom22boys on September 11, 2015, 05:11:24 PM
I also hate sweet potatoes. I tried to make them as a 'bun' for my hamburger during my last Whole30, and I could choke them down since the burger out flavored the sweet potato. I might try it again this time, since some homemade mayo. Love hamburgers! :-)
Swick - I think you're fine with the crepes as long as it's not SWYPO. I can also take or leave pancakes, but still haven't made them. I have to agree that this would be really, really, really hard without liking eggs. I've had eggs every day for breakfast, made different ways, and I still love them.
I'm on my way to Costco to get me some yummy avocado oil....time for some mayo!
Post by: swick on September 11, 2015, 06:36:35 PM
The SWYPO is a very interesting concept we have been talking lots about. I totally get you know, making desserts out of nuts and that sort of thing - it's always been my main beef with Paleo - and the whole well eat like a caveman, vs. actual scientific data relating to gut/hormone/digestion. I can eat tons of crap because "technically" it is paleo.
The thing about SWYPO is for us, that is the idea of eating a lot of meat. We don't eat that much and use it as a flavour agent because we have chosen to only buy ethically raised, local organic meat. So we eat pretty healthy (okay, discounting the carb heavy homemade bread and pasta and slipping into junk food lately - but heavy on whole grains and legumes (damn I miss my lentils) and I have a bad habit of skipping breakfast in favour of homebrewed lattes and I drink far too much milk instead of eating real food.
I think for us, we want to connect with our food and bodies and do it in a way that is not a punishing drag. So something like crepes, if chosen consciously is fine - but we are absolutely not allowing anything that is not allowed in the program. I have to make my own fish sauce because I couldn't find one without sugar in it. Yes, you only use a miniscule amount, but that is where we are drawing the line, a little less concerned with the SWYPO - although we aren't going to be making paleo desserts, pizza and things like that.
Mom22boys - Le us know how your mayo experiment goes!
I might be feeding hubs soup for breakfast as soon as I can get some bone broth made :D I probably would have already except I haven't had any bones and all the stocks int he store have sugar in em. Boy does grocery shopping take forever when you are reading everything!
Post by: swick on September 11, 2015, 09:34:06 PM
http://www.thekitchenmagpie.com/amazing-salt-and-pepper-chicken-wings# (http://www.thekitchenmagpie.com/amazing-salt-and-pepper-chicken-wings#)
Post by: Sailor Sam on September 12, 2015, 12:13:12 PM
Ohhh so I totally didn't realize my *favorite* chicken wing recipe is whole 30 friendly!
Winning!
Post by: mom22boys on September 12, 2015, 05:54:14 PM
I have to be honest, I'm not blown away with the flavor. It's kinda blahhh. I'm going to use it on my hamburger tonight and see what its like with stuff. I might just need to add some spices and flavor it up.
Post by: Sailor Sam on September 13, 2015, 01:01:43 PM
The other part of the problem was ketosis. I've read a lot about ketogenic diets, and I wanted to try actually being in ketosis. I read about keto a lot, which seems to be equal to reading a lot about hiking Everest. Envision an armchair hiker 4 hours outside of base camp on the actual mountain that is actually called Everest. Imagine the flailing and crying and the theistic bargaining. Extrapolate.
Post by: Sailor Sam on September 13, 2015, 10:10:59 PM
Too much protein. Not enough fat. The protein converts to glucose (who knew?), which kills the ketosis engine. Interestingly, the extra protein also made me so thirsty that I ended up washed critical sodium out of system. So much drinking, and so much peeing, without ever being unthirsty. I really worked myself into an awful spiral of misery.
Yesterday I drank some salt water which fixed the thirst within 2 hours. This morning I made an avocado, almond butter, and spinach smoothie with coconut cream as the slurry. Mayo at lunch. Pancetta grease, oil, and drippings at dinner. Hunger is dramatically better, and the peeing is under control. I'm sure you're most relieved about the last point. (See what I did there?)
It's so foreign to eat this much fat. I have no idea how to accomplish it, aside from drinking oil or spooning up mayo. So it's definitely a work in progress.
Post by: swick on September 14, 2015, 04:24:13 AM
It's so foreign to eat this much fat. I have no idea how to accomplish it, aside from drinking oil or spooning up mayo. So it's definitely a work in progress.
That sounds really horrible. My current brain can't wrap my head around the idea of keto quite yet.
Yesterday was pretty good, ended up going to my parents for dinner and my mom cooked the steak salad with cumin lime dressing from the Whole 30 book, which she leant me, so I didn't have to buy :D Also got to gorge on garden veggies, was pretty awesome.
Today - woke up with a fucking horrible hang-over. Massive headache, symptoms not quite but very similar to a fybro flare-up. aching, tired - despite having slept for over 10 hours. Hubs wasn't much better, possibly more tired.
We powered through and had some wins. Looking through some of my mom's cookbooks, hubs realized that there are tons of Thai dishes that are or could very easily b e whole 30. This excited him greatly. He had never had Tom Ka Kai soup, so I made a big ass pot for lunch today. He loved it and we have some mason jars in the fridge for future meals.
I also broke down an 18 pound Turkey! Never done it before and don't really like handling raw meat, so this was big. Roasted one breast, some of which we turned into Thai lettuce wraps with an almond butter sauce instead of a peanut sauce. I had to make my own fish sauce for both as I can't find one in Canada that doesn't have sugar. I settled on Anchovy paste with a little bit of hot water and some coconut amino's. Worked pretty well, probabaly needs more salt though.
I have two crockpots of Turkey stock on the go which I am super excited about!
For breakfast this morning we left it too late and wanted something super quick so we threw some chopped banana, a few rasins, some toasted coconut, and some pecan pulp in a bowl and drizzled it with almond butter and some coconut cream. Was pretty tasty. Started to realize we really need to view it as "meal 1-3" Instead of "Breakfast, Lunch, dinner" It is a work in progress. Hubs says he is okay having soup for breakfast, so that is a start.
Had some good discussions about food philosophy and cravings and how to evaluate if we really want to eat something - take home being we need to eat more consciously for sure. Also, Hubby didn't like either of the reintroduction methods. He thought the 10-day one was too fast to see any cumulative effects, but basically leaving it for "whenever something came up" didn;t seem like a good idea because then it is too isolated to get a clear idea - and if you do it that way you just know whatever you want to eat is going to have more then one food group. he wants to go more sciency - so I'm leaving the experiment parameters to him to draw up :)
Mom22Boys - Congrats on trying the Mayo! As far as taste goes - You might just have to experiment with flavour add-ins. I don't think I have ever made a "Normal" mayo without something tasty added. I like lots of lemon, white pepper and garlic.
I made basically a "ranch" mayo out of fresh garden herbs, salt and a clove of garlic which was awesome!
One thing to keep in mind, for Mayo it is really worth the splurge to source the best eggs you can. SO much of the flavour of mayo depends on the egg. The taste difference between a conventional battery hen egg and a farm-fresh egg is night and day. I am lucky enough to get farm-fresh duck eggs, they make the most decadent indulgent mayo.
Post by: Naomi on September 14, 2015, 04:43:55 AM
I agree with this and I may be coming at it from a different perspective since I work nights, but I almost never eat a typical breakfast -even before starting this. My meals are generally meat, potatoes, and a vegetable or soup/stew...something like that.
Right now, I'm making meatloaf and it's 4:30 am here. Which leads me to my first instance of breaking the rules. I used the last of my pasta sauce (compliant) and then opened the next jar and it didn't pop up, smelled kind of weird, and had a little dent in the lid. So, I threw that out and used the other jar I had which has 6 grams of sugar in 1/2 cup. I didn't use a whole 1/2 cup, but my meatloaf will have maybe 4-5 grams of added sugar. Oh well, I'm not going to stress over it -even though I admit I technically broke the rules and you're supposed to start over (not going to do that either).
I've got to get my receipts together because I have bought a few more things, but first I'm going to eat some meatloaf.
I think I'm going to try the coconut oil and cocoa powder some of you have mentioned. Well, first I'd have to buy some cocoa powder, but I do have the coconut oil.
Post by: swick on September 14, 2015, 05:04:40 AM
swick - "Started to realize we really need to view it as "meal 1-3" Instead of "Breakfast, Lunch, dinner" It is a work in progress."
I agree with this and I may be coming at it from a different perspective since I work nights, but I almost never eat a typical breakfast -even before starting this. My meals are generally meat, potatoes, and a vegetable or soup/stew...something like that.
Right now, I'm making meatloaf and it's 4:30 am here. Which leads me to my first instance of breaking the rules. I used the last of my pasta sauce (compliant) and then opened the next jar and it didn't pop up, smelled kind of weird, and had a little dent in the lid. So, I threw that out and used the other jar I had which has 6 grams of sugar in 1/2 cup. I didn't use a whole 1/2 cup, but my meatloaf will have maybe 4-5 grams of added sugar. Oh well, I'm not going to stress over it -even though I admit I technically broke the rules and you're supposed to start over (not going to do that either).
I've got to get my receipts together because I have bought a few more things, but first I'm going to eat some meatloaf.
I think I'm going to try the coconut oil and cocoa powder some of you have mentioned. Well, first I'd have to buy some cocoa powder, but I do have the coconut oil.
I think if I knew if I accidently ate off-plan and HAD to start over, I would never attempt it in the first place. I know you "should" But I am really trying to adapt the mindset that "done is better than perfect"
Thank you fro sharing your costs, I am not that brave. We have torpedoed our food budget - I have actually stopped keeping track because I don't want to depress myself. With higher Canadian prices and having to get super expensive specialty ingredients (Meat, ghee, coconut milk, coconut amino's, nuts) it is killing the budget. I am hoping it will even out because we are eating more nutritionally dense food we can buy less? I feel like I am dropping money every damn time I turn around. I know it should get better as we figure it out but damn it is discouraging.
Post by: ketchup on September 14, 2015, 10:56:27 AM
WAY more filling than actual fried rice, and quite good. Our first time using coconut aminos; tasted (and smelled) a surprising amount like soy sauce. Good stuff. We also used a lot more cooking fat than the recipe called for (sesame oil plus pasture-raised lard).
Post by: mom22boys on September 14, 2015, 12:12:05 PM
Last night I made the prosciutto wrapped mini frittatas. http://nomnompaleo.com/post/108052236893/whole30-day-14-prosciutto-wrapped-mini-frittata
Of course I had to try one right out of the oven. Delicious! It was a little time consuming to make, but it will save me time in the morning all this week.
Post by: Naomi on September 15, 2015, 04:28:06 AM
My latest receipts are more of the same -which is probably why I'm really bored with this. I've got to go back through this thread and try some new meals.
chicken - $14.60 (1.72 lbs)
beef -$8.69 (1 lb)
tomatoes, green beans, onions, garlic - $12.78
grapes, watermelon - $11.59
$47.66 - $2 coupon I had for the meat = $45.66
Total so far - $117.38.
Post by: swick on September 15, 2015, 07:49:44 AM
Today - woke up with a fucking horrible hang-over. Massive headache, symptoms not quite but very similar to a fybro flare-up. aching, tired - despite having slept for over 10 hours. Hubs wasn't much better, possibly more tired.
Ah, the dreaded carb-flu. It will go away on its own in a day or two, just wait it out :)
ugh....yucky! Cue teeny tiny violins..... :) The day did not get better and this morning isn't looking good. A whole host of stomach and digestion issues piled on - that is the one system that usually works great and I have no issues with. I don't know how people with chronic digestion issues do it.
On that note, major kudos to anyone doing this who has to leave the house. I'm very glad I am working from home.
Luckily, hubs doesn't seem to be having near the issues I am. Other than feeling a raging hunger for the first three days or so, he is doing fine. I'm having a hard time figuring out what is the cuase of what since I started the program sick.
And in the time it has taken me to write this (been off and on helping hubs get ready for work) My allergies have arrived with a vengeance. I haven't had any issues for weeks....these are all good signs, aren't they?
Think I am going to distract myself by frying some duck eggs, crisping up a slice of prosciutto and warming up some of the oven roasted cherry tomatoes and sauteed 'shrooms I made yesterday.
Post by: Sailor Sam on September 15, 2015, 08:39:00 PM
I've never been a fan of cauliflower. It's translucent, and bland, and tastes like cauliflower. Then there was cauliflower rice.
You know the sad kid in your 2nd grade class? The sickly allergic kid with the big eyes, chowing down on frozen grapes during an peanut butter lactose gluten ice cream party? Remember him saying very loudly how much he loved grapes when clearly he would suck your life blood for a single taste of non-death ice cream? You remember that kid???
That was pretty much my vision of cauliflower rice. All that enthusiasm was frozen grape fakery. I even tried cauliflower rice. Once. Same same, except mushy. Revolting. Then I found THIS (http://theclothesmakethegirl.com/2014/03/25/roasted-cauliflower-rice/), and my life has changed.
Everyone of you must go make this now. Right now. Flee towards the cauliflower! Because it tastes nothing like cauliflower!
ETA: also, it tastes nothing like rice, but wtf ever. It's still glorious.
Post by: swick on September 15, 2015, 10:28:57 PM
That was pretty much my vision of cauliflower rice. All that enthusiasm was frozen grape fakery. I even tried cauliflower rice. Once. Same same, except mushy. Revolting. Then I found THIS (http://theclothesmakethegirl.com/2014/03/25/roasted-cauliflower-rice/), and my life has changed.
Everyone of you must go make this now. Right now. Flee towards the cauliflower! Because it tastes nothing like cauliflower!
ETA: also, it tastes nothing like rice, but wtf ever. It's still glorious.
You know I have tried cauliflower rice several times and thought it was ok....but the mush was a problem. This has me intrigued, thanks for sharing :)
Had a big salad with some garlic cilantro lime dressing (made from duck egg mayo) with some pan fried turkey breast chunks and a sliced up venison pepperoni. Served with a side of baked sweet potato wedges. Was a pretty good dinner. Wish I feeling good enough to enjoy it :S
Post by: mom22boys on September 16, 2015, 02:53:56 PM
I need to cook up some bigger batches of food again. Ha....forgot to mention that I made a beautiful pot of chili on Sunday (w/o beans of course). Right after I added the organic beef broth, I read the ingredients. You guessed it, non-compliant. Epic failure on my part! Have I not learned anything from this??? The work 'organic' was all I read and assumed....and it obviously made an a** out of me. My boys wouldn't eat it because it's loaded with peppers, so into the freezer it went. I'll be eating it after day 30 I guess.
Post by: swick on September 16, 2015, 03:03:01 PM
I have been sleeping better - falling asleep faster and dreaming more vividly (damn, I really don't need it) and so far the extra sleep I have been doing in the day hasn't been keeping me up at night, so obviously I need it.
Today, I'm just determined to keep moving. I have spent most of the day making a Shepard's pie. It is rainy and drizzly and figured hubs would like something besides salad after getting home from work :)
Too bad about the chili, at least you will have a freezer meal for the future! Yeah, I was shocked at how many things have sugar, soy or other non-complient stuff. Grocery shopping takes FOREVER, even with trying to stick to the outsides of the store.
How is everyone else doing? Updates? Successes, challenges?
Post by: ketchup on September 16, 2015, 03:20:55 PM
Her teeth have felt better too, which was another goal. Her teeth were beat up pretty badly by a childhood of sugar and sugar with a side of sugar and sugar to wash it down.
Post by: mom22boys on September 17, 2015, 08:21:13 AM
I'm overly tired, and being a single mom really sucks. My oldest son struggles in school, which means every night after work it's hard to get supper made, then struggle to motivate him to do homework. Last night was a totally failure with homework, and I finally got so frustrated that I just told him to go to bed. I never yell, but I'm sure he could hear the frustration in my voice. Then of course I woke up at 2 am trying to think of solutions to this. Should I see if I can leave work earlier so I can pick up the boys from school, giving me more time to work with him? Maybe my mom can stay with us for a while and help? Do I pull the boys out of soccer to have more time, but I hate doing that since I'm trying to teach them commitment. And on and on....couldn't turn my brain off. It's frustrating because their dad (who used to be a teacher) just doesn't 'see' the problems, so will often tell me that the issue is all ME.
Taking the time to make healthy meals just adds another level of stress sometimes. I guess I can at least claim victory that amidst all this crap, I have still stayed on plan...even if it means only eating an apple with almond butter for supper. Anyway....sorry for being a complainy pants this morning. Today can only get better. :-)
Post by: swick on September 17, 2015, 12:36:10 PM
We've been doing great. GF and I have both noticed that we're feeling less hungry overall, and our bodies are more responsive to regulating our appetite in general.
Yay Sounds like a good place to be in! Very interesting about your GF's teeth as well.
We are starting to feel more regulated as well. I'm actually wondering if I am eating enough, but feel pretty good about the hunger and satiety signals right now.
Mom22boys - I think you are totally allowed to vent/complain. It sounds like you have a ton on your plate that would send most people into a spiral of wine, chocolate and comfort eating. GOOD JOB sticking with the program!
Some totally unsolicited ideas:
- Readjust how homework is done. Does your sun need direct help, or just supervision while he is doing it? Could you move a table into the kitchen area so you can help and prep at the same time?
- Do you know what kind of learning styles he favours and can you help in his homework by utilizing them? If his homework is taking hours and hours because he has an aversion to writing or trouble with motor-control, you could speak with his teachers and see if he can utilize a different method. Maybe he can answer questions verbally into a recording app. Maybe he can create a game or do something else that shows his knowledge.
- If he is an auditory learner, it might help for him to discuss his homework and problems THEN write them down. This he can do with you while you are preparing meals. It just gives him a chance to organize his thoughts verbally, which often makes the writing easier. Also, having him teach you what he learned is a really good way of cementing learning and discovering knowledge gaps.
- How old are your boys? Is there any chance you can get them involved/interested in simple meal prep? It would be a great way to teach them life skills and take some of the responsibility off your back.
- Do you have a schedule that you stick to and everyone is familiar with? It might help give the kids some structure and know what to expect. Family dinner prep/meal time might be a part of this, and a certain time for homework and some built in relaxing time before bed, but they only get screen time (or whatever) if everything else is done.
Have a great day, don't let in any thoughts about how other people might think you are doing. You are doing great, you are making healthy choices for your family and you will figure it out. You ROCK!
Post by: mom22boys on September 17, 2015, 03:20:24 PM
My boys are in 2nd and 4th grade. My 2nd grader loves school, and is a natural learner. Thankfully! This means I can spend more time with my 4th grader (but that also makes me feel guilty a bit too). My 4th grader has struggled from day one, with teachers thinking he was ADD, possibly dyslexic. I haven't had him 'formally' tested, since I hate to put a label on him. Rather we need to figure out how to best learn, etc. So, we did tutoring for at least 6 months with a local group that specializes in dyslexia, and it did nothing. A friend's mom mentioned checking his eyes. He has 20/20, but what I didn't know is that his eyes don't track together (kinda like a lazy eye). We've done eye therapy for 1 1/2 years, and are ALMOST done. The eye therapy exercises at home would take 45-60 minutes a night! This is greatly helped with his reading, but definitely hasn't solved many issues.
His attention span for homework is about 2 second....oh look at that pretty butterfly outside...oh Mom has anyone ever gone to the bottom of the ocean and lived....and so on. He does his homework at the dinner table right next to where I prep food and cook, so I'm really close. I've tried to give him freedom to finish homework on his own, I'm tried working him on everything, and so far haven't found a good method. I've already emailed with his teacher, so I'll be meeting with her soon to see what options we have. And my policy is NO screen time at all during the school week. But, I have even tried the reward this week that 'If you're done by 7:30, you can watch America Ninja Warrior' or play iPad for 15 minutes.
So, I'm hoping his teacher will have some ideas and things we can try both at home and school. I'm sure I haven't answered all your questions, but hopefully that gives you an overview. I'm feeling better, and like I said, it's a HUGE victory for me to not dive into chocolate in response. :-)
Post by: mom22boys on September 18, 2015, 07:34:32 AM
Post by: swick on September 18, 2015, 08:10:41 AM
There are some essential oils that can help with studying/memory and focus. Here is a VERY basic link http://www.balancedbodyworkmassagetherapy.com/the-balanced-bodyworker-blog/aromatherapy-for-students-essential-oils-for-studying-exams-and-better-sleep (http://www.balancedbodyworkmassagetherapy.com/the-balanced-bodyworker-blog/aromatherapy-for-students-essential-oils-for-studying-exams-and-better-sleep) I tend to recommend a blend of rosemary, basil, and peppermint. If you have any questions, please feel free to PM me
Okay back on topic ;) Is there any way you can have a baggie of nuts and seeds, maybe some protein in your bag that you can slip on top of salad greens for your catered meal? I can see it being tough, especially if it is a sit-down meal. IS there any chance you can casually ask what is being served? You could just say you have developed some dietary restrictions and would happy to bring your own meal if needed.
For breakfasts, er..."meal 1" Hubs has been having a chopped banana, few raisins, toasted coconut with some almond butter and coconut milk. These are all shelf-stable, so might help you with your morning meal, especially if you are staying in a hotel.
SO GLAD IT'S FRIDAY! Will make it much easier not having to worry about Hubby's lunches and will have some more Kitchen help. Hubs has been awesome about helping me in the evenings, but it just seems like cooking like this creates so.so. many more dishes.
Planning to do some batch cooking, meal prep for the week ahead. Anyone have any recipes or prep tips that have worked really well for them?
The Turkey breast we roasted last weekend just finished up. We have been dicing it and adding it to soups but mostly used it as a salad topper, reheated and pan fried with some spices it has been going very well with the cilantro lime dressing out of the whole 30 cookbook.
Definitely want to try the roasted cauliflower rice that Sailor Sam recommends. Thinking maybe a batch of Curry might be on order.
I'm on day 11 - which according to the timeline yesterday and today are suppose to be the "hardest days" Interestingly, I'm not really craving anything. I am missing the act of cooking my favorite foods, especially as the weather turns. But I am able to step outside of my emotions and cravings and realizing them for what they are. When measured up to the question of" "Do I really, truly, want it? and if so, why?"it has pretty much stopped any cravings before they have taken hold. This is pretty big for me because usually I say, "no, not really" and proceed to eat it anyway :)
Right - million dollar question: How is everyone else doing today?
Post by: Sailor Sam on September 18, 2015, 08:53:54 AM
Re catered lunch: I have a very severe allergy to casein, which is the protein molecule in dairy. My allergy has surprisingly far reaching consequences, because many, many packaged foods use whey as a filler* or lactose as a sweetener. If I eat dairy, even trace amounts, I vomit pretty uncontrollably within minutes.$ When I run into catered food, I just bring my own lunch or go hungry. I admit it can be momentarily embarrassing, but the embarrassment is all mine. No one has EVER been offended, or even looked at me funny.
Re food access: do convenience stores in AUS sell hard boiled eggs? I find those super convenient on business trips. Avocados are also a self-packaged food, but don't forget a knife and spoon. Bananas, if you're into that thing. Lara bars for food deserts. If you order salad dressing on the side, no one will notice if you don't eat it. Sweartogod. You can also buy paleo versions of granola, which you can eat dry as long as you have good jaw muscles.
* Including fucking Hint of Lime tortilla chips. Why, why, why, Frito-Lay, you sideways hung fucksticks?
$ At this point in my life, I've puked on every single one of my loved ones. Not in the vicinity of, actually on. That's how fast the puke comes.
Post by: jat9449 on September 18, 2015, 09:56:46 AM
I had my gallbladder removed 3 1/2 years ago, so I've struggled with some pretty serious digestive problems over the years and they seemed to be getting worse. So I thought this would be a great way to hone in on what's causing my problems. So far, I'm still struggling, but I hope it's just my gut 're-setting' itself.
I know I'll be ending the program later than everyone, but I'm just happy to be on the path too!
Post by: swick on September 18, 2015, 10:18:22 AM
Hey all - I saw this discussion the other day and had never heard of the Whole30 so I furiously began reading about the program. Now I'm on Day 4 and I feel pretty great already!
I had my gallbladder removed 3 1/2 years ago, so I've struggled with some pretty serious digestive problems over the years and they seemed to be getting worse. So I thought this would be a great way to hone in on what's causing my problems. So far, I'm still struggling, but I hope it's just my gut 're-setting' itself.
I know I'll be ending the program later than everyone, but I'm just happy to be on the path too!
Welcome! So excited you are joining us. The cool thing is some people started beginning of the month, some started on the 8th, with me and some have done the "whole 30" before and are lending advice and support :) feel free to share your experiences! This is a great little community for commiserating and having suggestions to get through it :)
Post by: mom22boys on September 18, 2015, 12:57:56 PM
Hey all - I saw this discussion the other day and had never heard of the Whole30 so I furiously began reading about the program. Now I'm on Day 4 and I feel pretty great already!
I had my gallbladder removed 3 1/2 years ago, so I've struggled with some pretty serious digestive problems over the years and they seemed to be getting worse. So I thought this would be a great way to hone in on what's causing my problems. So far, I'm still struggling, but I hope it's just my gut 're-setting' itself.
I know I'll be ending the program later than everyone, but I'm just happy to be on the path too!
Awesome! So glad you were intrigued and followed through with reading up on it. I'll likely keep going into October for a while, so there will still be some of us on the journey.
My plan for the weekend is more new foods! I'm definitely going to try the roasted cauliflower rice that Sailor Sam posted earlier. With that, I want to make the Kalua Pig from http://nomnompaleo.com/post/10031990774/slow-cooker-kalua-pig. I haven't found compliant bacon yet, so I'm going to try it with prosciutto (left from my egg frittatas) and add smoked paprika. I am so craving a steak, but I'm going to save my money (yeah for Savetember challenge) and eat that on my business trip. Double win!
Sailor Sam - Thanks for the ideas. I was planning to bring bananas and nuts. Yes, you can usually find hard boiled eggs, so that's added to my list. I can find those in the airports a lot.
Post by: Liz on September 20, 2015, 10:39:47 AM
Post by: mom22boys on September 20, 2015, 11:56:47 AM
Joining this thread! I've completed a Whole30 a couple of years ago and felt fantastic. I'm doing another one to see if it will help with my seasonal allergies and asthma. My favorite thing about doing a Whole30 is how well I sleep when I completely cut out sugar!
Yeah! Glad you're joining us Liz. I've read that it can really help with allergies, so that will be interesting to see your results. Agree with the sleep. I slept so hard last night, it was amazing.
Well, the Kalua pig is in the crock pot, so I'm anticipating a wonderful supper. I have to quick run to the grocery store and get the cauliflower.
Post by: swick on September 20, 2015, 01:41:36 PM
He is learning a lot about how our important our habits and traditions are and how much he looks forward to them. I should have thought about the weekend coming up and planned something awesome for Friday, I was sick, I didn't.
He has been lethargic at work all week. Part of the problem is he has to get up at 5:30 for work and the schedule has never really agreed with him and he finds it challenging at the best of times. It seems like the "whole 30" adds another layer to it.
We also haven't been eating the probiotics that we usually have tons of - Kimchi - Keifer - Yogurt and I think that is really affecting digestion for the both of us. I found some Indian Spiced Sourkraut in the fridge last night and we have had a bit of that, still tastes a little weird. I'll make some Kimchi that doesn't use Korean Pepper paste, but that's still 12 or so days before we can eat it.
I made a pretty tasty frittata for breakfast which Hubby enjoyed. Planning on making a Butter Turkey for dinner with the roasted cauli rice.
How is everyone else doing?
Post by: Cranberries on September 21, 2015, 07:41:14 PM
A question: Any ideas for getting the finances of a paleo diet under control? I live in an area where groceries are exorbitantly expensive. Farmer's markets are even more expensive then the grocery stores. I am not currently in a place where I can buy half a cow, and if I did I would need to have it shipped from the other side of the country for it to be cheaper than buying the cuts I currently get. There are no ethnic markets in my area. There are no budget markets either. I am strongly biased towards organics.
Post by: swick on September 21, 2015, 07:57:25 PM
I started 5 days after the rest of you, but I am in. I had three days of intense sugar cravings, but other then that it's been pretty straight forward. I have eaten paleo before, but was not eating this way in the months leading up to this.
A question: Any ideas for getting the finances of a paleo diet under control? I live in an area where groceries are exorbitantly expensive. Farmer's markets are even more expensive then the grocery stores. I am not currently in a place where I can buy half a cow, and if I did I would need to have it shipped from the other side of the country for it to be cheaper than buying the cuts I currently get. There are no ethnic markets in my area. There are no budget markets either. I am strongly biased towards organics.
Glad you are joining us. Are you in the US? You can get coconut milk, nuts and lots of whole 30 friendly ingredients shipped from Amazon. The only suggestion I can make as far as meat is to hunt around and see if there are any farmers around you can buy direct from, I joined a local farming facebook page to figure out who was growing what in our area. If you are somewhere like Alaska it might be a matter of going heavy on the fish and wild game.
Recipes I made tonight:
Bacon Burger Meatloaf! Met the taste requirements of burgers without the rather unpalatable some sort of sliced veggie fake bun - http://www.feedtheclan.com/family-chow-101913-with-bacon-burger-meatloaf-recipe/ (http://www.feedtheclan.com/family-chow-101913-with-bacon-burger-meatloaf-recipe/)
The Tomatillo Rach dressing from this recipehttp://www.plaidandpaleo.com/2014/06/tomatillo-ranch-chicken.html (http://www.plaidandpaleo.com/2014/06/tomatillo-ranch-chicken.html) over a cabbage, carrot and zuccini slaw. Very tasty!
Post by: Liz on September 21, 2015, 08:44:34 PM
Post by: Cranberries on September 21, 2015, 08:58:52 PM
Yes, I am in the US. I live in an affluent suburb in California. If I drive an hour, groceries are normal again.
I love the affects on my body, and I am willing to keep spending this if it's what I need to do.
What do others spend on a paleo diet? I feel like the majority of the forum live in a cheaper place (like anywhere else, really) and bulk up on rice and beans to achieve the budget they post. I am not sure how to translate that to my own diet. I often spend more to feed one person then many here spend to feed a large family. I think this month it will be around $450.
Edited to add: gah. Sorry about the complaining :) I am really enjoying the way eating this way is feeling, and it is awesome to have a group of others to ask these questions of.
Post by: swick on September 21, 2015, 09:15:02 PM
Swick, Thank you for your reply! I have found reasonable prices for non-perishables between sales, occasional costco runs, visiting cheaper places, amazon etc. It's more the perishables that are killing me. Conventional avocados are usually around $2 each. A bunch of kale runs me over $3. Yams are $3 a lb. I have found a couple of sources for grass fed ground beef and cheap roasts that are under $8 a lb, but in the two years I've been living in this area that seems to be the best I can do. Local farmers that sell direct consistently charge over $10 a lb, often for hung weight... I am not quite willing to eat nothing but cabbage, carrots, and coconut oil. The food budgets that people post on this forum seem to come from a different planet. I travel too much for my job to garden.
Yes, I am in the US. I live in an affluent suburb in California. If I drive an hour, groceries are normal again.
I love the affects on my body, and I am willing to keep spending this if it's what I need to do.
What do others spend on a paleo diet? I feel like the majority of the forum live in a cheaper place (like anywhere else, really) and bulk up on rice and beans to achieve the budget they post. I am not sure how to translate that to my own diet. I often spend more to feed one person then many here spend to feed a large family. I think this month it will be around $450.
Sounds like your prices are pretty on par with our in Canada, I feel your pain. $6.00 for ONE sweet potato? yeah it is a good size but still!
I certainly don't have the answers, Our food budget for this month ...well let's just say for the first time in years I have given up keeping track, I don't need the demotivation.
We are willing to see if it makes a big enough difference to keep this eating style for a while. I'm kinda thinking we will. At least I have noticed that we are starting to eat quite a bit less now that things are settling out and we are getting more used to eating more fats and nutrient-dense foods. Maybe there is savings there?
I know there are quite a few threads on the forums about how to eat Paleo less expensively. Here is a pretty good master link of food topics on the boards:http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/off-topic/the-ultimate-mustachian-food-guide/ (http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/off-topic/the-ultimate-mustachian-food-guide/)
I haven't really dug into the yet. Especially with the higher food prices in Canada. Also, I know a lot of people save $ by getting cheap factory farmed meat and fish from China...I'm just not willing to do that. Having better health, being able to be more productive and having less chronic issues for me, would be worth the increase in food budget. We'll have to see, this month was an odd one, be interesting to see what the budget shakes out like going forward.
Post by: mom22boys on September 22, 2015, 06:07:31 AM
I'm not saying I'm right or wrong....I just don't know. But I DO know that even without going 100% organic/pastured, I still feel way better than I was before. This time I'm going to actually do the reintroduction, at a slower pace like you mentioned Swick. I also feel like 4 days for adding back a food group just won't give me the time to fully recognize the impact to my body. I'm hoping that I can at least add back rice to help with costs. If not, then I guess cauliflower rice will have to do, which isn't so bad. :-)
Post by: swick on September 22, 2015, 07:34:34 AM
The roasted cauli-rice is a fair substitute, our problem is that even a contential cauliflower is 4.99 a small head, which does us for about one meal and not enough for Hubby's lunch the next day, so it gets really expensive!
I'd say neither of us have experienced anything close to "tigerblood" and we are on day 15.
One thing I have noticed is it is really nice and not to have the daily cylce of "I want to eat this" "I shouldn't it this, I KNOW it is bad for me" back and forth, back and forth. Then I finally say "fuck it" and eat it, then feel bad becuase I know I shouldn't have. Amazing how much mental space that takes up when you do it several times a day!
Post by: Sailor Sam on September 22, 2015, 08:00:44 AM
I will be starting over. My wife had some unexpected free time, and came to visit me Fri-Mon. I haven't seen her since April, and I wasn't about to make our limited time more complicated through food restrictions. So I had sushi, and beer, and french fries. Glorious!
I took her to the airport at sparrow's fart this morning, so I suppose I'm back on track. Now I will wait until Thanksgiving for another wife visit. It's almost enough to make me get a consolation hamburger :(
Post by: swick on September 22, 2015, 08:15:35 AM
How is everyone else doing? Liz? jat9449? Eirene? Naomi? Dulcimina? Bob W?
Post by: Liz on September 22, 2015, 11:55:59 AM
I'm not going to lie, I wouldn't mind dropping a few pounds in the process of the Whole30, but it's not my main motivation for doing it.
Sailor Sam -- Glad you got to see your wife, worth it for sure! And now you have two months to concentrate on the Whole30!
Post by: Dulcimina on September 22, 2015, 01:41:49 PM
Well!
I will be starting over. M :(
It's like everything went a wee bit wrong. The vegetables esp. raw veggies upset my digestive system; this never went away in two weeks. I'm not sure the balsamic vinegar I was using was allowed because it has caramel color. The TJ sausages I ate the first week were OK so I didn't read the fine print on a different flavored TJ sausage the second week. I just checked and the apple sausage contains added sugar. I made a flatbread - sweet potatoes, cassava flour, coconut oil and salt - then I felt guilty about eating it.
I am angry. I am used to eating a restrictive diet for specific health reasons. But with this challenge, I feel like I'm trying to favor compliance over eating in a way that I know makes me look/feel/perform better. So, I'm starting over, modifying so that I don't feel so sick all the time. I'll check in here more often as well
Today's menu:
Breakfast: roasted beet/strawberry/banana smoothie
Lunch: shepherd's pie (topping was yuca mashed with bone broth and coconut oil)
Dinner: cod soup. I'll replace the rice noodles with zucchini zoodles
Post by: mom22boys on September 22, 2015, 02:28:48 PM
Well!
I will be starting over. My wife had some unexpected free time, and came to visit me Fri-Mon. I haven't seen her since April, and I wasn't about to make our limited time more complicated through food restrictions. So I had sushi, and beer, and french fries. Glorious!
Since April! WOW....that would be so tough. Time with your wife trumps Whole30 any day! I'm happy you got to spend time with her. Heck, why didn't you have some dessert too? :-)
I would say I'm in a medium COL area. My cabbage (large) was 3.99, which I thought was high, but I guess not. :-) Luckily my parents aren't too far away and they have a large garden. They share a lot with me and the boys, which we love. My boys want a garden so bad, but that's a little hard living in town. Next year I want to do more pots. We did tomatoes in pots this year, and they did really well.
Post by: mom22boys on September 23, 2015, 06:14:24 AM
Today is going to be the tough day. Breakfast is free at the hotel, so that should be easy with hard boiled eggs, banana, and raw almonds. I have the almonds in my bag for later, and I'll snag a banana to take with. Lunch will be interesting. We'll see how it goes. I also told myself that it's not the end of the world if I go a little hungry for ONE day. Supper can be a magnificent steak or salmon with hopefully a baked potato.
Post by: swick on September 23, 2015, 07:30:48 AM
The only travel/socializing we have done so far is to my parents house and my mom was excited to experiment and feed us something we could eat. We are opting out of a buffet breakfast for another family member's birthday and will meet up with everyone after breakfast. Thought it would be way to hard at a buffet to figure out what we could eat, and it would certainly not be worth the expense (not like you really get to visit at something like that anyways)
This morning, 2:00am-ish I work up with what I would call my fybro flare-up on Steroids. I haven't been in this much pain in a long, long time. It popped into my head that maybe I didn't eat enough during the day. Not a connection I have ever considered before but I went with it. Got up and and a spoonful of almond butter mixed with a couple of spoonfuls of coconut oil. Then had a banana becuase I couldn't find my magneseum supplements. Got back to sleep a couple hours later (ususally it's an all-day thing) so that's a win. Unfortunalty I had to get up at 5:00. Going back to bed right after my scheduled client call this morning. If this is Tiger blood, I feel like a drown kitten!
How are y'all doing today?
Post by: Dulcimina on September 23, 2015, 11:36:56 AM
Post by: Liz on September 23, 2015, 01:09:12 PM
Dulcimina ~ Today was like for me too. Not very hungry for lunch at all! I put some coconut milk in my coffee this morning and I think that kept me full for longer than I thought it would.
Post by: KiwiSonya on September 23, 2015, 10:48:12 PM
Post by: swick on September 23, 2015, 10:53:06 PM
I had a 5 or so hour nap, not sure what that is going to do to my system :S
KiwiSonya - Awesome that you are joining us! One thing I would consider before starting and having a holiday at the same time - we found it takes a whole lot more thought, meal planning and even prep work than we are use to. I would find it almost impossible if we tried to do it on holidays!
Post by: Liz on September 24, 2015, 09:16:57 AM
Hi all, I have loved reading this thread with your highs and lows. I have just discovered Whole30 and have done a few weeks on and off but struggled to stick with it. I developed the same weird metallic taste in my mouth that I had when pregnant (and I'm not). Any ideas what that could be? I do love the feeling of stable blood sugar as I have always been on a bit of a sugar rollercoaster. Have some weight and belly chub to lose and have just started allergy season in New Zealand and I want to be unmedicated for a change. I've always suspected I have a dairy allergy so this will be a good test. Won't be easy as I'm visiting my parents with the kids for the school holidays but they've read Wheatbelly so have some grasp of the concept. Was tempted to say I'd start after the holidays but there can always be an excuse not to start. So fuck it, I'm just going to start now.
Hi from a fellow seasonal allergy sufferer! I'm glad you mentioned the metallic taste in your mouth because I had the same thing for the first couple of days. I didn't really think about it until now! It went away a few days ago. I wonder if it was an imbalance of some kind? Maybe stress?
I've already noticed that taking cheese out has helped my allergies immensely. I did have a flair up last night (kept waking up with a runny nose) and I am hoping it is just the rest of the bad junk getting out of my system. Unfortunately I was eating pretty poorly right before I started my Whole30, and I am paying for it with the headaches I am getting at night. I am starting to feel great during the days though! On Day 6 today!
Post by: Dulcimina on September 24, 2015, 10:47:58 AM
Post by: swick on September 24, 2015, 11:38:05 AM
Hubby is still really, really struggling with energy levels. He has been firmly in the day 6-7 stage (I just want a nap…) since Monday. He is getting his regular amount of sleep but he is waking up tired, struggling all day at work and then basically being a zombie when he comes home. I'm not sure what to do, and if anyone has any suggestions that would be great! Given we are on day 17, I'm getting a little concerned.
I was sick for a couple of weeks coming into this, so I expect my results to not be quite as quick...but it seems like Hubs is not only not seeing any improvements, things are worse than normal. Awfully hard to keep him motivated when he is struggling this much.
Post by: Sailor Sam on September 24, 2015, 02:02:21 PM
If he's not enthused about tracking things, just eat a potato. If he feels better, then add some carbs.
Post by: swick on September 24, 2015, 03:04:20 PM
Hey Swick, bummer your husband is struggling so hard. I'd suggest having him track his macronutrient ratios (protein, carbohydrates, fat) for 2-3 days. According to my research, people can fall into a triangle of misery on paleo-type diets. Where protein/carbs are juuuuust high enough to keep someone out of ketosis, but not high enough to provide the glycogen needed for normal energy flow.
If he's not enthused about tracking things, just eat a potato. If he feels better, then add some carbs.
Thanks Sailor Sam, Hubs ALWAYS feels better after he gets potato in him :D I think it is at least 1/2 psychological as he is rather fond of Potatoes. So it sounds like what you are saying is he's teetering on keto but not quite there, and not getting the glucose he needs for normal functioning. That makes sense. So it looks like we have to pick a direction, eh? I don't think He'd hold up to not being able to have the potatoes and fruit he'd have to cut out to cross over. I think the whole 30 is a a big enough shift int he first place to start with.
Is there a way to kinda "test out" Keto? Try it for just a while to see? Or does it harm your body to go back and forth? I did some research, but I didn't find anything on that specifically.
P.S. I love this community, and this little support group we have going. You all ROCK!
Post by: mom22boys on September 24, 2015, 03:14:43 PM
Welcome KiwiSonya! I've also had the metallic taste in my mouth for about a week. I figured it was ketosis, at least that's what I'm hoping. :-)
SailorSam - Yes, can you explain the whole carb/protein balancing a little more? Swick - What do you mean by 'pick a direction'? Just meaning that more potatoes would mean hubs wouldn't be in keto? Other than weight lose, is there really a benefit for being in keto? I'm read a little in this area, but I have to admit, I don't understand a lot of it.
I should also add that there are some people who also just can't completely cut out some of these foods. My sister in law did the Whole30 a couple years ago, and if I remember right, her blood pressure dropped due to some issue she's had with her thyroid. So her doctor told her to NOT do the whole30 any more. She is gluten intolerance though, so she does portions of it, just not all the food groups. I think her situation is pretty rare, but it's always important to remember that we aren't all the same, and some people react different than others.
Post by: KiwiSonya on September 24, 2015, 03:44:05 PM
Post by: swick on September 24, 2015, 03:54:40 PM
YOU DID IT!!!! (can you tell I'm uber impressed?) So glad you were able to stick with it. Sounds like there were some challenges, but you managed to overcome them!
SailorSam - Yes, can you explain the whole carb/protein balancing a little more? Swick - What do you mean by 'pick a direction'? Just meaning that more potatoes would mean hubs wouldn't be in keto? Other than weight lose, is there really a benefit for being in keto? I'm read a little in this area, but I have to admit, I don't understand a lot of it.
That's kinda what I was thinking and meant when I said "pick a direction" to go into Keto or not..I'm pretty fuzzy about it as well. There is A LOT of conflicting info. Hubby does need to lose some weight so it is worth exploring.
Post by: Liz on September 24, 2015, 06:49:13 PM
Congrats mom22boys!!! It sounds like you did awesome while traveling, which is one of the hardest parts about the Whole 30 to me!
I hit the "tired" phase this evening -- had a major headache so I laid down for a little bit and ended up napping for two hours!
Post by: Sailor Sam on September 24, 2015, 07:05:00 PM
SailorSam - Yes, can you explain the whole carb/protein balancing a little more?
Well, I’m not in any way an expert, but I do find this stuff interesting. General caveats about not being a chemist.
Here are a few givens:
1. Our cells need energy in order to contract. Important!
2. The energy packet they prefer (like Pandas prefer bamboo) is ATP
3. BUT cells can only store ~3 seconds worth of ATP inside themselves
Shit! My heart is only going to keep beating for 3 seconds!? Fear not BECAUSE our muscles can store a complex carbohydrate called glycogen.
1. Glycogen is actually a bunch of glucose molecules hooked together
2. Our cells can take a glycogen molecule, and break it back into a glucose molecule
3. Once the cell has glucose, it can break the glucose molecule into ATP
Cells have 2 different recipes for making ATP. One needs oxygen (aerobic), and one doesn’t (anaerobic). This point isn’t important right now, but it is fascinating!
BUT where does the muscle’s glycogen come from? The magic liver!
1. The major building blocks of all the food we eat are protein molecules, fat molecules, and carbohydrate molecules.
2. When protein and carbohydrates are digested, one of the results is glucose
2.1 Carbohydrades convert easily, protein less easily.
3. This glucose enters the blood stream through magic I don't really understand. It just does, okay?
4. The liver takes the glucose from the bloodstream, and squishes the glucose together to make a glycogen
5. If cells in the body start to get low on glycogen, the liver will convert glycogen back to glucose and send it out via the bloodstream.
6. The cells get glucose, which can be made into ATP, which keeps your heart beating, etc
In the above system, the main driver of energy is glucose, which comes from carbohydrate molecules. The process is called glycogenesis, and our bodies really like to exist in that energy state.
BUT what if the body doesn’t take in enough carbohydrate molecules to keep all the cells full of energy?
1. First the cells, then the muscles, then the liver gets depleted of glycogen.
2. Once that happens, a back up energy system comes on line.
3. Instead of using glucose to make ATP, the backup system uses fatty acids to produce ATP.
4. While in ‘backup’ the liver takes fat molecules, and turns them into something called ketone bodies
5. I’m a shaky on the conversions, so don’t ask, OKAY?
6. The liver sends the ketone bodies into the bloodstream, the cells snarf them up, and make ATP. Your heart keeps beating
Moral of story: if you stop eating enough carbohydrates, the muscles and liver runs out of glycogen. The liver shifts over to metabolizing fat.
The plot twist(!), the liver doesn’t really like to burn fat. It will try to limp along making glucose with minimal carbohydrates. Protein can also be used to make glucose, so if you eat enough protein even in the absence of carbs, you may stay in glycogenesis.
1. When glycogen shortage happens, the liver prioritizes the important organs, shorting the muscles and sometimes the brain
2. WHICH MEANS, carb levels that are below ideal energy but still above switching to ketosis make you tired, angry, hungry, exhausted, etc. If you've ever experienced an exercise 'bonk' then you know glycogen depletion. It's not a happy place.
That was hard. Anyone still reading?
Post by: mom22boys on September 25, 2015, 11:00:01 AM
2. WHICH MEANS, carb levels that are below ideal energy but still above switching to ketosis make you tired, angry, hungry, exhausted, etc. If you've ever experienced an exercise 'bonk' then you know glycogen depletion. It's not a happy place.
That was hard. Anyone still reading?
Thank you Sailor Sam! I did read the whole thing, and I agree that it's pretty fascinating! The one that really caught my attention was your last point, with kinda being in the middle of the switch. I've also been struggling with being tired over the last week, and this really helps me understand the WHY behind it. I've been sleeping like a rock at night, so I've been a little baffled why I feel so tired. Just shows that I need to experiment a little bit with what foods I'm eating, and then how it impacts my tired/awake feeling.
SailorSam - Weren't you the poster on another thread that talked about experimenting with your body weight and that you had as much of a weight difference of like 20+ pounds from one day to another? I think you've got a good handle on how your body works. :-)
Post by: KiwiSonya on September 25, 2015, 01:48:23 PM
Post by: KiwiSonya on September 26, 2015, 01:34:03 PM
Post by: Liz on September 26, 2015, 02:52:37 PM
Holidays still proving problematic, this will have to be my prelude to whole30 but I'm doing the best I can. Woke up with some big acne spots that hurt on my neck - guess that could be hormones and getting rid of toxins. Yesterday's slip up was deep fried fish and chips (a kiwi favorite). I noticed it was fried in beef tallow which I guess is better than vege oil but certainly not whole30 compliant. I woke up this morning with slight metallic taste in mouth and noticed to my surprise that I was breathing through my nose. As a lifetime mouth breather this was a bit of a shock, perhaps keeping away from dairy will fix that and my allergies. Had a headache at bedtime last night but otherwise feeling good. Hope everything good with the rest of you. Sonya
Funny you posted this, earlier this morning I was reading an article about nose breathing exercises for asthmatics and allergy sufferers. I've noticed my allergies are under control during the day, but still not that great at night (when laying down). I might try a neti pot again.
Day 8 here..plugging along!
Post by: swick on September 26, 2015, 07:07:27 PM
Thanks for the riveting explanation Sailor Sam, found it very helpful! Are you back on the boat with us? I'm curious how you felt aftwr your couple day break? Any affects? Was it easy to pick up again?
So, last night I had a bit of a slip. Decided to make Nom Nom Paleo's Kahlua pork since I keep hearing everyone rave about it. Ran out of complaint bacon so I figured I'd use a bit of liquid smoke. I've been buying the same brand FOR YEARS because there are no additives or flavoring crap in it. Opened a new bottle and dropped a drop into my mouth to see how strong it was and wouldn't you know, it tasted SWEET. Guess they started putting molasses (and other stuff) in it. So I didn't use it, used some smoked Paprika instead. Was just pissed off that I have been so careful and was doing so good and a damn drop of liquid smoke was my undoing. Not going to stress it and not going to start again, but it is a good reminder to never assume.
Oh the pork...soooo good! Hubby was a very happy camper :D
I've been a life-long mouth breather too, and have been breathing through my nose easily for the past week or so, Didn't really think about it until KiwiSonya mentioned it....
Post by: KiwiSonya on September 26, 2015, 08:50:37 PM
Post by: Sailor Sam on September 27, 2015, 01:43:39 PM
Post by: KiwiSonya on September 28, 2015, 01:59:30 AM
Post by: swick on September 28, 2015, 08:25:10 AM
Thanks for the check in, Swick. I am back on board, but I'm finding it really difficult. I'm full of angst and resentment. This morning I stood in front of the donut case at the grocery store and raged at the universe. I'm in full on tantrum mode. I'm sure I'll get over it, but daum, poor me.Aww it will get better! The angst and resentment at watching a family member devour a whip cream filled, chocolate dipped cream-puff yesterday - then lick his fingers! aaalllmost resulted in actions on my part that would definitely be unsavory and not very sweet.
Great to hear thinks are going well, KiwiSonya! Maybe the holiday is enough of a pattern interrupt that you are able to develop some new habits!
Hubs still struggled all weekend. Last night during on of our philosophical discussions - after hubs had gotten up from laying down again with a headache (he never gets 'em) He decided he wanted to weigh himself. He's an engineer and needs data to make sense of things.
Now, scales aren't an issue for us. I made him get on before the start of the whole 30 and it had probably been at least a year before that. His reasoning was he is okay and can accept the feeling like shit if it is because his body is changing and starting to use up some of the fat - but if he is this tired and crappy feeling and that isn't the reason, he needs to reevaluate what his body is doing because he is bloody miserable.
Turns out he has lost 5 lbs. We have both been too damn tired so haven't really increased activity levels at all, nightly walks with our pup is about all we have been managing so it is the result of diet changes alone. I can see his cloths are fitting differently, but the hard number confirmed for him that things are happening. It was like a switch went off, he got his second wind, at least mentally :)
One thing we realized is while we moved away from a super toxic town/environment in Dec of last year, we unconsciously took a lot of our eating habits with us. So we have been chatting about those and really digging into the "why" behind all the habits we have developed.
One thing we were guilty of is going and grabbing Subway for supper as we had 4-5 nights a week where we had about 1/2 an hour between hubby getting off of work and having to run out to a community event or meeting. I would say we probably did this about 4 times a month. So I pulled up the nutritional info (Subway doesn't make it easy!) and realized that hubby's usual meal was 1750 calories!! YIKES!! it was the LEAST HEALTHY of all the fast food meals that usually tempt us on those nights we are too busy to cook. Now we have re-structured our lives since moving so I work from home and we haven't gotten super-involved in our community, so we have time to make good food at home - that is a start. Been very interesting to see what conversations and ideas crop up :)
How is everyone else doing?
Post by: mom22boys on September 28, 2015, 11:14:24 AM
Oh the pork...soooo good! Hubby was a very happy camper :D
Agree! That pork is divine! I'm eating some yummy Moroccan meatballs right now, and they are so good also. Next time, I think I'm going to braise my cabbage right in with the meatballs. Kinda like pigs in the blanket.
Swick - Glad your hubby is seeing some weight loss. That does help make it worth the effort. I have about 50 lb to lose, so that's obviously one of my largest goals with this process. But it really is so much more, as I've learned over the course of doing this for 2 times. This time around I didn't even weight myself first, but I can tell a big difference and it definitely feels great to have people comment about my appearance.
This process has definitely helped me rethink what foods I can and cannot live without. Also, it's helped me recognize my patterns of eating, and how much of that has come from my parent's poor eating habits. It's not something I want to pass to my kids. There has to be a balance, which is something I'm still struggling with, but it's getting easier every day. I want my boys to know that it's ok to have a chocolate chip cookie sometimes. I don't want to be legalistic about it. But....I also want to make sure they understand that fruit is also a great alternative and can be just as yummy. Breaking eating habits of 40 years is not easy. :-)
One cool thing is that I finally got my parents to do the Whole30 too. They are almost done with week 3, and shockingly haven't cheated. I just hope they can continue with these better habits.
Post by: ketchup on September 28, 2015, 01:07:38 PM
My girlfriend was out of town this weekend for business (travelling showdog photographer, yes you read that correctly). For the first time ever on one of those trips, they ate only food brought with her, and she brought enough food for the friend she was traveling with (the key to them actually not going to any restaurants). She brought leftover meatballs, curried pork with vegetables, fresh fruit, beef sticks (Whole30 compliant) and some carrot cake Larabars. She and her friend both felt great the whole weekend. We also got her friend a quart of pasture-raised lard for her birthday (most people would NOT appreciate such a gift!).
Myself this weekend? I'm a weirdly unpicky guy with food, and I was busy working on my car this weekend while the lady was out of town, so my meals consisted of strange things like (my Saturday) a big portion of randomly-spiced pan-fried ground pork with nothing else for breakfast, an entire bunch of bananas for lunch, raw spinach and raw cashews while in the car driving to Autozone, and an apple later. Whatever's around, whatever's convenient.
Post by: jat9449 on September 28, 2015, 01:28:43 PM
I noticed this weekend while the baby was napping, I found myself perusing the kitchen every 15 minutes just "looking". I wasn't even hungry, just really bored. Could've also been because the hubs was baking Italian Bread in his bread machine. Yeah, he's evil ... Looking forward to more Tiger's Blood!
Post by: Liz on September 28, 2015, 03:39:18 PM
Ah! Just realized I wasn't getting notifications. So I missed about 30 posts. I'm on day 14 (almost half-way)!! I feel pretty stinking awesome, but I still have major sugar cravings. Probably because of my extreme love for peanut butter M&Ms. I know, I know. I probably shouldn't even talk about them.
I noticed this weekend while the baby was napping, I found myself perusing the kitchen every 15 minutes just "looking". I wasn't even hungry, just really bored. Could've also been because the hubs was baking Italian Bread in his bread machine. Yeah, he's evil ... Looking forward to more Tiger's Blood!
Congrats on being on Day 14! Day 10 here....l like counting up the days {not counting down!}, as a reminder of the streak we all have going on! I finally made it past the headache stage. I'm still not sleeping as good as I would like to be, but that is 100% allergy related. I can also tell my clothes are fitting a little better, which is always a plus!
Post by: Faraday on September 28, 2015, 09:05:32 PM
You are starting your quest at a difficult time of year: End of summer, beginning of fall. I call this the start of the Season of Insanity: food vendors, starting with Halloween and continuing on through Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Valentine's Day then wrapping up with Easter, will be shoving HFCS's, sugars and lactose, all embedded in chocolate, at you as hard as they can. (Don't believe me? Count the number of displays of OREOs in Wal-Mart after Halloween. You should see somewhere between 3 and 5 end caps dedicated to them.)
ON top of that, as winter comes on, your body will begin to want to lay in some fat and you'll begin craving shitty, useless "comfort foods". Warm breads, fried potatoes, corn products and almost anything with gluten in it.
And of course, don't forget the State Fairs that started in August (Hello Minnesotans!) and will run almost to Christmas. Damn the fried potatoes, ice cream and funnel cakes.
I say this not to paint a hopeless picture, but to offer strategies that can make you successful - you just need to be aware that there are forces out there actively working against you to sell you crap your body does not need or want.
So, some strategies:
- Be aware of the game-playing. Get mad and don't take it any more. Dig in your heels and be subversive. This works well if you are stubborn by nature.
- Just like Pete/MMM tells us NEVER SHOP, likewise, never go into a store unless you have eaten ahead of time (the proper food) and have a very specific list of what you are there for. Buy that stuff then get the hell out.
- Assemble some great compliant recipes that you love and PREFER to the crapfoods. Sources? ruled.me and ibreatheimhungry.com are two goto websites for me. They have a very-lo-carb zero-gluten pizza that will blow your freaking mind.
- The Crock Pot is your friend. You can make magic food in it that's waiting for you when you get home. If you've never experienced crockpot joy, you don't know what you are missing - to walk in the door from a long day at work to a place smelling rich and beautiful with food in a crock pot is a joy.
- Water is not your friend - water is your DAMNED AWESOME FRIEND THAT WILL SAVE YOUR ASS. Whatever you need to do to drink more and more of it, DO IT: add lemon, add lime (I do that), add whatever will make you drink it that's allowed.
- Sleep. Sleep as much as you need to, preferably cuddling with your favorite SO.
- Stay away from anything chocolate toward bedtime, it'll give you reflux
- We are subversives. Just like the world doesn't get frugalism/MMM, they won't get your diet either. Fuck them, be the subversive you were meant to be.
Fight. Fight for your health, and just remember one thing:
Why Keto? Because Bacon!
Best of success to you all. I now return you to your regular Whole30 program in progress. :-)
Post by: KiwiSonya on September 28, 2015, 11:02:00 PM
Post by: swick on September 29, 2015, 07:56:27 AM
Mom22boys - so awesome that you are getting your parents on board! I'm pretty sure my mom will give it a go - not sure about my dad. He works outside in the snow and has a hugely physical job so I think keeping him fed and able to work through some of the transition would be really tough.
It is quite interesting to look at where we got a lot of our habits and food patterns from. So many are inherited from our parents! They are also the hardest patterns to break!
Ketchup - Traveling dog show photographer!? My first thought was sweet! how do I sign up for that! My second thought was...hmmm that would mean dealing with the humans too...errr...no thanks! It's great that your Gf was able to take her own food with her and get her friend involved!
I think the idea of giving/getting some pastured lard as a birthday gift is awesome!
Jat9449 - Glad you found us again! Sometimes the notifications can be a little flaky. Glad to hear you are doing well and feeling awesome! I can't imagine doing this without my husband doing it with me, pretty sure I would have had my head stuck in the bread machine and been chowing down on that bread :) WAY TO GO!
Liz - I never thought about it, but you are right, counting UP the days does have a major psychological difference, doesn't it! I wonder what else I can apply this to....
Glad to hear you are getting out of the headache stage!
Mefla - What can I say? I love your posts! Always good reminders. I don't know about you guys, but last Halloween, I wasn't even tempted by the candy - well once I opened the bags and smelled it, even the chocolate. Remember back in the day when even Halloween candy had some actual chocolate in the "chocolate" bars? You know...that might cure anyone who is really tempted by chocolate, have the first piece you eat after the whole 30 one of those fun size chocolate bars, instant cure :)
KiwiSonya - Good to hear you are feeling great :)
Post by: Liz on September 29, 2015, 08:07:05 AM
Hello Whole30'ers - Keto brother here. Congrats to all of you who are hacking your diet to find your way to a new life! Stick with it, fight the good fight, the returns are worth it!
Best of success to you all. I now return you to your regular Whole30 program in progress. :-)
Love this post, and hi from one southeasterner to another!
Speaking of keto, I really enjoy reading the posts in the keto section of reddit for more information and to keep me motivated {even though it's a little different than Whole30/Paleo, a lot of the key components are similar}. The success/progress posts are truly inspiring!
Post by: Dulcimina on September 29, 2015, 10:23:01 AM
Hello Whole30'ers - Keto brother here. Congrats to all of you who are hacking your diet to find your way to a new life! Stick with it, fight the good fight, the returns are worth it!
Fight. Fight for your health, and just remember one thing:
Why Keto? Because Bacon!
Best of success to you all. I now return you to your regular Whole30 program in progress. :-)
I'm not even keto and I'm inspired!!
My update - skipped breakfast. I'm about to have lunch - eggs, sausage, zucchini cheeze (zucchini, gelatin,nutritional yeast), sauerkraut and mashed cassava. Now to find some water...
Quote
- Water is not your friend - water is your DAMNED AWESOME FRIEND THAT WILL SAVE YOUR ASS. Whatever you need to do to drink more and more of it, DO IT: add lemon, add lime (I do that), add whatever will make you drink it that's allowed.
Post by: Faraday on September 29, 2015, 10:51:30 AM
My update - skipped breakfast. I'm about to have lunch - eggs, sausage, zucchini cheeze (zucchini, gelatin,nutritional yeast), sauerkraut and mashed cassava. Now to find some water...
Now THAT'S a thing of beauty. That meal will easily get you to dinner without any hunger pangs. Eggs are nature's miracle food!
I keep ducks, I have six girls who give me between 4-6 eggs every day. I make a mean cheese omelet that can almost get me completely from breakfast to dinner without hunger pangs. And I sleep like a baby that night....
Post by: swick on September 29, 2015, 11:02:49 AM
My update - skipped breakfast. I'm about to have lunch - eggs, sausage, zucchini cheeze (zucchini, gelatin,nutritional yeast), sauerkraut and mashed cassava. Now to find some water...
*Shudders* Every experiment I have ever tried to make Nutritional yeast taste "cheesy" has ended in abject failure. Is yours any good?
Found a spiralizer at the thrift store and made zucchini noodles with a meat sauce turned out pretty good! Had extra sauce so added some spices and turned it into chili to have over sweet potatoes for lunch.
Hope everyone is having a great day!
Post by: mom22boys on September 29, 2015, 11:42:48 AM
- Water is not your friend - water is your DAMNED AWESOME FRIEND THAT WILL SAVE YOUR ASS. Whatever you need to do to drink more and more of it, DO IT: add lemon, add lime (I do that), add whatever will make you drink it that's allowed.
- - We are subversives. Just like the world doesn't get frugalism/MMM, they won't get your diet either. Fuck them, be the subversive you were meant to be.
Fight. Fight for your health, and just remember one thing:
Why Keto? Because Bacon!
Best of success to you all. I now return you to your regular Whole30 program in progress. :-)
Ok Mefla, you got me. When I read the first part line about water, I immediately was like what the heck! That's just plain crazy! Water is AWE.SOME. In fact, water is about the only beverage I drink any more. And then I kept reading. :-) I was literally LOL since I thought you were crazy at first. Thank you for the encouragement and really, really great tips. As you said, I'm really starting to rethink and question food in general, just like I've been rethinking about my finances. Also, yeah for Bacon...now if I could only find some that is compliant for Whole30. Well, I guess I could technically start eating some on Thursday (day 31 for me!) since the only bad stuff in the Costco bacon I found was trace sugar....hummm things to think about.
Jat - Welcome back! My sugar cravings haven't been too bad, but they have reared their light head again for me the last week. So far I haven't had an issue saying no, but it does make me realize that I need to NOT add it back after day 30. At least not for a longer period of time.
Ketchup - Yeah for your GF! That's awesome that she took her food with. I soooo should have done that on my last work trip. I had every intention of taking more food with me, but just ran out of time. Live and learn.
Liz - Booo for allergies! I'm so thankful I don't have any (and I hope I stay that way). My sleep has been great the last 2 weeks, so I'm hoping you get to that point too. Eventually the allergies come to an end, right?
Swick - I think your hubby is rubbing off on me. I have been just doggin' it for the last 2 weeks.
Today I seriously feel weak and light headed. I'm thinking that I'm not eating enough, but that's hard because I'm NOT hungry. Anyone else in the boat with me? Are you eating more? I've tried to add more fruit to my daily routine, I'm eating potatoes about twice a week, but still feel drained. I miss week 1, where I had serious Tiger Blood. I felt frickin' awesome! I want that back.
Post by: Dulcimina on September 30, 2015, 08:00:22 AM
*Shudders* Every experiment I have ever tried to make Nutritional yeast taste "cheesy" has ended in abject failure. Is yours any good?
Found a spiralizer at the thrift store and made zucchini noodles with a meat sauce turned out pretty good! Had extra sauce so added some spices and turned it into chili to have over sweet potatoes for lunch.
Hope everyone is having a great day!
Have you tried NY on roasted cauliflower? I like it, but then again I sort of like nutritional yeast.
For the cheese, you can also add extra flavor as well- garlic, parsley, jalapeno etc.
If you are a cheese connoisseur - don't even bother with this. For me, it's a reasonably tasty vehicle for getting zucchini and gelatin in my belly. For you, it would be SWYPO.
Post by: Dulcimina on September 30, 2015, 08:02:19 AM
Also, yeah for Bacon...now if I could only find some that is compliant for Whole30. Well, I guess I could technically start eating some on Thursday (day 31 for me!) since the only bad stuff in the Costco bacon I found was trace sugar....hummm things to think about.
Our local grocery store chain (Publix) sells a brand of bacon called Maverick - no sugar and no nitrites/nitrates. Not particularly expensive either :)
Or pork belly if you can get it.
Post by: Liz on September 30, 2015, 03:07:43 PM
Liz - Booo for allergies! I'm so thankful I don't have any (and I hope I stay that way). My sleep has been great the last 2 weeks, so I'm hoping you get to that point too. Eventually the allergies come to an end, right?
Today I seriously feel weak and light headed. I'm thinking that I'm not eating enough, but that's hard because I'm NOT hungry. Anyone else in the boat with me? Are you eating more? I've tried to add more fruit to my daily routine, I'm eating potatoes about twice a week, but still feel drained. I miss week 1, where I had serious Tiger Blood. I felt frickin' awesome! I want that back.
How are you feeling today? Better, I hope!! Maybe it was just a one day thing? I'm definitely noticing a small decrease in appetite, and I am liking that I can go longer without feeling hungry {I feel like I was the queen of the grazers before}
I feel like I've always been susceptible to seasonal allergies, and I am in AL where the weather is always changing. I'm tired of having to take OTC medicines and feeling groggy from them. At any rate, I've read success stories where the Whole30 has cured or greatly decreased people's allergies. But after 12 days, I am still having a stuffy and runny nose {but just at night, which is an improvement}. I bought some quercetin from a natural foods store yesterday. It is supposed to be a natural antihistamine and seemed to help last night. I know there is a low histamine version of the Whole30 which I might try down the road. It just seems pretty restrictive.
Post by: Faraday on September 30, 2015, 06:32:23 PM
I feel like I've always been susceptible to seasonal allergies, and I am in AL where the weather is always changing. I'm tired of having to take OTC medicines and feeling groggy from them. At any rate, I've read success stories where the Whole30 has cured or greatly decreased people's allergies. But after 12 days, I am still having a stuffy and runny nose {but just at night, which is an improvement}. I bought some quercetin from a natural foods store yesterday. It is supposed to be a natural antihistamine and seemed to help last night. I know there is a low histamine version of the Whole30 which I might try down the road. It just seems pretty restrictive.
Keep going Liz, keep going! You should see continuing improvement. My problems faded over a period of about six months into the Keto lifestyle. After a year, mostly gone with the possible exception of the occasional GERD if I ate too late in the day.
I'm much improved today and I'll never go back to the way things were.
Post by: mom22boys on September 30, 2015, 07:36:19 PM
I'm going to keep going, and try to figure out what day to start reintroduction. When I start, I'm going to do 2 days of adding the food group back, and then off again for 5 days. I think a week at a time will be a better gauge. I'm honestly not even sure if I'll weigh myself tomorrow. I don't even know what my starting weight was. I'm more about just feeling and looking good, regardless of the number on the scale. I'll see how I feel about it in the morning.
I've felt a little better today, but still tired. It didn't help that I woke up at 5 am. :-) Today I purposely tried to eat more food. Not stuffed, but a little more full. I think that did help some.
Post by: Faraday on September 30, 2015, 08:06:58 PM
Post by: Liz on September 30, 2015, 09:01:03 PM
I am on Day 12 and am taking each day as it comes. Trying to really take in the process, as funny as that sounds. I am enjoying nourishing my body with good food and loving the benefits that I am seeing. :-)
I am a little nervous because I will be on a camping/kayaking trip Friday night through Sunday -- my first venture into going out of town on the Whole30. I will be able to bring a cooler, which will be helpful. I am planning on bringing fruit, nuts, avocados, compliant beef jerky, and some RxBars to keep in my dry bag when kayaking. Maybe some tins of tuna, homemade ranch and veggies. We will probably go out to eat Saturday night, so I might even bring some of my own precooked chicken and dressing to add to a plain salad. What else could I bring?
Post by: Faraday on September 30, 2015, 09:37:20 PM
I am a little nervous because I will be on a camping/kayaking trip Friday night through Sunday -- my first venture into going out of town on the Whole30. I will be able to bring a cooler, which will be helpful. I am planning on bringing fruit, nuts, avocados, compliant beef jerky, and some RxBars to keep in my dry bag when kayaking. Maybe some tins of tuna, homemade ranch and veggies. We will probably go out to eat Saturday night, so I might even bring some of my own precooked chicken and dressing to add to a plain salad. What else could I bring?
All that stuff sounds fantastic. I'd add water (or maybe ice to be used for drinking), herbal tea or regular tea if you need it to wake up. Pecans.
Post by: Sailor Sam on September 30, 2015, 09:57:19 PM
Trying to really take in the process, as funny as that sounds.
Oh man, I'm terrible at that part. For me, the hardest part of any 30 day food challenge isn't cravings, or frustration with new cooking. It's knowing I have to count up 30 days before I can have the satisfaction of being 'finished.' I want the destination without all that dreary journeying.
And I'll add my congratulations to all the people who completed those 30 days. May we all be there soon!
As for traveling, I'd suggest making a few fat bombs. They stave off terminal hunger, and satisfy sugar cravings for some people. Just google Whole30 fat bomb for recipe ideas. They often need to be kept cold to be solid, so keep them in the bottom of the cooler.
One thing I tried today was chicken broth, with 2 egg yolks stirred in. Found the idea on the internet, and I was super wary. Sounded gross, but it was insanely delicious. Boil the broth gently, drop in the egg yolks, add enough salt. It has the taste and consistency of egg drop soup. Maybe you could take a couple mason jars of broth with you?
One last idea. Make some spicy tuna cakes (http://nomnompaleo.com/post/91332244628/spicy-tuna-cakes)
Long. Hope that wasn't creepily enthusiastic.
Post by: mom22boys on October 01, 2015, 10:43:36 AM
I decided to weigh myself this morning too. While I have no clue what my starting weight was, I'm guessing that I'm down around 10-15 lbs. I still have about 50 lbs to go to get to my goal weight, but I really am not going to focus on the number any more.
Oh almost forgot...I woke up feeling fabulous today! Yippee for day 31! When I got to work, I had so much energy I seriously wanted to run around my building. And I'm still feelin' like that at lunch time.
Eirene - Congrats to you for making it, and even bigger that you're going for the full Whole60. I may just end up with you at 60 days, depending if I hold out on the trace sugar and reintro phase.
Post by: Liz on October 01, 2015, 12:07:07 PM
http://whole30.com/2014/09/dear-melissa-slow-reintroduction-roll/
And YAY for lots of energy! That sounds awesome! I can tell I have more energy and my mood is better, but not quite running-around-the-building energy yet!;) But hopefully I get there!
My trip this weekend was just postponed due to inclement weather, but I think it will now happen next weekend. I appreciate all of the helpful suggestions, and now I have an extra week to prepare.
Sailor Sam ~ I just bought a pack of Wild Planet tuna from Costco and now I know what I can use for it. Thank you for the recipe!
Post by: mom22boys on October 02, 2015, 11:51:42 AM
How's everyone else doing? SailorSam, thanks for the reminder of the spicy tuna cakes. I've wanted to try them, and kinda forgot about them.
Mefla - I'm buying bacon this weekend. Just thought you would want to know. :-)
Post by: Faraday on October 02, 2015, 01:40:40 PM
....
How's everyone else doing? SailorSam, thanks for the reminder of the spicy tuna cakes. I've wanted to try them, and kinda forgot about them.
Mefla - I'm buying bacon this weekend. Just thought you would want to know. :-)
Post by: swick on October 02, 2015, 08:26:07 PM
Congrats for finishing mom22boys and Eirene!!!!
Mom22boys -sorry you were channeling hubby, hope you are doing better! As far as getting enough to eat, one thing that has really helped both of us is I started taking our morning tea and whizzing it with the stick blender with a bit of coconut milk and a spoonful of coconut oil - Kinda like bullet proof coffee style but not so extreme. It seems like it has really helped!
I haven't been on the forums for the last few days, not sure if it is the increase in energy or the adrenaline and excitement that a couple of major shifts are happening in my life and business - but I want to get as much done as I can! It's been a little nutty.
I dreaded doing whole 30 for so long (been planning to do it for 6 months) because of all the restrictions, but I don't even really notice them now.
I am all in favor of making this a long-term thread where we can stick around and support each other, you are all awesome :D I really appreciate how everyone is open and willing to share - the good - the bad - the ugly. This journey would have been much longer and way more lonely without having you all here with me - so - THANK YOU!!
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 03, 2015, 02:21:06 AM
Post by: Liz on October 03, 2015, 08:13:53 AM
I know it's too early to decide if I am going to continue on, but I am leaning towards YES for another 30 days once I finish this round. I think it will take more than 30 days to truly help with my asthma and allergies, although I am already seeing improvements. I might do a slow-roll introduction and continue on as normal W30, but not freak out if there is a trace amount of sugar in bacon, etc. The only thing I am curious about re-introducing is butter -- I have no interest in re-introducing grains or gluten.
Post by: swick on October 04, 2015, 09:19:39 PM
Outside of the occasional turnip thrown into the stew pot - I cooked my first Rutabaga! To my surprise I like em better than mashed potatoes. Not as keen on the smell as they are cooking though.
Had a cup of coffee this morning, decided I didn't like the instant gut-rot it gives me. Quite happy to stop drinking it. Quite big for someone who use to start out their workday morning with a quad shot of espresso over a scoop of ice cream and call it breakfast ;)
Hubs has been working OT this week and had to work on Sat. It was super difficult for him. He had enough food to work through supper, but when the company pays for restaurant meals during OT, and everyone around you is noshing on pizza (his fave) it is frustrating and demoralizing. I am super proud of him though.
3 days to go, still not 100% sure what our re-intro is going to look like, I imagine it will be much slower and more methodical then they recommend. I think we'll try and eat this way generally, maybe add back a few things (like not worrying if there is sugar in the bacon)
Post by: Sailor Sam on October 04, 2015, 09:33:30 PM
Actually, the phenomenon has an interesting root. I spent the weekend at my parents. We ended up going out to eat twice, and I ate some vinaigrette dressing, and 2 slices of bacon. I didn't ask the ingredients, so I assume neither were compliant. I also had a couple servings of potatoes each day. The whole weekend had higher than usual carb consumption, and I'm consumed with cravings and anger. The weekend also contained my parents, so it's possible the carbs are actually innocent, but it's certainly something to keep an eye on.
Post by: ketchup on October 05, 2015, 07:58:35 AM
Post by: swick on October 05, 2015, 09:23:41 AM
Awesome, Ketchup! Those lettuce wraps look great! One thing Hubs and I were talking about is "comfort foods" and how we need to figure out "why" they are comfort foods, what needs they are meeting and either find alternatives or indulge consciously.
Unfortunately, most comfort food for hubby are "things with bread" Hamburgers, beef dips, pizza, wraps...stuff like that. Those are harder to find satisfying alternatives for. My mom got creative and made a "raw" grain free dehydrated pizza base once....*shudders* i still have nightmares of that saw-dust, moisture sucking wad of horribleness that got lodged in my throat on the way down. Truly, truly awful experience!
The "Friday night" ritual of having something tasty and decompressing after the work week is something hubby wants to continue. So I am making the list of his comfort foods that we can eat -YAY chicken wings! and am creating a list of foods we like at restaurants but can make better at home (butter chicken, that sort of thing) and we will make something fun and exciting together every second Friday (he has it off) and then work the ones we like into Friday treats on the Fridays he is working (ER can't come early enough!)
We have also identified that we have to have prepared really easy to make meals ready in the freezer for nights we are busy or working late because those are usually the nights we are tempted to eat fast packaged crap or eat out. Anyone have any suggestions for whole 30 ready to go freezer meals they like?
I am also trying to get the fridge more stocked with grab and go (or grab and saute) veggies and easy to prep ingredients. That is helping too.
Post by: mom22boys on October 05, 2015, 11:30:45 AM
Swick - To your freezer meal question. Do you really need to freeze it, or just refrigerate? I've found that mass batch cooking on the weekend has been my saving grace. At first it was kinda tedious, but wow, does it save a ton of time during the week. I'm just asking because I've found that most food will easily last a week in fridge, without having to freeze it. I guess it just depends on whether you and hubs are ok eating a lot of the same things during the week. The one food that I did freeze was chili. I still need to get that out and eat it up, but I accidently made it with non-compliant broth, so I've been waiting for a while. Have you tried freezing fajitas? I need to go through my recipes and see what other ideas I have for you.
This weekend I made a huge batch of homemade spaghetti sauce, with sausage (the sausage has trace sugar). Then I cooked up a small spaghetti squash, which will feed me for 3 meals. Oh, this freezes well too. I've even heard that you can freeze the cooked spaghetti squash but haven't tried that. I'll cook up my other spaghetti squash tonight and have it ready for the rest of the week. That's my lunches for all week. Plus, I made the chicken coconut curry again this weekend, so I have left over chicken and lots of yummy sauce left to make with shrimp and maybe scallops this week.
Ketchup - Another great recipe that I've printed and have to try. :-) What recipe do you use for the meatloaf? Sounds great, and I just got my 1/4 side of beef this weekend, so I have a lot of quality beef to use.
Anyone have more veggies/sides that you can make in mass? I've done the braised cabbage and rice cauliflower, but looking for other ideas too.
Post by: ketchup on October 05, 2015, 01:23:31 PM
Ketchup - Another great recipe that I've printed and have to try. :-) What recipe do you use for the meatloaf? Sounds great, and I just got my 1/4 side of beef this weekend, so I have a lot of quality beef to use.The meatloaf we made is from Mark's Daily Apple: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/frozen-primal-paleo-meals/ We did 1lb of ground pork and 1lb of ground beef. Served with homemade ketchup.
Post by: swick on October 05, 2015, 03:58:52 PM
Hubs takes dinner leftover for his lunch the next day. So he doesn't mind eating the same thing once or twice but if we have the same thing two nights in a row it means he is having it for 4 meals in a row. Too much of anything seems to disagree with his system if he has it for too many meals, even if he likes it.
Veggie sides - I am really loving Rutabaga and they are super cheap in the store right now. I made a huge pot of mashed ones with the drippings from the sausage pan and a splash of coconut milk, salt and white pepper. I made the leftovers into patties this morning and dusted them in cashew flour (tasty, added texture, didn't really help them crisp) but they were awesome with some eggs, salsa and guac!
One of hubbies favorite recipes is Brussels sprouts roasted with some onion and apple. I saute the onion a little bit first and just use frozen Brussels from the store. Roast em all up and toss with a little balsamic and back into the oven for a quick broil. Usually I do a 9x13 pan that lasts for a couple of meals.
We got a spiralizer from the thrift store to make zucchini noodles. They are lots of fun and while not as good as homemade pasta, better then the bland packaged dry stuff!
Roasted Squash is always a safe bet...actually roasted everything. If I don't know what to do with something, I roast it :D
Post by: Cranberries on October 05, 2015, 06:35:02 PM
Post by: 1967mama on October 05, 2015, 11:02:30 PM
Post by: swick on October 06, 2015, 05:11:26 AM
Swick, I cook in massive batches for my lunches, and lunch tends to be my biggest meal of the day. I throw meat and yams in a wok with some sort of flavoring and some extra fat, and then divide it up into lunch sized portions in oversized tupperware and put them in the freezer. After thawing it I top it with salad greens and a half an avocado and take it for lunch. The meat/yam combo freezes well, tastes good, and is incredibly easy. I don't mind repetition, but usually I have three different batches in my freezer at a given time, with different spices.
Thanks Botanist! When you say Yams, do you mean the yellow fleshed ones? We can't get them here, we can only get the orange ones which are called both "yam" and "sweet potato" They are, as their name implies so sweet that they are almost awkward to eat in savory dishes...but make an awesome base for a bbq sauce!
Welcome 1967mama! The mindless eating can be hard, but pretty soon if you are eating right the desire to snack in between meals pretty much goes away (it's weird when your hunger signals actually mean your hungry and not bored/tired/lonely/etc)
It would definitely help to remove anything that you mindlessly use/eat. For us it was the bottle of Sriracha, we just use it on everything, I could find it in my sleep and caught myself several times about to put it on what I was eating. Hiding it broke the cycle.
So, big news guys! Hubs isn't snoring anymore! Between his snoring and my super, super light sleeping and general horrible sleeping habits, we don't share a bedroom. I have been sleeping more consistently (lifelong insomniac) and if diet is the major factor in his snoring, we might, just might be able to actually share a bedroom and that would be pretty darn awesome.
Has anyone else noticed a decrease in snoring? All-knowing google points that it might be a dairy thing - but wondering if anyone has noticed a difference?
Post by: Faraday on October 06, 2015, 06:07:55 AM
Swick, I cook in massive batches for my lunches, and lunch tends to be my biggest meal of the day. I throw meat and yams in a wok with some sort of flavoring and some extra fat, and then divide it up into lunch sized portions in oversized tupperware and put them in the freezer. After thawing it I top it with salad greens and a half an avocado and take it for lunch. The meat/yam combo freezes well, tastes good, and is incredibly easy. I don't mind repetition, but usually I have three different batches in my freezer at a given time, with different spices.
This is genius.....
Welcome 1967mama! The mindless eating can be hard, but pretty soon if you are eating right the desire to snack in between meals pretty much goes away (it's weird when your hunger signals actually mean your hungry and not bored/tired/lonely/etc)
It would definitely help to remove anything that you mindlessly use/eat. For us it was the bottle of Sriracha, we just use it on everything, I could find it in my sleep and caught myself several times about to put it on what I was eating. Hiding it broke the cycle.
YES! to this! A good strong breakfast, bacon and eggs, will do that. I'm stunned when I can go past lunch without getting hungry, and I've made it all the way to dinner without getting "hangry".
And BTW: When you start eating right, timing becomes important. You can't sluff off meals and just be OK with it, you start getting hungry/angry, or "hangry". DW and I have had several very close calls about that.
Once, we attended a funeral for a beloved relative. All the services had come to an end and we gathered at "the house" to just be a family together. Everyone started breaking out the lasagna (industrial sizes from shopping clubs), bread, cookies, cakes and pastries. DW and I were already hungry (it was WAY past lunchtime at this point and most of the way to dinner) and were getting impatient.
Independently, but in total lock step, we collected our stuff, started hugging people and heading for the door. Everyone followed us to the stoop to continue the discussion (which is a wonderful, beautiful thing called "The Carolina Goodbye") but this was one time we just couldn't.
We smiled, waved and kept talking as we ran to the car. At the doors, we called out our goodbyes, got in the car, cranked it up and mashed the gas, hard.
3 miles down the road, we found a good steakhouse/meat restaurant. RUNNING to the bar so we could sit down without delay, we ordered immediately and told the barkeep "extra tip for speed". I had a rack of ribs, DW had a 1/2 lb ribeye, hold the potatoes.
There was nothing mustachian about the price of that meal and the tip. We're not talking about Ruth's Chris, but it was a lot of money to us. And we gladly, gladly paid it.
The satisfaction of that meal is difficult to put into words. People, I got to tell you - when you eat right and don't snack, when you finally sit down to a meal and it's good and substantial and satisfying, the experience is nothing at all like snacking on crap. The parallels to the MMM/frugal/stoic life (specifically hedonistic adaptation) directly correlate between diet and finances.
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So, big news guys! Hubs isn't snoring anymore! Between his snoring and my super, super light sleeping and general horrible sleeping habits, we don't share a bedroom. I have been sleeping more consistently (lifelong insomniac) and if diet is the major factor in his snoring, we might, just might be able to actually share a bedroom and that would be pretty darn awesome.
Has anyone else noticed a decrease in snoring? All-knowing google points that it might be a dairy thing - but wondering if anyone has noticed a difference?
YES YES YES. When I went keto and lost weight, snoring started going away almost immediately. DW went keto with me, lost a lot of weight but didn't realize she had stopped snoring. We always joked at my house that we had "fat heads", but we didn't realize it was literally true! Also: falling asleep improved dramatically, and happened quite by surprise.
I had a whole list of more than a dozen chronic ailments that went away after being Keto for about 7 months and losing 80 lbs.
(and BTW: "Keto" is a kind of a "sibling diet" to Whole30. I practice it as a lifestyle. )
Post by: mom22boys on October 06, 2015, 07:21:04 AM
Has anyone else noticed a decrease in snoring? All-knowing google points that it might be a dairy thing - but wondering if anyone has noticed a difference?
YES! My dad! He has snored (actually has sleep apnea) horribly all my life, in fact so bad that on family trips I would often have to leave the hotel room and go sleep in the car. Well, this weekend my mom was telling me that one night he fell asleep in the recliner, and she woke up 4 times during the night and would get worried because she couldn't hear him snoring. She would sneak out to the living room just to make sure he was still breathing! With his apnea, there were MANY times he would stop breathing for a few seconds, but he refuses to wear the mask thing.
Swick - That is AWESOME if you can actually share a room again! That's a great victory
1967mama - Welcome on board! As you maybe read, some of us are done or close to it, but many of us are still going. Are you going to officially start over after your slip? It happened to me on day 2 (my first round) also. Mindless eating is soooo easy to do. I've come a long way, and so will you.
Mefla - I tried to research Keto eating a little, and was a little confused by what you can/cannot eat. What are the biggest differences in your opinion? Looks like some or all dairy (saw cheese) is permitted, right? Of course trace sugar.
Liz - Hope you're going strong! You are getting so close. It only gets easier and easier. :-)
Post by: jat9449 on October 06, 2015, 08:42:57 AM
HOWEVER, other than the occasional hangriness, the biggest, most AMAZING transformation I have noticed with myself is my ability to parent my two kids without blowing up all the time (internally). I feel like before I was on this constant up-down, up-down roller coaster of sugar/emotions and now I'm on a steady smooth path with a few occasional hills. That, in and of itself, is causing me to rethink my diet/life for good.
Post by: Faraday on October 06, 2015, 10:58:01 AM
Mefla - I tried to research Keto eating a little, and was a little confused by what you can/cannot eat. What are the biggest differences in your opinion? Looks like some or all dairy (saw cheese) is permitted, right? Of course trace sugar.
Hey mom22!
Keto omits foods with high carb content: wheat, oats, dried fruit, bread, pasta, rice, beans, carrots, corn and corn products, anything with the popular sugars and expressly HFCS. This wipes out the vast majority of restaurant foods and fast foods. Nearly all dairy is permitted - probably cheesecakes prepared with sugar are disallowed.
One of the hardest things for most people about living keto is that it discourages fruits: bananas, oranges, apples, peaches, pears, plums and grapes. I say "discourages" because while you don't eat these foods routinely, you can do apples, oranges or pineapple maybe once a week to get vitamin C, fiber and other good stuff.
May I do a little infomercial?
The Ketogenic Diet is old - it was developed in the early 1920's and remains an effective treatment for epileptics who do not respond to drugs: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketogenic_diet
An important book on the topic is "Why We Get Fat (And What To Do About It) by Gary Taubes:
http://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Get-Fat-About/dp/0307474259/
A good contemporary resource for Keto discussion is the reddit keto forums:
https://www.reddit.com/r/keto
ruled.me is my go-to for recipes: http://www.ruled.me/keto-recipes/
Faves are:
http://www.ruled.me/jalapeno-popper-egg-cups/
http://www.ruled.me/bacon-red-pepper-and-mozzarella-frittata/
and the most glorious pizza you've ever wrapped your mouth around:
http://www.ruled.me/low-carb-pepperoni-pizza/
On Keto, if you are susceptible to gallstones, you'll probably develop them. I did, but gallstones run in my family. I am treating them and it's working, slowly. I will probably do a gallbladder flush at some point but I don't plan to go off Keto.
Water is vitally, vitally important. If you cut back on it, you can suffer badly and reap none of the benefits. More importantly, tea and soft drinks do not substitute for water. So you've really got to be careful. I add packets of dried lime essence and I love it.
If I ever decided I wanted to stop doing Keto, I'd likely cycle onto Paleo or Whole30.
Post by: Faraday on October 06, 2015, 11:00:34 AM
I COMPLETELY understand being "hangry".....
HOWEVER, other than the occasional hangriness, the biggest, most AMAZING transformation I have noticed with myself is my ability to parent my two kids without blowing up all the time (internally). I feel like before I was on this constant up-down, up-down roller coaster of sugar/emotions and now I'm on a steady smooth path with a few occasional hills. That, in and of itself, is causing me to rethink my diet/life for good.
YES YES YES. Eating Keto has given a kind of stability to my emotions and helped me be more professional at work. Hell, I thought I needed counseling for a long time (may people would probably say that... :-) ) but when I went Keto, my emotions leveled out and I was able to think critically about things that would just put me "on tilt".
Post by: 1967mama on October 06, 2015, 03:17:03 PM
Thank you for the warm welcomes!
I ate ONE chip, darn it! It was day 2, so yes, I'm back on day 1. Just wondering, Swick, if you might be willing to change the subject to just Whole30 and then people could keep posting no matter where they are? There is some real gems of information in here for a newbie like myself, and it would be neat if it could stay on top instead of being buried.
A few questions/thoughts:
1) I have a fancy party thing later this week with my husband's work and had to preorder food, and I ordered the a veg option that comes wrapped in pastry. The order was made a week ago, pre Whole30. Any suggestions? I can't change the order now.
NEXT QUESTION HAS A TMI WARNING! Stop here if you want.
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2) I am suffering with ... ah .. erm ... diarrhea today --- ugh! I just read that this is normal. Anyone else experience this? Its quite unnerving!
Post by: Sailor Sam on October 06, 2015, 03:39:42 PM
Post by: swick on October 06, 2015, 05:16:45 PM
As far as the work thing - eating out is tough - I basically rearranged our social calendar to make it work and only went to my parents house because I knew I had their full support.
The problem with the veggie pastry is the veggies might be cooked in butter, there could be cheese in there as well - Personally, I would eat a good meal before going and break it up on my plate and make it look eaten - maybe spirit a few bits away in a napkin to make it look eaten and see if I could get away with it ;)
Or, depending on how you are feeling, you might have a legit reason to take a "sick" pass. ...sorry I'm an introvert, I'm always looking for ways to get out of social obligations. It might not be useful advice :)
The digestive issues are no fun, but I think everyone goes through them. Overnight I went from fully happy like clock-work to running to the bathroom, and it lasted a few days. You'll get through it!
Post by: Cranberries on October 06, 2015, 06:56:09 PM
When you say Yams, do you mean the yellow fleshed ones? We can't get them here, we can only get the orange ones which are called both "yam" and "sweet potato" They are, as their name implies so sweet that they are almost awkward to eat in savory dishes...but make an awesome base for a bbq sauce!
I prefer the yellow or whitish ones, but this week I found the orange ones on sale and used them instead. It still came out fine. An alternate that I have done is chunks of beef or pork roast and roasted squash, with the same method of cooking too much and freezing it as a base for salad and avocado.
Post by: Liz on October 06, 2015, 08:33:40 PM
Any recommendations for treating a cold the W30 way? This is what I have so far: homemade chicken soup {unfortunately I cannot drink a lot of bone broth b/c too much gelatin makes me really itchy}, compliant tea {Gypsy Cold Care tea}, lots of water with teaspoons of ACV, and ACV in my vaporizer. I'm taking Tylenol for the sinus pressure but I do NOT want to take cold medicine or antibiotics!
Post by: swick on October 06, 2015, 08:50:22 PM
mom22boys -- Thank you!:):):) I am enjoying reading about your after W30 experience so far!
Any recommendations for treating a cold the W30 way? This is what I have so far: homemade chicken soup {unfortunately I cannot drink a lot of bone broth b/c too much gelatin makes me really itchy}, compliant tea {Gypsy Cold Care tea}, lots of water with teaspoons of ACV, and ACV in my vaporizer. I'm taking Tylenol for the sinus pressure but I do NOT want to take cold medicine or antibiotics!
Aromatherapy is a great option because you don't have to ingest anything! This is a pretty good super basic overview: http://amazingwellnessmag.com/aromatherapy-for-colds/ (http://amazingwellnessmag.com/aromatherapy-for-colds/)- Although some oil of oregano (make sure you get the stuff that is already mixed with olive oil and not the straight up essential oil) works wonders. Tastes horrible and you'll have oregano breath for hours but works.
Post by: 1967mama on October 07, 2015, 12:08:03 AM
For the dinner, I loved the idea of pushing everything on my plate around with a fork and putting some in a napkin. Brilliant! ... I actually LOL'd!
For the tummy troubles, things settled down about an hour after I posted. I did go and read up on the Whole30 blog and assume it to be a result of what I was eating before I actually started. This was great: http://whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/
My 2nd day 1 is under my belt! haha! Onward!
ETA: link
Post by: swick on October 07, 2015, 08:19:38 AM
... I actually LOL'd!
For the tummy troubles, things settled down about an hour after I posted. I did go and read up on the Whole30 blog and assume it to be a result of what I was eating before I actually started. This was great: http://whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/
My 2nd day 1 is under my belt! haha! Onward!
ETA: link
:) I should have thought to post the link to the revised timeline, Thank you!
I found it very, very helpful to look it up when something weird has going on, then you look it up and then it's like yup that's spot on. We were off by a couple of days. I felt super crappy the first week, hubs was fine. His second and third weeks were more of a struggle for him. But everytime he took a super dip, I'd go back the timeline show him and say "it's temporary!"
This morning hubs said he never thought we would get through it, nor so relatively easily - especially with things we love so much, like cheese! We both agreed that being without it so long the desire is not there to really bring it back - This is huge!
Although he had to physically steer me away from the cheese isle where, right by the front door our local Italian market was sampling a huge wheel of Parm that they had just got in from Italy. That was the only real temptation, the only thing better than high-quality cheese is free high-quality cheese!
So for re-intro, we are going to go very slow and methodical. 2-3 days (depending on Hubby's work) of trying out a food group - basically the weekends - and then back to whole 30 during the week. We figure this will give us enough time to properly expose ourselves (some things like dairy should have pretty quick side-effects, others can take a bit longer) and give our bodies a chance to "reset" or return to a whole 30 baseline before we try the next thing.
So, roughly we are looking at:
week1: - Milk (unfermented dairy)
week2: - Fermented dairy (Yougurt, Kefir)
week3: - Cheese (casin can apparently cause issues)
week4: - legumes
week5 - Fermented soy - (soy sauce, miso)
week6: - Non-gluten grains
week7: - gluten grains
We might break down the legumes, grains and glutens even further - in the name of science and as a way of eating whole 30 longer :)
oh, hey...it's day 30! I kinda lost track of time this past week. :D
How is everyone doing? How are the people who are on the whole 30 - What are your breakthroughs? Challenges? Successes?
How is the re-intro going for people who have finished - have you discovered anything? gotten any insights?
Post by: ketchup on October 07, 2015, 08:22:56 AM
Anybody have totals for grocery spending on Whole30?
Disclaimer: My numbers aren't entirely 100% accurate because we used some meat we had before starting, but we also stocked up on some things that we haven't had to in a while (oils and spices mostly) and last night's shopping trip also included planning for a week-long trip that we're leaving for Friday morning. Overall I'd say it's probably very slightly more than we would have spent with no past items used or future items bought.
Household of two adults:
Vegetables: $124.52
Fruit: $71.83
Meat/eggs: $206.87
"Other": $239.69
Total: $642.91
Average per person per meal: $3.57
Other includes things like $40 of coconut oil and olive oil from Costco, about $25 in spices that needed replenishing, condiments like hot sauce and coconut aminos, lots and lots of canned coconut milk (mmm... curry), and other non-produce, non-meat things.
About 25% of the produce we bought was organic, and about 80% of the meat/eggs were straight-from-the-farm.
I'm convinced we could maintain the Whole30 way of eating for an average of $500/month ($250/person) going forward.
This was the sum of a total of TWENTY-TWO grocery receipts. 3 trips to Jewel-Osco, 1 trip to Whole Foods, 4 trips to Costco, 3 to Aldi, 8 to Meijer, and 2 to Walmart. Plus one to the farm for our meat/eggs pickup. Yikes. Some of that isn't quite fair, as I'd hit Jewel and Aldi sometimes in the same trip or Costco and Whole Foods, but still. Way too many trips to the grocery store. I think we'll try to get it down to 2x/week going forward.
To our credit, at least the only thing that we threw out all month was a bad cantaloupe! No food waste here. I accidentally dropped a chicken breast on the floor at one point, but our raw-fed Australian Shepherds took care of that immediately.
We also ate out a whopping zero times, even with some travel, which certainly helps in the not-feeling-like-crap and not-exploding-volcano-of-wastefulness departments.
Post by: mom22boys on October 07, 2015, 11:41:12 AM
Mefla - Thank you for the info on Keto! That was really helpful, and yes, I had read about it being used for epilepsy. Very interesting. Going without fruit (or at least very limited) would be pretty tough for me. But, it's something I should consider if I don't have problems with adding back some dairy after the Whole30.
Ketchup - I didn't track my budget nearly as close as you, but I ended up spending about $380. But, I have a lot of caveats with that. :-) I have a lot of meat in the freezer that I used, some pastured and others not. But, some of the meat I did buy for the month was also in bulk, so I have replenished some in my freezer for this month. Also, this is for me and my 2 boys. They aren't doing the Whole30, other than me cutting out their sugar completely at home, and eating the same meals as me when we eat at home. I haven't tried to do Whole30 with their cold lunches I send to school. That would be tough, and I'm not up to that challenge....yet. :-) Also, we did NO spending on restaurants either, except for my work trip, which was free to me. :-)
Swick - I think I'm going to start my reintro this Sat/Sun with legumes. I'm going to do 2 days eating, then back to Whole30 for the 5 days, similar to your plan. I hadn't thought about doing the reintro more granular, but that's something I think I need to consider.
The things I'm missing is butter, cheese, rice, and popcorn. Of course, my sugar craving rears it's head a little but I'm definitely not at a point of being able to only eat a bite or two. I think that might honestly take me 6+ months. So, I'm gonna keep on with only trace sugar, nothing more.
Post by: Faraday on October 07, 2015, 01:36:47 PM
The things I'm missing is butter, cheese, rice, and popcorn. Of course, my sugar craving rears it's head a little but I'm definitely not at a point of being able to only eat a bite or two. I think that might honestly take me 6+ months. So, I'm gonna keep on with only trace sugar, nothing more.
Help me here, I'm showing my ignorance about Whole30: are butter and cheese prohibited? I eat the CRAP out butter. I have four little Land 0 Lakes peel-open tubs right now at my workdesk. I put butter on almost anything that's heated. Goes GREAT like a "sauce" on beef, pork or chicken. Never, ever margarine or individually wrapped "Kraft Slices". I use real butter and real cheese. In fact, I have to be careful how much cheese or I get into a constipation situation.
Post by: swick on October 07, 2015, 02:26:29 PM
The things I'm missing is butter, cheese, rice, and popcorn. Of course, my sugar craving rears it's head a little but I'm definitely not at a point of being able to only eat a bite or two. I think that might honestly take me 6+ months. So, I'm gonna keep on with only trace sugar, nothing more.
Help me here, I'm showing my ignorance about Whole30: are butter and cheese prohibited? I eat the CRAP out butter. I have four little Land 0 Lakes peel-open tubs right now at my workdesk. I put butter on almost anything that's heated. Goes GREAT like a "sauce" on beef, pork or chicken. Never, ever margarine or individually wrapped "Kraft Slices". I use real butter and real cheese. In fact, I have to be careful how much cheese or I get into a constipation situation.
All dairy is out for the whole 30. Lactose is a problem for many, so is the casin in cheese. Dairy can exacerbate allergies, breathing issues, sleeping issues, digestive issues...depends on the person. So the whole point of the whole 30 is to cut it all out for 30 days and slowly reintroduce in a systematic way so you can see how those things specifically affect you.
Post by: Faraday on October 07, 2015, 02:39:20 PM
All dairy is out for the whole 30. Lactose is a problem for many, so is the casin in cheese. Dairy can exacerbate allergies, breathing issues, sleeping issues, digestive issues...depends on the person. So the whole point of the whole 30 is to cut it all out for 30 days and slowly reintroduce in a systematic way so you can see how those things specifically affect you.
Cool, cool. You make me wish I'd come to keto from Whole30, but Whole30 didn't exist then. What I didn't mention was that once I went keto, my lactose intolerance became a very severe problem - the carbs were, apparently, masking it somehow.
Post by: 1967mama on October 07, 2015, 03:40:19 PM
I thought butter was ok when served this way:
Do not eat dairy. This includes cow, goat or sheep’s milk products such as cream, cheese (hard or soft), kefir, yogurt (even Greek), and sour cream… with the exception of clarified butter or ghee. (See below for details.) - See more at: http://whole30.com/whole30-program-rules/#sthash.l90z1tjE.dpuf
I made my own clarified butter = easy
Post by: swick on October 07, 2015, 04:28:01 PM
All dairy is out for the whole 30. Lactose is a problem for many, so is the casin in cheese. Dairy can exacerbate allergies, breathing issues, sleeping issues, digestive issues...depends on the person. So the whole point of the whole 30 is to cut it all out for 30 days and slowly reintroduce in a systematic way so you can see how those things specifically affect you.
Cool, cool. You make me wish I'd come to keto from Whole30, but Whole30 didn't exist then. What I didn't mention was that once I went keto, my lactose intolerance became a very severe problem - the carbs were, apparently, masking it somehow.
if your lactose intolerance became severe, how do you do with butter and cheese?
Ok, now I'm mixed up! haha!
I thought butter was ok when served this way:
Do not eat dairy. This includes cow, goat or sheep’s milk products such as cream, cheese (hard or soft), kefir, yogurt (even Greek), and sour cream… with the exception of clarified butter or ghee. (See below for details.) - See more at: http://whole30.com/whole30-program-rules/#sthash.l90z1tjE.dpuf
I made my own clarified butter = easy
Sorry to confuse you, 1967 mama - mefla is usually talking about Ketogenics which is a next step for some people - which, if I understand his gospel is switching from burning mostly carbohydrates to burning fat. Whole 30 ISNT Keto - but they are both low carb and there is a lot of similar issues when you are making the switch.
Clarified butter and Ghee are GREAT on whole 30. It is the milk solids in butter that contain the lactose and other bits you don't want to have while on whole 30.
Post by: Faraday on October 07, 2015, 04:42:09 PM
All dairy is out for the whole 30. Lactose is a problem for many, so is the casin in cheese. Dairy can exacerbate allergies, breathing issues, sleeping issues, digestive issues...depends on the person. So the whole point of the whole 30 is to cut it all out for 30 days and slowly reintroduce in a systematic way so you can see how those things specifically affect you.
Cool, cool. You make me wish I'd come to keto from Whole30, but Whole30 didn't exist then. What I didn't mention was that once I went keto, my lactose intolerance became a very severe problem - the carbs were, apparently, masking it somehow.
if your lactose intolerance became severe, how do you do with butter and cheese?
Some Things:
1) I take probiotics regularly, with a lactose-specific probiotic added. It has improved my problems to the point that I can have butter and SOME cheeses. Not all.
2) The cheeses I can have are typically hard cheeses or cheeses aged so long that the lactose has all been consumed. Cheddar and Brie give me little-to-no trouble, especially when eaten with other foods.
3) I rarely have trouble with cooked cheeses or cheese as an ingredient in a cooked dish. Quiche is a good example. I make a very-low-carb pizza that gives me little to no trouble.
The intolerance has improved with CERTAIN dairy products, but I have to be careful when I taste test something else to see how I do with it. I have made myself pretty sick having things that had more lactose than I thought. I can get pretty sick even from craft ales called "milk stouts", which are purposefully sweetened with lactose. There are some low-carb foods sweetened with lactose that'll really make me sick too.
Post by: Sailor Sam on October 07, 2015, 04:51:39 PM
The cheese tho! IDK how you do it mefla. Obviously you've got they system tuned, but I reached a point of pain where the hurt of eating dairy was higher than the hurt from giving it up. I vomited on my wife's shoes, and that was the end of mammal juice for me.
I have found that many people assume that I can eat goat's milk and cheese. I find it baffling. Where did this concept come from?
Post by: swick on October 07, 2015, 05:06:02 PM
I totally forgot to mention this, but arrowroot powder is an awesome thickener and I have been using it to thicken stir fry sauces, gravies, fruit sauces, soups....Handy where you would usually use cornstarch or flour. Might be handy as Thanksgiving is coming up (sooner for us Canucks)
Post by: Liz on October 07, 2015, 05:42:42 PM
Interesting talk about different types of dairies ... I have no interest in introducing milk when I'm finished, but butter and full fat yogurt, yes. Cheese is a maybe.
Post by: Faraday on October 07, 2015, 09:26:59 PM
Chiming into to add that butter is often okay with both lactose intolerant, and those allergic to casein. Dairy products are made from 3 molecules, the protein (casein), the sugar (lactose), and the fat (fat). Regular butter contains fat, and trace protein. Clarified butter and ghee are pure milk fat. Which is why I can eat it without an allergic reaction. Probably why they are allowed on the whole30.
The cheese tho! IDK how you do it mefla. Obviously you've got they system tuned, but I reached a point of pain where the hurt of eating dairy was higher than the hurt from giving it up. I vomited on my wife's shoes, and that was the end of mammal juice for me.
I have found that many people assume that I can eat goat's milk and cheese. I find it baffling. Where did this concept come from?
Sailor Sam, I'm much more like you than different. No puking, but my experiments are few and far between these days and I limit even the things I know i can have. I'm a big fan of almond milk. And YES, I get the same comments about goat's milk and cheese, which I avoid. It's almost like people think I'm trying to be some damned drama queen or something.
Post by: 1967mama on October 07, 2015, 11:15:06 PM
Day 2 went great! I had a tremendously busy and stressful day and tonight I said to my daughter (23, doing W30 with me!) that I handled the day well and couldn't imagine how it would have gone had I been eating crappity crap crap all day long??!!!!
Day 3 is this big party thing that I mentioned upthread. Not sure how it will go. Will report back!
Post by: mom22boys on October 08, 2015, 07:23:30 AM
***COOKING TIP***
I totally forgot to mention this, but arrowroot powder is an awesome thickener and I have been using it to thicken stir fry sauces, gravies, fruit sauces, soups....Handy where you would usually use cornstarch or flour. Might be handy as Thanksgiving is coming up (sooner for us Canucks)
Excellent tip! I've been trying to figure out what to use for a thickener, and now I know!
CONGRATS to SWICK and HUBBY for completing their Whole30! Ketchup and GF are close behind with another win!
Ok, another question for everyone. Exercise?? What are you doing or not doing? Honestly, I've done very little exercise since the beginning of September. I've taken a few walks and bike rides (yes, I'm very non-MMM when it comes to biking to work, it's too far). I wanted to focus more on my eating and then start to integrate exercise back in. I'm finding it hard though to get back into the rhythm....something I need to work on.
Post by: ketchup on October 08, 2015, 08:21:46 AM
Arrowroot powder is excellent! We also use it as part of a homemade deodorant.
Last night I did a mass-cooking to freeze meals for our upcoming trip. Buffalo ranch pork meatballs, an oversized meatloaf, Thai chicken wrap building supplies, cauliflower mash, and curried ground pork. This will be supplemented on the trip by coconut milk smoothies, fresh fruit, nuts, Larabars, deviled eggs, and grass-fed beef sticks.
Post by: jat9449 on October 08, 2015, 08:54:51 AM
I also discovered that I ate an entire jar of sunflower seed butter in about 2 1/2 weeks. Is that crazy? I NEVER would have eaten an entire jar of peanut butter in that amount of time, but I love that stuff.
Post by: swick on October 08, 2015, 09:18:03 AM
CONGRATS to SWICK and HUBBY for completing their Whole30! Ketchup and GF are close behind with another win!
Ok, another question for everyone. Exercise?? What are you doing or not doing? Honestly, I've done very little exercise since the beginning of September. I've taken a few walks and bike rides (yes, I'm very non-MMM when it comes to biking to work, it's too far). I wanted to focus more on my eating and then start to integrate exercise back in. I'm finding it hard though to get back into the rhythm....something I need to work on.
Thanks Mom22boys!! :D
I made an awesome celebratory dinner last night, wasn't really planned, just when the duck happen to be thawed. But...revelation! I stuffed the duck with apples and prunes (the Danish way) and then I stuffed it in the crockpot! I didn't really have any expectations, other then it is really hard to get a perfectly cooked duck with most of the fat rendered, with moist meat and crispy skin and I was feeling lazy. Guess what!?! That is exactly what I got!
I crock potted the duck on low for 8 or so hours, all the lovely fat melted and sort of confit'd the duck while it cooked, then I popped it out and stuck it under the broiler to crisp the skin. It was seriously the best duck we have ever had! I served it with some mashed rutabaga, roasted purple potatoes and some caper, green peppercorn gravy I made from the duck stock.
Also ended up with 1 1/3 cups of duck fat, plus the bones went back into the crockpot for stock :)
Other random results:
Weight - Didn't lose as much weight as I was hoping. 4 lbs according to the scale. Now, this number is slightly skewed because I lost 8 pounds very quickly right before starting because I was so sick and not eating much for a week or two - which definitely wasn't healthy weight loss, so I had some balancing to do. The bottom line is a do feel better and have more energy so I am using that as a measurement of success.
Relationships - This one was kind of unexpected as hubs and I have always been very in-sync but we feel closer to each other than we ever have (didn't know it was possible) Having the shared journey, shared goals, struggles and successes, deep conversations about things you normally wouldn't think to talk about or wouldn't come up in everyday conversations - it seems like it has been a relationship reset as much as a food one.
We are both not tired and exhausted and going through the motions as we have been. We have both been lighter and happier and just having more fun. Definitely more glimpses of hubby's childlike enthusiasm and joy for everything that is awesome in life coming through. I have missed it!
Hubs has more energy and clarity so he is coming home from work (despite it totally sucking right now and having to put in a lot of OT) with excitement and ready to dive into hobbies and projects he hasn't had the energy for - which makes him happier and more energized. It is a GOOD cycle to be in!
Boundaries - This is a bit of a strange one, but it has given me practice with setting and sticking to boundaries, and letting people know what they are. I have historically been not very good at this. Also - making self-care a priority. My working relationship with my clients was starting to get away from me and I found myself slipping back into the horrible space of feeling like I was on call 24-7 since I work from home and get emails all day long. Yesterday, I sent an email to my clients with very firm boundaries about when I will respond to emails and work requests. Now I have carved out specific time in my day to make healthy meals, and get some excercise in, It feels AWESOME!!
Budget - We spent about $580.00 for two people. Our usual budget is $400.00 This includes $100.00 for our Local organic fruit and Veg CSA and $100.00 for an 18 lb Turkey (which I broke down and 1/2 is in the freezer) and 3 dozen local organic duck eggs and 2 Dozen Chicken eggs. We ate some meat from the freezer and put some in the freezer, so I think that pretty much evens out.
We did have to buy some staples - Coconut aminos, Hubs loose leaf tea, coconut oil, coconut flakes, olive oil.
We were also pretty fast and loose with buying fancy stuff like prosciutto (but we did hunt around for the cheapest place) and splurged on some game meat sausages and pepperoni that were compliant. Also, nuts dammit they are expensive! We'll probably look at doing a cross border shop when we need to stock up again.
We did save the 22.00 or so we would have spent on buying a jug of milk each week. And we didn't go out to eat so had some entertainment savings for sure. Ohh and we'll save some money on Christmas gifts! I have a bunch of food items that we are not going to eat now that I can turn into Christmas presents - Make my own spiced bean dip packages and things like that :)
Momm22Boys - to answer your question about exercise - I have been doing very little. Some walks, exploring some trails in our community, not much more than that. Another reason I'm not stressed about the lack of movement on the scale. Since getting sick and starting whole 30 and feeling crappy on that, I haven't been good about making the time - or really having any inclination and energy to exercise. Now that I have my eating habits dialed in, and am feeling more energy, incorporating regular exercise is our next step.
1967mama, So awesome you are doing it with your daughter! Good luck on your dinner tonight! You make me want to clarify some butter! We bought some Ghee beginning of September, but neither of us were really keen on the taste. Hubs said it tasted like old oil.
I have been saving the fat from everything I have been cooking and using that. When you save the fat, make stock from the bones and have the meat, it makes it a little easier on the pocketbook when you are not use to buying so much meat:)
Post by: Sailor Sam on October 08, 2015, 10:01:05 AM
Thanks for the clarification on clarifying my butter <wink>
...
... ...
... O.o o.O
I see what you did there!
Post by: swick on October 08, 2015, 04:21:07 PM
Post by: Liz on October 08, 2015, 06:19:51 PM
Post by: swick on October 08, 2015, 10:12:18 PM
swick - Your duck sounds AMAZING. I am sitting here drooling on my keyboard:) And congratulations on all of your success, both on the scale and off. 4 lbs is nothing to sneeze at -- that is a pound a week! And the relationship + boundaries victories are huge! You should be proud of yourself!!!
Thank you Liz! :) I'm pretty excited so see all these changes and see how things continue to change! Getting healthy is a grand experiment and journey so glad you are all sharing it with me!
Post by: 1967mama on October 09, 2015, 02:03:46 AM
It was basically impossible to fake anybody out with my dinner at the party I was at tonight. Everyone else at the table had ordered meat (which I didn't since I don't like how rare they prepare it) and everyone was fascinated by my vegetarian dinner and were all asking me questions about how it tasted and such.
Lesson learned. I don't feel like its a total loss because I have really done 4 days of great eating, other than 1 taco chip and tonight's disaster of a dinner. I ate the dessert too and it tasted VERY sweet, so even though I've only been off sugar 3 days, I really noticed a difference.
This afternoon, I forgot the lunch I packed so I went to a grocery store and bought prosciutto (all natural, no nitrates), a fruit tray, a veggie tray and a pack of Wholly Guacamole. I sat and drank herbal tea and ate my snacks in my hotel room in the afternoon and had lots for my hubby too. It was delicious.
I'm getting better and better at understanding the plan, and it feels like its getting easier despite the 2 setbacks.
Post by: Liz on October 09, 2015, 09:43:31 AM
My kayaking trip was rescheduled for this weekend, so I get to put in place the great tips y'all gave me.:) Will report back on how it goes! mom22boys, I think you mentioned exercise upthread? I actually haven't done any exercise so far besides some small walks and this will be my first time really doing something active since starting. I'm curious to see how it will go.
Post by: mom22boys on October 09, 2015, 11:19:40 AM
Mom22boys - how are your parents doing on their whole 30? Spending Thanksgiving with my parents and I would love to have them try it ou.t Any experiences or results or anything you could share would be awesome! My mom is in, my dad would need some convincing :)
Well, it's been good and bad. Today is their day 30. My dad cheated twice. Once was beyond his control. He had a colonoscopy around day 21, and they required he drink a Gatorade. Then on Tuesday of this week he didn't feel well, and ate a mint. He was sitting in his car waiting for my sister at Walmart. Uggg! DAD! Go inside and BUY some fruit!!! He has always said that won't continue with this eating. In fact, I bet that tomorrow he will be at Burger King eating a whopper. He has been a yo-yo dieter/eater all his life, and I think this was just too much for him.
My mom has made it the full 30 days without cheating, assuming she doesn't cheat today. I was really hoping this would help with her high blood pressure, and it does seem to have helped. But, she has been super tired and had a headache almost every day. The headaches weren't terrible, but just enough to make her not feel great. I'm honestly not sure if she'll do the reintro or not. I asked her this morning, and she didn't say.
I really feel like my parents should go another 30 days, and then may really see changes and feel better. I doubt they will listen to me though. LOL But, at least they now understand my eating, and are much more supportive.
EDIT: And my parents were the same as yours. My mom was all in, but my dad had to be drug along. He only agreed to do it because he had plateaued on his weight loss and wanted to loss more. It was never understanding his body and food, but all about his weight.
Post by: mom22boys on October 09, 2015, 12:10:04 PM
I'm getting better and better at understanding the plan, and it feels like its getting easier despite the 2 setbacks.
Just like Liz said.....THIS is what matters! You are doing awesome, and I'm sure you'll get through the full 30 soon!
Ketchup and GF....I think it's celebration day today! Are you doing to do the reintro, keep going?
Post by: swick on October 09, 2015, 02:22:20 PM
Thanks for sharing, Mom22boys. I think with my dad doesn't "see" a need because he is tall and thin and pretty active through work. I said there are a lot of body changes and things going on that you can't see and I think I will point out as he hates, hates going to the doctor, this would be a good thing to do to help make sure he doesn't have to. Except for a work related emergency injury or two I don't think he's been to the doctors in 20 or more years.
I hope all the best health for your parents and that they will see the benefits :)
1967mamma - Don't feel discouraged, you are learning a lot and that, more than anything else is why I think the whole 30 is awesome, it really causes you to examine and learn and get in tune with yourself. I know that "starting over" seems like a big deal, but then many of us have decided to continue of=n some modified form after as well, so it's more of a "life style" change than a "challenge" after a while - so a restart or two along the way not a bad thing, especially if you learn from the experience.
Liz - Hope you have an often trip! Would love to hear how it goes!
So we introduced milk today - took a walk to a coffee shop and had a latte. It sure was tasty (and we weren't even tempted by all the awesome artisanal breads and baking!) but within 20 or so minutes we were both feeling like crap. Rumbly tummy, I can feel a tightening in my chest and my ears hurt.
We were about to say well that's it for the milk experiment, but then that was a very "Big" amount of milk, and it is worth seeing if small amounts in cooking and such have similar effects - so we bought a little carton of cream and will have it in small amounts tomorrow. - but we have pretty much established we have no desire to have it as a beverage, so I think that is something.
Post by: Sailor Sam on October 09, 2015, 03:08:46 PM
This afternoon, I forgot the lunch I packed so I went to a grocery store and bought prosciutto (all natural, no nitrates), a fruit tray, a veggie tray and a pack of Wholly Guacamole. I sat and drank herbal tea and ate my snacks in my hotel room in the afternoon and had lots for my hubby too. It was delicious.
That's really fucking awesome 1967mama. You did great.
Post by: Faraday on October 09, 2015, 03:38:05 PM
This afternoon, I forgot the lunch I packed so I went to a grocery store and bought prosciutto (all natural, no nitrates), a fruit tray, a veggie tray and a pack of Wholly Guacamole. I sat and drank herbal tea and ate my snacks in my hotel room in the afternoon and had lots for my hubby too. It was delicious.
That's really fucking awesome 1967mama. You did great.
Did great? Did AWESOME! That sounds amazing....
Post by: Cranberries on October 09, 2015, 07:15:07 PM
Made it through though. Ceviche eaten off of the top of a tostada shell for lunch and no cookies=win.
Only 3 more days. My plan is to test out cheese for a day, wait a couple days, then binge eat blueberry pie for two days before I do another whole30. Perhaps not the most mature strategy, but it'll do for me.
Post by: Faraday on October 09, 2015, 07:41:47 PM
Today was hard. It was a couple of people on my team's last day, so my boss brought us out to lunch. I managed to eat whole30 approved, but had to order much less food then I would normally eat in order to stay in the same price range as the others. And one of my coworkers brought cookies to the office so all afternoon my hungry self was trying not to notice the chocolate chip cookies that were calling to me.
Made it through though. Ceviche eaten off of the top of a tostada shell for lunch and no cookies=win.
Only 3 more days. My plan is to test out cheese for a day, wait a couple days, then binge eat blueberry pie for two days before I do another whole30. Perhaps not the most mature strategy, but it'll do for me.
You're kicking ass and doing great! I despise when people bring crapfood to work - you are kinda trapped and it's not easy to get away from, so you just have to will yourself through it. Good Job!
Good deal that you've set a reward day(s) for yourself when you reach 30. Can you do some exercise before/during/after to earn some calorie deficit before the pie?
Post by: horsepoor on October 10, 2015, 12:48:54 AM
Did this and had a thread on in in January. Would love to do it again if I can get a month lined of free of work travel and house guests.
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 10, 2015, 01:17:20 AM
Post by: Cranberries on October 10, 2015, 12:23:33 PM
Can you do some exercise before/during/after to earn some calorie deficit before the pie?
Nah. I'm losing weight fast enough for my tastes - maybe even a little faster then is ideal. Plus I get a lot of exercise from my work, so I am happy with where that stands. Thanks for the kind words though!
Post by: 1967mama on October 10, 2015, 12:59:11 PM
Was tempted by the scale, but refused to step on. But I am noticing my current clothes are not feeling as tight, so that's kinda cool. Also, last night as I was getting ready for bed, I could almost say that my face was looking thinner.
I love reading about everyone else's victories on here. So neat to see Botanist scraping civeche off a tostada, KiwiSonya trying out new fruits, mom22boys educating her parents about eating, etc.
Thanks to everyone for the great encouragement. It was so disappointing to knowingly go off the plan at the party, but I have clear sailing ahead.
Well, except for a weekend away with my husband. But he is 100% supportive of my efforts, and although he's not doing the entire Whole30 himself, when he's home, he is doing it right along side me. If anyone has any suggestions for surviving a weekend in a hotel while on Whole30, I'd be grateful!
Have a great day of eating, everyone~!
Edit: typo
Post by: Sailor Sam on October 10, 2015, 01:28:21 PM
mom22boys, if your mom decides to continue, or tries again, try suggesting she monitor sodium intake. Shifting to a whole30 style eating can radically drop folks sodium intake, and the change in electrolytes causes headaches. Even people with blood pressure problems have a sodium floor they shouldn't drop below. Though you should probably use a doctor's help to find that sweet spot, and not, you know, me.
Post by: 1967mama on October 11, 2015, 12:24:32 AM
Tonite I survived an evening of appies and desserts (butter tart squares and nanaimo bars) at my mom's house by bringing a honeydew melon and a pineapple -- we cut them up and made a fruit tray together. I'm so happy that I can do this! My mom is very understanding and I did tell her a bit about my Whole30 adventure tonight. She's battled her weight her whole life and is quite heavy.
I think I have my Thanksgiving dinner all planned out (Canada) and there are several dishes that I can eat, or will pull out a portion before I sauce things up for the rest of the fam. I will be eating lots of turkey, carrots, and sweet potato mash from the Whole30 website. I'm going to try and thicken the gravy with something on plan.
For dinner tonight, we bbq'd chicken thighs and I made a Whole30 compliant bbq sauce which was just excellent. It was sweetened with applesauce -- who woulda thunk it?! Sooooo good!
Post by: 1967mama on October 11, 2015, 12:58:53 AM
Hi '67, have you found the official Whole30 travel guide? It's one of their pdf's (http://whole30.com/downloads/whole30-travel.pdf).
So I've read this guide now, and there were some great suggestions there! Now, I have 2 questions:
1) Are we allowed deli meat? I assumed it all had nitrates in it and was therefore not plan compliant
2) Is an Rx bar like this? (https://shop.riteaid.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=rx%20bars)
Post by: Sailor Sam on October 11, 2015, 10:01:34 AM
2. No no no, son! Those bars are not the drones you seek! The packaging doesn't have anywhere near enough of the smug hipster locavore clean food vibe the whole30 approved Rx bars have. They are here (http://www.rxbar.com/products/whole30-pack.html). I've never tried one because they cost ~$2.16/bar, and something about the pretention really puts my teeth on edge. I go for Lara Bars, which are still a whopping $1.40 'round about these parts. If you get Lara bars, check the ingredients because some have added sugar.
Post by: 1967mama on October 11, 2015, 08:13:34 PM
Today I made ketchup (https://notinmoderation.wordpress.com/2011/08/26/nailed-it-ryan-wilders-wicked-easy-paleo-ketchup/) that is Whole30 compliant .. it was delicious on my fried potatoes and onions (in EVOO, of course). I had my hamburger on 2 pieces of lettuce and ate a delicious dinner like everyone else, except mine was healthy!
I couldn't help myself, and weighed in after 1 week on program (Day 3, but 2 restarts) and I'm down 4.8 lbs! I'm psyched! I know you're not supposed to but this is a drastic improvement from weighing myself a few times a day.
I had an interesting dilemma at church today when we took communion -- when the tray of bread was about 2 rows away from me, I had an "OH NO!" moment when I realized I would be willingly putting wheat in my mouth. Yes, I took the bread and continued on with my Whole30 plan. I''ve made a personal decision that this is not cause for a restart.
ETA link
Post by: Cranberries on October 11, 2015, 09:31:18 PM
Depending on where I plateau this gives me only 15-20 lbs to lose, and 20 lbs would take me back to what I weighed when I was 18.
I am having trouble finding reliable info on whether this rate of weight loss is dangerous. Many sources claim it is but they are basing it on the assumption that someone is eating nothing but grapefruit to achieve it. Do any of you have any good information sources on the topic? I am wondering if I should change how I do this next time around to lose weight slower.
Post by: mom22boys on October 12, 2015, 07:24:34 AM
KiwiSonja - Welcome back! Great job on the early trial, and now you can rock it out!
Sailor - Thanks for the tip on the sodium. At first I thought they weren't eating enough....but I never thought of sodium being the issue. Likely too little, considering what they were normally eating.
1967mama - I have NEVER found a deli meat that was compliant. They almost all have either nitrates, sugar, or both. I'm sure there is some, somewhere, but like bacon it's really hard to find. You have to just buy a turkey breast and bake it at home. I haven't done any bars during this because that would be SWYPO for me. They are too much like a candy bar, and I LOVE chocolate, so too much of a trigger.
For your trip, I would highly recommend calling the hotel and finding out if you have a fridge in your room. I wish I had done that for my work trip (I DID have one), because it would have been much easier. I found that it's actually quite hard to find breakfast and lunch that is compliant when you are eating out. Even getting just chicken breast on a salad w/o dressing will be non-compliant. Why? Because they add preservatives to the chicken. I found that out the hard way on my first Whole30. Next time, for breakfast and lunch I would take hard boiled eggs, tuna or chicken in a can (don't forget the can opener), avocado or guac, nuts, fruit. You can get as basic or fancy as you want. Supper was a little easier, since you can typically find a steakhouse that will have a steak and baked potato or salad.
Communion - I also took communion during September. The book specifically talks about it, and they basically said 'we aren't messing with God, so TAKE it'. I did and didn't feel guilty at all. But holy, moly was that grape juice SA.WEET! No wine at my church.
Can you post the bbq sauce you made? I still want to make that and ketchup sometime.
Botanist - I'm in the same boat with the weight loss. I'm losing very fast, which is good and bad. I definitely haven't felt hungry at all, and it's a great feeling to be able to naturally put the breaks on eating when I'm satisfied, rather than stuffing myself. But....still question how healthy it is????
Post by: 1967mama on October 12, 2015, 11:25:05 AM
Here's the BBQ sauce recipe (I'm sorry, I forgot to source it when I cut and pasted it into my email). It took just a minute to make. The ketchup was even faster. I'm seriously considering switching to the ketchup for my family -- it was that easy and that tasty!
BBQ SAUCE: 1 can tomato paste (6oz) 1/4 cup tomato sauce 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1/2 cup unsweetened 100% apple sauce 1 tbsp coconut aminos 1 1/2 tsp chili powder 1 1/2 tsp chipotle powder (see note below) 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp sea salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 1/4 tsp all spice 1/4 tsp cayenne powder (optional) a few dashes hot sauce to taste (I like Trader Joe’s hot pepper sauce)
Also, thanks for the great tips on staying in a hotel! I looked on the hotel website and you can rent a fridge for $10 a day and a microwave for $5 a day, IIRC. Not sure what to do, since I'm there for 3 days .. its at the end of this month so I have a bit of time to stew on it ;-)
Thanks, also, for the information on communion. I don't have the book yet -- I was checking where I am in the hold line last night at the library website and I"m the 10th hold on 6 copies IIRC, but then I noticed its on order! GRRR! I'm sorely tempted to go buy the book today!
Post by: swick on October 12, 2015, 12:01:12 PM
1967mama - I know this may be considered anti-mustachian, but I would buy the book. I went the frist week and a bit without it, and ended up finding out that my mom had a copy I could borrow. It was so, so much easier once I had the book, all the info at the beginning about why things are or aren't or are allowed, the timeline, questions to ask, and the psychology behind it, and some great recipes! It made it easier, and I felt more effective.
You can find most of the info on the website, but having it all clearly laid out and easily accessible for reference was worth it for me.
Post by: mom22boys on October 12, 2015, 02:13:21 PM
+1 - It would have been really hard to this without the book. In fact, I bought both books, Whole30 and It Starts with Food (to get more of the science behind it). If you have Costco, I bought my Whole30 book there, and it was only $17. Super deal! I gave that book to my parents, and unfortunately they were out of the books at Costco so I bought a second book at B&N....$30! Yikesss....but still worth the money.
1967mama - I know this may be considered anti-mustachian, but I would buy the book. I went the frist week and a bit without it, and ended up finding out that my mom had a copy I could borrow. It was so, so much easier once I had the book, all the info at the beginning about why things are or aren't or are allowed, the timeline, questions to ask, and the psychology behind it, and some great recipes! It made it easier, and I felt more effective.
You can find most of the info on the website, but having it all clearly laid out and easily accessible for reference was worth it for me.
Post by: Liz on October 12, 2015, 02:39:20 PM
Congrats to Botanist on finishing! Thank you for sharing your details about your weight loss -- how are you feeling in general?
Post by: Sailor Sam on October 12, 2015, 02:42:15 PM
Again, not a doctor, but I've done research and never run across anything substantial showing rapid weight loss is dangerous to anyone's health. The metabolic issues come from cycling weight on yo-yo dieting. Keep in mind that any return to a higher carbohydrate mode of living will bring some scale pounds back in retained water. Carbohydrate literally means hydrated carbon, and each glycogen molecules has 3-4 grams of water. You've spend 30 days with reduced glycogen (even if you never made it into ketosis), so your body flushed the extra water. If you return to eating > ~100g of carbohydrates per day, the water will also come back. Don't freak out if the scale goes up.
Post by: Cranberries on October 12, 2015, 06:02:28 PM
Congrats to Botanist on finishing! Thank you for sharing your details about your weight loss -- how are you feeling in general?
I feel great, but there is another large unrelated thing that I changed this month, and it would be impossible to figure out how much of the increase in energy is due to diet.
However, I do know the following things are diet related:
15 lbs weight loss
Huge decrease in bloating.
Steadier blood sugar.
substantial reduction in joint aches.
General decrease in inflammation related symptoms.
Amazing, huge, spectacular decrease in sugar and wheat cravings.
Post by: 1967mama on October 12, 2015, 11:27:45 PM
I was wondering, if a person could only choose one of the two books, which one would you choose?
Also, a huge success today .. I made it through Thanksgiving (Canada) 100% Whole30 compliant. I actually cannot believe it! This is so not like me. The hardest part was resisting the Pumpkin Cheesecake with real whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon on top. But it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. I wanted to stay on Day 4 more than I wanted to eat that cheesecake. It wasn't terribly hard making dinner, and I made sure to have a few dishes that I could safely eat.
I am feeling like my body is taking up less space -- does that sound weird? I just feel like a little tiny bit smaller when I walk around. I also am noticing that I'm not getting any brain fog, which is so neat!
I talked to my husband about getting a little fridge brought up to our hotel room the weekend we are away. (I found out on the website that they are available for a small fee). It would be cheaper than me dining out. I was also thinking that I know his exact meeting schedule (he will be eating at the meetings except for on the Friday) and so I can make myself a detailed meal plan in advance. I need to make sure that I bring enough food to last me the whole weekend. A steakhouse on the Friday night is a great idea! A steak and baked potato, veggies, no butter, and I will smuggle in some clarified butter! hahhah
Oh, and I also made Whole30 mayo for the first time today and it was fabulous on my tuna that topped a big veggie salad. Like I said before, I can't believe I'm eating so well .. this is sooooooo uncharacteristic of me!
Thanks for the support and encouragement everyone. Please keep posting success stories for us newbies. I'm interested to learn what people do when they get to the end of their Whole 30!
Post by: mom22boys on October 13, 2015, 07:17:01 AM
1967mama Definitely go with the Whole30 book, rather than It Starts With Food. They have way more recipes, with nice color photos. That was big for me because it helped me mentally get past the 'this eating is boring' attitude. There is some awesome looking food pics in the book, and the taste to go with them! Also, I think you have a good handle on your weekend plan. And also....WOW, super impressed with your Thanksgiving eating. Pumpkin pie/cake/cheesecake is one of my favorites, and I think I would have a hard time. But, we'll see this year, maybe it will be different. :-)
Well, I haven't started the reintro yet, but I have to confess I've gone a little beyond just adding trace sugar. Last night I had some Costco rotisserie chicken, which definitely has things NOT on plan. I feel a little guilty today. I'm a little torn as to whether I should just call it good, and start the reinto, or whether it's small enough like trace sugar to not impact my reintro. Guess I need to read the ingredient better tonight. Maybe I'll go back to pure Whole30 for a week, and then start the reintro. Honestly I feel great and am a little scared to even try the reintro, just incase I get that sugar dragon back.
Post by: Liz on October 13, 2015, 08:37:43 AM
1967mama ~ Big YAY for you!!! You should be proud of your strength and discipline! I know I am impressed:)
Post by: swick on October 13, 2015, 08:51:08 AM
Awesome job on surviving Thanksgiving 1967mama! I thought I had dodged a bullet by going to my parents house - They made an awesome compliant meal of carrots, roasted beets, squash, horseradish, Brussels, potatoes and romanesco from their garden and a prime rib - all topped with the cilantro lime dressing from the whole 30 cookbook. It was great!
On the way up we stopped at Hubby's grandmother's who invited us for Thanksgiving dinner next Sunday, this will be the very tough one, his family doesn't get it, no matter how much we explain what we are doing. Case in point, Grandma hands us a bag of Halloween candy, we say "thanks but we are not eating sugar right now" - she says: "That is good, it is so bad for you!" So take this candy and have as much as you'd like and then give the rest to your brother."
I am also NOT allowed to bring anything to Thanksgiving supper. Our strategy is to eat beforehand, have a few token pieces of Turkey and have hubby answer any and all questions about what we are doing (instead of it coming from me, which makes it seem like something I am doing and hubby is just along for the ride)
Mom22boys - I hear you about the fear of reintroducing sugar and such. We decided we have to get really really detailed about tracking our intro - not sure if it is going to be a spreadsheet or what - but something along the lines of over time how does your baseline change (Hubby is going to see what he comes up with, if it is useful to anyone else, we'll share)
With the milk, there was the immediate effects, then the crap sleep, and congestion that didn't go away fro a day and a half, and my rather clear (for me) face broke out in these super painful deep under the skin zits - the ones that are painful and hard and puffy but so deep they have no head. Yay....so there are definitely short and long-term effects that are worth tracking over time.
For our reintro we have had the milk in a latte and I had a bit of organic cream in some homemade clam chowder on Sunday with my parents (This has been planned for a while, and worth it for me) I didn't seem to have an immediate effects from the soup so I am thinking that least is a quantity thing.
Otherwise we are back on plan. I made a Thai coconut green curry with Turkey, zucchini, squash and romanesco greens for supper last night - it was super yummy!
Liz - I am super impressed (but not surprised, you rock!) you were able to stay complaint on your trip. How was it other then the food?
Post by: Sailor Sam on October 13, 2015, 09:24:19 AM
Well, I haven't started the reintro yet, but I have to confess I've gone a little beyond just adding trace sugar. Last night I had some Costco rotisserie chicken, which definitely has things NOT on plan. I feel a little guilty today. I'm a little torn as to whether I should just call it good, and start the reinto, or whether it's small enough like trace sugar to not impact my reintro. Guess I need to read the ingredient better tonight. Maybe I'll go back to pure Whole30 for a week, and then start the reintro. Honestly I feel great and am a little scared to even try the reintro, just incase I get that sugar dragon back.
Wait, wait, calm down, take a breath!. Nothing has been lost or canceled here. I looked up the ingredients of a Costco chicken, and there are 2 off-plan ingredients: carrageenan and sugar. The tapioca and dextrin both sound scary, but they are thickeners made from potatoes. Potatoes are allowed on the Whole30. Their derivatives may not be the best choice ever, but they aren't speficially outside the bounds of the Whole30.
Now, lets talk about carrageenan. It's everywhere. It's made from seaweed. There's lots of information on the interwebz, both for and against eating it. Like soy. And milk. And legumes. It's one of those foods YOU have to make a decision on. Which sounds an awful lot like....reintroduction! Which is a long winded say to say, I think you're on the right path. Keep calm and carry on. You've got this.
Post by: mom22boys on October 13, 2015, 10:12:15 AM
Swick It's very interesting what you've found with your complexion. I've been noticing the SAME thing. My face was really clear, and now I'm getting a little pimple or such every once in a while. The only thing I've added back is trace sugar (and the little carrageenan yesterday). Could trace sugar really have that big of an impact on my face? I have a hard time believing that, but as we are each different, it could be.
Liz You are awesome sticking to plan while camping! I think that would be even hardly than traveling with a hotel/fridge available. I had a couple days like you described with my first Whole30 where I didn't have the fat/carb/protein consistently at each meal, but heck, you STAYED on plan and that's way more important. You still kept the junk out of your system. Plus, you're on the home stretch! Less than a week to go....WOOOHOOO!
Post by: Liz on October 13, 2015, 02:17:49 PM
I'm usually pretty stubborn about going to the doctor, but I finally went today, and I have bronchitis. Ugh. I usually get it once a year when the seasons change, and it's one of the reasons I want to overhaul my way of eating. I truly believe that eliminating certain foods can help with inflammation. Luckily, I don't think I was prescribed any steroids, but I do have an antibiotic which I know will mess with gut flora, etc. I will be drinking a lot of kombucha and looking into probiotics. I'm also seriously contemplating stretching out my W30 for another two weeks after my official 'end' date.
Post by: 1967mama on October 13, 2015, 05:50:17 PM
It's funny how the farther you get from Whole30 Day 1, the less likely you are to cheat. I don't want to have to start again!
Off to have leftover turkey and sweet potato mash for dinner.
Thanks for the encouraging words:-)
Post by: Cranberries on October 13, 2015, 09:43:20 PM
End result: I successfully shrunk the band, but then I made the cups a little too small. It might fit at the end of my next whole30. Also the scar along the underwire is a bit too scratchy. I have another that I am altering tonight, but only the band needs to be re-sized so it should work well.
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 14, 2015, 03:03:11 AM
Post by: ketchup on October 14, 2015, 08:15:19 AM
Ketchup and GF....I think it's celebration day today! Are you doing to do the reintro, keep going?
Way to go! ketchup and GF!!!!
Thanks! After Day 30 we drove to Tennessee bringing all our own food and a five-day cooler (best cooler ever). I came back yesterday, and she'll be back this coming weekend. She should have enough food to last her. We've added back in trace amounts of sugar (bacon, etc) and peanuts (some Larabars we brought had peanuts in them) but nothing else yet. Next we'll probably add back in high-fat dairy, mostly for cheese (which I can't stand because I'm a space alien apparently but Amber loves it) and yogurt. I will probably only ever eat peanuts occasionally (like the Larabars for travel), as in the past I ate an absolutely insane amount of peanut butter.
Results: I feel awesome, she feels awesome, her acne cleared up the most it ever has (this thrilled her), and as of Day 30 she was down exactly 8 pounds from Day 1. :D
Sunday night I "ate out" for the first time since before Day 1 at the "welcome dinner" buffet at the dog show that someone gave me a ticket to. I hadn't yet eaten that day, so I called it an intermittent fast and that night ate at least four meals worth with no breakfast following in the morning. Meat (mostly pork, plus some very subpar chicken) from 13 sliders (bun removed) with four heaping plates worth of buttered red potatoes, and a squirt of some mysterious BBQ sauce. All-you-can-eat meat and potatoes after a long hard day (GF's Fitbit tracked 25,000+ steps each day we were there) with no food, still 90% Whole30ish (I'm sure there was sugar in the BBQ sauce)? Yes, please.
We've decided that we're probably going to try to do a bit of a 30 days on/30 days off cycles with Whole30 to keep us in check, while of course not going off the deep end or anything on the off days (still no grains, sugar, soy, or other shit).
Post by: swick on October 14, 2015, 09:06:41 AM
Swick about the nasty acne -interesting that that followed sugar. I got that after eating icecream so couldn't tell if it was dairy or sugar but got the sneezes back after that too. So glad to have this thread...
Just to clarify, I think my problem is the diary - I haven't added and sugar back yet. I think Mom22boys had a similar reaction and she has only reintroduced trace sugar, Is that right Mom22boys?
You guys are so awesome. I'm trying to get myself back into the right headspace to start again. Seems there us something every day that comes up and I let it derail me but I felt so awesome for the 10 days or so that I followed it that I need to do myself the service of sticking it out. I made a list of reasons for doing whole30 and have stuck it on the fridge to remind me. I'm also not a great meal planner but I can see you need it to succeed.
The thing is, there is NEVER a good time to start, there will always be events, social pressure, family pressure, cravings, unexpected circumstances. If it is important to you, you just have to make the commitment to yourself. There is lots of psychology around breaking promises to yourself and the detrimental effects of doing so. )Sorry I can't remember where I was reading it, been a few years) But basically after a while of breaking promises to yourself your brain knows better then to believe you. This is part of the problem with yo-yo dieting and.
It is also an exercise in taming your instant gratification monkey:
Swick about the nasty acne -interesting that that followed sugar. I got that after eating icecream so couldn't tell if it was dairy or sugar but got the sneezes back after that too. So glad to have this thread...
[/quote]
Just to clarify, I think my problem is the diary - I haven't added and sugar back yet. I think Mom22boys had a similar reaction and she has only reintroduced trace sugar, Is that right Mom22boys?
(http://[quote author=KiwiSonya link=topic=42667.msg836790#msg836790 date=1444813391)
You guys are so awesome. I'm trying to get myself back into the right headspace to start again. Seems there us something every day that comes up and I let it derail me but I felt so awesome for the 10 days or so that I followed it that I need to do myself the service of sticking it out. I made a list of reasons for doing whole30 and have stuck it on the fridge to remind me. I'm also not a great meal planner but I can see you need it to succeed.
The thing is, there is NEVER a good time to start, there will always be events, social pressure, family pressure, cravings, unexpected circumstances. If it is important to you, you just have to make the commitment to yourself. There is lots of psychology around breaking promises to yourself and the detrimental effects of doing so. (Sorry I can't remember which text I was reading it, been a few years) But basically after a while of breaking promises to yourself your brain knows better than to believe you and take you seriously. This is part of the problem with yo-yo dieting and.
It is also an exercise in taming your instant gratification monkeyhttp://waitbutwhy.com/2013/10/why-procrastinators-procrastinate.html][quote author=KiwiSonya link=topic=42667.msg836790#msg836790 date=1444813391]Swick about the nasty acne -interesting that that followed sugar. I got that after eating icecream so couldn't tell if it was dairy or sugar but got the sneezes back after that too. So glad to have this thread...[/quote]Just to clarify, I think my problem is the diary - I haven't added and sugar back yet. I think Mom22boys had a similar reaction and she has only reintroduced trace sugar,[b] Is that right Mom22boys?[/b][quote author=KiwiSonya link=topic=42667.msg836790#msg836790 date=1444813391]You guys are so awesome. I'm trying to get myself back into the right headspace to start again. Seems there us something every day that comes up and I let it derail me but I felt so awesome for the 10 days or so that I followed it that I need to do myself the service of sticking it out. I made a list of reasons for doing whole30 and have stuck it on the fridge to remind me. I'm also not a great meal planner but I can see you need it to succeed. [/quote]The thing is, there is NEVER a good time to start, there will [i]always [/i]be events, social pressure, family pressure, cravings, unexpected circumstances. If it is important to you, you just have to make the commitment to yourself. There is lots of psychology around breaking promises to yourself and the detrimental effects of doing so. (Sorry I can't remember which text I was reading it, been a few years) But basically after a while of breaking promises to yourself your brain knows better than to believe you and take you seriously. This is part of the problem with yo-yo dieting and. It is also an exercise in taming your instant gratification monkey[url]http://waitbutwhy.com/2013/10/why-procrastinators-procrastinate.html
Nice job on your results, Ketchup! Sounds like there are lots of positive changes going on!
Tracking update: Started playing around with spread sheets, hubby wants to track EVERYTHING so instead we decided to save a lot of headache and see what other options are there. We found a neat little site that tracks food intake (and does all the neat nutrient calcs), sleep, weight, exercise, mood, symptoms, water - basically everything you want to track. There is a 30-day full version trial and a basic version, so we thought we would give it a try.
Hubs is still having issues with feeling hungry almost all the time, and wanted to try reintroducing Quinoa. Made him a breakfast scramble of quinoa, sauteed romenesco leaves and eggs. We'll see how he feels. I don't really feel a need to re-intro it at this point myself. I seriously doubt it would be an issue, but I'm happy the way things are.
Post by: mom22boys on October 14, 2015, 11:32:44 AM
1967mama I personally don't see buying both books as a MMM fail. Just as with everything, there is balance in life. I saw buying them as an investment in my health. For course, there are limits to everything, but so far it's been the best health investment I've made. Now if you want to talk about MMM failure.....I used to buy Shakeology from Beach Body every month at over $130 a pop. YIKES! As soon as I found MMM, I immediately cancelled it. Plus, I felt it was just perpetuating my issues with sweets. Did I really think my desire for chocolate would go away when I was drinking a chocolate protein shake every day? Heck NO!
Botanist Impressive with the bra hack! I wish I could sew, but that's just not my thing. I still have to have my mom sew on buttons for me, yes I'm that pathetic when it comes to sewing. :-)
Post by: 1967mama on October 14, 2015, 12:19:39 PM
Thanks for making me feel better about buying both books. I didn't even wait to order them cheaper online. I just felt like I've already made an over a week commitment to this program and I reallllly, really, realllllly like the results (in both my mind and my body). So yes, it is definitely an investment in myself, which as a mama of a large family, hasn't happened in a really long time <sigh>. And, I'm a better mama now, too :-) even after just a week. This program rocks!
I agree with swick that there's never a good time to start. If its not one thing, its another. Miraculously (truly!) I made it through Thanksgiving dinner Whole30 compliant, 100%, no cheats. Granted, I was doing all the cooking myself, but I did it!
I am surprised and pleased with my new habit of bringing along compliant snacks when I'm going out. No more drive thru's for this cat! I am out now, at a 3 hour assessment thingy for my son and I brought a bag of almonds and coconut chips (monkey salad minus the banana), and a nice, fresh Golden Delicious apple. I also have tea (no cream no sugar/stevi, of course! also a very new thing for this tea addict who is now realizing maybe it was the dairy or sweet taste I was addicted to and not the tea?!!)
Have a great day, MMM/Whole30 buddies!
Post by: Liz on October 14, 2015, 02:45:27 PM
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 14, 2015, 07:11:36 PM
Post by: Faraday on October 14, 2015, 08:29:37 PM
Thanks guys. I have been reading lots of books about changing habits (Charles Duhigg, Gretchen Rubin etc) and have learned a lot. I agree that life always throws something at us. Getting through Thanksgiving is real inspiration. Perhaps it's easy to hide behind these events as an excuse not to start. But I really, really, really want to finish this and don't want to disappoint myself. I actually do feel proud of myself when I don't eat foods I'm not supposed to and that will help keep me going. It has made me aware of the total oversupply of treat food around. Treats used to be 'occasional' but I'm having to bat away offers several times a day. I'm two-thirds of the way through Day 1 and have eaten well so far. Only 29.3 to go!
KS and all who HACK YOUR DIET.....
Halloween begins what I have labeled "The Season Of Insanity".
The Season Of Insanity is the five winter months of the year where "the world" (ie: vendors of foodstuffs, diet and exercise) tries to dramatically increase your consumption of high-carb, high-sugar and high glycemic index foods. Halloween, it's simply candy of all sorts. Thanksgiving and Christmas, the overconsumption of the "traditional holiday foods". By New Year's Day, you've packed on 5-10 lbs you didn't have before Halloween, and the popular press expects you to "Make a New Year's Resolution". Diet and Exercise vendors start hawking their wares and plans the day after Christmas, and you are "encouraged" to go to the gym because, well, you made that resolution to lose those extra lbs, right?
Well, you go to the gym, and you feel like shit and try to work it off, but not much happens, you're being encouraged to over-indulge for New Year's Eve, for the Stupor Bowl, and you give up just in time to buy yourself a valentine-shaped box containing 5 lbs of fine chocolates for Valentine's Day. Screw those new year's resolutions, you'll never make it anyway, right?
Maybe you try one more time, but then, they hit you one more time with Easter and Easter candy and Easter Sunday dinners that look exactly like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
And then it's done. You are left with an extra 10lbs of fat, gluten bloating, deep belly fat and decreased insulin sensitivity. You're screwed, but you are expected to fix that problem over the summer, right? I mean, aren't you getting to the gym, or getting outside, or doing whatever young, hap'nin people do to shed the weight? I mean, you are gonna get rid of the weight so you can put it back on next year when we push our goodies in front of your face next year, right?
My point is: the onset of winter brings a coordinated attack by food vendors, state fairs, relatives, co-workers and even people you don't know. They ram crap food in front of you and expect you to "go for it" because, well, let's face it: we're all human right? We all put on a little weight as we age, right? That's only "natural", right?
Well, the pharisees in the temple can go fuck themselves. I declare war on the Season of Insanity. I HACK THE DIET and take responsibility. I use the principles of known good science and deep-seated indignance to wage war on the bastards and win.
Two years ago this coming March, I launched my attack and lost 80 lbs using the Keto Lifestyle (a "cousin" to Whole30). Whether you use Whole30, Paleo, Keto, Atkins, whatever, do what works for you, log everything you eat (LoseIt or MyFitnessPal) and find your own success.
Don't dwell on failure. If you slam down a pack of oreo double stuff, remember, OREO is a four-letter word. Get past it, crush it, burn the sugars and glutens out of your body with fierce exercise and don't stop for DAYS until the crap (literally) is gone.
You can do this, YOU CAN WIN. Hack the diet and damn the Season of Insanity!
Post by: swick on October 14, 2015, 08:34:02 PM
Post by: Faraday on October 14, 2015, 09:14:42 PM
now that is a manifesto! I love you, mefla!
@swick: I'm so glad you said that. I've been fighting against having a little forum-crush on you anyway. Now I can think it just a tiny bit and not feel so pervy. Beware: you'll be sharing me with justajane, MonkeyJenga, Dollar Slice, pbkmaine, shelivesthedream, okits, thedayisbrave, Rural, NoraLenderbee, lemondirgopie, KMMK, Cressida and Allie. Oh, and Farnoosh Torabi and Ms. MM. Good thing I'm too tired to be a stalker. I'd never get anything done! :-) :-)
@Eirene: Give it time, I'll put you on the list too. :-)
Post by: swick on October 14, 2015, 09:51:49 PM
Good thing I'm too tired to be a stalker. I'd never get anything done! :-) :-)
hmm, perhaps something in your keto diet needs tweaking? ;)
You comment made my day, apparently we have many of the same forum crushes!
Post by: Faraday on October 14, 2015, 10:35:49 PM
Good thing I'm too tired to be a stalker. I'd never get anything done! :-) :-)
hmm, perhaps something in your keto diet needs tweaking? ;)
You comment made my day, apparently we have many of the same forum crushes!
MCT oil. I went without it for a few days and had some this morning in the protein shake. It always makes my brain work better. (honest, that's not a joke. Long story there, maybe I'll start a Keto Thread....)
Just remember: Keto...Because Bacon!
And yes, the forum crushes thing is GREAT. I mean, you'd have to think someone was pretty smart to even go there, right?
BTW: I blow big 'ol sloppy kisses to everyone here who's doing Whole30. I have a co-worker who's had lunch with me two days running, he finished his Whole30 30 days yesterday and he rattled off a whole bunch of benefits. He's definitely a believer in hacking his diet!
Post by: 1967mama on October 14, 2015, 11:49:48 PM
When you said this:
"Easter Sunday dinners that look exactly like Thanksgiving and Christmas."
it made me think that I should post my Thanksgiving dinner list just in case it would be a help to someone.
(Things I could eat have a *)
*turkey
*brussel sprouts
*broccoli/cauliflower (pulled a little out for myself before I sprinkled the dish with parmesan cheese)
*mashed potatoes (again, pulled a little out before I added butter and sour cream, then put some clarified butter on mine to melt)
*sweet potato mash (from Whole30)
*beets
-gravy
-cranberry sauce
-stuffing
-pumpkin cheesecake (made it myself without tasting .. woohoo!) (bought myself a tiny watermelon and a pineapple for dessert but I was too full and wasn't feeling horribly tempted by the cheesecake)
KiwiSonya, I am totally not a strong person and this is so totally unlike me. I have about 70 pounds to lose to be just back into the range of a healthy BMI (I'm so embarrassed to type that out). So as you can imagine, I have a real weakness/addiction to sweets and snacks and junk food and baking and fast food and bread and cookies and cake and icing and, and, and. And its GONE. As in, every day, I'm stepping outside myself going, "Who is this person who chose to eat tuna on a bed of lettuce and chopped veggies for dinner? Who is this person who is now eating eggs every day for breakfast topped with steamed spinach and tomatoes or avocado and zucchini??? Who is this person who carries a bag of nuts and an apple in her purse??? We are rooting for you! If I can do it, you can do it! I can't wait to hear about everyone's Thanksgiving and how you got through it!
Have a great, healthy day!
Post by: Faraday on October 14, 2015, 11:58:38 PM
Thanks for the manifesto, mefla! Excellent summary of the season of insanity. And with our Canadian Thanksgiving being earlier, our season is even longer.
A-men sister. You Canuks have effing awesome craft ales too, but that's a story for another time.
Quote
I have about 70 pounds to lose to be just back into the range of a healthy BMI (I'm so embarrassed to type that out).
NO, no no! It's beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! You actually have a kind of advantage over someone who's starting with only a little weight to lose. Why would I say that? When we get that big (and WE includes ME), we have a lot of bodily inflammation: fluid in the lymph nodes, deep belly fat, liver and gallbladder inflammation, joint inflammation, etc. You name it, on your body, it's inflamed, and NOT in a good way!
When you get clean and hack your diet, inflammation is one of the things that's first to go. But you won't get rid of all the inflammation in only one Whole30 session. it can take months to get rid of all the inflammation, and in fact, if you screw up and eat something your body HATES, you can get a little of it back and suffer for it. (I'm in that mode right now - I had a little craft ale for awhile - my older son and I love to homebrew, and I had some of it. It didn't hurt me in any really bad way, but the glutens brought back the inflammation. So now I'm in moratorium and working hard to burn the glutens out of my body.
Likewise, YOU will see similar improvements just by continuing with Whole30. You're going to want to add some kind of exercise - something, anything. Just walking, whatever. That will help keep your muscle mass up so you can continue to burn off the inflammation.
Quote
I'm stepping outside myself going, "Who is this person who chose to eat tuna on a bed of lettuce and chopped veggies for dinner? Who is this person who is now eating eggs every day for breakfast topped with steamed spinach and tomatoes or avocado and zucchini??? Who is this person who carries a bag of nuts and an apple in her purse??? We are rooting for you! If I can do it, you can do it! I can't wait to hear about everyone's Thanksgiving and how you got through it!
You have an awesome attitude! Keep Kicking Ass through the season of insanity!
Post by: Liz on October 15, 2015, 07:44:00 AM
So as you can imagine, I have a real weakness/addiction to sweets and snacks and junk food and baking and fast food and bread and cookies and cake and icing and, and, and. And its GONE. As in, every day, I'm stepping outside myself going, "Who is this person who chose to eat tuna on a bed of lettuce and chopped veggies for dinner? Who is this person who is now eating eggs every day for breakfast topped with steamed spinach and tomatoes or avocado and zucchini??? Who is this person who carries a bag of nuts and an apple in her purse??? We are rooting for you! If I can do it, you can do it! I can't wait to hear about everyone's Thanksgiving and how you got through it!
LOVE this! You are awesome! I was thinking about this the other day -- how a couple of months ago, a snack / treat for me would have been half a bag or more of chips... and now a bowl of steamed spinach with nutritional yeast seems delicious. I REALLY needed this reset!
Post by: ketchup on October 15, 2015, 08:55:45 AM
ketchup and for anyone else that likes Larabars ~ Definitely give RXbars a try! They have a little more protein {12 grams a bar, I think?}. They taste really good but don't awake the sugar dragon as much, for me at least! I've only ordered them on Amazon and from their website though -- hopefully one day they will be stocked in health food type stores, like the Larabars are.Unfortunately, those look like they're about double the price of Larabars, and the flavors I looked at all contain almonds, which I can't eat without consequences (my GF can and does fine with them). Thanks for the tip though!
However, I have found in the past that homemade "Larabars" are fantastic, better and cheaper than store-bought, but not as shelf-stable. I didn't take the time to make any for our trip, but they were super awesome before. I'll definitely make them again (and Larabar is the one damn Nestle brand I've found myself ever buying and fuck Nestle).
Post by: Sailor Sam on October 15, 2015, 11:07:39 AM
I've been reading everyone's posts about sugar with avid interest. I've never been attracted to sugary things, and I actively dislike the taste of chocolate. Many people find this mysterious. BUT, given the chance to roll around in a swimming pool of flavoured potato chips, I'd go for it. Tater tots, yes please. Only french fries are available? Well, if must. I once endured a very unpleasant but incredibly frantic and bug eyed pelt to sadly distant bathroom the day after ingesting way to many kale chips. Salty and crunchy does it for me.
Post by: mom22boys on October 15, 2015, 11:11:10 AM
Halloween begins what I have labeled "The Season Of Insanity".
The Season Of Insanity is the five winter months of the year where "the world" (ie: vendors of foodstuffs, diet and exercise) tries to dramatically increase your consumption of high-carb, high-sugar and high glycemic index foods.
You can do this, YOU CAN WIN. Hack the diet and damn the Season of Insanity!
Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes! To me, Whole30/paleo/primal/keto all go hand in hand with MMM. Today's society is all about excess: cars, houses, clothes, jewelry....and YES food! I looked back at only one of my credit cards last year (pre-MMM) and I spent over 7K at restaurants. Not even grocery stores, but JUST restaurants. I was blown away, and literally wanted to cry. How wasteful am I being? How unhealthy am I by eating all this crap? I remember back to when I was young and I was lucky if my mom let us have anything sweet more than once every two weeks. That's why I'm continuing on the Whole30 (except trace sugar). I want to get back to being in control so I can say NO to all that crap for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and on and on.
Mefla - The only cool thing I love about whole30 is that I DON'T have to track my food. I can eat anything I want within the set boundaries. Not saying it's right/wrong to track your food, but it's what works for me. My body is naturally telling me when I've had enough.
And yes.....Mefla, I love you too! Actually, I love everyone on this board! What a great group, willing to openly share their struggles and most importantly, the support we all receive from each other.
EDIT: Typos
Post by: Sailor Sam on October 15, 2015, 11:14:14 AM
@swick: I'm so glad you said that. I've been fighting against having a little forum-crush on you anyway. Now I can think it just a tiny bit and not feel so pervy. Beware: you'll be sharing me with justajane, MonkeyJenga, Dollar Slice, pbkmaine, shelivesthedream, okits, thedayisbrave, Rural, NoraLenderbee, lemondirgopie, KMMK, Cressida and Allie. Oh, and Farnoosh Torabi and Ms. MM. Good thing I'm too tired to be a stalker. I'd never get anything done! :-) :-)
@Eirene: Give it time, I'll put you on the list too. :-)
mefla....WHAT THE FUCK ABOUT ME? No love for a fellow ketonian??? Harsh, bro. Extra harsh.
Post by: Liz on October 15, 2015, 11:26:27 AM
Mefla - The only cool thing I love about whole30 is that I DON'T have to track my food. I can eat anything I want within the set boundaries. Not saying it's right/wrong to track your food, but it's what works for me. My body is naturally telling me when I've had enough.
I hear you mom22boy! Tracking is the only thing that is keeping me from keto and I still might want to do it. I'm not going to lie, I have about 10 pounds I would like to lose to get to my "feel the best" weight. I'm 5'2 so sometimes I feel like every pound is a struggle! Thinking about doing keto for a few months and then slowly transitioning back into primal/paleo/Whole30 {more carbs}. But one thing I am loving about the W30 is that it emphasizes eating whole, clean food, and I don't want to lose that if trying keto -- especially since my main W30 goal is to help calm my allergies and asthma. Maybe I can incorporate a W30/keto hybrid? Half of me wants to keep going on W30 but incorporate more exercise {I literally did no exercise this month} and see how that goes. I don't think I lost a lot of weight this go-around but my clothes are fitting better for sure. Sorry for the rambling.... trying to sort out my ideas as I get closer to the end of this W30!
Post by: 1967mama on October 15, 2015, 11:57:18 AM
Another thing I am noticing is that my brain fog seems to have lifted permanently! I'm so excited about this because, being a mama since 1991, and with many children, I have basically been in a brain fog since 1991 ... ugh! I"m not getting tired in the afternoons, and I'm not feeling sluggish at dinnertime. I am getting up earlier in the morning and having more restful sleeps (unless there's some drama going on with a teenager, etc). This is also a pleasant change. I'm still popping a melatonin most nights to fall asleep but I tend to be very busy with functional stuff in the daytime (again, large family) and then the emotional stuff starts flowing through my head as the house quiets at bedtime (around 11pm) so then I get some think time to process the day.
Tea. I can't believe I've gone from a chain tea drinker, to 2-3 mugs a day. This is remarkable to me as I am known to all my friends and family as a tea person. Most of the gifts I receive are: tea, tea mugs, tea paraphernalia,etc. People send me tea jokes, tea inspirational cartoons.... You get my drift. Anyways, 1 mug around 11 am and another mid to late afternoon. Some nights, a cup of herbal in the evening with my husband. And that's it! So I was definitely addicted to the milk and the sweetener (sometimes honey or sugar, usually stevia). This surprises me because I thought stevia would be ok on Whole30, but its that sweet taste that I was craving. Last night, I bought myself a box of Medjool dates ... I had ONE! sooooo sweet and lovely! I had no trouble stopping at one, which is also very surprising to me.
I am going to try and squeeze in a little more reading of Whole30 today, but its a busy day here around the 1967mama household! Have a great day everyone!
Edit: typo
ETA: mom22boys & Liz Tracking was an epic fail for me on Weight Watchers:-(
Post by: Faraday on October 15, 2015, 09:42:40 PM
@swick: I'm so glad you said that. I've been fighting against having a little forum-crush on you anyway. Now I can think it just a tiny bit and not feel so pervy. Beware: you'll be sharing me with justajane, MonkeyJenga, Dollar Slice, pbkmaine, shelivesthedream, okits, thedayisbrave, Rural, NoraLenderbee, lemondirgopie, KMMK, Cressida and Allie. Oh, and Farnoosh Torabi and Ms. MM. Good thing I'm too tired to be a stalker. I'd never get anything done! :-) :-)
@Eirene: Give it time, I'll put you on the list too. :-)
mefla....WHAT THE FUCK ABOUT ME? No love for a fellow ketonian??? Harsh, bro. Extra harsh.
I'm getting there, I'm getting there! I'm just a tad slow, been spending too much time in MonkeyJenga's journal thread.....I've been reading up on your posts and I'm with you bro, 1000%
In fact, let me send you this little morsel of luv: http://www.ruled.me/low-carb-pepperoni-pizza/
We made this for dinner tonight and my keto-wife couldn't stop raving about it. She loves that I like making it - it's easy as hell if I can make it, I promise you. The ruled.me recipes are fantastic. I love how they do the recipe with photos and in such amazing detail. Wort paying for!
Post by: Faraday on October 15, 2015, 09:49:39 PM
Despite being part of the Stocktober challenge, I broke down and bought some ketostix, to test if I'm in ketosis. Very firmly in ketosis! Rainbow pooping unicorn victory for Sir Samuel.
CONGRATULATIONS SS! I fondly remember the first time I ever lit up a ketostix. It's an awesome feeling to know you're burning the shit out of your own fat.
I think it was bracken_joy talking about how this changes over time? (I can't remember if it was her or not?) Whoever, they are 100% correct: as you go further in the journey, you don't light up the keto stick like in the beginning. I thought i was not in ketosis, but I had all the other signs, in spades. I finally wised up and realized there's a LOT of things that change when you go from having lots of fat for your body to convert, to not having quite so much for your body to convert.
BTW: MCT oil did nothing for me when I started, but now, it is awesome. When you get within 10 lbs or so of your goal weight, you gotta try some.
Post by: 1967mama on October 16, 2015, 12:34:08 AM
I found it super interesting and thought I'd put a link here of a good article I read on why we get fat. (http://www.ketogenic-diet-resource.com/why-we-get-fat.html) Lots of other good stuff on there too for anyone doing the Whole30 plan. You can see on the food lists, for example, which fruits and vegetables are higher in carbs and can make sure you steer away from those, or eat them in smaller amounts.
I was so mad tonite .. I went to Costco specifically to get a big box of Lara Bars. I've bought them there in the past just because I like them so I knew they would have a box with lots of flavors. Tonite, they had a box with 2 flavors. Peanut and Peanut Chocolate Chip, or something like that ... grrrrr!
I did find Avacado Oil, which I've been looking for. There are lots of good looking Whole30 recipes that use this oil. Also picked up some walnuts and produce. Going through healthy foods so fast, but they take up So. Much. Room. in the fridge!
Post by: swick on October 16, 2015, 09:14:32 AM
In fact, let me send you this little morsel of luv: http://www.ruled.me/low-carb-pepperoni-pizza/
We made this for dinner tonight and my keto-wife couldn't stop raving about it. She loves that I like making it - it's easy as hell if I can make it, I promise you. The ruled.me recipes are fantastic. I love how they do the recipe with photos and in such amazing detail. Wort paying for!
Damnnit mefla! You gotta stop posting that! Every time I see it it's all I can think about! (Haven't reintroduced cheese yet) Although I'm totally intrigued by a mozza based crust and will indeed have to try it one day...maybe when I'm somewhere with a microwave. I imagine I could probably use a double boiler if I was really determined :)
I am really learning a lot from the Whole30 book ... so glad I took the plunge and bought it. Just polished off 2 eggs with steamed spinach and a handful of organic grapes. Yum!
Another thing I am noticing is that my brain fog seems to have lifted permanently! I'm so excited about this because, being a mama since 1991, and with many children, I have basically been in a brain fog since 1991 ... ugh! I"m not getting tired in the afternoons, and I'm not feeling sluggish at dinnertime. I am getting up earlier in the morning and having more restful sleeps (unless there's some drama going on with a teenager, etc). This is also a pleasant change. I'm still popping a melatonin most nights to fall asleep but I tend to be very busy with functional stuff in the daytime (again, large family) and then the emotional stuff starts flowing through my head as the house quiets at bedtime (around 11pm) so then I get some think time to process the day.
This is so awesome! so glad to hear you are getting "you" back :D
Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes! To me, Whole30/paleo/primal/keto all go hand in hand with MMM. Today's society is all about excess: cars, houses, clothes, jewelry....and YES food! I looked back at only one of my credit cards last year (pre-MMM) and I spent over 7K at restaurants. Not even grocery stores, but JUST restaurants. I was blown away, and literally wanted to cry. How wasteful am I being? How unhealthy am I by eating all this crap? I remember back to when I was young and I was lucky if my mom let us have anything sweet more than once every two weeks. That's why I'm continuing on the Whole30 (except trace sugar). I want to get back to being in control so I can say NO to all that crap for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and on and on.
This was really good, thank you for sharing, mom22boys. I think the only saving grace we had in our old town was there was not really anywhere to go out eat - although getting any fresh fruits and veggies was also a problem. It does seem like the whole diet/mmm thing does go hand in hand, since at the end of the day it is about using all our resources optimally. Hacking your diet and food certianly does count!
Thanks for the manifesto, mefla! Excellent summary of the season of insanity. And with our Canadian Thanksgiving being earlier, our season is even longer.
When you said this:
"Easter Sunday dinners that look exactly like Thanksgiving and Christmas."
it made me think that I should post my Thanksgiving dinner list just in case it would be a help to someone...
KiwiSonya, I am totally not a strong person and this is so totally unlike me. I have about 70 pounds to lose to be just back into the range of a healthy BMI (I'm so embarrassed to type that out). So as you can imagine, I have a real weakness/addiction to sweets and snacks and junk food and baking and fast food and bread and cookies and cake and icing and, and, and. And its GONE. As in, every day, I'm stepping outside myself going, "Who is this person who chose to eat tuna on a bed of lettuce and chopped veggies for dinner? Who is this person who is now eating eggs every day for breakfast topped with steamed spinach and tomatoes or avocado and zucchini??? Who is this person who carries a bag of nuts and an apple in her purse??? We are rooting for you! If I can do it, you can do it! I can't wait to hear about everyone's Thanksgiving and how you got through it!
This was a totally awesome post! Isn't it awesome to be that person you marvel at? My SIL posted a comic on FB all about how much "Future Self" Hates "Present Self" because present self has so much fun and has bad habits and on and on and future self has to pay for them. I thought this was so, so sad...but the comments made me feel even sadder. There was lots of apathy and resignation to that's just how things are....
Here I was thinking future self is going to thank present self for fucking rocking it!...and that's the way it SHOULD be!!
Updates:
Other then the experiment with reintroducing milk last weekend still eating whole 30. The milk has not made it's way back into the regular rotation and more than likely won't. My face has still not fully recovered.
Intermittent fasting keeps popping up all over the pace for me, so I figured I should look into it. James Clear has a really good intro: http://jamesclear.com/the-beginners-guide-to-intermittent-fasting (http://jamesclear.com/the-beginners-guide-to-intermittent-fasting) I've always had a problem with eating first thing in the morning and use to not eat until 9-10. After hearing over and over I needed to have breakfast and it was unhealthy to skip meals (blah, blah, blah) I have spent YEARS trying to get into the3 squares a day routine. Funny, the time I was just eating when I was hungry (late breakfast) were the times I was at my healthiest weight and energy levels...hmmm...
I did have to be careful though because I would usually eat crap later in the day to make up for it. Methinks it is worth trying now that I have a better understanding of and relationship with food.
Anyone else intermittent fasting? (I know it is kinda off topic, but hey all a part of the puzzle!)
How is everyone doing? How those on the plan? How are those doing the reintro? Please update!
Post by: Faraday on October 16, 2015, 09:37:54 AM
In fact, let me send you this little morsel of luv: http://www.ruled.me/low-carb-pepperoni-pizza/
We made this for dinner tonight and my keto-wife couldn't stop raving about it. She loves that I like making it - it's easy as hell if I can make it, I promise you. The ruled.me recipes are fantastic. I love how they do the recipe with photos and in such amazing detail. Wort paying for!
Damnnit mefla! You gotta stop posting that! Every time I see it it's all I can think about! (Haven't reintroduced cheese yet) Although I'm totally intrigued by a mozza based crust and will indeed have to try it one day...maybe when I'm somewhere with a microwave. I imagine I could probably use a double boiler if I was really determined :)
I did have to be careful though because I would usually eat crap later in the day to make up for it. Methinks it is worth trying now that I have a better understanding of and relationship with food.
Anyone else intermittent fasting? (I know it is kinda off topic, but hey all a part of the puzzle!)
How is everyone doing? How those on the plan? How are those doing the reintro? Please update!
Sorry, sorry swick! I forgot, you are reintroducing dairy. For what it's worth, I'm lactose intolerant but this pizza doesn't bother me since the cheese used is (relatively) low in lactose and when you heat/cook cheese, it further diminishes the activity of the lactose.
Now, the salami is probably not-so-much Whole30 compatible, so you may want to turn it up a vegetarian notch. This Za would kick ass with fresh, thin tomato slices and mushrooms or sweet pepper slices on top!
BTW: I have to tell you that intermittent fasting doesn't really work worth a damn for me. I've even gone on something called "fat fasts" and that backfired on me - mainly it dehydrates me and I don't lose an ounce of real weight at all.
Now: I'm of northern european descent - painfully white, blonde hair, blue eyes, and I'm over 6ft tall and about 220lbs right now. So if it didn't work for me because of ethnic reasons, you at-least know what general group I hail from.
I think it was you - I can't remember, will have to check - who said you don't count calories? I log everything, but I don't specifically do it to count calories or limit calories. I actually do better when I bust my calorie limit ever-so-slightly, while adding exercise to my daily routine. I don't seem to be able to do jack-squat with any diet lifestyle without adding exercise, which is A-OK by me, because the whole purpose for me is to improve my speed on the bicycle...
Post by: swick on October 16, 2015, 09:54:08 AM
I don't know if intermittent fasting will work - but figured it was worth the experiment, especially because if it means going back to how I use to eat, just with more consciousness and education about what I should be eating, it won't be very hard. Actually I did it yesterday (before I looked into it) and was beating myself up because I forgot to eat breakfast...
Onward and Upward! ....er the scale can go downward, I'm ok with that ;)
Post by: Faraday on October 16, 2015, 11:01:57 AM
I don't know if intermittent fasting will work - but figured it was worth the experiment, especially because if it means going back to how I use to eat, just with more consciousness and education about what I should be eating, it won't be very hard. Actually I did it yesterday (before I looked into it) and was beating myself up because I forgot to eat breakfast...
Some people claim great success. I've tried it about 4 times now and am satisfied it don't do jack for me. (BTW: I'm sure I didn't screw anything up in how I did it. both intermittent fasting and fat fasts are pretty simple, not much to know.)
Post by: mom22boys on October 16, 2015, 11:31:49 AM
http://whole30.com/2015/10/fasting/
My week has gone GREAT! Feeling great still, sleeping rock hard every night, eating only when I'm hungry. I'm itching to try some new recipes this weekend. I have to crack open my Whole30 book tonight and see what I want to try next. I'm kinda craving some chicken curry, and that would be good over my cauliflower rice. :-) This morning I weighed myself again and I'm down a few more lbs, but definitely not as much as last month.
I'm also digging out some exercise DVDs. Thinking about a little Les Mills Pump. Now I just gotta get the garage cleaned up so I have room to exercise. I have exercise mats in the third stall of my garage (mainly for my boys to wrestle, etc) so I have a great place to exercise.
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 16, 2015, 02:20:48 PM
Post by: horsepoor on October 16, 2015, 02:50:56 PM
I've quit eating breakfast when not hungry and it seems helpful to hold off on eating carbs early in the day. Often I'll do bulletproof coffee, sometes with an egg in lieu of breakfast and I'm good until 1/or 2. Reduces the amount of insulin response through the day.
Post by: swick on October 16, 2015, 03:01:32 PM
Melissa from Whole30 just had a post about intermediate fasting, which was interesting. Here's the link for your reading enjoyment:
http://whole30.com/2015/10/fasting/
Yay for feeling great! Thanks for sharing the above link! Was interesting to see the whole30 take on it. A lot of what she says totally makes sense, especially if you are still on the first 30 days.
Thanks horsepoor, I had forgotten, I'll go check the thread out.
KiwiSonya - don't forget you have a support system here! Check in for encouragement and understanding when dealing with the relatives. There are quite a few of you who have been doing this journey without the participation/support of your SO and I just have to say how awesome you all are and how much I admire you!
Post by: cheddarpie on October 16, 2015, 03:04:23 PM
Post by: Liz on October 16, 2015, 03:44:24 PM
I've quit eating breakfast when not hungry and it seems helpful to hold off on eating carbs early in the day. Often I'll do bulletproof coffee, sometes with an egg in lieu of breakfast and I'm good until 1/or 2. Reduces the amount of insulin response through the day.
I've experimented with bulletproof coffee, or some type of version of it {coconut oil and ghee} and I have been really surprised on how full it keeps me ... plus I think it tastes like a latte!
Post by: horsepoor on October 16, 2015, 03:50:40 PM
Post by: Sailor Sam on October 16, 2015, 04:09:54 PM
Despite being part of the Stocktober challenge, I broke down and bought some ketostix, to test if I'm in ketosis. Very firmly in ketosis! Rainbow pooping unicorn victory for Sir Samuel.
CONGRATULATIONS SS! I fondly remember the first time I ever lit up a ketostix. It's an awesome feeling to know you're burning the shit out of your own fat.
I think it was bracken_joy talking about how this changes over time? (I can't remember if it was her or not?) Whoever, they are 100% correct: as you go further in the journey, you don't light up the keto stick like in the beginning. I thought i was not in ketosis, but I had all the other signs, in spades. I finally wised up and realized there's a LOT of things that change when you go from having lots of fat for your body to convert, to not having quite so much for your body to convert.
BTW: MCT oil did nothing for me when I started, but now, it is awesome. When you get within 10 lbs or so of your goal weight, you gotta try some.
Thanks mefla, now I feel the love. It was Bracken_Joy who mentioned that ketostix eventually stop working, over on the Stocktober thread. I'm aware it might happen, and the sticks will probably be a one-time buy. I simply wanted to calibrate what I was feeling with some sort of actual diagnostic tool. Now that I've verified what ketosis feels like to Samuel, I won't need the sticks. Frankly, I only needed one, and it pained me to pay $16 bucks for 50. I seriously considered heading over to medical and asking for one, but I didn't want any weird notes going into a file that is used to yay/nay my deployments.
That pizza looks good, but the dairy would kill me. I'm envious of your continued cheese ability. My dairy tolerance shut down about 5 years ago, and I had to give it up. Milk now tastes gross to me, but I was always on the fence about straight cow juice anyway. Sadly, cheese still tastes great, despite the pain-pain-pain-vomit cycle it causes in my stomach.
Post by: mom22boys on October 16, 2015, 04:17:43 PM
I'm replying so I can follow this thread. I haven't done it yet, but am looking forward to trying ... thanks for all the inspiration and support!
Now the only question is WHEN ARE YOU STARTING? :-) Just look at the great menu that 1967mama had for Thanksgiving. Now's the perfect time to start, even with Thanksgiving coming fast.
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 16, 2015, 08:12:06 PM
Post by: Cranberries on October 17, 2015, 12:27:52 PM
Verdict: so not worth it. I knew I had problems with wheat and that I felt great when I ate paleo, but I had not realized how many subtle not-feeling-good signals my body sends when I eat say, corn quesadillas. I feel not quite right. It's not dramatic like it is with the foods I know myself to actually be allergic to, but it's not pleasant either.
Plus, with my sugar demons partially vanquished, it is way easier to listen to my body instead of my intestinal flora.
Tomorrow I am back on the bandwagon. I am getting tired of sweet potatoes and beef with salad and avocado, plus my job just ended so I have lots (too much) time. This time around I am going to try for a more involved cooking routine, at least until I fall into a good winter life pattern.
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 17, 2015, 02:17:21 PM
Post by: 1967mama on October 17, 2015, 06:10:05 PM
I've made it through Day 9 now (Day 13 since I started, but then had 2 restarts). You'd have to force me, at gunpoint, to eat something off plan at this stage of the game! I can't believe it!
Tomorrow, we are going out for Chinese food with our whole family. There's nothing that I feel I can safely eat there, so I'm going to eat in the car on the way, and then put a little food on my plate and push it around (haha! suggested to me earlier, and now I can really do it, because its just my own family) and then eat again when we get home. I made my son a birthday cake today too. It seemed yucky to me. The smell was sickly sweet. That is not something I would normally say. Instead, you would see me licking the batter off the spatula and out of the bowl ... seriously! And I thought I was a grown up! haha!
Post by: Sailor Sam on October 17, 2015, 08:10:38 PM
I found it easy to stay on-plan from a mental standpoint, but middling difficult from a logistics standpoint. I avoided obviously off-plan stuff like bread, dairy, and alcohol, but I strongly suspect every non-egg thing I consumed had fillers and sugars. Beyond keeping bread and potatoes off my plate, I did not interrogate waiters and I made concessions on restaurant choices when the larger group wanted to eat at more difficult restaurants. From a strictly legal standpoint I should tap out and restart, but fuck that noise. I stayed in ketosis on the Vegas Strip! I definitely displayed the mental toughness the Whole30 whinges about, despite the all the sugary bacon I stuffed into my maw.
Post by: Faraday on October 17, 2015, 08:28:35 PM
From a strictly legal standpoint I should tap out and restart, but fuck that noise. I stayed in ketosis on the Vegas Strip! I definitely displayed the mental toughness the Whole30 whinges about, despite the all the sugary bacon I stuffed into my maw.
You go guy! I won't facepunch you if you stayed in ketosis in The City of Sin.
Sugary bacon? WTF? Do you mean sugar used in curing, or does it actually have sugar ADDED to it?
And why on God's earth would anyone need to corrupt Nature's Most Perfect Food, Bacon, by adding sugar?!?!
Post by: 1967mama on October 17, 2015, 09:36:43 PM
I found it easy to stay on-plan from a mental standpoint, but middling difficult from a logistics standpoint.
This is exactly what I'm facing with an upcoming weekend trip ... thanks for putting it into words for me, SS!:-)
kiwisonya, I can't imagine seeing actual ribs! haha! Good for you! That is a long and far away dream for me at this point, with 70+ pounds to lose. I really can't wait until the end of my first Whole30 to see what kind of weight I've lost, although the mental benefits alone have been extraordinary for me:-) At the end of Day 9 here, and I think that I will never, ever go back to eating that way again...is it unrealistic for me to say that already?
I was reading more of my Whole30 book today. I read the section where they ask you to eliminate dairy and grains, it makes me think, "Why would I ever want to add those back into my life?" I think I'm a serious candidate for a Whole60. Has anyone here every done 2 right in a row before?
I have a very fancy Christmas party to go to in the 2nd week of December and I"m afraid to buy my dress yet! haha! Nice problem to have, I guess. This would be a "Whole30 People Problems" issue, I guess. I was looking at dresses online today (a designer I know fits me every time) and I am really hesitant to buy a dress because I'm thinking, "One size smaller? Two sizes smaller?" Exciting to think about buying a smaller size, that's for sure.
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 18, 2015, 01:44:15 AM
Post by: Liz on October 18, 2015, 08:57:10 AM
Tomorrow is technically my Day 30 --- Wow, I feel time has flown! {I didn't feel that way in the beginning, of course LOL} I am so happy I decided to do a W30 on a random Saturday last month... I could have continued to eat junk and felt awful for another 30 days but instead I decided to make some changes and I have NO regrets. Time would have passed, whatever I decided to do, and I am happy with the changes I've made in the past 30 days instead of doing nothing {hope that made sense}!
Post by: amandapdx on October 18, 2015, 09:43:45 AM
I'm lucky that there are a few restaurants near my work that specifically have paleo options (that are also Whole30 compliant or can easily be made that way), including a food cart with three locations plus a brick-and-mortar restaurant that is totally paleo and lists every ingredient. It's nice to have an eating-out option in a pinch.
I knew I had to change my habits after gaining weight due to having two kids and starting/running an ice cream company for 5 years, so I know it's going to take longer than 30 days to make up for all that. I think I'll ease into a paleo diet after my Whole30, with occasional breaks, though plan to do a nice reintroduction period first - I didn't think I had any issues with food before, but I suspect that process will turn up some issues.
KiwiSonyia! I'm going through the KonMari process now too - between KM, Whole30, and MMM, we have a lot in common!
Thanks, all - looking forward to participating a little now that I caught up!
Post by: 1967mama on October 18, 2015, 09:57:52 AM
My husband is at a community event today he ran into a friend of ours from university who is now a little famous. I'm so glad I didn't go! I'm sooooo overweight ( 70+) and would have been so embarrassed! Further motivation to lose this crap-ton of fat and feel good about myself and my body again. Grrrr! I think I will investigate adding some exercise to move things along as was suggested above. I need to get back to that former self and not drag future self through this awful period of being so overweight. I never realized until now how crappy I was feeling all the time. Day 10 and I'm just feeling So. Much. Better. Physically and mentally.
Thanks to all the contributors on this board. You are having such and impact on me!
Post by: Sailor Sam on October 18, 2015, 11:09:03 AM
Sugary bacon? WTF? Do you mean sugar used in curing, or does it actually have sugar ADDED to it?
And why on God's earth would anyone need to corrupt Nature's Most Perfect Food, Bacon, by adding sugar?!?!
Thanks! I assume the sugar is from the curing process. Well, clarification. Fancy bacon has sugar from curing. Unfancy bacon has a slurry of glucose, dextrose, and dextrins injected. Same with lunchmeat.
Post by: Faraday on October 18, 2015, 11:19:29 AM
Sugary bacon? WTF? Do you mean sugar used in curing, or does it actually have sugar ADDED to it?
And why on God's earth would anyone need to corrupt Nature's Most Perfect Food, Bacon, by adding sugar?!?!
Thanks! I assume the sugar is from the curing process. Well, clarification. Fancy bacon has sugar from curing. Unfancy bacon has a slurry of glucose, dextrose, and dextrins injected. Same with lunchmeat.
God help us on that. Maybe I need to go back to keeping/slaughtering my own hogs.
Post by: 1967mama on October 19, 2015, 12:32:08 AM
For lunch today, 13 of us went out for Chinese food for my son's birthday. I looked at the menu online beforehand, and knew there wasn't a thing that I could safely eat, unless I made a special request for steamed vegetables with absolutely nothing on them but water. I decided that rather than do that, I would smuggle in a cooked chicken breast and a bag of baby carrots. The first course was lettuce wraps. I grabbed 2 big pieces of iceberg lettuce and broke up my chicken in them. As everyone was lifting their lettuce wraps up to eat, so did I! It was so great! I took a picture but haven't taken the time to get it onto imgur yet. I may add it later. Anyways, I helped keep the plates moving around on the glass lazy Susan in the middle of the big round table, and drank my water and lots of the green tea. I kept nibbling on carrots and left a chunk of lettuce on my plate to indicate to the wait staff that I was still eating. It totally worked! So happy with myself!
(http://i.imgur.com/IOmjao1.jpg)
Tonight, my cool 17 year old son (haha, I'm so biased) who has done a lot of reading on health, weight training, running and so on, suggested I do a Whole90 and that I'd be "ripped" by the end of that if I were a guy. He makes me laugh! Anyways, tomorrow, I'm going to tape down a post it note over the 30 on the cover of my book, and write a 90 on it instead. There's no reason why I shouldn't/couldn't just keep going, right? Like I'm not missing any vital nutrients or anything? I was thinking I would have one day at the end of each whole 30 to have a few things, maybe a piece of bread with some honey, a bowl of yogurt. I don't know what else, but it might help me get right on track the next day (and feel like crap). Any thoughts on a Whole90? (reminder: I have 70+ lbs to lose).
Has anyone ever noticed that their teeth feel better? Tonight, I can't stop running my tongue over my front teeth. They are sooooo smooth. They only ever feel this good the day of a dental cleaning, and I feel like I have pretty good hygiene (at least, they always tell me I do when I go to the dentist). I can't believe that more unique and wonderful side effects of Whole 30 are revealing themselves in my body! Fascinating!
I had a great thought about the dress dilemma I mentioned upthread. I can wear one of the dresses from 6-7 years ago that is still very lovely (classic styles, colours) but no longer fits me. Hope this isn't a pipe dream! I can't even imagine being able to wear one of those beautiful dresses again!
I was realizing that if I lose 15 lb per whole 30, I would be 45 lbs down by New Years! That would be amazing to me! I can't wait till the first time in my real life, someone notices my weight loss. It will be a while, I'm sure, but that will be a happy day for me! I haven't really told anyone except my immediate family and the girlfriends and boyfriends of the older kids (adults). They are all 100% supportive. I"m so very blessed! Tonight I thanked my husband for how much he is supporting me in this, and how I feel like he is proud of me:-)
One last random thought (and thanks for listening, to all who made it this far): I was desperate to weigh myself today. My daughter is hiding the scale from me, because she knows I'm a scale addict. I weighed myself one week in and now today was 2 weeks in (from first start date). It was really neat what she said to me; that I wouldn't change anything about the way I'm eating if the scale wasn't where I was hoping it would be. I guess it could be really motivating to see another big loss, but it could also be really discouraging if my weight hit a plateau this week. So I'm now a recovering scale addict, too! She is soooo bang on. I need to trust the program and trust the results I'm already seeing.
Have a great day, everyone!
ETA image upload - hope
It works!
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 19, 2015, 01:14:35 AM
Love your wise kids 1967mama - I hopped on mils scales and was disappointed. I'm glad I've lost mine in the attic somewhere as I am also a recovering scale addict. Now that you mention teeth mine are feeling like they've just been brushed and they were actually done 12 hours ago! I remember reading about reversing gum disease and 'bad teeth' on Marks Daily Apple.
Today is Round 2 Day 5 and the metallic taste in my mouth is back. Is actually a happy reminder of ketosis so pleased to have it really. I haven't been at all 'kill all the things' today although have been tired after weekend travelling and sleeping in bad bed. Will just head to bed early to sort that. Spent a record 2 hours grocery shopping (and gulp record $300 nz) but have secured provisions that a king in days of old would have been proud of - exotic fruits (tamarillos, passionfruit and new season strawberries), asparagus, smoked salmon, ground meat of every kind (usually just get beef but have really rowed the boat out with lamb, turkey and pork mince), also interesting and compliant condiments like preserved lemons, kimchi, sauerkraut, harissa tapenade, smoked olives etc - feast at my house everyone! I know I can and should make a lot of those things myself but I want to see if I like them first! Right, I'm off to make my first ever batch of mayo, wish me luck. Welcome Amandapdx, sure does sound like we have lots in common! Ks
Post by: swick on October 19, 2015, 08:02:03 AM
So awesome to hear about everyone's updates! GREAT JOB ON A WHOLE 30, LIZ!!!!
and WELCOME Amandapdx!!
It was a rather hard weekend for Hubs, he is feeling rather lost and unsure of what to eat/how to eat now. Part of what he misses is the exploration and adventure of trying new things/places (a new Thai place opened in Sept. He loves Thai and for our area its pretty exciting. He also doesn't seem to be doing super well on just Whole 30 foods. He had one week out of the whole thing where he was in "Tiger Blood" mode - but the rest of it he has really been struggling with energy levels.
Everything he is comfortable cooking are grain/carb heavy so he wants to get in the kitchen and cook and feels bad because I am doing all the cooking and he really misses doing it all together. Got out of the funk a bit by making some tasty sundried tomato, basil and roasted red pepper burgers on lettuce leaf buns and chicken wings together. Not totally healthy, but compliant and seemed to have done the trick for now.
Also, I've been doing lots of research into sugar and cancer and all of that which has just depressed him further and we have been struggling with how to navigate his family. Despite having mentioned every time we see her that we aren't eating sugar, out of all the kids his Grandma asked us to bake a cake for Sunday's dinner for his mom's birthday. His mom "beat" according to conventional doctors, breast cancer a few years ago. She shouldn't be having sugar, we shouldn't be feeding her sugar. We know better. She should know better.
Yesterday we spent a few hours trying to find a naturally sweetened cake recipe that we could make so it would at least be not as bad. I gave up. Even a lot of the Paleo recipes have very high sugar content. I decided to make my own so I used fully compliant ingredients except for a little buckwheat. It actually turned out REALLY GOOD - except it won't pass muster with his family and we both know it. I would love to introduce his parents into this lifestyle, but it won't happen and chocolate is something that she loves so much, I don't think this would be the way to introduce her to it....So do we make a slightly more healthy, but still horrible cake for her?
I am so impressed by everyone who is navigating family, holidays, travel, birthdays, scales...you are all so inspiring, I love it, keep it up!
Post by: horsepoor on October 19, 2015, 08:08:58 AM
I'm not quite as badass, but with encouragement from this thread, I packed a cooler full of paleo foods and will be bringing it along on my 3-night work trip this week. I'm traveling by car with several other people, so it may be a little awkward, but I'm going to make it work. I have to travel again the two following weeks and if I don't do this I'm going to be a total wreck by the end of it.
I have a half marathon and my birthday dinner November 7th, so I'm planning to jump into this all the way on November 8th!
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 19, 2015, 12:30:29 PM
Anyway, to borrow Sailor Sam's phrase, it is all rainbow pooping unicorns around here. My hormones must be changing because well, I woke up umm feeling frisky shall we say for the first time probably since having babies 6 years ago! A very unexpected and welcome development. Am now plotting like an evil witch to sneakily change my families diet hopefully without them noticing. Hubby really enjoyed his scrambled eggs on a bed of spinach with smoked salmon and dill -just need to forget to put the toast with it. Hee hee hee (imagine rubbing gnarled witches hands together). Rock on everyone - you're all so great!
Post by: Liz on October 19, 2015, 04:10:58 PM
Yum 1967mama ~ Your chicken wraps look delicious! My boyfriend and I made fajitas last night and I used cabbage leaves as my "tortilla," so kind of similar to yours.
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 19, 2015, 04:45:27 PM
Post by: 1967mama on October 19, 2015, 05:09:10 PM
horsepoor - You are definitely a badass making a plan to stick with Whole30 on a 3 night trip! I will be looking for your notes as I have to go away one night this coming weekend, and 2 whole days. So far, I've got some prosciutto, lara bars, hard boiled eggs, raw fruit and vegetables, unsweetened applesauces, and nuts planned for the trip.
kiwisonya - I'd love to have a partner while I attempt a Whole90! Good luck on your Whole60! I find that I'm buying more fancy stuff, condiments, meats and so forth also, but I need to invest in my health so I can be around for my beautiful family for many years to come!
swick - I never thought about a connection between cancer and sugar. I'm going to be doing a little research on that! Do you have any saved links that you found particularly helpful? If so, do post them here :-) Thanks!
Breakfast for me was 2 poached eggs with a big handful of tiny tomatoes and a sliced avacado. Lunch was a big mixed veggie and lettuce salad and a chicken breast (all made for me by my fabulous daughter last night!), dinner for the kids is sweet and sour meatballs and rice so I will pull some meatballs out for myself and make some Whole30 ketchup too. Veggies on the side, or maybe a salad. Better get myself together and get off the internet and get this meal going! hahah!
Will be spending the evening waiting for election results up here in Canada!
Post by: 1967mama on October 19, 2015, 11:40:14 PM
I have had a lot of emotional stress in the last week with some teenager problems <sigh> and that was resolved last night. Wow, did I ever sleep like a log! I've been waiting for sleep like that to come, since I've read about it on some websites and the Whole3o book.
I finally got out there and did a little exercise for the first time since starting the program. I walked about 20 minutes around the block with my husband and also jogged home from my neighbour's house later in the day (we live on acreage). When I got home from the quick jog, I actually felt nauseous! I'm soooo out of shape and carrying all this extra weight too. I have a long way to go. I have to lose 38 lbs to be out of the obese category on the bmi charts, and move back into the just overweight catergory <sigh>. Yep, I'm gonna need a Whole90!
I continue to marvel at the smoothness of my teeth and can't wait for other exciting body and mind changes as I move through the weeks. I've NEVER been this excited about a program before, and have never ever had this kind of success! So encouraging to see immediate results .. so motivating. I've definitely not moved through The Timeline. Its all been good except one day of an upset tummy and multiple trips to the bathroom that day. Maybe the challenge of sticking to it will come later for me? or maybe in my 2nd round of Whole 30?
Post by: horsepoor on October 20, 2015, 10:48:10 AM
I didn't mean to infer that I'm doing W30 while traveling this week, but did bring my food and trying to stay 80% primal/low carb. Last night I went out to a sports bar with my coworkers and had a chicken salad with cheese and whatever soybean oil based dressing that came with it. At least I picked off the tortilla strips that I asked them to leave off. Caved on the warm peanut butter cookies the hotel though. Today I made tuna salad for lunch with guac, bell pepper and some baked squash with cantaloupe on the side. Better than eating burgers and donuts and I won't come home heavier than when I left.
Post by: Sailor Sam on October 20, 2015, 10:58:06 AM
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 20, 2015, 04:26:44 PM
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 20, 2015, 06:52:08 PM
Post by: Sailor Sam on October 20, 2015, 08:12:01 PM
You could try eating a couple bananas, and sprinkling 1/8th tsp salt into a cup of water. If you don't like bananas, you can try LoSalt, which is a mix of potassium and sodium. It's both low cost, and the perfect combination for low carb folks.
Per ususal, not a doctor, so take my advice with a grain of salt.
Post by: Liz on October 20, 2015, 09:05:09 PM
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 20, 2015, 09:06:22 PM
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 20, 2015, 09:09:40 PM
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 21, 2015, 02:59:25 AM
Post by: 1967mama on October 21, 2015, 04:02:14 PM
Liz - I would love it if you could share your recipe for paleo mu shu pork. Sounds delicous!
Kiwisonya - Are you feeling better from your carb flu? I went and looked that up - interesting! Thanks for the support on the emotional junk I was going through last week. Soooo much better now!
Sailorsam - I have been adding sea salt to things like eggs and tomatoes and so with your helpful information, I will keep on doing so.
Horsepoor - Thanks for the support - how did your trip go? What foods did you take that were compliant? My trip is this weekend.
I was wondering, out of interest, what day of the Whole30 (or other program) everyone is on? I'm on Day 14 (day 17 with 2 restarts). I'm planning on another Whole30 with a one day break in between.
Post by: Sailor Sam on October 21, 2015, 04:34:09 PM
'67mama, I'm on day 25. Typing that out makes me realize I should come up with a post-whole30 plan. I've been putting the decision off, but that strategy isn't going to work much longer.
I could stay in ketosis, which means my food choices wouldn't change very much from the Whole30 plan. I like the way I feel in ketosis, but do occasionally feel restricted. And, oddly enough, I don't want too lose too much weight. I've found that 10 lb drops are sustainable. Trying to lose more in a single round of dieting has always resulted in re-expansion. I'm not sure if the issue is physiological or psychological, but the phenomenon is real.
Right now, I have a vague plan to try and find the exact level of carbs that will maintain my current weight. I'll probably add potatoes and legumes back, while still avoiding sugar like the plague. In three months, or so I'll go back into ketosis and try to lose another 10 lbs.
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 21, 2015, 06:19:04 PM
Post by: Cranberries on October 21, 2015, 07:09:20 PM
Post by: horsepoor on October 21, 2015, 09:54:45 PM
Horsepoor - Thanks for the support - how did your trip go? What foods did you take that were compliant? My trip is this weekend.
I brought canned fish - both tuna and kippered herring, little packs of guacamole (figured they were less damage prone than actual avocados), a couple veggies - bell pepper, carrots and broccoli all held up well - and some fruit. Brought tomatoes but forgot about them and they got squished. I had Qwest bars since they're very low carb, but probably not Whole30 compliant. Also had Kind Bars, but raw nuts could sub for those. If I'd known was going to have refrigeration (different hotel each night for 3 nights), I would have brought hard boiled eggs. Oh, I also had a baked acorn squash. Plain yogurt for breakfast but obviously that's not compliant. So yeah, not exactly Whole30, but also not the worst while traveling. I also had some beef jerky and Hail Merry macaroons. Might bring coconut butter for caloric emergencies if doing a real W30.
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 21, 2015, 10:09:21 PM
Post by: Liz on October 22, 2015, 08:25:24 AM
and this one (http://zippitydodahhealthyeating.blogspot.com/2014/12/hoisin-sauce.html) for the sauce.
Let us know how your trip goes!
Post by: swick on October 22, 2015, 08:56:48 AM
I think many people quit or run into a problem around day 10 or so because your feeling super good at first and then you crash and feel like shit and it lasts for a few days at it is right around then that you assume it isn't working/not worth it. I probably would have given up if I hadn't of read the book and timeline and knew to expect it. IT DOES GET BETTER!!
We are on Day 45 or so of the process. I think after you do it for a while it just becomes routine so you don't keep track of the days. I feel like my body has created a new baseline which I am really liking and is fitting really well with my schedule.
Sleep: In bed by about 10 and up at 5:30 - I'm getting solid, deep sleep, very little waking up, very little mental chatter. I have been a life-long insomniac so this is HUGE.
I make Hubs and I breakfast and I'm usually working by about 7:00. Finish up between 12-1 and spend the afternoon making supper and taking the pup for a walk down to the river. I have been noticing it is getting much easier, starting to jog a little bit of the way and getting out there consistently. This is again a pretty big deal for me since usually I don't have the energy to contemplate even going for a walk by the time afternoon rolls around. I have also pulled out and started using my flow wand, which always makes me feel awesome and am figuring out how to get my mini-tramp set up without bringing down our book shelves :)
Also, only relevant to the ladies, (or those with significant others who have issues) but my hormones are balancing themselves out and this is the second month in row I have not had ANY period cramps. For me this is MAJOR as they are usually so bad I lose two days each cycle at least curled up in a ball of pain and have been this way for just about 20 years.
Hubs got super excited because he was able to use a brand new hole on his belt loop :D He has also had the energy in the evenings to do some of his hobbies. At my insistence (I might of trained him TOO GOOD in the ways of the mustache) He bought some paint and has been painting the mini's that have come with several of our games. He is happier than he has been in ages. The early morning/work time has always been hard on him, but he has actually been waking up easier and had the "glow" and energy from being able to paint the night before - his words :) Me thinks he is a bit of an artist trapped in an Engineering job.
We have reintroduced buckwheat and chia seeds thus far. Last night we had some organic pork sausages not sure if they had gluten in them or not, or just really high level of Salt? but my gut was HATING me and very vocal. This was the only different thing we ate. ...hmmm I just had a thought...they feed their pigs the spent organic grains from our local brewery...I wonder if any of that gluten would still be around? We haven't tested any of the other grains or gluten yet.
Hubs had a really good, long! convo with his mom last night, ahead of our family dinner on Sunday. Talked about the process and how he is feeling and the results he is seeing. He was also very clear that we don't expect anyone to accommodate us, we will just choose which foods we want to eat and how much. Hoping this will make a difference and be remembered!
Hope you all have an awesome, health-filled day!
Post by: mom22boys on October 22, 2015, 11:54:11 AM
This weekend I took the plunge and added more exercise. I've been walking about 2-3 times a week, but now added the 21 day fix exercise videos, which I really like. They are only 30 minutes, which is very doable. My legs hurt SOOOOO bad on Monday. Walking up and down the stairs at work, ouchhhh! And don't get me started on trying to sit down on the toilet! (sorry if TMI :-))
This weekend I also made the tuna cakes from NomNomPaleo. They are so YUMMY! They are the perfect blend of sweet, hot, citrus, fish. Even my boys LOVED them. Luckily I made a double batch, so I had a few meals from them.
Thanks also to SailorSam for the link to the scale article. I haven't thrown my scale out yet, but I'm pretty close. I realized about 4 months ago that that scale was only full of lies, and just made me feel bad.
1967mama - Good luck with your trip! You have all the tools (and food) to crush this!
Oh, almost forgot that yesterday was my first step into reintro, kinda unplanned. Yesterday was lunch for a coworker that is leaving. It was at an Italian restaurant. I was able to limit my reintro to only dairy, at least I think it was only dairy (cheese). Then last night I had a little cheddar cheese with supper. I could tell I was more bloated after eating it, and still this morning. But, I'm back to fully compliant today, and that feeling is gone already. I didn't sleep super hard last night too, so that may also be a small side affect from the dairy. Nothing else though...no stomach aches or anything else.
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 22, 2015, 01:00:25 PM
I have been enviously reading about your good sleeps -which I haven't had for about 6 years -until last night. Slept like a log from 10.30-7. It was like I was unconscious. Feel great for it. And huge for you Swick if you have had insomnia. My kids waking had made me a light sleeper but hopefully no more! Day 9 for me. I have a bit of a cold but nothing major. Chicken broth has been in the slow cooker for 12 hours so that should help. This way of eating is becoming second nature so it feels more natural and doesn't consume my day as it did earlier. Have a happy and healthy day everyone!
Post by: 1967mama on October 22, 2015, 03:47:07 PM
Swick - Nice to see you again! Are you out enjoying this fabulous BC weather? Love the sun! I am so excited to hear about your sleeps! I, too, and a lifelong insomniac. Last night I was up until around 2:30am -- not fun when I have a whole passel of kids to be a mama to today :-/ However, I think that I am coping ok today because of the way I'm eating. I'm tired but I don't have that brain fog anymore. I can't wait to have these heavy sleeps that everyone is talking about! haha! I have had one or two since I started. I'm going to start laying off the caffeinated tea earlier in the day to see if that helps (yesterday was 4pm). I'm also experiencing hormonal changes and found this month to be way lighter and more manageable. Usually day 2 is rather out of control (Sorry, TMI). I love how these body changes keep surprising me. Last night, I almost thought my wedding rings were feeling a tiny bit loose???
Mom22boys - Thanks for mentioning that recipe - I have the Nom Nom Paleo cookbook out of the library right now and will take a gander!
Liz - I LOVE the looks of that recipe. I haven't made pork yet during my Whole30 so will enjoy that next week sometime. I can't wait to report back on my trip, actually! I'm loving that we have this little gang here to share our successes and slipups with! I will have plenty of time on my own while on the trip, reading and relaxing, while my husband is at meetings. Its a business trip but I get to tag along. I'm sure I will be able to post up to the minute reports ;-) haha
Botanist - I was wondering, how did you feel on your week off of Whole30? I can't decide how long to take off between my first and 2nd Whole30. I have over 70 lbs to get back to a healthy weight, so I need to do another two, or three, I'm guessing.
Sailor Sam - I haven't done a lot of reading about ketosis -- in a nutshell, would it be basically Whole30 without the fruit? I really should read up on this. Might help me shed the fat I have accumulated over the years. Its weird, because I already feel more "trim" even though, I'm obviously not after just 15 days. I'm tall (5'11') so I think I carry the weight all over more, and just look tall and big rather than tall and fat. Ha! Staying off the scale. I've only weighed once, and that was at the end of week one (with 2 restarts) -- I had lost 4.8 lbs. That was all I needed to see.
Has anyone heard of the Trim Healthy Mama (http://www.trimhealthymama.com/) eating plan? The Testimonials section is amazing! They seem to be ok with full some dairy like greek yogurt/cottage cheese/cheddar cheese and whole grains like rice and oats in addition to all of the Whole30 compliant foods. If you are eating bread, you have to do it homemade as a sourdough. They are all about the blood sugar, keeping you balanced throughout the day. They allow stevia and 70% or higher chocolate. I have a friend who has lost 45 lb on it and feels terrific. I was thinking about this for after my 2nd or 3rd Whole30 as a way to continue my health and weight loss journey. I'd appreciate any feedback on this program from those more experienced than myself. I need a way to eat for life :-)
ETA more about Trim Healthy Mama
Post by: swick on October 22, 2015, 04:36:47 PM
Swick - Nice to see you again! Are you out enjoying this fabulous BC weather?
Ermmm...totally busted :D This is my first October being back in "southern" BC so the fact that it isn't bitingly cold and snowing, well, I'm trying to enjoy every minute of it. My tomaotes are still growing!
The last couple of days have been a nutty explosion of awesome conversations, synchronicities and business development for me. Besides the Whole 30 I have been doing some more inner work and outward business development. All the pieces are fitting neatly into place and it seems the last couple of days I can't keep up!
One of the most Awesome things about the whole 30 is you really notice that 30 days can change your life and set a new foundation.
1967mama and KiwiSonya- for sleep, laying off the caffeine really helps. I use to be a quad shot affagato for breakfast kinda gal (I use to manage a coffee shop) now it's one mug of tea in the morning, I went into Whole 30 drinking coffee every morning, but about day 8 or so I just kinda lost interest. I still enjoy the taste but just didn't seem to have any desire to drink it. And honestly, I think if I had much more caffeine these days I would be crazy jittery, I seem to have enough natural energy as it is, Yay!
Also, and this is a HARD one to do ( I am a reformed night owl) but going to bed before 10:00 really helps there have been quite a bit of studies ont he quality of sleep you get and the sleep from the 10-12 range is the most restorative. You can also play around with tracking your sleep cycles. We go through several full cycles each night, if you happen to have it timed so your alarm goes off when you are in the middle of the deepest part of the cycle you will wake up groggy and not feeling rested.
For hormone balancing, I would suggest trying inhailing Vitex Essential Oil. It is awesome stuff! It is self-regulating if you need it the smell will appeal to you, if you don't it won't. BONUS: across the board every single male I have asked to smell it is very adverse to it. Handy if you want to keep the teenage boys away ;) Also handy for cramps and menstrual pain. (Umm not a trained Doctor, but am in the process of getting my Registered Aromatherapist designation)
Liz - Hoisin Sauce - WHO HOO! I was just saying to hubs I need to find a good recipe for it, we have missed using it!
Mom22boys - I might have to try the nom-nom fishcakes. You make them sound so good! I haven't been eating much fish because it is expensive here (and I don't want to go the farmed route) and I've been kinda avoiding the tuna as we are still undecided about kidlets, not sure if I want the mercury. But I really, really miss it!
Oh thoughts on the eating plan 1967mama - I think the point of the whole 30 is to figure out a way of eating that works for you! There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with their plan, if it works for people, awesome! But you are going though this process - you may as well see what works exactly for you and once you do, take what applies from the various sources :)
Post by: 1967mama on October 22, 2015, 05:11:30 PM
I've never heard of Vitex Essential Oil so I'm going to do some research on that -- how interesting! I love my aromatherapy diffuser but mostly I just use blends from Sage or Choices.
I picked and enjoyed 3 tomatoes from my plant yesterday. I love love love this weather!
Post by: horsepoor on October 22, 2015, 09:50:26 PM
Has anyone heard of the Trim Healthy Mama (http://www.trimhealthymama.com/) eating plan? The Testimonials section is amazing! They seem to be ok with full some dairy like greek yogurt/cottage cheese/cheddar cheese and whole grains like rice and oats in addition to all of the Whole30 compliant foods. If you are eating bread, you have to do it homemade as a sourdough. They are all about the blood sugar, keeping you balanced throughout the day. They allow stevia and 70% or higher chocolate. I have a friend who has lost 45 lb on it and feels terrific. I was thinking about this for after my 2nd or 3rd Whole30 as a way to continue my health and weight loss journey. I'd appreciate any feedback on this program from those more experienced than myself. I need a way to eat for life :-)
ETA more about Trim Healthy Mama
Haven't heard about this one, but thought I'd mention Perfect Health Diet and Tim Feriss' 4-Hour Body. One has rice, one has beans. ;) Both are are a little more Mustachian than W30. When I did W30 last January, I got a nasty cold towards the end, ended up at Chipotle since I didn't have the energy to cook and my body was screaming at me for the white rice. I relented, and that serving of white rice made me feel SOOO much better. Incidentally, white rice is the made addition to regular paleo advocated by the PHDiet. We eat it in our house about once a week; it's a nice cheap ingredient and seems to agree with me. Same with black beans and lentils. I found that kidney beans were a no-no after W30.
Kiwisonya - I'm glad you got the advice on the banana. I ate one almost every day on W30. Seems to be a good starch and didn't drive me towards other sugar cravings.
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 23, 2015, 12:35:10 AM
On the caffeine front I have kicked black tea to the curb as I don't like it without milk. Have been enjoying a strong coffee with coconut for breakfast and have been having a nice herbal at bedtime. Probably an improvement from 5-7 cups of white tea scattered throughout the day!
Take care everyone. Ks
Post by: 1967mama on October 23, 2015, 12:53:44 AM
Kiwisonya - Do mean you eat a lot of dates? I bought myself a box of Medjool dates and have enjoyed one a day for most of my Whole30. I, too, find it to be miraculous that I can make it from breakfast to lunch without eating anything else! haha! But just today, I was wondering if there is anything I can eat besides egggggggggggs! ugh! I'm having trouble facing eggs in the morning, and in fact today, I had to have an apple and almond butter. I just couldn't face eggs after a brutal night of very little sleep. I was craving a nice warm bowl of oatmeal <sigh>. Maybe I should make oatmeal my first trial food in my re-introduction phase??
Someone at my daughter's workplace asked if she'd lost weight .. she's pretty happy about that! I'm waiting for that day, when someone who doesn't know I'm on a plan notices that I look like I've lost weight!
When I'm away this coming weekend, I'm planning on doing a lot of reading and some walking. I don't normally have this kind of time to myself (husband in meetings, kids and teens at home with my adult daughter) so I can't believe I will just get to do whatever I want! yay!
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 23, 2015, 02:06:35 AM
Post by: Liz on October 23, 2015, 09:29:04 AM
I've actually never eaten a date plain -- only used them in recipes or for making almond milk. They do have a delicious smell to them. I'm scared I would eat the whole box LOL.
swick ~ Let me know if you try that hoisin sauce! It calls for 3-4 dates, but I'm going try it with less next time. I like it even better than the Sunshine Sauce in Well Fed.:)
Post by: Sailor Sam on October 23, 2015, 09:44:22 AM
Sailor Sam - Would you mind posting one or two of your favorite keto sites? I'd like to do some reading but don't know where to begin. Also, if a person were to eat a paleo diet post-Whole30, where would be the best place to read up on that, if you happen to know.
Oh sure. The top sites I use are reddit.com/r/keto (https://www.reddit.com/r/keto), ruled.me (http://www.ruled.me/), and Marks Daily Apple (http://www.marksdailyapple.com/). MDA isn't specifically keto, but there are many paleo folks to decided to go into ketosis. The forum is particularly helpful.
If you do decided to try nutritional ketosis, I highly suggest reading one of Gary Taubes' books. Knowing the scientific background reduces a lot of panic, angst, and doubt. Why We Get Fat, and What to do About It (http://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Get-Fat-About-ebook/dp/B003WUYOQ6) has a good scientific review for people with less science background, and Good Calories, Bad Calories (http://www.amazon.com/Good-Calories-Bad-Gary-Taubes-ebook/dp/B000UZNSC2/ref=pd_sim_351_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=41MooPM7XdL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR108%2C160_&refRID=1PFP11S5FBRVYF6MN1D2) has much denser science review people who understand the scientific process.
It's also very easy to make Whole30 ketogenic. Take the approved eating list, and cross out potatoes, squash, and fruit. Once you do that, you're down to meat, and leafy greens. Unless you can eat 2 heads of cabbage in one sitting, you're gonna be in ketosis. Sadly, a lot of keto recipes rely on huge portions of dairy, and use the replacement method, instead of doing without (e.g. stevia, instead of no sweetener). You end up with a lot of weird non-food ingredients. I had a lot more luck searching whole30 recipes, and avoiding the potatoes.
Good luck. Start with the FAQ on r/keto!
Post by: swick on October 23, 2015, 10:14:24 AM
Dates are actually pretty healthy for you *but yes, high in natural sugars* The main reason to stay away from them if they are becoming a substitute or stand-in to feed your sugar dragon. It is not fun but if you can break that bond life will be so much easier! Remember "Sugar Dragon" is a nice PC way of saying addiction - mental - emotional - psychological - physiological addiction.
Sipping some licorice root tea, or chewing on a root if you can find it, helps. So does peppermint, but you might not want to have it before bed.
Liz - I will totally let you know! Hoping to get to it this week! Have to admit I've been struggling with the cooking part, been so busy and just had this strong desire the last few days to keep everything as simple as possible.
1967mama - I am so, so, so excited for you for your trip. I hope it is relaxing and rejuvenating and you get to do something just for you that feeds your soul and creativity too! You deserve it!
Eggs and breakfasts This was, by far our biggest struggle. Hubby doesn't like eggs. He will tolerate them, but breakfasts have always been a challenge. It is also challenging to find a compliant whole 30 breakfast food that is not eggs that is fast and I can make in 10 minutes while Hubs is in the shower at 5:45 in the morning.
What we did:
Monkey Bowls - chopped up Banana, toasted coconut, a few raisins a drizzle of almond butter and a splash of coconut milk.
Eggs - we figured out how he liked them the most and discovered he likes Duck eggs better than chicken eggs (I know not an option for most)
Crepes - I know this is a SWYPO food for many people. For us, it isn't and totally saved my sanity (and kept Hubby on the program) We made them out of Chestnut flour, coconut milk and eggs. I would make a batch on Sunday that we stuck in the fridge and reheated in the toaster oven throughout the weekday mornings. I just had to make or reheat a quick filling - fruit sauce thickened with a bit of arrowroot, apples sauteed in coconut oil with some cinnamon, sauteed peaches and toasted pecans... or chopped banana with some almond butter. Then we topped with a bit of coconut milk solids from the fridge. They are very filling and set Hubs up for a good day.
Since finishing the "official" whole 30 we have made them with Buckwheat flour. It is MUCH cheaper and Hubs said they are as good or better.
Smoothie - Yes I gave in twice on super hectic mornings and made hubs a smoothie - frozen Banana, coconut milk, water, chia seeds, hemp hearts and bee pollen. I get why they don't want you to do it, especially if you are use to protein shakes and commercial smoothies, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
Thinking in terms of "meal 1" Meal 2" Meal 3" instead of Breakfast, lunch, and dinner can be very useful as well. Makes it easier to think about using Dinner leftovers for breakfasts.
Post by: tallen on October 23, 2015, 12:59:17 PM
Post by: Cranberries on October 23, 2015, 01:55:28 PM
Botanist - I was wondering, how did you feel on your week off of Whole30? I can't decide how long to take off between my first and 2nd Whole30. I have over 70 lbs to get back to a healthy weight, so I need to do another two, or three, I'm guessing.
Not all that great. I went back to eating whatever I wanted as long as it was not a known problem, so no wheat, basically. I didn't feel awful, but I didn't feel great either. I had trouble falling asleep, woke up with my stomach twisting in the mornings, bloated a bit, had a little joint pain, felt a little brain foggy after some foods, and had mild to moderate digestive issues. Also my leg cramps started to come back. I hadn't even noticed that they had been gone. None of these were ground shattering symptoms, but cumulatively their return was pretty noticeable.
I think two or three days would have been plenty of time off between W30's to figure out that I didn't want or need to eat that way, and a week was more then I needed. After this whole 30 I will probably do a more controlled reentro of a couple of foods and try to pinpoint what it was that caused the above symptoms. I suspect that tragically it was mostly the dairy, considering that was most of what I added back.
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 23, 2015, 07:53:56 PM
Beautiful spring day here in New Zealand and I am kid free so have been in a frenzy of decluttering and cleaning. There's something about spring that encourages fresh starts. Excited to have my homegrown lettuce and herbs as part of my lunch.
Last night around 9.30 when hubby suggested supper and assembled a small plate with one date and some olives, pickles etc I started having some but realised I was not at all hungry - despite having dinner at 5.30. It is definitely a family habit rather than a need. Tonight I will take my herbal tea to bed with my book instead. Aiming for a date free day because you're right Swick, this is just feeding my sugar addiction.
Sorry your reintroduction was a bit shit, Botanist. That's exactly how I felt when I fell of the wagon. Not keen to go back there.
Hoping I am burning the flab as the metallic taste is back in a small way a couple of hours after eating until I eat again. Have tonnes of energy so am using that to spring clean.
Hope all is well with you. Ks
Post by: 1967mama on October 24, 2015, 01:00:52 AM
I ended up going out mid/late afternoon in an unplanned errand excursion with my husband. While out, I went for a walk with a good hill, hauling 2 bags of library books. I kind of missed a healthy protein/carb snack mid afternoon and ended up putting back a fruit bar, a lara bar and a fruit juice. When I got home, I had a bowl of grapes to stave off the hunger and control my shakes. I was making salmon for dinner but had to heat the oven, prep the fish and pan, and then wait 15 minutes for it to cook. I felt terrible all evening and twice had a headache. I drank lots of water and had my salmon and butternut squash with clarified butter.
I feel better now (11:45pm) but feel like I learned a lot from this incident. I am not usually a scheduled eater, but a grazer (hence my delight with the Jim Gaffigan quote, "I haven't been hungry in twelve years!" So that's how I missed a proper Whole 30 snack in the afternoon. I don't want to make that mistake twice!
Sailor Sam - Thanks for posting the links and making it super easy for me to look them up! I'm saving them for my weekend of reading:-) I've now ordered both the Taubes books from my public library.
Botanist - Sorry you felt so crummy after a week of post-Whole30 eating. That's what I was afraid of. I think one day (or maybe 2) might be all I need. I'm really craving grains so I may try a day with oatmeal, rice and quinoa (keeping wheat in a category of its own like I just read on the reintroduction phase in my Whole30 book).
Swick - I like the sound of your Monkey Bowls! We read about Monkey Salad so have been doing the bananas, nuts and coconut thing, but yours are enhanced with lots of yummy goodness! Can we just use ordinary unsweetened grocery store coconut or does it have to be fancy flakes from the health food store. They're so darned expensive!
Liz - At some health food stores and grocery stores, they sell smaller boxes of Medjool dates. They're nothing like baking dates. Its like comparing M and M's and Belgian Chocolate ;-)
Tallen - Thanks for popping by! Wishing you well on your screen free November ... that could be harder than the Whole30! Come back and join us in December .. I have found our little community within a community INCREDIBLY supportive and helpful! Like Kiwisonya said, we are trying to keep this thread around so do share your successes and trials so we can all continue to learn from each other.
Post by: Liz on October 24, 2015, 08:49:11 AM
1967mama ~ I know nothing about dates! These (http://www.naturaldelights.com/) are the ones I purchased, in the yellow box.- Are these baking dates? I'm probably not going to end up using all of them, especially if I dabble in keto.
Post by: swick on October 24, 2015, 10:18:45 AM
Swick - I like the sound of your Monkey Bowls! We read about Monkey Salad so have been doing the bananas, nuts and coconut thing, but yours are enhanced with lots of yummy goodness! Can we just use ordinary unsweetened grocery store coconut or does it have to be fancy flakes from the health food store. They're so darned expensive!
You can use any type of coconut you like! We find the flakes give the bowls much-needed texture and also bulk. We get the ginormous bags from Organic Matters. They are a bulk distributor. Not sure if it would be worth it compared to your local store when you include shipping. We have always lived somewhere where it ends up still being a great deal. There might be some bulk distributors in your area as well. http://www.omfoods.com/nuts-nut-butters/coconut-desiccated-large-flakes/ (http://www.omfoods.com/nuts-nut-butters/coconut-desiccated-large-flakes/)
Post by: Sailor Sam on October 24, 2015, 11:17:14 AM
Sailor Sam - Thanks for posting the links and making it super easy for me to look them up! I'm saving them for my weekend of reading:-) I've now ordered both the Taubes books from my public library.
Forgot to mention The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Living (http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Science-Carbohydrate-Living/dp/0983490708), by Phinney and Volek. I haven't read it yet, but it's another oft mentioned powerhouse that's heavy on the science. You work in a lab, right? Or am I confusing with someone else?
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 24, 2015, 03:38:00 PM
Post by: 1967mama on October 24, 2015, 07:06:04 PM
At my fancy hotel for the day and overnight and all day Sunday. So far, so good on the Whole30 front. Stopped 1/2 way here to get a few pecans and an apple out of my cooler bag. Now, snacking on baby carrots and guac...yum! Dinner in a while will be all from stuff I brought from home: chicken breast, lettuce, heirloom tomatoes in pretty colours, cucumber, and a jar of balsamic vinegar and olive oil. I'm actually looking forward to it! I had a hot lunch at home before we left of salmon and butternut squash.
Tomorrow for breakfast, I'm having my first and only meal "out" which will be in my room. I've got a 3 egg omelette with 3 veggies and fried herbed potatoes coming and I put in the special instructions area that all the food needed to be prepared in either clarified butter or olive oil for my special diet :-) In the area where you choose your bread, I asked for spinach on the side as a 4th veggie choice -- its supposed to be a 3 veggie omlette. I didn't choose a meat because my guess is that the applewood ham, chorizo or sausage all have nitrates.
Hubs and I had a great chat about all this on our drive up (about 2 hours). He is so incredibly supportive of my efforts. I'm really so blessed to have him .. 26 years married, btw. He's off to his meetings from 5-9 and 8-4 tmw. I have to vacate the room at 11 so will go for an hour walk tomorrow and then have tea and maybe a fruit and veggie plate in the lounge and read/surf till he's done. He was asking all about how he could do it too with his busy job and travel schedule and I basically told him that when he's at restaurants (like tonite) choose meat and vegetables -- no dairy, no wheat. He's a pretty healthy guy but to be really lean he could probably drop 20lb.
The hotel dropped off a cute plate of 4 handcrafted chocolates: "Thank you, hotel, attempting to sabotage my Whole30!" (read in Jimmy Fallon voice). Me=1, Hotel=0 Not falling for it! Will take home for the kids. This is highly unusual behavior for this cat!
Off to read my Whole 30 book! Goal is to read the WHOLE book this weekend.
Hope everyone is doing well and eating wonderful foods!
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 24, 2015, 07:50:54 PM
Post by: 1967mama on October 24, 2015, 08:25:00 PM
How I Ate Whole30 in a Hotel Room
This trip was a two hour drive from home. I brought a small cooler that would hold 12 cans of pop as my refrigerator with ice packs. Will refill tonite with hotel ice as my ice packs thaw. I also brought a zippered bag for dry goods and cans. Also in the bag is a set of cutlery, a can opener, a bowl to eat my
Big salad in and a tea towel for drying my dishes.
-applesauce cups
-can of tuna and salmon
-1/2 bag of washed and torn romaine lettuce
-cooked chicken breast
-box of heirloom tomatoes
-ziploc container of mushrooms
-almonds
-pecans
-medjool dates
-coconut
-bananas, kiwis and apples in plastic box to protect them
-small glass jar of Olive oil and balsamic vinegar
-Lara bars
-herbal and regular tea
-can of pineapple
-4 hardboiled eggs
-1 package compliant prosciutto
-coconut
-raisins
-almond butter
-compliant coconut water with pineapple juice
Post by: horsepoor on October 25, 2015, 10:33:01 AM
I've been updating my Whole30 Pinterest board in preparation for getting started. Thought I'd post the link here in case anyone is interested.
https://www.pinterest.com/kapelakin/whole-30/
Since we're going into winter, I'm planning to have eggdrop soup for breakfast lots of days. Even though it's eggs, it might be different enough for those who are tiring of eggs. I'm using homemade bone broth enhanced with some garlic, chiles and fish sauce. Then it's just heated up and some chopped scallions and a scrambled egg or two dropped in, so I'm thinking it can even be done with the microwave at work.
Also planning to make some compliant sausage patties with ground turkey and ground pork. Last W30 I was lackadaisical about the contents of sausages and bacon and the like, but will do better this time!
Post by: swick on October 25, 2015, 10:59:33 AM
You might want to double check your fish sauce. I could NOT find a compliant brand in Canada. I ended up getting a tube of anchovy paste and adding it to a little hot water and a dash of coconut aminos and some salt. Came close enough for our tastes - definitely not as salty as prepared fish sauce, but you can adjust to taste.
Here is the list of compliant/non-compliant Laura bars from the whole 30 website:
Compliant: Apple Pie, Banana Bread, Carrot Cake, Cashew Cookie, Cherry Pie, Chocolate Coconut Chew, Coconut Cream Pie, Key Lime Pie, Lemon Bar, Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Pie.
Non-compliant: Blueberry Muffin, Cappuccino, Chocolate Chip Brownie, Chocolate Chip Cherry Torte, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Coconut Chocolate Chip, Gingerbread, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Cookie, Snickerdoodle.
- See more at: http://whole30.com/2015/01/6-whole30-ingredients/#sthash.KBX5KFfy.dpuf
I just came across the WHole 30 Gallery on Food gawker too, with over 600 results, should be some good stuff there :)
https://foodgawker.com/tag/whole30/ (https://foodgawker.com/tag/whole30/)
Post by: 1967mama on October 25, 2015, 11:25:59 AM
Horsepoor - I just mentioned homemade sausage patties to my daughter a day ago. I made some at the very beginning of this journey and really enjoyed them!
Kiwisonya - It was neat because I didn't actually even mention the idea of my husband doing Whole30, but rather he brought it up himself since he's seen how good I'm feeling.
Speaking of feeling good, I just ordered my first restaurant/room service meal and they did really well. I was super clear that I wanted everything cooked ONLY in clarified butter or olive oil, and no bread with the omelette and herbed potatoes. I also ordered a fruit plate and unfortunately I forgot to be specific about it so it came with muffin squares and yogurt dip, both which weren't on the menu. At least I could just move them all to the side.
Now I'm planning on a nice 1 hour walk in the sunshine once I check out at 11. I will see my hubs briefly over his lunch break, then I will sit in the lounge in a big comfy chair for the afternoon and drink tea. I may attempt to order some more food, or I may smuggle in some of my home food in my backpack. He is done at 4pm.
So far, my weekend away has been a lovely break for this very busy mama :-)
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 25, 2015, 12:43:43 PM
1967mama, you are doing a great job sticking to the plan and wonderful that your hotel made an effort! While I'm keen for hubby to do whole30, not because he's overweight but because he has Crohn's disease - I'm probably better to be a good example and then it will be his idea! He has been looking at my delicious food enviously. Thanks for posting your food list - that is bound to come in handy for many of us. I'm taking the kids camping in a couple of weekends so will use it then. Have a great day everyone. Ks
Post by: Liz on October 25, 2015, 01:22:18 PM
Post by: Genevieve on October 25, 2015, 02:47:51 PM
I did Weight Watchers for 2.5 months, with mixed success due to hunger. I switched over to low carb a month ago, and I'm losing weight while still feeling full. Awesome! I'm down 11 pounds since I started. I have about 50 more to go, but every little bit helps.
My eating plan is based off of what was recommended in Gary Taube's book. So I'm OK with some dairy, but limited amounts of fruit/potatoes/corn.
I just finished cooking a yummy green chicken enchilada casserole bake, and I have the stuff ready for a taco salad this week too. Hopefully this is the beginning of a good week!
Post by: mom22boys on October 25, 2015, 03:22:51 PM
http://www.theyummylife.com/turkey_breakfast_sausage
1967mama Sounds like you had a great and successful weekend. It's important for us moms to get our alone time. :-)
KiwiSonya I don't know about others, but I'm already jealous of you talking about spring/summer. :-) I hope you made it yesterday after the little sleep. That does make it harder to keep on track with eating, but I think you have enough focus to stick with it.
Genevieve Welcome! You should join us for a 30 day challenge. This group is awesome. Eating this way is way easier than doing WW, at least in my opinion. You are totally right about always feeling hungry with WW, and I just hate tracking food.
horsepoor Thanks for the link to your board. There are some great looking recipes on there. Your egg drop soup sounds so good! I love soups, and just haven't made them as much on Whole30. This would be good and easy.
I've been sticking with the good eating still, but now that I'm exercising, I can tell that I'm more hungry and have started to snack again. That's good and bad. My snacks have been compliant (fruit or nuts), but I don't want to get into bad habits again with snacking. Also, I haven't felt the best this week, and I think it may have been from reintro of dairy. Or it's possible there were other things in the food that I didn't know about.
Is anyone thinking about when they are going to start their next official 30 days? I can't remember who said it, but I think someone was talking about doing a whole90 starting in January.
Post by: 1967mama on October 25, 2015, 03:27:14 PM
http://whole30.com/2015/04/bangers-and-mash/
Genevieve - Welcome to our little group:-) Great support here. Some of us have tried Weight Watchers. I was
Also hungry on their plan:-/ I have the Gary Taubes book on hold from the library as I'm thinking of a version of Paleo after I do my
2nd Whole30. Have you thought about doing a Whole30 to see if
you're sensitive to dairy and then jump back to Paleo after 30 days? I've seen remarkable results in my 17-18 days on this plan so far and plan to do another whole30 directly following this round. I have 70+ pounds to lose. Ugh!
Kiwis ya- Isnt monkey salad just to die for?! I couldn't believe how all the healthy goodness could taste so yummy! I tried coconut cream for the first time yesterday. I read that you can just keep a can of coconut milk in your fridge all the time and the cream rises to the top. So luxurious tasting to me!
Sorry for the typos and formatting issues. Typing on an iphone! Last of my
Little holiday spent in a swanky lounge with big comfy chairs. I ordered a spinach salad with Olive oil and balsamic, no pine nuts, berries if
They were fresh and not sweetened, prawns done in Olive oil, no butter. no croutons. A fruit plate for dessert. Earl grey tea. Felt like I was ordering in "When Harry Met Sally" but it's worked perfectly for two meals now so I'm feeling more confident.
Post by: ketchup on October 25, 2015, 08:15:15 PM
Paired with this: http://myfridgefood.com/recipes/salads-and-sides/fried-german-potato-salad/ (substituting more bacon grease for the canola oil)
Holy wow. So great. Would definitely recommend to a friend. Yum.
Post by: horsepoor on October 26, 2015, 02:35:48 AM
I'm really looking forward to starting after today. I had a freebie on my Starbuck's card and DH and I were embarking on an unplanned, epic day of road-tripping so I got a salted caramel mocha, which was way too sweet. I had a piece of baked chicken from the deli around 2, and then we didn't really have a chance to eat until we rolled back into town around 10 pm. He wanted to eat at Burger King for some weird reason, so I went along with it and ate a big burger plus a water. Tried to go to bed shortly after and my pulse was up and my stomach was making all sorts of weird noises. Now I'm up again with an elevated pulse and a wicked thirst. Less than ideal with the 12+ hour workday I have scheduled tomorrow. Kinda' makes me wonder what they're putting in that junk.
On the fish sauce - I do need to check mine. Red Boat is the usual approved kind but the Asian market quit carrying it. I bought what seemed to be the next best in quality, but can't remember if it has any weird additives. I did pick up a bottle of coconut aminos this weekend, so might experiment with that instead. Hated the Mrs. Bragg's liquid aminos. Blech.
Post by: swick on October 26, 2015, 07:54:53 AM
Hated the Mrs. Bragg's liquid aminos. Blech.
Bragg's also isn't complaint it is...wheat? based? Something, I threw it out at the beginning of the whole 30 so I can't look.
There is a wide variation of coconut amino's they are all supposedly fermented for about a year The brand my mom picked up though is like, very fermented - it is a completely different taste than the one that I got - was very distracting in the almond sauce I made for lettuce wraps. We have tried Naked coconut and Coconut Secret both are pretty good. I don't remember the name brand of the one my mom bought, I'll have to ask.
Hubs had a few successes and turning points worth sharing :) We were both tired and cranky on Saturday (I had a horrible sleep for some reason) We had to go shopping and do a bunch of running around and by the time we hit the grocery store we were not in good moods. It was the first time since starting that I wanted to eat everything. This is about the time, traditionally, we would end up with something we didn't really want because it seemed like a good idea at the time. I grabbed some pumpkin seeds and then decided to put them back, because even though they are compliant, I didn't want to be making any decisions on snack foods in that head space.
Hubs bought a small package of compliant (ingredient wise) plantain chips. He got home had a few and said: "You know, I don't need to eat these. I love the idea of salty snacky food, but I don't need it" and he threw them out! This is someone who would have devoured the whole bag without even a thought. For him, This is huge! Salty snack foods have always been his weakness.
We went for late Thanksgiving dinner at his grandma's house. He had a bit of stuffing and a small (he actually sent the plate back when his request for 1/2 a slice was not honored!) slice of her pumpkin pie. Given the immense amount of family pressure, I was so proud of him for choosing intentionally what to eat and holding his ground. I avoided everything I didn't want to eat - except some butter that was on the veggies - which I'm not going to sweat.
Also, we had to order him new pants last night! Down from a 40 to a 38 :)
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 26, 2015, 01:25:27 PM
Post by: 1967mama on October 26, 2015, 03:01:03 PM
Kiwisonya - I'm going to make a monkey bowl right now, since you just reminded me about them! Yum! Three cheers for new clothes!
I've yet to find a bacon that doesn't have junk in it. I do have 2 sides of grass-fed, hormone free beef coming later this week and am so excited for that! Big $$$$ but I'm pretty fussy about meat; always have been.
Post by: swick on October 27, 2015, 08:04:30 AM
I do have 2 sides of grass-fed, hormone free beef coming later this week and am so excited for that! Big $$$$ but I'm pretty fussy about meat; always have been.
2 Sides?!?! That's like...a whole cow! I'm jealous you have that much space, mmm tasty cow! I have lamb coming which I am pretty excited about.
SO it seems like for us, the cheapest protein source we have found is....duck! I can get a package of (crappy) ground beef at the store, or I can buy a whole duck for the same price (how does that even work?) granted it is a little less meat, but we also get about a cup and a half of duck fat and a couple of quarts of really good bone broth from each duck. This is a dangerous realization :D
I've been getting out and walking every day, even when I don't feel like it, even when the weather isn't the greatest, hey if I can get use to the rain, maybe when the snow comes it will be a nice change? I do feel myslef getting stronger and faster so that is pretty cool.
Your lamb sounds AMAZING Kiwisonya! Sounds like you are having some fun and success with converting your family slowly to a better way of eating, way to go!
SO...we have lots of people who haven't updated in a while! How is everyone doing? What are your successes, challenges and experiences?
Post by: Liz on October 27, 2015, 09:36:11 AM
I'm not sure if I mentioned this, but I tried a serving of full fat yogurt over the weekend and after about an hour, my stomach was cramping and bloated. I also had trouble sleeping that night and my allergies were acting up too. I thought full fat yogurt would be a good dairy to try, but apparently the kind I had (Fage) had 8 grams of lactose in it!
However, I did make wings with butter instead of ghee on Sunday and that went fine. Stomach was a tad rumbly, but nothing like the effects of the yogurt. I will be trying some aged cheese on Thursday and will report back on how that goes. I was nervous about reintroducing things, but realized I would much rather do it now, in a controlled setting, versus being out and about somewhere.
I'm also testing the waters with a clean-eating version of keto. It's going pretty good so far, and I've dropped a couple more pounds since the end of my W30.
Post by: swick on October 27, 2015, 09:48:47 AM
Interesting that yogurt would have such an effect. Darn. That doesn't bode well for me re-introducing it! I was thinking it couldn't possibly be as bad as the milk we tried!
So far we have introduced Buckwheat and Quinoa successfully. Will probably try to re intro something else this weekend, not sure what yet.
Post by: 1967mama on October 27, 2015, 11:10:24 AM
I have some very exciting news! The size 14 jeans I bought in Fall 2009 fit me this morning! I had a miscarriage in January 2010 and was pregnant again in July 2010 with my last child so I know for a fact that I haven't worn them more than 3x. They aren't ridiculously tight either. Snug but definitely the way you'd buy them. I can't even believe this is happening to me!!!!! So I started out 19 days ago barely fitting my size 18 clothes and am now comfortably fitting size 14's? I am scale free so I won't know for sure whAt I've lost until
I get to the end of this first whole30.
Last night, I was getting ready for bed And my face looks noticeably thinner. I went to show my husband. He said, "Other people who don't know you're doing Whole30 are going to start to notice!" I don't even look like the "me" I've come to know these last few years.
I have houseguests coming Wedneaday and Thursday nights but I will be cooking and in control of
The food so it shouldn't be a problem. I have 2 chickens out thawing for our first dinner and am considering burgers on the grill for the 2nd night.
Husband just sent me this text:
"You are amazing!! So happy and VERY proud of you"
Does it get any better than that?!
Have a great day, everyone! Off to enjoy my poached eggs:-)
Sorry for the typos - iphone
Post by: swick on October 27, 2015, 11:28:22 AM
Hi Swick and Gang!
I have some very exciting news! The size 14 jeans I bought in Fall 2009 fit me this morning! I had a miscarriage in January 2010 and was pregnant again in July 2010 with my last child so I know for a fact that I haven't worn them more than 3x. They aren't ridiculously tight either. Snug but definitely the way you'd buy them. I can't even believe this is happening to me!!!!! So I started out 19 days ago barely fitting my size 18 clothes and am now comfortably fitting size 14's? I am scale free so I won't know for sure whAt I've lost until
I get to the end of this first whole30.
Last night, I was getting ready for bed And my face looks noticeably thinner. I went to show my husband. He said, "Other people who don't know you're doing Whole30 are going to start to notice!" I don't even look like the "me" I've come to know these last few years.
I have houseguests coming Wedneaday and Thursday nights but I will be cooking and in control of
The food so it shouldn't be a problem. I have 2 chickens out thawing for our first dinner and am considering burgers on the grill for the 2nd night.
Husband just sent me this text:
"You are amazing!! So happy and VERY proud of you"
Does it get any better than that?!
Have a great day, everyone! Off to enjoy my poached eggs:-)
Sorry for the typos - iphone
YAY! This whole post makes me so happy :) Awesome job 1967mama, it is so fantastic that you are getting results and appreciation from your hubby for all the major changes you have been making!
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 27, 2015, 12:53:30 PM
Swick, yay for duck. I love duck but it is pricey in NZ. I treated myself to a pack of duck fat so I can make the best ever roast potatoes -drooling!
I put my skinniest jeans on this morning to find that they are baggy. Yay! One thing that hasn't come right yet are my sinuses. But I think I may have a sinus infection rather than my usual allergies. Trying a few saline rinses before going to the dr. Can't properly taste my food which is a real bummer as everything looks scrumptious. Rushing to get kids out the door but will check in again later. Ks
Post by: Sailor Sam on October 27, 2015, 01:47:04 PM
Non-Scale Victories
- Went from a nicely fitting size 36 waist to lose 34 waist. I might have a rebound coming out of keto, so I'm hoping the 34's stick around
- Face obviously thinner
- Sleeping well. I'm another insomniac
- Learned ketosis won't kill me!
- Fasted 36 hours last weekend, and felt nominal hunger. Interesting datapoint
- Lost 4cm on chest, 6cm on waist, 0.5cm on thigh. Pleased
Scale Victory: 160 --> 152 lbs. I'm still overweight for my height, but I'm very close to a 'normal' BMI.*
I have some mandatory fun tonight, at a bar. I'm going to have some beer tonight, even though it's jumping the gun$ by 12-ish hours. I'm just so goddamn tired to explaining ketosis, and why 'one little cheat' really will ruin my data. Plus, don't want to stand out as weird in front of the CO, his CO, and (possibly) a three star admiral. Yipes!
*If you're into BMI. It's certainly a problematic measurement scale. Yet, I still have a visible gut, so I don't think it's totally wrong.
$Though, I think I could justify this down to 2 hours. Because, it starts after dinner on day zero, right? Eh? Right??
Now I have to go change into my fancy fucking uniform, and attend a career fair. Look out people, I look fiiiiine!
Post by: Liz on October 27, 2015, 02:04:22 PM
Post by: swick on October 27, 2015, 02:08:36 PM
Hope you have an amazing time tonight, and don't pay for it too much tomorrow :) Those are some pretty awesome results!
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 27, 2015, 02:31:59 PM
Post by: 1967mama on October 28, 2015, 12:53:28 AM
Congratulations! Bet you will FEEL fine in that fancy uniform too! That's a lot of cm to lose -- so impressive! You rocked it!
BMI - You know, for me it's fairly accurate also. My weight feels super healthy when I am one tick inside the healthy BMI range for my height and that was my body's own set point weight in my early adulthood, before kids. It is crazy to think that I'm 70+ lbs over that weight. That is the weight of my 8 year old son and I'm carrying that around with me 24/7/365?! Ack. No wonder I felt like crap all the time!
Your cheat - I would be interested to know how you feel in the coming days. I'm hitting day 20 tomorrow so I'm just 10 days behind you. Still waffling on whether to go immediately into a second whole30 or whether to take a few days off.
Hope you enjoyed your evening. I get what you mean about not wanting to stand out. We had 2 higher ups at our table at that fancy gala I had to go to in my first week of whole30. I started my whole30 again the next day and haven't looked back since.
Cheers, Sailor Sam. You're a real inspiration!
Post by: Genevieve on October 28, 2015, 09:39:38 AM
I've seen a bit of a drop in the scale this week. That's encouraging. I'd been maintaining my weight for ~2 weeks even though I've been very compliant. I'm guessing after so many weeks of being on plan there was some fat/water re-calibration going on.
I need to take pictures and measurements to have a different way to stay accountable!
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 28, 2015, 12:10:47 PM
Post by: Faraday on October 28, 2015, 12:29:02 PM
Hi Genevieve, the scales aren't the best way to track your progress as they really only illustrate the water balance going on in your body. It goes up, down and all around as your body gets used to it's new food supply. It can be depressing and off putting which is why they tell you not to weigh yourself during whole30. While not a fine measurement you will notice your clothes getting looser, your face getting thinner and your energy levels getting better. These seem to be more consistent improvements to measure your progress against.
Seconded! I weighed myself fairly often when I started Keto but eventually I had to stop when I got down into areas of "finer weight control". The scale IS good for signaling dehydration, but if it's bad enough for the scale to see it, you aren't paying attention.
It's even worse when you try fat fasting. (Whole30 folks can safely ignore this term... :-) ) Fat fasting will dehydrate the hell out of me and I think I'm losing weight but feeling like crap. Net result is nothing.
I have one friend who weighs every day. Screw that. I weigh maybe every other week now.
Post by: Liz on October 28, 2015, 01:53:08 PM
Post by: 1967mama on October 28, 2015, 02:32:39 PM
Was a great description of why you aren't tempted by the sweets and treats and cheese and such - that describes me to a tee! What a victory over food!
Genevieve - I was totally addicted to weighing myself every day before I did the Whole30. I am still working to break those chains but haven't weighed myself since the end of week one. I'm on day 20 now. A few pages ago, SailorSam posted a super article on why the scales lie. It was very helpful to me. I would repost it here but I'm on an iphone at present. I am
Committed to only weighing myself once every 30 days.
I had a really awesome sleep last night. I love that feeling! I just need to string
Several of those together now!
This may be tmi -- but suffice to say I've found my scalp is now 98% healthy. This has been a problem for me for many years.
Have a great day everyone!
Post by: Cranberries on October 28, 2015, 03:26:52 PM
Post by: Genevieve on October 28, 2015, 03:44:39 PM
But I know Whole30 says no weighing so kudos to you all that are abstaining.
Post by: 1967mama on October 28, 2015, 11:03:38 PM
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 29, 2015, 02:34:01 AM
Post by: swick on October 29, 2015, 08:07:23 AM
A few thoughts:
Not wanting to waste food = you becoming essentially a human garbage can. Do your kids see you always clearing their plates? Is this something you want to be modeling for them (Especially if you have a girl)? I think conversations around food and learning how to listen to your body are super important. Serving less food to start and teaching kids how to listen to their bodies and take more if they need it is a better strategy then wasting food or feeling like they (or you!) have to clean everything off their plates.
Are your fruit sugar cravings emotional, physical or psychological? It sounds like you need to develop some other self-care routines or alternatives. Especially if they are triggered by such things as yelling at the kids. Deep breathing exercises are a great way to find your center any time, anywhere. Also creating space in a situation, sometimes it takes saying "I'm upset about this situation. I need to take a few minutes out" Step away and do some deep breathing.
One thing I have found really helpful is I have gotten into a habit of asking myself "why am I eating?" every time I put something in my mouth. It is a couple of second check-in to how I am feeling. If the answer is anything other then "I am physically hungry" I take a minute and some space to examine my feelings and see if food is indeed the solution I am looking for.
Post by: Liz on October 29, 2015, 08:30:03 AM
Post by: Sailor Sam on October 29, 2015, 09:58:36 AM
Your cheat - I would be interested to know how you feel in the coming days. I'm hitting day 20 tomorrow so I'm just 10 days behind you. Still waffling on whether to go immediately into a second whole30 or whether to take a few days off.
Tuesday I ended up eating a tootsie roll bite, and a mini-brownie at the recruiting event. My social function got postponed, so I didn't end up drinking any alcohol. I started the day prepared to come out of ketosis, so I spent the afternoon treating myself to some higher glycemic index vegetables. Despite the vegetables and the candy, I was still in ketosis at bedtime that night. I was surprised, but pleased.
Yesterday was my mandatory fun, and it was actually pretty enjoyable. I ordered a highly anticipated burger and fries for dinner, and had a few beers. I ended up leaving half the fries because I was full. I've done such things before, but all previous moments of french fry abandonment came from a place of discipline. Yesterday I simply didn't want any more, so I stopped eating. I really enjoyed the lack of drama.
Stopped on the way home to get some Halloween candy for the trick-or-treaters, and I ate 4 fun-sized pieces*. They tasted okay, but not amazing, and I definitely some stomach pain after eating them. I appreciate that data point. I'm not particularly drawn to sugar, so the memory of the pain should be enough to stop any stray cravings for candy.
Moving forward, I envision a 10 day cycle. So, 10 days of clean$ eating, with some sort of IF thrown in. Then a 3-5 days for anything I happen to be craving. Thirty days is good for discipline and resolve, but the cycle is too extended for my psyche. I get angry and depressed by day 20 because my goal has become such a lengthy trudge. It stops being about the food in any kind of way, and becomes about sticking the 30. Probably not the best method for me, so I'm not going to use it.
*had to sample each type that came in the combo pack! Otherwise things would be unbalanced.
$I'm loathed to use that word to describe eating, since it's become a semi-sanctimonious nonsense word. Restricted diet is also troublesome because the public sees the phrase restricted as horrific, and possibly due to an eating disorder. I try to explain that my avoidance is due to allergies, but folks just roll their eyes and tell me that dairy allergies don't exist. Then I get lectures about mental health, which I don't take with very much grace. I find it all very complicated. Does this happen to anyone else?
Post by: ruthiegirl on October 29, 2015, 10:04:17 AM
I am jumping in with you on this crusade. I did a Whole 30 challenge last spring and felt really good while doing it. I lost a little weight and generally felt good.
The thing that I really noticed was that I felt better emotionally. I had fewer highs and lows and just seemed calmer. With the darker days lately, the winter blues are creeping in and I really don't want to go down that dark path.
And I seriously need something to focus on during this season of baked goods and candy! All of that sugar and bread makes me blue, blue, blue. Those sugar highs and lows are brutal on my stability.
Started today well with eggs, spinach and some avocado. Tasty and filling. Well, mostly filling. Close enough.
Post by: mom22boys on October 29, 2015, 11:28:58 AM
SailorSam - Congrats on the strong finish! I have to admit that I was so tempted by the chocolate bars that I bought yesterday for Halloween. But, I didn't give it! The thing that helped me through it was mefla's manifesto on the upcoming season. Sounds like you had a good learning experience from partaking. :-) That's what it's all about. Learning and adjusting.
Kiwi - Totally laughed when I read your comment about stuffing your face with carrots. I agree with all the other comments, and your idea to cut out the fruit for the rest of the time.
As for that darned scale! Get rid of it! I'm also not a huge fan of BMI. Two examples of why.....about 10 years ago I was around 170 lbs, which is smack in the middle of the overweight category for my BMI. But, I felt FAN.TAS.TIC, and from what others said, I also looked fantastic. I was running about 30 miles a week, lifting weights, and kept active (ALL pre-kids :-)). I couldn't give a rat's ass what my BMI was at that time. Another example...I have a female friend who is an MMA fighter. She's my height, and literally doesn't have an ounce of fat on her. I would have put her in the 120-130 lbs range. One day she told me what she weighted. She was 155! I was shocked! I would have never put her at that weight. And guess what, at 155 she was officially in the overweight category for BMI. Bull!
My point to this long paragraph is get over the numbers, whether it's weight or BMI! Just so you know, I'm also preaching to myself, because I've been brainwashed for years into caring about this, and it's still a daily struggle for me. But, I'm getting better. I even helped to type this out, as a reminder to myself.
Reintro update - I've decided to add back in rice this weekend. We'll see how it goes! :-)
Post by: Faraday on October 29, 2015, 11:59:40 AM
The thing that helped me through it was mefla's manifesto on the upcoming season.
In the interest of full disclosure, I changed my screen name to "Faraday". There were two new folks who joined, with names amazingly close to "mefla" (a nonsense word I made up, thinking "Surely no one else will get close to that, right?") One of the two is even geographically close to me, which surprised me even more....
I felt a little sad leaving the name behind and I don't mean to cause confusion, but here I am.
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 29, 2015, 12:56:28 PM
Post by: Genevieve on October 29, 2015, 01:27:19 PM
Have you guys found that your experience of hunger has changed?
Post by: Liz on October 29, 2015, 03:01:55 PM
I don't know about you guys, but my sensation of hunger is much different now that I'm eating this way. I don't get the huge hunger pains and the mental crash of must have food. Instead my stomach starts to feel empty and at some point I realize I probably should eat.
Have you guys found that your experience of hunger has changed?
Absolutely! That is definitely one of things I noticed during the Whole30 (and now). No more getting "hangry." :-)
Post by: Faraday on October 29, 2015, 04:18:04 PM
I don't know about you guys, but my sensation of hunger is much different now that I'm eating this way. I don't get the huge hunger pains and the mental crash of must have food. Instead my stomach starts to feel empty and at some point I realize I probably should eat.
Have you guys found that your experience of hunger has changed?
YES! Now, let me confess: doing keto vs Whole30, I used to experience "hanger" to a dramatic degree. But my experience of both hunger and satiety are more consistent, more understandable, more reasonable than before. I follow a kind of "schedule" now that is predictable and my energy levels are much more consistent than before.
Post by: swick on October 29, 2015, 05:12:59 PM
The thing that helped me through it was mefla's manifesto on the upcoming season.
In the interest of full disclosure, I changed my screen name to "Faraday". There were two new folks who joined, with names amazingly close to "mefla" (a nonsense word I made up, thinking "Surely no one else will get close to that, right?") One of the two is even geographically close to me, which surprised me even more....
I felt a little sad leaving the name behind and I don't mean to cause confusion, but here I am.
Aww I'm so glad you are back - whatever the name. I was just thinking this morning that I miss mefla and should send a pestering PM for having abandoned us and leaving us all desolate. Guess I get to cross that off my to do list :D
Post by: Faraday on October 29, 2015, 06:36:04 PM
The thing that helped me through it was mefla's manifesto on the upcoming season.
In the interest of full disclosure, I changed my screen name to "Faraday". There were two new folks who joined, with names amazingly close to "mefla" (a nonsense word I made up, thinking "Surely no one else will get close to that, right?") One of the two is even geographically close to me, which surprised me even more....
I felt a little sad leaving the name behind and I don't mean to cause confusion, but here I am.
Aww I'm so glad you are back - whatever the name. I was just thinking this morning that I miss mefla and should send a pestering PM for having abandoned us and leaving us all desolate. Guess I get to cross that off my to do list :D
I'd go nutso without the forums. I'm in that phase of working toward FIRE where you've gotten rid of all the bad stuff and you are accumulating good stuff, but it's not happening fast enough. I think Pete calls it the "boredom" phase? I just want to hurry up and get to my number and get the house paid off. So I keep telling myself:
DON'T PANIC AND KETO ON.... :-)
Post by: 1967mama on October 30, 2015, 02:27:19 PM
The 2nd night, we had burgers on the grill. Since they were premade patties, they had fillers and such, so I thawed and ate a piece of mahi mahi instead. I did 2 pans of fries from a bag in the oven and for myself, I cut up a cooked red potato and fried it in a little clarified butter and added spices. I also made coleslaw with Whole30 mayo and added salt, pepper and mustard. Everyone loved the coleslaw -- little did they know! haha
Thawing some salmon for dinner and planning for extra fish for the weekend for quick leftovers for me to eat.
I'm really enjoying everyone sharing their successes and challenges. It really helps!
I'm on Day 22 of my first Whole30. I feel like a bit of walking is helping accelerate things -- my clothes are starting to fit (things I haven't been able to wear!)
Post by: Faraday on October 30, 2015, 09:24:24 PM
I'm happy to report that I survived 2 days of houseguests while remaining Whole30 compliant. Dinner the first night was 2 chickens done in the oven with seasonings and 2 pans of roasted vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper and rosemary. I also made a pot of brown rice for the rest of the family and the company.
The 2nd night, we had burgers on the grill. Since they were premade patties, they had fillers and such, so I thawed and ate a piece of mahi mahi instead. I did 2 pans of fries from a bag in the oven and for myself, I cut up a cooked red potato and fried it in a little clarified butter and added spices. I also made coleslaw with Whole30 mayo and added salt, pepper and mustard. Everyone loved the coleslaw -- little did they know! haha
Thawing some salmon for dinner and planning for extra fish for the weekend for quick leftovers for me to eat
*swoon*
Post by: 1967mama on October 31, 2015, 04:34:35 PM
Breakfast was 2 eggs with peppers and onions fried up in clarified butter. Lunch was leftover salmon and Greek salad made without feta cheese. Snack just now was an apple dipped
in almond butter. There were a few cups of tea thrown in there too.
I'm sleeping better when I'm cutting myself off decaf tea after 12 noon. Awesome for a life-long insomniac!
This weekend I've been reading Gut by Giuliani Enders. Fascinating and eye-opening. I can't believe how much I've been abusing my poor insides all these years:-(
Feeling so good these days. So is my daughter. It's a lovely thing to do this together.
Post by: KiwiSonya on October 31, 2015, 11:20:43 PM
Post by: 1967mama on November 01, 2015, 01:50:09 AM
Kiwisonya - Thanks so much! I'm looking forward to the day when it becomes automatic to eat this way.
In other news, I fit into my daughter's jeans today! (they are too big for her now)
Mind = Blown!!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Sailor Sam on November 01, 2015, 10:06:10 AM
Kiwisonya - Thanks so much! I'm looking forward to the day when it becomes automatic to eat this way.
In other news, I fit into my daughter's jeans today! (they are too big for her now)
Mind = Blown!!!!!!!!!!
Existential crisis for the clothier Not Your Daughter's Jeans in 3, 2, 1, now.
Post by: Liz on November 01, 2015, 12:17:09 PM
I hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween and weekend! Happy November 1st!
Post by: 1967mama on November 01, 2015, 02:41:26 PM
Am I the only one who is so glad that Halloween has come and gone? I wasn't terribly tempted by the candy but it might have been nice to have a Mars bar and a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, or twelve!
For breakfast, my daughter surprised us and made eggs with onion and red bell pepper bits and spices in muffin cups and baked them. They were delicious! We also had a sliced tomato and a leftover sausage patty that I made last night. I felt like I was having a deluxe breakfast at a fancy hotel. So good.
After breakfast, my husband and I went for a 45 minute walk in the rain. I am finding I'm not so out of breath on the hills and can actually carry on a somewhat breathy conversation. Feels awesome!
Lunch was a green smoothie (we have these rarely, maybe once a week - I know they are frowned upon) with loads of lettuce, coconut water, a date and a banana. I made another batch of Whole30 mayo and had a can of tuna with some bits of cut up celery and the mayo ... mmmm!
Sitting with a mug of Raspberry and Pomegranate herbal tea and settling in by the fire to read more of Gut which I mentioned upthread. Fascinating read.
Have a lovely Sunday, everyone!
(and welcome back Faraday!)
Edit: typo
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 01, 2015, 03:24:53 PM
Post by: Faraday on November 01, 2015, 09:11:46 PM
Am I the only one who is so glad that Halloween has come and gone? I wasn't terribly tempted by the candy but it might have been nice to have a Mars bar and a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, or twelve!
Made it ok here, no problems. Although I'm eyeing a keto Reese's cup recipe on ruled.me for the wife unit.
I've been taking pictures of the crazy Oreo and other kinds of seasonal displays that are getting stood up in grocery stores and Wal-Mart. Makes me good an mad to see them. Nothing like good 'ol seething anger to reinforce your willpower!
BTW: If anyone's interested, we tried "Honeycrisp" apples and they are remarkable. Also 'effing expensive at nearly $3/lb at Wal-mart, but lordy they are good.
Quote
For breakfast, my daughter surprised us and made eggs with onion and red bell pepper bits and spices in muffin cups and baked them. They were delicious! We also had a sliced tomato and a leftover sausage patty that I made last night. I felt like I was having a deluxe breakfast at a fancy hotel. So good.
That sounds like an excellent variation on these:
http://www.ruled.me/jalapeno-popper-egg-cups/
I think I want to try that recipe twice, once with the jalapenos and once with your variation, the onion and red bell pepper bits and spices. DW and I are looking at doing a crustless quiche too...
Quote
After breakfast, my husband and I went for a 45 minute walk in the rain. I am finding I'm not so out of breath on the hills and can actually carry on a somewhat breathy conversation. Feels awesome!
Tell brother (DH) I say "Hey!"
Quote
(and welcome back Faraday!)
Glad to be back! It's strange to change my forum name, but I'm happy with it. Not sure why I didn't think of this one to start with.
Post by: 1967mama on November 02, 2015, 11:20:11 AM
I'm on day 25 of my first Whole30 today. I'm kind of glad my end date falls on a weekend so I won't be quite as busy and can take note of any unusual symptoms as I add back 1 food group. I'm leaning towards adding grains (excluding wheat), but I also can hear dairy products calling my name...hmmm.
I still plan to jump right back into another Whole30 within a day or two. I still have much weight to lose to be healthy and I know I've had great success this first round, even though I haven't stepped on the scale since sometime in week 1 (at that point, I'd lost 4.8 lbs already, well at least by the scales. Probably mostly water weight but exciting nonetheless!)
My sweet little 8 year old boy made me a sliced apple and almond butter for breakfast to surprise me. I couldn't say no, even though I was looking forward to eggs today.
My adult daughter couldn't wait to go to work today to tell the ladies who are pooh-poohing Whole30 that she is wearing jeans she bought in 2012 AND her mom is wearing her old jeans!! YAY!
Lunch will be a salad with tuna and W30 mayo and dinner is a meat spaghetti sauce. My daughter and I will be having zoodles (zucchini noodles done with a carrot peeler) -- I couldn't believe how delicious they were. I've started the sauce this morning so it will simmer all day in the crockpot. The addition of 1/2 cup of applesauce cuts the acidity of the tomatoes. In the past, I've always added about 1/4 cup of white sugar to a big pot of sauce ... ewwww!
That reminds me, last night I bought a Happy Planet smoothie in a bottle at the grocery store to share with my daughter as a treat (they are compliant). I had some in the car and when I got home, I said to my daughter, "That was too sweet ... said your mom, NEVER!" Wow! I'm not sure I've ever uttered those words!
Have a great day everyone! How was your weekend?
Post by: swick on November 02, 2015, 11:39:12 AM
KiwiSonya - Sorry you are still having issues with your Seasonal Allergies. Hoping you get back to feeling normal soon! Good job on not being tempted by the Halloween Candy! I'm happy to say that I didn't find it even remotely tempting too!
1967mama - It is so awesome to hear how you and your daughter are doing, and that your family is supporting you! So awesome to have your son make you a nice breakfast. He is picking up good habits by the behaviour you are modeling, keep it up! A great big shout out to your daughter too! Hope she has lots of fun with her co-workers today, who knows, maybe one or two of them will be inspired to join in.
Have a HUGE (4kg) batch of Khalua pork in the crockpot. Have been so busy that meal prep has been sliding and definitely feeling like we need to make sure we are getting more greens in. It has been a bit of a shock to the system going from our Garden and CSA veggies back to the expensive and not nearly as tasty store ones. Been feeling a little uninspired.
We are still on the plan, just trying to decide what we should be introducing next. Planning on a US weekend trip with my mom and sister on the 14th, so need to reintro a couple of things before then, just to see how I'm feeling so I have some kind of benchmark. Planning to eat mostly on plan, but not going to sweat it if I try something that isn't, as long as it is done with consious intent.
That's really what it all comes down to and I think Whole 30 gives you the space and structure to get into the habit of thinking of life that way.
There are quite a few people on the boards who don't budget at all, they buy whatever they want - they just do it with conscious intent. It is not something I ever thought could work (I love my budget) but now I understand the idea behind it a whole lot better and could see it working at some point in the future.
Hubs actually announced yesterday that he is going to start a "Media Whole 30" Becuase he is tired of wasting time on video games and random internet surfing. He has noticed, especially with doing the whole 30, that playing games/wasting time doesn't make him feel any better they are the nutritionally void (addictive) junk food of the whole 30 in his life. He doesn't have room for them in his life anymore. Call me shocked. I think it is awesome!
Post by: Faraday on November 02, 2015, 01:15:27 PM
Hubs actually announced yesterday that he is going to start a "Media Whole 30" Becuase he is tired of wasting time on video games and random internet surfing. He has noticed, especially with doing the whole 30, that playing games/wasting time doesn't make him feel any better they are the nutritionally void (addictive) junk food of the whole 30 in his life. He doesn't have room for them in his life anymore. Call me shocked. I think it is awesome!
I'm having this problem too. But what makes it tough for me is that I'm constantly reading/researching GOOD things: these forums, ebikes, bicycles, finance, keto/Whole30/ruled.me. Even the shop manuals for my car are online and not printed any more.
I think I need to set a time of day after which I shut the computer off and walk away. 8pm, maybe?
swick, has your DH said how he intends to accomplish his "Media Whole 30"?
Post by: mom22boys on November 02, 2015, 01:16:58 PM
1967mama - You're almost there! Whooppp, whoppp! I was thinking about you the other day, as I put on my jeans and they are HUGE! I think it's time to retire those jeans. I'm well into my next size smaller, and even those are getting big. Also, I don't want to bum you out, but I will tell you that my weight lose has slowed WAY down. I'm pretty close to fully compliant and lost about 4 lbs in October. I have to admit that I was bummed after weighing my self (even after my 'ignore the numbers' post), since I also have about 50 lbs to lose. But, I got over it quickly, and just reminded myself about good I'm feeling, and how much better my clothes are fitting. Don't get discouraged if this also happens to you. :-)
Swick - YES! Love your hubby's label of 'Media whole 30' for cutting out the electronic distractions. You have a great way with words, and described it perfectly. I've been having a similar 'fight' with myself to cut the Dish cord. There's so much junk on TV now, but there is just that one or two shows that make me keep it. But....I just ordered an antenna to see what I get OTA, so I'm taking my first step to also cutting the cord (at least for PAYING for that cord).
Yesterday I had my first brown rice in TWO months! I also had it again for lunch today. So far I feel a little more bloated, but not too bad. I'm still trying to determine whether it's bloating, or just being full. I only had about 1/2 cup of rice with each meal, because I wanted to make sure I wasn't stuffing myself.
Hope everyone has another great week and month of eating well!
Post by: swick on November 02, 2015, 02:33:47 PM
Hubs actually announced yesterday that he is going to start a "Media Whole 30" Becuase he is tired of wasting time on video games and random internet surfing. He has noticed, especially with doing the whole 30, that playing games/wasting time doesn't make him feel any better they are the nutritionally void (addictive) junk food of the whole 30 in his life. He doesn't have room for them in his life anymore. Call me shocked. I think it is awesome!
I'm having this problem too. But what makes it tough for me is that I'm constantly reading/researching GOOD things: these forums, ebikes, bicycles, finance, keto/Whole30/ruled.me. Even the shop manuals for my car are online and not printed any more.
I think I need to set a time of day after which I shut the computer off and walk away. 8pm, maybe?
swick, has your DH said how he intends to accomplish his "Media Whole 30"?
His idea is evolving and he's trying to figure out the best way to do it. We don't have TV so that is easy.
What it basically comes down to is being very conscious about what he is doing. He's tied to the computer for much of the day at work and also uses the internet for loads of "good" research and such, like you, Faraday. The problem with the "good" research is it can become a time sink and a waste of time - but it is "excusable" because you "are doing something productive" or at least your brain thinks you are and it is easy to believe. This is the SWYPO of the Media whole 30 :)
So it is training yourself and finding that balance and being able to know when you are really, truly doing something productive or you should be doing something else.
To give you an idea, this was the email he sent me at Lunch from work:
"I’ve checked my e-mail once today at 12:05, which is fine. I’ve caught myself once clicking on a non-essential webpage, and checked myself 3 times before clicking anything, but so far so good."
As far as video games, he doesn't want to play them this month. He bundled up his game boy (which he sometimes uses to relax, more often than not it is one more battle/stage/whatever before bed which turns into getting to bed late) and put it in a box in the closet and wrote on the outside of the box: "You get to choose how you spend your time. Do you REALLY want to be wasting it on this?"
He's going to be limiting computer time in the evenings to working on specific projects (he's made a huge list of things he enjoys and wants to get done) or researching specific things he has pre-decided. Again, it's about figuring out how to use the internet as a tool instead of feeding an addiction, loneliness, boredom or some other reason.
This is something he shad said multiple times he would like to do and has never had the follow through, Which is exactly what I (and we) can say about our diet changes. How that we know it is possible and we have this success behind us, I think the results are going to be awesome :)
Post by: Faraday on November 02, 2015, 04:17:23 PM
Hubs actually announced yesterday that he is going to start a "Media Whole 30" Because he is tired of wasting time on video games and random internet surfing. I think it is awesome!I'm having this problem too. swick, has your DH said how he intends to accomplish his "Media Whole 30"?
His idea is evolving and he's trying to figure out the best way to do it. We don't have TV so that is easy.
I'm going to try setting a "shutdown by" time of 9pm. I'll try it the rest of this week, to see how it works out.
swick, how about I start a new thread on this topic rather than polluting the Whole30 thread - if I do, will you contribute with the results DH gets? I'm truly interested in this topic, as I'm starting to lose too much real-world time in the online world...
Post by: 1967mama on November 02, 2015, 05:03:12 PM
*Feeling like a smaller person
*Moving 2 places smaller on my belt
*Trying to eat my meals and wait for hunger instead of snacking incessantly
*Moving around more in my day at home
*Cleaning up and decluttering
*Keeping my homeschooled kids on track
*Preparing a crockpot full of spaghetti sauce with ground beef and a ton of veggies
Anyone else want to share?
Post by: horsepoor on November 02, 2015, 06:45:01 PM
*No cheese with my beans and chile verde for dinner. Ate it over Romaine instead of on tortillas
*went for a walk with DH at lunch (we work in adjacent buildings)
*making up some food to bring along as I'll be at a hotel tomorrow night (last hotel stay of the year, I hope!)
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 03, 2015, 02:01:09 AM
- shopped with a list for lots of good food to take camping (need to prep and cook it over the next few days.
-resisted my favorite chocolate biscuits offered at a training course.
- after learning that choking is a highly common and preventable way to die at my first aid course I made a promise to myself to end all eating on the run.
Doing great everyone!
Post by: Liz on November 03, 2015, 07:25:47 AM
WINS
*Upped my water intake
*Continued to eat mostly W30 after finishing my thirty days
*Doing well with the slow roll introduction -- got over my fears of reintro'ing foods
*Fit into a pair of jeans I haven't been able to wear in awhile!
Post by: swick on November 03, 2015, 04:47:34 PM
- Made a ginger beef sauce without the usual 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar and soy sauce in it. It was awesome!
- In the process of establishing boundaires with my clients. Said yes to a conference call after hours and then caught myself and said no as I would be giving up my time to walk.
- Completely out of pants that fit me.
- Found a hoodie at the thrift from a local clothing company that only makes sporty sizes. Tried on their largest hoodie a couple of months ago at their store and couldn't do it up. Bought one exactly like the one I tried on (brand new!) for 12.00 instead of the 149.00 reg price.
- Have been really conscious of water intake (something I have never been good at)
How is everyone else doing?!
Post by: 1967mama on November 03, 2015, 07:32:43 PM
Swick - What a score on the hoodie! I'm looking forward to being able to buy normal sizes at stores. It's hard to find plus sized stuff at thrift stores.
Liz - You've inspired me to not be afraid of the end of my Whole 30 this coming Saturday!
Maybe I should give myself a week off instead of a day and reintroduce some foods.
Kiwisonya - Made me laugh when you brushed your teeth when you were grumpy! Great strategy!
Mom22boys - Thank you SOOOOO much for openly sharing your weight loss story with me. I don't want to be discouraged by those darn scales when I've had so much success here these last 25 days.
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 03, 2015, 11:02:44 PM
Post by: 1967mama on November 03, 2015, 11:53:34 PM
It has never been so clear to me as it was today. I know that I'm an emotional eater...have for years. But today, TODAY I felt it and pushed past it for the Very. First. Time.
Edit: typo
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 04, 2015, 12:53:46 AM
Post by: Caoineag on November 04, 2015, 06:57:44 AM
Post by: swick on November 04, 2015, 07:46:21 AM
Is such a tough one. Whole 30 tends to bring into focus problems you didn't know you had or weren't able to acknowledge.
The question I had to ask myself, and put forth to you is "why do you feel like you need to deal with your emotions by eating?" It is an escape, a way to suppress or hide from feeling. It is a substitution which gives you those fleeting "feel good" hits which always lead to a crash and feeling worse - at the end of the day whatever is behind it is still there.
Why do you have to hide? Why can't you create the space and honor yourself (physically, mentally, emotionally) to allow yourself to feel and process emotions as they come up? (I'm a life long suppressor, I know it is not easy) Are you better off in your interactions and in your relationships with your SO, family and friends if you plaster on a smile, pretend everything is peachy keen and then dive into the chocolate or get that sugar hit when no one is looking so you can put up the facade just a little bit longer?
Here are a couple of things I have found makes a difference for me:
- Acknowledge emotions as they come up. There are no "bad" emotions. Honor your feelings whatever they are. If you are angry, sad, happy...whatever you are feeling - be okay with it. Don't be afraid to tell other people. How many times has your feeling been amplified or you have gotten into an argument because someone "doesn't understand you" or "can't see that you're upset" or they guess wrong and make an assumption...when you are doing your best to "hide" your emotions in the first place.
Just because you share how you are feeling DOES NOT put it on the other person to "fix" Using "I" Statements is very helpful. "I'm feeling a little overwhelmed/anxious/angry/whatever right now. I don't need you to fix it, I just have to feel through it."
- Substitute behaviors. Emotional eating can be triggered by people/places/events. Figure out what your triggers are and figure out an alternative action. You can avoid some triggers, but some are easier to transmute...for example, 1967 mama, your trigger is going to drop off your kids (and maybe getting a little "me" time?) Could you instead of going to the dollar store, go to a local park for a quick walk, find a nice place to read something that inspires you or take a portable passion project with you that you never have time to do at home?
- One Small Action- If it is something specific that is bothering you, what is one small action you can take right now on it instead of giving into emotional eating? (Step one for me is usually stopping to figure out what emotions are showing up) Taking any positive progress should be enough to get you through - if it is not - take another and another - pretty soon you will have your problem solved or an action plan in place to deal with it. Don't give away your power to make change by turning to food instead.
The big thing for me that I keep coming back to is just living consciously. Asking myself if I am really hungry and why am I eating.
***
Tonight we are going to be reintroducing Basmati Rice. We haven't really tried to reintroduce anything except milk which was...oh I guess just about a month ago? How time flies! We are going to speed up our re-intro just so we can get a baseline before the holidays. Have some big events we have to go to so knowing which foods will cause us the least amount of problems will be handy.
How is everyone else doing? Who has some Wins to Share?
Post by: Liz on November 04, 2015, 04:27:20 PM
Post by: 1967mama on November 04, 2015, 10:09:21 PM
So, I went to the doctor today for a 6 month checkup (iron deficient anemia which I was diagnosed with 6 months ago). While walking in, I saw the big medical scale. I thought that it would be legitimate for me to be weighed at the doctors office and have my weight recorded. Well I almost fell over! I am on day 27 of my first Whole30 and I have lost 14 pounds!!!!!! I'm so pleased with this side effect of my wonderful month of rediscovering myself and feeling good in my skin again. No more brain fog! No more mid-afternoon slumps! No more wild blood sugar swings! I love feeling like I'm putting good food into my body and am
No longer abusing my insides with nutritionally inferior food or food products. YUCK!
Thanks for the wonderful post on emotional eating, Swick. You gave me a lot to ponder and I will reread it again and again! I'm actually thinking of reading the whole thread from the beginning before I start another Whole30.
Liz, thanks so much for the encouragement. You're a great cheerleader!
Caoineag, thanks for the tip on bacon! I read every package I can find and none are compliant!
Post by: Faraday on November 04, 2015, 10:13:40 PM
WINNING!
...
I am on day 27 of my first Whole30 and I have lost 14 pounds!!!!!! I'm so pleased with this side effect of my wonderful month of rediscovering myself and feeling good in my skin again. No more brain fog! No more mid-afternoon slumps! No more wild blood sugar swings! I love feeling like I'm putting good food into my body and am
No longer abusing my insides with nutritionally inferior food or food products. YUCK!
That's the same way it played out for me when I was about two months into keto. I love the way you put it: that weight loss is a side effect. DW and I started out for weight loss but when we began to realize the health benefits, weight loss became secondary to feeling better and having a far better quality of life.
Post by: swick on November 04, 2015, 10:15:00 PM
Thanks for the wonderful post on emotional eating, Swick. You gave me a lot to ponder and I will reread it again and again! I'm actually thinking of reading the whole thread from the beginning before I start another Whole30.
No problem :) I found it very helpful to go back and reread the whole thread on day 31. For me it was important to see how far I'd come, reinforce what I learned along the way and see everything in the light of having completed it. I got a lot from the old posts!
That is a pretty awesome side-effect, 1967mamma! I bet your doctor was pretty impressed :D
Post by: 1967mama on November 04, 2015, 10:55:55 PM
Stupid Scales! I'm breaking up with you FOREVAH!
Post by: Liz on November 05, 2015, 07:59:04 AM
Post by: swick on November 05, 2015, 02:13:04 PM
swick ~ How did the basmati rice reintroduction go?
I think hubs was happy :) I discovered I could take it or leave it - Granted I did not make friend rice, which is one of my favorite food ever. I think I enjoyed the smell of it cooking more than the taste.
Didn't really notice anything symptom wise. I think that rice is the least problematic of the grain-like foods. I will definitely have some sushi at some point and thoroughly enjoy it :D
That being said, rice is pretty high glycemic and not really necessary for a healthy diet - so probably won't be making a regular appearance.
I think the next re-into will be some chickpeas. We haven't done the beans yet, and we really miss them.
How is everyone doing today?
Post by: Faraday on November 05, 2015, 02:18:32 PM
swick ~ How did the basmati rice reintroduction go?
I think hubs was happy :) I discovered I could take it or leave it - Granted I did not make friend rice, which is one of my favorite food ever. I think I enjoyed the smell of it cooking more than the taste.
...
How is everyone doing today?
Top Notch! I'm staying pretty well into ketosis and all is right with the world. Good job on the rice! i haven't had any in two years and I'm happy as can be. (and I LOVE sushi...so I do miss it...a tiny bit...)
Oh well, I guess I can "make do" with sashimi?! :-) :-) :-)
Post by: swick on November 05, 2015, 02:40:28 PM
Oh well, I guess I can "make do" with sashimi?! :-) :-) :-)
Lol it is an option, I live, however, farther away from any ocean then I would like - especially for eating sashimi. My sushi is usually homemade, so sashimi for me would be, carrot sticks, cucumber, avocado and maybe some thawed frozen seafood, if I was lucky :D
Post by: 1967mama on November 05, 2015, 05:19:32 PM
Post by: Faraday on November 05, 2015, 08:11:02 PM
My son made sushi last night so I made myself a bowl of "Deconstructed Sushi" which was delicious! Avacado, cucumber, haddock and coconut aminos!
Oh crap that's awesome. I add avocado to salads now and it's heaven.
Post by: 1967mama on November 07, 2015, 02:09:08 AM
Thank you for all the wonderful support I've received on this particular thread ... you guys were my lifeline, truly! I will report in on my reintroduction and whether I decide to do another Whole30 right away -- especially if reintroduction isn't going well.
Post by: Sailor Sam on November 07, 2015, 06:09:33 PM
Post by: horsepoor on November 08, 2015, 07:19:16 AM
Today is Day 1 for me. I'm not going to bother weighing in since yesterday I: 1) ran a half marathon, 2) totally over-indulged with Sonic after the race, and then a big fancy birthday dinner with drinks and dessert and the whole 9 yards. Whatever my weight is right now, I'm sure it's wonky. On more normal days recently I've been between 166-168, so I'll use 167 as my baseline. I'd love to see 162 since that's kind of my body's fit/healthy set point.
Anyway, my schedule is clear today so I'll be making ghee, breakfast sausage, coconut butter and whatever else I can think of to streamline this. I was excited to discover that Mulay's Italian sausage from Natural Grocer is compliant. It's nice to have a couple easy options for busy days. My husband is participating too, albeit less strictly. Basically no chips, booze or straight-up sugar for him (he's still having his yogurt and granola bars and such), so it will be easier without icecream and beer appearing in the house.
I did check my fish sauce and it isn't "pure" but I can't seem to find Red Boat - no dice at Whole Foods - but I'm not going to stress about such a tiny bit of preservative. WF did have coconut milk with no additives.
Post by: swick on November 08, 2015, 08:28:42 AM
WAHOO YOU DID IT!!!
So Awesome :D What is next for your reintro? It's an exciting and somewhat scary time :)
I'll be joining you and speeding up my reintro because I'm going Stateside on a girls weekend with my mom and sister this week....aaannnd....Back to round 2 on the 16th! This time my mom is going to be joining me, and I'm so excited for her!
Faraday, you've been a bit of an influence, I've been looking into Keto and I think I might try and do a Ketofied Whole 30 this time. Which, don't know how it is going to go without the potatoes and banana's and tasty compliant things like that.
How is yours going, Liz?
Welcome to the journey, horsepoor! If a bit of preservative is the worst that is in your fish sauce, I wouldn't be too worried, the only commercial ones I can find also have sugar in them.
WIN:
Finally conceded the fact that I needed to get some pants that actually fit. Usually I buy from the thrift, but a store was having a great sale on some fleece lined pants. (My legs are cold from about Sept-April) and I have been out walking lots. Was pleasantly surprised to discover that I easily fit into a 14 - down from an 18 :)
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 08, 2015, 11:47:54 AM
Swick, thanks for last week's thought provoking post on emotional eating. I'm taking some positive steps and this is going to be the focus of my next whole30 in mid Jan.
I'm Day 26 now and have survived three days tent camping while staying compliant. Lots of preplanning and food prep in advance was the key. Everyone was drooling over my cauliflower fried rice with roasted cashews and sambal while they were eating precooked sausages wrapped in bread. I noticed that I was able to spend more time kicking balls with the kids than previous trips because I have more energy. And I slept like a log, despite kids waking a lot.
I'd like to complete a full reintro before Xmas do that this experience isn't wasted. But I am committed to eating this way more or less permanently now as I feel so great. I imagine I will want to have occasional non compliant treats rather than wholesale reintroduction of dairy or wheat in my daily diet. I'm also interested in trying keto as I have enjoyed the results when I have the metallic taste in my mouth but it disappears with too much fruit or potato. Have a great day everyone.
Post by: mom22boys on November 08, 2015, 03:04:10 PM
We are all excited for you, and so glad we could help support you through this journey. Now time for reintro! Swick said it best (as usual :-)) that this is an exciting and scary time. Reintro has been easier and harder than I thought. Let us know your plans. I wish I had been more precise in my plans, because I think it would make things easier.
For my reintro so far: I first added back dairy (cheese) and had no issues. Next I added back rice, which was this last week. While I didn't notice any physical problems, I did notice that the more meals I ate with the rice, the more I wanted. When I make rice, I typically make 3-4 cups at a time, so I have it for the whole week. I may have to change that approach so it's not easily available for me to use with meals. Yesterday my cousin came over for a movie night, and we made chili with cornbread. I really wish I hadn't eaten the cornbread and only stuck with the chili to reintro beans. Today I feel like crap. My stomach feels like it could explode. I am so bloated. I've been drinking water, water, water to see if I can help flush this out of my system FAST! I'm so frustrated since I don't know if it was the beans, grains, or gluten. I'm guessing it was the gluten.
It's funny how it's still so easy to slip back into old thinking. Today as I'm prepping food for the week, I though I should make cookies for the kids (and of course eat some dough), since I'm already feeling crappy I might as well go all out and really feel crappy. Thankfully I was able to talk myself out of that quickly. That's huge progress for me, but I'm still working on things.
Yeah for lose pants too! Sizes are soooo funny with pants though too, and are another number I try to ignore. I have a pair of 16st that are HUGE, and I have a pair of 18st that I still can't button. Weird!
I'm trying to figure out when I'm going to start my next round too. I know Thanksgiving will be hard to be 100% compliant, but as my friends in Canada how shown, it's possible. My mom will be much better with making me compliant foods now too. Decisions, decisions. :-)
Post by: swick on November 08, 2015, 04:03:06 PM
It's funny how it's still so easy to slip back into old thinking. Today as I'm prepping food for the week, I though I should make cookies for the kids (and of course eat some dough), since I'm already feeling crappy I might as well go all out and really feel crappy. Thankfully I was able to talk myself out of that quickly. That's huge progress for me, but I'm still working on things.So. Much. This. This is definitely the same old thinking pattern I use to have and addictive personalities run in my family, I know I am susceptible.
Way to go for recognizing the behaviour and changing the outcome! Hope you get back to feeling fabulous, mom22boys!
Awesome job on keeping whole 30 while camping, KiwiSonya!
We had a bit of Manchego on our eggs this morning. Don't seem to be having any ill affects yet. Kind of surprised with how bad milk was. Hubs (who loves. loves cheese) and is really big on texture and has missed it said it was almost too distractingly creamy. Amazing how tastes can change. I still loved it :)
Couple of nights ago we stove top popped some organic popcorn. That seemed to be fine too.
I really should try gluten/wheat but I'm almost scared to because I know on an intellectual level it isn't good, and it's probably not going to be a part of our lives. I'm not sure if accepting that will be easier or worse if we end up trying it and reacting to it.
Post by: horsepoor on November 09, 2015, 08:55:40 AM
I devised a pretty good non-egg breakfast that can be made ahead of time - 1 part canned coconut milk and 1 part canned sweet potato or pumpkin. Add in copious amounts of pie spice, blend and stir in chia seeds. Better with a little bit of stevia, but of course that's not 100% compliant if you're still doing W30. You could probably throw in date or banana if you wanted to sweeten it up without the stevia. Makes a pretty good substitute for yogurt as a grab-and-go.
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 09, 2015, 11:09:58 AM
- Slow down my eating. Spent 15 mins cooking chachouka -Moroccan eggs in spicy tomato sauce and devoured them in 3 mins. What a piggy!
- Drink more water. Now thst I don't guzzle tea all day I need to up my intake. Probably only had 3 cups yesterday. Try to double this.
- Ask myself am I really hungry or do I need to do something else (thanks Swick!)
- Plan my reintroduction. Going to start with dairy to get the worst out of the way first.
Hope everyone else is doing well today. Ks
Post by: Cranberries on November 09, 2015, 03:49:54 PM
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 09, 2015, 05:06:36 PM
Post by: 1967mama on November 10, 2015, 01:24:55 AM
Thank you sooooo much for your kind words of support and celebration. It means a lot to me! (((hugs))) to all!
I'm sorry that I have been AWOL. I have had house guests for 4 days and they just left early this evening so its been a fun but busy time.
I decided to try some oatmeal with applesauce and cinnamon for my first day of reintroduction. It tasted very delicious. For lunch I was craving eggs .. hahahaha! Who woulda thunk it?! We had spaghetti for dinner so I had zoodles and sauce, which I have grown to love! In the evening, I had ONE Godiva chocolate from the box our houseguests had brought. My son brought them to me because he knew I was finsihed my Whole30 and she was sitting right there, so I just couldn't say no. It was meh, which is really surprising to me!
After assessing my day, I decided that the oatmeal hadn't been all that exciting and that I would like to do another Whole30 straight away! So I have just completed day 1. It was much, much easier than my first day 1 a month ago! I will be very interested in how my head handles this second Whole30. It feels like a different adventure than the first time because I know the ins and outs of the program.
I think I need to get through "It Starts With Food" so that I can deepen my understanding of the program and how to get the maximum benefit out of it.
Kiwisonya - I'm trying to time this so that I can reintroduce grains and dairy over Christmas, so today being Day 1, I'm hopeful it will all work out without any restarts this time. I'm with you on feeling so great that I want to keep eating like this!
Swick - I'm scared of wheat too! haha! It will be the very last thing I introduce when I eventually get to that stage. Much fat loss must happen first.
Horsepoor - I am totally making that breakfast tomorrow! Great to have another idea for a non-egg breakfast!
Mom22boys - Sorry for your tummy troubles - I have had a few days like that too. Weirdly for me, I figured out that my stomach was getting upset and bloated from too much iron. I take iron pills due to anemia and I think I"m getting so much protein that I don't need the pills anymore. I am getting a blood test this week to prove out my theory.
SailorSam - It DID feel great to complete a Whole 30 and now I will be calling it a Whole 60. I had just one day between challenges. I feel to good to let go of this now.
Have a great day, everyone!
Post by: swick on November 10, 2015, 08:02:54 AM
Swick - I'm scared of wheat too! haha! It will be the very last thing I introduce when I eventually get to that stage. Much fat loss must happen first.
UGGGHHH....I feel like I got hit by a truck....
So yeah, inspired by ya'll to get over the fear and try some wheat, I had a serving of ramen noodles in my soup last night. Within about 10 minutes my hand and scalp started to really itch. Within an hour I started to ache everywhere. It basically triggered a Fibro Flare up. My fingers, my wrists, my arms, my hips, my sciatica in my leg, everything aches, I can't sit comfortably, or sleep comfortably, or heck, stand comfortably. Also, leg cramps came back. I'm not feeling any better this morning....*sigh*
I guess I have my answer.
I started reading (and almost finished) "lose the wheat, lose the weight" By William Davis, MD I borrowed it from my mom. Figured I may as well do something to distract me. All it really did was highlight and reinforce how horrible wheat and gluten are for you *double sigh*
1967mama - While I wouldn't want you to feel like I do at the moment, I would suggest reintroducing wheat and gluten now and getting it over with. Depending on your reaction (or hopefully non-reaction) it might change how you do your next whole 30, how you feel about everything/your motivation/what you have to process and or accept. I know I'm going to be looking at things very differently then if I had just avoided trying it and continued on.
Also - reintroducing wheat around the holidays might not be the best time for your overall health, feeling good and good cheer. I know I'm going to be planning my holidays (and how to navigate family and social obligations) very differently. I don't ever want to feel like this again.
I think my next version of whole 30 will include a little cheese and fermented dairy (if I can handle it) but really focus on developing the keto/low carb approach (so not being as reliant on fruit and sweet potato)
Well at least I learned a thing or two. I'm rather grumpy this morning, how bout distracting me by sharing your successes, thoughts, challenges and wins?
Post by: horsepoor on November 10, 2015, 08:10:55 AM
Swick, wow! I feel sort of bad for suggesting it now that you've had such a bad reaction, but I guess you now know. Geeze, hope you're feeling better soon.
Today is day 3 here. I've slept like a rock the last two nights. Last night DH asked me what kinds of desserts were W30 compliant and I told him "Fruit." He said "That makes me want to cry like an 8 year old kid." But he stuck it out. But that's kind of the point isn't it? To have a more mature relationship with food and not look to it for entertainment. We had a delicious dinner that more than met our nutritional needs, so why the need to eat additional crap out of boredom or habit or whatever? He's not alone in that - having a glass or two of wine after dinner is a bit too much of a habit for me, but I'm just switching to herbal tea and not really missing it. Did some yoga last night as a healthy diversion as well.
Maybe I can get him into an after dinner tea habit. Some of the fruit teas are good for that, but I'm not sure if I've ever seen him drink a cup of tea, come to think of it.
Post by: Liz on November 10, 2015, 08:12:28 AM
swick -- I am doing a modified version of Whole30/keto/low carb right now and I feel am thoroughly enjoying it! I've noticed I can stay full longer between meals (even longer than when doing true W30). I have kept butter back into my food rotations with no issues and occasionally cheese, so that is the only reasons I can't call it eating true W30 style. But I decided that is what the W30 is about anyways -- it's not meant to eat that way forever, but rather a food reset to see what works best for YOU!:) Let me know if you try it! At first, I thought it would be hard to keep the net carbs down, but it really hasn't been that hard at all. I've been tracking what I eat to see what my net carbs are each day but I don't think it's absolutely necessary.
1967mama -- CONGRATULATIONS on finishing your Whole30! Your story really resonated with me because I also started and stopped a couple of times before making it through another one. Really proud of you!
Post by: swick on November 10, 2015, 08:52:50 AM
This doesn't really help with the psychological side of things those, for that it helps to have a bunch of strategies to distract yourself of replace your habits/triggers with healthier options, like your yoga, that is great!
I'm grumbly, but I am glad I did it today. Much better to get it out of the way then have it ruin my trip this weekend!
Liz - So cool that you found the hike easier! I will definitely be picking your brain for your experiences! I'm starting on the 16th (officially) not planning on reintroducing anything else this time around - since what I would be introducing would be off limits under the low-carb lifestyle anyways.
Faraday - Dude, you come in, slowly convert some of us to at least the idea of trying keto - and then you disappear! Hope your doing well, wherever you are! (Yup, shameless attempt to get you to check in) ;)
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 10, 2015, 11:12:05 AM
Post by: Faraday on November 10, 2015, 12:28:43 PM
Faraday - Dude, you come in, slowly convert some of us to at least the idea of trying keto - and then you disappear! Hope your doing well, wherever you are! (Yup, shameless attempt to get you to check in) ;)
I'm here, I'm here! I'm getting a few things in life straightened out - beginning-of-winter service for my two best bikes, buying a new bike for DW (no craigslist options panned out - people here ask a lot for their used bikes, whether they are quality or not...). I got this headcold going around past Sunday night, so I've been hitting the sack early.
swick, I don't know if it was you or someone else, but I'd accepted a challenge to limit online time, so that wiped out my late-night lurking/posting. Going into internet moratorium did help me to go to bed on time, but I'm not sure I'd say I'm actually addicted. I didn't so much care about the missing time, but I DID miss all you folks in the Whole30 thread!
swick, is it you looking at going KETO? Have you done so yet, and are you really wanting to go for that with Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's and the like bearing down on us?
Keto, by it's nature is a very subversive diet/lifestyle. I ran into no end of challenge, bullshit and argument. I don't mean I went looking for it, I mean it got dished up almost instantly by people very invested in their high-carb, high-foodshit lifestyles.
I'm not discouraging you. I'm just saying that as we enter the peak of the Season of Insanity, it exposes the practitioner of the ketogenic lifestyle to more criticism and potential conflict. I cling to the ketogenic lifestyle even more energetically as winter comes on because I know our bodies want to pack on the LBs as it gets colder....but let me tell you something: a trip to Walmart involves a lot of "artificial anger and indignance". It's how I walk past five giant displays of OREOS and don't buy any. Anger, indignance and holding sacred the path I've chosen.
Yes, living the keto lifestyle is sacred to me. I had about 15 chronic health problems clear up. Both Alzheimer's disease and diabetes is rampant on both sides of my family. So there's no bending of my choices to someone else's will. And let me tell you, people came at me like you'd think I'd announced I had become a crackhead.
Some people would hear second-and-third hand and decide they were gonna get me to "cheat". TO those people, I'd respond with shock and awe. Many times, I'd "put them off" or offend them, because I'd call them out and challenge their right to decide what goes in my damn mouth.
What I'm telling you this for is because Whole30 is less subversive and more mainstream than Keto. It invites less controversy because it more-easily co-exists with general thinking about diet.
Now, if you need to increase your insulin sensitivity and avoid diabetes, Keto will do it, but people around you will start to act crazy. You might have to kick 'em in the balls and you might lose a few on the fringes.
I'm happy with the way it played out. People who stuck with me are the people I trust and care about. The people who avoid me, well, they have always been and will always be hopeless spectators.
One other thing: If your family tends to gallstones or kidney stones, you have to be aware of that and potentially have to manage it. Keto encourages the eating of fat and along with that, meats. The cholesterol inherent in these sources of fats and protein can accelerate formation of gallstones.
I've known since I was a child and watched my mother's issues with gallstones, that formation of cholesterol and calcium deposits tends to happen on the mother's side of my family. (I have one brother who deals with kidney stones long-term.) I have developed ways of handling this that work for me, that I'm glad to share. I don't have chronic problems with gallstones, but there is a spot where, when I get a "twinge", I do my maintenance routine. So far it's running about once a year, and I just finished one maintenance regimen. Works like a champ.
Finally: I'm no authority on this stuff and I don't even pretend to know a damn thing about medicine. I just listen to my body, treat everything as an experiment to be judged critically, and move forward from there.
Sorry if this came across as a sermon. I just need all of you to know that I respect you and am super-impressed at what's happened in this thread. You all took Whole30 seriously and changed your lives with it. That's remarkable - I congratulate and respect all of you for your achievements!!!
I will be here, 110%, for anyone who wants to do keto or Whole30 or low-carb or whatever permutation works for you. ESPECIALLY if you need to do it for health and to avoid diabetes.
Post by: 1967mama on November 10, 2015, 01:54:48 PM
Faraday - My daughter is encountering criticism at work on her Whole30. Very frustrating. Why would people be opposed to you eating a healthy diet and trying to better yourself?! It doesn't get her down, and she just laughs as she slips into smaller and smaller clothes that haven't fit in years. Her watch fit again last night. So proud of her. She will be 24 next week. Could you please share your regimen for dealing with gallstones? I have had 2 attacks in the last 10 years, and on this eating plan, I am definitely getting twinges again under my right rib.
Day 2 is going well. Parked a long way from the doctor's office for an appointment this morning and had a nice walk under the beautiful canopy of fall leaves. Lots of deep breaths :-) I would never have enjoyed that pre-whole 30. Also, I'm comfortably wearing an outfit I bought 3 years ago. Love it!
Post by: swick on November 10, 2015, 02:01:52 PM
swick, I don't know if it was you or someone else, but I'd accepted a challenge to limit online time, so that wiped out my late-night lurking/posting. Going into internet moratorium did help me to go to bed on time, but I'm not sure I'd say I'm actually addicted. I didn't so much care about the missing time, but I DID miss all you folks in the Whole30 thread!
swick, is it you looking at going KETO? Have you done so yet, and are you really wanting to go for that with Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's and the like bearing down on us?
<3 you Faraday!
Ahh now I feel like a wee bit of a jerk, it was totally my doing... talking bout limiting screen time! Hubs is doing very well btw :) Glad to hear you are doing well, hope your head cold sorts itself out!
I'm not too worried about the time of year, the last two months have been very good practice for setting boundaries/managing expectations and training people to realize that I decide what is and isn't healthy for me.
There is lots of good info in your post, and I really appreciate you sharing your personal experiences too!
KiwiSonya - Yay for Tigerblood and feeling like exercising! That is awesome! It is such a great and motivating feeling to realize, "yep, I got energy for that!"
1967mama - Yes people suck when you make changes for the better. It is times like that I remember one of the four agreements: "Don't take anything personally" what they say to you, has actually nothing to do with you. Good on your daughter for finding ways to ignore it, valuable life skill!
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 10, 2015, 04:22:07 PM
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 10, 2015, 06:19:09 PM
Post by: Faraday on November 10, 2015, 06:43:56 PM
Faraday - My daughter is encountering criticism at work on her Whole30. Very frustrating. Why would people be opposed to you eating a healthy diet and trying to better yourself?! It doesn't get her down, and she just laughs as she slips into smaller and smaller clothes that haven't fit in years. Her watch fit again last night. So proud of her. She will be 24 next week.I'm telling you, it's the most bizarre thing, how people think it's their business to comment and even try to influence what anyone eat. My previous posting, I had a story about someone trying to do that with me but I deleted it because the tone was just too navel-gazing. I'll just point out that I'm a 53 year old man and I've experienced the same meddling from bystanders that your daughter is seeing. It bothered me so badly at first, now I simply enjoy challenging people's misconceptions. I don't do it as easily as I used to (because I don't CARE) but if I'm poked enough, I come out swinging.
I am SO HAPPY to hear the good news about the watch!!! What a wonderful "side effect" of living healthy, eh?
Quote
Also, I'm comfortably wearing an outfit I bought 3 years ago. Love it!CONGRATULATIONS! Awesome Whole30 work!
Post by: Sailor Sam on November 10, 2015, 06:51:43 PM
Why would people be opposed to you eating a healthy diet and trying to better yourself?!
It's one of those societal things that we love to judge each other for. Similar to cloth vs disposable diapering; breastmilk vs formula feeding; crib vs co-sleeping. Heterosexual vs homosexual. City vs country. And let's not forget car vs bike transportation. Your way of eating is just part of the culture wars, for better or worse.
That being said, I do think the thing that drives diet contention in particular is the subconscious idea that if we control our diet just right, follow exactly the right magical formula, then we won't decay, get old, then die. Some people probably affirm the magical nature of their chosen diet by (still subconsciously) slamming other people's diets. Also, there's probably something lurking around that has to do with the failing cohesiveness of our societies. Even 40 years ago, most places had a single, unified food culture. Now you have choices, and where there's choice there tends to be judgement.
That was, um, possibly longer and more lecture-y than anyone wanted. Hey, howzit y'all? Hope it's going well. And keep on trucking!
Post by: Faraday on November 10, 2015, 06:51:49 PM
swick, I don't know if it was you or someone else, but I'd accepted a challenge to limit online time, so that wiped out my late-night lurking/posting. Going into internet moratorium did help me to go to bed on time, but I'm not sure I'd say I'm actually addicted. I didn't so much care about the missing time, but I DID miss all you folks in the Whole30 thread!
swick, is it you looking at going KETO? Have you done so yet, and are you really wanting to go for that with Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's and the like bearing down on us?
<3 you Faraday!
Ahh now I feel like a wee bit of a jerk, it was totally my doing... talking bout limiting screen time! Hubs is doing very well btw :) Glad to hear you are doing well, hope your head cold sorts itself out!
swick, I was tickled that you "called me out". HEY to DH, tell him I'm still being careful to limit. 9:30pm shutoff time worked OK for me and DW is happier about that.
Quote
I'm not too worried about the time of year, the last two months have been very good practice for setting boundaries/managing expectations and training people to realize that I decide what is and isn't healthy for me.
Excellent, excellent. swick, you sound to me like you are more than happy to call out the naysayers and doubters and nosy nancies. GOOD ON YOU SIS!
I can't remember if I mentioned it up-thread, but here's the book that gave me my ammunition: "Why We Get Fat (And What To Do About It) by Gary Taubes: http://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Get-Fat-About/dp/0307474259
Post by: Faraday on November 10, 2015, 06:57:56 PM
You're awesome, Faraday. Thanks for being our support crew. I'm keen to experiment with keto once I finish my whole30 in a few days. Word got around at school that I am "into healthy eating" so a group of mum's has asked me to help them man a stall at the school fair serving beans and rice. Ummm, no thanks. Ain't my idea of healthy eating. I might just say I'm too busy. I don't want to take any shit about my food choices and my usual tactic is avoidance...
PREACH IT GIRLFRIEND! I have several keto buddies who came from the "beans and rice" side of the house. Nothing against folks wanting to eat beans and rice, truly. To each his own. But if you are avoiding those foods, by golly yeah, stay away from the school fair.
Fucking awful day of other people's problems. None of them actually mine but a shit storm that everyone wants me to fix. Determined I'm not going to comfort eat my way out of this. Determined for the first time ever. Determined.
DAMB RIGHT GRILFRAND! I like your 'tude! Bring it!
(BTW: that's not a typo. My keto buddies are my "GRILFRANDS"....)
Why would people be opposed to you eating a healthy diet and trying to better yourself?!
It's one of those societal things that we love to judge each other for. Similar to cloth vs disposable diapering; breastmilk vs formula feeding; crib vs co-sleeping. Heterosexual vs homosexual. City vs country. And let's not forget car vs bike transportation. Your way of eating is just part of the culture wars, for better or worse.
Roger Wilco that SSam. When I started riding my ebike to work, one of my good friends jokingly said "Now you're 'THAT GUY'", and I knew exactly what he meant. I'm on the OUTSIDE now, subversive to the car clowns.
For anyone who cares, here's the bike I converted:
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/multi-use/expedition/expedition-sport
and here's what it looks like now:
https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=45993
Post by: Faraday on November 10, 2015, 07:27:17 PM
Could you please share your regimen for dealing with gallstones? I have had 2 attacks in the last 10 years, and on this eating plan, I am definitely getting twinges again under my right rib.
ok '67...DISCLAIMER: This shit can get crazy. Even my wife thought I was nutso for a little while, but that's been 20 years ago and now she KNOWS I'm nutso. :-) What I'm posting here is not medical advice and I am not recommending this to anyone, I'm just telling you what I've learned to do over the past 20-some years. I still have my gallbladder and I hope not to have to give it up before I kick the bucket.
My response comes in three levels:
Level 1:
Drink a liter of water, 1/2 liter first, wait 10 mins, finish the 2nd half.
Walk or light exercise.
Load up the bike with 2 liters of water and go for a bike ride.
If it's after dark, I get on the spin bike and ride for 3 songs worth.
Check my pants and belt. (No joke - my pants and belt can "choke" me and give "the twinge")
If this works and the twinge stops, I know I was dehydrated or constipated.
Level 2:
Do everything at Level 1
Cut back on fatty foods, eat more vegetables and salad. This will help the symptoms.
Buy a gallon Apple Juice and drink it 8 oz at a time over the course of a week. (This is not keto-compliant, but I only do it once)
Take Orthophosphoric Acid:
http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Laboratories-Orthophosphoric-Acid-Ounces/dp/B000S822KK/
Do this for two weeks. Works best on an empty stomach. You want the acid to be able to go quickly to your digestive system. I'm told it shrinks the size of any possible gallstones.
Take Epsom's Salt: Three teaspoons in 12-oz or more warm water.
ALERT: This is nasty shit. And don't do it if you have to be at work or have to be anywhere doing anything: Do it when you have time, like on a quiet weekend when you are at home and have 2-4 hours you can deal with the consequences.
I'm told the epsom's salts will dilate the ducts in the liver and gallbladder, opening them up a little to pass anything that might get stuck.
If Level 2 works, I know I had a little bit of gallbladder blockage. This is what I'm calling my "maintenance procedure".
Level 3:
Full-on gallbladder flush. I prepare with Level 2 for two weeks ahead, then block out a weekend where I can slam on the flush. ALERT: Again, this is nasty shit.
Somewhat Quick Version:
http://wellnessmama.com/38/liver-gall-bladder-cleanse/
Fancy Version:
http://dramyneuzil.com/is-the-gallbladder-cleanse-safe-for-gallbladder-sludge-and-stones/
This I do like, once every 8-10 years. It's like dropping the nuclear bomb. You should not have to do this more than once in a great while. I did this only when the radiating pain had gotten extreme...and it did work.
Note: I've never been able to find any scholarly research on what any of this means, and for that reason, I'm very self conscious about posting this stuff here, but you asked, so here's the deal.
There was a time, long long ago, where I had pain in my right side, radiating down my leg and causing trouble up toward my right inner ear. I'd been going to doctors for all kinds of help and no one could help me - I finally got sick of trying doctors (after a half-dozen visits, I was tired of their guessing), I tried the gallbladder flush and it helped.
WARNING: A gallbladder flush could be dangerous for someone with liver disease or disgestive problems. A key component of the process is getting your bowels relatively empty. Epsom's Salts works your kidneys as well. So ponder this stuff and leave it on the table if you have any doubts.
Post by: mom22boys on November 10, 2015, 07:37:47 PM
I've also been thinking about dipping my toes into the Keto bandwagon. I was thinking maybe 5 days Keto (but still whole30) and then two days whole30 with fruit and maybe potatoes. I would try this for a month to see how I feel. After that I may switch to something similar to what Liz is doing..... shout out to Liz for feeling great on the hike!
I'm happy also to report that my stomach FINALLY doesn't feel like it's going to explode. It took 3 frickin' days to feel better. I'm convinced it was grain/gluten, but I need to do a single reintro to be sure.
Post by: horsepoor on November 11, 2015, 07:35:26 AM
Faraday, thanks for the inspiration. Love your hard line on sticking with keto. I think people comment on other's diets more to make themselves feel OK about eating what they don't really want to admit is a shitty diet. The person who sticks to a different, but we'll thought out diet (vegan or low fat or whatever) is much more rare than the average consumer of processed junk and fast food.
I feel lucky that my coworkers are all pretty educated and don't act like assholes when I opt out by traveling with a cooler. I usually just say something about having all this good food at home that would go to waste, but I don't think they really care. Most of them have been around long enough to remember when I weighed fifty pounds more, so they see the result of what I'm doing.
Post by: Faraday on November 11, 2015, 09:07:32 AM
Hardboiled adobo eggs. So need to make five dozen. http://casaveneracion.com/adobo-eggs/
Faraday, thanks for the inspiration. Love your hard line on sticking with keto. I think people comment on other's diets more to make themselves feel OK about eating what they don't really want to admit is a shitty diet. The person who sticks to a different, but we'll thought out diet (vegan or low fat or whatever) is much more rare than the average consumer of processed junk and fast food.
I feel lucky that my coworkers are all pretty educated and don't act like assholes when I opt out by traveling with a cooler. I usually just say something about having all this good food at home that would go to waste, but I don't think they really care. Most of them have been around long enough to remember when I weighed fifty pounds more, so they see the result of what I'm doing.
No, thank YOU for that recipe and turning me on to that website. GREAT info there, gonna try the eggs.
Congratulations on your weightloss, horsepoor. What about health effects? Have you seen any chronic problems disappear? What about social effects? Do people "throw you the luv" now that you're 50 lbs down?
You're very lucky to have coworkers who are cool and down with it. I'm amazed, actually. My experience with both Keto and MMM has left me with near-zero faith in the average dude or dudette on the street. I say this not from a position of arrogance, but self protection.
The older I get, the less tolerance I have for being around people who kick themselves in their own balls. As I came to deeper understanding of HACKING WHAT WE EAT and of MMM, I realized we owe it to ourselves to take control and live the life we need to live.
I have one buddy who went on a "potato diet". Claims he lost 20 lbs and several health problems cleared up. Well, I wouldn't do that myself, but more power to him if it works for him, maybe he was living on OREOS and Reese's Cups before he did that.
Now, if you'll pardon me, I need to go find some bacon... :-)
Post by: Liz on November 11, 2015, 09:44:57 AM
Just wanted to share some things I've been eating the past few weeks:
Eggs and bacon... Of course! I spring for the sugar-free bacon but it's definitely not a necessity, I just like the taste. Also sautéed spinach with a little bit of nutritional yeast sprinkled on it
Homemade buffalo wings made with Kerrygold or ghee and Frank's with Whole30 mayo
Bunless Hamburgers with guacamole and Bubies pickles
Homemade buffalo chicken salad
Tuna cakes (thanks for the recipe Sailor Sam!) and tuna salad
Homemade pizza, once so far but will be making it again (Google keto pizza)
Tablespoon or two of Sunbutter for a snack
Taco salad with salsa and W30 mayo
So basically W30 style with no sweet potatoes and fruit (and of course, the pizza is not W30 spirit)
Honestly I've found it so easy to eat low, low carb for breakfast and lunch that I can indulge in some heavier carb stuff if I want to while still staying under 25 net carbs.
I try to stay within the W30 parameters when eating at home, except some occasional low lactose dairy items. I've eaten out a few times, especially this past weekend when out of town, and didn't sweat it if my bacon had sugar in it or whatever
Post by: Faraday on November 11, 2015, 10:33:59 AM
1) Health changes. I mean DETAILS. Things like:
- where on your body did you lose weight the fastest? (face and back, for me) Where did you lose weight the slowest? (belly, oh god belly)
- how did you do with clothes? Did you find it easier, harder, or no different to find clothes that fit (or pull old clothes out). I found that pants became more difficult because I lost weight faster everywhere but my waist. So when I could get into size 38 pants, they fit me everywhere except I still got "choked" around my bellybutton.
- what chronic problems lessened or disappeared? (for me it was digestive problems - originally diagnosed as IBS - reflux, sinus trouble, various aches and pains)
- what things dramatically improved? (sleep! I could finally get to sleep easily and quickly. Sense of smell, sense of taste. I can now detect sugar much better. I can ride my bike +2mph faster or more.)
- what unexpected things changed? (I can fit in car seats better, more comfortably.)
- anyone saving money by doing away with doctor visits or drugs or both?
2) Social changes:
- what kinds of comments do you get while on your journey? (both good and bad?)
- What's the most dramatic turn-around you've seen in someone's behavior since "before" and "after"?
- Have you enjoyed any new social benefits? (like MMM talks about, for example)
- Do you think the changes have given you benefits at work, at home or with family?
I think these things have been touched on, but I just want to call them out and solicit comment.
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 11, 2015, 11:22:07 AM
Now to your question Faraday. I noticed my face shrinking first, and rings started twirling. I reckon the mummy tummy will take the longest to go -pants heaps looser but it's still there. I have been lucky to avoid serious health problems so far but here's what I have noticed: less adult acne, skin looking glowing, my big dark undereye circles are improving (but not gone), stronger faster growing nails and I bite them less (gross I know), whites of my eyes look brighter and teeth look whiter too, my muscles are appearing more defined - I have a naturally muscular build but was looking more blobby before, my PMS symptoms have disappeared entirely, I am no longer on a constant 3 hour must eat cycle with massive highs and lows (wired vs literally lie on the couch), can chase after my boys all day long and not feel exhausted, much improved moods, I laugh more off instead of getting grumpy when the boys are swinging on the furniture, raging sugar cravings are subsiding (but still need to restrict fruit and dates further to get this under control), much better sleep so deep I feel like I must have been unconscious, my relationship with food is more healthy as I learn to eat when im hungry rather than for other reasons. I could go on all day but obviously it has been all good!
Post by: swick on November 11, 2015, 11:33:38 AM
So I survived the fucking awful day without stuffing my face so I'll take that as a win. Also felt more clear headed enough to think 'actually this is your problem not mine, I'll support you but you need to sort it out yourself. ' You can't imagine as a lifetime emotional eater how big this change is going to be carried forward. I reckon I have at least 5kg of other people's problems hanging off my body because I ate instead of saying sort your own shit.
KiwiSonya, you did freakin' amazing. FWIW I am SO SO proud of you! Sending you a great big hug from across the globe :) and...
"I reckon I have at least 5kg of other people's problems hanging off my body because I ate instead of saying sort your own shit."
I can so relate, but had never thought of it like this before. Mind. Blowen.
Faraday, will answer your questions when I have a chance. I think it is a great idea!
Just wanted to pop on now to celebrate and acknowledge KiwiSonya's awesome success :D
Post by: mom22boys on November 11, 2015, 11:43:13 AM
Health changes
- Definitely weight lose. When I was cleaning this weekend, I found a sticky note with my weight from January 2015. I'm done a little over 30 lbs from that time, with still 50ish to go (maybe more, maybe less). But, I'm not weighing myself more than once a month, so I'm worried about it. It will come with time and sticking-to-it.
- My face/neck is always the first place for it to show, which I like. I also see a big difference in my waist and chest.
- I'm finally wearing the clothes that fit me BEFORE I was pregnant with my first son, so I haven't had to buy much new-to-me clothes yet.
- Chronic problems - Neck/jaw issues and ALWAYS SLEEPY! Those are gone. At night I clench my jaw occasionally. Before when that happened, it would give me a bad neck ache and my jaw would hurt bad too. Sometimes it got so bad, that it would literally make me sick....like throwing up. It's because it would make me feel unsteady and slightly dizzy. At work, I'm not nearly as tired, and can actually focus again and think more clearly.
- My sleep is WAY better. I can't remember who said it in a previous post (maybe Liz???) but when I sleep now, I feel like I'm unconscious, or like someone has given me drugs for sleeping (but of course in a good way :-)). I'm still a little tired when I first wake up, but that passes within 5 minutes. I know this will get even better and I'll likely need less sleep. At least that's how I was when I was within my normal weight.
- MONEY: Every time I would get the neck and jaw aches, I would often have to go to the chiropractor. Not any more! That's saving me at least $50 a visit, which could often get to 3-4 visits each time. Eventually I will need to get more clothes as I keep losing weight, but that's a good problem for me. :-) I'm not a fashionista at ALL, so I get by pretty cheap buying from 2nd hand stores, and shopping sales.
- SUGAR! Yesterday at work a co-worker had some extra doughnuts and brought them by my desk to see if I wanted one. He stopped in my door way and said "oh yeah, I bet you wouldn't want one of these....and by the way I admire what you're doing." But, WOW, I could smell that sugar and it really was too much! I didn't like it, and realized that even my smell is more sensitive to sugar.
- Whenever I would eat certain types of ketchup or salsa, my face would start to sweat. I knew that there was a preservative in them that my body didn't like. Of course, I don't have that problem any more since I don't eat the crappy stuff any more.
- Sick - I haven't been sick at all for months, even though the flu is pretty rampant here now. No colds either, which is surprising. I'm sure I will catch something eventually, but I really believe it won't be nearly as often or as sever. Time will tell!
Social
- Cleaning up my eating has also encouraged me to clean up other areas of my life. I think it was KiwiSonja that mentioned the tidying up book from Marie Kondo. I also was reading that book. I haven't finished it yet, but I've been in the momentum to get rid of stuff. I've been selling stuff on my local FB rummage sale site, and a few things on eBay. I love walking into a room and asking 'what can I get rid of today'?
- My co-workers are pretty supportive, as I mentioned above with the doughnut, but I still get the occasional "oh just eat it, you only live once" comments. I've been pretty honest though and tell them that yeah, but when I eat it I feel super crappy. I've even gone as far as telling some people that I'm allergic. Ok, maybe my allergy isn't that I'll die, but it will give me a sweaty face, make by stomach feel like it's going to explode, make me gain 20 lbs. But they don't need to know the details. :-)
- My family is more supportive now that they have also gone through this with me. I just wish it stuck. My mom told me last night that they are completely back to their old habits, and then she lamented AGAIN, about not getting off her blood pressure meds. MOM! STOP EATING THE CRAP! I can only encourage (and push) so far, but at least they know what to do.
- I feel more confident. I'm walking taller, and dressing better. I'm wearing jewelry more often. I'm thinking about my hair more (without wasting a ton of money). I'm even feeling like maybe dating again. Life is crazy busy though. I honestly don't know if I will or not (because I HATE online dating sites), but I feel better with the confidence that I COULD date again. For now, I'm investing into myself and my boys.
Ok, how's that list? :-) I'm sure I can add more later, but I don't think it's too bad for over lunch hour.
Post by: mom22boys on November 11, 2015, 11:57:04 AM
Liz - Thanks for posting your food list. Tuna cakes are definitely in my future soon. I just loved the NomNomPaleo recipe. It's fun to crave nutritious food.
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 11, 2015, 05:27:21 PM
Post by: Faraday on November 11, 2015, 07:24:00 PM
I can't tell you how much you have MADE MY DAY. The kinds of things you have said in this thread make a Warrior's Heart BURST!
Post by: Cranberries on November 11, 2015, 08:05:16 PM
- Reduction in sleep needs from ~9 to ~7 hours a night, plus I have been dreaming a lot more.
-My joints are much less achey.
- I have a small cavity in my mouth that is apparently healing over. My dentist still wants to fill it, but it is pretty darn cool that it has stopped itself!
~17 lbs of weight loss this time around. Last year I lost about 20 lbs eating paleo, and then gained back ten when I went back to normal eating, so my total weight lost has been around 30 lbs. I am now inside the healthy BMI range for my height. I've lost most of it from my ribs, breasts, back, belly and thighs. It is also quite visible in my face. I think a lot of my thinner face is from losing the water weight I carry from food sensitivities.
-Very steady blood sugar.
-less puffy in general.
- I used to wake up in the morning with a body that felt really off until I ate something. This is gone now.
-My skin looks way healthier. This tends to change pretty fast on my body. I now look about as healthy with no makeup as I did before with the minimalist makeup that I often wear.
-My stomach burbles less and my digestive issues are gone.
-less prone to minor infections.
-My sweet tooth is largely gone. I still struggle some with emotional eating, but the degree to which I am in control of my food decisions is absolutely amazing.
Other:
-I get flirted with a bit more when I go out.
-Money - I need to get all of my pants taken in, and about half of my shirts are too big as well. I do not own a bra that fits at all. Financially, weight loss can be expensive.
-I am learning to be a much better cook.
On another note, I did some research on keto, and it looks like I tend to be right on the edge of ketogenic with the way that I eat. I am probably crossing the line into ketoland about 1/2 - 1/3 of the time. Today I had meat, veggies, and an egg for breakfast, meat and veggies with a couple handfuls of almonds and a few raisins for lunch, and dinner will be meat and veggies with some butternut squash. Although the food changes day to day, the ratios of carbs, fats, and proteins are pretty consistent.
Post by: Faraday on November 11, 2015, 08:37:08 PM
I'd rather die than give up the progress I've made. (and if I did give it up, I surely would die from diabetes... :-( )
Post by: Liz on November 11, 2015, 09:05:13 PM
I see the weight loss as a side effect, not as the reason for eating this way. But I'm not going to lie, it's a nice side effect... I've been wearing some jeans I haven't been able to fit in awhile, and as a result, I can go longer without doing laundry. Win-win situation, for sure.
Post by: horsepoor on November 11, 2015, 10:08:42 PM
Anyway, I think the most notable thing for me was getting rid of acid reflux/heartburn completely. I also am just moreclear-minded and mentally sharp. When I'm doing Whole30 I sleep like a rock, even though I've always slept pretty well.
In terms of appearance - again, it's hard to say what part is only the weight loss, because I started dressing better and became more confident - add that to the increased mental acuity, and people are bound to respond to me differently. I definitely have an easier time dressing now - before I was right between the regular and plus sizes, and nothing really fit right. If anything, I went a little too crazy with buying new clothes - spent too much and ended up with stuff I didn't end up wanting to keep.
It's great having more energy and just being more athletic and up for anything. My husband won a trip to Peru this spring that involved a 3-day trek at high elevation. I never would have been able to make that trip in the past, but it was no problem. I can't imagine how disheartening it would have been to miss out on an opportunity like that because of my physical condition. I'm also way more balanced and confident on horseback, and don't feel like I'm taxing my horses with my weight.
Hmm, yeah, I think that pretty much sums it up.
Post by: swick on November 11, 2015, 10:16:16 PM
Few developments - Tried to have a chunk of cheese before bedtime. Within an hour, my sinuses were stuffed and I couldn't breath through my nose comfortably - took about 14 hours to return to normal. It took a two full days to feel normal after trying the gluten/wheat. So between those two, no wonder I was a walking disaster of undiagnosable illnesses.
On the bright side, Hubby is trying Keto with me! He said there was only about one week of the entire whole 30 where he was actually feeling a noticeable improvement and it was after all the initial ickies and before he started eating more carbs. I never thought he would try it, but he seems keen :)
Although, it might have something to do with the coffee flavored Keto gummy bears I made for him to take for his lunches (most of the carbs he eats is fruit and strach veggies in his lunches and while he is away from home.
Still have to figure out breakfasts for him again! Man am I glad I like eggs.
Okay to Faraday's questions:
1) Health changes. I mean DETAILS. Things like:
- where on your body did you lose weight the fastest? Face for sure, and it is awesome, I have always been self-conscious of my chin/neck area because a particularly mean girl in school called me "Frog face" because of my double chin. I've had issues with online video interactions, damn cameras are NEVER at a good angle! which for my job, is not great. I've been just feeling more confident overall and it comes across because I'm not worried about how I look.
Where did you lose weight the slowest? It seems like it has been pretty even
- how did you do with clothes? Did you find it easier, harder, or no different to find clothes that fit (or pull old clothes out). I've always been a very weird size. One of those very busty but small ribcage kinda gals so nothing ever fits. I have noticed that smaller sizes are at least fitting better now. Kicking myself becuase I did a Kondo style closet clean up 3 or so months ago, of several bags of cloths I would now fit into. Ahh well :)
- what chronic problems lessened or disappeared? Chronic Sinitus and Fibro, insomnia, leg cramps
- what things dramatically improved? Sleep! Sense of smell and taste for me as well, due to not being stuffed up all the time. ability to listen to my body, energy levels
- what unexpected things changed? My relationship with my husband, my confidence, my non-introvert side is coming out to play more.
- anyone saving money by doing away with doctor visits or drugs or both? good old Canadian health care. Although I haven't been going, so that is saving resources that other people need?
2) Social changes:
- what kinds of comments do you get while on your journey? (both good and bad?) "Sugar is horrible stuff, here...have some chocolate" Hubs dad is extremely fat-phobic, so we have had a few comments there, I think it will get much worse because the "30-day" experiment is over.
- What's the most dramatic turn-around you've seen in someone's behavior since "before" and "after"? My mom is going to be doing the next round with us. While she has always been the most supportive out of everyone, the fact that she is inspired and has seen enough improvement in us that she is actually making the time and taking care of herself is awesome beyond words. - Although I feel like both hubs and my behaviour is so night and day different from where we were, I wouldn't recognize us.
- Have you enjoyed any new social benefits? (like MMM talks about, for example) Does this group count? ;) I love you guys and gals!
- Do you think the changes have given you benefits at work, at home or with family? oh yeah! In energy levels and confidence and ability to concentrate and actually get some work done. I have been trying to get this damn book out and it has taken YEARS because I couldn't sit at the computer for more than 10 minutes at a time. Planning a Launch for January 15th :)
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 11, 2015, 11:31:55 PM
Post by: 1967mama on November 12, 2015, 12:33:52 AM
You guys ROCK!
Post by: Faraday on November 12, 2015, 06:05:57 AM
1) Story about "upgrading OREOS". Yes, in the front page of my online yahoo NEWS:
https://www.yahoo.com/makers/the-easy-and-delicious-way-to-upgrade-your-oreo-160822546.html
2) Hall of fame baseball player loses leg to diabetes:
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/hall-of-famer-lou-brock-recovering-after-partial-amputation-of-left-leg-003749704.html
Dear God in Heaven Above, help us through the Season of Insanity. At least there's a video link in the OREO story about how "detox waters will have your insides singing..."
When you stand back and think about the idea of these stories strung together, it comes across as purely schizophrenic.
Post by: mom22boys on November 12, 2015, 07:35:34 AM
Thanks Swick, hugs back to you. It was your post on emotional eating that got me on the right track. Thanks also, mum22boys. That is an awesome list of improvements. I had totally forgotten that I was teeth grinding and clenching and the dentist wanted to fit me with a mouth guard to stop it - a good $600 saved as I haven't done it since I started whole30. But after a busy morning looking after a gaggle of under 5's, I reckon the biggest life change is feeling up for anything. It's hard to put into words but I feel like a yoke has been lifted and I have the energy and zest to take on anything. I'm no longer constantly thinking that I have too much on my plate and I can't cope. Basically I'm saying yes to life. Can't put a price on that. Could it be that a tranche of bad life decisions amongst the populace is a result of bad food choices? Wow, that thought kind of blows my mind.
Yes, Yes, Yes! Every. Thing. You. Said....so the same for me! I was on the list for getting a mouth guard too! My dentist was shocked when I told her that I don't need it any more now that I've done the Whole30. She was amazed!
One other thing I was thinking about last night. While I do think about what I'm going to eat (for planning), I'm no longer consumed with thinking about food. I used to constantly think about what treat I could eat after the boys went to bed, or what fast food restaurant I wanted to go to after work. Those desires are gone. I want to keep it that way!
Post by: Liz on November 12, 2015, 08:07:16 AM
I've noticed my skin isn't quite as clear as it was during my strict Whole30. I was testing some new skin producsts, so that could be it, but I'm thinking it might be the introduction of butter and cheese as well. I'm going to pull back on the butter and make ghee instead (so easy to make) and limit cheese to about once or maybe twice a week.
Post by: swick on November 12, 2015, 09:03:18 AM
swick -- Two questions for you ... can you share the recipe for the coffee-flavored gummy bears? That sounds delicious! Also, I am just curious, what kind of cheese did you eat?
The basic gummy bear ratio is 1 cup of liquid to 3 TBS. Gelatin. Split the liquid in 1/2 and mix the gelatin into half of it, Heat up the other 1/2 and then stir it all together and pour into molds.
For the coffee flavored ones I used a base of coconut milk, added a splash of vanilla, some instant espresso and a couple good scoops of coconut oil (sorry I don't measure anything) to the 1/2 cup that I was heating up. They are a little slick to the touch due to the coconut oil, but they are tasty!
I suppose you could add some Stevia or other sweetener to make them more "candy" like, but that's not the point and I don't think they need it :)
The only reason they are gummy bears is because my sister bought a couple of molds to experiment with and I liberated them for a few days. They are awfully cute!
The cheese that I had was the sheep's milk Manchego. Now, Come to think of it, while I did get stuffy, I didn't have any face break outs like I did when I tried to reintro cows milk.
Post by: mom22boys on November 12, 2015, 12:48:12 PM
I just had a co-worker ask me in causal passing how I was doing. Of course I replied 'I'm doing great!'. He then said 'You just look so happy lately.'
That made my day! I also thought it was interesting since I'm a very happy, optimistic person and often get compliments about that. But, the way he said it just made me think that it's shining out even more.
Post by: sunnyca on November 12, 2015, 12:56:09 PM
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 12, 2015, 01:09:42 PM
Can't quite believe I have woken up to Day30. Wish tiger blood was still with me but unfortunately I've caught a bug from the kids and am in bed feeling achey and crap. But still yay for Day30! Have a family party tomorrow so I'm not going to rush into reintroduction as I don't want to feel bad for that. Looking at the suggested reintro schedule, I'm not missing alcohol or legumes so will save them for later. Might try dairy first although I am sure they are going to be bad for my allergies. Like Liz has found, one whole30 hasn't been enough to cure me of those and I just finished the antibiotics for my sinus infection so not expecting miracles. A bit of yoghurt, some aged cheddar with lunch and a milky tea or two. Fully expecting it to be bad and I really can live without these on a daily basis which has surprised me as my diet was very dairy heavy before. Second up will try non gluten grains -oats for breakfast, corn chips etc. Will save gluten for last -my favorite Vogels bread with Marmite. Would love a croissant but that's mixing dairy and gluten so will save that for later. Am a bit nervous about reintro as you all have been but I guess that's normal. Hope you all have a great day. Ks
Post by: Faraday on November 12, 2015, 01:13:33 PM
I'm not really Whole30, but I do try to follow JERF principles fairly closely. I was wondering, how do you guys deal with the temptation of having so many free snacks, etc. around? I'm pretty good at home, but during the week, it's pretty easy for me to slip up at the workplace.
Sweet pea, if you are tempted to slip up, then you aren't hurting as much as some of us here were. We feel so much better doing what we do (Whole30, lo-carb, keto, whatever) that we won't go back.
In the workplace, the "holiday goodies" are especially insidious. Coping mechanisms I use are:
- anger and indignance (no joke, i do)
- an atkins meal bar squirreled away in a desk drawer
- other items allowed by my lifestyle, like pork rinds or beef jerky
Back away from the scenarios of junk food at work and think above the instant gratification. This is just another form of the hedonistic adaptation us MMM'ers work to get rid of. Worse yet, it's PEER PRESSURE for hedonistic adaptation. REWARD yourself with compliant food if and when you are able to resist. If you just can't, then EARN the transgression with exercise.
And finally, beware, you are being manipulated by the Season of Insanity:
http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/whole-30-starting-sept-8th-want-to-join-us/msg837739/#msg837739
Post by: Cranberries on November 12, 2015, 01:48:46 PM
Post by: 1967mama on November 12, 2015, 02:16:32 PM
Typical stuff this time of year:
1) Story about "upgrading OREOS". Yes, in the front page of my online yahoo NEWS:
https://www.yahoo.com/makers/the-easy-and-delicious-way-to-upgrade-your-oreo-160822546.html
2) Hall of fame baseball player loses leg to diabetes:
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/hall-of-famer-lou-brock-recovering-after-partial-amputation-of-left-leg-003749704.html
Dear God in Heaven Above, help us through the Season of Insanity. At least there's a video link in the OREO story about how "detox waters will have your insides singing..."
When you stand back and think about the idea of these stories strung together, it comes across as purely schizophrenic.
Faraday, the juxtaposition of these 2 articles is just a sad, sad commentary, isn't it? :-( Day 34 here of my Whole60 and feeling just wonderful!
Post by: horsepoor on November 12, 2015, 02:44:22 PM
I'm not really Whole30, but I do try to follow JERF principles fairly closely. I was wondering, how do you guys deal with the temptation of having so many free snacks, etc. around? I'm pretty good at home, but during the week, it's pretty easy for me to slip up at the workplace.
During W30, I don't find it tempting because it's a zero tolerance model and slipping up means going back to day zero. I don't know how helpful that is for the rest of life, but maybe cultivate a healthy disgust for the crap that goes into most of those snacks and make sure you have healthy alternates around. I'm doing W30 this time around because I was giving in to the junk food temptations too frequently (I don't react very badly to any foods, so I don't have that deterrent). If you don't have bad reactions, going strict for a few weeks and really paying attention to the positive outcomes can be helpful because they make you aware of how a doughnut here and a bag of chips there erodes your health in ways that you might not associate directly with food. If I'm going to do that, I might as well hold out for a really, really good dessert that I've chosen, rather than random, poor quality junk that happens to turn up at work (because really, how many of the work snacks are high quality?).
Post by: Liz on November 12, 2015, 03:18:27 PM
swick - Thank you for the gummy recipe! Sounds delicious. I actually have a silicone heart-shaped mold, so will have to try it with that! I've made a gelatin gummy pre-Whole30, but it had maple syrup in it, and your recipe sounds much closer to keto/sugar-free.
During W30, I don't find it tempting because it's a zero tolerance model and slipping up means going back to day zero. I don't know how helpful that is for the rest of life, but maybe cultivate a healthy disgust for the crap that goes into most of those snacks and make sure you have healthy alternates around. I'm doing W30 this time around because I was giving in to the junk food temptations too frequently (I don't react very badly to any foods, so I don't have that deterrent). If you don't have bad reactions, going strict for a few weeks and really paying attention to the positive outcomes can be helpful because they make you aware of how a doughnut here and a bag of chips there erodes your health in ways that you might not associate directly with food. If I'm going to do that, I might as well hold out for a really, really good dessert that I've chosen, rather than random, poor quality junk that happens to turn up at work (because really, how many of the work snacks are high quality?).
This is such a great post, especially the last sentence! The Whole30 has definitely made me more aware of this. Before, I would reach for a bag of chips for comfort and I would get, what, about 30 minutes of satisfaction from eating that? My satisfaction about feeling good lasts a lot longer than it takes me to eat a bag of chips (and yes, I can eat pretty much a whole bag of chips in one sitting - Definitely a case of zoned out, mindless eating).
Post by: 1967mama on November 12, 2015, 03:21:59 PM
Faraday's questions:I think that I'm more full of joy and life now. I'm so darn happy and content. I adore my husband and my children and now I'm able to show it more because I feel fully alive. No joke!
1) Health changes. I mean DETAILS. Things like:
- where on your body did you lose weight the fastest? I also think my face changed pretty dramatically with the Whole30 -- I look more like myself again:-) But its also coming off evenly from the rest of my body. Pants and shirts are fitting, amazingly, things I haven't worn in 3 or 4 years. A week ago, I squished myself into a swanky Christmas gala dress (size 14) that fit me in 2009!!! So since I only wore it once, and staff has changed a lot, I'm going to wear it again. I'm pretty sure that it will fit in time for this December gala Christmas party. So happy to not have to spend more $$$ for something in a size 18 or worse! My only problem could be if the dress is too big when I go to get ready for the gala. I think I'd better give myself some lead time on that. haha! But I actually can't even imagine walking into a department store and buying a size 12 dress off the rack ... my wedding dress was a 12 BTW, and that was 26 years ago. I'm 5'11" so I've never really been smaller than a 12. Wow, that got off track!
Where did you lose weight the slowest? Well, I'd have to say my mummy tummy is the slowest to go, but even it is going down. The bloating is just gone! So exciting. I've given birth many times (like more than 7) and that has been very harder each time to gain a little more weight and keep it on <sigh>.
- how did you do with clothes? Did you find it easier, harder, or no different to find clothes that fit (or pull old clothes out).
I've held onto clothes that I really wanted to wear again someday. At times, it was very depressing and discouraging to see them hanging there. Now I know that some of those cute summer skirts will fit me again. That almost makes me cry with happiness! Even delicates are fitting better and I've had to replace some already! Wahoo!
- what chronic problems lessened or disappeared? PMS=gone. Heavy/unmanageable monthly flow=reasonable now. (sorry, TMI) Bloating, upset tummy=gone. Foggy headedness=gone.
- what things dramatically improved? Sleep is a big one for me. I am only taking melatonin about once a week to help me fall asleep. I wonder if its because I have vastly reduced the amount of caffeinated tea I'm drinking each day, and am switching to herbal tea by noon?! Working my way through my tea stash is saving me big $$$ - haha! I'm able to use a crystal deoderant now. Seems like a weird thing, but I have always wanted to because breast cancer runs in the family. Hope I'm not too late! Before, the crystal would never work. Like an hour after a shower, I would stink again (EW!) now, I can go to a parade, cook and clean all day, go for a walk, and a play in the evening and by bedtime, there's just a slight whiff of B.O. (this is what we did yesterday).
That makes me happy!
I am much more even keeled now. No mid-afternoon slump. No more angry feelings (well, much fewer so that its barely noticeable. I'm not an angry person, per se, but don't like it when those angry feelings bubble up inside me sometimes.) I have SO. MUCH. ENERGY. now. I was a typical 48 year old housewife: overweight, sitting around all day eating bonbons (haha not really) but I definitely medicated myself with food.
I was a total sugar addict. My dad is too. He is on metformin for diabetes and so was his mother before him. I would LOVE to have an HB A1C done to see what my blood sugar has been lately (its a 3 month average) but unfortunately I don't have a baseline from before Whole30. I have had gestational diabetes a few times. All my babies were 8-10 lbs at birth. Once, I had to take injectable insulin. I would actually eat candy every day if I could (you don't get to be 75 lbs overweight by eating well, you get there by eating poorly!). I am a baker and I love to bake sweets and cakes and cookies, I make my own candy, I grind grain and make my own bread (and sweet yeast bread things like pans of gooey cinnamon buns, with lots of cream cheese icing .. oh dear). The only sugar I have now is in fruit. As I branch out into this Whole60 (that's the first time I've actually written that; guess I'm committed now!) I am trying to reduce my fruit consumption by about 1/2. I'm eating a lot more vegetables. Breakfast was 1/2 a red bell pepper and a handful of cherry tomatoes fried up with a huge handful of spinach -- steamed all that first, then put it on a plate with a lid while I cooked up 2 eggs for on top. Delish! I really can't believe that I have NO sugar cravings now. This is a modern day miracle! I really feel like its one of those, "If I can do Whole30, anyone can!"
I don't feel like I'm an emotional eater anymore. On those few occasions where the stress level is through the roof, I love that I have a very simple list of foods that I can mindlessly eat. I had a minor panic last week when we ran out of almond butter and no one told me and I couldn't have a monkey bowl right when I needed one as a comfort food. I would also say that I'm managing stress better.
- what unexpected things changed? I am walking taller. I have energy to go out for good, brisk walks with my husband a few times a week. 1/2 the time, its me suggesting a walk, which is unheard of! I am a happier person in my skin. I feel like I don't look terrible and frumpy anymore and am excited to look and feel more like the girl my husband married. He is SOOOOOO supportive of what I'm doing. The grocery bill has gone up, as have the frequency of grocery store visits for all the fresh stuff. But he's eating great too, when he's home. He is only around 20 lb overweight. I've always been known to be quite patient with my brood of children but I feel like I am even more patient and understanding now. I'm spending less time online, and more time living my life,too.
- anyone saving money by doing away with doctor visits or drugs or both? I am in Canada, so I don't pay for these things, but I feel like I'm practicing preventative medicine by NOT being obese anymore. I have about 60 lbs to go to reach a healthy weight so I will be around here for a while. I've always wondered if I'd continue losing weight if I did Whole30 + reintroduced grain, dairy and wheat? Hmmm
2) Social changes:
- what kinds of comments do you get while on your journey? (both good and bad?) For the most part, the people in my life have been very encouraging. I'd say the only concerned person is my mom, who is very obese herself. They are going away for 3 months now, and I'm sure she will think I'm anorexic by the time they get back <sigh>. I wish she could just see it as healthy eating! Its a big ToDo when I only eat fruit when I come over with the kids, while everyone else eats bars and cakes.
- What's the most dramatic turn-around you've seen in someone's behavior since "before" and "after"? Does my own count?! I'm like a different person.
- Have you enjoyed any new social benefits? (like MMM talks about, for example) I'm stepping out more confidently now -- someone here called it swagger =D Yep, I have my swagger back! And a little moxie too!
- Do you think the changes have given you benefits at work, at home or with family?
Thanks, Faraday, for prompting us with these great questions. It took me about an hour to write all this out, with multiple kid-terruptions but its been a healthy process to reflect on where I've been, where I am, and where I'm going. Also, thanks for taking the time to type out your gallbladder protocol. Super interesting! I'm wondering if the twinges will go away when I am back to my ideal weight?
Have a great day, everyone!
Post by: Faraday on November 12, 2015, 03:38:07 PM
Thanks, Faraday, for prompting us with these great questions. It took me about an hour to write all this out, with multiple kid-terruptions but its been a healthy process to reflect on where I've been, where I am, and where I'm going. Also, thanks for taking the time to type out your gallbladder protocol. Super interesting! I'm wondering if the twinges will go away when I am back to my ideal weight?
Have a great day, everyone!
'67, I absolutely love hearing people's story of their Food Journey. I appreciate that it took time and you had the interruptions, and I also appreciate that your progress lets you be a better spouse and mother for your family!!!
The "twinges": I chose that word on purpose, because the feeling that signals me I have to do something can be several different things. In my case, I've had problems in the past with pants around the waist "choking" my digestive system and giving me all manner of problems. So yes, it CAN be a simple mechanical problem that you can resolve by losing more belly fat and exercising more. (Distributed torso fat can actually be lymph fluid and inflammation, so it can happen anywhere and cause problems in a number of ways.)
A second possible cause of the "twinge" is eating fatty meats too late at night. Even though I've lost a boatload of weight and am in better shape than ever, if I eat meat too late (say, 8pm or later), I'm screwed and will end up with a touch of reflux. Nowhere near as bad as it used to be, but still enough to disrupt sleep. Only way to fix that problem is to just get on the spin bike or the road bike (if I'm feeling insane and my lighting is good) and work it off.
Post by: Faraday on November 12, 2015, 03:46:38 PM
Faraday, the juxtaposition of these 2 articles is just a sad, sad commentary, isn't it? :-( Day 34 here of my Whole60 and feeling just wonderful!
Honest truth - it upset the absolute hell out of me. Here's an honored athlete losing their left foot and part of their leg to diabetes, along with the OREO story. Shows me that Yahoo doesn't take their reporting (nor the food they eat) very seriously, and may even be taking product placement revenue from the OREO story.
BTW: The back story here is that I lost a cousin to diabetes who could not control her eating habits. She was taken to the hospital, checked in and scheduled for surgery. They had to amputate both legs below the knee.
It was too late: the infection had really screwed up her body and she died a little later in the hospital.
Several years later, her mother, my lovely great Aunt and the last of her generation, had been successful at managing her diabetes as best she could. She loved living alone and had no interest in leaving her home.
Unfortunately, late one evening she slipped into a diabetic coma and despite the family's coordinated checkups on her, we found her the next morning after she had passed away in the night.
I could go on: One diabetic co-worker who died suddenly over a weekend due to heart attack, people losing limbs, eyesight, kidneys.
All this because the damned food industry doesn't have to care about the consequences: the responsibility is ours and ours alone.
One conspiracy-oriented friend of mine thinks diabetes-causing foods are marketed in order to keep people from living long enough to claim much social security. I dislike conspiracy theories but diabetes is certainly having that effect.
I'm not really Whole30, but I do try to follow JERF principles fairly closely. I was wondering, how do you guys deal with the temptation of having so many free snacks, etc. around? I'm pretty good at home, but during the week, it's pretty easy for me to slip up at the workplace.
sunnyca, we're dead serious about hacking our diets here and hope you will join us. All of us have life-changing tales to tell. It's very similar to what we've learned about FIRE: you decide to pursue the goal and become subversive to the unwashed masses.
We don't suffer with our diet choices, we don't feel loss by refusing to eat trash. Our new eating habits change us and we start seeking the joy of eating beautifully. Our bodies change as a result and become more healthy, more beautiful.
Once you've had a taste of how good these lifestyles get, you'll never go back....
Post by: sunnyca on November 12, 2015, 04:01:53 PM
I think I'll start from page 1 and read the whole thread for inspiration!!
Post by: swick on November 12, 2015, 04:03:54 PM
Thanks guys! It's true, when I eat whole, unprocessed foods that I make at home, I feel 100% better than usual.Awesome :) Fresh eyes are always interesting. I went back and re-read after my whole 30 finished, I couldn't believe the differences. This is not to say it is all easy and Rosey...but the journey is worth it :D
I think I'll start from page 1 and read the whole thread for inspiration!!
Post by: swick on November 12, 2015, 04:05:46 PM
Man I love it when I get to play with fonts and sizes and colours! :D
Post by: cheddarpie on November 12, 2015, 04:40:45 PM
My question is how do you deal with people who don't support you? I asked DH if he wanted to join me in this journey and he not only said no, but why would I do it during the holiday season and he will plan to taunt me with pie on Thanksgiving and other sweets throughout the season ... I hope he was joking, but even so it's still hard to stay strong when you don't have moral support from those closed to you. How have you guys dealt with this?
Thanks!
Post by: swick on November 12, 2015, 04:54:06 PM
Facing a major surgery is a good reason to get healthy with your diet, I imagine *Disclaimer, no Doc here* that the stronger and healthier you are going into it the faster recovery will be.
I am lucky enough to have a supportive husband, but if I didn't I imagine my personality type would be to take it as a personal challenge - to not only be successful but have him come around.
Hubs was a little dubious at first, he went along mainly because I said this is what we are doing and I do most of the cooking. For those not doing it with their spouses, I think the changes have made believers, if not supporters out of their SO's.
As far as support - If you can find a friend or someone IRL that can do it with you, having "someone" who is taking the journey with you is very valuable, but if not...you got all of us supporting, cheering you on and willing to help you troubleshoot and commiserate with!
Oh as far as support goes, anyone planning on going to Camp Mustache this year? It's in your backyard Cheddarpie!
Post by: Liz on November 12, 2015, 05:58:49 PM
My question is how do you deal with people who don't support you? I asked DH if he wanted to join me in this journey and he not only said no, but why would I do it during the holiday season and he will plan to taunt me with pie on Thanksgiving and other sweets throughout the season ... I hope he was joking, but even so it's still hard to stay strong when you don't have moral support from those closed to you. How have you guys dealt with this?
Thanks!
That's what we are here for! :-)
I hope your husband was joking too -- maybe once he sees you are serious about this, he will be more supportive. And why NOT start now? Thanksgiving and Christmas are just two days. "The holidays" doesn't mean two months of pigging out, you know? Starting now means you could feel and see some great results BEFORE the end of the year!
Post by: 1967mama on November 12, 2015, 06:23:45 PM
Go ahead and give it a try! You have nothing to lose (wink)!
Post by: 1967mama on November 12, 2015, 08:37:59 PM
http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/de-sugaring/200/
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 13, 2015, 12:27:17 PM
I have lost 6.5kg to weigh 71kg and have lost 6cm around my waist. Can't believe it! I am now within the healthy BMI and waist circumference so pleased with that. Astounded that I managed it in just 30 days as I have laboured for months on low fat diets getting nowhere. Bacon and eggs to celebrate!
Post by: horsepoor on November 13, 2015, 01:00:34 PM
1967 - thanks for pointing me back to that sugar thread. Yes, it made me even more grateful to not be counting any grams or ounces or calories or anything. Just know what's off limits and eat as much as I want of all the good stuff.
Today I remembered that I have a jar of egg white protein powder. Checked the label and the only ingredient is powdered egg white, so I added a scoop to my sweet potato/coconut concoction. Any opinions on this? I'm staying away from the vanilla whey protein of course, but this one seems OK to me, in limited quantities.
To put a Mustachian spin on this, what is everyone doing with their foods that they now know are sub-optimal to off-limits? I have lots of beans around the house in particular. When I think of it, I throw a batch in the slow cooker and feed them to my chickens, but it still feels wasteful. Will you eat your sub-optimal stuff and throw away the off-limits stuff? Toss or give it all away?
Post by: cheddarpie on November 13, 2015, 01:16:07 PM
To put a Mustachian spin on this, what is everyone doing with their foods that they now know are sub-optimal to off-limits? I have lots of beans around the house in particular. When I think of it, I throw a batch in the slow cooker and feed them to my chickens, but it still feels wasteful. Will you eat your sub-optimal stuff and throw away the off-limits stuff? Toss or give it all away?
I'm eating my perishables up (yogurt, cheese) as I start the Whole 30 (not starting to count the 30 yet until I start for real when these are gone), cooking up pasta and other semi-perishables for DH, keeping some non-perishables for my earthquake emergency kit (oh, Seattle), and donating the rest to a local food pantry. This is a good time of year to find local food drives if you have lots of extra cans of food you won't use.
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 13, 2015, 01:19:59 PM
Post by: mom22boys on November 13, 2015, 02:43:08 PM
Today was a fun day! I went through my closet and got rid of all the clothes that were either too big, or I just don't wear much. I didn't go quite as far as the Tidying book recommends and only keeping that I "love". In the past I would have held onto those bigger clothes....JUST IN CASE! I'm done living with that mentality. I even dropped them off already at Goodwill, so there's no going back. :-)
Last night I reintro peanut butter. I did have a slight upset stomach this morning, but it went away very quickly, so I'm not sure if it was the PB or not.
My plan is to start another Whole30 the day after Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving will be pretty close to compliant, but I don't want to worry about having butter instead of ghee on my potatoes. Otherwise, I'm sticking to the NO SUGAR!
Post by: Sailor Sam on November 13, 2015, 02:43:26 PM
To put a Mustachian spin on this, what is everyone doing with their foods that they now know are sub-optimal to off-limits? I have lots of beans around the house in particular. When I think of it, I throw a batch in the slow cooker and feed them to my chickens, but it still feels wasteful. Will you eat your sub-optimal stuff and throw away the off-limits stuff? Toss or give it all away?
I move a lot, and even conscientious eat-downs of the pantry I'm often left with open pacakges of non-perishables. Especially spices. How I loath to throw out spices! I've always had great luck posting these items on Freecycle or NextDoor listserves. All items have been taken, every time, despite being open.
Post by: 1967mama on November 13, 2015, 06:46:26 PM
You did it! Your numbers are fantastic too!
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 13, 2015, 07:05:28 PM
Post by: 1967mama on November 13, 2015, 07:27:59 PM
This Whole30 compliant recipe for Easy Mediterranean Chicken (http://thehealthyfoodie.com/easy-mediterranean-chicken/) is just fantastic! We are having it twice a week right now. I cut back a little on the pepper because I'm just not a Spice Girl! I just use bell peppers and tomatoes because that's what I have on hand. For lime juice, I use one of those plastic limes in the produce department that contains lime juice.
For the non-Whole30'ers in my family, I also serve brown rice as it makes lots of nice juice. You could thicken it with Whole30 compliant thickening agent. My littler kids liked it with sour cream to take down the heat a touch.
Great with a big green salad or steamed veggies or a potatoes. Nice leftover the next day, too.
Anyone else have some favorite Whole30 recipe links?
Edited to fix link
Post by: 1967mama on November 13, 2015, 08:36:07 PM
Cheddarpie - Thanks for the suggestion of donating canned goods we will no longer be eating. Great idea!
Horsepoor - I have a lot of dry beans too :-/ Not sure what to do about that. We have a few dishes that are super favorites for the kids (Cheesy Bean Burritos comes to mind) ---> not attaching link! hahaha!
Today I had my parents for lunch so we had BBQ hot dogs (the big fat kind) and coleslaw. I made a batch of whole30 mayo this morning but had to use 1/2 EVOO and it didn't taste like the good whole30 mayo we all know and love. So I made a little bowl of coleslaw for myself with my mayo, and a big bowl of regular coleslaw for everyone else. Then while they were serving up and dressing their hotdogs, I fried myself up 2 eggs. No one noticed, except maybe my mom but she didn't say anything.
I had more fruit today that usual, but it was because we were out. I also had a Lara bar. Late afternoon I had a monkey bowl. Dinner was the aforementioned Mediterranean Chicken and some celery sticks (very keto of me, don't you think?!) Funny thing is, now I feel like I'd like more fruit. Hmmm. Putting my own foot down here. Go eat some carrots or something if you are REALLY hungry and not just bored, 1967mama!
Post by: Liz on November 14, 2015, 08:00:28 AM
1967mama -- Am bookmarking the chicken recipe -- thank you for sharing!
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 14, 2015, 02:09:32 PM
Post by: 1967mama on November 14, 2015, 05:54:21 PM
My old diet just doesn't deliver the energy levels to get me through the day...
Today was my 2nd experience of ordering in a restaurant during my Whole60. I wrote the following out on a cocktail napkin:
BBQ Chopped Lemon Chicken Salad
-no bacon
-no candied pecans
-no BBQ sauce
-dressing on the side (olive oil and balsamic vinegar)
-extra grapes, oranges and apples
-grilled lemon chicken - is there a sauce on it? if so does it have sugar in it? if it has sugar, then no sauce - just grilled chicken either with olive oil or poached
It was done perfectly and tasted delicious!
On another note, I just had a monkey bowl with the new jar of Maranatha brand almond butter in it and it has FREAKING CANE SUGAR in it! After I put on the almond butter, I licked the spoon and it tasted so sweet and I was like... GAH! And then I read the jar and sure enough, there it was! I can't believe how much my taste buds have changed so that I actually noticed the sugar without reading the jar. I think about 1/4 tsp went down, if that. So I'm deciding to keep rolling on Day 6. I may have restarted on my first Whole30, but this wasn't a "cheat" per se, but rather a mistake...and a tiny one at that. Would you do the same thing, in my postition?
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 14, 2015, 06:27:55 PM
Post by: Cranberries on November 14, 2015, 06:31:01 PM
Post by: Faraday on November 14, 2015, 07:36:17 PM
Today was my 2nd experience of ordering in a restaurant during my Whole60. I wrote the following out on a cocktail napkin:
BBQ Chopped Lemon Chicken Salad
(awesomeness was here)
It was done perfectly and tasted delicious!
On another note, I just had a monkey bowl with the new jar of Maranatha brand almond butter in it and it has FREAKING CANE SUGAR in it!
...
Would you do the same thing, in my position?
Press on, press on '67. One spoonful of something that's NOT supposed to have sugar in it isn't good enough reason to reset. The setback of restarting could have a greater negative effect than the spoonful itself.
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 14, 2015, 08:48:04 PM
Post by: 1967mama on November 14, 2015, 09:02:10 PM
Botanist - I'm sorry that your almond butter had sugar in it too. How stupid is that?!!! GRRRRR! Its freaking almond butter!
Faraday - You are so right in this -- I've come SOOOO far. My kids are noticing. My husband is swooning. It would be depressing to start my 2nd Whole 30 again, I think. Good call!
The setback of restarting could have a greater negative effect than the spoonful itself.
Thanks, everyone, for confirming what I was already leaning towards, and also for putting it into words for me. (((HUGS)) you're the best!
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 14, 2015, 09:23:20 PM
Post by: horsepoor on November 14, 2015, 10:11:08 PM
Last night I wanted to put horseradish on my pork loin, flipped it over and it has all kinds of crazy shit in it, so I had mustard instead. I got a jar of Bubbys brand tonight and it even has sugar in it, but not the rest of the crazy shit. I decided the amount is negligible enough that I'm not going to worry about it.
Tonight I got home later than expected and we were starving. Declared that we'd be having beef on a Leaf. Basically spiced ground beef and onion over big salads. It's amazing how good something simple tastes when starving. Glad I didn't break and grab Chipotle on the way home.
Post by: 1967mama on November 14, 2015, 11:41:12 PM
Day 6 completed in my Whole60 .. 24 days to go! Tonight I put on the fancy dress that I want to wear to a Christmas gala in a few weeks and I could get the zippers done up, which I couldn't do 2 weeks ago. I'm hopeful that by the end of my Whole60, it will fit well.
In other fashion news, a cute sundress I bought in about 2009 has been way too tight on me practically since the week I bought it. I put it on tonite, and it was TOO BIG FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!!! This Whole30 business continues to astound me! I was killing myself laughing and shaking my head. I actually couldn't believe it. I feel like I'm living in my own reality tv show. It seems completely surreal to me.
Have a great day everyone!
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 15, 2015, 01:08:56 AM
On the horse radish, in NZ you can buy plain ground horseradish to make your own sauce -boy it's fiery stuff. Have only seen the root in an organic store once. Grew my own one year but then heard it was invasive so I ripped it out quick. Have a great day. Ks
Post by: Faraday on November 15, 2015, 10:38:11 AM
Tonight I got home later than expected and we were starving. Declared that we'd be having beef on a Leaf. Basically spiced ground beef and onion over big salads. It's amazing how good something simple tastes when starving. Glad I didn't break and grab Chipotle on the way home.
The point where you'd RATHER eat what you have at home...means you have ARRIVED! What's so awesome is how it perfectly dovetails with MMM/frugalism. I'm certain you ate far better for way less than the meal at Chipotle would have cost.
This is why the temptation to "cheat" fades over time. You realize deeper satisfaction from the right foods. I use OREOs as an example, but I honestly don't want them at all the way I used to. I just use the shock and anger to drive me forward. :-)
Day 6 completed in my Whole60 .. 24 days to go! Tonight I put on the fancy dress that I want to wear to a Christmas gala in a few weeks and I could get the zippers done up, which I couldn't do 2 weeks ago. I'm hopeful that by the end of my Whole60, it will fit well.
In other fashion news, a cute sundress I bought in about 2009 has been way too tight on me practically since the week I bought it. I put it on tonite, and it was TOO BIG FOR ME!!!!!!!!!!!! This Whole30 business continues to astound me! I was killing myself laughing and shaking my head. I actually couldn't believe it. I feel like I'm living in my own reality tv show. It seems completely surreal to me.
Ditto when I got into smaller pants - it was this sudden thing that I found almost shocking. Shirt sizes are in smaller increments: I dropped out of 2XL shirts pretty quickly. Now I wear older size "L" shirts (that have shrunken in the wash) or newish "M".
I gotta ask: don't clothes feel completely DIFFERENT on your body now? I think when they size up clothes for chunky folks, the clothing industry does a really bad job of that.
Not only do the clothes fit better in all kinds of places, even the fabrics feel different. It's like the fat was blocking nerve endings. (or all the crap food was diminishing the function of my nervous system).
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 15, 2015, 10:45:40 AM
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 15, 2015, 11:06:31 AM
Post by: Faraday on November 15, 2015, 11:22:02 AM
Right, Monday morning and I'm starting Day 1 of my next whole30. Two days was enough to tell me I don't want to go back to my old ways. Yes, I will eat whatever I want on Christmas day but I won't go back to the old habits of eating fruit mince pies the day they arrive in the shops, which I think was about 1nov this year! I need every ounce of energy at this time of the year and the old diet simply doesn't deliver on that front. Have a great day everyone (as I tuck into my 3 egg omelette with smokedsalmon, cherry tomatoes and basil - deprivation is what my sister called it!)
KS, you make me want to ask you: "What does it mean to eat whatever you want on Christmas Day"?
Now, I'm not challenging you or trying to shame you. I want to do is talk about what "being good" vs. "cheating" really means. Because we're all different people after we do this, after we reach these vital, life-changing milestones.
Because if you stick to Whole30, by the time Christmas rolls around, you will be a physically different person from who you are today. Quite literally. What you think and feel about cheating SHOULD be different than what you think and feel about it then.
Before I ever thought to hack my diet, I shoveled whatever I wanted to into my mouth. Horrible stuff from all the fast food chains. "Cheating" was not one item. "Cheating" was as much as a day or two binge on horrible, shitty food with absolutely zero nutritional value and totally negative nutritional values.
Then I'd sufffer for a few days. Reflux, sore teeth from the reflux, swollen sinuses and sinus infections, headaches, digestive pain, constipation, inflammation and swelling, that "over all pain" you get with too much sodium. Not able to sleep. Not able to get up. On and on. This would happen, I'd then go to the doctor to get something for my sinus infections and eventually I got Nexium for the reflux. Doctors threw up their hands on the constipation and just called it "IBS". (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
That cycle is what cheating used to look like for me.
Now, "cheating" is 1/2 of a (small) slice of pie, 1/2 a pint of a nice Oatmeal Stout or splitting an individual serving cake square from the store. It happens once per event, usually a birthday. DW and I have already planned our "cheat" for thanksgiving: 1/2 a cup each of Oyster Dressing, which is about 80% bread and 20% actual good stuff. I'll probably add a 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce.
And that 1/2 of a normal serving of something sweet or mildly bad for me is really all I need - totally "does it" for me. I feel a quick, short, cautionary twinge of guilt. I go on a bike ride to burn the carbs and sugars. I plan my next meal and the next one after that. And I listen, very carefully, to my body to see what happens. Usually, there's no bad aftereffects, but sometimes there are.
And the "cheat event" propels me forward, making me more resistant to the bad foods and more happy with what I choose to eat. Usually, I'll go to my fave websites, find a new recipe for something that looks good and try it. Then I find ever-more satisifaction with what I'm doing and I push ahead.
So: My question to you is - what will your "Christmas Day Cheat" look like, and what do you plan to do to EARN IT AND BURN IT?!?!?
Post by: Faraday on November 15, 2015, 11:28:56 AM
On that note I am starting to see how subversive chosing a radically different diet is. My first 30 was written off as a fad diet but I think people are starting to feel threatened now. Like 'what is wrong with my brown rice, quinoa and maple syrup instead of sugar?' I think I'm going to have to stick with 'my body prefers it when I eat this way. ' I don't want arguments and debates. I'm just going to be an example of a different way of living and let the results speak for themselves.
PREACH IT SISTER!
I got all manner of shit, and I'm a dude.
This year's holiday crap has already started ebbing-and-flowing at work. There's a "Cookie Party" planned for one day this month. I'm marking that day as OOTO (Out Of The Office). I'll either work from home or schedule a vacation day.
The simple fact is that if people want to come at me with that shit, they learn real fast that it makes them absolutely, completely disposable. Then they back off and figure out that this shit is for reals.
Seriously: You gotta throw the question back at them, that we are answering for ourselves: Why the hell are you killing yourself with that shit? Why do you think it's your job to push it at me? What's wrong with you that you are so obsessed with this stuff that is NOT FOOD?!?
I got to the point where I'd rattle off a few health problems and ask them if they were having the same health problems. When you focus on the health problems rather than weight, it brings a far more serious note to the discussion. They need to understand that they are behaving like a pusher, in a very literal sense they are a threat to health. That makes them disposable.
And by the way: we've had three fellow employees die in the last calendar year. All three young men. One by cancer, one by stroke, one by heart attack. The one who died from the stroke passed away in the parking lot at work. He walked to his car, sat down and stroked out. His co-workers watched the EMS load him onto the gurney and cover him with a sheet.
With that kind of ammo, I'm usually unstoppable when it comes to getting people to back off. Heh heh.
Usually, I can get sort-of a halfhearted confession out of the person, a kind of comment about "well, I guess I should be eating healthier". I keep hammering on the bad health effects, enough so that they will be looking for them when they happen. And they WILL happen. No one is immune!
Sometimes, they even mutter resolutions to themselves about improving their own diet. I harumph and express doubt. Real or not, I don't turn into their "counselor". I don't want to mentor losers. I'll push them out of the lifeboat before I'll allow it to sink under their lack of commitment.
I'm deadly, dangerously serious about what I eat. NOTHING is worth riding the lifestyle disease train to hell.
Post by: Faraday on November 15, 2015, 11:47:01 AM
First: let's set the context: I am employed in the "high tech" industry. I work in a cube in close proximity to all my co-workers. There is no privacy.
I am married, been married for almost 30 years. I have three framed photos of my wife with my kids in my cube. (And BTW: IMHO, my wife is awesomely beautiful and smart. I constantly tell her how lucky I feel and with a smile, I ask her "if she's still tricked into staying married to me"....)
I don't flirt at work. I don't even like spending time after work with my co-workers, although I will when the occasion demands it.
So....two years ago this March, I started the Keto lifestyle. I'd been on it for about 10 months. Results were visible and dramatic. I was extremely happy with myself, and going through the phase where people started noticing and commenting, and frankly, some female employees' demeanor toward me had changed quite a bit, for the positive. That's nice, but I really don't care. I am there to do a job and that's all.
One young lady, a co-worker of mine who's always wanted me to go to bed with her, took it upon herself to start trying to control what I eat in an effort to put the pounds back on me. (She has NO INTENTION of turning loose of the junk food.)
She started baking cookies, cakes and brownies and bringing them to work, to meetings, to the break room, etc. I wasn't going for any of it.
When that didn't work, she created the idea of a "Chili Cook-Off" with me as a judge, guaranteeing I'd have to eat large amounts of a large number of different chili recipes. (including ones carb-laden with fillers or beans or other sweet vegetables. Definitely not keto)
The Chili Cook-Off started to "grow legs". I was afraid this time something might happen. In staff meetings, she made it sound as if I'd "volunteered"
(Remember, this is someone I barely say "hello" to in the morning....)
At that point I walked into her cube, closed the sliding door (we have these little sliding doors) and started channeling my inner redneck + my inner psychiatrist. I'm a big boy, so when I go into that mode, it gets pretty intimidating.
I pointed out that I would not be involved in any Chili cook-off and that she needs to back off and quit worrying about what I eat. I preached her a sermon about conquering the demons that live within us. I talked about how truly unhappy and empty we are living on junk food.
I laid the fire and brimstone on her.
I told her she'd reached the point where I knew I could not trust her, and that I needed her to leave me alone and try to build that trust back up. I told her let's go on probationary time and see how she does.
Then I followed through: I didn't speak to her for weeks and weeks. Not snippy, just didn't make time, where before I had to work to make the time, I just ignored her presence. (Honestly, it worked wonders for my productivity and I'm happier to this day for it....)
It damn nearly killed her and today she might make a snide comment about something else, but she damn well doesn't touch the subject of FOOD any more. I can handle the other stuff - because I really don't give a shit.
So ladies: you get shit from someone, you gotta BRING THE PAIN. Remember, there are AMPLE ways for you to turn it back on them, because in the end, no one escapes the curse of junk food!!!
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 15, 2015, 04:11:00 PM
Post by: Faraday on November 15, 2015, 07:23:41 PM
That is really heavy shit, Faraday. No wonder you are staunch to the cause.
True, true. It could be TMI, but I thought a good story might explain me a little bit better. I feel sometimes like I need to be that much more energetic here, to give all ya'all more energy and resolve OUT THERE WHERE THE CRAZIES ARE.
Quote
Glad to be swimming against that tide.
That's an excellent observation, that sizes are getting bigger. Plus, when I was bigger, I was forever seeing those larger sizes unavailable - being bought out because so many people are that big now.
Honestly, I am completely amazed that everyone on earth isn't the size of a damn house, as strongly as bad food is marketed to us. We live saturated by the bad food gospel.
Post by: Faraday on November 15, 2015, 07:32:13 PM
https://www.yahoo.com/health/orthorexia-the-accidental-eating-disorder-175516694.html
Some things to be aware of in this article:
1) Whole30, Keto, Paleo, Atkins, any of the low-carb plans don't want you to shrink your food choices down to a dozen or less. That's not the point of these lifestyles - you all well know, it's figuring out what makes you sick and getting it out of your food chain. I haven't seen any signs of "orthorexia" in this thread at all.
2) "Orthorexia" is not in the DSM. That means right now it's really only a made-up term by the media, open to definition by whoever is writing the article. That's a very important point, since not being in the DSM means it's NOT been researched and defined by scientists doing pure science.
3) Ancel Keys, quoted in the article for the "Minnesota Starvation Experiment" is widely disputed by those in the Keto/Paleo lifestyles because it was his "Seven Countries Study" that laid the foundation for the Food Pyramid pushed by the US Government with the help of lobbyists from the food industry - places like General Mills, Archer-Daniels-Midland, Post, etc.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancel_Keys
Five servings of bread a day, my ass.
Quoting:
"After observing in southern Italy the highest concentration of centenarians in the world, Keys hypothesized that a Mediterranean-style diet low in animal fat protected against heart disease and that a diet high in animal fats led to heart disease. The results of what later became known as the Seven Countries Study appeared to show that serum cholesterol was strongly related to coronary heart disease mortality both at the population and at the individual level.[29][30] As a result, in 1956 representatives of the American Heart Association appeared on television to inform people that a diet which included large amounts of butter, lard, eggs, and beef would lead to coronary heart disease. This resulted in the American government recommending that people adopt a low-fat diet in order to prevent heart disease."
I am totally betting my life AGAINST this statement. So far, my own personal medical data is supporting my bet. Now: I don't "live on meat and butter". I eat a ton of eggs, beef, butter, pork, chicken and seafood. I also eat a ton of salads, celery, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, squash (butternut - delish!), artichokes, berries (when i can get them) and the (very) occasional apple, orange or canteloupe. I strive for about 50% fats, 40% proteins and 10% carbs. I don't always make those numbers but that's generally what I'm shooting for.
So, be careful. You might find someone reading this pablum and thinking the term applies to you, when you're really only fighting the FIVE FUCKING OREO DISPLAYS in the high traffic areas at Walmart, the cheap-ass hard cookies in the break room at work and the snack machine loaded with crap.
Post by: Sailor Sam on November 15, 2015, 07:47:52 PM
Right, Monday morning and I'm starting Day 1 of my next whole30.
Hi KS, may I join you? I'm struggling, and I think having a buddy could be very helpful. Even 17 time zones away.
Which brings us to my random factoid regarding time zones. I work on a ship, and enjoy celestial navigation. Converting between time zones is second nature at this point. Thought I could teach my mom same; thought wrong; failed so hard; mom eternally confused, thinks Australia & New Zealand might actually exist in the future; laughed at mom; mom still quick enough to catch me; bum still sore. Pride, and it's battle with gravity.
Post by: Faraday on November 15, 2015, 07:56:50 PM
But hey, I get what you mean. I have those here in the forums I occasionally gab with directly and it's truly helpful!
Right, Monday morning and I'm starting Day 1 of my next whole30.
Hi KS, may I join you? I'm struggling, and I think having a buddy could be very helpful. Even 17 time zones away.
Which brings us to my random factoid regarding time zones. I work on a ship, and enjoy celestial navigation. Converting between time zones is second nature at this point. Thought I could teach my mom same; thought wrong; failed so hard; mom eternally confused, thinks Australia & New Zealand might actually exist in the future; laughed at mom; mom still quick enough to catch me; bum still sore. Pride, and it's battle with gravity.
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 15, 2015, 08:33:59 PM
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 15, 2015, 08:48:01 PM
Post by: Sailor Sam on November 15, 2015, 09:54:26 PM
Even happily-er, I'm currently rocking a land assignment. I've got my own apartment, with my own kitchen. My struggles are purely psychological. My previous 30 days ended just in time for Halloween. I indulged, and now I'm having a seriously hard time getting back into a healthy groove. Nothing too mysterious, just me shooting myself in the foot.
Faraday, my dudebro. Thanks, that was kind of you. I almost felt an emotion.
*See what I did there?
$Phew, I'm on a roll!
Post by: Faraday on November 15, 2015, 10:24:51 PM
Even happily-er, I'm currently rocking a land assignment. I've got my own apartment, with my own kitchen. My struggles are purely psychological. My previous 30 days ended just in time for Halloween. I indulged, and now I'm having a seriously hard time getting back into a healthy groove. Nothing too mysterious, just me shooting myself in the foot.Hey SS: did you catch my manifesto earlier in this thread, on "The Season of Insanity"? Your Halloween indulgence wasn't accident, you were set up man, you were SET UP!
Faraday, my dudebro. Thanks, that was kind of you. I almost felt an emotion.
http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/whole-30-starting-sept-8th-want-to-join-us/msg837739/#msg837739
"They" will try to do it again for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. But New Year's, they will blame YOU for it and lay the guilt on in the form of a "New Year's Resolution". "They" expect you to work your ass off trying to keep a resolution they've pre-determined you will fail at. And about the time you give up, sometime around Valentine's Day, they'll throw the 2.5 lbs of fine chocolates at you in a heart shaped box. And just in case you did actually work out after New Year's, they'll try one more time at Easter.
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 15, 2015, 11:55:46 PM
Post by: 1967mama on November 16, 2015, 02:05:22 AM
Day 7 here and I went shopping at a lovely consignment boutique today. I took 4 items into the fitting room with me and all 4 fit (said me, never!). I got a tunic, a dress and a nice top. All 3 were flattering and in regular sizes at a regular clothing store. My plus sized days are behind me forever. In January I will be 49 -- ack -- but I feel like I'm kind of getting my crap together before I turn 50. It would have been super depressing to be 70+ lbs overweight on my 50th birthday;.
Also today, my 12 y.o. son asked if he could go for a walk around the block and so I asked if I could join him. Before I left I was a little hungry so I had a handful of almonds and a carrot. Its a big country block and takes around 20 minutes. Was lovely and sunny and the cool crisp air did me good. Who is this person?! This is so not me!
My daughter who is doing the Whole30 with me had a birthday today and I made a cake made out of fruit! (https://www.google.ca/search?q=cake+made+of+fruit&espv=2&biw=1253&bih=661&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CBsQsARqFQoTCJvwhdXHlMkCFYdjJgodAtEFAQ) It was super cute and much appreciated by my sweet daughter. She is doing great on the program but is doing whole30'ish where she is on and off the program due to life circumstances (mostly on).
Kiwi - I love what you said here:
I actually relish the challenge of doing whole30 through the season of insanity to boost my aura of invincibility. 40 days ago saying no to treats offered to me would have been unthinkable.I have the same feeling as you and feel like I can accomplish anything! And I was beyond a sweet tooth too -- my kids are all marvelling that I'm eating like dad now. Doh! How did I go on so long the other way? I feel like a million bucks!
Faraday - Thanks for posting on how you deal with haters/doubters/criticizers. I have one friend who I haven't seen or talked to in 5 weeks. She has some pretty strong opinions on dieting, why its wrong, how you are ruining your metabolism, don't deprive yourself etc. I have been tossing around what I'm might to say. I'm not sure if she realizes that me being 70 pounds overweight is not healthy and has me off the charts for risk of many dire conditions. She is my age and size too. I'm not looking forward to seeing her:-( I know I will get an earful.
Post by: horsepoor on November 16, 2015, 06:33:10 AM
67 - that is a tough one. Maybe if you frame it not as a weight-loss diet, but a permanent change in eating habits and retooling your taste buds and your relationship with food to find out what makes you feel best? Diets are really unfortunate because they've been associated with deprivation and misery, and rightly so, when they involve black coffee and grapefruit and counting calories.
I think the tiger's blood hit me yesterday. Tuesday through Friday I was sleeping on the couch with my dog because he had surgery and couldn't make it up and down the stairs and needed help to go out to potty (our house has stairs everywhere). I probably made it through those days much better than I would have if I hadn't been doing W30, but I was still getting worn down. Saturday night I was able to sleep in my own bed and to my surprise, I woke up easily after a nice 8 hours, got up and attacked the kitchen - spent most of the day cleaning, organizing and decluttering, made dinner, went to the gym for an awesome workout, came home and cleaned some more. This morning - ~6 hours of sleep and boom - wide awake at 5 am.
My husband is staying away from basically chips, sweets and alcohol, but still partaking in dairy, grains and other crap like commercial salad dressing, and he was struggling quite a bit with wanting some beer this weekend, and his energy levels aren't up like mine, which I think is interesting. I won't lie and say a glass of wine didn't sound nice, but I wasn't as preoccupied with it has he was Saturday night.
Oh yeah - I made some white rice last night to go with our beef heart ragu. I've been thinking of including it in this W30 since before I started. When I did this in January I got a nasty cold towards the end and found myself at a Chipotle and my body just screaming for some rice and felt so much better after having it. Since I'm not looking to lose much weight, I'm OK with the carbs, and it fits well with what the Perfect Health Diet authors found with tweaking paleo to work for them. Anyway, we won't be eating tons of it, but thought I'd throw in that data point. Also weighed in yesterday morning since I didn't want to weight in post-race and birthday dinner extravaganza the previous weekend. 167.2 - so basically not loss yet, but I feel like I was eating a lot last week and not exercising, so not surprising. 164 would be nice to see three weeks from now, but my clothes are fitting well so I'm happy.
Hope everyone has a great week!
Post by: Liz on November 16, 2015, 08:20:03 AM
Post by: Faraday on November 16, 2015, 09:39:14 AM
Great information Faraday -- thank you for sharing. So many people now are vegan, gluten-free, paleo, or dairy-free nowadays. There's no right or wrong answer for everyone, people have to "ride their own bike" as they say on Whole30 and find what works for them. I think when people belittle your food choices, they have some underlying issues themselves.
Thanks Liz, much appreciated.
I think eating disorders are serious business - I've encountered someone with Anorexia Nervosa before and it scares the hell out of me. But food is a personal journey, something that lives inside our minds and bodies and we must find our own path. It is up to us here in this thread to call out the shams and hucksters who are trying to steal that control from us.
Post by: Faraday on November 16, 2015, 09:42:54 AM
Faraday - Thanks for posting on how you deal with haters/doubters/criticizers. I have one friend who I haven't seen or talked to in 5 weeks. She has some pretty strong opinions on dieting, why its wrong, how you are ruining your metabolism, don't deprive yourself etc. I have been tossing around what I'm might to say. I'm not sure if she realizes that me being 70 pounds overweight is not healthy and has me off the charts for risk of many dire conditions. She is my age and size too. I'm not looking forward to seeing her:-( I know I will get an earful.
Oh sis, you don't have to be at your ultimate goal to blow someone's mind. You are gonna rock her world when she sees you next. No matter what she says, just remember that.
One question: Are you able to get some bloodwork done at your personal physician? Some good, solid physical evidence of improved numbers never hurts to have handy.
I had mine done just to make sure I was on the right track and just getting the data ever-more-firmly cemented my conviction.
Post by: swick on November 16, 2015, 10:10:42 AM
Looks like everyone had a busy weekend with a lot of revelations! Went on a "girls weekend" with my mom and sister to the good ol' USA. Was quite enlightening! Did pretty good! Had a glass of wine, (meh could take it or leave it) didn't feel any desire to finish it so didn't. Had a Creme Brule (AKA Burnt cream in America) for dessert. Had a couple of bites and really enjoyed it, but felt no need to finish it. Kept gluten/wheat free which was the big one for me.
Shopping is sure easier when you can automatically ignore everything that isn't compliant! Went to Trader Joe's for the frist time. Sis and mom rave about it. I found it to be a grocery store with a few neat things but full of "pseudo health food" that at the end of the day isn't much better for you. Did get some good quality cheap seafood, nuts and nitrate free bacon (almost impossible to find in Canada) so that was awesome. I saw so many people that just made me sad though. Can't imagine the quality of life that these people experience due to their dietary choices.
Oh, Hubs is on his smallest belt hole now! He had a fantastic productive weekend without me and even went for Chinese food buffet with his family (their tradition) He had one plate, and while he had some wheat and sugar and soy (and lord knows what else) he said he limited his portions (despite pressure to go get more) and said he felt really great! I know I'm more sensitive in every way (we joke I'm the canary in the coal mine) but it was great for him to be able to show the self-restraint and to navigate his family :)
Starting my next whole 30 with my mom today! So excited to have the company SailorSam and KiwiSonya!
I do think I will be doing a slightly modified Keto version, and will allow myself some grass fed butter and occasional bit of cheese and trying to keep in keto and really being consious of and limiting the higher carb fruits and veg.
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 16, 2015, 11:14:48 AM
There's a big celebration this morning for a family leaving at my Playcentre. For the first time I baked something I have no intention of eating (sausage rolls) and I don't even feel tempted. There will be all kinds of sugary junk but I will still be full of bacon, eggs and spinach. Will treat myself by getting rid of a ton of too big clothes today. Ha ha, listen to me...
Post by: mom22boys on November 16, 2015, 11:46:49 AM
If you are eating rice, you are not doing the Whole30. If you are eating butter, you are not doing the Whole30. If you are weighing yourself before the 30 days is up, you are not doing the Whole30. If you are eating trace sugar (like me :-)), you are not doing the Whole30. Why am I saying this? Because those are the rules, and the rules are the rules. I don't want lurkers (which WHY are you lurking? Join the party!) on this thread to think those things are ok on the Whole30, because the rules say they are not. (Remember I didn't write the rules....just the messenger.)
What you CAN say is that you did the Whole30 and you're now in the reintro phase. Or you can say that you're doing Keto instead (shout out to Faraday), which is a close cousin or even sibling to the Whole30. Heck, this group has open arms for most diet hackers. And I don't use the word 'diet' as in a temporary thing....I mean it as our way of life. But....YOU ARE NOT DOING THE WHOLE30 unless you are following the rules.
Ok, I'm off my soap box, and Melissa has left my body.
1967mama - I DO think you are perfectly fine to continue with your Whole60, even with the small sugar slip up because it wasn't intended and you immediately corrected. I actually had the same thing for my first time around, and after reading the official Whole30 blog, I was happy to continue on my journey.
Post by: Sailor Sam on November 16, 2015, 12:15:45 PM
Hey SS: did you catch my manifesto earlier in this thread, on "The Season of Insanity"? Your Halloween indulgence wasn't accident, you were set up man, you were SET UP!
http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/whole-30-starting-sept-8th-want-to-join-us/msg837739/#msg837739
"They" will try to do it again for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. But New Year's, they will blame YOU for it and lay the guilt on in the form of a "New Year's Resolution". "They" expect you to work your ass off trying to keep a resolution they've pre-determined you will fail at. And about the time you give up, sometime around Valentine's Day, they'll throw the 2.5 lbs of fine chocolates at you in a heart shaped box. And just in case you did actually work out after New Year's, they'll try one more time at Easter.
I sure did read you manifesto. You're not wrong. Lots of research goes into making processed food highly desirable, and lots of marketing goes into getting us to buy junk. For me, just thinking of mac & cheese makes me crave that blue box. Despite the fact that eating dairy makes me puke. That's some strong conditioning!
Post by: swick on November 16, 2015, 12:20:29 PM
Your warning are correct for those just getting started and those who are lurking. The whole idea of "Whole 30" is that it is a temporary plan to help you figure out what is the best way of eating for you. it IS NOT meant to be a long-term "diet"
Naturally, as people get to the end of their 30 days and the re-intro phase - people are going to figure out a way that works for them while still staying in the "spirit" of and with the lessons learned from whole 30 and figuring out what that means to them going forward.
In my opinion, the only place the whole 30 really isn't helpful is the area of re-intro and what it means "after the fact" the fact that so many of us have struggled with it and feel a little lost and trying to figure out what that means for the rest of our lives highlights the fact that this is information that is needed
We could split off into a bunch of different threads, but I think it is important to note that there are many different options and ways of cultivating health after the whole 30 is done, and that part of the journey is as important as the initial 30 days.
So, I totally get where you are coming from, and the reminder is important, especially for those who are new to the whole 30 - or if you are breaking the rules because you are lazy/lack the motivation/whatever
....but I'm going to go with the philosophy that guides my life...If you have a clear understanding of the rules, you can bend, adjust, modify them if you do so consciously, with purpose and for your highest good. I'm still going to call it "whole 30" because it works for me, and I will be very careful to note any personal deviations that are not strict whole 30 compliant.
Post by: mom22boys on November 16, 2015, 12:34:20 PM
Interesting observations, mom22 boys!
Your warning are correct for those just getting started and those who are lurking. The whole idea of "Whole 30" is that it is a temporary plan to help you figure out what is the best way of eating for you. it IS NOT meant to be a long-term "diet"
Naturally, as people get to the end of their 30 days and the re-intro phase - people are going to figure out a way that works for them while still staying in the "spirit" of and with the lessons learned from whole 30 and figuring out what that means to them going forward.
In my opinion, the only place the whole 30 really isn't helpful is the area of re-intro and what it means "after the fact" the fact that so many of us have struggled with it and feel a little lost and trying to figure out what that means for the rest of our lives highlights the fact that this is information that is nee
We could split off into a bunch of different threads, but I think it is important to note that there are many different options and ways of cultivating health after the whole 30 is done, and that part of the journey is as important as the initial 30 days.
So, I totally get where you are coming from, and the reminder is important, especially for those who are new to the whole 30 - or if you are breaking the rules because you are lazy/lack the motivation/whatever
....but I'm going to go with the philosophy that guides my life...If you have a clear understanding of the rules, you can bend, adjust, modify them if you do so consciously, with purpose and for your highest good. I'm still going to call it "whole 30" because it works for me, and I will be very careful to note any personal deviations that are not strict whole 30 compliant.
Agree with EVERYTHING you wrote! I was definitely not proposing a separate thread. The reintro is part of the process, and I agree that the reintro has been way harder than actually DOING the Whole30. We need to support everyone in that, and then make changes to what works for us individually. My point was when we're actually IN the Whole30, let's stick to the rules. If you're doing a hack of the Whole30, make sure it's called out, just like you said....because it works for YOU! :-) If you're doing reintro, then call that out too.
Post by: Faraday on November 16, 2015, 01:09:22 PM
Ok boys and girls, I'm going to channel my Melissa Hartwig inner self with this post. I'm going to first say that this is NOT meant to be personal or NOT meant to say that you shouldn't be on this thread....OK? :-)
If you are eating rice, you are not doing the Whole30. If you are eating butter, you are not doing the Whole30. If you are weighing yourself before the 30 days is up, you are not doing the Whole30. If you are eating trace sugar (like me :-)), you are not doing the Whole30. Why am I saying this? Because those are the rules, and the rules are the rules. I don't want lurkers (which WHY are you lurking? Join the party!) on this thread to think those things are ok on the Whole30, because the rules say they are not. (Remember I didn't write the rules....just the messenger.)
What you CAN say is that you did the Whole30 and you're now in the reintro phase. Or you can say that you're doing Keto instead (shout out to Faraday), which is a close cousin or even sibling to the Whole30. Heck, this group has open arms for most diet hackers. And I don't use the word 'diet' as in a temporary thing....I mean it as our way of life. But....YOU ARE NOT DOING THE WHOLE30 unless you are following the rules.
Ok, I'm off my soap box, and Melissa has left my body.
1967mama - I DO think you are perfectly fine to continue with your Whole60, even with the small sugar slip up because it wasn't intended and you immediately corrected. I actually had the same thing for my first time around, and after reading the official Whole30 blog, I was happy to continue on my journey.
Oh, I read this and swooned. :-) :-) :-)
The parallels to learning and living the MMM lifestyle are numerous and significant. We don't come here to the MMM forums to save for a little while then go back to being consumer suckkas. We change our lives and we live a new lifestyle. Same for hacking the diet, be it Whole30, Paleo, Keto, whatever.
DIET is a four letter word. I usually say "Keto Lifestyle", and if the person gets a really odd look on their face, I explain that it's the food I eat and the way I live, normally people call this a diet but I don't.
This is the core belief we all have in common, and it's why I love all ya'all and this thread so much. The commitment to finding the truth and letting it change you.
Once you have experienced success, change and life improvements, it puts "cheating" in a whole different perspective and not really one we prefer.
Post by: horsepoor on November 16, 2015, 01:59:12 PM
Interesting observations, mom22 boys!
Your warning are correct for those just getting started and those who are lurking. The whole idea of "Whole 30" is that it is a temporary plan to help you figure out what is the best way of eating for you. it IS NOT meant to be a long-term "diet"
Naturally, as people get to the end of their 30 days and the re-intro phase - people are going to figure out a way that works for them while still staying in the "spirit" of and with the lessons learned from whole 30 and figuring out what that means to them going forward.
In my opinion, the only place the whole 30 really isn't helpful is the area of re-intro and what it means "after the fact" the fact that so many of us have struggled with it and feel a little lost and trying to figure out what that means for the rest of our lives highlights the fact that this is information that is nee
We could split off into a bunch of different threads, but I think it is important to note that there are many different options and ways of cultivating health after the whole 30 is done, and that part of the journey is as important as the initial 30 days.
So, I totally get where you are coming from, and the reminder is important, especially for those who are new to the whole 30 - or if you are breaking the rules because you are lazy/lack the motivation/whatever
....but I'm going to go with the philosophy that guides my life...If you have a clear understanding of the rules, you can bend, adjust, modify them if you do so consciously, with purpose and for your highest good. I'm still going to call it "whole 30" because it works for me, and I will be very careful to note any personal deviations that are not strict whole 30 compliant.
Well said, and point taken about not confusing any lurkers. I hope I made my point clear about why I am eating rice. I don't have much weight to lose and feel like my metabolism is on track. It was also a conscious debate in my mind in the weeks before starting, and based on what I've read, plus previous experience.
The rules are useful, but in some senses they are also arbitrary. I was reading directly from their website this morning, and commercial kombucha with added fruit juice is A-OK with them, but some vanilla extract is not. They seem to not be concerned that the commercial kombucha can have up to .5% alcohol, and is probably being consumed by the pint, vs. using a teaspoon of vanilla in a recipe that probably makes a few servings, not to mention the fruit juice added after fermentation. I would also rather incidentally ingest less than a gram of added sugar in some horseradish once or twice during the month vs. going out to eat and having unknown things added to my food (let's face it, who knows what might be in grilled chicken on that restaurant salad, or in those reconstituted hotel breakfast eggs). Obviously everyone has to figure out where to draw their line, and while I don't see a problem with the horseradish, it can be a slippery slope down to slathering everything in BBQ sauce if you're not reading labels carefully. My purpose with this W30 was mainly to get myself back on track after a few months of being very busy, traveling a lot and getting sloppy with my diet. I wanted to see if my allergies and congestion would clear up, and so dairy, wheat and alcohol have been my three main suspects on that front. I've also been strict with staying away from soy and all other legumes even though I know that black beans and lentils seem to agree with me. As far as the rice, I haven't read anything negative about white rice other than the total carb content and glycemic index. W30 used to forbid white potatoes and now they've flexed on that. I suspect that they would also flex on white rice as well if they weren't in the dreaded "grains" category.
I don't mean for any of this to sound defensive, I just wanted to lay out my thought process more clearly. I think it's worthwhile that you reiterated that W30 does have strict rules, but on the other hand, they do basically say - these are the rules, but do what you want. Of course, they've also developed a vegetarian W30 shopping list that includes lentils, beans and fermented soy, and I think that could be a useful reference for people wanting to try something similar without quite as much meat.
Post by: 1967mama on November 16, 2015, 02:24:18 PM
I'm having trouble falling asleep at night but I think it's family stress stuff .. Hubs is away on business, some of the little kids were away for the weekend, one young adult having mental health challenges. That sorta stuff keeps me awake, whole30 or not. I'm certain, though, that I would be handling things infinitely worse if I weren't eating so well. Also, the desire for exercise (even though it's just walking) seems to be a stress mitigator.
I LOVED the channelling of Melissa Hartwig! You are so right. I am definitely Whole60 here :-) On the straight and narrow. Not a bit of non-compliant food passing these lips except the tiny bit of (grrrrr) non compliant almond butter. I feel like writing to Maranatha about that!
I've asked this before, but it's slipped by: will I continue to lose weight if I add back foods in reintroduction that work well with my body? I was thinking about this for post Whole60. Thanks for any thoughts on this!
Post by: Cranberries on November 16, 2015, 02:40:30 PM
Post by: mom22boys on November 16, 2015, 04:04:24 PM
I've asked this before, but it's slipped by: will I continue to lose weight if I add back foods in reintroduction that work well with my body? I was thinking about this for post Whole60. Thanks for any thoughts on this!
I think it depends on what you reintroduce, and what you mean by 'work well with my body'. :-) My experience has been yes, but WAYYYYYYY slower. I think the only thing I reintroduced the first four weeks was trace sugar, and that preservative in Costco chicken. After that month, my weight lose was only about 4 lbs.
At the beginning of November I added back rice, and I had no problems but I did feel slightly bloated. Not bad enough to give it up completely. I then cut it back out for the last two weeks, and have been back to only adding back trace sugar. I weighted this morning and I'm down 3 lbs in those two weeks. Also, I've been working out more too, so I'm sure I'm also gaining muscle.
At the end of the day....it's still just a number and I'm more focused on how I look and feel.
Post by: Sailor Sam on November 16, 2015, 08:11:25 PM
I wasn't hungry for breakfast, which is unsurprising considering how badly I've been over consuming calories. Brought tea to work, instead of buying coffee at the mess. Didn't want the hassle, or the temptation.
Had a nice salad with bacon dressing for lunch.
Super sleepy because of no coffee.
PT'd with an underling after lunch. It's cold and windy in Seattle today, and I didn't bring enough clothes to be exercising outside. I hated every second, and complained lustily. The underling thought it was pretty funny, and handily kicked my ass on all exercises. Ever had your ass handed to you by a relentlessly cheerful and blond woman? It's weird, because you want it to stop, but you want it to go on.
Had some almonds when I got home. Took a shower (still cold), put on many layers of clothes, and hid under the covers. Inevitable nap occurred. Woke up with a no-coffee headache.
Had salmon salad over greens for dinner. Made my tummy feel a little funny. Probably added too much mayonnaise. But my stomach will have to endure cooking more bacon for tomorrow's salad.
It's 64 degrees inside my dwelling, I'm cold but too stubborn to turn the heat on. My wife is off flying, so I can't call her and whine. My head hurts. Tomorrow starts a 3-day work conference with people I don't like. Everything Sucks.
Todays whine has been brought to you by the letter 'F', and the word 'everything.'
Post by: Faraday on November 16, 2015, 09:15:47 PM
... handily kicked my ass on all exercises. Ever had your ass handed to you by a relentlessly cheerful and blond woman? It's weird, because you want it to stop, but you want it to go on.
I think that about Ronda Rousey all the time. Best handball game I ever played, the short, athletic brunette kicked my ass. I still remember it fondly.
Quote
It's 64 degrees inside my dwelling, I'm cold but too stubborn to turn the heat on. My wife is off flying, so I can't call her and whine. My head hurts. Tomorrow starts a 3-day work conference with people I don't like. Everything Sucks.
Your wife flies? Not EVERYTHING sucks, buddy!
Quote
Todays whine has been brought to you by the letter 'F', and the word 'everything.'Noted. Continue your Badassity, soldier.
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 16, 2015, 09:38:26 PM
Post by: 1967mama on November 17, 2015, 12:24:15 AM
I went to Costco tonight for almond butter and spent $500:-/ I actually bought 3 almond butters after my debacle with Maranatha a few days ago. I did make a lot of healthier choices for my family for the first time. Healthier granola bars, no sugar mango juice, no sugar applesauce cups, fruit squeeze things (also no sugar) with chia & bypassed the entire chip section (unheard of!). I think my teens will moan and groan a little with junk food not entering the panty but the little kids were excited by the fruit squeeze things. Not exactly Mustachian but a step in the right direction for our health.
Hubs continues to marvel at his new healthy wife :-) which is great for my ego and boosts my Tiger Blood factor by 1000. No stopping me now!
Post by: Liz on November 17, 2015, 08:16:14 AM
mom22boys - Totally agree with your post! I call my way of eating right now "Whole30ish," but it's not Whole30 anymore. And that's okay, I did my strict 30 days, which is helping me carve out my own path and what works best for me! I know it's not all about the weight loss, but I wanted to share that between a month of Whole30 and a month of keto, I've lost about 10 pounds. I'm only 5'2, so every pound on me feels like a big difference! That's a 10 pound dumbbell I've been carrying around on me.
Post by: horsepoor on November 17, 2015, 08:38:46 AM
But you made it through day 1 Sailor Sam -- and your food choices were great! I'm 2 hours North of you and the weather sucked here today too. No exercise for me :-( I shouldn't let the weather stop me but I'm a bit of a wimp still.
I went to Costco tonight for almond butter and spent $500:-/ I actually bought 3 almond butters after my debacle with Maranatha a few days ago. I did make a lot of healthier choices for my family for the first time. Healthier granola bars, no sugar mango juice, no sugar applesauce cups, fruit squeeze things (also no sugar) with chia & bypassed the entire chip section (unheard of!). I think my teens will moan and groan a little with junk food not entering the panty but the little kids were excited by the fruit squeeze things. Not exactly Mustachian but a step in the right direction for our health.
Hubs continues to marvel at his new healthy wife :-) which is great for my ego and boosts my Tiger Blood factor by 1000. No stopping me now!
Whoah, I bet that is expensive with your crew. :) FWIW, I found when I started eating healthier that I was able to bring my costs down over time and now it seems easier to scratch make lots of things and I don't really spend much, if any more than when I was eating packaged junk. Eventually you figure out what the true staples are, and the best place to purchase them. Next step is challenging those kids to create their own treats!
+1 on coconut oil whirled into coffee. I was also doing the butter thing for a few months, but now I'm doing exclusively coconut oil and think I might stick with it after W30 because it's cheaper and I like it just as well. Maybe someday I'll grow up and drink my coffee black.
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 17, 2015, 11:01:10 AM
Post by: swick on November 17, 2015, 11:48:41 AM
swick -- Please post some of your food choices during the next ketoish/Whole30ish;) month! I bought a package of raspberries after about three weeks of strict no fruit. They taste sweet now, when before I could only taste the tanginess.
Throughout all my time on the whole 30 and following whole 30-ish I have started the morning with some coconut oil and coconut milk buzzed tea.
Breakfast yesterday was a couple of slices of turkey bacon and a whole avocado made up into guac. I wasn't that hungry so skipped lunch and had a few pistachios while I was making dinner. Dinner was a Thai coconut milk/oil curry with onions and loads of spinach served over roasted cauliflower.
This time around is going to be much harder since our weekly veggie crop is done for the year and the produce in stores right now leaves a lot to be desired. I'm very envious of those in the Southern Hemisphere! Going to be making some more soups and kimchi....yikes computer is forcing a restart...to be continued!
Post by: swick on November 17, 2015, 12:02:54 PM
My sister called last night and has decided to join my mom and I for this round! This is awesome, she usually eats really well and honey in her morning lemon water and homemade sourdough are her only vices - She is pretty confident she'll be fine and the important thing is she lives next door to my mom so can be that support/accountability.
I have two company Christmas Parties on top of all the family stuff, so it should be a good challenge for me!
How is everyone else doing? What are ya'll eating?
Post by: 1967mama on November 17, 2015, 01:40:58 PM
https://thebrendans.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/roldgold.gif
Post by: swick on November 17, 2015, 01:44:35 PM
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 17, 2015, 02:00:39 PM
Post by: swick on November 17, 2015, 02:27:40 PM
Leftover pure pork sausages and homemade tomato ragu with a million vege hidden in it for me for breakfast. So far from the cereal addict. With no fruit or serious carbs I can now taste the metal so hopefully burning some fat in ketosis today. Unfortunately I have a lot of tempting fruit in the bowl and my berry bushes have green ones on them so I won't be fruit free forever, but even a couple of fruit days a week would be an improvement. Looking forward to steak and a huge salad for lunch.
Sounds delish! I had some egg drop soup using a soup mix my mom makes with dehydrated veggies from her garden and a couple of pieces of turkey bacon for breakfast.
For dinner, I am planning on making some pork and spinach meatballs in a tomato sauce (using roasted tomatoes from my garden) over some zoodles with a pan of roasted brussel sprouts.
Post by: 1967mama on November 17, 2015, 04:24:15 PM
Quiet day inside. Quite stormy and windy/rainy here again. Lots of homes have lost power but ours is still good.
Wearing a new outfit today. I feel pretty:-)
Post by: Faraday on November 17, 2015, 06:20:59 PM
I've got a nice big whole chicken roasting in the crockpot this afternoon. Will bake up some sweet potatoes for the side and maybe a salad.
Quiet day inside. Quite stormy and windy/rainy here again. Lots of homes have lost power but ours is still good.
Wearing a new outfit today. I feel pretty:-)
Dang, talk that sexy talk '67! it don't get no better than that!
I'll raise yer chicken with pork chops, broccoli and herb tea for dinner here, while confessing I do covet your sweet potatoes.
Post by: Sailor Sam on November 17, 2015, 06:42:46 PM
Homemade full-fat chicken broth for breakfast. Hard boiled eggs, bacon crumbles, and artichoke hearts over salad greens for lunch. I'm not quite sure what dinner will be, but there's a steak defrosting on the counter. Steak and peas, maybe?
Biggest lesson so far on this round is how quickly my cravings for junk food switched off. I'm not even in ketosis, and my desire for junk is simply missing. Today I spent 9 hours in a room with muffins, cookies, AND bagels. I noticed them walking by, but I felt no pull. Very empowering feeling. I guess KS's vision of my unicorn future was right!
Post by: Orvell on November 17, 2015, 06:53:01 PM
>__>
Can I hang out? :)
Today for dinner I made two eggs cooked in coconut oil, with a nice big heap of roasted veggies that will make my tomorrow's lunch (potatoes, onions, carrots, zucchini, and brussel sprouts).
Yum!
Post by: swick on November 17, 2015, 06:59:46 PM
Sooooo I'm not doing the Whole30 plan. But I am cutting out sugar and reducing breads/rices while upping my veggie intake.
>__>
Can I hang out? :)
Welcome, Orvell! Your dinner sounds awesome!
Post by: Orvell on November 17, 2015, 07:03:22 PM
Welcome, Orvell! Your dinner sounds awesome!Thank you thank you!
And feel free to call me Oro; it's my nickname around the web. :)
Post by: Faraday on November 17, 2015, 08:08:18 PM
Welcome, Orvell! Your dinner sounds awesome!Thank you thank you!
And feel free to call me Oro; it's my nickname around the web. :)
Just as long is we don't have to add the Evil "e", Oro!
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 17, 2015, 08:13:01 PM
Post by: Orvell on November 17, 2015, 08:28:09 PM
*Snorts*Welcome, Orvell! Your dinner sounds awesome!Thank you thank you!
And feel free to call me Oro; it's my nickname around the web. :)
Just as long is we don't have to add the Evil "e", Oro!
Not to worry. I don't have a creamy center. ;)
Post by: swick on November 17, 2015, 09:41:13 PM
*Snorts*Welcome, Orvell! Your dinner sounds awesome!Thank you thank you!
And feel free to call me Oro; it's my nickname around the web. :)
Just as long is we don't have to add the Evil "e", Oro!
Not to worry. I don't have a creamy center. ;)
*Snorts*Welcome, Orvell! Your dinner sounds awesome!Thank you thank you!
And feel free to call me Oro; it's my nickname around the web. :)
Just as long is we don't have to add the Evil "e", Oro!
Not to worry. I don't have a creamy center. ;)
Must-resist-urge-to-comment! *off to wash my mind out with some soap* ;)
Post by: Faraday on November 17, 2015, 10:54:53 PM
Must-resist-urge-to-comment! *off to wash my mind out with some soap* ;)
Use "Dove" brand soap. It's very creamy.
Post by: Orvell on November 18, 2015, 07:34:38 AM
*cackles*Must-resist-urge-to-comment! *off to wash my mind out with some soap* ;)
Use "Dove" brand soap. It's very creamy.
Post by: horsepoor on November 18, 2015, 11:21:53 AM
Last night I dreamed that I was at a social function and ate a hotdog (on a bun) and drank a bunch of beer. Woke up feeling upset with myself for about 10 minutes until I realized it was a dream and I'm still on track. Anyone else have related food dreams?
Last night we had a lovely beef heel roast cooked in the Instant Pot with celery root, carrots, onions and celery. This morning was mixed (raw, unsalted) nuts, coffee with coconut oil, a couple homemade sausage patties and a banana. Didn't pack a lunch so it will be an avocado and can of herring or sardines I keep stashed in my office.
Post by: Orvell on November 18, 2015, 11:25:18 AM
Didn't pack a lunch so it will be an avocado and can of herring or sardines I keep stashed in my office.Dear god, I'm not the only one!
o__o I love kipper snacks and avocado together. I've never met anyone who agrees!
Edit: Any leads on how to get kipper snacks on the cheap? They are annoyingly pricy. :(
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 18, 2015, 11:26:08 AM
Post by: swick on November 18, 2015, 11:50:03 AM
Ok, Day 4 has dawned here for me and I survived a whole day without fruit. It wasn't lots of fun but was good for me as I need to stop using food as treats. Food is nutrition and energy and you either need it or you don't. If I can master this I will be as thin as a 'matchstick with the wood scraped off' as my old grandad would say. Avoiding the kitchen led to enormous productivity in the attic and more than a car loads worth of stuff to donate. I reject using my home as a storage unit in the way I reject using my body as a way to store suppressed emotions (as fat). I'm feeling better already. Have a great day. Ks
Way to go! KiwiSonya! That is an awesome way of looking at things, and I love how it has translated to your home and other areas of your life!
The no fruit thing has been going okay for me. I've been drinking whenever I feel the urge to snack. As winter is settling in that is a lot of hot water with lemon, herbal teas, my coconut oil tea in the morning. I've made an infusion from raspberry leaf, nettle and holy basil which I have been cutting with hot water. Figure this is a good way to get more of those nutrients that I haven't been getting due to the lack of fresh organic veggies.
Foodwise - Hubs has been getting a portion of sweet potato or regular potato a day. Haven't bought any more bananas. But - it's a PITA trying to figure out what to make that isn't eggs and isn't relying on starch for him. - especially when we have to get up so early to get him ready for work.
I now know what you guys have been talking about with the "metallic taste" from Keto. I never really noticed it super pronounced and shrugged it off before, but last night it was full on - actually to me it tastes like the aftertaste of drinking coke - Super YUCK!
HOW IS EVERYONE DOING TODAY?
Post by: horsepoor on November 18, 2015, 11:56:49 AM
Didn't pack a lunch so it will be an avocado and can of herring or sardines I keep stashed in my office.Dear god, I'm not the only one!
o__o I love kipper snacks and avocado together. I've never met anyone who agrees!
Edit: Any leads on how to get kipper snacks on the cheap? They are annoyingly pricy. :(
Unfortunately, not really. I just load up whenever I stumble upon a sale. I really prefer the Crown Prince low sodium or black pepper kippers. I was lucky enough to find a bunch of the pepper ones on clearance at Rosauer's a few months ago, and a couple times per year Natural Grocer has the low sodium ones on sale for ~$2/can. Wally World does have a better price on the regular CP kippers, but they tasted way saltier and more fishy to me, and they have 16% of daily sodium vs. 3% in the peppered ones.
Actually ended up going for a can of smoked oysters with red chile pepper that was hiding in the back of the drawer. They were really good; need to get some more of those.
ETA: Costco has a pretty good deal on canned sardines as an alternate. I think they're packed in olive oil and filleted if you're averse to crunching on tiny bones.
Post by: Orvell on November 18, 2015, 12:38:30 PM
Great intel, thank you!Didn't pack a lunch so it will be an avocado and can of herring or sardines I keep stashed in my office.Dear god, I'm not the only one!
o__o I love kipper snacks and avocado together. I've never met anyone who agrees!
Edit: Any leads on how to get kipper snacks on the cheap? They are annoyingly pricy. :(
Unfortunately, not really. I just load up whenever I stumble upon a sale. I really prefer the Crown Prince low sodium or black pepper kippers. I was lucky enough to find a bunch of the pepper ones on clearance at Rosauer's a few months ago, and a couple times per year Natural Grocer has the low sodium ones on sale for ~$2/can. Wally World does have a better price on the regular CP kippers, but they tasted way saltier and more fishy to me, and they have 16% of daily sodium vs. 3% in the peppered ones.
Actually ended up going for a can of smoked oysters with red chile pepper that was hiding in the back of the drawer. They were really good; need to get some more of those.
ETA: Costco has a pretty good deal on canned sardines as an alternate. I think they're packed in olive oil and filleted if you're averse to crunching on tiny bones.
Post by: 1967mama on November 18, 2015, 01:11:17 PM
Post by: Faraday on November 18, 2015, 02:18:11 PM
Didn't pack a lunch so it will be an avocado and can of herring or sardines I keep stashed in my office.Dear god, I'm not the only one!
o__o I love kipper snacks and avocado together. I've never met anyone who agrees!
Edit: Any leads on how to get kipper snacks on the cheap? They are annoyingly pricy. :(
Oh Or(e)o, you silly goose! :-) :-) :-)
Kippered snacks and avocado are Keto go-to foods! I have avocado with almost anything - that plus them little fishies can turn a ho-hum salad into a SALAD-O-RAMA!
I've used avocado before where I might use mayo and I have avocado with various meats all the time. it is to-die-for to have with smoked pork or turkey. I'm gonna be up to my armpits in avocados over thanksgiving with a stupid grin on my face.
Come to think of it, I've never had avocado with smoked pork ribs. Hmmm......
Post by: mom22boys on November 18, 2015, 02:40:37 PM
Feeling lousy today. Way too little sleep. Feel like a miserable grump. That is all.
Me too! Finally picked up my first cold, and feel yucky! Need. More. Sleep. I managed to get a yummy roast into the crockpot, with some potatoes. All compliant except for the trace sugar in the little bit of tomato sauce added. I can kinda smell, and I THINK it smells good. :-) We'll see what the kids say.
Welcome Oro! We look forward to hearing some good food ideas. :-)
Kiwi - I may have to join you with cutting back on the fruit. Well actually, it would only be the apples with almond butter specifically that I need to cut back on. I've found that this is my new SWYPO food. While it's not bad, I don't want to get into a bad habit and use that as a replacement for chocolate.
On a side note....my son won some doughnuts at a cake walk at school. Yesterday when I smelled it while moving it into a baggie, the sugar was overwhelming and not in a good way. I'm finally more confident that I can get over my sugar dragon.
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 18, 2015, 05:54:39 PM
Post by: 1967mama on November 18, 2015, 08:26:49 PM
Welcome Oro!
Kiwi- I'm soooo excited for
You that someone noticed your weight loss! I can't wait for that day. Last night, one gal told me I looked nice and another told me I smelled good so we are getting close! Hahah!
I went for a bike ride with my husband and kids this afternoon. First time since my 2 surgeries in 8 months. They walked , I rode. Helped lift my mood a titch. Also: tea! Day 39 of whole60.
Edit: typo
Post by: Faraday on November 18, 2015, 10:36:03 PM
(whispers....) What is that? Hear it? Listen real careful....
It's all the pumpkins in the world, quietly sobbing.
They are wishing they could taste as good as butternut squash with butter and cinnamon!
Post by: 1967mama on November 18, 2015, 11:20:15 PM
Lying in my bed now, thinking of a better day tomorrow. Boy, does poor sleep ever mess me up. I wonder if I'm feeling better (most days) because I'm sleeping better? Could lack of sleep (due to poor diet) have also been contributing to brain fog and other yucky feelings I had about myself???
My daughter is rocking her Whole30'ish plan, and starting tomorrow, she is doing a full blown Whole30. Today at work, she knew they were bringing pie in for her birthday and planned for it by starting tomorrow. One heavy gal asked if she was finally eating "what normal people eat" ... grrrr! I told her next time to say, I AM eating what normal people eat ... real food! Not boxed and chemically altered, processed food! How frustrating for her. She doesn't bend to their whims, and is quite resolute in her convictions -- totally slimming down, feeling great, etc. At last check, she'd lost 20 pounds. She probably only had 30 to lose.
I have been realllllly hungry for 2 days now. Someone commented upthread about going from full to famished in a very short amount of time .. that's been me. What gives?
Post by: Faraday on November 18, 2015, 11:39:53 PM
Faraday - I am totally making that butternut squash tomorrow to go with something I'm going to think of to make with ground beef:-)
I imagined a vision in which you quickly jumped up, (startling DH as he reads the paper) going to the freezer and putting the ground beef in the fridge to thaw.
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One heavy gal asked if she was finally eating "what normal people eat" ... grrrr!
MY quick responses for that (and I've used these before) are:
1) How would you know what normal people eat?
2) You mean bullshit manufactured food?
3) No thanks, I'll pass on the diabetes.
4) Next time I'll bring a whole pack of Oreos just for you.
I have others I won't say here that are so bad...so, so bad, that I can customize to fit the person. If you get the impression that my anger waits to spring from hiding, about food, you would be correct. After almost 2 years, no one at work dares comment on what I eat. It makes me very happy to strike fear into the hearts of food fools.
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I have been realllllly hungry for 2 days now. Someone commented upthread about going from full to famished in a very short amount of time .. that's been me. What gives?
My personal theory is that it's your body's response to winter coming on and it's what I believe food vendors take advantage of to get you to buy their crap. I'll bet you are craving hot foods, too.
My go-to's to counter this are:
1) Hydration. Make lemon water if you have to. Get fancy with the water if it makes it more palatable. Hell, Perrier if it helps.
2) The butternut squash. BTW: it's freakin' expensive. However, it damn well works to end that hunger feeling.
3) Steak (or beef of your choice) dipped in garlic butter. Are we still using only CLARIFIED butter for that?
4) THE KETO PIZZA from ruled.me, but the salami or pepperoni isn't Whole30 compliant. So modify as you see fit.
5) Almost anything from the crock pot!
The crock pot is my secret weapon for needing warm-to-hot winter comfort food. The Whole30/Keto compliant stuff you can do with it is amazing. I'm thinking someday I'd like to try a head of cabbage, sliced up, in broth, soy or worchestershire and butter done in a crock pot.
BTW: You guys do sweet potatoes. Do they help with this hunger?
EDIT: I left off my most important weapon: EGGS!!! I can scramble up three duck eggs, add a little shredded cheese, and I'm good-to-go for hours on end.
Post by: swick on November 19, 2015, 07:40:22 AM
I have been realllllly hungry for 2 days now. Someone commented upthread about going from full to famished in a very short amount of time .. that's been me. What gives?
That was hubs, we "solved" the problem by introducing more carbs. We don't want to go that route this time though - although I just checked in and it hasn't been happening this time around. I have been making sure we are starting the day with coconut oil buzzed tea which I think really helps keep everything even.
It's Hub's Friday, so thinking chicken wings would be a nice treat. We've eaten a lot of cabbage this week!
How is everyone doing?
Post by: Orvell on November 19, 2015, 09:05:17 AM
I thought ahead today, and avoided what normally would have set me salivating: free breakfast pastries.
This morning I went to a monthly networking shindig I attend on behalf of my company, and they always provide juice, mediocre fruit, and even more mediocre pastries. In the past, I stuffed my face. A major weakness of mine is free food. It's free!
But today I made a nice batch of oatmeal with a half scoop of protein powder and several generous splashes of unsweetened almond milk before I set off, and was not even tempted by what I knew from experience to be sub par baked goods (even FREE ones).
A+ to me!
I am, like 1967mama, very tired, though. :/ My lovely little kitten has recently decided 3AM is her get up time. We're working on it.
Post by: Sailor Sam on November 19, 2015, 09:10:03 AM
Faraday, I made your cabbage concoction a few days ago. One small head of red cabbage, some broth, some bullion for a meaty taste, and a tablespoon of tomato paste to encourage sweetness. It turned out very tasty. I highly recommend it.
Post by: horsepoor on November 19, 2015, 09:13:00 AM
The crock pot is my secret weapon for needing warm-to-hot winter comfort food. The Whole30/Keto compliant stuff you can do with it is amazing. I'm thinking someday I'd like to try a head of cabbage, sliced up, in broth, soy or worchestershire and butter done in a crock pot.
Brilliant! I love doing a braised red cabbage, but haven't thought to do it in the crock pot for some reason. Bacon and apple cider vinegar, maybe some fennel and coriander seeds and red chile flakes. Yum!
I also love to simply cut a head of cabbage into wedges, drape each wedge with bacon, grind some pepper, wrap in tinfoil and bake. Such and awesome, easy side dish.
Post by: swick on November 19, 2015, 09:54:30 AM
Post by: Faraday on November 19, 2015, 11:11:18 AM
That's great Oro. And welcome aboard. This is a pretty good group.
Same here Oro, welcome! This might be my most favorite thread on the forums. Everyone contributes and everyone is pretty sharp!
Quote
Faraday, I made your cabbage concoction a few days ago. One small head of red cabbage, some broth, some bullion for a meaty taste, and a tablespoon of tomato paste to encourage sweetness. It turned out very tasty. I highly recommend it.
EXCELLENT! You beat me to it SSam - I am gonna give it a try this weekend. The idea for it came from the crockpot turkey breast DW made two nights ago - it was UNBELIEVEABLE good. That's when I did the "pumpkin whimpers" posting - I was swooning over the butternut squash.
Post by: Liz on November 19, 2015, 11:27:32 AM
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 19, 2015, 11:45:34 AM
Small victories for me yesterday, beach visit without ice cream, no sweat. Followed by baking chocolate chip cookies for the school fair tand not even licking the spoon. Didn't even want it. Aroma was actually sickly sweet to my nose. Who is this person I have become? Gale force winds here today so I'm glad we took the boys to the beach yesterday. This spring has been 4 seasons in one day. But there is a competition for walking to school so that's what the kids want to do rain or shine, which is fine by me. Have a great day everyone.
Post by: mom22boys on November 19, 2015, 01:54:44 PM
Horsepoor - so need to make it with BACON on it! Oh man, that would be amazing! When you make it in the tinfoil, do you add any liquid? Bake for about 2 hours still? I supposed I could just make it in a 9x13 dish like normal.
I also made a breakfast pumpkin custard, from the Pinterest page someone posted a while back (Horsepoor again?). My first time I ate it, I thought it was so so. My boys didn't like it at all, not sweet enough! But, as I ate it over the week, I grew to like it more and more. I might have to make it for Thanksgiving. It's a good substitute for pumpkin pie.
Didn't even want it. Aroma was actually sickly sweet to my nose. Who is this person I have become?
Yes! This is exactly how I feel when I smell too much sugar! I think I like who we are becoming. :-)
Post by: horsepoor on November 19, 2015, 02:19:53 PM
Braised cabbage has been an unexpected, delicious discovery with Whole30. Someone had mentioned the recipe from NomNomPaleo, and that's what I've been making. In fact I made it on Monday for eating this whole week.
Horsepoor - so need to make it with BACON on it! Oh man, that would be amazing! When you make it in the tinfoil, do you add any liquid? Bake for about 2 hours still? I supposed I could just make it in a 9x13 dish like normal.
I also made a breakfast pumpkin custard, from the Pinterest page someone posted a while back (Horsepoor again?). My first time I ate it, I thought it was so so. My boys didn't like it at all, not sweet enough! But, as I ate it over the week, I grew to like it more and more. I might have to make it for Thanksgiving. It's a good substitute for pumpkin pie.Didn't even want it. Aroma was actually sickly sweet to my nose. Who is this person I have become?
Yes! This is exactly how I feel when I smell too much sugar! I think I like who we are becoming. :-)
Nope, no liquid. It will brown a little on the edges which is the best part (aside from the bacon of course) but there's enough moisture in the cabbage to steam it. More like 45 minutes to an hour depending on the size of the wedges, but honestly I just cook it for as long as whatever else I'm making because it's good overdone or a little al dente.
Glad you like the custard. I haven't tried it with pumpkin since I have loads of sweet potato needing to be used, but it will definitely be in regular rotation. I wonder if some added gelatin would make it even more pie-like? Or baked with an egg? Maybe that's getting too close to paleo baking. IDK.
I tried a 6K run yesterday. Slogged through but was not feeling zippy by any measure. Will try again this weekend. Will hit the gym tonight.
Post by: 1967mama on November 19, 2015, 08:51:35 PM
The only fruit I've had so far today is an apple with almond butter and its almost 8pm. Very surprised that I could do this. Waiting for my cinnamon apple chamomile tea to finish steeping and hoping that will be a reasonable facsimile for dessert/sweets :-)
I had a super stressful morning medical specialist appointment with one of my young son's and we hit up McDonald's after -- the only thing I could find that was compliant was a cup of water and a garden salad, which I had without dressing and had to eat with my fingers to shake off the grated cheese .. hahaha! Wow, that's a big change for me! Thankfully, I slept like the dead last night and was much more myself today (well, my new self). I would have had a much, much more difficult day had I not been eating well.
Off to get my tea! Hope everyone had a good day!
ETA: Small orange and a few cashews at 10pm ... darn
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 20, 2015, 12:12:23 AM
I umm, have a confession to make. I did something a bit odd today. I decided at 11am after a trip to the supermarket to stock up with compliant and family (ie non compliant food) to give myself the day off healthy food and eat whatever I wanted. I'd like to say I had one unhealthy thing, felt yuck and swore off it forever but I would be lying. I ate peanut butter sandwich on fluffy white bakery bread, cornflakes with raisins and milk (at lunch!), a choc chip cookie that I baked yesterday, a homemade smoothie and later my compliant dinner chased by a slice of gooey passionfruit slice at my local cafe. What a bender! 8pm and I feel bloated and gross. It was interesting to observe that nothing tasted as good as I imagined it would - I tried to eat slow and savour but it was all meh, nothing special. I'm back to Day1 tomorrow and actually looking forward to healthy meals until Xmas. Trying not to be all guilty and judgmental on myself, will just live with the swerve off plan and get back on the horse. Ks
Post by: 1967mama on November 20, 2015, 01:30:54 AM
It was interesting to observe that nothing tasted as good as I imagined it would - I tried to eat slow and savour but it was all meh, nothing special.
Kiwi, This is exactly what happened to me on my 1 day off between Whole 30's. I had oatmeal for breakfast and 1 fancy Godiva chocolate in the evening. The oatmeal was pleasant for me, but I was sure the chocolate would be over-the-top fantastic and it didn't even taste that good. Its so encouraging to think that we've lost our appetite for crap forever!
Post by: swick on November 20, 2015, 07:21:06 AM
Also - Remember - and I think this is important for all of us - to Acknowledge and Celebrate how far we have all come. Some of us are in our first whole 30, some of us have been at it (in some form or another) for a couple of months - but that's it. Look at how far we have all come in such a short amount of time. How life-changing our habits and outlooks are compared to when we started.
Remember When you first started you were on vacation with your family and how much of a struggle it was, how the food (and expectations) had a hold on you? Look at how much has changed in your life! You are rocking it and making huge changes for you and your family!
That's my pep talk for the day :)
I think yesterday was hard for quite a few of us! I resisted the urge to run to the store and grab a pint of ice cream. However, I did have the foresight that the day was going to be crappy for hubs and I and pulled out some chicken wings from the freezer. That was our dinner in it's entirety. Before, I would have felt super guilty about it...Now I figured, meh it's on plan! Just need to up my veggie intake today :)
Post by: Orvell on November 20, 2015, 07:49:34 AM
Last night I made a veggie frittata: 3 eggs, spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage. The leftovers will be my lunch today and part of a fry up this weekend. Yum!
Desert was canned pumpkin + oats + protein powder + an egg cooked in a mug in the microwave. Mug cake that is veggie based and flour AND sugar free??? Who knew!
Both were a hit with the girlfriend too.
It's funny, but with just a little willpower (and more fiber...) it's a lot easier to resist the urge to snack between meals. o_O; In the past I would definitely have had a 'mid dinner' snack to fill the void between getting home at 5 and supper being ready at 6:30.
Breakfast this morning was cashews and decaff coffee (oops. Late start...)
Post by: Faraday on November 20, 2015, 08:03:42 AM
.... What a bender! 8pm and I feel bloated and gross. It was interesting to observe that nothing tasted as good as I imagined it would - I tried to eat slow and savour but it was all meh, nothing special. I'm back to Day1 tomorrow and actually looking forward to healthy meals until Xmas. Trying not to be all guilty and judgmental on myself, will just live with the swerve off plan and get back on the horse. Ks
Kiwi, This is exactly what happened to me on my 1 day off between Whole 30's ... I was sure the chocolate would be over-the-top fantastic and it didn't even taste that good. Its so encouraging to think that we've lost our appetite for crap forever!
These comments are splendid, spectacular news! "WTF is Faraday babbling about now?!?!?" :-) Your "cheats" SHOULD change into something different than they were before, and they HAVE!!! That's awesome!
If I cheated and were to overdo it - even to a mere fraction of what I used to do - I get sick and feel bad for hours or even days and I crave to go back to what works and feels good. I think about the keto foods I'd rather have had and that I just displaced them in my food for the day and it makes me sorry - not guilty - sorry - that I passed up the opportunity to have something better.
Who was it - swick, I think, talking about weight loss being a side effect?!?! When you experience the desire to come back after a cheat, that means you've reached a deeper understanding in your body of what it needs and that you'd rather feed yourself foods that make you feel better. It's more immediate feedback from your body and it's GREAT!
Notice I'm not talking about guilt. I believe guilt is an incomplete response because it's missing the consciousness of what you could have done instead, what you would have preferred, instead. Guilt brings you down but doesn't reinforce the positive work you have already done.
Guilt steals your control, your power, your personal responsibility. Built-in to guilt is the idea that you are merely a subject, obeying a rule. This is not what we are. Even when we "cheat", we are still the same person who is the catalyst for change. We are still the prime mover, the owner of our bodies and the seeker of change. We are changing how we fuel our bodies to achieve enhanced performance, longevity and happiness.
Guilt is felt superficially, kinda around your head. Regret and a desire for what you have chosen, you can feel that a little more completely, it accompanies that "yuck" feeling in your entire body. It's a more life-changing, profound experience.
So: we do these experiments, we feel the emptiness and it reinforces us. It gives us new awareness of what works for ourselves and what doesn't. It makes us stronger and more committed to our choices and eating lifestyles!
Hack the Diet! Yay!
Post by: Orvell on November 20, 2015, 08:34:37 AM
I used to be able to down entire boxes of chocolates, multiple candy bars, halves of entire cakes, entire packages of double-stuff OREOS (given enough milk).
Last year I ate an entire Walmart tub of frosted mini donuts and made myself actually sick. Binge eating pre-packaged cookies was a bi-weekly occurrence if I was a) feeling down b) feeling up c) feeling down that I wasn't feeling up (so you see, it was whenever. Reasons were excuses). I'm not fat, so for awhile I thought I could get away with this sort of behavior. (LOL. Fun fact: it still fucks you up and you still feel like shit.) I knew it was bad and unhealthy and gross, but I still did it. I'd watched Super Size Me and done a college course in bio that focused on diabetes. I wasn't uneducated about what this stuff does. And I still, a tiny bit, have that urge to just, eat 6 cookies and lay in the crumbs. XD I'm really hoping, like you guys, this will quell that completely. This is week 2 of sugar-free! Commitment is good!
This is not what we are. We are changing how we fuel our bodies for to enhance performance, longevity and happiness.
This is the best quote ever. :)
Post by: swick on November 20, 2015, 08:52:20 AM
And...Faraday...another awesome response my internet crush grows by the day <3 ;)
Post by: Faraday on November 20, 2015, 09:10:06 AM
Thanks for sharing, Orvell and congrats on two weeks sugar-free! That is an AWESOME accomplishment!
And...Faraday...another awesome response my internet crush grows by the day <3 ;)
Back at you, Whole30 Goddess. <3
Wait...did I say that out loud?!?! :-)
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 20, 2015, 11:03:58 AM
Post by: mom22boys on November 20, 2015, 02:24:43 PM
These comments are splendid, spectacular news! "WTF is Faraday babbling about now?!?!?" :-) Your "cheats" SHOULD change into something different than they were before, and they HAVE!!! That's awesome!
If I cheated and were to overdo it - even to a mere fraction of what I used to do - I get sick and feel bad for hours or even days and I crave to go back to what works and feels good. I think about the keto foods I'd rather have had and that I just displaced them in my food for the day and it makes me sorry - not guilty - sorry - that I passed up the opportunity to have something better.
Who was it - swick, I think, talking about weight loss being a side effect?!?! When you experience the desire to come back after a cheat, that means you've reached a deeper understanding in your body of what it needs and that you'd rather feed yourself foods that make you feel better. It's more immediate feedback from your body and it's GREAT!
Notice I'm not talking about guilt. I believe guilt is an incomplete response because it's missing the consciousness of what you could have done instead, what you would have preferred, instead. Guilt brings you down but doesn't reinforce the positive work you have already done.
Guilt steals your control, your power, your personal responsibility. Built-in to guilt is the idea that you are merely a subject, obeying a rule. This is not what we are. Even when we "cheat", we are still the same person who is the catalyst for change. We are still the prime mover, the owner of our bodies and the seeker of change. We are changing how we fuel our bodies to achieve enhanced performance, longevity and happiness.
Guilt is felt superficially, kinda around your head. Regret and a desire for what you have chosen, you can feel that a little more completely, it accompanies that "yuck" feeling in your entire body. It's a more life-changing, profound experience.
So: we do these experiments, we feel the emptiness and it reinforces us. It gives us new awareness of what works for ourselves and what doesn't. It makes us stronger and more committed to our choices and eating lifestyles!
Hack the Diet! Yay!
This! I've grown so much in the last 2 1/2 months that my guilt about what I'm eating has really turned into life lessons. If I choose to eat something like cornbread (which I did two weeks ago), I didn't feel one bit guilty, but WOW did I ever pay for it with a gut that felt like it was going to explode. And guess what! That lesson is what helped me say NO to a piece of sourdough bread last night. My cold has been kicking me in the butt, and I just want comfort food. Last night when I warmed up this sourdough bread (only because I need to get it out of the pantry and my boys love it), I REALLY, REALLY wanted a piece. It smelled amazing, it was warm, and I could even visualize the melting butter on top. But sanity quickly returned when I thought about that cornbread. I said no, the boys what they wanted, and the rest went into the trash. WIN!
Last year I ate an entire Walmart tub of frosted mini donuts and made myself actually sick. Binge eating pre-packaged cookies was a bi-weekly occurrence if I was a) feeling down b) feeling up c) feeling down that I wasn't feeling up (so you see, it was whenever. Reasons were excuses). I'm not fat, so for awhile I thought I could get away with this sort of behavior. (LOL. Fun fact: it still fucks you up and you still feel like shit.) I knew it was bad and unhealthy and gross, but I still did it. I'd watched Super Size Me and done a college course in bio that focused on diabetes. I wasn't uneducated about what this stuff does. And I still, a tiny bit, have that urge to just, eat 6 cookies and lay in the crumbs. XD I'm really hoping, like you guys, this will quell that completely. This is week 2 of sugar-free! Commitment is good!
This was me too. I knew better, I am highly educated on what I should and shouldn't eat, but I had an "I don't care" attitude. I think a lot of that is because my cravings were so bad and I just made them worse by eating more crap.
Way to go on the two weeks w/o sugar! That is a huge accomplishment, and it will only get easier with time.
Post by: 1967mama on November 21, 2015, 01:44:43 AM
If I cheated and were to overdo it - even to a mere fraction of what I used to do - I get sick and feel bad for hours or even days...
ELI5 (Explain like I'm 5) -- Why is this so, Faraday?
I enjoyed your thoughts here; keep on babbling cuz it makes a lot of sense to me!
Day 42 of my Whole60 now complete. I have to remember to keep Lara bars in my purse. I've been stuck out without compliant food two days in a row.
I think I look pretty decent in my boots and slim jeans -- its been a long time since I've been able to say that. I've started wearing light makeup again (eyes and lips) after a 15 year hiatus. This all feels so good to me!
Post by: Cranberries on November 21, 2015, 11:27:36 AM
Anyways, day before yesterday was day 30 of my second whole30.
Non scale victories: another 30 days of feeling excellent, and the above mentioned lack of hyper-pigmentation from recent injuries.
Scale victories: 4 1/2 lbs lost, putting me in the top end of the healthy BMI range. I still have somewhere between 12 and 27 lbs to lose, but I am down 30 lbs from my highest weight, and about 20 lbs from starting the whole 30 thing.
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 21, 2015, 11:39:11 PM
Post by: Faraday on November 22, 2015, 12:14:44 AM
Wow, Botanist, congratulations on finishing your second Whole30 and those amazing results! I'm in a funny old place right now, I can't really decide what to do. Should I start again at Day1 after the bender or should I do some reintroduction tinkering? I feel better eating compliant but this time of the year is quite conflicted (except for you, Faraday :). Leaning towards getting back to Day1, will let you know how I go. Think I will go back and read the book and start from scratch again.
Anger and Indignation are our weapons. Feel the power of the dark side! :-)
KS, it's no surprise to me you are having trouble. The enemy is lobbing junk food bombs at you from all sides. I can sense your guilt, your need to "ease" into this or "lean into it". Let me offer some thoughts:
1) YOU are not conflicted. You are immersed in messages to "buy, eat, enjoy". They do everything except SAY the word "binge". Don't internalize what's coming at you from all sides. What you feel is what YOU feel, not what they try to make you feel.
2) Start over but accept what happened as a necessary thing. Forgive yourself, discard the guilt and BURN what you ate through physical activity. EARN AND BURN, baby. Earn and burn.....
I get the conflict, same as you do KS. (How do you think I even THOUGHT UP "The Season Of Insanity"?) I feel it's tug, it's pull. I call on my own anger and indignance to recharge me and give me a way past it.
3) Are you logging what you eat? I use LoseIt, many use MyFitnessPal. Use something and log everything. Not because I'm telling you to police yourself - I'm telling you that you may not be sinning as much as you think, and logging will tell you that.
Here's to a big 'ol Monkey Bowl at ya, KS!
Post by: swick on November 22, 2015, 08:41:46 AM
Way to go Botanist! It is super interesting to hear about the pigmentation issues and how they are clearing up - talk about an unexpected and awesome side effect!
Wow, Botanist, congratulations on finishing your second Whole30 and those amazing results! I'm in a funny old place right now, I can't really decide what to do. Should I start again at Day1 after the bender or should I do some reintroduction tinkering? I feel better eating compliant but this time of the year is quite conflicted (except for you, Faraday :). Leaning towards getting back to Day1, will let you know how I go. Think I will go back and read the book and start from scratch again.
KiwiSonya - I might be miss-remembering, but did you do a reintro after your first whole 30?
I know the temptation to just keep going is super strong and many people do it. Just to give you the flip side - I am so so glad that I spent some time in reintro-mode. It makes getting back on the plan (or whatever your version of it ends up being) so much easier.
It gives you context to your decisions - and power. With the whole 30, there are a bunch of rules that, at times, seems arbitrary. The initial appeal is "it is only for 30 days!" but doing it longer without the re-intro it makes it much harder to stick with and be motivated if you don't have a "personal" reason for staying away from certain foods. It is the extra little bit of self-knowledge and understanding with your body that adds another level of determination and creates a new lense for how you interact with food.
Especially if you discover problem foods. It is much, much easier for me to resist the sirens call of wheat/gluten when I know that I will be paying for it with a fibro flare-up that lats days. I'm not denying myself and resisting becuase a plan tells me I must, I am doing it because I know how it affects me and no moment of temporary pleasure is worth the consequences.
Post by: 1967mama on November 22, 2015, 03:18:07 PM
Swick and Faraday--thanks for your thoughts. I always appreciate it when you take time to share from your wisdom and experience:-)
Today there was a lunch after church that was 100% non-compliant. I had a feeling this would happen so I brought 2 tiny oranges and a Lara bar. I got to put a new baby to sleep instead, so his mama could eat her lunch. I ate my food when we got out to the car and also made a Greek salad when we got home.
Dinner is BBQ steaks, roasted vegetables and salad. Mmmmm!
Have a great day everyone!
Edit: typo
Post by: Faraday on November 22, 2015, 05:32:27 PM
Today there was a lunch after church that was 100% non-compliant. I had a feeling this would happen so I brought 2 tiny oranges and a Lara bar. I got to put a new baby to sleep instead, so his mama could eat her lunch. I are my food when we got out to the car and also made a Greek salad when we got home.
Dinner is BBQ steaks, roasted vegetables and salad. Mmmmm!
Now THAT was SuperBadass! You anticipated the scenario, prepared, and treated yourself to awesome dinner. THAT's what I'm talkin about!
Hacking the diet has so much in common with MMM. We don't suffer, we change. We wipe out the hedonistic adaptation to junk foods that the entire world is bathed in.
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 23, 2015, 12:55:18 AM
Post by: Faraday on November 23, 2015, 08:05:31 AM
...
Ran to school today with a heavy bag thinking shit this is heavy but watch me go - only to realize it weighed about as much as the fat I've lost -no wonder I used to get tired! Hope everyone else is doing well. Ks
It shocks me when I think about the 70 lbs I lost:
- a 50 lb sack of farm animal feed PLUS 20 lbs.
- a 5th grader
- the weight of almost 5 road bikes or 3 mountain bikes.
- almost 10 newborn babies
- More than 8 gallons of whole milk
Post by: Liz on November 23, 2015, 06:20:36 PM
Post by: horsepoor on November 23, 2015, 09:19:29 PM
It is profound to equate a weight loss to all of those objects, wow! Sometimes I pick up a 50# bag of feed and wonder how the fuck I ever carried that around on my body all day. Mind boggling.
I, honestly, am feeling just OK here on Day 16. I guess I have less of an afternoon slump, and having cravings cut back is nice. Otherwise, I'm sleeping well, but feel like I need 9-10 hours per night. Maybe my body is just doing deferred maintenance now that I'm not as ridiculously busy as I was from about March through October. DH is struggling more than me with wanting to cheat. I (semi) jokingly told him last night that he must have a pretty bad junk food addiction, which he admits, but I don't think he's ready to kick. I've realized that I don't really miss sweets, so I may just go through the end of the year without anything but added sugar. OTOH, with sweets, I've decided that Lara bars are kind of a SWYPO for me. They're just too easy to grab and eat in a few bites, so I'm going to toss them in the back of the freezer for a while.
Went for a 5 mile jog after work today. It was better than last week's run, in that my legs didn't feel leaden, but I just had one gear and didn't feel like I could summon any sort of speed. Not sure if it's the diet or my training, but I miss the lightness of feeling like I can sprint at any time.
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 24, 2015, 11:12:52 AM
Post by: swick on November 24, 2015, 11:36:07 AM
I am curious, though, are you interested in figuring out which food specifically trigger you? Even a bowl of cornflakes will have several different "problem" food groups in it. So it might be harder to isolate what exactly is giving you the issues. Is it the sugar? Is it the corn? Is it the milk? (assuming you had milk) Is it the carbohydrate load that is causing your insulin and hormones to go all whack?
Great to hear how everyone is doing!
Faraday - love the visual comparisons :)
Have a zucchini and smoked salmon quiche in the oven for a late breakfast/early lunch that I am going to top with a little leftover hollandaise sauce.
I have discovered that if I have my coconut buzzed tea in the morning, I have been feeling quite content with two meals a day.
Yesterday, I was just feeling so incredibly grateful. I had the perfect day...not as in "the best day ever" but I got up super early, was able to get a ton of client and personal work done and barely noticed the time or that I was sitting at the computer for a few hours (vs. a few months ago when I thought I would have to give up writing, and I could only sit at the computer for about 5 minutes at a time before I started to ache) I hade a healthy brunch, took the dog for a walk, came home and went a house cleaning spree (again, that much odd body movement would have seen me curled up in a ball of pain afterwards with a horrible night sleep) and I was able to get more work done in the afternoon (Brain fog would have kicked in by then)
Then we went out for dinner, and I guiltlessly ordered a lamb shank (Usually, I figure they are too expensive, but it was the only compliant thing on the menu and while not good for the mustachian side of things, I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed it) over some great conversations with some good friends.
It's really all the simple little things, but life is just so much better now. I just have to remind myself of this every time I see something wheaty and tasty :)
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 24, 2015, 06:21:50 PM
Post by: 1967mama on November 24, 2015, 11:26:36 PM
Kiwisonya - You have perfectly summarized my Weight Watchers failure(s) and why it never worked for me. Interestingly, I am at the same weight that I "got down to" on WW, so now I can't wait to bust through that barrier!! I loved your description of washing the house! So awesome! As I head toward reintroduction at the end of this Whole30, I am so afraid to experience reactions like your dairy one .. ugh .. sounds dreadful.
Swick - I loved how you said that, "...life is just so much better now." That also describes me to a T. I have been giving some thought to reintroduction since I've done a Whole60 here and am feeling a little bit of monotony with the limited food choices. For example, today I had a nice baked piece of salmon on a huge bed of romaine. It would have been even better, and possibly more filling, with quinoa in there. I have been hungry for a few days now. My daughter, also on Whole30, suggested that I need more protein and she's probably right. I was a vegetarian back in my university days for about 5 years, so I've not been a huge fan of meat, even though I eat it now.
By the way, could you please tell me how you make your coconut buzzed tea? I'd like to make some as it sounds like it would fill me up a little more.
Faraday - How long did it take you to lose 70 pounds? Was it all done using keto strategies? Whole 30? Other? :-) I have so far to go still and I don't DON'T DON'T want to give up and go back to the crappy way I was living before. I feel so much better, I have improved my confidence and self esteem, I'm a better wife and mother, just so many great things going on for me but I need to switch my thinking from short term to long term...I'm never going back to the way I was eating before. This is the new me and my new lifestyle.
Tonight for dinner I made a good meaty spaghetti sauce that simmered away in the crockpot all day. My daughter and I had our zoodles. Six small zucchini makes just about the right amount for the two of us plus enough for a smaller lunch for me tomorrow. Oh, when I was making our salad for lunch, topped with salmon, I laid out all the plates (picture a counter covered in plates) and put a handful of lettuce on each one, then the dressing (whole30 compliant) and then sprinkled them all with parmesan cheese, intending to leave mine un-parmed. GRRRR! I parmed it and had to wash off my lettuce and run it through the salad spinner again!
Have a great day everyone!
Post by: horsepoor on November 25, 2015, 06:26:45 AM
By the way, could you please tell me how you make your coconut buzzed tea? I'd like to make some as it sounds like it would fill me up a little more.
I don't do tea, but with my coffee, I just throw it in the blender with about a tablespoon of coconut oil until it's blended in. I'll vary the amount of oil depending on if I'm eating or if I'm trying to stave off hunger for a couple hours.
Post by: AliasGrace on November 25, 2015, 07:42:15 AM
I have been hungry for a few days now. My daughter, also on Whole30, suggested that I need more protein and she's probably right.I wanted to say that for me, when I am hungry, it's because I have not eaten enough fat. I find the days where I don't have avocado or whatever fat you choose, that I am quite hungry between meals and have horrible cravings. Fat is key for me. I don't ever count my cooking fat as my fat either. I always need additional.
Have a wonderful day!
Post by: mom22boys on November 25, 2015, 09:40:33 AM
First, I want you all to know i have been reading this thread for months for inspiration. I am a long time whole30 veteran and sometimes I still need motivation. This thread is the most supportive thread I have ever come across. I sent Melissa the link to it so she can see how wonderful you all are.Thanks for the great compliment, AliasGrace! We absolutely agree that we have an awesome group! I've learned so much from this amazing group. And gotten some kickass recipes too! Are you doing another round soon, currently doing one now, mixture? We would love to hear more of your experience, especially with reintro. Most of us are struggling with that area.I have been hungry for a few days now. My daughter, also on Whole30, suggested that I need more protein and she's probably right.I wanted to say that for me, when I am hungry, it's because I have not eaten enough fat. I find the days where I don't have avocado or whatever fat you choose, that I am quite hungry between meals and have horrible cravings. Fat is key for me. I don't ever count my cooking fat as my fat either. I always need additional.
Have a wonderful day!
Thanks for the tip on the fats too. I was thinking the same thing, but being pretty to this, I wasn't sure. I have trouble getting in my healthy fats too. I'm not a huge avocado fan, so I tend to eat nuts. I need to work on that area more.
Post by: swick on November 25, 2015, 10:43:28 AM
By the way, could you please tell me how you make your coconut buzzed tea? I'd like to make some as it sounds like it would fill me up a little more.
I don't do tea, but with my coffee, I just throw it in the blender with about a tablespoon of coconut oil until it's blended in. I'll vary the amount of oil depending on if I'm eating or if I'm trying to stave off hunger for a couple hours.
This is basically what I do too, except I add a splash of coconut milk as well. I add a bit more oil ( as you have probably gathered by now, I'm not one for measuring!) too. I also just use my immersion blender because it is easier to clean and I feel like I have more control vs buzzing hot liquid in a blender.
Thank you for your heart-warming comments, AliasGrace. This thread is one of the nicest/supportive places on the internet, IMO. Welcome!
1967mama - it might be that you need more protein, but I would experiment with your fat levels too. Like AliasGrace mentions, getting enough fat seems to really be the difference for me. If you are teetering between Keto and not - that is where people seem to be having trouble (My hubs for sure) ...Thoughts, Faraday?
Yesterday We had a bamboo shoot and turkey coconut milk Thai curry over zoodles for supper. Tonight I'm thinking pork and cabbage stir-fry :)
Post by: 1967mama on November 25, 2015, 11:08:02 AM
Swick - I tried it in my morning tea. I do have an immersion blender so I used that. Is it normal for dots of fat to be floating on the surface of the tea? It was interesting to drink my tea this way. Not unpleasant, just different than I'm used to, I guess. I do like coconut and so adding the oil, and your suggestion now about adding coconut milk as well, will go into my 2nd cup of tea this morning:-) I had 3 eggs and a big handful of spinach for breakfast and am having a palm sized piece of salmon with my lunch salad today. Insteresting aside on the coconut oil -- I had surgery in the summer and put some oil on my scar this morning. I have been using bio-oil and it just seems to make it more itchy. Now I've stopped using it because I was thinking maybe I was reacting to the bio-oil. Anyhoo, the coconut oil felt very nice so I'm going to start doing that daily instead -- what a wonder fat!
I don't know how to make a curry. Any suggestions would be most appreciated. Just not familiar with that type of cooking. Approximate measurements are fine with me - I'm not afraid of cooking :-)
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 25, 2015, 11:19:34 AM
Post by: swick on November 25, 2015, 11:28:54 AM
Swick - I tried it in my morning tea. I do have an immersion blender so I used that. Is it normal for dots of fat to be floating on the surface of the tea? It was interesting to drink my tea this way. Not unpleasant, just different than I'm used to, I guess. I do like coconut and so adding the oil, and your suggestion now about adding coconut milk as well, will go into my 2nd cup of tea this morning:-) I had 3 eggs and a big handful of spinach for breakfast and am having a palm sized piece of salmon with my lunch salad today. Insteresting aside on the coconut oil -- I had surgery in the summer and put some oil on my scar this morning. I have been using bio-oil and it just seems to make it more itchy. Now I've stopped using it because I was thinking maybe I was reacting to the bio-oil. Anyhoo, the coconut oil felt very nice so I'm going to start doing that daily instead -- what a wonder fat!
I don't know how to make a curry. Any suggestions would be most appreciated. Just not familiar with that type of cooking. Approximate measurements are fine with me - I'm not afraid of cooking :-)
Opps...I had forgotten about that...the reason I started to put the coconut milk in my tea is because it buzzes into a nice foam (Much like a Latte) so you don't get that oilyness. You do have to make sure you drink it while it is warm, otherwise you get an unpleasant coconut oil "crust"
I will admit to cheating and using curry paste. Thai Kitchen is super duper expensive. I have found a really like the Mae Ploy Brand. You do have to read the ingredients, I think all are compliant except one that I noticed. They have a bunch of different ones so it is just a matter of figuring out which heat level you like.
To make the curry, melt a big scoop of coconut oil in a pot, and some curry paste - I usually start with a couple of tbs or so. Give it a quick fry to release the flavours. add any veggies you want to sautee. I usually add an onion, bamboo shoots, peppers. Chopped thawed frozen spinach is good too (add it near the end) Add your protein and add a can of coconut milk. Stir it all up and play with the flavours, adding more curry paste or more coconut milk to get it to the consistency you like.
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 25, 2015, 11:36:00 AM
Got up at 5am this morning to have a big declutter session using KonMari. I am most productive in the morning and it has felt good to have a big purge of stuff. Felt good on waking so thought I would crack into gluten reintro. Made bacon, 2 eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes and my first courgette from my garden. Add one slice of my former favorite, San Francisco Sourdough bread on the side. Noted that I didn't enjoy it's heavy texture the way I used to. It felt bland and heavy compared to my lively vegetables. Was a big breakfast but 20 mins later I was back for another slice. Definitely 'food without brakes' for me. Tried to talk myself out of it but was suprised to find I couldn't. I went back to tidying but before I knew it a second slice had fallen off the loaf and leaped by itself into my mouth! Definitely psychological effects going on here. Will see how the rest of the day goes. Don't be suprised if I fully fly off the rails today. Luckily I have run out of cornflakes! Have a great day everyone. Ks
Post by: swick on November 25, 2015, 11:50:49 AM
Was a big breakfast but 20 mins later I was back for another slice. Definitely 'food without brakes' for me. Tried to talk myself out of it but was suprised to find I couldn't. I went back to tidying but before I knew it a second slice had fallen off the loaf and leaped by itself into my mouth! Definitely psychological effects going on here. Will see how the rest of the day goes. Don't be suprised if I fully fly off the rails today. Luckily I have run out of cornflakes! Have a great day everyone. Ks
Kiwi - it is important to do the reintro and get the data - but remember, you are stronger than whatever psychological bull crap your mind (and body!) is trying to pull on you right now. Please take the time to really check in with yourself and make sure that you are reintroducing foods consciously and for the right reason.
Just realizing that the wheat has this kind of psychological hold is a big breakthrough! Sit with it for a while, become the observer of your thoughts and feelings around it and don't let the feelings and cravings take hold. Make your choices conscious and deliberate and from a place of knowing how far you have come, how amazing you feel, and the "new" you.
You got this!
Post by: Faraday on November 25, 2015, 11:52:38 AM
Faraday - How long did it take you to lose 70 pounds? Was it all done using keto strategies? Whole 30? Other? :-) I have so far to go still and I don't DON'T DON'T want to give up and go back to the crappy way I was living before. I feel so much better, I have improved my confidence and self esteem, I'm a better wife and mother, just so many great things going on for me but I need to switch my thinking from short term to long term...I'm never going back to the way I was eating before. This is the new me and my new lifestyle.
'67mama: 10 months, 18 days. That's almost to the minute. I've attached a photo of "the moment" on the scale.
I started March 2, 2014 at 282 lbs. I hit 200 lbs December 20, 2014. I've "leveled up" to about 212 lbs currently. I'd like to see 180 lbs on the scale but I'm giving that thought before attempting.
And BTW: The US BMI guidelines have me "normal" at 180 lbs at 6ft 1in. But I have no doubt I'd look really bad and scare the crap out of people if I went down to 180lbs very quickly. I can and I will, but I'm giving it some careful thought: It feels like my body is trying to tell me something right now and I'm trying to understand what.
DW and I
Full Disclosure: We sparingly use Atkins meals and Atkins meal bars as "emergency rations". However, the Atkins meals were making my wife sick because they contain a lot of ONION and the bars were making me sick because they have lactose. SO: although we were doing Keto, we still really had to pay attention to the CONCEPT of Whole30: weeding out foods that make you sick.
There is debate in the keto community about whether or not to exercise. I ignored this, as I am a rabid cyclist. When I started to see my lap times increase dramatically, I was completely hooked.
You've got to be aware that DW and I were extremely strongly motivated. She, by hatred of a remark about her weight made to her by a woman we had to be associated with at the time. Me, by fear of Diabetes and the realization that I was suffering symptoms that could eventually kill me.
So for her, the original motivator WAS weight. For me, it was the pain of ill health. As we went on and symptoms of ill health resolved. (EVEN in her - although she won't admit. She stopped snoring and her blood pressure became controllable.)
I became even more dedicated to Keto because I began to resolve chronic, painful health problems that not only made me suffer, but cost me a buttload of money in doctor visits.
DW continues to have problems wanting bread or cake. I can take it or leave it. We will indulge on very rare occasions: Her Birthday, for example. We MIGHT indulge on Thanksgiving, but that is not a given.
I love to have homebrewed ale with my sons in either work setting or social setting. I live "in moratorium", but I will very occasionally have one with my sons. I expect to have one or two this week with them at the thanksgiving meal.
Now: When I "cheat" and have an ale, I don't get away with it. In fact, I suffer perceptibly. My gut inflames, I pop up about 3-6 lbs, I retain water and I feel like shit. My strategy for this is to go back into moratorium and EARN AND BURN. Remember, I'm an avid cyclist, so I'll do a 30 mile loop until the inflammation and weight gain are gone.
KEY to our success is thinking ahead and having coping strategies. Remember my "Season of Insanity" manifesto? That's not tongue-in-cheek: I believe it as truly as the sun will rise tomorrow. I do not believe it's a conspiracy theory, I believe it's only "good marketing" by food vendors. (FIVE OREO displays in high-traffic areas of the store? FUCK YOU.)
ruled.me was a lifesaver. We searched for recipes we liked, tried them and if they were good, printed them out and put them in a notebook. The lo-carb pizza was probably the biggest "win" of all, since it answered our craving for a bready, savory hot pizza.
DW and I got plenty of questions, challenges and people sticking their noses in our business. She reacted admirably and charitably. I reacted with anger, accusation and challenge to the weak-willed cotton-headed unwashed masses. Important thing is to push back on people who challenge: You have to turn back the opposition or they will keep coming at you.
We are still keto to this day and we have maintained our weight loss. I'd like to go even thinner, but I'm having a hard time figuring out how to do that without looking gaunt and older. I'm thinking maybe just keep the weight loss at an extremely low rate - maybe 1/2 lb a week or so - and add a little more protein. Dunno, I'll figure it out as I go.
Post by: horsepoor on November 25, 2015, 12:10:47 PM
Kiwi, if you haven't read it, you might be interested in the book Grain Brain by Dr. Perlmutter. It definitely helped me understand the "bread leaping into mouth" phenomenon and made me put more space between myself and everything wheat. I think that if it doesn't cause a physical reaction, it can be added back in small amounts after an extended break, and not have the same psychological hold. I don't think 30 days is enough when it comes to wheat, though, and it's something that takes constant vigilance if and when you do add it back.
1967 - as luck would have it, there was a 1-day special on paleo Kindle books yesterday (I forgot about it until the last hour, otherwise would have posted here) and one I picked up is Thai paleo. Will take a look at it and post up a curry recipe or two for you. I really like making a more Indian-inspired curry these days with ground beef (yes, I see the irony) using toasted black cumin, brown mustard seeds and tomato. I first used this NomNom Paleo recipe for spiced keema and have been riffing on it ever since. http://nomnompaleo.com/post/57975313761/deconstructed-samosa-spiced-keema
Post by: Faraday on November 25, 2015, 12:29:04 PM
... the runny nose etc...
... I decided to press on and have milk ... my glands stayed swollen.
Perhaps dairy is one of those sources of silent inflammation for me. I don't think I will ban dairy altogether but it is going to be an occasional thing and only when it's really delicious , like in cheesecake or a delicious stinky French blue cheese.
... Felt good on waking so thought I would crack into gluten reintro ...
... San Francisco Sourdough bread on the side. Noted that I didn't enjoy it's heavy texture ... It felt bland and heavy
... Was a big breakfast but 20 mins later I was back for another slice. Definitely 'food without brakes' for me. Tried to talk myself out of it but was surprised to find I couldn't ... before I knew it a second slice had fallen off the loaf and leaped by itself into my mouth!
... Will see how the rest of the day goes. Don't be suprised if I fully fly off the rails today ...
You, KiwiSonya, are a Food Addict.
These items should be gone from your house. You should have purged your cupboards and fridge long ago. You are putting up with a snotty nose and sinus infections to have dairy? What: Your husband goes in to kiss your cheek and gets snot on his cheek? But hey, you're getting to LOVE THAT DAIRY, eh?!?
This is not Whole30. This is not even "Whole01". You joyfully jump off the wagon with each and every meal I am
"Don't be surprised if I fully fly off the rails today..." You aren't on the rails. You aren't even in SIGHT of the rails. You've already told us you are planning to fail at least three times on Thanksgiving Day.
From Fight Club:
[Marla Singer enters, smoking]
Marla: This is cancer, right?
Narrator: [voice over] This chick Marla Singer did not have testicular cancer. She was a liar. She had no diseases at all. I had seen her at “Free and Clear”, my blood parasite group Thursdays. Then at “Hope”, my bi-monthly sickle cell circle. And again at “Seize the Day”, my tuberculous Friday night. Marla…the big tourist. Her lie reflected my lie. Suddenly, I felt nothing. I couldn’t cry, so once again I couldn’t sleep.
Post by: swick on November 25, 2015, 03:27:14 PM
The whole point of the whole 30 reintro period is to try these foods, see what affects they have on us and how we should navigate them.
I noticed, for me, there is a bit of a grieving process that comes along with not being able to eat certain foods again, and yes there is some resistance as well, you have to work through it, and everyone does it differently. Reading a few quick posts on the "stages of grief" were very interesting to me because I could easily draw the parallels to how I was feeling. about food. it seems silly on the surface, but there you go.
It is also much harder if you don't have obvious physical symptoms it is easier to rationalize and figure it's okay. We all have to find our own way and figure out what works for us. The journey is worth it, KiwiSonya!
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 25, 2015, 05:02:25 PM
Post by: Faraday on November 25, 2015, 05:43:12 PM
Dearest Faraday, I do so appreciate your concern for my mind and body. It does sound weird but Swick is right there is method to the madness. I couldn't keep eating like this because Melissa Hartwig says so, I need to do it because it is how I really want to live deep down inside. You're the embodiment of someone who is already there and I love that we have your example to follow. But yip, I'm deliberately eating these foods that I think will make me feel crap so that I can really know that and understand the consequences for my body. I don't want to feel like I'm depriving myself but that I'm making better choices. The former would make me feel beaten, the latter will give me a glow of smug righteousness that I'll probably struggle to keep to myself. But first the journey...I can promise you that snotty noses (dairy) and diarrhea (gluten) will not be in my future. A side note on the latter, sorry to TMI you but I had to get hubby out of the shower this morning because I just could not wait - lucky he saw the funny side and won't be pushing gluten on me any time soon:)
You seem to have so few motivators compared to the rest of us. With me, it's health and diabetes (and ultimately money and lifespan). With many of us it's pure weight and attractiveness. (which accelerates with age). You don't seem to have any of those motivators. You've not actually talked of any NEED to do this (and clearly, DH isn't concerned). So I asked myself: what is a motivator for KiwiSonya?!?!?
I've actually struggled and studied with this. Nothing seems to actually work for you. So I thought, maybe if you HATE ME. To arouse your anger, your dark side. There's been so many kisses keep getting blown your way when you fall off the wagon, thought I'd try my old friend...the facepunch.
Damn. You don't even HATE ME. I can't even tap into your gender difference. I got nothing, now.
I get the reintro thing for Whole30, but that's only one or two things, not stuff that's obviously going to hurt you (or make your nose snotty). if you did it right, your insulin sensitivity has improved to the point that your body will ram those carbs into fat even faster than ever before. If you gave your allergies relief from the dairy, they could get even worse when you try again. You seem in danger of a kind of rebound effect.
Maybe you are young and only a few lb's overweight? Maybe we're talking "fine tuning" here and you don't really need any of this long-term?
Maybe I show you what I'm eating? Pickle (zero carbs), Grilled beef burger (zero carbs), Steamed broccoli (4.3 net per serving). Oh, don't forget butter. There's butter all over that broccoli. It's all sexy and delicious. No bread in sight.
This food is so good, DW and I can stand in the bakery section of our local food market and buy nothing if this is in our grocery cart. (oh, we SEE it and SMELL it alright) We call the bakery section "The Valley of the Shadow of Death".
PS: Anyone who has sons, watch "Fight Club" with them when they are teens. Important, good stuff for boys.
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 25, 2015, 06:23:39 PM
Post by: Cranberries on November 25, 2015, 07:00:07 PM
So far I have not had good luck with any reentros. Dairy is mostly ok. It's in the danger zone that will be hard to resist over the years.
GF baked goods (from my favorite gf baker, so a blend of flours) caused some pretty serious bloating. Another GF pastry earlier in the week caused my wheat/oat stomach pain symptoms: I had forgotten to ask if they used oat flour. Oops.
I will not be reintroducing wheat. I would be seriously unsurprised if I have celiac but I will probably never be diagnosed, as I would have to eat the stuff in quantity for three months to get tested. I have tried a couple of times to eat that much wheat, but always bailed about 1 month in. Not Worth It.
Tomorrow will probably be mostly W30 compliant. After that I'm doing it again, and looking forward to it. This time around, I will not be eating nuts or dried fruit, and I will be cutting it just short of Christmas. My partner will be joining me again, but eating rice. He lost 8 pounds in the last one. He started as a thin and muscular athlete, so that is not a good thing. He's had some definite positives from eating this way and wants to keep it up, but needs to figure out a way to not lose more weight.
Post by: Caoineag on November 25, 2015, 07:21:06 PM
Cabbage and Beet Slaw
1 red cabbage and 1 beet shredded raw, 1/3-1/2 cup each of your favorite vinegar and olive oil. Best at least a day out.
Its a great substitution for anyone who likes to have something crunchy. Also, for the lazy, this never gets soggy (I make it Sunday and eat it all week). I have done it once with each of my 3 favorite vinegars. I'm the one who normally can't eat the same thing more than a couple of times and I can eat this as a side dish 5x per week without getting sick of it.
Post by: Faraday on November 25, 2015, 07:34:15 PM
Okay so I am still in the recipe gathering and planning stage (less than a month left till I actually do the full Whole 30/ Elimination Diet) but need to share one of my main staple recipes since everyone keeps mentioning cooked cabbage on this thread and I found I like this way better.
Cabbage and Beet Slaw
1 red cabbage and 1 beet shredded raw, 1/3-1/2 cup each of your favorite vinegar and olive oil. Best at least a day out.
Its a great substitution for anyone who likes to have something crunchy. Also, for the lazy, this never gets soggy (I make it Sunday and eat it all week). I have done it once with each of my 3 favorite vinegars. I'm the one who normally can't eat the same thing more than a couple of times and I can eat this as a side dish 5x per week without getting sick of it.
This is AWESOME. You have combined three incredible superfoods: Cabbage, beets and vinegar! Olive oil is super-good too. I might combine it with a tad bit of salt or my favorite mistress, Ms. Dash.
Post by: horsepoor on November 26, 2015, 08:47:22 AM
Yummy dinner, Faraday. Why am I here? Well, vanity really. I've been a bit on the chubby side since a teenager (as in pretty face, but the rest lets her down). Have finished my family and while don't want to be fat and forty, I was already slimmer when I started whole30 than when I got pregnant with my first. Have always been a sweet tooth and always thought I was weak willed and that's why I couldn't lose the weight (trued WW etc over the years). Never been so fat that I had health issues but didn't feel good in my skin. So I'm wanting to rock 40 and above. Never imagined in my wildest dreams that I could have the degree of food control that I have achieved on whole30 and I don't want to lose this. I agree I'm a rebound risk. Non supportive hubby doesn't help. He thinks I'm fine as I am and this is just one of my little phases. That's why I hang about here so much. I appreciate your efforts to sort me out. Ks
Sonya, I really hope you're not "off the rails" today. Have you done some thinking about what your diet might look like long-term? Have you done some research on paleo/primal that is not necessarily W30? I ask because it seems obvious that cornflakes and milk is waaaay off from what you've been doing and doesn't seem like something that's so delicious that it's worth going off plan for. And like Swick mentioned, it contains multiple non-compliant ingredients, so eating it doesn't give you specific information about problem foods. If you feel like you're going off the rails during re-intro, I'll humbly suggest that you try to take a step back and separate the physical and psychological aspects of where you are now with your relationship to food. Try identifying a non-compliant food to reintro that is not a SWYPO/food without brakes (preferably only ONE non-compliant ingredient), eat a measured amount, and then WAIT. For like a few days. Before trying another reintro. While I'm not going to facepunch you, I am with Faraday in saying that you've got a ways to go in weaning yourself from some of these foods. Think of alcoholics, and how many can't have "just one sip". It's probably not that extreme, but I think you've identified some of the foods you need to get more time and mental distance from before you dabble in eating them again.
In the meantime, if you haven't, do some research on paleo/primal recipes and meal ideas and perhaps the Perfect Health Diet and start to formulate an mental picture of what a sustainable for the rest of your life whole-foods based diet might look like for you. Re-intro should focus on these additional foods first, and save the cheesecake and pizza for when they have less of a pull on you and you can look at their effects more as a scientist.
It takes time for insulin and grhelin reactions to food to adjust. Also, have you been eating any probiotic foods or taking a PB supplement? Your gut flora are important and nurturing them can help you to realign your diet.
Please do read the Perlmutter book if you have time. Another one that may be helpful for you (it was for me) is The End of Overeating. Try to cultivate some of the rabid disdain for packaged, processed crap that Faraday has. A bit of the rage towards the Frankenfood industry will take you far. We are all rooting for you here!
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 26, 2015, 12:15:16 PM
Post by: 1967mama on November 26, 2015, 12:59:17 PM
Curry - preparing to make the nom nom Paleo curry that was posted - I'm sorry for not thanking the appropriate poster but I'm on an iphone which makes it infinitely harder to scroll up and down. I bought all the ingredients last night.
Kiwisonya - Your "reintroduction" phase is exactly what I'm scared of for myself. As was suggested, I have been reading several Paleo and primal books from the library and am trying to figure out where I will settle in. I was a TERRIBLE garbage food eater. That's how I got to be almost 80 pounds overweight (and gaining). I get that you still have a lot of non-compliant foods in the pantry - many other people live in our house besides me. I would have to say that our fridge and pantry are much healthier than they used to be with things like way more fruit and veggies for snacks, Lara bars, applesauce cups etc. but there is also still cereal, Nutella, cake mix, candy canes, chocolate chips, sprinkles, etx. I'm still so surprised that the Sugar Dragon in me has been tamed (for now) but I think those foods will have to be a no-fly zone for me.
I've really enjoyed all the brutally hard conversations that everyone has been having here and I really don't want it to be me reporting in on my binges -- or worse -- NOT reporting in! You are brave, KS, and I really really appreciate your honesty! (((Hugs)))
Post by: YK-Phil on November 26, 2015, 03:59:38 PM
I haven't read the entire thread and I am wondering if Korean sweet potato noodles, tapioca noodles, and Shirataki (a type of Japanese noodles made from the starch of a tuber called konjac) are acceptable.
Post by: swick on November 26, 2015, 04:12:06 PM
My staple diet when I am away from home for six long weeks at the time consists of pilaf rice and beans (black, red, chick peas, soy, etc.) which I eat practically every single day mostly because I don't have access to proper cooking facilities except a microwave, so it will take a careful redesign of my diet to make the W30 work for me, but I am in, starting tomorrow.
I haven't read the entire thread and I am wondering if Korean sweet potato noodles, tapioca noodles, and Shirataki (a type of Japanese noodles made from the starch of a tuber called konjac) are acceptable.
Hi ykphil, Welcome! You definitely have some challenges ahead of you with your cooking facilities. Feel free to use us as a brainstorming think tank, if you need to!
Konjac and Shirataki type noodles are not recommended for people with gut issues, so if you want to take a break and give yourself a chance to heal any imbalances, they aren't recommended.
Also, part of the whole 30 is to get into the habit of redefining your eating habits. That is hard to do if you are substituting one type of something for another.
Also, the reason the are so low cal is because they are basically just non-nutritive fiber. It fills you up - but isn't great nutritionally. Spiralized zucchini makes an awesome noodle substitute!
You can roast cauliflower and buzz it in the food processor if you want a rice substitute. Would be easy to reheat in the microwave.
If there is anything we can do to help support you, let us know!
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 26, 2015, 04:21:51 PM
Well, I may be a bit all over the place today but have made myself the most amazing lunch. Think it will appear at Christmas lunch to have with ham. It tastes just like tabboleh (spelling?) But is cauliflower raw with parsley and basil chopped and dressing of walnut oil and lemon juice and sumac with pomegranate seeds. Has moroccan lamb sausages on top but would be great with any fish/meat. Looks very festive. Shame I can't post photo as my phone reckons it doesn't have enough memory.
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 26, 2015, 04:42:10 PM
Post by: swick on November 26, 2015, 04:59:32 PM
Kitchen adventures: I prepped the veggies for some fire cider which I plan to give away for Christmas to my family.
I'm also rendering some lamb fat. It seems to be working. Will it be edible? That remains to be seen. We got a whole organic happy lamb from a family friend and I don't want to waste any of it. I'm not too concerned about the potential Lamby taste. Just excited to see how I can use it!
I am so so so excited that I got a big delivery of duck eggs! The ducks have been molting apparently and decided to take a month or so off then my farmer friend got injured. They are back to producing, my friend is up and about, so I am back to regular access to delicious eggs. Should be easier to get Hubs eating them too, he prefers them to chicken eggs.
Starting to feel the struggle of lack of veggie variety as we are moving into winter. Going to make some kimchi this weekend and maybe get some other ferments going to add a little variety.
How is everyone doing today?
Post by: horsepoor on November 26, 2015, 05:32:18 PM
Swick, sounds like you have access to great ingredients! I've only rendered beef tallow, not lamb. Seems like lamb is really variable, so it may or may not have a strong flavor. I often temper the flavor of the tallow by using it in chili and other flavorful dishes, or mix it with avocado oil. It's rendered fro. The bones and trimmings, but I read that Leaf fat is the best, so I'm asking the butcher for it next year.
Post by: Liz on November 26, 2015, 06:09:37 PM
Post by: 1967mama on November 27, 2015, 01:20:47 AM
Dinner here was pork loin roasted with olive oil, balsamic, salt, pepper and rosemary. It was really good. Sides were beets, baked potatoes and sweet potato. mmmmm!
We are going away for the weekend with the kids, but I will have a full kitchen so it shouldn't be a problem.
Post by: grenzbegriff on November 27, 2015, 06:35:26 PM
Just a bit of my recent food story for the curious:
I got serious about my food after a visit to my family in September where I basically only had sugar and carbs to eat for a week, and felt pretty tired and lazy the whole time. When I got home I resumed my usual diet of lots of vegetables, and decided to cut out dessert entirely for an indefinite period.
Then I started keto at the end of October just to try it. I very quickly was hooked when I found myself not getting tired or drowsy during the day, no longer wishing for a nap, rarely feeling hungry, and eventually losing my cravings for sugar. (I used to frequently crave cereal, bread and other carbs, even though I never felt good after eating them.)
I had been eating vegetarian since June as an experiment... mainly to see if I could have the discipline to do it if I wanted to. After four weeks of vegetarian keto, I decided to switch back to eating meat on Nov 23, which makes keto way easier. For vegetarian keto I was eating a *lot* of eggs and cheese and nuts, now I can cut back a bit on those and eat some meat too which is nice.
For thanksgiving yesterday I helped prepare the stuffing and mashed potatoes, and wasn't even really tempted to eat them or any of the other carby things, which was everything but the turkey and some cheese and olives I had brought. It was great to see I didn't mind that at all. Felt fully awake and energized after thanksgiving dinner and ready for the 10 mile bike ride back home in the freezing cold after. :D After past thanksgivings I've always felt kind of sick and tired. I'm excited now to power through the christmas holiday back home with full energy. That'll be great.
Today I went for a little road trip and hike with friends. I'm now in the habit of keeping ready-to-go keto foods in the fridge that I can throw in a lunch box whenever I go somewhere, e.g. cheese, sausage, olives, nuts, avocado, hardboiled egg, raw veggies. So when we stopped at a fast food place I just got out my food from home. Didn't spend any money and ate delicious healthy and cheap food. On the way back we stopped at a farm market and I picked up a bag of 6 good sized firm avocados for $2. Same size as the ones I buy for $1/ea at the market here. To top it off, I got my friends to *walk* the quarter mile from my apartment to starbucks when we got home which for some reason is really unusual here. Then we walked back and I made some unsweetened hot cocoa for myself which I've come to like. Perhaps eventually my friends will pick up on the fact that I'm enjoying myself just as much while saving tons of money and staying healthier, and their habits will shift a bit. I imagine cultures can change this way, a little at a time. But even if I don't influence others' behavior, it's great for me.
So, just happy to encourage all the mustachian keto-ers, and anyone who's cutting back on or eliminating sugar/sweets, I'm finding it very worthwhile and am enjoying the counter-cultural bit myself. :) Now I'm going to cook some sausage and veggies...mmm.
Post by: horsepoor on November 27, 2015, 07:40:12 PM
Post by: Faraday on November 27, 2015, 08:23:37 PM
Then I started keto at the end of October just to try it. I very quickly was hooked when I found myself not getting tired or drowsy during the day, no longer wishing for a nap, rarely feeling hungry, and eventually losing my cravings for sugar. (I used to frequently crave cereal, bread and other carbs, even though I never felt good after eating them.)
...awesome stuff was here....
So, just happy to encourage all the mustachian keto-ers, and anyone who's cutting back on or eliminating sugar/sweets, I'm finding it very worthwhile and am enjoying the counter-cultural bit myself. :) Now I'm going to cook some sausage and veggies...mmm.
Anything else to report, like sinus trouble, GERD or digestive trouble subsiding?
Post by: 1967mama on November 27, 2015, 09:50:27 PM
Post by: horsepoor on November 27, 2015, 10:07:35 PM
I've been reading like a crazy woman! I have about 8 Paleo books out of the library right now. Seems to me the only difference between whole30 and Paleo is that with paleo you can add back bacon, a bit of dairy like yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese and also you can have trace amounts of sweetener (preferably honey). Have I summarized the difference sufficiently? I'm looking to make a plan for post whole60. I'm accepting the fact that I will never (or almost never) eat grains or legumes again. I heard about a friend of a friend who lost a bunch of weight on a similar plan and then went on a bender one night and threw up when she got home. Oh my! That is what I so want to avoid!
Actually, if you're eating dairy, it's considered Primal, not Paleo, if you're concerned about the labels. Really the difference with Whole30 is not "substitute" foods like kelp noodles, no trace sugar, no natural sweeteners, no paleo baked goods, so it's considered a super-clean version of paleo. When you're at or near your goal weight, you might look again at white rice. I've come around to including it in my "good foods" list, and to my surprise, two of the books I got on the Kindle sale the other day also include white rice even though they're labeled as paleo cookbooks, so I think there's a bit of a changing perception because it's very low in toxins/potential allergens/irritants as compared to all the other grains or legumes. Of course, with the carb content, not so great when trying to lose weight.
Cheese re-intro went fine. No appreciable increase in congestion, but I don't plan to eat any more this week. Felt good today and dove right into cleaning out and reorganizing the filing cabinet, which is something I've dreaded and avoided for months. Wonder what else I can get done when I quit procrastinating?
Post by: grenzbegriff on November 28, 2015, 12:13:55 AM
Quote
Anything else to report, like sinus trouble, GERD or digestive trouble subsiding?I'm not sure I had any of those troubles. Well come to think of it I haven't felt any gut pain since starting keto when I used to fairly often. We'll see if that holds.
I do notice that I've had only two headaches in the last five weeks, and both can be attributed to obvious lack of sleep because I only gave myself 4-5 hours of sleep those nights. I used to get headaches more often, probably a couple times a week on average. (Not really bad ones usually, but I would feel that head pain at some point during the day.)
I've not had a single night where I couldn't fall asleep in five weeks which is awesome. Laying in bed for hours without falling asleep used to be a big issue for me, at least a few times a week. This gives me extra time each week since I don't need to stay in bed 10-11 hours as often to get my 8 hours of sleep. Most days I've been wide awake in the morning and ready to go.
I don't want to make it sound like magic, but that's what it feels like right now. If this becomes the new normal, then fantastic. If it's just a honeymoon phase or I'm overestimating the benefits, it will have been great while it lasted. :) I assume there will be some negative side effects I'll start noticing. But I know there are people who have been doing this 10-20 years and seem fine, and also if there are negative effects, I bet they're not as bad as the negative effects of my past diet.
I do have a question -- is there anyone doing keto and Whole30 and can explain a few of the things they're doing differently than plain old keto? Like are you cutting out certain keto foods for a period of time and then reintroducing? I haven't read this whole thread so I don't know what everyone's doing. Feel free to just say "read the thread" if that would make more sense.
Post by: swick on November 28, 2015, 09:59:33 AM
Mostly because it is a good read! I'm kinda doing a modified Keto/whole 30 hybrid. I have allowed a little dairy - actuallt pretty much just butter which I haven't had any issues with.
BUT I strongly suggest you do a full true Whole 30 first - which basically means for someone doing Keto to not have cheese/dairy/peanut butter. You can choose whether to have the fruit/starch veggies which are allowed in small amounts on whole 30, but if you are already in Keto, I'm not sure that it makes much sense to reintroduce them just for the whole 30 if you are planning on going Keto afterwards.
Basically, you just want to identify if any of these dairy foods are problem foods for you. There is much to learn about the emotional, psychological side of things by doing the whole 30. It might be a little less pronounced if you have already had lots of success on Keto though. If you have any addiction or problem foods, Whole 30 is grat for identifying them and giving you some space to work through them.
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 28, 2015, 08:27:02 PM
Post by: 1967mama on November 28, 2015, 09:30:21 PM
-baked salmon fillets (topped with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, dry mustard powder)
-lemon chicken (I think I posted the recipe upthread?)
-baked or grilled pork loin (marinated in EVOO and balsamic, topped with salt, pepper and rosemary)
-potatoes of all sorts (mostly topped with clarified butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder)
-roasted vegetables (zucchini, potato, sweet potato, bell pepper, carrots, mushrooms or ??? tossed in plenty of EVOO and balsamic and sprinkled with salt, pepper and lots of rosemary) -- I can never make enough of this! Everyone loves it!
-hamburgers on the grill - easy for me to have mine with a lettuce bun
-salads - lots of green salads with homemade Italian dressing (recipe from Whole Foods for the Whole Family, minus the parmesan) - at least one salad a day with lots of things chopped up in it for interest like: bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, mushrooms, celery, grapes, apples
-roasted whole chicken with potatoes and carrots around it. Cooked 2 chickens today while away on a weekend holiday. Onion in the cavity, salt, pepper and garlic and rosemary on the outside. Probably 4 tablespoons of clarified butter dotted all over this. Picture the biggest roaster you can buy. 10 pounds of potatoes. 2 very large chickens. That's how you feed my big fam! hahah!
The kids are "moving toward" a Whole30/Paleo diet. I'm buying much healthier fare and trying to keep snacks ready to go like: carrot and celery sticks in cold water in the fridge, fresh fruit available anytime, ants on a log, apple and almond butter. I read a great line in "Everyday Paleo" by Sarah Fragoso today. She had a realization a few months into her healthy eating journey how she was feeling so great and sitting down with her family to eat and they were all eating the food that used to make her feel so awful. That really struck me. FANTASTIC recipes in this book, btw. I plan to write some out when I get home. Easy recipes that are quick to prepare and use many of the ingredients I already have in my kitchen. I have to tread very carefully with the kids so they don't revolt! haha
Hope that helps!
Post by: Faraday on November 28, 2015, 10:05:14 PM
I do have a question -- is there anyone doing keto and Whole30 and can explain a few of the things they're doing differently than plain old keto? Like are you cutting out certain keto foods for a period of time and then reintroducing? I haven't read this whole thread so I don't know what everyone's doing. Feel free to just say "read the thread" if that would make more sense.
Your questions and text patterns are strangely similar to others occurring in this thread.
There is no reintroduction concept in the ketogenic lifestyle. The purpose of keto is to keep one's body in ketogenesis by eating a high fat, low carb, moderate protein diet. With the appropriate mix of vegetables, meats and cheeses/dairy, one can live the ketogenic lifestyle indefinitely.
You do otherwise, your body stops burning fat to make ketones and your body switches to burning carbs/sugars and/or once again storing the unused carbs/sugars into body fat.
I have heard some say "The problem with keto is when you stop, you gain weight again." Well of course. Losing weight isn't a license to eat crap.
Your comment implies some mixture of Whole30 and Keto. The two eating styles are kindred in that they ban many of the same things, but the objectives of each style are different: Whole30 being to isolate foods that are damaging your health and continuously modify your diet to find the things your body prefers. The "Reintroduction" phase of Whole30 is an experimentation phase that helps you validate good vs. bad foods for you.
Keto is a high-fat eating lifestyle. There is no reintroduction phase. The objective is to put your body in ketosis and to stay in ketosis. You can "reintroduce" non-keto foods, but you will drop out of ketosis and no longer be accomplishing the objectives of the lifestyle. There's nothing horrible about going out of ketosis, you just want to make sure you've got good habits established, a good exercise plan and eating plan so you ensure you burn whatever carb load you incur rather than packing on the body fat.
There is much overlap between Whole30 and Keto, but also significant differences: Keto requires a fat consumption in excess of 50% of the foods you eat. While milk is not allowed in keto (the lactose sugars), cream cheese and hard cheeses are welcomed, since they are high-fat and very low lactose. All meats are allowed and encouraged in Keto, while Whole30 forbids some meats.
Post by: horsepoor on November 28, 2015, 10:19:30 PM
Sonya, I love what you said about wheat. I think it's so true that people think they're eating variety and its really wheat, corn, wheat, soy, wheat and all topped off with a bunch of milk and sugar (e.g. my niece - Mac and cheesecereal with milk and cheese pizza are the same thing, but she thinks she's eating different meals). There is nothing moderate about it.
Post by: Faraday on November 28, 2015, 10:45:33 PM
Faraday, I think the question was about doing W30 keto style and then adding back other keto foods like cheese.
I'm having trouble with the question because Keto is much more black-and-white than Whole30. The two eating styles are "cousins", but they have some very important differences and objectives, so mixing them risks failing to do either one successfully.
On Keto, you can eat anything that supports the proper mix of fat, carb and protein macronutrients. While potatoes, grains, breads, pasta, beans, fruits, rice, sugar (and all sugar containing things) are forbidden, there is no analogous food specification to the Whole30 idea. What's high-carb is simply forbidden. All full fat stuff is allowed.
If you can have cheese, you can have it on day 1 and day 31 of keto. There's no keto guideline for "detox" the way there is for W30. So there's no easy way to overlap W30 and Keto and somehow "accomplish both".
Keto eliminates fruit, So no monkey bowls. A "Keto Whole30" would be so restrictive that I'm not sure how you could do it and not be completely unhappy.
A cornerstone of Keto, for me, has been bacon. I've seen bacon get so much discussion and restriction in Whole30 that I doubt I could have the bacon I eat and be on Whole30.
I eat salami (Genoa - sliced thin), sausage patties, bacon and beef with abandon. I believe these are not allowed in W30. I'm careful to be in ketosis, too. I want to be burning those fats, not letting them circulate in my bloodstream and just sit there. My liver needs to be grabbing that shit and burning it.
So, I'm not sure I know how to understand the mixing of the two concepts.
Post by: 1967mama on November 28, 2015, 10:49:53 PM
Post by: Faraday on November 28, 2015, 11:03:45 PM
Faraday - have you been able to find any nitrate and sugar free bacon or ham? I check every single grocery store I'm ever in and so far, no luck. I'm researching paleo vs. primal the next 2 weeks or so until my Whole60 is over.
I have some in my freezer right now, no nitrates, no sugar, from Food Lion, a supermarket chain in the southeast US. In the southeast, it's fairly easy to find nitrate-and-sugar-free bacon. North Carolina is one of the largest pork producing states in the US. There is a large regional pork processor not far from where I live, I can buy their products straight off the shelf with zero added ingredients. You can also get pure pork products here at the NC Farmer's Market.
Full disclosure: The Food Lion label says one of the curing ingredients was sugar, but there is no sugar in the meat. If there is any trace sugar, it will carmelize in the bottom of the frying pan and not survive the frying process.
How do I know for sure there are no nitrates? The bacon has a "use or freeze by date". Nitrates keep the fat in pork from going rancid, so you can refrigerate and use nitrate-containing bacon much longer than bacon that has no nitrates. Bacon with no nitrates, you have to freeze.
I buy and eat a lot of smoked pork and I freeze all of it. About the only meat I don't
Post by: Cranberries on November 28, 2015, 11:12:25 PM
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 29, 2015, 12:16:43 AM
Post by: Liz on November 29, 2015, 01:56:19 PM
1967mama: Wellshire makes a paleo bacon with no sugar or nitrates. The ingredient list: Pork, Sea Salt, Spices (Black Pepper, Fenugreek, Nutmeg, White Pepper, Mace, Allspice). I have found it at Whole Foods.
This is the one I get -- also Pederson's brand make a no-sugar or nitrate bacon, along with Garret Valley. I think they are labeled as "paleo bacon." A tad on the expensive side, but very delicious!
Post by: 1967mama on November 29, 2015, 02:06:46 PM
Why I haven't seen any of these brands:-/
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 29, 2015, 04:04:40 PM
Post by: Caoineag on November 30, 2015, 07:01:23 AM
I'm in Canada which is probably
Why I haven't seen any of these brands:-/
Then that's a problem because Canadian Bacon and American Bacon aren't even cut from the same part of the pig. American Bacon is cured pork belly, Canadian Bacon is a pork loin (so more like ham). I doubt you are going to find "uncured" Canadian Bacon because its more of a brine and smoke product. Have you considered buying just pork loin and brining it yourself to avoid the extra junk?
Post by: swick on November 30, 2015, 07:12:39 AM
I'm in Canada which is probably
Why I haven't seen any of these brands:-/
Then that's a problem because Canadian Bacon and American Bacon aren't even cut from the same part of the pig. American Bacon is cured pork belly, Canadian Bacon is a pork loin (so more like ham). I doubt you are going to find "uncured" Canadian Bacon because its more of a brine and smoke product. Have you considered buying just pork loin and brining it yourself to avoid the extra junk?
We have American Bacon in Canada too, it is just called "Bacon" :) But yeah, finding bacon without Sugar and Nitrates is not easy. Finding it without one is possible but I haven never seen both in Canada, and I have flipped over many a packages of bacon. We did find a brand without sugar (was one of the cheaper ones, I don't remember off the top of my head, I'll take a look next time we shop)
Don't suppose you are able to pop across the border for a shopping trip once or twice a year? Even with the crappy exchange rate, the savings on bacon, butter, avocado oil, and nuts makes it worth it for us.
KiwiSonya - Way to go on making the changes with your family! How is it going?
Post by: Orvell on November 30, 2015, 09:50:09 AM
Post by: 1967mama on November 30, 2015, 11:06:57 AM
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 30, 2015, 11:35:32 AM
Post by: mom22boys on November 30, 2015, 11:59:22 AM
For Thanksgiving, we went to my parents for 3 days. Of course, the first thing I see when I walked in the door was a big pan of brownies, and all the ingredients for a pumpkin pie cake. Yes, this was all made by the same mom who did the Whole 30 with me back in September. I knew right away this was going to be a hard three days. I had made a plan before going of exactly what foods I would eat. That included stuffing and the pumpkin pie cake. And that's what I did for Thanksgiving. The pumpkin pie cake was my first expedition back into Sugar-land, and I'm happy to say I came out unscathed. Chocolate is way more of a trigger for me, so I knew I shouldn't touch the brownies, and I didn't. Other than trace sugar, I haven't had any other sugar since Thanksgiving.
The next day, still at my parents, I decided that I was going to start my experiment, since it was going to be hard to stay on plan. My experiment: eat 'junk' food for 1 meal a day. Since I've done a reintro for all the food groups, I wanted to see how I reacted to eating the OLD way for one meal, but sticking to Whole30 for the other two meals. This is the excuse I hear all the time from my parents....."But we eat well most of our meals". I planned to do this for a few days, or until I couldn't handle it any more. Today after lunch, I reached the point of 'this sucks'. (During my experiment, I had pizza and chicken strips/fries.)
The results:
- The tightness in my jaw is back with a fury! Due to that, I have felt a little dizzy, my neck hurts, and I have a headache.
- I suddenly had pain in my left shoulder. It's similar to what I had in my right shoulder, which completely went away after doing the Whole30 back in July. I'm guessing this is inflammation from some of the junk I've been eating. I was popping Aleve for two days, and the pain finally went away.
- My stomach has been okay, but I definitely feel more bloated.I haven't stepped on a scale, and don't plan to, since it's the devil.
- I always realized how my weight now will impact my body as I grow older, but I was just reminded of it again. On Sunday, we saw a family friend at a play at the local HS. He's around my parents age (72). My boys asked me how old our friend was, and they were shocked when I told them he was the same age as Grandpa M. They said he seems WAY younger than Grandpa M. The biggest difference.....WEIGHT! My dad is a yoyo dieter, and I can see that the extra weight is really starting to impact him and how he moves. The boys' other grandpa, Grandpa W has been very healthy and trim his whole life. The boys said that our family friend was more like Grandpa W, because they both look and act a lot younger. The boys thought both of them were around 55. THAT'S exactly how I want to be. I don't want to be like the boy's grandma, Grandma W, who has had both knees and both hips replaced.
Am I glad I did this? Yep! It just confirms how good it feels to eat good. Back to Whole30ish eating for me. I know starting with a pure Whole30 won't be easy right now, so my plan is to start on January 1. In the mean time, I'll stick with adding back only trace sugar, and limited rice.
Post by: grenzbegriff on November 30, 2015, 01:21:58 PM
I'm having trouble with the question because Keto is much more black-and-white than Whole30. The two eating styles are "cousins", but they have some very important differences and objectives, so mixing them risks failing to do either one successfully.
...
So, I'm not sure I know how to understand the mixing of the two concepts.
Yeah I basically was asking if anyone who is eating keto is also doing Whole30 by eliminating certain parts of their diet for 30 days just to see what happens. e.g. I could stop eating dairy/cheese for 30 days, or stop eating eggs for 30 days, or nuts, or something like that.
I'm not really tempted to try it myself because it would severely limit variety in my diet and would make it harder to get the right nutrition. So I was asking to see if anyone else is doing this and what they've found. I'm definitely not considering reintroducing carbs at this point. :)
Post by: Faraday on November 30, 2015, 03:50:32 PM
I'm having trouble with the question because Keto is much more black-and-white than Whole30. The two eating styles are "cousins", but they have some very important differences and objectives, so mixing them risks failing to do either one successfully.
...
So, I'm not sure I know how to understand the mixing of the two concepts.
Yeah I basically was asking if anyone who is eating keto is also doing Whole30 by eliminating certain parts of their diet for 30 days just to see what happens. e.g. I could stop eating dairy/cheese for 30 days, or stop eating eggs for 30 days, or nuts, or something like that.
I'm not really tempted to try it myself because it would severely limit variety in my diet and would make it harder to get the right nutrition. So I was asking to see if anyone else is doing this and what they've found. I'm definitely not considering reintroducing carbs at this point. :)
Being on the Keto lifestyle, I eat things that are positively forbidden in Whole30: Butter is a prime ingredient for me. I add MCT oil to foods to up the fat content and I eat pretty much any meats I can get.
We did some "oven fried chicken legs" recently: coated them in BAKING POWDER, baked them in the oven and they came out like the most awesome fried chicken legs I've ever had. (It's not only baking powder, there's a recipe I can get if anyone cares.) So far I've made three meals out of those chicken legs.
Post by: 1967mama on November 30, 2015, 04:09:45 PM
grenzbegriff - sorry I can't help you with keto - I'm learning about it from our dear Faraday. From what I've read, I don't think I could do it because fruit has been a great substitute for sweets for me (sweets were my problem and got me to 70+ lbs overweight) Now down almost 20lbs doing Whole60. Interestingly, my taste buds have really changed!
Today for dinner I made the giant meatballs out of the "Everyday Paleo" book. They are chock full of vegetables and topped with a garlic and basil marinara. I can't WAIT for dinner!
Took my kids to a pizza place for lunch today because we had freebies that expired after today. Bill came to $38 and I had $40 in coupons (yes, I left a generous tip!). I had WATER! What has happened to the old me?????!!!!
Post by: Caoineag on November 30, 2015, 08:34:22 PM
We have American Bacon in Canada too, it is just called "Bacon" :) But yeah, finding bacon without Sugar and Nitrates is not easy. Finding it without one is possible but I haven never seen both in Canada, and I have flipped over many a packages of bacon. We did find a brand without sugar (was one of the cheaper ones, I don't remember off the top of my head, I'll take a look next time we shop)
In my area finding nitrate free is easy but without sugar was definitely challenging. There was only one brand and it was the Pederson's one. If I had to choose one option, I would choose nitrate free but that's because most food chemicals and I are not friends. As in ham is completely toxic at the one bite level but pork without the chemicals is fine. Needless to say I am careful with all processed meat products.
When I start my whole 30/ elimination diet at the end of this December, all chemicals will be on the banned list so I will either go without bacon (most likely since most of the things I use the grease for will have been eliminated) or buy the Pederson Farm brand (which is about 2x the price of the rest of my options).
Do you have any Asian markets in your area? They sell the pork belly pre sliced and frozen...
Post by: swick on November 30, 2015, 08:50:57 PM
I make a big one at the beginning of the week and it feeds hubs and I for a week. I LOVE shredding it and frying it in some fat - makes it so crispy and delish. Good for breakfasts! I also fry up a big wok of cabbage with some coconut aminos and a splash of sesame oil and serve the crispy pork on top with a bunch of Cholula hot sauce. Definitely has become our quick to make comfort food :)
Post by: horsepoor on November 30, 2015, 09:07:55 PM
- I always realized how my weight now will impact my body as I grow older, but I was just reminded of it again. On Sunday, we saw a family friend at a play at the local HS. He's around my parents age (72). My boys asked me how old our friend was, and they were shocked when I told them he was the same age as Grandpa M. They said he seems WAY younger than Grandpa M. The biggest difference.....WEIGHT! My dad is a yoyo dieter, and I can see that the extra weight is really starting to impact him and how he moves. The boys' other grandpa, Grandpa W has been very healthy and trim his whole life. The boys said that our family friend was more like Grandpa W, because they both look and act a lot younger. The boys thought both of them were around 55. THAT'S exactly how I want to be. I don't want to be like the boy's grandma, Grandma W, who has had both knees and both hips replaced.
Oh yeah, my dad is 72 and my husband's dad is I think 73 and the difference between them is shocking. My dad is active and slim and goes with us for anything we want to do. A year or two ago when he was visiting we went on a 10 mile hike. DH's dad... well, he should probably be in a wheelchair, but he's too stubborn. About 4 years ago when they came to visit he managed walking around a local tourist attraction and MIL was amazed. He's gone downhill even more since then. He's probably 75# overweight, had a triple bypass, eats total crap and gets no exercise. It's really sad seeing how unable he is to participate in his granddaughters' lives. I'm dreading the day we get the call that he's in the hospital or suddenly gone.[/list]
Post by: 1967mama on November 30, 2015, 11:26:32 PM
Horsepoor - I see this in our parents too. My mom is 73 and debilitated by her sore knees. She should have had replacements 10 years ago. She's been overweight most of her life (maybe carrying and extra 100 lb) so her knees have given out after carrying around all that weight for so long. I don't want this to be me in 25 years! She's on BP meds.
I had an off day today. I did start with eggs and spinach and ended with my fancy meatballs (they were really delicious) but from 10 -5 my eating was compliant but not good choices: monkey bowls, applesauce, nuts, oranges. Interestingly, it was like a downward spiral -- the more I ate like that, the worse I felt. In retrospect, it was kind of like a reintroduction experiment.
Must. Eat. More. Protein.
Post by: Caoineag on December 01, 2015, 07:00:27 AM
Also have that lovely cabbage beet salad I posted earlier that I eat daily as a side dish to other things. Since it makes such a big batch, I have been feeding it to my lunch buddy for the past couple of weeks and she missed it terribly over the long weekend. I told her I would pack her a bunch for the next long weekend as I can't make a smaller batch and prefer not to waste it (she has major digestive issues and just 3 weeks of eating the cabbage salad has made a huge difference).
This weekend I will dump out my non-compliant seasoning mix and make the from scratch version and refill the shaker with that. I will probably move all of the non-compliant stuff still remaining in the house down to the basement this weekend as well so we don't accidentally use any of it.
The full start should be December 23 or 24 since we have a potluck at work on the 21st where everyone makes their favorite dishes but that hasn't stopped me from winnowing down in the meantime.
One thing I will note, merely cutting down all sugar sources has resulted in a tamer hunger response. Previously, I had a very limited window to respond to my hunger before it sent me crashing in a pretty horrific way, now I can basically ignore it if I want and for however long I want. I just don't get that horrible weakness that came with hunger before. It should be interesting to see the full effect of the elimination itself.
Post by: swick on December 01, 2015, 09:34:21 AM
1967mama - The salt makes it tasty! But really, you don't have to. There is clay in the Alean salt that gives it a nice little minerality - but it is not vital. I would use a coarser salt though. I have made it with Real Salt, Himalayan salt, smoked salt - all are good! One thing I like to do is add some banana leaf to cover it while it is cooking. That adds a nice flavor and keeps it super moist too (You can sometimes find them frozen in Asian or Mexican food stores) The occasional time you can find them in a Superstore if you have an ethnic population where you live.
I feel like I am doing OK with the whole 30/Keto hybrid that I am trying. When you take away the potatoes/sweet potatoes for bulk, it gets considerably harder. Especially because the greens I can get just haven't been inspiring and hugely expensive. To get enough Kale to build a meal around, it would be about 18.00. Our Cauliflower (for a small one) are up over 6.00 each.
I know I have to start actually tracking nutrients and such. That is one thing I LOVE about whole 30, you don't really have to track anything, makes it so easy!
Post by: horsepoor on December 01, 2015, 10:56:14 AM
I feel like I am doing OK with the whole 30/Keto hybrid that I am trying. When you take away the potatoes/sweet potatoes for bulk, it gets considerably harder. Especially because the greens I can get just haven't been inspiring and hugely expensive. To get enough Kale to build a meal around, it would be about 18.00. Our Cauliflower (for a small one) are up over 6.00 each.
I know I have to start actually tracking nutrients and such. That is one thing I LOVE about whole 30, you don't really have to track anything, makes it so easy!
Ouch! The cost can get pretty hard to swallow (no pun intended) when everything is grass-fed, organic, fresh AND low-carb. Cost is a definite factor in not wanting to go really low-carb unless I find out at some point that I really need to.
Can you get frozen veggies more cheaply? I did a "creamed" spinach the other day by sauteeing some frozen spinach in ghee and then stirring in homemade spicy mayo. Cheap and pretty good!
There is also this green soup http://www.splendidtable.org/recipes/basic-green-soup
You'd obviously want to omit the rice, but it can be made with pretty much anything green. I've used frozen spinach and broccoli, and you could increase the fat content as well to make it more filling.
Post by: debbie does duncan on December 01, 2015, 10:58:18 AM
I tried Paleo a while back and when I fell back to old ways of eating I had a very difficult time !!!
It turns out I have FODMAPS.
My intestines cannot process certain simple sugars. It is big in Oz, not so much in N.A.
I am pretty much stuck with Keto plus a few compliant veggies. Fructose is one sugar most people cannot process . Dairy and wheat/grains are the second. PSA over ! Goodluck.
And yes Faraday I do want your baking soda chicken recipe pls!
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 01, 2015, 11:05:38 AM
Post by: swick on December 01, 2015, 11:22:55 AM
Can you get frozen veggies more cheaply? I did a "creamed" spinach the other day by sauteeing some frozen spinach in ghee and then stirring in homemade spicy mayo. Cheap and pretty good!
There is also this green soup http://www.splendidtable.org/recipes/basic-green-soup
You'd obviously want to omit the rice, but it can be made with pretty much anything green. I've used frozen spinach and broccoli, and you could increase the fat content as well to make it more filling.
Thanks, Horsepoor! I'll have to try your take on creamed Spinach. That is something I can still egt fairly cheap :) We always price compare and usually go with frozen veg - the problem is they don't really inspire me to cook them. We are pretty big on texture. I guess I need to learn how to make them taste better to hide the texture!
One thing we love is roasted Brussels. A little lightly sauteed chopped onion and an apple thrown in with a bunch of oil to roast in. Tossed with a bit of balsamic when you take them out is really good! I guess I'll have to sub out the apple for bacon (Tough life!)
KiwiSonya - I wish you could send me some veg too, sounds amazing! Interesting to hear about how drastically your kids react to sugar. I'm not surprised, I've seen it time and time again in daycare/school settings. Way, way back in the day when I was a live-in teacher I established a firm rule that whoever fed the kids sugar was responsible for putting the kids to be that night :)
Post by: horsepoor on December 01, 2015, 12:51:34 PM
Sonya, glad your family is eating more healthfully too. I do wonder how many behavioral and learning problems could be resolved or really diminished by feeding kids better stuff. I'm not a parent so it's not something I tend to comment on, but good stuff (especially DHA) helps their brains develop better in addition to the short-term behavior thing. It's actually a pretty profound societal issue.
The holiday madness thing is starting here. This weekend is DH's birthday, but he's saying he'd just as soon have a steak and fried potatoes at home, so I'll do that and some veg and indulge in a glass of wine (or two). Then next week is a retirement party (I'm bringing compliant potato salad) and the annual holiday pizza party, which I think I'll just avoid entirely. Planning to keep the weekdays compliant through Christmas to just avoid all the temptations.
Post by: Faraday on December 01, 2015, 07:36:15 PM
he holiday madness thing is starting here. This weekend is DH's birthday, but he's saying he'd just as soon have a steak and fried potatoes at home, so I'll do that and some veg and indulge in a glass of wine (or two). Then next week is a retirement party (I'm bringing compliant potato salad) and the annual holiday pizza party, which I think I'll just avoid entirely. Planning to keep the weekdays compliant through Christmas to just avoid all the temptations.
+1 to DH. I do similar: I would rather forget I even have a birthday and just eat good food.
Good On You horsepoor for forging through the holidays! Watch what happens: on January 2, you will be as a goddess to the lost masses. They will be making their resolutions, talking about working out of going to the gym, etc. The manipulation is so pervasive, no one even questions.
All on this thread, just watch. If you hold firm, they will be seeking your guidance. If you fail in front of them, they will be asking you to go to Zumba with them. Either way, they pay. In dollars, time and health.
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 02, 2015, 11:06:03 AM
On my journey, the family are warming to some different foods and others are disappearing from our diet unnoticed so far. I'm really glad I'm doing this while they're young and I buy the food and they eat it. I imagine it gets more challenging with older kids. I have been having some interesting conversations with my smart cookie 5 year old about the effect of food on his body. He is growing so fast and I've been talking about how food affects his body and makes him feel - like here's your chicken, are you ready to grow? Feeling tired, maybe that's the sugar you ate which drains the petrol from your tank?
I haven't hopped on the scales since the end of my While30 but the shorts I bought a few weeks back in size 12 now need a belt. I reckon I'm about the size I was at 15! But still some to go - the mummy tummy is shrinking but still there. I'm going to treat myself to my first bikini as an adult when I overcome the 'Great Christmas/New Year Challenge', namely sticking with the program. Have a great day everyone. Ks
Post by: 1967mama on December 02, 2015, 11:26:06 AM
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 02, 2015, 11:49:46 AM
Post by: Faraday on December 02, 2015, 01:58:58 PM
I am having A LOT of tummy troubles...on and off basically my whole60 but some days are worse than others. I've been reading up on FODMAPS and am eating Whole30 compliant within the FODMAPS food lists today. Also, using a light for Seasonal Affective disorder on these grey rainy days to see if that energizes me. I've had 2 or 3 crummy, grumpy days in a row. Grrr!
GOOD ON YOU for trying the SADD lamp! KEEP IT UP, it takes a long time to see the effects, and they come on so gradually you can't hardly tell.
I have some halogen work lights that I like to use - they are 500 watts each and also put out some radiant heat that feels good. I'm considering permanent-mounting pairs of 500 watt halogen lamps on opposite walls of my garage just to help me feel better when I'm working on projects, but I absolutely hate what those would do to my electric bill, so I'm still pondering. There's a new 1400 lumen LED floodlamp that would be much, much better but I don't know if it would give the same magnitude of effect I get from a halogen work light.
Are you eating much broccoli or asparagus? Some of the FODMAP-friendly vegetables can still cause intestinal troubles. I LOVE broccoli and asparagus, but if I overdo it, I get pretty miserable and even bad itching in very specific spots (legs, around the calf area). Example article: http://www.livestrong.com/article/349377-stomach-cramps-after-eating-broccoli/
Do you have any odd itches or any other "feeling" associated with your troubles? I've had troubles with some really strange things. I've already mentioned I have to be careful with dairy, but sometimes multivitamins will bother me, herb-type stuff like Echinacea or Milk Thistle will get a reaction out of me, even too many TUMS (calcium antacids) will mess me over.
A couple things that tend to help:
- Water. Doing my pack of dried lime and a little stevia in a liter of water lets me drink as much as four liters in a day without getting that waterlogged feeling
- Exercise helps, especially anything that works abdominal muscles like walking, biking or yard work.
- Here's an odd one: Alka-Seltzer seems to help me, a LOT. Indeed, almost anything carbonated seems to really help my digestion. Enough so that I'm considering keeping a 5 gallon keg of simple carbonated water on tap.
- I'm still using the Orthophosphoric Acid: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000S822KK It SEEMS to help but I can't honestly tell you it's making AWESOME improvements for me. I'm definitely not getting worse from it and it seems to help, but it seems to work best on an empty stomach, so I take a 12 oz glass with 30 drops in it first thing in the morning and wait 30 minutes to eat.
- I've had to finally just quit the Atkins-branded foods. These were a nice "emergency backup food". I have a plan for some other foods going forward that I'll make and freeze, like this: http://www.ruled.me/jalapeno-popper-egg-cups/
Post by: Faraday on December 02, 2015, 02:12:01 PM
I am pretty much stuck with Keto plus a few compliant veggies. Fructose is one sugar most people cannot process . Dairy and wheat/grains are the second. PSA over ! Goodluck.
And yes Faraday I do want your baking soda chicken recipe pls!
Hello my Keto Friend. I hear you loud and clear about FODMAPS. You asked for the chicken recipe:
http://www.ruled.me/perfectly-crisp-baked-chicken-wings/
We did this with chicken legs too. They didn't come out looking as nice as the wings do in the photos, but they were REEALY GOOD. Next we want to try it with boneless chicken breast - taking the chicken and slicing it into thinner strips to accentuate the effect of the baking powder.
Now: let me confess something: I don't believe the calorie count they mention in that article: I do NOT ACCEPT that four chicken wings = 500 calories. So when I entered these wings in my LoseIt logging app, I let four wings = 400 calories or 100 calories per wing. I still don't like that, but I accept it and if it causes me to blow my calorie count for the day, I just don't care as long as the macronutrient ratios (fats, protein and carbs) are in the right ratios. (and these wings do that pretty well - a bit too much protein, but it's all-good....)
Post by: 1967mama on December 02, 2015, 05:06:08 PM
After lamp=happy, energetic, cheery. I'm soooo glad! I have 2 sons with SAD (doctor diagnosed), so I'm not surprised to find myself benefitting from the lamps. Also, I can't believe it, but LAST NIGHT, I took Echinacea and a multi for the first time in a while -- could that be what is upsetting my stomach? I also take D and Omega 3 on the days I remember, in addition to the multi. I wonder if the vitamins and supplements are making me sick instead of healthy????!!!! NO vitamins and supplements today! No odd itches or any other symptoms that I can say I've noticed. Thank you for your other suggestions too!
Kiwisonya - thanks for the sympathy :-/ I kind of feel like I might never have been aware of this on my old way of eating. Its because of my Whole60 that this has come to light, so there's that. FODMAPS: yes, the onions and brassicas plus certain fruits (apples, watermelon and a few others that I eat) but there are lots of others that I like and do eat that are fine. Legumes, dairy and grains are bad, but of course, they aren't part of my diet now, and maybe not ever again.
Today I fit into THREE outfits that I was hoping would fit soon! SOOOOOO happy! One of the outfits is a fancy gala ensemble that I haven't worn since 2009, so its been long enough that I can still wear it, and will do so next weekend! It is still very much in style and looks quite lovely on me. I'd post a picture, but it took me about an hour to figure that out last time! hahah! The second outfit is a dress that I bought at a consignment store a few weeks ago. It was too tight then, but I was hopeful it would fit by Christmas Eve to wear to church ... today is December 2nd and it looks great on me! The third is a leopard print top and a black cardie -- they are both longer and looser and I'm wearing them today with black jeans and am feeling quite mod...hahaha.
I am now contemplating going straight on into another Whole30. That would make it a Whole90 --- ACK! hahah! That is what my teenaged son challenged me to in the very beginning. Its neat to share with my boys how I"m doing. I can tell they are proud of me. Date-wise, that would carry me through Christmas and New Years which could quite possibly be the very best gift I could give myself this Christmas. Hmmm...what to do, what to do. Anyone else want to join me?
ETA: dairy
Post by: Caoineag on December 02, 2015, 07:25:32 PM
I wonder if the vitamins and supplements are making me sick instead of healthy????!!!! NO vitamins and supplements today!
Do you get your grumbly tummy within a few hours of taking your vitamins? Then yes they could be doing it to you. I can NOT take vitamins, my stomach tries to chew itself up when I do. If there is anything you actually need to supplement per doctor's orders, look for a chewable version if you have digestive issues with the pill form.
Post by: swick on December 02, 2015, 11:37:59 PM
I wonder if the vitamins and supplements are making me sick instead of healthy????!!!! NO vitamins and supplements today!
Do you get your grumbly tummy within a few hours of taking your vitamins? Then yes they could be doing it to you. I can NOT take vitamins, my stomach tries to chew itself up when I do. If there is anything you actually need to supplement per doctor's orders, look for a chewable version if you have digestive issues with the pill form.
Also check your ingredient list, there are almost always fillers, binders etc. Many have wheat/dairy derivatives.
Post by: 1967mama on December 02, 2015, 11:51:37 PM
Swick! I never thought to check what else is in those vitamins!!! Checking now...hold please...hmmm mostly cellulose and gelatine and stuff. One had sorbitol which I think is on the FODMAP list as a no go. I had a totally FODMAP day except for a few bits of onion in the leftover meatballs. Need to print out the list of foods to avoid till I commit it to memory.
ETA: The melatonin! it has lactose in it! Could that be it? I take it a few nights a week. UGH! Just took 2 and then read the bottle.
Post by: swick on December 03, 2015, 08:08:09 AM
What is the fastest/easiest way to post an image?
Swick! I never thought to check what else is in those vitamins!!! Checking now...hold please...hmmm mostly cellulose and gelatine and stuff. One had sorbitol which I think is on the FODMAP list as a no go. I had a totally FODMAP day except for a few bits of onion in the leftover meatballs. Need to print out the list of foods to avoid till I commit it to memory.
ETA: The melatonin! it has lactose in it! Could that be it? I take it a few nights a week. UGH! Just took 2 and then read the bottle.
Image - click on the "attachments and other options" below the reply window and attach the file, just pay attention to the size Before you upload it. If you have a program or option that allows you to "save for web" that is easiest.
So Cellulose - may or may not be a problem, I know people on the FODMAP that it doesn't do well with. There is definitely a difference between commercial wood pulp cellulose (the chemical processes it goes through are super toxic) and the natural cellulose that is present in grains and plants you eat. Also, they have started making Cellulose from BHT Cotton.
Either way, there are much safer ways to get your insoluble fiber. But they ar starting to put it in everything. It's cheap - it makes thing taste better in your mouth.
Post by: debbie does duncan on December 03, 2015, 09:08:22 AM
I stopped counting calories once I was told about FODMAPS. Most dietary rules went out the window then, along with the scale.
Keep Calm and Keto On !
Post by: YK-Phil on December 03, 2015, 10:27:04 AM
I fell hard, but I'm getting up. I learned my lesson.
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 03, 2015, 11:34:14 AM
1967mama, I'm so impressed that you're considering a whole90 through Christmas. You are my inspiration! And awesome about the dresses fitting. You will look a million dollars! I have discovered from my food diary that I really have a problem with Thursdays. Most stressful day of the week for me and I turn to my old friend fruit, which leads to more problem eating. Will develop a Thursday specific plan to deal with it. I've always hated food tracking but now I can see its value for improving my habits. Have a great day everyone. Ks
Post by: 1967mama on December 03, 2015, 12:46:23 PM
Post by: mom22boys on December 03, 2015, 12:50:20 PM
1967mama in clothes that haven't fit in 3 years! Thanks for the photo posting tips, Swick!
I think you need to change your user name to HotMama! :-)
Post by: horsepoor on December 03, 2015, 01:14:31 PM
We appreciate your honesty, Ykphil. I've stuffed up a few times and it's actually good to admit it, start again and be better prepared for next time. Life is full of Belgian chocolate moments so you definitely need a plan. Apparently cravings only last a few minutes so I have been distracting myself by brushing my teeth with lots of toothpaste. Everything tastes like crap after that. Also, perhaps you could stash some nuts in your pocket so you are never so ravenous that you'll eat anything. I have also done weird things like mix tempting leftovers that I shouldn't eat with dust from the vacuum cleaner - even my strongest craving wouldn't make me want to fish it out!
1967mama, I'm so impressed that you're considering a whole90 through Christmas. You are my inspiration! And awesome about the dresses fitting. You will look a million dollars! I have discovered from my food diary that I really have a problem with Thursdays. Most stressful day of the week for me and I turn to my old friend fruit, which leads to more problem eating. Will develop a Thursday specific plan to deal with it. I've always hated food tracking but now I can see its value for improving my habits. Have a great day everyone. Ks
This is great, Sonya. The nice thing with food tracking is it doesn't have to be a permanent thing; it can be used from time to time to discover patterns and root out problems.
I keep some fermented pickles/kraut or whatever in the fridge and sometimes I'll take a bite of that to kill any cravings I might be fighting since the flavor clashes with sweets and dairy.
1967, you look great!!
Ykphil - yeah, it would be tough to navigate when you're in a house full of that junk. Hope you keep something on hand for the next time Ogre Mode hits. My suggestion would be to reset to Day 1 if possible and go through with your full plan without slip-ups.
Post by: 1967mama on December 03, 2015, 01:53:14 PM
One day, maybe I can muster up the courage to post a before and after .. ugh. What a horrible sight. I can even see confidence in my the way I'm holding my body in that photo that I took yesterday.
With my FODMAP research yesterday, I'm starting that addition to my eating plans today. I hope to see quick results or else I think I'd better go to the doctor and find out if anything is catastrophically wrong:-/
Interestingly, I sent my mom the same photo (they are away for a few months) + my head attached, and she didn't write back. I'm sure they think I'm starving myself to death and will soon be admitted to an eating disorder clinic weighing 75 lbs. I'm not bashing those who need that service, btw, just pointing out how skewed my parents view of weight is (ie: chubby=healthy and well fed). My mom has battled weight her whole life, and my dad has uncontrolled diabetes -- takes meds but eats candy and desserts daily. This will be an uphill battle with them. I think I will stop sending pictures, although when they come back in the spring, I don't want them to be too shocked when their daughter is 70+ lbs lighter than when they left!
ETA: Wow! I just went and counted the days left in my Whole60 on a calendar, and apparently I finished it Tuesday! Wahoo! Today, then, becomes Day 2 of my Whole90! I can't believe I'm really doing this! Thank you, Hartwigs!
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 03, 2015, 05:19:32 PM
Post by: sunnyca on December 03, 2015, 11:52:42 PM
I'm finally ready to jump in- I had an absolutely horrible two weeks of eating complete garbage in response to stress both at work and home, and am really feeling the effects now. My joints feel inflamed to the point where it's hard for me to walk comfortably, and I've been getting this weird rash. Ugh.
Here goes!
Post by: 1967mama on December 04, 2015, 12:40:09 AM
Whole90 day 2 -- I googled Whole90 tonight and came up with this, which I found hilarious:
https://paleothuglife.wordpress.com/2013/07/08/whole90-and-why-i-didnt-die/
I figured out that in 8 weeks I have lost 2.5lbs per week, which is perfectly healthy, IMHO. Nothing extreme or radical about Whole30, just good healthy eating.
Post by: 1967mama on December 04, 2015, 01:17:51 AM
http://whole30.com/2014/01/whole30-forever/
It gave me pause because I'm having mixed feelings about Christmas approaching. I could do a Whole70 and end just before Christmas but then stay Whole30ish and allow myself a tiny treat at Christmas. Oh I don't know. I probably just need to go to sleep.
Any thoughts?
Post by: horsepoor on December 04, 2015, 07:53:34 AM
Because I don't have strong reactions to any foods, and I travel frequently for work, I just try to eat paleo most of the time, and not worry about it if I'm traveling with co-workers and they want to eat at a sports bar. Usually I'll order a salad with meat on it and ask them to leave the croutons off and call it good. I've touched on it before, but tomorrow is my planned re-intro day, but I'm not at all viewing it as the end. I'll eat compliant until dinner and have a nice bottle of wine ready to go. Sunday will be a compliant day. Monday I have to attend a retirement potluck, so I'm bringing a paleo potato salad. I'll probably just eat that and whatever fruits and veggies are available, and if there's some brisket or something, I'll have some of that even if it has BBQ sauce on it and drink water. I'm planning to do yogurt for breakfast next week since I have tons of homemade jams to use up. Those have added sugar, but mixed into tangy, full-fat yogurt I don't anticipate that they'll cause issues. I am going to stay 100% away from any candies, baked goods or other junk that shows up at the office. If I want to splurge, it's going to be planned and for something special. No impulse eating of garbage just because it's in front of me.
Post by: 1967mama on December 04, 2015, 10:57:35 AM
Post by: Liz on December 04, 2015, 11:13:56 AM
My thoughts are that the Whole30 isn't supposed to be a Whole365 -- but if you end up straying too far away, it always there for you to come back to. I think the reintro and trying different things is part of the journey.
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 04, 2015, 11:32:22 AM
Post by: mom22boys on December 04, 2015, 11:57:36 AM
You're the only one who can answer these things because it depends totally on a) your body's reactions to the foods and b) your lifestyle.
One thing to add to this is that you have to know your triggers, which is a big part of the Whole30. Once you identify those, you may need to go longer with no reintro on those, if you even choose to add them back at all. I know my trigger is chocolate, so that's why on Thanksgiving I choose to have the pumpkin pie cake, but NOT the brownie. Eventually I may have a little bit of chocolate, but I don't think I'm ready for that yet. From past experience, I know I will get to that point but not yet.
Post by: horsepoor on December 04, 2015, 09:41:37 PM
Great answer Horsepoor!You're the only one who can answer these things because it depends totally on a) your body's reactions to the foods and b) your lifestyle.
One thing to add to this is that you have to know your triggers, which is a big part of the Whole30. Once you identify those, you may need to go longer with no reintro on those, if you even choose to add them back at all. I know my trigger is chocolate, so that's why on Thanksgiving I choose to have the pumpkin pie cake, but NOT the brownie. Eventually I may have a little bit of chocolate, but I don't think I'm ready for that yet. From past experience, I know I will get to that point but not yet.
Glad my post was helpful!
Yes, understanding trigger foods is definitely important, so let's amend a) as understanding your physical and psychological reactions to foods. It's all a journey of self-awareness, isn't it?
I "had" to go to Walmart today (little girl's stretch pants for my dog, what else?) and was thinking of Faraday's words and how this is the season of insanity to get through as Mustachians too. All the parallels between eating and spending are so striking. Hope everyone can keep up their badassity this month!
Post by: sunnyca on December 04, 2015, 10:23:12 PM
Breakfast: two hard-boiled eggs, an apple, and almond butter
Lunch: Korean fish stew and kimchi
Dinner: seared Ahi Tuna with slaw and baked sweet potato fries
While I'm not actually still hungry, I am craving a bit of an evening snack. Hmm..
It helps that I didn't go to work today, so my stress-related emotional eating wasn't triggered.
Post by: Liz on December 05, 2015, 07:51:17 AM
I "had" to go to Walmart today (little girl's stretch pants for my dog, what else?)
This made me smile. :-)
Post by: swick on December 05, 2015, 08:09:23 AM
and awesome post horsepoor! The triggers bit is so. so important!
Liz - I totally agree that reintro is an important part of the journey. I feel like I learned as much (or more) about myself during the re-intro phase.
Things are going pretty uneventful around here, it seems we have settled into our new "normal" you tend to lose track of counting days as it just becomes a lifestyle - except - still struggling with finding enough tempting veggies to eat. Going to go on a veggie hunt today to all our local grocery stores and try to find the best produce, even if it is a little more expensive.
Post by: Frugalman19 on December 05, 2015, 08:50:54 AM
First thing we added back was alcohol lol
Wife lost 12 pounds I lost 10 pounds. Which was not the goal, we didn't count calories or restrict how much we ate. But the pounds came off so fast.
Feel great. The hardest part was thanksgiving, and we definitely limited our social interactions, which sucked, but we saved a ton of money.
Good luck!
Post by: 1967mama on December 05, 2015, 01:49:20 PM
Good! How are you feeling?
Awgolfer - Welcome! How
Is your reintroduction going since the addition of alcohol? (Wink)
I have taken Melissa Hartwig's article (that I posted a link to above) to heart. We were out at a party that included breakfast today and I had eggs, 2 strips of bacon, 1 sausage and about 1 1/2 cups of raspberries, strawberries and grapes. I declined the waffles and tator tots as well as the sugary juice. It was really nice to eat a few things without feeling paranoid. So I guess I did a whole60 and am now officially Whole30ish. Will be interesting to see if the weight continues to drop.
Post by: Faraday on December 06, 2015, 06:08:56 PM
Quote
I am going to stay 100% away from any candies, baked goods or other junk that shows up at the office. If I want to splurge, it's going to be planned and for something special. No impulse eating of garbage just because it's in front of me.
Wiser words were never spoken, horsepoor. Add to that the idea that sometimes, there's someone in the office who's interested in "making you fall off your high horse". I mean, the gall of that person, thinking they can be thinner than all the rest of us pigs! :-)
.... how this is the season of insanity to get through as Mustachians too. All the parallels between eating and spending are so striking. Hope everyone can keep up their badassity this month!
When I found myself doing both Keto and MMM, each "subversion" reinforced the other. It's a powerful thing to realize you can own and control both your food AND your money!
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 07, 2015, 02:02:07 AM
Post by: 1967mama on December 07, 2015, 10:06:33 AM
I cut her off with, bread gives me diarrhea these days and you don't want me having that at Christmas, do you?
Great answer!!!!!
Post by: mom22boys on December 07, 2015, 11:36:07 AM
I totally feel your pain SonyaKiwi with the parent issue! We went to my parents for the day on Saturday. My mom made not ONE, but TWO desserts for us. I realize I'm a big girl and can make my own decisions about what I do and don't eat, but it's extremely frustrating to me that my mom will still make this crap for us when we come to visit. She knows this is something I really struggle with, and both my parents do as well! My dad makes a comment about how good I look, in the same second my mom is putting a plate of dessert in front of my face. Really!? I gave in. Yes, I gave in to peer pressure from my parents to eat crap. I'm mad! I'm frustrated! I obviously need to have a good sit-down with my mom and explain to her that I love her, but this has to stop. Please stop making this junk for us when we visit. I certainly don't need it, and my boys don't either.
Then yesterday my boys really wanted chocolate chip cookies. I haven't made them for over 6 months, so I caved! Yes, I had a moment of "I blew it yesterday at my parents, so why not again today?" One thing I'm finding hard to balance is treats for my boys. I often talk with the boys about eating healthy, but I want to be careful with how I do it so they aren't scared of eating a tiny bit of dessert every few months.
The good news is that I'm recognizing that this is not my new normal. Eating healthy is my new normal, and I'm taking action more quickly then I've ever done in the past. I'm coming to this awesome group, because I know I'll get a face punch from Faraday, and I'll move forward. I also realized that Thanksgiving really threw me out of my rhythm. Not because it was a holiday, but instead because we were gone from home so I wasn't in my normal pattern of having a plan and prepping for the week. I honestly haven't been impacted too much by the holiday season, other then visiting my parents more often (which equates to crappy food).
Time for me to get back to meal planning and prepping, and back on track! It's a new day!
Post by: mom22boys on December 07, 2015, 11:44:26 AM
- Mom22boys - Struggling with eating whole30ish right now. I'm planning to start another round on January 1. I'll go at least 30 days, but may stretch it out to 60 or 90.
Post by: 1967mama on December 07, 2015, 12:19:59 PM
After I posted, I was doing more reading on the thread (for inspiration) and see a lot of new people! Excellent! I think it would be good to do a roll call and see where everyone is at. If you doing a Whole30 now, what day are you on? If not, when are you starting your next Whole30? I'll start:
- Mom22boys - Struggling with eating whole30ish right now. I'm planning to start another round on January 1. I'll go at least 30 days, but may stretch it out to 60 or 90.
- 1967mama - Did a Whole60 from October 6 to December 6. Eating Whole30ish now during reintroduction phase. So far I'm very happy with how this is going. Whole30 has changed my life. I'm down 22 lbs with about 60 lbs still to go. Tummy troubles have settled due to discovering my FODMAP sensitivity. Clothes fitting now that I last wore in 2006! Shortly, I will
have to buy new (thrift) clothes because I haven't been this low in weight since 1998 and no longer have any clothes from that era! Haha! No turning back now! I'm a lifer!
Post by: Liz on December 07, 2015, 12:42:55 PM
2. 1967mama - Did a Whole60 from October 6 to December 6. Eating Whole30ish now during reintroduction phase. So far I'm very happy with how this is going. Whole30 has changed my life. I'm down 22 lbs with about 60 lbs still to go. Tummy troubles have settled due to discovering my FODMAP sensitivity. Clothes fitting now that I last wore in 2006! Shortly, I will
have to buy new (thrift) clothes because I haven't been this low in weight since 1998 and no longer have any clothes from that era! Haha! No turning back now! I'm a lifer!
3. Liz - Did a second Whole 30 from September to October, mainly to see if it had any effect on my asthma and allergies {it did!}. Lost a couple of pounds and noticed I had clearer skin, better mood, and slept much better! Transitioned into a paleo-keto style of eating and lost more weight by tracking net carbs. Started fitting into pants I haven't been able to wear in quite some time.:) Right now the plan to slowly transition my carbs back up to around 50-75, while still focusing on clean eating.
Post by: horsepoor on December 07, 2015, 12:57:21 PM
1. Mom22boys - Struggling with eating whole30ish right now. I'm planning to start another round on January 1. I'll go at least 30 days, but may stretch it out to 60 or 90.
2. 1967mama - Did a Whole60 from October 6 to December 6. Eating Whole30ish now during reintroduction phase. So far I'm very happy with how this is going. Whole30 has changed my life. I'm down 22 lbs with about 60 lbs still to go. Tummy troubles have settled due to discovering my FODMAP sensitivity. Clothes fitting now that I last wore in 2006! Shortly, I will
have to buy new (thrift) clothes because I haven't been this low in weight since 1998 and no longer have any clothes from that era! Haha! No turning back now! I'm a lifer!
3. Liz - Did a second Whole 30 from September to October, mainly to see if it had any effect on my asthma and allergies {it did!}. Lost a couple of pounds and noticed I had clearer skin, better mood, and slept much better! Transitioned into a paleo-keto style of eating and lost more weight by tracking net carbs. Started fitting into pants I haven't been able to wear in quite some time.:) Right now the plan to slowly transition my carbs back up to around 50-75, while still focusing on clean eating.
4. horsepoor Still eating paleo and committed to not eating any garbage at the office. Can go for a paleo dessert or wine on Friday and Saturday nights. I've added in rice, dairy and trace sugar. Committed to staying away from wheat and candy/non-paleo desserts through New Year's. Starting to focus more on my exercise regimen. No plans to do another W30 at this point but won't rule it out.
Edited to not contradict myself re: desserts
Post by: swick on December 07, 2015, 01:03:36 PM
1. Mom22boys - Struggling with eating whole30ish right now. I'm planning to start another round on January 1. I'll go at least 30 days, but may stretch it out to 60 or 90.
2. 1967mama - Did a Whole60 from October 6 to December 6. Eating Whole30ish now during reintroduction phase. So far I'm very happy with how this is going. Whole30 has changed my life. I'm down 22 lbs with about 60 lbs still to go. Tummy troubles have settled due to discovering my FODMAP sensitivity. Clothes fitting now that I last wore in 2006! Shortly, I will
have to buy new (thrift) clothes because I haven't been this low in weight since 1998 and no longer have any clothes from that era! Haha! No turning back now! I'm a lifer!
3. Liz - Did a second Whole 30 from September to October, mainly to see if it had any effect on my asthma and allergies {it did!}. Lost a couple of pounds and noticed I had clearer skin, better mood, and slept much better! Transitioned into a paleo-keto style of eating and lost more weight by tracking net carbs. Started fitting into pants I haven't been able to wear in quite some time.:) Right now the plan to slowly transition my carbs back up to around 50-75, while still focusing on clean eating.
4. horsepoor Still eating paleo and committed to not eating any garbage at the office. Can go for a dessert or wine on Friday and Saturday nights. I've added in rice, dairy and trace sugar. Committed to staying away from wheat and desserts through New Year's. Starting to focus more on my exercise regimen. No plans to do another W30 at this point but won't rule it out.
5. Swick Started the thread back in Sept. because I wanted company during my first Whole 30. The changes over the past few months have been astronomical. Figured out it was a wheat/gluten issue causing my Fibro flare ups (along with a host of other issues) Currently eating mostly Whole 30/Keto with a very, very occasional bit of rice (if we go out to eat). Am planning on next whole 30 in January (or when enough other folks on the board want to start another!)
Post by: 1967mama on December 07, 2015, 02:10:08 PM
This stuff rocks!
In a small bowl (I used gladware) combine 1 cup coconut milk and 1/4 cup of chia seeds. Stir and let it gel up overnight. Top with fresh berries. Non-Whole30ers could add a tiny bit of honey but I found it sweet enough without (said 1967mama, never!)
Reminds me of yogurt!
Edit: typo
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 07, 2015, 02:17:34 PM
1. Mom22boys - Struggling with eating whole30ish right now. I'm planning to start another round on January 1. I'll go at least 30 days, but may stretch it out to 60 or 90.6. KiwiSonya - been here since late Sept. Failed to complete first whole30 but rocked a second attempt with the support of this group (thanks guys). Lost 6.5kg, slept better, more even mood and energy levels, better skin, lost Pms and seasonal allergies improved. Remaining issues to sort are using food to solve emotional problems, eating too fast and not savouring my food and eating my kids leftovers even when not hungry. Christmas will be a challenge but I'm going to be prepared (I'm even writing a little plan of how I will meet the challenges, will share soon). Am keen for another whole30 in the new year to sort out the outstanding food issues. Welcome newcomers!
2. 1967mama - Did a Whole60 from October 6 to December 6. Eating Whole30ish now during reintroduction phase. So far I'm very happy with how this is going. Whole30 has changed my life. I'm down 22 lbs with about 60 lbs still to go. Tummy troubles have settled due to discovering my FODMAP sensitivity. Clothes fitting now that I last wore in 2006! Shortly, I will
have to buy new (thrift) clothes because I haven't been this low in weight since 1998 and no longer have any clothes from that era! Haha! No turning back now! I'm a lifer!
3. Liz - Did a second Whole 30 from September to October, mainly to see if it had any effect on my asthma and allergies {it did!}. Lost a couple of pounds and noticed I had clearer skin, better mood, and slept much better! Transitioned into a paleo-keto style of eating and lost more weight by tracking net carbs. Started fitting into pants I haven't been able to wear in quite some time.:) Right now the plan to slowly transition my carbs back up to around 50-75, while still focusing on clean eating.
4. horsepoor Still eating paleo and committed to not eating any garbage at the office. Can go for a dessert or wine on Friday and Saturday nights. I've added in rice, dairy and trace sugar. Committed to staying away from wheat and desserts through New Year's. Starting to focus more on my exercise regimen. No plans to do another W30 at this point but won't rule it out.
5. Swick Started the thread back in Sept. because I wanted company during my first Whole 30. The changes over the past few months have been astronomical. Figured out it was a wheat/gluten issue causing my Fibro flare ups (along with a host of other issues) Currently eating mostly Whole 30/Keto with a very, very occasional bit of rice (if we go out to eat). Am planning on next whole 30 in January (or when enough other folks on the board want to start another!)
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 07, 2015, 02:28:58 PM
Post by: Caoineag on December 08, 2015, 07:07:59 AM
1. Mom22boys - Struggling with eating whole30ish right now. I'm planning to start another round on January 1. I'll go at least 30 days, but may stretch it out to 60 or 90.
2. 1967mama - Did a Whole60 from October 6 to December 6. Eating Whole30ish now during reintroduction phase. So far I'm very happy with how this is going. Whole30 has changed my life. I'm down 22 lbs with about 60 lbs still to go. Tummy troubles have settled due to discovering my FODMAP sensitivity. Clothes fitting now that I last wore in 2006! Shortly, I will
have to buy new (thrift) clothes because I haven't been this low in weight since 1998 and no longer have any clothes from that era! Haha! No turning back now! I'm a lifer!
3. Liz - Did a second Whole 30 from September to October, mainly to see if it had any effect on my asthma and allergies {it did!}. Lost a couple of pounds and noticed I had clearer skin, better mood, and slept much better! Transitioned into a paleo-keto style of eating and lost more weight by tracking net carbs. Started fitting into pants I haven't been able to wear in quite some time.:) Right now the plan to slowly transition my carbs back up to around 50-75, while still focusing on clean eating.
4. horsepoor Still eating paleo and committed to not eating any garbage at the office. Can go for a dessert or wine on Friday and Saturday nights. I've added in rice, dairy and trace sugar. Committed to staying away from wheat and desserts through New Year's. Starting to focus more on my exercise regimen. No plans to do another W30 at this point but won't rule it out.
5. Swick Started the thread back in Sept. because I wanted company during my first Whole 30. The changes over the past few months have been astronomical. Figured out it was a wheat/gluten issue causing my Fibro flare ups (along with a host of other issues) Currently eating mostly Whole 30/Keto with a very, very occasional bit of rice (if we go out to eat). Am planning on next whole 30 in January (or when enough other folks on the board want to start another!)
6. KiwiSonya - been here since late Sept. Failed to complete first whole30 but rocked a second attempt with the support of this group (thanks guys). Lost 6.5kg, slept better, more even mood and energy levels, better skin, lost Pms and seasonal allergies improved. Remaining issues to sort are using food to solve emotional problems, eating too fast and not savouring my food and eating my kids leftovers even when not hungry. Christmas will be a challenge but I'm going to be prepared (I'm even writing a little plan of how I will meet the challenges, will share soon). Am keen for another whole30 in the new year to sort out the outstanding food issues. Welcome newcomers!
7. Caoineag - I have not yet completed a Whole30, starting Dec 25th (Christmas won't be challenging, no food associated with it in my house). We have been easing in for the past 2 months and creating recipes so that we don't fail when we do start. I am about 90% compliant at this point but have a yearly potluck coming up that I will be participating in and nothing about it will be compliant hence the late start (even then I will attempt to be as compliant as possible). I also had a diet soda addiction that I had to completely break before starting and a couple of other habits to change as well (I have completed this step). My biggest concern with a Whole 30 is how to get perfect compliance. The more I can establish the eating style now, the more likely I will succeed in my first run.
Post by: flan on December 08, 2015, 07:25:35 AM
***edited because brain dumb.
Post by: mom22boys on December 08, 2015, 11:45:20 AM
7. Caoineag - I have not yet completed a Whole30, starting Dec 25th (Christmas won't be challenging, no food associated with it in my house). We have been easing in for the past 2 months and creating recipes so that we don't fail when we do start. I am about 90% compliant at this point but have a yearly potluck coming up that I will be participating in and nothing about it will be compliant hence the late start (even then I will attempt to be as compliant as possible). I also had a diet soda addiction that I had to completely break before starting and a couple of other habits to change as well (I have completed this step). My biggest concern with a Whole 30 is how to get perfect compliance. The more I can establish the eating style now, the more likely I will succeed in my first run.
Congrats on kicking the soda addiction. I gave up soda over 5 years, and it has been one of the best decisions I've ever made (aside from Whole30). I don't miss it AT ALL! Now if only I could do that with chocolate! :-)
Post by: Cranberries on December 08, 2015, 01:08:31 PM
1. Mom22boys - Struggling with eating whole30ish right now. I'm planning to start another round on January 1. I'll go at least 30 days, but may stretch it out to 60 or 90.
2. 1967mama - Did a Whole60 from October 6 to December 6. Eating Whole30ish now during reintroduction phase. So far I'm very happy with how this is going. Whole30 has changed my life. I'm down 22 lbs with about 60 lbs still to go. Tummy troubles have settled due to discovering my FODMAP sensitivity. Clothes fitting now that I last wore in 2006! Shortly, I will
have to buy new (thrift) clothes because I haven't been this low in weight since 1998 and no longer have any clothes from that era! Haha! No turning back now! I'm a lifer!
3. Liz - Did a second Whole 30 from September to October, mainly to see if it had any effect on my asthma and allergies {it did!}. Lost a couple of pounds and noticed I had clearer skin, better mood, and slept much better! Transitioned into a paleo-keto style of eating and lost more weight by tracking net carbs. Started fitting into pants I haven't been able to wear in quite some time.:) Right now the plan to slowly transition my carbs back up to around 50-75, while still focusing on clean eating.
4. horsepoor Still eating paleo and committed to not eating any garbage at the office. Can go for a dessert or wine on Friday and Saturday nights. I've added in rice, dairy and trace sugar. Committed to staying away from wheat and desserts through New Year's. Starting to focus more on my exercise regimen. No plans to do another W30 at this point but won't rule it out.
5. Swick Started the thread back in Sept. because I wanted company during my first Whole 30. The changes over the past few months have been astronomical. Figured out it was a wheat/gluten issue causing my Fibro flare ups (along with a host of other issues) Currently eating mostly Whole 30/Keto with a very, very occasional bit of rice (if we go out to eat). Am planning on next whole 30 in January (or when enough other folks on the board want to start another!)
6. KiwiSonya - been here since late Sept. Failed to complete first whole30 but rocked a second attempt with the support of this group (thanks guys). Lost 6.5kg, slept better, more even mood and energy levels, better skin, lost Pms and seasonal allergies improved. Remaining issues to sort are using food to solve emotional problems, eating too fast and not savouring my food and eating my kids leftovers even when not hungry. Christmas will be a challenge but I'm going to be prepared (I'm even writing a little plan of how I will meet the challenges, will share soon). Am keen for another whole30 in the new year to sort out the outstanding food issues. Welcome newcomers!
7. Caoineag - I have not yet completed a Whole30, starting Dec 25th (Christmas won't be challenging, no food associated with it in my house). We have been easing in for the past 2 months and creating recipes so that we don't fail when we do start. I am about 90% compliant at this point but have a yearly potluck coming up that I will be participating in and nothing about it will be compliant hence the late start (even then I will attempt to be as compliant as possible). I also had a diet soda addiction that I had to completely break before starting and a couple of other habits to change as well (I have completed this step). My biggest concern with a Whole 30 is how to get perfect compliance. The more I can establish the eating style now, the more likely I will succeed in my first run.
7. Botanist - I did two whole30's with a one week gap in between them from mid September through mid November. The results were awesome. I did a week of reentro after the last one, but I let my sugar demon creep up on me and I've now fallen off the wagon pretty hard. I will be restarting this coming week. I think I will be doing a whole60 at least this time round to see if I can put more distance between myself and sweets.
Post by: Faraday on December 08, 2015, 07:53:12 PM
I'm struggling! ARRRGGG! This weekend was full of triggers, and I gave in.
....
The good news is that I'm recognizing that this is not my new normal. Eating healthy is my new normal, and I'm taking action more quickly then I've ever done in the past. I'm coming to this awesome group, because I know I'll get a face punch from Faraday, and I'll move forward. I also realized that Thanksgiving really threw me out of my rhythm. Not because it was a holiday, but instead because we were gone from home so I wasn't in my normal pattern of having a plan and prepping for the week. I honestly haven't been impacted too much by the holiday season, other then visiting my parents more often (which equates to crappy food).
Time for me to get back to meal planning and prepping, and back on track! It's a new day!
hey mom22 (and all!);
I'll facepunch you if you feel it will purge you of the evil demons. (I've learned that some folks actually WANT me to facepunch - maybe I'm creative or shocking or entertaining about it? I dunno. I call it "putting your cheek on my fist"....)
Falling off the wagon is "bad" and "cheating", yes. My wife has done it, I have done it.* I don't facepunch myself OR her if it happens. Instead, either or both of us take a walk or do yard work or anything involving enough exercise and exertion that the work burns off whatever it is either of us ate.
I call this "BURN IT TO EARN IT".
We are all going to get hit by surprise attacks like mom22boys did. It's going to happen. Most of the time, we'll successfully resist. However, that "mom attack" she found herself in, that's a difficult situation.
When it happens, it happens. So you're sitting there feeling shot-through with guilt, being upset, feeling like you've failed and all is lost.
There's something to remember about these events:
1) The guilt does not HELP your BODY. Go ahead and have your guilt. Work through the psychological effect however you need to.
2) The guilt (and the sin itself) does not erase the progress you have already made. You don't destroy the success you have already achieved. Not with one, or maybe even two events.
3) The guilt does not get you back on track. What gets you back on track is your love of what you are doing and your love of how it changes your body and your life!
It's far more important to BURN IT TO EARN IT. Maybe we learn to have an episode like that, guilt-free, but making sure it schedules us for the work (exercise) needed to burn the bad thing out of our bodies while we get back on the strait and narrow road?
Next Post: How do we get back on track?!?!?
PS: Now look - I'm not talking about a Kiwi-style falling off the wagon every other day and calling it good. I'm talking about a situation where you are ACTUALLY ON A WAGON and something happens and you have trouble, fall off, then get right back on again.
In Whole30, if you are doing it "right", you would start over. (I leave that decision to you Whole30 folks since you know more about that than I do.)
In Keto, you run the risk of dropping out of ketosis and ending your body's fat-burning mechanism. In that case, exercise can be critically important to getting back into ketosis as quickly as possible. If the cheat is really bad, it could take up to three days of careful eating to get back on the wagon.
(and BTW: another Keto trick for wagon-faller-offers is to jack up the fat intake. I'm not so sure I like that idea, especially if we're talking about animal fat and not coconut oil or fish oil. Maybe it works, maybe it doesn't. I can't say I want to be in the condition that I need triage of that kind...)
In Paleo, well, I'm not sure if it matters that much to those folks at all - they just get back on the wagon and keep going, I guess?
*We've been on the keto lifestyle so long, that even when we cheat, it's tiny and we run back to the safety of the lifestyle, fearful of what will happen. What we call "cheating" now is nothing whatsoever like before we went keto. A few ounces of peanut butter, a quarter-sized piece of Russell Stover sugar-free chocolate or a piece of fried chicken that's got a little flour on it instead of the baking soda hack we've come to love.
In my case, I can get REALLY sick if I cheat - some confections, and even beers now, are sweetened with lactose. I had a milk stout once upon a time and it made me sick in ways I've never been sick before, an extreme negative reinforcement.
Post by: Faraday on December 08, 2015, 08:20:46 PM
Everyone chooses the eating style they choose because there are foods on that eating style they adore. In my case, I do keto because my body has ALWAYS craved meat. I love fruits and vegetables too, but I've learned that if I start missing something like chocolate or forbidden fruits, I can go get some bacon or chicken or broccoli or steamed cabbage and I'm in absolute heaven.
Example: Tonight i was craving apple pie. Not just thinking I wanted one...I was having visions in my head of eating an entire fucking apple pie because I was in a grocery store where they have some that look so beautiful as to be damn near sexual in their pull on me.
What did I do? I went to the meat department looking for steak. Luckily, NY Strip Steak was ON SALE and I bought two beautiful inch-thick specimens to grill and enjoy at a stupidly low price. BOOM - I'd forgotten all about that damnable pie.
So: what you do is jot down the foods that you LOVE on your eating style, and stock up on 'em and eat 'em and enjoy 'em. Make them available for you to access at a moment's notice. Make them every bit as easy to access as a fucking bag of damnable potato chips!
If it's a recipe you have to pre-prepare, make it and freeze or refrigerate it or otherwise store/suspend it so you can get at it, quickly. So you can get at it faster than you can go to the store or a restaurant or order take-out.
The point is to ARM YOURSELF in every context that you might be assaulted. Give yourself options and alternatives that make it EASIER to stay on track, on your chosen eating style! SPEED is critical in this defensive tactic. You attack your own cravings with the food you love on your plan that is allowed and good for you.
Give yourself an escape plan. Does a monkey bowl do it for you? Then have one. A steak off the grill? Rock on.
Whatever you do, take advantage of what's allowed by your chosen eating style to satisfy your body and your cravings and to strengthen yourself in the face of adversity.
Giving myself an escape plan is one of my key strategies for getting through "The Season of Insanity" on the keto lifestyle. In my refrigerator, I have a huge package of Hormel pre-cooked bacon. In the freezer, I have these "Ballpark" branded microwave turkey patties. I can have a hot 4 oz serving of turkey burger in 1 minute, 30 seconds if I need to.
I can have either the bacon or the turkey in less than 2 minutes. This actually makes it MORE DIFFICULT AND LESS APPEALING to cheat, than to simply stay the course!
PS: mom22, I think I recall you said you TRIED to ARM YOURSELF, right? I think you actually took Whole30 compliant food with you that you had prepared? I'm not forgetting that - it's just that when momma drops comfort food RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU AT THE TABLE...well, that's one fresh hell right there. I can imagine it would simply require you retreating to home after the holiday to get back on track and overcome "eating in the shadow of the valley of death"... :-)
Post by: Faraday on December 08, 2015, 08:42:40 PM
Psychological:
1) Feel the guilt, let it saturate you, then move on. Don't wallow in it.
2) The cheat does not erase your progress.
3) Get up and get back on your plan because it makes you FEEL BETTER.
Physical:
1) Exercise to EARN IT AND BURN IT.
2) RAPID access to compliant foods that we LOVE.
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 08, 2015, 11:00:08 PM
Post by: 1967mama on December 09, 2015, 01:01:45 AM
I especially appreciated your suggestions on having a few favorite, healthy/compliant foods at the ready. This would make a world of difference for me and I plan on throwing some of these things in my grocery cart next week.
I am currently enjoying my reintroduction and it is not nearly as stressful as I thought it would be. It is boosting my confidence that I can really do this ... I really can "ride my own bike" as Melissa Hartwig calls it. Today I went out for lunch with a friend and had a salad that had tuna (mixed with a little mayo), a hardboiled egg, lots of crumbled bacon, and mixed greens. I had the sweet basil dressing on the side. It was very freeing to just have the healthy meal almost as it was intended to be served (I asked for no bread, and no grated cheese, since I haven't reintroduced either of those foods yet -- trying to go slowly). This, for me, is the freedom of reintroduction/Whole30ish living. For dinner, I had done a roasted chicken, potatoes and acorn squash. It was an excellent dinner and compliant. I think this can work for me in the long term and I'm pretty excited to see if I can NOT fall off the wagon because I'm eating satisfying, healthy meals day in and day out.
Edited typo
Post by: mom22boys on December 09, 2015, 11:13:45 AM
Summary: SO, we've got THESE STRATEGIES here for dealing with the Season of Insanity:
Psychological:
1) Feel the guilt, let it saturate you, then move on. Don't wallow in it.
2) The cheat does not erase your progress.
3) Get up and get back on your plan because it makes you FEEL BETTER.
Physical:
1) Exercise to EARN IT AND BURN IT.
2) RAPID access to compliant foods that we LOVE.
Faraday - I love you! Just what I needed. I printed this out, two copies. One for at work, and one for my fridge at home. Actually, I better print one out to make with me to my parents and stick it on their fridge too.
Post by: horsepoor on December 09, 2015, 07:38:09 PM
1967, glad re-intro is going well for you!
I had plenty of red wine on Saturday night and was reminded about how much it disrupts my sleep, not to mention feeling rather crummy the next day. I'm happy to say though, that I wasn't really tempted by any of the fancy craft beers DH had lined up for the occasion.
Sunday, I will confess, I ate a "fun size" Reese's peanut butter cup. It was more out of curiosity than really wanting it. Was surprised to find that it tasted more waxy and gritty than delicious. Had no urge to go back to the candy jar for another piece.
Monday was a retirement potluck for my boss's boss, whom I've worked with for about six years. I brought my own mug of green tea, and as far as food, it was definitely non-compliant, but not too ridiculous. Tons of people brought various stews and soups in different crock pots and it didn't feel right to fish around with the ladle trying to ascertain the ingredients, and then not take any. If I remember, I ended up eating: meatballs (sugary sauce), spinach-artichoke dip, my potato salad, some chile (ate just a couple kidney beans), a greenbean/tomato dish, and some kale salad that had tortilla strips in it. Stayed far away from the dessert table and said I had to get back to work when they started cutting into the sheet cake. Really didn't feel any ill effects other than getting a touch sleepy in the afternoon.
And perhaps it's a coincidence, but a bug has been going around the office. Monday morning I woke up with a mild sore throat, yesterday felt slightly stuffy, and today felt a little tired and got some extra sleep after work. I think I'm done with this cold with just that, whereas other people have missed work and come back looking awful. Have to wonder if my immune system is that much stronger with the good nutrition.
Post by: Faraday on December 10, 2015, 06:58:48 AM
I had plenty of red wine on Saturday night and was reminded about how much it disrupts my sleep, not to mention feeling rather crummy the next day. I'm happy to say though, that I wasn't really tempted by any of the fancy craft beers DH had lined up for the occasion.
Sunday, I will confess, I ate a "fun size" Reese's peanut butter cup. It was more out of curiosity than really wanting it. Was surprised to find that it tasted more waxy and gritty than delicious. Had no urge to go back to the candy jar for another piece.
Sinner! :-)
Quote
Monday was a retirement potluck for my boss's boss, whom I've worked with for about six years. I brought my own mug of green tea, and as far as food, it was definitely non-compliant, but not too ridiculous. Tons of people brought various stews and soups in different crock pots and it didn't feel right to fish around with the ladle trying to ascertain the ingredients, and then not take any. If I remember, I ended up eating: meatballs (sugary sauce), spinach-artichoke dip, my potato salad, some chile (ate just a couple kidney beans), a greenbean/tomato dish, and some kale salad that had tortilla strips in it. Stayed far away from the dessert table and said I had to get back to work when they started cutting into the sheet cake. Really didn't feel any ill effects other than getting a touch sleepy in the afternoon.
We have one of those happening here today, a holiday potluck. I will be out of the building when it happens. I do not negotiate with food terrorists.
Quote
And perhaps it's a coincidence, but a bug has been going around the office. Monday morning I woke up with a mild sore throat, yesterday felt slightly stuffy, and today felt a little tired and got some extra sleep after work. I think I'm done with this cold with just that, whereas other people have missed work and come back looking awful. Have to wonder if my immune system is that much stronger with the good nutrition.
Oh hell yes, Supergirl! (Yes I mean you, horsepoor. Immune systems get MUCH stronger when we eat right. Knock on wood, but the last time I had bad flu was the month before I went keto (it was January 2013). I've been SOLID ever since and watched people just fall OVER all around me. Last time I got sick is was exactly as you describe. That was about a month ago....)
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 10, 2015, 11:44:38 AM
Post by: debbie does duncan on December 10, 2015, 11:47:33 AM
Quote
I do not negotiate with food terrorists.
I am totally stealing this!
Thank you Faraday!
Post by: Faraday on December 10, 2015, 12:57:35 PM
QuoteI do not negotiate with food terrorists.
I am totally stealing this!
Thank you Faraday!
I'm serious about it, for sure.
Post by: grenzbegriff on December 10, 2015, 11:35:23 PM
Seems obvious to me but I imagine there are people have never thought of this and can't always spend the time cooking more complicated food and end up eating more expensive / less healthy as a result.
This is not quite as wallet friendly as eating rice and beans. Before I started keto that was one of my favorites -- very tasty too. This is a lot quicker and easier though.
Post by: 1967mama on December 11, 2015, 12:12:54 AM
horsepoor - It makes me happy to think that maybe my immune system has improved too. I have not yet gotten sick this fall even though several of my kids have had sniffles and such. I feel like a walking science experiment.
I have come here to admit that I have had my first stumble since October 5th. I made a massive double batch of real fudge last night .. maple walnut. The kind grandma used to make. I guess my stumble really started the day before when a friend took me out for lunch. I had a salad with tuna and an egg on it. I think I reported on this lunch upthread. What I ....erm...failed to mention what that I had a teeny tiny piece of fudge with that lunch. I'm talking less than 1 square cm (1/2 an inch). I felt that as part of my reintroduction, I wanted to prove to myself that I had my sugar dragon under control and that a tiny piece of fudge, while lovely, would not break me. Well, it did .... grrrrrr!!!!!
Freaking Sugar Dragon!!!!!!!!
So I found myself, 1 night later, making the aforementioned giant batch of fudge for the children. No it wasn't ... it was for me; who am I kidding?! :-( Thankfully, I've probably had a total of 1 tablespoon of fudge crumbs and bits over the 2 days its been residing in my kitchen.
I'm so mad at myself. But as I laid here thinking about it, and reread Faraday's posts on guilt and getting back on track, I've concluded that I'm over it and the guilt will not bring me down. Apparently my sugar dragon is still lurking in the background, ready to pounce with very little provocation. What a strange and interesting journey of self-discovery this is for me!
My detour into sugarland was tasty and fun and caused zero problems for me - no stomachache, no lightheadedness, no foggy brain, just a heavy dose of G.U.I.L.T. I wonder if I'd had a stronger negative physical reaction, might that have caused me to put on the brakes? I felt kind of like a teenager sneaking my first drink or something .. and liking it <sigh>.
What I like more than the sweet taste of fudge, though, is how good I've been feeling, how energetic I am, how much happier I am, how I'm shrinking and fitting into clothes from 2006. The list goes on and on. I want and need to keep getting healthier. I'm still 60+ pounds from a healthy weight, so I am realizing that I can't go back, and I don't want to go back to the way I was eating before.
The fudge is now put away in the deep freeze for Christmas. I bought myself some precooked italian sausages for the freezer and also pulled out some bacon to cook tomorrow. I'm hoping protein will settle this storm for me. Tomorrow will be 100% compliant.
I love that I can come here and report in, otherwise, this would all just swirl around in my head well into the wee hours. You guys are so awesome ... wish we could have a group ((((hug))).
Peace out!
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 11, 2015, 11:39:07 AM
Post by: horsepoor on December 11, 2015, 12:02:01 PM
ETA: cold totally gone yesterday and today. Woot!
Post by: Faraday on December 11, 2015, 12:09:08 PM
Holiday Cheer Wrapping Party and Cookie Exchange
<blah blah here>
On Monday, we’ll be doing a cookie exchange and wrapping party! Please join in the festivities and bring some cookies to share with everyone.
<blah blah here>
Along with a meeting invitation, which I have just now declined. Fortunately, I have a nearby meeting that day which I can stretch out to cover that time span.
Yesterday, when someone kept nagging, suggesting I just come and exercise restraint, I used the line "I don't negotiate with food terrroists..." The look on their face and the resulting silence, was AWESOME.
The discussion takes an entirely different meaning when you properly frame what the other person is actually doing.
Post by: Faraday on December 11, 2015, 12:23:11 PM
Hi 1967mama, thanks for your honesty (will leave the face punching to Faraday). I know it sucks that the sugar dragon is still there (and part of me wonders if you can ever be rid of it) but at least you know now. And now that you know you can make a plan. Hugs from me. Ks
KS, you are a hoot. Putting 1967mama's cheek on my fist like that! *
Now: I don't mind at all facepunching anyone, and if any of you actually WANTED me to do it, you can call me names (do a good job - at least a few obscenities and something about my parentage are required!) and I'll try to rise to the occasion....
But I've come to a kind of conclusion that there's not anyone in this thread who's clueless - I think everyone here well-knows what they should be doing.
I think the purpose of facepunching is to point out mistaken assumptions that lead to contradictions or failure. At least that's what it was when I joined the forums a few years ago and suffered mightily for my opinions on mortgage principal abatement. (the final chapter is yet to be written on that book, and I predict I won't be the fool when it's done....)
Maybe it's important for everyone to be able to confess their transgressions here without the facepunch. OR, does the facepunch actually HELP purge the confessor? Talk to me sinners - tell me what you think on this concept?!?
With things like Whole30/Paleo/Keto, we're all focusing on HEALTH RESULTS. Losing weight is a wonderful, desired result, but the end-game is changing our bodies every bit as much as MMM/frugalism/stoic lifestyle changes our lives. If you don't stick to your guns and your chosen lifestyle, you don't get the optimal health and body you were looking for.
Imagine the sadness of losing even one day in a body you aren't happy with. It's EVEN WORSE than working the daily job - you get to leave the job at the end of the workday, but you don't get to leave your body (Excepting sleep or unconsciousness or death, and suicide isn't actually a SOLUTION to that problem...)
So you really do get out of it what you put into it. No one gets to fake it. So maybe facepunching is of no value. Maybe it's more important to most clearly define this war we find ourselves in and build up both our defenses and our offenses in order to win the war.
*KS, I might just delete my facepunch - tell me what you think I should do. In restrospect, I doubt it matters and I'm surely not in love with my own words - I can always make more! :-)
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 11, 2015, 06:43:45 PM
Post by: Faraday on December 11, 2015, 07:24:52 PM
Am laughing at visions of Faraday retracting his facepunch in slow motion resulting in unexpected punch to his own face.
I imagine a giant alien facepunch from the sky onto everyone who eats poorly.
Post by: 1967mama on December 11, 2015, 08:02:14 PM
Thanks everyone for the support and encouragement. Today has been infinitely better and I feel great!
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 11, 2015, 08:11:51 PM
Post by: Faraday on December 11, 2015, 08:13:06 PM
Bwahahaha!!! Love that image Faraday!
Thanks everyone for the support and encouragement. Today has been infinitely better and I feel great!
Your posting really laid out some tough stuff there. The complexity of the mother-daughter relationship is far beyond the mother-son relationship. Still, I believe it's important for everyone here to fight for their right to control their food intake - I consider it a fundamental human right.
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 11, 2015, 11:12:56 PM
Post by: swick on December 12, 2015, 10:39:00 AM
I love that this is an inclusive environment where we feel safe sharing our successes and our challenges. It seems like it has been a challenging/learning experience kinda week for everyone!
I once got into an argument with an ex about regret. He was trying to make me admit that I had regrets in my life. I said to him "As long as I am learning something from the experience, there is no room in my life for regret. It makes you feel like shit and it doesn't help you in any way." Guilt is the same way. Not sure if that helps anyone, felt compelled to share :)
Hubs had some interesting insights that came via a cookie experience. They were baking off some cookie dough one of the guys brought in from his kid's fundraiser. Hubs had a tiny little bite and said the sugar dragon lit his brain up like the fourth of July. He both wanted to dive into the plate of cookies and was totally repulsed at the actual TASTE of them. How many hydrogenated oils and forms of sugar can one pack into cookie dough? Thought it was curious because he has dabbled in homemade sweets one or twice and didn't have any reaction remotely close to this.
We managed to survive one of two office Christmas parties happening this weekend. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of gluten free/complaint food available! Didn't worry about the bits of cheese on the salads and such (Am a bit of stuffed up today, knew that would happen and figured I'm ok with it) Stayed away from the dessert table - actually had no interest.
We also gave away our drink tickets. I'm uber proud of myself. I'm rather introverted and the idea of an office Christmas party in general makes me want to go hide. We don't drink much, but I usually find a little liquid courage necessary for an event I am expected to engage in pointless small talk. Tonight's Christmas party is an all-nighter next town over - dancing is expected *sigh* Hope it goes as well!
Hope you are all doing well, please keep sharing your thoughts/triumphs and challenges!
Post by: Sailor Sam on December 12, 2015, 08:01:31 PM
Hubs had some interesting insights that came via a cookie experience. They were baking off some cookie dough one of the guys brought in from his kid's fundraiser. Hubs had a tiny little bite and said the sugar dragon lit his brain up like the fourth of July.
I've had this exact experience with McDonalds burgers. I got fast food occasionally when I was a kid. More frequently when I had my own money. Then I gave up McDonalds for ~3 years*. Eventually, on a whim I returned for a super-special treat burger. It was revolting. Tasted like chemicals. That meat is definitely not really real meat. I started planning my next burger immediately.
*Don't give me too much credit. Not willpower or deliberate habit change. First, too poor to afford. Then, station in GawdAwful Alaska.
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 13, 2015, 11:25:39 AM
Post by: Liz on December 14, 2015, 11:29:01 AM
Hi all, sun is shining and birds singing and pollen levels are sky high. An hour into my day and I've had to take both kinds of antihistamines and still sneezing. Was thinking about my allergies and sulphites as I still ate things with them in on my whole30 - my coconut flakes, fumigated grapes, dates etc. For my next one I think I need to be really strict about avoiding chemical additives to see if I can reduce my allergies (Liz, have you had any improvement in yours?). I have a kids Christmas party today and it is bring a plate so I will take something healthy. Bought myself Sarah Wilson's 'Simpilicious' book -of I Quit Sugar fame. Lots of yummy recipes, will let you know any favourites. Have a great day, ks.
Hey KS, yes I have noticed an improvement with my allergies! No sneezing/running nose when I 100% stay away from dairy. I do have a little bit of a reaction when eating cheese {I do try to eat only low-lactose type cheeses}, so cheese has been a "once in awhile" thing for me.
I've never thought about the correlation between sulfites and allergies, but I do remember that (pre-W30) wine with sulfites makes me sneeze a lot. That would be a great thing to test! I quickly googled foods with sulfites in them and I don't seem to eat a lot of those normally, but definitely something to think about.
Post by: 1967mama on December 14, 2015, 01:04:04 PM
I had a fair bit of wine at a big work Christmas party on the weekend and did ok with it other than a minor hangover;-)
I did get to wear my dress from 2009 and felt quite slim in it. I had the salad, skipped the soup
Course because it was cream based, had the beef and veggies for the main and then indulged in an amazing dessert (worth it!). Back on track eating Whole30ish this week. Good food makes me feel good!
I have a very stressful week ahead of me and need to preplan a number of meals so I continue to eat well and feed my family nourishing foods. Otherwise, it's drive thrus :-(
Last night, my daughter and I had another fun "try on clothes" event in her room. A whole bunch of her clothes are too big for her and now fit me. I'm easily slipping into size 14's now (down from size 18's that were getting too tight...ugh!).
I am now hovering just 9 pounds from the lightest I've been since post baby #4 in 1998. When I pass that 9 pound milestone I kind of feel like I will be in new territory.
It's hard now to have friends and acquaintances who are in the same position I was who are totally unwilling to even have an open mind to hear about Whole30. I totally get it though. You have to be ready to do this. Done with being fat and feeling gross all the time.
I am SO delighted with how successful this program has been for me and want to shout it from the rooftops! If I can do this, anyone can! I'm the worst eater I know! Haha
Have a great day, friends!
Post by: Faraday on December 14, 2015, 01:26:26 PM
Things are going great with my reintroduction actually doing a Whole60 from October to early December.
...
Last night, my daughter and I had another fun "try on clothes" event in her room. A whole bunch of her clothes are too big for her and now fit me. I'm easily slipping into size 14's now (down from size 18's that were getting too tight...ugh!).
I am now hovering just 9 pounds from the lightest I've been since post baby #4 in 1998. When I pass that 9 pound milestone I kind of feel like I will be in new territory.
It's hard now to have friends and acquaintances who are in the same position I was who are totally unwilling to even have an open mind to hear about Whole30. I totally get it though. You have to be ready to do this. Done with being fat and feeling gross all the time.
I am SO delighted with how successful this program has been for me and want to shout it from the rooftops! If I can do this, anyone can! I'm the worst eater I know! Haha
CONGRATULATIONS '67! You are kicking ASS. Amazing how, once you are seeing things from the "other side", that you don't WANT to go back to the way it was, right?!?! You've seen how things can be better and cheating just isn't worth the cost.
I forget - it sounds like your daughter has joined you and is likewise doing the Whole30 "work"?
Post by: 1967mama on December 14, 2015, 01:38:20 PM
Post by: Faraday on December 14, 2015, 02:12:22 PM
I'm in full-on "battle mode" against the forces of shitty eating. This is the deep, dark night of the Season of Insanity: worthless carb bombs show up in the break room daily. Today was no exception: it was muffins and doughnuts on the table in the break room. Got my tea and left the room, fuck them and their donuts.
11:30am, for lunch, had grilled chicken and an Atkins Beef Teriyaki meal. Those are now logged in the LoseIt tracking app.
1pm "break munchies" had a big basket of bags of "machine food": ROLD GOLD pretzels, cheddar chex mix, etc. Piles and piles of crap. None for me, thank you.
Had the conversation with a co-worker who's also practicing the Keto lifestyle: he thought Christmas was the end of it, but I described how "they" want you to "make a resolution", work out for six weeks, and when you give up, help yourself to a 2.5lb "heart" containing fine chocolates. We all know, working out doesn't work and the weight really doesn't come off anyway, right? Might as well enjoy!
Co-worker recounted to me how a friend of his who lives the regular, year-round gym lifestyle gets frustrated from New Year's to Valentine's Day by the pretenders who show up, fresh off their "resolutions", then dribble away starting with valentine's day as the diabolical 2nd half of Insanity takes it's toll.
Tonight: KETO LO-CARB PIZZA, with real, honest bacon. I'll get to work making it as soon as I get in the door.
UPDATE: The damned "cookie party" put all their leftovers in the break room just now. It looks like a bunch of hedonists got up on the table, rolled around on it naked and all the cookies, cakes and pies fell out of their sweaty folds.
Post by: Faraday on December 14, 2015, 02:16:17 PM
Yes my daughter is too. She's only got a couple of days to complete her first official whole30. She was doing whole30ish before this for the same length of time that I did. She's doing awesome and has lost over 25 lbs. she probably has 10 to go to be back to an ideal weight. She looks fantastic and feels great! She loves fitting all her old jeans and stuff again:-)
Wow!
Come time for Christmas Parties, you and daughter will be a force to be envied, a lethal combination to all the men in the room.
Post by: 1967mama on December 14, 2015, 02:17:32 PM
Got my tea and left the room, fuck them and their donuts.
You rock! I loved this! Mantra for my day!
Post by: horsepoor on December 14, 2015, 02:30:47 PM
Co-worker recounted to me how a friend of his who lives the regular, year-round gym lifestyle gets frustrated from New Year's to Valentine's Day by the pretenders who show up, fresh off their "resolutions", then dribble away starting with valentine's day as the diabolical 2nd half of Insanity takes it's toll.
Oh yeah. My husband has been a faithful gym rat for like 20 years and hates that. At least it's good to know that the gym will only stay crowded for a month or so.
Had to pass on the cake for yet another retirement luncheon here. Grocery store sheet cake? It just made me think of that nasty waxy film that frosting leaves on the inside of my mouth. Bleah.
SO I weighed myself this morning and apparently I'm the only one to GAIN weight (about 2#). I thought surely I'd loose a pound or two just abstaining from sugar and booze, but no. I think it's because my activity level has gone down, and we're going into winter. I did walk at least 3 miles a day each day last week, and did a workout yesterday, so it's not like I'm sitting on my butt every night. So going forward, I'm re-introducing legumes into my life and focusing on upping the ante with workouts. I think a good volume for me is running 10-15 miles per week and doing two good gym workouts (lifting, rowing, Bosu ball stuff, box jumps etc.) And I'm going back to weighing myself a couple times a week. For me, I don't obsess but it keeps me on track. Need to eat a little less even if it's all good stuff.
Post by: 1967mama on December 14, 2015, 02:38:46 PM
Edit: formatting flub
Post by: Faraday on December 14, 2015, 02:41:27 PM
SO I weighed myself this morning and apparently I'm the only one to GAIN weight (about 2#). I thought surely I'd loose a pound or two just abstaining from sugar and booze, but no. I think it's because my activity level has gone down, and we're going into winter. I did walk at least 3 miles a day each day last week, and did a workout yesterday, so it's not like I'm sitting on my butt every night. So going forward, I'm re-introducing legumes into my life and focusing on upping the ante with workouts. I think a good volume for me is running 10-15 miles per week and doing two good gym workouts (lifting, rowing, Bosu ball stuff, box jumps etc.) And I'm going back to weighing myself a couple times a week. For me, I don't obsess but it keeps me on track. Need to eat a little less even if it's all good stuff.
Your truthing causes me to confess: I'm in a very similar situation - we had a run of cold weather back in late October and the first 2/3rds of November where I didn't do much at all. (I accidentally de-installed "map my ride" also, as I did a factory reset on my Android phone....)
I'm a little shocked: I think I was losing muscle mass and replacing it with flab. I have this little belly that creeped up on me. I figure it was glucogenesis from the amount of meat I eat. (Your liver will turn excess protein into....glycogen for fuel....) So last Thursday I started upping the fat and doing more exercise. I can already feel the improvement and it reminds me how easy it is to slip - even if you are eating according to plan, we don't get to forego exercise...gotta keep the meat machine moving moving moving!
Post by: swick on December 14, 2015, 02:42:05 PM
Think hub's family is finally getting the idea that this is a lifestyle for both of us instead of just a fad I have roped him into. It's hard to argue with visible results, improved mood and energy levels!
Hubs had a sales call at work, hadn't seen the rep in three months. Last time was right before we started his first whole 30. Hubs said no to the chocolate bars he usually brings and said we were trying out the paleo/whole 30 thing. This time, he came with grass fed local beef jerky and compliments for how good he was looking! Hubs said it was totally genuine and not just a sales talk. He was pretty psyched people are starting to notice.
My mom is finishing up her first Whole 30 tomorrow! She feels like she never really got into "tigerblood" mode, but she has some major health challenges the last couple of years and feel like 30 days might not have been enough. She is planning on doing a bit of re-intro over the holidays and getting back into it full swing in January. She has been feeling better overall, so that is a win :)
Post by: Sailor Sam on December 14, 2015, 03:11:21 PM
SO I weighed myself this morning and apparently I'm the only one to GAIN weight (about 2#). I thought surely I'd loose a pound or two just abstaining from sugar and booze, but no.
From what I've studied, depleted fat cells like to hold onto water. Water is a huge part of why our weight fluctuates. Do your pants fit? If so, boogie on.
(http://www.justgetskinny.biz/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/481519_541350332560565_1344462761_n.jpg)
Post by: Faraday on December 14, 2015, 03:19:32 PM
Survived my Christmas parties :) Ate mostly compliant except a little bit of cheese/dairy. Overall I would call that a success! Very happy to be home and in charge of my food choices 100% though.
Think hub's family is finally getting the idea that this is a lifestyle for both of us instead of just a fad I have roped him into. It's hard to argue with visible results, improved mood and energy levels!
Hubs had a sales call at work, hadn't seen the rep in three months. Last time was right before we started his first whole 30. Hubs said no to the chocolate bars he usually brings and said we were trying out the paleo/whole 30 thing. This time, he came with grass fed local beef jerky and compliments for how good he was looking! Hubs said it was totally genuine and not just a sales talk. He was pretty psyched people are starting to notice.
My mom is finishing up her first Whole 30 tomorrow! She feels like she never really got into "tigerblood" mode, but she has some major health challenges the last couple of years and feel like 30 days might not have been enough. She is planning on doing a bit of re-intro over the holidays and getting back into it full swing in January. She has been feeling better overall, so that is a win :)
This is all EXCELLENT NEWS!!! Office Christmas Parties kill me. I've simply avoided two of them so far by scheduling meetings over top of them.
That sales rep kick ass - grass fed beef jerky would git me every time.
Post by: horsepoor on December 14, 2015, 03:39:41 PM
Horse poor- are you gaining muscle? That's a lot of walking ! Good for you! I did zero exercise in the last 7 days :-/ but I'm still in major fat loss mode I think - still have about 50 lbs to go to get back to a healthy weight. Good job avoiding booze and treats crappy food!
No, definitely not. I was riding 6 days a week until I sold my riding horse at the end of October (she was lazy and dressage is more physical that it looks). I was also training for a half marathon that was the day before I started W30 and I have not been deadlifting heavy for several months. My pants fit fine but I have a little more around the middle and on my upper thighs that I don't like. So anyway, I've learned something valuable about my minimum effective dose for exercise and will increase it. I've heard that weight loss is 80% diet and 20% exercise, but for me I think it's closer to 50/50 or maybe 60/40.
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 14, 2015, 04:17:11 PM
Post by: Faraday on December 15, 2015, 11:54:45 AM
Reposting my party dress photo for today. I honestly felt so much more like the girl my husband married 26 years ago. I am so thankful for Whole30 -- changed my life!
Awesome! Excellent! GO FORTH AND KICK ASS!
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 16, 2015, 11:30:15 AM
Post by: horsepoor on December 16, 2015, 12:44:34 PM
Although my husband didn't fully go for W30, he is incrementally getting on board and makes more comments about what utter crap most of the food advertised on TV is, etc. He was just getting a cold when he went on his annual ski trip last week and came back saying that he thought he held up better for having done at least his version of W30 before going. He asked if there was such a think as W14 since he's going on another trip at the end of the month, but then he was drinking beer last night and pining for pizza, so I guess he wasn't fully serious about it. It doesn't help that his parents sent him several bags of the Flaming Hot Fritos that aren't sold here, so he's back to eating chips *sigh*. Sometimes progress is glacially slow with these types of things, but he now appreciates our pastured eggs, butter and beef that he used to eye-roll at, and quit buying cups of Yoplait yogurt.
Post by: Faraday on December 16, 2015, 03:06:51 PM
Awesome to have some support KS! Has your husband had any change of heart with his mom jumping on board too?
Although my husband didn't fully go for W30, he is incrementally getting on board and makes more comments about what utter crap most of the food advertised on TV is, etc. He was just getting a cold when he went on his annual ski trip last week and came back saying that he thought he held up better for having done at least his version of W30 before going. He asked if there was such a think as W14 since he's going on another trip at the end of the month, but then he was drinking beer last night and pining for pizza, so I guess he wasn't fully serious about it. It doesn't help that his parents sent him several bags of the Flaming Hot Fritos that aren't sold here, so he's back to eating chips *sigh*. Sometimes progress is glacially slow with these types of things, but he now appreciates our pastured eggs, butter and beef that he used to eye-roll at, and quit buying cups of Yoplait yogurt.
I went through a phase like that about 3-4 years ago. It was the "Flaming Hot Doritos" that had me hooked. Two complete family size bags each weekend. One at work, one at home. Someone say pizza? i could pack away an entire "large" by myself, and wash it all down with craft beer.
Of course, I'd be so fucking miserable overnight and into the next day. Within a day or two, I'd be going to the doctor whining about my gastro problems, my ear problems, my reflux problems and my sinus problems, not realizing they were all interconnected.
Let him ram down that shit food if he absolutely can't help himself. In fact, don't chastise him, don't give him shit at all. If my guess is right (and if he is anywhere north of 30 years old), he'll make himself abjectly miserable. You've got to let the sin get so bad that the consequences come on quickly and he's able to connect the dots.
But you...you keep going. Don't dare join him in is shitfood grazing. Keep going. He'll reach a point where he goes "Holy Fuck, she's all hawt and I'm porky pig...."
Now be careful. You back off, show him "the luv" and let him figure it out for himself, you might wake up one day and find yourself married to an angry zealot like me. But he'll be an 70 lbs lighter zealot and will support you unconditionally when he finally gets there!
Post by: 1967mama on December 16, 2015, 03:57:28 PM
Let him ram down that shit food if he absolutely can't help himself. In fact, don't chastise him, don't give him shit at all. If my guess is right (and if he is anywhere north of 30 years old), he'll make himself abjectly miserable. You've got to let the sin get so bad that the consequences come on quickly and he's able to connect the dots.
But you...you keep going. Don't dare join him in is shitfood grazing. Keep going. He'll reach a point where he goes "Holy Fuck, she's all hawt and I'm porky pig...."
Now be careful. You back off, show him "the luv" and let him figure it out for himself, you might wake up one day and find yourself married to an angry zealot like me. But he'll be an 70 lbs lighter zealot and will support you unconditionally when he finally gets there!
I have to agree with Faraday here -- my husband is only bout 10-15lb overweight (and super tall). He has been very supportive of me in my journey back to health but I've tried my best not to be preachy or trying to coach him. He Kees asking ME questions about Whole30 like "Can I eat this?" Or "Could you make that for me too?" And so he is now getting people asking him if he's lost weight. I, on the other hand, am still waiting for someone...anyone to notice that I've lost weight (sigh).
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 16, 2015, 10:28:27 PM
Post by: 1967mama on December 17, 2015, 01:05:40 AM
Post by: horsepoor on December 17, 2015, 07:04:09 AM
Awesome to have some support KS! Has your husband had any change of heart with his mom jumping on board too?
Although my husband didn't fully go for W30, he is incrementally getting on board and makes more comments about what utter crap most of the food advertised on TV is, etc. He was just getting a cold when he went on his annual ski trip last week and came back saying that he thought he held up better for having done at least his version of W30 before going. He asked if there was such a think as W14 since he's going on another trip at the end of the month, but then he was drinking beer last night and pining for pizza, so I guess he wasn't fully serious about it. It doesn't help that his parents sent him several bags of the Flaming Hot Fritos that aren't sold here, so he's back to eating chips *sigh*. Sometimes progress is glacially slow with these types of things, but he now appreciates our pastured eggs, butter and beef that he used to eye-roll at, and quit buying cups of Yoplait yogurt.
I went through a phase like that about 3-4 years ago. It was the "Flaming Hot Doritos" that had me hooked. Two complete family size bags each weekend. One at work, one at home. Someone say pizza? i could pack away an entire "large" by myself, and wash it all down with craft beer.
Of course, I'd be so fucking miserable overnight and into the next day. Within a day or two, I'd be going to the doctor whining about my gastro problems, my ear problems, my reflux problems and my sinus problems, not realizing they were all interconnected.
Let him ram down that shit food if he absolutely can't help himself. In fact, don't chastise him, don't give him shit at all. If my guess is right (and if he is anywhere north of 30 years old), he'll make himself abjectly miserable. You've got to let the sin get so bad that the consequences come on quickly and he's able to connect the dots.
But you...you keep going. Don't dare join him in is shitfood grazing. Keep going. He'll reach a point where he goes "Holy Fuck, she's all hawt and I'm porky pig...."
Now be careful. You back off, show him "the luv" and let him figure it out for himself, you might wake up one day and find yourself married to an angry zealot like me. But he'll be an 70 lbs lighter zealot and will support you unconditionally when he finally gets there!
Well, he doesn't have anything as severe as that going on. He's 41 and I'm sure he'd love to lose 10#, but then I have a little spare padding as well. His dad is a total trainwreck, so he's pretty careful to rein it in if he notices that he's gaining weight as he doesn't want to end up like that. I'm not concerned, since he eats almost everything I eat and exercises religiously. I was more posting to let Kiwi know how slow things can go. I've been on the paleo path for a couple years now and yeah, it's better to just lead by example than it is to preach and judge. I'm just getting more serious about it as time goes by.
We just got Dish (facepunch) and watched a show "The Men Who Made Us Fat" last night and the show host, who looked to be a normal weight, got an MRI that revealed that he had 2x the expected amount of fat around his organs even though he had normal subcutaneous fat. I think that part was a little shocking to DH and he was thinking he could be that guy (I could be that girl). It's a series that he set to record for me. Worth watching if anyone has access to it.
Post by: Faraday on December 17, 2015, 01:41:24 PM
Well, he doesn't have anything as severe as that going on. He's 41 and I'm sure he'd love to lose 10#, but then I have a little spare padding as well. His dad is a total trainwreck, so he's pretty careful to rein it in if he notices that he's gaining weight as he doesn't want to end up like that. I'm not concerned, since he eats almost everything I eat and exercises religiously. I was more posting to let Kiwi know how slow things can go. I've been on the paleo path for a couple years now and yeah, it's better to just lead by example than it is to preach and judge. I'm just getting more serious about it as time goes by.
Sounds to me like you guys have a handle on it and just need to stay the course. I sure as hell hope Trainwreck Dad gets his act together, and soon.
Quote
We just got Dish (facepunch) and watched a show "The Men Who Made Us Fat" last night and the show host, who looked to be a normal weight, got an MRI that revealed that he had 2x the expected amount of fat around his organs even though he had normal subcutaneous fat. I think that part was a little shocking to DH and he was thinking he could be that guy (I could be that girl). It's a series that he set to record for me. Worth watching if anyone has access to it.
Just now checked it out - I googled it and looks like you can see each of the three episodes on Vimeo? (I didn't try it, I'm at work right now....) I wonder if they talk about Ancel Keys and the "Seven Countries Study"? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancel_Keys
I think Ancel was a pretty smart fellow, but I also think US government and agribusiness latched onto his studies and turned them into US nutritional policy intended to sell grain, bread and other low cost carb-laden foods, which was a very bad idea.
Yeah, the subcutaneous fat still worries me. My ultimate weight/fitness goal is intended to ensure I do away with any of that.
Post by: Faraday on December 17, 2015, 01:42:21 PM
https://www.yahoo.com/health/how-this-couple-lost-nearly-1318529088020534.html
Note that they are living the LCHF (Low Carb High Fat) Paleo/Primal eating lifestyle. Definitely a great story.
Post by: Faraday on December 17, 2015, 02:02:32 PM
I rant and rave about taking up arms, getting pissed and indignant and "not negotiating with food terrorists". We've even talked about tactics and psychology, but I've not really posted some of my offensive/defensive weapons in this war. Here's some foods I use to combat availability and consumption of carb-laden products:
1) Bacon and Sausage: We have a cafeteria at my place of employment. Also, the mighty fine management sees fit to give us bagels during breakfast time on Friday mornings. However, I must resist the succulent toasted garlic smell wafting through the building. So I go to the cafeteria and get fried bacon strips and fried sausage links. It's NOT mustachian but it works to keep me away from garlic-toasted porn. (I may fry up some bacon tonight to stock up at low cost and take it to work with me tomorrow.)
2) Pecans and Cashews. I keep bags of each handy, I buy them at Sam's Club so they are giant bags. Pecans are the most-optimal Keto nut food but Cashews have that wonderful salty-buttery texture. They have saved me from doing some crazy shit. ALERT: I measure out one serving in a small snack-size baggie and I watch how much of these I eat. They are extremely calorie laden foods and you can get to 500 calories in no-time.
3) Atkins Shakes and Bars: These are a decent defense for use at breakfast, or to keep a bar in a desk drawer at work as an emergency lifeline. I'll probably bring a meal bar and put it in the drawer tomorrow morning along with a baggie of pecans.
4) Cheese: Either just plain cold or warmed with bacon or sausage or whatever. Works like a champ. I reserve this for fairly urgent situations since cheese can mess me up.
5) Tea: I like the Irish Breakfast Tea from Trader Joe's. Cheap, big giant tea bags. 80ct. for, I think, $3.99US? I'm also experimenting with a Bigelow Caramel Tea. It's pretty good, they went light on the caramel which really is nice.
6) Liter of water with "True Lime" packet and a tiny bit of stevia. I keep that liter bottle handy all day long and drink from it. The True Lime keeps you from getting tired of flavorless water.
7) Keto Lo-Carb Pizza: I will make that for the family Friday night. It satisfies that "Friday Night Pizza Hankerin", and if I do it right, it completely removes bread cravings as well. Very good, fundamentally satisfying food product! It is not strictly Whole30 but there's nothing in it that's just right-out. It's perfectly acceptable on Paleo and Keto lifestyles. http://www.ruled.me/low-carb-pepperoni-pizza/
8) Beef, Pork and Chicken: Always featured prominently in our meals and usually with garlic butter for dipping. A NY Strip Steak on sale dipped in garlic butter seems to quench any-and-all bad food cravings. No appetite can escape the satisfaction a good grilled steak w/garlic butter can provide!
9) Frozen shrimp: We eat a lot of cooked, frozen shrimp that we thaw out in the sink and have with melted butter.
10) Parmesan added to melted butter: I add simple parmesan cheese to melted butter and it will give the butter a more robust flavor and a thicker consistency, making it stick to the food better and give a bolder flavor.
11) Beef or turkey patties: I buy the low-cost stuff usually, although I have a dirty non-mustachian secret. I'll buy and use the large 14-packs of the Ballpark-branded "instant" beef and turkey patties. This gives me a hot, 3.5oz beef or turkey patty in only 1 minute, 30 seconds of microwave time.
12) Beer-battered Cod Filets: This is probably the closest I get to "eating bad", because the breading has some wheat flour in it and it's a packaged, prepared food which is discouraged for MMM reasons. I prefer the Aldi product - it's great quality and just the right size. Wife and I can bake four of them in a toaster oven and in 30 minutes, have hot, flavorful fish to eat. (Side note: I completely prefer my seafood broiled or baked without a breading or crust, but I've found that when I eat breaded seafood, it just doesn't seem to have the same negative effects on me that actually eating bread or something with wheat flour might have.
Post by: 1967mama on December 17, 2015, 07:47:07 PM
Post by: Faraday on December 17, 2015, 09:10:00 PM
Thanks, Faraday (again)! This list is super helpful to me for how to live a healthy life!
Thanks '67, you're kind to say so.
Fellow threadmembers....let's be clear about one thing: I have all these things to say because I have to fight, hard, against food addictions. I watched a first cousin die in such a terrible, terrible way from diabetic complications and even to the very end, she could not stop her food addiction.
When i do all these things, ride the bike, clear my head and enjoy good food, I'm OK.
But the past few weeks here have been some special hell. Right this minute, there's a loaf of homemade bread, a clear plastic cane with M&M's and a can of Peanut Toffee in the kitchen, all "gifts" given to DW by her "loving" co-workers. (The bread given to her by a co-worker who's constantly talking about weight and comparing herself to the rest of the women in the office. Sabotage? Hells yeah.)
I know I won't eat them, I'm confident of my ability not to. But the actual food being here isn't the problem. It's what the constant awareness of the food does - makes me think of foods that I have much more difficulty avoiding. That image in my head of eating a whole apple pie by myself was caused by this kind of thing - having to sit around food I can't eat and put up with the awareness.
The good news is, working hard at this is paying off - about a week ago, I think I mentioned my sudden "flab factor". I got on the bike and got on the walking route and after a week, I'm seeing some progress back to where I should be. Now I've got more then one pair of pants I can button up, but the ones that have shrunk in the wash, I still can't button those.
I'll get there. Tomorrow is my last day at work in 2015 and I'll at-least be away from the food terrorists at work. I've got a LOT to do at home to prepare for the holiday, that should keep me plenty busy, and I'll keep checking in here to the thread for more fellowship.
Hang in there, all. We're gonna get through this and come out the other side looking and feeling better than ever before!!!
Post by: horsepoor on December 18, 2015, 07:01:31 AM
Well, he doesn't have anything as severe as that going on. He's 41 and I'm sure he'd love to lose 10#, but then I have a little spare padding as well. His dad is a total trainwreck, so he's pretty careful to rein it in if he notices that he's gaining weight as he doesn't want to end up like that. I'm not concerned, since he eats almost everything I eat and exercises religiously. I was more posting to let Kiwi know how slow things can go. I've been on the paleo path for a couple years now and yeah, it's better to just lead by example than it is to preach and judge. I'm just getting more serious about it as time goes by.
Sounds to me like you guys have a handle on it and just need to stay the course. I sure as hell hope Trainwreck Dad gets his act together, and soon.QuoteWe just got Dish (facepunch) and watched a show "The Men Who Made Us Fat" last night and the show host, who looked to be a normal weight, got an MRI that revealed that he had 2x the expected amount of fat around his organs even though he had normal subcutaneous fat. I think that part was a little shocking to DH and he was thinking he could be that guy (I could be that girl). It's a series that he set to record for me. Worth watching if anyone has access to it.
Just now checked it out - I googled it and looks like you can see each of the three episodes on Vimeo? (I didn't try it, I'm at work right now....) I wonder if they talk about Ancel Keys and the "Seven Countries Study"? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancel_Keys
I think Ancel was a pretty smart fellow, but I also think US government and agribusiness latched onto his studies and turned them into US nutritional policy intended to sell grain, bread and other low cost carb-laden foods, which was a very bad idea.
Yeah, the subcutaneous fat still worries me. My ultimate weight/fitness goal is intended to ensure I do away with any of that.
Probably what you meant, but it's the visceral fat that's the real problem hanging in there, hugging the organs and increasing the chance of diabetes. That explains why many "normal" weight people are still a bit thick around the middle and nowhere else. That seems to be what the SAD diet does to people who don't actually end up obese. I did notice, even though I gained a bit on W30, that it went more on my hips than on my belly, which is a little different than my weight gain pattern in the past.
Anyway, if you get a chance, the series is worthwhile to watch. And yes, it does tread a lot of the same ground about Ancel Keys and Dr. Yudkin. Yudkin was discredited for writing Pure White and Deadly (http://www.amazon.com/Pure-White-Deadly-Sugar-Killing/dp/0143125184/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450446985&sr=8-1&keywords=pure+white+and+deadly). What the series says tracks pretty perfectly with Denise Minger's book Death by Food Pyramid. Good fuel to the fire of not being a cog in the great political industrial food lobby advertising mega-business. Thanks for the heads-up that they're on Vimeo; might just have to watch them that way.
Sorry people are foisting garbage food on you this time of year. Any reason you guys can't just throw that stuff away? Keep on fighting the good fight and enjoy your time off away from the food terrorists.
Post by: Faraday on December 18, 2015, 08:05:22 AM
Probably what you meant, but it's the visceral fat that's the real problem hanging in there, hugging the organs and increasing the chance of diabetes. That explains why many "normal" weight people are still a bit thick around the middle and nowhere else. That seems to be what the SAD diet does to people who don't actually end up obese. I did notice, even though I gained a bit on W30, that it went more on my hips than on my belly, which is a little different than my weight gain pattern in the past.
You're on it 100%. I have a little bit of the "deep abdominal fat" left over. It's coming off nicely, many thanks to the Bicycle Gods. :-) However, it's been extremely frustrating.
My dad's side of the family gets the deep abdominal fat to such a high degree, you would be shocked to see it. It's hard to believe a man can have their shape and sustain it for any amount of time, much less an entire lifetime. They have all been heavy vehicle drivers all their lives, which is an occupation that kinda fuels their shape anyway.
What's hilarious is that they look at me with my bicycles and "desk job" and think of me as gay, or worse yet, less of a man in any number of ways. GFY rolls off my tongue fairly easily so they don't say it to my face any more. I wish I'd figured this shit out earlier and poked at them even more about it. They are on the express train to hell and need to hear a little bit of my fanatical foodology preaching.
Quote
Anyway, if you get a chance, the series is worthwhile to watch. And yes, it does tread a lot of the same ground about Ancel Keys and Dr. Yudkin. Yudkin was discredited for writing Pure White and Deadly (http://www.amazon.com/Pure-White-Deadly-Sugar-Killing/dp/0143125184/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450446985&sr=8-1&keywords=pure+white+and+deadly). What the series says tracks pretty perfectly with Denise Minger's book Death by Food Pyramid. Good fuel to the fire of not being a cog in the great political industrial food lobby advertising mega-business. Thanks for the heads-up that they're on Vimeo; might just have to watch them that way.
Preach it Sister. I hear...and obey. :-) :-) :-)
Quote
Sorry people are foisting garbage food on you this time of year. Any reason you guys can't just throw that stuff away? Keep on fighting the good fight and enjoy your time off away from the food terrorists.
You're kind to say so. Nothing out of the ordinary about it - my DW works in an office full of women and they can be hateful to each other in the most amazingly creative ways you can imagine. In this case, giving a fine loaf of bread to a woman who's been living Keto for 2 years is a typical Southern thing - the "smothering those you hate with love" kind of thing. Honestly, I'm a little surprised we've not had more of this to put up with this Christmas - I'd say things are clearly improving on the junk food front compared to prior years.
As for what we're stuck with right now, we've got several disposal options. We just needed a little bit of time to get it done and I was telling it in the thread just to point out to others that I don't sit in a protected ivory tower - I'm out here slugging it out with all the rest of you during the Dark Night of the Season.
Our optimal solution is to give the food away to anyone who needs it and doesn't have the lifestyle disease problems we do. I'd love to get the loaf of bread to a soup kitchen.
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 19, 2015, 04:03:28 PM
. When it's the same old thing it's fuel for when you ate hungry. Lots of talk about food but everyone sitting in the moderation camp whilst complaining about spare tires around the waist. They all think I'm being too extreme. I have been reading Tim Ferriss' The Four Hour Chef which has a brief summary of his Slow carb diet which could be a good long term option. Basically no white carbs, no fruit, every meal is meat/egg, legumes and vege. The reintro of legumes could bring the cost down but there is still the anti nutrients thing. One 'cheat day' allowed. He gives some strategies for minimising the impact of cheat meals with exercise, supplements and tea (is this like your earn and burn, Faraday?). I'm going to get The Four Hour Body as I want to know more. Strangely I find it motivating as I'm trying to show my family a better way. They have enjoyed my cooking so far and I don't want to cheat as I'll lose my moral high ground -ha ha! Pants that I bought a month ago won't stay up without belt so I must be on the right track. Hope you are all doing well. Ks
Post by: The Happy Philosopher on December 19, 2015, 04:32:25 PM
I changed my diet a few years ago to Paleo-ish. The results were pretty amazing. I stuck to it for a couple months but just couldn't get enough calories in (due to the fact I never really felt hungry after I went through carb withdrawal). I finally had to abort, but it did fundamentally change the way I look at food and what I eat. I felt so much better, and in ways I didn't expect. I should write about my diet experiment someday...
The other really interesting experience I had was not drinking for 6 months. For those regular drinkers, you never really understand the power of alcohol on our society until you step out of it. It was a little mind bending to be honest.
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 19, 2015, 04:39:29 PM
Post by: The Happy Philosopher on December 19, 2015, 04:59:50 PM
Welcome frugaldoc, we'd love to hear about your diet hacking and alcohol free experiences. I have gone from weekly drinking to virtually never drinking after having kids and I hear what you are saying. New Zealand has a really bad alcohol culture causing billions of dollars of harm but like crappy food - it's still a no go zone that people think should go unquestioned. Ks
Deal! Give me some time to ponder it and write it up properly. I'll return to the thread and let you know when it's done :)
Its been a while since I did the experiments and I need time to dig up my old notes on it and really reflect. This is a very meaningful topic to me and I want to do it justice. It was profound change though and many of the habits stuck.
Post by: 1967mama on December 19, 2015, 05:21:07 PM
Kieisonya - sounds like you are doing so well! I loved your line about sticking to high moral ground:-)
I am excited to report that my bmi is down to 31.9 and I'm ALMOST just overweight instead of obese! Haha! That will be a happy day for me!
Interesting news with my daughter -- she completed her first Whole30 on Wednesday and went out for Thai food. She was sore and achy afterwords. Today she is away and had toast for breakfast and now ALL her joints hurt! Ankles, wrists, hips. Poor thing! But I'm so glad her and I have such clarity about what is going on. She is going to be very careful starting tonite when she arrives at her destination. She can't WAIT to have a salad and a chicken breadt. So thankful this was revealed to us while she is young.
Hubs is home for the holidays now and pulled out his juicer. Just made carrot apple orange. It's so good! I love that this has become a holidays tradition for him and the kids! And healthy one!
I noticed up thread that lots of you are happy to be home from work and all the crappy Christmas foods and treats your colleagues were bringing in. It kind of made me chuckle because as a stay at home mom, it's ME bringing crap into the house. I love to cook and bake and experiment with new recipes and discovered weeks ago, post Whole60 that I can't make that stuff right now (the fudge incident comes to mind).
Just had a monkey bowl and a big yummy beef stew is bubbling away in the oven made with my lovely grass-fed beef. Mmmm!
Hope everyone is doing well:-)
Post by: swick on December 20, 2015, 11:38:13 AM
1967mama - You have been doing awesome, it is great to notice your triggers! Also awesome for getting the BMI down, it's a great feeling isn't it? I feel for your daughter! Sounds pretty similar to my experience. I am curious if it is the gluten, or something else in the wheat. I was reading some interesting articles about how some farmers use roundup right before harvest to kill the plants and increase the yields. Scary stuff. I would like to experiment for my own self-knowledge, but not until I can afford a couple of weeks to fee like crap.
KiwiSonya - Hope everything is going well at your parents and with your hubby!
Good tips, as always, Faraday :) Going to be packing a few extra foods to have easy access to over the holidays!
I've been feeling a little achy, inflamed and stiff over the last couple of days, and something gave me a weird rash on my chest. The only thing we had introduced were a few chickpeas. I am thinking it is a cumulative effect of a couple of different things (been having a bit more cheese in a couple of meals) and things like that. Normally, (before whole 30) I would say I have been eating really good, I couldn't imagine eating this well over the holidays (or ever!) but it seems to no be enough, so I am going back on plan.
I did hear something interesting the other day which was the 3 little words that would change your life - suppose to be a brain hack. Basically, your brain is easy to influence and will do what you say you want, regardless of if it is good or not. So by Saying "I Choose to" instead of "I Can't" it gets our brains in line. And it might filter through to other people to...
Example: "I really want to have that Christmas cookie, but I can't" or " I choose not to have this cookie. I choose to feel awesome!"
Post by: Liz on December 20, 2015, 11:50:11 AM
Welcome frugaldoc, we'd love to hear about your diet hacking and alcohol free experiences. I have gone from weekly drinking to virtually never drinking after having kids and I hear what you are saying. New Zealand has a really bad alcohol culture causing billions of dollars of harm but like crappy food - it's still a no go zone that people think should go unquestioned. Ks
Deal! Give me some time to ponder it and write it up properly. I'll return to the thread and let you know when it's done :)
Its been a while since I did the experiments and I need time to dig up my old notes on it and really reflect. This is a very meaningful topic to me and I want to do it justice. It was profound change though and many of the habits stuck.
That sounds great -- please post back!
Post by: 1967mama on December 20, 2015, 08:35:23 PM
Also of interest: the company noticed my weight loss and were the first to comment on it. And there I am in the kitchen, sneaking fudge! D*mn Sugar Dragon is still very large for me :-/
Edit: typo
Post by: swick on December 20, 2015, 09:26:45 PM
Also of interest: the company noticed my weight loss and were the first to comment on it. And there I am in the kitchen, sneaking fudge! Da*mn Sugar Dragon is still very large for me :-/
Another name for Sugar Dragon is Addiction. You might want to look at it as such, 1967mama. Sugar is addicting on an emotional, psychological and physiological level. If it is that big of a struggle for you, you may want to look at some of the strategies beyond will power. Will power is in a finite resource that easily gets spent.
Don't forget, you are doing awesome! You have made amazing progress and we are all here to support you :)
Post by: The Happy Philosopher on December 21, 2015, 09:24:07 AM
Also of interest: the company noticed my weight loss and were the first to comment on it. And there I am in the kitchen, sneaking fudge! Da*mn Sugar Dragon is still very large for me :-/
Another name for Sugar Dragon is Addiction. You might want to look at it as such, 1967mama. Sugar is addicting on an emotional, psychological and physiological level. If it is that big of a struggle for you, you may want to look at some of the strategies beyond will power. Will power is in a finite resource that easily gets spent.
Don't forget, you are doing awesome! You have made amazing progress and we are all here to support you :)
Exactly. The reward pathways in the brain are similar to many highly addictive drugs. Sugar is addictive and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. The problem is if we are addicted to cocaine it is feasible to just stop doing it. If we are addicted to sugar we still have to eat and will constantly be challenged by it.
Some strategies:
1. Get it out of your house. If you have to go buy it often times this is enough of a deterrent.
2. Pause before each bite. Eat slow and be deliberately mindful. Don't judge yourself or be ashamed, just mindful.
3. Replace the craving with something healthier but rewarding (listen to a favorite song, have some tea, whatever you love)
4. Breath and smile :)
PS: swick: I love your blog which I just discovered yesterday :)
Post by: Faraday on December 21, 2015, 10:54:09 AM
Remember the fudge debacle a page back? Where I made fudge and ate some and then threw it in the freezer? Well I dug it out today for company and apparently it's my Achilles heel! So I stupidly ate about 5 pieces. It reminds me of Faraday and his imagined apple pie. Ridiculous! I know better and imagine I will feel like crap later. I already feel like crap, mentally. To add insult to injury, I hit my lowest weight on the scale yet, this morning and used the FIFTH holes on my belt buckle instead of the first. I can't really figure out why I'm sabatoging myself in this way. The company is actually still here and I'm upstairs having a break and typing this to all of you.
Also of interest: the company noticed my weight loss and were the first to comment on it. And there I am in the kitchen, sneaking fudge! D*mn Sugar Dragon is still very large for me :-/
Some strategies:
1. Get it out of your house. If you have to go buy it often times this is enough of a deterrent.
2. Pause before each bite. Eat slow and be deliberately mindful. Don't judge yourself or be ashamed, just mindful.
3. Replace the craving with something healthier but rewarding (listen to a favorite song, have some tea, whatever you love)
4. Breath and smile :)
+1 to what frugaldoc says. We've gone over lots of strategies and replacement items, I like frugaldoc's quick summary (sometimes my verbosity really gets in the way. :-( :-) )
'67 and all;
I can easily imagine the feeling when you are sitting there with that fudge in front of you. You are trapped and there is no escape. No substitute foods handy or at the ready, nothing that can even come close to the potential feeling and reward of...The Fudge.
I propose that there is RIGHT AND WRONG way to cheat. DW and I discovered this and we believe it helps minimize the severity of the cheat. We reserve this for those times (unusual as they might be) that you simply have to cheat and can't get around it. Read what I've got to say and see if it makes sense. Constructive Criticism is absolutely welcome.
Wow...I got very verbose here. Please forgive me. I'll re-edit over time to try to lessen the verbage and sharpen the ponts....
Notes before I explain this:
1) It's not a method for breaking the eating lifestyle constantly. We use this once every six months for birthdays and Christmas Day. This is a method of last resort - when you are "pinned down" and see no other way around the Offending Food.
2) You must still EARN IT TO BURN IT. Exercise it off as quickly as possible.
3) Still try to use your go-to keto compliant foods to avoid the Bad Food.
4) Always get back on the wagon in full force after the cheat and stay strict afterward.
5) If there is some external thing that CAUSES you to cheat, you've got to identify and deal with THAT, too. Mom shows up and plops a pound of forbidden fruit in front of you? At some point, try to have a loving conversation with her about that. Boss makes you want to eat a container of ice cream? Figure out how to fix that problem and move forward from there. Kids dragging shitfood into the house? Gotta change that one too.
Here's the idea:
1) You identify and acknowledge beforehand whatever food it is you cannot resist.
You come to terms with that food by realizing it and accepting the weakness and the problem it presents. In other words, you spend time thinking about the food and visualizing it while it is not in front of you, while you are strong and while maintaining your correct eating style. Let the food be in your mind and don't work to cast it out. Let it serve as a motivator...let it serve as positive reinforcement for the next step below (2).
2) Schedule your EARN IT AND BURN IT ahead of time if possible. That's the best option. If you can't, schedule it after the cheat as soon as possible. This is practical if you are tracking both foods and exercise in LoseIt or MyFitnessPal.
3) When the time comes to consume the food, get the smallest reasonable portion of it that you can. BEWARE: YOU decide that. Not mom or spouse or kids or anyone. If mom drops a big 'ol slices of cake in front of you, PLAN to eat the smallest portion that can satisfy the craving and not one bite more. Plan to purposefully waste as much as possible if you are given some insane portion.
4) Take that first bite and make it last as long as possible.
5) PROHIBIT YOURSELF from feeling the guilt while you eat. We're gonna be honest about our cheating and not try to make up for it by letting the guilt come on quickly. GUILT does not clear us of the cheat, it's only the "flag" that we are cheating. That's the only purpose the guilt can serve.
6) GET INTO THE MOMENT as you eat the cheat food. The Buddhists talk about "being in the moment". It's vitally important that you BE IN THE MOMENT as you cheat. If you are gonna cheat...DO IT IN FULLNESS, don't quickly ram down mass quantities of the forbidden food in secret. Get ONE PIECE. Don't ram it down and swallow as quickly as you can. Deny the urge to rapidly swallow.
7) CHALLENGE YOURSELF to make the tiny portion last as long as possible. Focus on your mouth and having a small, small bite in your mouth. Let the taste and texture persist in your mouth and truly experience what the bite FEELS LIKE. Make each and every bite last as long as possible. The purpose is to wring as much pleasure out of the smallest possible portion!!!!!
ALERT: NO DISTRACTIONS ALLOWED while you are eating the cheat food. Don't talk, don't get up, don't move around, don't call down the kids, don't respond to anything. Anyone who tries to engage you in talking is interrupting your "cheat moment".
8) You don't have to engage anyone in discussion about your cheat. You don't have to justify, you don't have to talk about it. If someone wants to and tries, just smile at them as you have the food in your mouth. (I have indeed done this and it's not as rude as it might seem.)
9) When done, don't sit there like a toad. Get up, remove the plate and utensils, put them in the sink or the dishwasher or whatever. After all, you are DONE, right? Change the context and move forward with the social event, whatever it is. Go back to your compliant foods/drink immediately if you can't get up and go exercise. Tea, cola, water, whatever.
WHY IN HELL AM I TELLING YOU "HOW TO CHEAT"? Because there ARE times when we all get pinned down and can't escape, don't have our go-to foods, are stressed in the moment or some unusual circumstance that's forcing us into a scenario we aren't prepared to deal with.
You might say "WTF Faraday?!?!? I'm a sugar addict, can't you tell?" Well, that depends. If you fall off the wagon and can't get back on, ok, you are a sugar addict. In that case, you haven't changed your eating lifestyle and you aren't gonna change based on anything I say.
BUT: if you are successfully living your chosen eating lifestyle and you get pinned down, you have one of two choices:
a) Don't cheat. In that case, congratulations!
b) You know you are gonna cheat and can't stop it. In that case, SIN PROPERLY. Don't try to "buffer the sin" with guilt or eating fast or anything that minimizes the event. Let the event happen, and TEST YOURSELF to see HOW SMALL OF AN AMOUNT WILL PROVIDE SATISFACTION.
What happens when you do it this way? Your cheats get smaller and fewer, not larger and more frequent. My cheats are damn near ridiculously small compared to what they used to be and they get smaller and smaller with time. I use to ram down 3 or 4 pints of stout without thinking about it and without feeling truly satisfied. Now I can do a six ounce pour and be happy with what I get from it. Now I can eat a slender little petite "woman's slice" of cake and be extremely satisfied. (Cake isn't my cheat food, but you get the idea. My machismo is no longer tied up in how big of a piece of cake I can eat....)
Please, let's discuss this - please tell me what you think.
Christmas Day is coming, for us poor unfortunates in Christian Society. That's the deepest, darkest hour of The Season of Insanity.
Your objective is to make it through the holiday and into New Year's Day without having to make some resolution that's different than the Eating Lifestyle you have already been living this year.
If you have to "double down" on what you are already doing, then OK, you do that. But you've already had the experience of doing it, it's not something new. You are battle-hardened and ready for action, ready to hit the new year even harder than you ever did before, and you know you will not fail.
The bright morning of the End of the Season is coming. Jan 1, everyone in the world will be scrambling to un-do the damage.
For men, it'll be "getting back to the gym" and getting rid of that big 'ol Buddha belly. ARRR ARRR ARRR....
For you ladies in the northern hemisphere, bikinis will be showing up in stores, when: February or maybe March? Just in time to smack you upside the face, right?
Don't fuck up now, you've come too far. Don't generate a "belly" to get rid of. Don't buy yourself swimsuit shame in February. Don't set yourself up to lose hope and give in to the 2.5lb heart-shaped box of fine chocolates.
In January and February, WE won't be "undoing damage". We will simply be continuing the lifestyle we have already been living.
Post by: swick on December 21, 2015, 11:05:02 AM
Also of interest: the company noticed my weight loss and were the first to comment on it. And there I am in the kitchen, sneaking fudge! Da*mn Sugar Dragon is still very large for me :-/
Another name for Sugar Dragon is Addiction. You might want to look at it as such, 1967mama. Sugar is addicting on an emotional, psychological and physiological level. If it is that big of a struggle for you, you may want to look at some of the strategies beyond will power. Will power is in a finite resource that easily gets spent.
Don't forget, you are doing awesome! You have made amazing progress and we are all here to support you :)
Exactly. The reward pathways in the brain are similar to many highly addictive drugs. Sugar is addictive and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. The problem is if we are addicted to cocaine it is feasible to just stop doing it. If we are addicted to sugar we still have to eat and will constantly be challenged by it.
Some strategies:
1. Get it out of your house. If you have to go buy it often times this is enough of a deterrent.
2. Pause before each bite. Eat slow and be deliberately mindful. Don't judge yourself or be ashamed, just mindful.
3. Replace the craving with something healthier but rewarding (listen to a favorite song, have some tea, whatever you love)
4. Breath and smile :)
PS: swick: I love your blog which I just discovered yesterday :)
Awesome tips, frugaldoc! The mindfulness and noticing your thoughts/feelings and associations as you are eating are super important! And, thanks for the feedback, always appreciate hearing that people enjoy the blog :)
Post by: mom22boys on December 21, 2015, 11:46:43 AM
Remember the fudge debacle a page back? Where I made fudge and ate some and then threw it in the freezer? Well I dug it out today for company and apparently it's my Achilles heel! So I stupidly ate about 5 pieces. It reminds me of Faraday and his imagined apple pie. Ridiculous! I know better and imagine I will feel like crap later. I already feel like crap, mentally. To add insult to injury, I hit my lowest weight on the scale yet, this morning and used the FIFTH holes on my belt buckle instead of the first. I can't really figure out why I'm sabatoging myself in this way. The company is actually still here and I'm upstairs having a break and typing this to all of you.
Also of interest: the company noticed my weight loss and were the first to comment on it. And there I am in the kitchen, sneaking fudge! D*mn Sugar Dragon is still very large for me :-/
Edit: typo
I'm in the same battle right now 1967mama! I have a tradition with my friends to have a Christmas cookie baking day, and I kept with the tradition this year, knowing it would be a huge challenge for me to say no to the sweets. And.....I didn't say no. Luckily only a few friends could make it this year, so the cookies are already out of the house (we all give a lot of them away to friends). But, unfortunately it has sparked that Sugar Dragon again.
I'm in total agreement that sugar is an addiction. It's really made me soul-search more to understand my triggers better. A big part is that I'm still out of my usual rhythm with cooking and working out. Also, this time of the year triggers a lot of hurt from my divorce, with my ex-husband leaving me right after Christmas, and then the divorce being final on Christmas Eve the following year. How's that for a Christmas present two years in a row?! But, I've grown a lot in the past years, and I can't let this be an excuse any longer.
After I slip up, I often come to this thread with a plan in mind, and honestly I don't have one right now, other than knowing that I will be starting another round on January 1. From now until then, I'll take it one meal, one day at a time. Using Swift's post from earlier, "I choose to" NOT eat any sugar today. Because I can do it!
And of course I can't go without saying congrats on the company noticing your weight loss 1967mama!
Post by: Faraday on December 21, 2015, 12:35:05 PM
.... this time of the year triggers a lot of hurt from my divorce, with my ex-husband leaving me right after Christmas, and then the divorce being final on Christmas Eve the following year. How's that for a Christmas present two years in a row?! But, I've grown a lot in the past years, and I can't let this be an excuse any longer.
mom22boys, I had one of those. God, I was pathetically heartbroken. It happened at a painfully early age. Anyone remember the John Travolta poster from "Saturday Night Fever"? I was forever waking-up from nightmares of turning 40 and still looking for new love in dance clubs dressed in a white suit and pants like he wore in that movie.
It's one hell of a funny thing to remember right now. But anger at losing the minutes of my life to that bullshit is what drove me out of it. (I guess I'm showing a pattern here of using anger for success, eh? :-) )
The reward is that I'm 10x the father and husband I was then.
Just like cheat foods, life presents us with a binary choice: We either learn from it and become better human beings from it, or we let it beat us and spend the rest of our lives talking about it and feeling neurotic and inferior from it.
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A big part is that I'm still out of my usual rhythm with cooking and working out.
You are correct: that rhythm is where your strength lies. Go to it and find the refuge it promises.
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After I slip up, I often come to this thread with a plan in mind, and honestly I don't have one right now, other than knowing that I will be starting another round on January 1. From now until then, I'll take it one meal, one day at a time. Using Swift's post from earlier, "I choose to" NOT eat any sugar today. Because I can do it!
Perfect. But if you are waiting till Jan1 to restart the eating lifestyle, at least try to get something of your known-good rhythm back before then. Cooking, working out, whatever. You need it most when you can do it the least.
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And of course I can't go without saying congrats on the company noticing your weight loss 1967mama!
'67 is kicking ass, yes. So is '67daughter too, I hear! :-)
Post by: horsepoor on December 21, 2015, 12:46:56 PM
What happens when you do it this way? Your cheats get smaller and fewer, not larger and more frequent. My cheats are damn near ridiculously small compared to what they used to be and they get smaller and smaller with time. I use to ram down 3 or 4 pints of stout without thinking about it and without feeling truly satisfied. Now I can do a six ounce pour and be happy with what I get from it. Now I can eat a slender little petite "woman's slice" of cake and be extremely satisfied. (Cake isn't my cheat food, but you get the idea. My machismo is no longer tied up in how big of a piece of cake I can eat....)
I think this is true and something to look forward to. Saturday night I decided to indulge in my first beer in about seven weeks. In fact, I didn't set out to limit myself to one, but I poured a nice Imperial stout into a frosty mug and enjoyed it while cooking dinner. And to my surprise, as delicious as it was, I had no desire for another one, and the idea of feeling bloated from a second beer just seemed completely off-putting.
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 21, 2015, 09:09:07 PM
Post by: Faraday on December 22, 2015, 12:09:44 AM
I think this is true and something to look forward to. Saturday night I decided to indulge in my first beer in about seven weeks. In fact, I didn't set out to limit myself to one, but I poured a nice Imperial stout into a frosty mug and enjoyed it while cooking dinner. And to my surprise, as delicious as it was, I had no desire for another one, and the idea of feeling bloated from a second beer just seemed completely off-putting.
Wholly Krappe horsepoor...that's damn near a sexy visual you gave me there: sipping an Imperial Stout while cooking dinner?!?! Wow...slinky nice.
Post by: Liz on December 22, 2015, 12:08:19 PM
I wanted to add one more thing ~ please don't be too hard on yourself. It's all part of the journey and consider it a learning experience. And it sounds like it didn't completely derail you, which is a victory in my book. Maybe you needed this "slip up" to realize how far you have come. Sending you a virtual hug.
Post by: The Happy Philosopher on December 22, 2015, 12:19:27 PM
1967mama ~ Great advice from everyone. I especially agree with throwing the fudge out or giving it all away, if you know it is your achille's heel. Mine is Doritos, of all things -- I can't eat just a handful, it's going to be at least half the bag in one sitting or more. I just can't keep them in the house at all, and that's okay!If your weakness is Doritos then never, ever try eating them with cream cheese. You will wake up with an empty bag and a new addiction.
I wanted to add one more thing ~ please don't be too hard on yourself. It's all part of the journey and consider it a learning experience. And it sounds like it didn't completely derail you, which is a victory in my book. Maybe you needed this "slip up" to realize how far you have come. Sending you a virtual hug.
*reformed Doritos and cream cheese addict.
Post by: 1967mama on December 23, 2015, 01:24:42 AM
This truly is The Season of Insanity. I'm faced with challenging choices related to sugar Every. Single. Day. and can't wait for it to be over. I LOVE Christmas, I really do. The lights, the tree, the presents, the candlelit church services, the music. And the food. I'm totally realizing how much of Christmas is tied up in food. Ugh!
Today, I made candy cane bark for all the neighbours and though I admit to a few samples, I got it onto plates and covered it with plastic wrap lickety-split to get it out of here and to make my kitchen safe again.
I've been pondering my sugar addiction these last few days and wondered if reintroducing a little cheese might help keep me off of sugar and add a little variety and excitement to my diet. I had a small piece of colby at lunch and a little tex-mex cheese mix on my fajita salad tonight (kids had fajitas in burrito shells). I've felt a little bloated all evening, but I"m not sure if its the onions or the cheese. I will continue to experiment with cheese unless I have an adverse physical reaction.
I have been more physically active these last few days with running around to stores, doing a massive $600 grocery shop to get us through from now till Christmas dinner (it costs quite a bit to feed my big crew). I'm hoping that will keep my weight at least static and not going back up.
Many good food choices were made today:
Breakfast - 2 eggs, 1/2 cup spinach, refried potatoes from last night, 1 large italian sausage from my emergency stash (as per Faraday's recommendation).
Lunch - carrot salad, 1 slice of ham, small piece of cheese
Dinner - plate of romaine, chicken breast, onions, peppers, olive oil
Snacks - raspberries and coconut cream, herbal tea, water
I would love to make it through a whole day, this Christmas week, where I don't eat a single piece of crap food. I wish I hated baking!!
When I reread what I ate today, I don't feel so bad. But I also don't want to become complacent where I get to the point where I'm eating a little of this crap, or a little of that crap every freaking day!!!!!!!
How is everyone else surviving The Season of Insanity????
Post by: Caoineag on December 23, 2015, 07:38:19 AM
Post by: swick on December 23, 2015, 08:07:31 AM
Great update, 1967mama, it's good to acknowledge our successes while we realize the things we need to change and work on too :)
1967mama - I get what you are saying about the baking and cooking for others. We have been in a similar boat, and it has brought up a lot of moral questions for us. We had decided we were going to do a totally homemade Christmas this year (way before Whole 30), and it should have been very easy for us because making food treats is so easy and so appreciated. Enter Whole 30.... after finding out how bad for you some of these ingredients are, we just didn't feel right making them for our families (especially those with a history of cancer) It feels a little hypocritical and now that we know it is, essentially, poison, we have an obligation to do things differently. Sure they are still going to eat it, but we don't have to be the ones providing it. It has added a wee bit of stress this year; we'll have more time next year!
*Now we aren't perfect, and it is definitely a process, and we are gifting the homemade/homegrown apple port we have been lovingly tending for the last five years.
My "Season of Insanity" other then the two Christmas parties we went to really starts today. Going back home for Christmas. I'll be staying with the dog at my parents house. Hubs will stay at his parents house (which is like a 10 min walk away) I'm getting off easy as far as the food and temptations will go. It'll be around, but a background note, at my parents house. It'll be front and center at his parents.
Strategies
- My mom has made a big pot of complaint chili to have the in the fridge anyone can grab when they need it.
- Sending Hubby with some homemade, unsweetened apple sauce for his breakfasts or when everyone is eating sweets if there is nothing else he can eat. He'll come down to my parents house for as many meals as he can.
- We traditionally do Christmas Eve Appetizers at my parents house. Much bigger focus this year on healthy and compliant. I'll make my chicken wings. It's an easy appy that everyone will love.
- Decide before hand what we are willing to eat, so the decisions have already been made, especially with "treat" foods - and then really enjoy them consciously and in very small portions!
- Ask family to respect our first "no" if we say we don't want something (this is big, because it is such a habit for people, even the educated ones!) and each time they ask we have to remake the decision and that takes some of our limited reserve of willpower...speaking of...
- Willpower is a finite resource. Anytime we can remove ourselves from a situation or remove the temptation, so we don't have to make a decision; we will.
- Communicate clearly. Some members of our family are trying really hard to be accommodating - so having the conversations of if/when/how much is great to do ahead of time. My sister called and asked if she made our family's traditional Christmas cookies with Einkorn and honey if I would want to try some. I said I appreciated the thought, but don't want to risk it.
She then asked if I wanted a special version of her homemade Hot Toddy mix on hand - which is ususally awesome healthy fats, spices, and coconut sugar. I asked for a non-sweetened version. She was totally down with that :) That way if I want a little bit of honey in it (big if!) I can add it myself.
How is everyone else doing? What strategies are you all using to combat the "Season of Insanity"?
Also - I just want to say I appreciate every one of you for joining me on this journey, and I wish all of you a very Happy Holidays/Merry Christmas!
Post by: horsepoor on December 23, 2015, 08:54:40 AM
1967 - Have you experimented with non-compliant whole foods and/or natural sweeteners, or have your forays into sugar just been of the fudge variety? Are you thinking of reintroducing any legumes or rice to your diet? I ask because I've started using a bit of honey and maple syrup, and also eating a few legumes (and cheese/yogurt) and the variety goes a long way for me without triggering cravings like processed stuff and refined sugar does. It might be worth experimenting with some of these things and seeing if they can add some flexibility to your diet without derailing you the way fudge does.
Caoineag, congrats on Day 1, looking forward to hearing about your progress.
Swick, sounds like you have an awesome plan in place and are set up for success. I hear you on giving gifts of food. DH had to buy a white elephant gift for his office party last night, and was looking at boxes of chocolates and the like. It was kind of turning my stomach thinking of heaping more sugar on people who are clearly overconsuming year-round, and now especially (far as I can tell, 90% of his co-workers have terrible eating habits). He eventually went for a non-food gift. So glad we don't do that sort of thing in my office.
Dog help us, we are having pie and ice cream for Christmas. Apple and pecan pies, homemade, but hopefully after a good dinner of pot roast, mashed potatoes and Brussel's sprouts we won't go too crazy on the pie. I'm feeling like I'm in a good spot right now where the random junk food is nearly eliminated, and the worthwhile treats are occasional enough to be reasonable. Yesterday I had one small cookie and piece of fudge a co-worker brought in, since they were homemade. Enjoyed them with my coffee, but was not preoccupied with going back for another and enjoyed the pea soup I brought for lunch.
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 23, 2015, 11:01:45 AM
Post by: Liz on December 23, 2015, 02:24:16 PM
If your weakness is Doritos then never, ever try eating them with cream cheese. You will wake up with an empty bag and a new addiction.
*reformed Doritos and cream cheese addict.
[/quote]
Haha and NOTED!:)
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 24, 2015, 10:41:27 PM
Post by: horsepoor on December 25, 2015, 07:54:02 AM
I always do a double-take thinking about having Christmas when it's hot. It snowed here yesterday, so we're having a white Christmas, but there's not really enough to make a snowman, much less go sledding.
I made chili with beef and black beans last night. Beans seem to be fine.
Then for some reason I ate 3 of the little tiny Milky Way Dark candies that have been in the cupboard since Halloween. They tasted waxy and overly sweet; not nearly chocolaty enough.
Post by: Caoineag on December 25, 2015, 09:24:36 AM
Post by: swick on December 27, 2015, 11:44:50 AM
It has been an enlightening one for us. I've felt very much like an sociologist observing and studying people's food habits/comments and beliefs. It was very interesting to observe our habits and seeing what our old habits use to be like living out in other people.
Despite the extravagance of sweets and snack foods available I had one little sugar plum over the three days of events, we have had so far. It was just dried fruit and walnuts, rolled in coconut, so I thought that was pretty good. I decided my one thing that I was going to to really consciously enjoy was a glass of egg nog. So last night a poured an inch in a glass, cut it with an inch of milk and really enjoyed it...
Until less than an hour later when I was violently sick. I've had food poisoning before (this wasn't it) it was like my body had an invader and it's only concern was getting it out of my system as fast as possible. I don't know if it was the HFCS or the artificial flavorings or what it was in the egg nog but my body was NOT having it! Luckily it was only about a 1/2 hour or so of yuckiness and I was back to normal - well, weak kitten, freezing cold, shaking normal :) I'm just rather glad I was at my parents house instead of at my Hubby's parents!
This whole year seemed more relaxed, though, we got less "stuff" and far less junk food than usual. Our homemade gifts seemed to go over really well, which we are pretty excited about.
It was also a year of new traditions since most of my family's traditions revolve around food, we tried a few new things this year. Overall, all the substitutions or new things we tried to replace the old ones went over really well and even those who are ver tied to tradition liked the idea of creating some new ones!
We have two more Christmas parties to make it through, and then life will be back to our new normal. Loveing the family time, but looking forward to getting back in the groove:)
How is everyone doing?
Post by: 1967mama on December 27, 2015, 01:01:33 PM
Christmas was unfortunately a 48 hour orgy of horrible pre-whole30 eating for me. From the evening of the 24th to the evening of the 26th, I ate like a gross pig and was so disappointed in myself. I thought I had learned, during my whole60 how to eat great and feel great. Instead I felt bloated and my tummy sounded like something out of Alien:-( I think the saddest, most telling part of the 48 hour food fest was that I didn't even care. I wanted to eat the sweets and appetizers and chips and crap and didn't even care how I felt or whether or not it mattered.
Fast forward to late afternoon on Boxing Day (the 26th) and I have a shower and have an ah-ha moment. So I made a decision that I would give myself from that moment to the morning of January 1st to snap back to Whole30ish with no grains, no dairy, no sugar except trace amounts in ketchup and such. Basically Whole30 with a little tiny bit of freedom.
So far, from that moment yesterday afternoon, I've had a 100% success rate. I DON'T want to go back there! I still have over 50 pounds to go to get to my ideal weight. I'm still in the "obese" category on the BMI scale. I'm still in a size 14. So yeah, NOT DONE!
Looking forward to hearing how others coped/didn't cope with the Christmas season. I'm so glad I have this safe place to report in.
Ironically, while my son is here watching a football game (on an HD antenna, of course!) there was a new Weight Watchers ad featuring Oprah and I immediately thought "Oh brother! It sure didn't work for me!" Nothing has ever worked for me except Whole30!
Post by: Caoineag on December 27, 2015, 03:30:03 PM
My sympathies for anyone trying to be remotely faithful to this while visiting family though. Neither side of our families would be a safe one for us to visit while doing this. They both rely heavily on wheat and dairy. Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 27, 2015, 04:31:38 PM
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 27, 2015, 06:51:56 PM
Post by: 1967mama on December 27, 2015, 07:40:47 PM
I have now been eating great for 24 hours, and let me tell ya Bob, I feel great! No more stomach upset, no more fog, oh man .. what was I thinking??!!
ETA: My parents gave me (and my hubs) a Fitbit for Christmas. I'm excited t start tracking tomorrow. Bet I'm no where near 10,000 steps a day. I respond well to this kind of motivation and challenge and I think getting moving will help speed things along in the health department for me! Yay!
Post by: swick on December 28, 2015, 08:05:41 AM
One more party down, only one to go!
1967mama - I think it is important to have one or two of those episodes where you experience and remind yourself "why" you are choosing to eat the way you are. There is nothing like a little negative reinforcement to get you back on track :)
It is definitly odd not having that "food hangover" I honestly don't think I could have coped with all our Christmas commitments this year if I had been eating the way I use to. I get sick every single year, it's a tradition. Part of it is I don't give myself enough down time to recharge (I'm really rather introverted) and I tend to medicate or distract myself in social situations with food and drink. You know, if you have something in your hand or mouth, you have a safty blanket!
But things have been going remarkably well this year. I went to two large events and didn't drink a drop, or really go off plan, except a small bit of dairy. Actually, one of my sisters co-workers, who I didn't have a chance to chat with at the party but have known forever commented to my sister afterwards that she didn't recognize me, except I was with my sister! That was pretty cool. I look at myself in the mirror and I don't recognize me either :)
KiwiSonya - Good idea going to the store and grabbing some healthy stuff! It sounds like the situation with MIL was not ideal. I can kind of understand the unwillingness to just "get rid" of the food that is not good for you. Especially coming from the mustacian/saving/not wanting to waste background. I have to keep checking myself. It doesn't matter that it was free, or we paid good money for something, or it is cheaper to eat that way. Those are hard mindsets to get out of - I still stuggle with them all.the.time. And if she is kinda following Whole 30 but not really getting the intent and reasons "why" she is doing it, I imagine it would be difficult. Does your MIL have any other support systems? It might be something to "Team up" and do together n the new year!
Caoineag - Way to go on your Day 5! If you haven't taken measurements, definitly do! That is probabaly the one thing I didn't do that I really wish I had, I have absolutly no idea how much I have lost in inches. Would probabaly be even more motivated, if I knew. My mom made my wedding dress in 2013, and that was probabaly about my heaviest, so I am planning on comparing to that ince I get them.
Staying true to the whole 30 program and eating out is almost impossible. When we were actually on our original 30 days, I think we went out twice (to my parents, who actually made some stuff out of the whole 30 cookbook) Every other social obligation we either joined afterwards, re-jigged to not involve a meal, or said no to.
It can be super frustrating, doing this style of eating outside of the house, even when you have the best-laid plans. On the 23rd we went to an Italian restaurant which is tradition for Hubby's family. This is old-school spaghetti and meatballs. I emailed and asked about Gluten-Free options. Found out the meatballs are coated in bread crumbs (bummer, they are the only thing I really like there) but was told no worries they have lots of other options.
Double checked again when I made the reservation and was told not a problem the server would take care of me. Well, we get there and I am told the only other thing I can eat is Rice pasta, but it will take an extra 1/2 hour to cook. They were out of steak, don't really have any other veggies than roasted potatos and iceberg lettuce. Took a quick look at the menue, the only thng I could find that wasn't horribe was polenta. So I ordered that, really I would have perferred not to eat but that wasn't an option with Hubby's grandmother there. It was pretty bad, I needed to top it with cheese to get it down. I had a crappy night sleep becuase I was congested from the cheese I didn't enjoy eating. And to add insult to ingury, they charged 14.95 for a tiny dish of polenta with a skiff of sauce, no sides, no other food on the plate. 50 cents of cornmeal. Bah! The mustachian whole 30'er in me was outraged.
But we did a groccery shop on our way up and then cooked some sausages when we got to my parent's house that we kept in the fridge. We also took some roasted sweet potatoes with us. Those saved the day quite a few times. Aslo, coconut buzzed coffee, making sure to start the morning with that made saying no to all the treats that much easier.
My sister did make us a jar of lego brick shaped gummy candies for Christmas and I have been happily nothing on those whenever I get the urge to have a treat. She made them witha bit of fruit juice, coconut milk and gelatin, so no sugar or other nasties to worry about and all the good stuff in the gelatin :)
Post by: horsepoor on December 28, 2015, 10:27:25 AM
Swick, that restaurant experience sounds really annoying. There's an Italian restaurant here that we were thinking of checking out. I was looking at the menu online and many of the appetizers were denoted as GF, but were served with bread. WTF? It seems really irresponsible to claim that something is gluten free when it's clear that they're making no efforts not to cross-contaminate. They make their pasta in-house, so there's going to be wheat flour flying all over that kitchen. I couldn't imagine being celiac or otherwise extremely sensitive and having to try to eat at restaurants.
We actually haven't gone out to eat since before W30 in early November. Once since then husband picked up burritos - I just got a carnitas burrito and turned the contents out into a bowl and threw away the tortilla, but obviously that wouldn't fly with someone who really needs to stay gluten free.
Anyway, we had our little Christmas pie extravaganza and we're both totally over it. TMI, but we've both been really gassy and last night DH said "yeah, it's probably the sugar." He's going on another ski trip tomorrow, and said he wants to re-start W30 when he gets back. Of course he's not strictly eliminating much of anything in what he thinks of as W30, but if it means he's not bringing beer, chips and icecream into the house for a month, I'm happy. I'll see if he wants to put the book in his Kindle before he leaves so he can get a better understanding of the process. I have to start traveling for work again in February, so I may as well eat clean until I'm sucked into the morass of traveling with coworkers, but will probably keep cheese, white rice and Friday/Saturday red wine in the rotation, so I'm not calling it W30 from here out.
After my gloating over not getting sick... yeah, I got sick and have been taking forever to get back to normal. I haven't been too bad, but it's been a little hard to find motivation to eat properly when I just end up feeling like garbage anyway. Hopefully that's my one bad cold for the year and I'm done. I've signed up for the 2016 Strength and Fitness gauntlet, so I need to start hitting the gym seriously again soon.
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 28, 2015, 10:34:07 AM
Post by: Caoineag on December 28, 2015, 07:47:43 PM
Day 6 and while my energy levels aren't great, they were actually worse one of the weeks before we started the 100% compliance. In the past 2 months, we have come pretty close as we didn't want cravings or energy levels to derail us once we started the real thing. After all, by the time you finish reintroducing food, this is definitely not even close to just one month and I can't imagine anything worse than messing up the re-intro phase and having to start over to actually figure out your food issues. *Shudders*
Post by: mom22boys on December 28, 2015, 08:23:16 PM
I'm back from another frustrating visit to my parents over Christmas. One morning my dad commented how I looked like I needed more sleep (and this was at 8 am). I said no...this is just what I look like after eating sugar. It was a terrible 3 days of eating, so much so, that I decided to leave a day early and get back home where I could control my food. The last two days haven't been perfect, but much better. Today I went with no sugar and I feel like I'm not walking in my sleep any more.
Tomorrow will be even more on plan, and then I'll be 100% back to Whole30 on January 1. I may even start earlier if I get my shit together.
Post by: swick on December 29, 2015, 11:44:09 AM
Hubby, rather tongue in cheek, said he couldn't do another round in January, because he won't be finished his Christmas goodies yet. (I think) he was joking.
I'm super proud of him, he had some indulgences, but did it mindfully, selectively and really enjoyed them. I think it is somewhat easier for me because I have to make many less decisions as everything with wheat/gluten is an automatic out for me. He set some awesome boundaries with his family and stuck to them and didn;t bow to pressure, and ended up not sounding like an ass about it, so It's a win :)
I am really happy to have all the events (except NewYears) over with! While I coped much better this year, I think we still have too many events going on and not enough down time, except they are all family events, and we have some time to make up now that we live closer, so not sure what to do about that.
Sounds like you are doing AWESOME Caoineag! I totally hear you about not wanting to be derailed especially during the re-intro phase. I do think that is a much longer than 30-day process to do it right, and if there is any weakness int he Whole 30 program, it is how to handle the re-intro.
I still haven't re-introduced everything after my Whole 30 in Sept. I never got around to trying oatmeal or some of the other grains and legumes. I had quite noticeable reactions with the wheat and dairy, and kinda just stopped there. Since I know how those affect me, I'll probably finish the rest of the re-intro after my second round. In between I have been eating mostly on plan except for a little bit of rice and dairy when I am out of the house and the occasional trace sugar. I would like to test out how sensitive I am to the gluten, but I need a solid block of time to feel like crap in order to do that.
Anyone have any new and exciting Whole 30 Recipes to share?
Horsepoor - Hope you are feeling better! I hear what you're saying about the restaurants and GF, the other side of it I have noticed is thing WOULD be GF if something they served it with was just left off the plate. It would be nice to know that too :) Nothing like having to ask a million questions to a server in a rush on a busy night!
Post by: Caoineag on December 29, 2015, 07:46:18 PM
My big issue I am trying to address with this is my Rosacea. Long story short, this diet is one of the many ways I am attempting to chase it back into remission which is where I had it for the past decade but its not spreading anymore and the areas affected are shrinking so I think I am on the right path.
Oh and Day 7 and energy levels are just fine. Saturday and Monday were my bad days of trying to work out and not really having the strength for it, no issues today.
As to recipes, I have a ton (I am a cook from scratch sort of gal). Do you like Moroccan? Because a quarter of my new cookbook is Whole 30 compatible. Did you want meat or veggie dishes? The latest things I have randomly tried is chicken smothered with olives, a frenched rack of lamb (not morrocan, but very tasty), very slow roasted beets (roll in kosher salt, wrap tightly in aluminum foil and cook for 2 hours at 325, you can sprinkle lemon juice and cinnamon on them or nothing at all), quick roasted carrots (slice them, coat them in ghee and a little seasoning and roast at 450 for 15 minutes), creamed spinach (creamed with olive oil and tender thanks to steaming rather than pan frying), etc. Though if you prefer something more mainstream http://www.health-bent.com/beef/paleo-unrolled-cabbage-casserole this recipe I can vouch is very tasty and a bunch of her other recipes are either safe or easily adapted.
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 29, 2015, 09:35:26 PM
Post by: Caoineag on December 30, 2015, 07:46:27 AM
In my household we like to have a bunch of side dishes to choose from so that we can mix and match. Keeps food boredom away.
Post by: swick on December 30, 2015, 11:13:51 AM
I love the idea of going Moroccan. We broke out our Ethnic cookbooks the first Whole 30 and ended up cooking a lot of Thai since a lot of it is coconut milk based for curries and such.
Now that I have a freezer full of lamb, I'm looking forward to some Middle Eastern Recipes. I have some preserved lemons that I made six or so years ago. Chopped up preserved lemon adds an AWESOME flavour to salad dressings too!
This thread has gotten pretty long, I am wondering if there is any interest in starting a "Whole 30 Recipe" google Doc we can all add to? That way everything is all in one place.
How is everyone else doing? Anyone have some goals and plans for healthy eating and being the best versions of themselves next year? (I hate New Years Resolutions) but having a plan is always good!
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 30, 2015, 11:20:06 AM
Post by: swick on December 31, 2015, 08:33:09 AM
I'm super excited for 2016 it seems like 2015 has all about laying foundations getting health back on track. I wouldn't recognize myself if I had seen future me this time last year.
So as a few of us are starting another round of Whole 30 starting January, I thought it might be useful to put together a list of our "Must Have" ingredients.
Mine are:
Coconut Oil
Coconut Milk
Coconut Amino's
Coconut Flakes (hmm seeing a pattern)
Pork Butt Roasts (for Nom Nom Paleo's Khalua Pork)
Cabbage
Kimchi (We didn't have any last time, since the stuff I made wasn't compliant, we really, really missed it so I have adapted my recipe. Without being able to have yogurt, I think the probiotics are important)
Sweet Potatoes (I'll try and do a bit of a lower carb version of Whole 30, but hubs will definitely need them)
Fully stocked veggies - I have found "what"" isn't as important is having enough and a variety.
Variety of Ground Meats - Planning sometimes doesnt happen and ground meats + sauteed veg can always make an emergency meal.
Oh, and because I am putting off work, how about a top 10 list? My top 10 positive results from doing Whole 30 (in no particular order):
1. No more Fibro Symptoms
2. Realizing I can, in fact, breath through my nose
3. Closer relationships with my husband and my family as a result of doing this together
4. More self-confidence and assertiveness
5. No more Insomnia
6. All of my baselines for health, wellness, energy, mental clarity have gone up
7. My relationship with food has changed entirely
8. Knowing I can change a lifetime of ingrained, conditioned dietary habits in 30 days gets me excited and secure in knowing I can change any area of my life that I want to.
9. The physical lightness of not carrying around the extra 40 pounds is pretty good :)
10. I feel so fortunate to have spent the 4 months (has it only been that long?) with an incredible, supportive group of people who have been making major changes and sharing the journey with me. Thank you all! I think a large part of my success has been having this thread and all of you to share with. You all rock!
Post by: horsepoor on December 31, 2015, 09:08:20 AM
I'll just add, eggs, eggs and more eggs.
Lower-sugar fruit (berries; this time of year, citrus)
Riced cauliflower (this freezes well, just microwave 4 minutes, wring out the water and make fried rice)
Winter squash
Avocados
Spaghetti squash - gets its own category
Fish fillets - can be cooked from frozen
Canned kippered herring
Compliant sausage - I like to make breakfast patties from scratch, and have some Mulay's hot italian sausages in the freezer for a quick meal
Ghee
Root vegetables - carrots, parsnips, potatoes, beets, turnips
Onions and garlic
Compliant condiments - mayo, salsa, sriracha, vinegars
Nuts - almond, macadamia, pecan, walnut, cashews
Tea
Post by: swick on December 31, 2015, 09:12:23 AM
Great list!
I'll just add, eggs, eggs and more eggs.
Lower-sugar fruit (berries; this time of year, citrus)
Riced cauliflower (this freezes well, just microwave 4 minutes, wring out the water and make fried rice)
Winter squash
Avocados
Spaghetti squash - gets its own category
Fish fillets - can be cooked from frozen
Canned kippered herring
Compliant sausage - I like to make breakfast patties from scratch, and have some Mulay's hot italian sausages in the freezer for a quick meal
Ghee
Root vegetables - carrots, parsnips, potatoes, beets, turnips
Onions and garlic
Compliant condiments - mayo, salsa, sriracha, vinegars
Nuts - almond, macadamia, pecan, walnut, cashews
Tea
Ugh, I think I was blocking out the idea of eggs, eggs, eggs! ;)
Good points on the root veggies, onion and garlic, sausages, nuts, avocados, compliant condiments (Is Sriracha compliant in the US? it isn't here in Canada although Cholula is)
I forgot a few things from my list! Thanks for the reminders, Horsepoor!
Post by: horsepoor on December 31, 2015, 09:17:50 AM
And crap, how could I forget:
BONE BROTH
Post by: horsepoor on December 31, 2015, 09:27:48 AM
There are lots of other veggie ferments you could play around with too. I feel like Kombucha has too much sugar for W30 even though it's technically "on the list." But fermented pickles are awesome, and I love fermented carrots. Planning to do a batch of those today. Unpasteurized apple cider vinegar is another probiotic source if you can find it there or make your own.
Post by: swick on December 31, 2015, 09:34:02 AM
Sadly, sugar is like the second ingredient in Sriracha, but NomNom Paleo has a Whole30 sriracha recipe (http://nomnompaleo.com/post/53690118029/whole30-sriracha). I made some but I used honey instead of date, so it's not strictly W30, but tastes less sweet than store-bought sriracha.
And crap, how could I forget:
BONE BROTH
YES! BONE BROTH! and Duck! I love sharing, it jogs the memory!
I make the kimchi, I have never used a starter for it, I suppose it might make it a little faster? It takes about 15 days to make. I use to use the Gouchachage paste - which adds a ton of depth and flavor but it is a no go on the Whole 30. I managed to find some Korean red pepper which is spicy but also fruity. Turkish Marash Pepper makes a good substitute if it is easier to find. I usually do a blend of veggies, daikon, carrot, green onion, cabbage, and Bok Choy.
Is the Whole Foods Kimchi Pasteurized? It sure sounds good! I have a 5-gallon jug of raw ACV. I love that stuff! How do you make your fermented carrots? Sounds awesome and I have a huge bag of carrots to use up.
Post by: horsepoor on December 31, 2015, 10:10:51 AM
Fermented carrots - just do about 3 cups of water to 2 tablespoons of salt for a brine, then add in whatever herbs and spices, onions/garlic you might want and toss in carrot sticks. They stay nice and crunchy - this time of year they'll probably take about two weeks. You can also do grated carrot the same way you'd do kraut - instead of a brine, pack down the shreds and salt them. Haven't tried that one yet but want to.
Post by: swick on December 31, 2015, 10:23:57 AM
Post by: KiwiSonya on December 31, 2015, 12:50:39 PM
Post by: Caoineag on December 31, 2015, 05:27:44 PM
Tomatoes (usually diced and crushed in cans), onions, leeks, bell peppers, garlic, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, root vegetables (it is winter here), unsalted butter for making homemade ghee (I do it in 3lb batches), mushrooms, eggs, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, lemons, limes, fish sauce and whole chickens so I can make a ton of homemade broth and soup. Oh and spices galore. I had to make a homemade version of Nature's Seasoning because its good on everything. Though smoked paprika is a marvelous stand alone spice.
Those items listed above are not permitted to run out and have to be restocked instantly, everything else can run out and be picked up a couple weeks down the road for variety.
Post by: horsepoor on December 31, 2015, 07:16:54 PM
I make unstuffed cabbage pretty frequently and that uses lots of canned tomatoes.
Cooked leeks and kale together with ghee tonight, had Salmon cooked with tangerines and the fingerling potatoes steamed and then crisped in olive oil and dipped in homemade spicy mayo. Oh, the deprivation!
Post by: mom22boys on January 01, 2016, 09:31:11 AM
Oh, the deprivation!
<snicker> Love it! And something I have to remember! We really do eat like kings on the Whole30.
Happy New Year everyone! I'm excited to start day 1 today. I'm not overly prepared but I'm not worried at all. That's how I started out in September and it turned out great. My kiddos are with their dad for the weekend, so I'm going to be getting back into the routine of cooking, cooking, cooking on the weekend. I'm really looking forward to it, since I've realized it's a good stress reliever. Who knew? I'm so ready for the return to a normal routine. As much as I like vacation, I've realized how bored I get if I don't have things planned (which leads to mindless eating). Something to work on before hitting FIRE too. :-)
Last night I decided that I'm going to cut the cord on my satellite. That will give me more time for food prep and time for exercising.
The shopping lists below are pretty close to mine also. The only thing I would add is almond butter. I eat way too much of the stuff, but that's something I'll be working on this month. Less apples with almond butter. I want to get into keto for a while, so I'm going to limit my potatoes and fruit.
Honestly, I've never even heard of some of these foods you all have mentioned......kimchi? Shakshuka? I've looked them up and will maybe give them a try this month. I also joined a FB Whole30 recipe page for new ideas. Here's one recipe I'm going to try this month:
http://www.platedwithstyle.com/2014/10/24/paleo-swedish-meatballs/
Post by: KiwiSonya on January 01, 2016, 02:22:16 PM
Post by: swick on January 01, 2016, 04:52:59 PM
Day one is going well for us. Had coconut buzzed coffee and a nice Frittata for breakfast using up a bunch of meat and veggies my sister made for her NY party last night. Stopped on the way home to pick up a bunch of veggies. Am glad it is only Friday, gives us the weekend for some food prep :)
I also took some measurements this time around, so it'll be easier to track that progress.
So glad it looks like there are a few of us in this time around :)
Post by: Caoineag on January 01, 2016, 06:47:27 PM
Hubby was very pleased though that he cooked two different items tonight for supper and both turned out well. I have been cooking up a storm to keep us well fed and he wanted to make dinner for me in order to contribute. He had his own grocery list and recipe cards for today. It was very sweet.
Post by: KiwiSonya on January 01, 2016, 09:20:21 PM
Post by: Faraday on January 02, 2016, 11:55:33 AM
Happy 2016 everyone!
Day one is going well for us. Had coconut buzzed coffee and a nice Frittata for breakfast using up a bunch of meat and veggies my sister made for her NY party last night. Stopped on the way home to pick up a bunch of veggies. Am glad it is only Friday, gives us the weekend for some food prep :)
I also took some measurements this time around, so it'll be easier to track that progress.
So glad it looks like there are a few of us in this time around :)
Hey! I'm still here, have been off-the-net mostly. Transgressed on Christmas Day as planned, and popped up to The Number That Shall Not Be Named.
How to fix?
- 45 miles bike riding since Christmas, hoping to get to 100 miles by next week,
- DW is joining me on the shorter rides and making incredible progress,
- Since Christmas day, we've gone hardcore. New numbers will be achieved!
Post by: Faraday on January 02, 2016, 11:57:59 AM
- The Weight Watchers, Nutri-System and local gym ads abound on TV. Oprah bought into Weight Watchers and is on the commercials now. Must be some good money in it!
- Big increase in ads for what I call "fake health foods" like yogurt and Olive Garden
- OMG, there's pizza ads every five minutes
We made no resolutions here - there's nothing to make. We went back to our preferred lifestyle and are very happy. Being strict is also DELICIOUS!
Post by: swick on January 02, 2016, 12:27:23 PM
Things are going well, The plan today is to use some coupons, sales and gift certificate hubby got from work for Christmas to buy some good ground beef. We have a pretty good supply of other meats but beef is really expensive here, and most of my other meat is not in a "quick" to use form.
My food prep plans for the day are bake off some sweet potatoes, make some mashed rutabaga, and maybe make a stew?
The only downside is we are back to struggling with what to make Hubs for breakfast. He's not big on the coconut buzzed tea - he likes everything black. So besides breakfast, getting enough good oil in him is a challenge too.
He has been doing really well for breakfasts lately, so I think we'll keep up with what he has been doing (even though it is not strictly whole 30 approved due to the idea of SWYPO) I have been making Flax pancakes which is basically just ground flax, coconut oil, coconut milk, baking powder and egg with a bit of warming spices and vanilla. He usually has these with a little bit of homemade no-sugar applesauce and some almond butter. The plus side is these heat up in toaster oven really well, so when he is up at 5:00 to get ready for work, I don't have to get up and make a full breakfast he will enjoy less.
I also justify it because he is eating a lot of healthy foods that he would otherwise have a hard time eating. So as long as the nutrients get in him, and they are all compliant, and surprisingly low-carb, I'm not going to worry about it :)
He is getting some external motivation though, he ran into one of the guys he has done project work with but works out of another part of the plant, haven't seen him in three or so months and the other guy asked if he was losing weight, cuz he looks great! His response has been "I've been cutting out sugar" and going deeper into it if anyone is curious to know more.
How is everyone else doing?
Post by: surething22 on January 02, 2016, 12:41:31 PM
Post by: swick on January 02, 2016, 01:12:37 PM
I've been vegan 6 years and did a little research on whole 30 when my gf told me she'd be doing it for January. I'm in it to cut out alcohol and sugar, but would find it extremely difficult to work a plan that excludes nuts, seeds, legumes, soy, and gluten. I found a modified grocery list but think I can manage without gluten and limiting processed isolated soy sources. Following this thread.
Welcome, surething22! You do not need to cut out nuts and seeds to do a whole 30 - Unless they show up as being a problem food for you. There are also vegetarian/vegan suggestions for doing a "Veg" Whole 30 http://whole30.com/2015/06/veg-whole30/ (http://whole30.com/2015/06/veg-whole30/)
Post by: mom22boys on January 02, 2016, 02:54:14 PM
Great to have you back Faraday.
Today I stocked up at Costco. Now I have a happy pantry full of tuna, tomatoes (fresh, diced, and fire roasted), marinara sauce, salsa, nuts, olive oil, and fruit. Today I'm making the spicy tuna cakes from NomNomPaleo and chicken fajitas, which I'll eat over my braised cabbage that I still have left. Oh, I'm also cooking up my turkey breakfast sausage, which I'll use with my eggs each morning for the week. I'm also going to make mayo, and then some yummy deviled eggs! I can't believe that I've never made deviled eggs while on the Whole30...I. LOVE. THEM. Excited to get the homemade mayo done and eat those lovely eggs. Tomorrow I'm going to make the chocolate chili from Well Fed (I think it's in the Whole30 book took).
This time around I'm going to write down the food I eat each day. I want to try and get into a 3-month cycle where I can reuse the menus each 3 month. I'm sure I'll have some repeats of menus, but I know it will be easier for me to stick with it if I have a plan for my menus.
Looking ahead in my calendar, this coming week I have a birthday lunch for a friend from work. Normally I would give an excuse to not go, but I won't with this lunch because she's a good friend. I have no idea what restaurant we are going to so I'm a little concerned. I'll have to just play it by ear and see what I can find to eat.
Oh a side note....I finally had time over the holidays to get my pictures from my camera saved to my laptop. My boys had taken a picture of me while on our vacation this summer. I wanted to cry. It was taken after my first Whole30 in July. I've lost more weight since then, but it was still hard to look at. It was a great motivation to never go back there again. I'm actually thankful for these little reminders that I need to change, and WANT to change.
Post by: ender on January 02, 2016, 05:47:02 PM
I'd like to do a longer trial of it because I really think that food affects my overall energy. I'd like to isolate that to what food does it.
Post by: Caoineag on January 02, 2016, 06:18:01 PM
*Sigh* Knew I would be fighting my own impulsive nature eventually, was just amazed that it took this long. I even know what triggered it. Hubby was hungry and I was starting to get there but I was ready to start my list and head out the door. I don't like being delayed (yes, I know it took longer to go to a restaurant and eat but clearly I allow for that because I like the experience of eating out).
This is why I prepared for this for 2 months. I knew at some point I would have to eat in places that were rife with bad choices and still have to make good ones. Good news is the impulse now satisfied should be tame for a little while and we have plenty of things to make in the future. I do have a number of restaurants that are safe to eat meals at but I really want to stay away from restaurants as much as I can because the risk of breaking compliance is much much higher there (I can make the right choices, but restaurants aren't always perfect in their cross contamination of items).
On a more positive note, I am making a lot of progress on my fitness goals again and was impressed at my length of run this morning so the energy levels are back up.
Post by: Faraday on January 02, 2016, 09:27:12 PM
Oh a side note....I finally had time over the holidays to get my pictures from my camera saved to my laptop. My boys had taken a picture of me while on our vacation this summer. I wanted to cry. It was taken after my first Whole30 in July. I've lost more weight since then, but it was still hard to look at. It was a great motivation to never go back there again. I'm actually thankful for these little reminders that I need to change, and WANT to change.
I was building a new media center PC today (well, it's new software, old hardware) and came across an old selfie of me, a head-shot with my head and shoulders. Of course I've seen plenty of my old pics, but right now, right after the holidays, I know exactly what you mean: a great motivation never to go back there again. More, a great TERROR of ever going back there again, because back there lies sickness and pain that I just can't ever deal with again...
Post by: KiwiSonya on January 02, 2016, 09:44:00 PM
Post by: swick on January 03, 2016, 02:08:23 PM
Day 3 here. I have to admit to having my sleep go for a shit over the holidays, and I'm not back on track yet, so feeling a little tired and out of it. It is amazing how much sleep affects things!
Didn't make it to the store yesterday, made a big pan or roasted root veggies. Last of the beets from the garden. Thought they would last a while - ended up eating em all for dinner.
The plan for today is to make up a compliant a taco salad.
Hubs spent some time yesterday looking through and marking recipes. This is a big help, he has been frustrated, he feels like he can't help out as much because most of what he is comfortable making is "comfort" food that we can't eat. Hopefully we'll find some good recipes :)
Post by: horsepoor on January 03, 2016, 08:50:02 PM
I really needed this time off to decompress, apparently, and it's making eating the right things easier. There's a quart of vanilla Haagen Daz in the freezer from our Christmas day pie extravaganza. At first I was going to throw it out, but OTOH, I am completely untempted by it, so I've left it there in case DH wants it when he gets home. Of course, not wanting to eat ice cream is easier when the daytime highs are like 20F. Feeling like I've got a pretty good balance right now where I'm happy with what I'm eating, but don't have to spend the mental energy on being super strict, so I'm able to turn more attention to exercise. Have walked/ran about 14 miles and done one strength workout in the last four days. I signed up for a race on the 23rd, so that should be good motivation to hit the road even if it's dark or cold (I draw the line at dark + icy).
(http://ak-hdl.buzzfed.com/static/2015-03/12/2/enhanced/webdr14/enhanced-buzz-15605-1426141047-21.jpg)
Post by: 1967mama on January 04, 2016, 02:04:24 AM
Post by: swick on January 04, 2016, 07:53:36 AM
I hear you about the Siren Song of the Season of Insanity. I'm speculating, but I think one of the reason whole 30 works is it takes away a lot of the decision making. When something is not allowed, it is not allowed. When you aren't on it, you have to examine and weigh every single food choice you make. I wasn't aware of how many of those choices come up in a day, it is exhausting! With willpower being a finite resource, it's no wonder it can be so tough!
I found I was okay with the big, obvious stuff - but I still struggled with the smaller seemingly less bad decisions (A little cheese here, a little cream there, an insignificant (or sometimes significant bit of sugar)) but it does all add up and compound! I think the fact that wheat/gluten is on the "can't have" list still that makes it easier for me. I wouldn't want to have to be making decisions about that stuff.
Today is day 4, I don't really notice the days anymore, which is a major shift from the first Whole 30 where every single day seemed momentous :) I did finally sleep well last night and have a full night of sleep. We'll see how the energy levels are throughout the day.
I think the key to success for this round will just be keeping a wide variety of veggies prepared and ready to go so I'm not starting from scratch every time I want to cook. I made some extra onions, peppers and zucchini when I made Taco salad last night, so that should help. Today I'm going to make some more roasted veggies, some flax cakes for hubbies lunch, and ...well not sure about dinner.
Post by: mom22boys on January 04, 2016, 08:46:13 AM
I've been talking to my wife about doing this again (had the second post in this now huge thread! haha).
I'd like to do a longer trial of it because I really think that food affects my overall energy. I'd like to isolate that to what food does it.
Common ender and wife! Join the fun! I'll likely go into February too, so you'll have good company even if you start a little later.
Post by: KiwiSonya on January 04, 2016, 04:01:23 PM
Post by: swick on January 05, 2016, 07:51:49 AM
I'm very disappointed that Hubs woke me up right before I was about to dig into a homemade dream scone piled high with sliced raspberry and whipped cream. Very curious how it would have tasted.
In waking life, food has been pretty good though.
Yesterday:
Breakfast - I had a coconut buzzed coffee, Hubby had monkey bowl with homemade applesauce
Lunch - I had duck eggs with turkey bacon, sauteed peppers, onion, zucchini, salsa and avocado. Hubs had left over Taco Salad
Dinner - Mashed rutabagas with roasted garlic, hamburger patties and Carnival Squash.
Today:
Breakfast - Currently drinking a glass of hot lemon water, will follow up with coconut buzzed coffee or tea. Hubs had flax pancakes with apple sauce, almond butter and some coconut cream.
Lunch - Probably some sort of veggie/egg dish for me, Hubs took leftover taco salad filling on some roasted sweet potatoes and a side of rutabagas.
Dinner - Ragu with zoodles.
Tomorrow:
Breakfast - Same as above
Lunch - Leftovers from dinner or using up various veggies we have.
Dinner - Danish Duck (filled with apples and prunes) and some sort of veggies. I also came across an interesting recipe for preserved lemon roasted potatoes. Probably a bit healthier than the traditional caramelised potatoes!
One thing I have to be very aware about is drinking enough water, I keep thinking I am getting enough but my body disagrees with me.
Post by: mom22boys on January 05, 2016, 11:59:09 AM
Hi everyone, swick you are so right about the burden of decision making. Life seems easier on whole30 because while I'm still surrounded by bad food, it's all a no, which makes it easy.+1 - So agree Swick and KiwiSonya! I'm realizing more and more that I'm an all/nothing personality, at least with food. It's so easy to just say NEVER, then "once in a while" because the "once in a while" turns into every day.
I'm on day 5 and so glad to be back to eating on Whole30. Agree with Swick's comment from a few posts back too. This is getting easier and easier. It really has become my new normal for eating and once I'm committed, it's not hard, as long as I have time to plan to do my batch cooking. The struggle is how to merge this new normal with my all/nothing personality with my reality that life happens and cheats will sometimes be unavoidable.
Last night I slept so good, until my son crawled into bed with me. That's never a good thing for my sleep....he moves way too much and wakes me up. But, I just can't send him back to bed after a nightmare. Guess I'll deal with being a little tired today.
My meals this week have been:
Breakfast (all week)- Scrambled eggs with turkey breakfast sausage, using some avocado oil
Lunch (all week) - braised cabbage with onions and carrots, spicy tuna cakes with homemade mayo (LOVE these with the mayo on them, who knew?)
Supper - Chicken fajitas over cabbage with pico and guac
OR - Chocolate chili from Well Fed, this is really good chili
Occasionally I'll add either a banana, cherry tomatoes, or apply with almond butter to one of my meals if I'm still hungry.
I've noticed that I need to do better with getting more healthy fats, especially at breakfast. I like avocado and guac, but I don't LOVE it, so unless I'm having Mexican food, I'm not naturally drawn to eating it. My backup has been nuts, specifically macadamia and pistachios. Having the homemade mayo again has also helped with some more fat options.
Post by: CryingInThePool on January 05, 2016, 03:00:34 PM
I've got some plans in May where I want to be able to drink and relax on the cheese but given my past history with rebounding from W30 to Doritos for dinner I'm going to try and just make it how I eat going forward. This year make the time off W30 the time constrained exception.
They now say it takes 66 days to form automatic/habitual behavior and that's what I want eating like this to be. I know to be successful you have to plan ahead and learn how to say no which I am but my hope is a W90 changes that to my default behavior setting.
Post by: swick on January 05, 2016, 03:27:12 PM
I hear you about merging a "new normal" with the all or nothing personality type! This will be my journey too. I always use to wish life would be so much better if it were easy to redirect the "all or nothing" mentality to say eating really well or exercise, but it seems to be a little gremlin much more interested in doing what is not best for me.
CryingInThePool - What would you say were your biggest challenges going off your other Whole 30's that made you rebound to Doritos for dinner?
Post by: CryingInThePool on January 06, 2016, 04:00:40 PM
Not saying on day 33 it was Doritos for dinner but a slow slide after its over from reintroducing cheese and rice to a month later when I didn't plan ahead just saying 'Oh i don't have time I'll just grab some chips and eat in the car'. This will be my 3rd whole 30 and I loved results of both of previous ones; I just need to make the changes permanent and not let there be long lapses between W30s.
Post by: 1967mama on January 06, 2016, 04:31:39 PM
Today I have eaten the following:
Breakfast - 2 eggs and a giant handful of spinach, nuked. 1 banana.
Lunch - can of tuna with Whole30 mayo and celery
Snack - smoothie made of coconut milk, banana, pineapple, date, papaya == very indulgent and sweet but hit the "sweet" spot for me
Dinner - beef stew bubbling away in the oven with 4 lbs of my delicious grass fed beef. Also, bone broth going in the crockpot from last night's chicken and roasted vegetables.
Plan for later snack - monkey bowl or apples with almond butter
Lots of tea today. Stopped caffeine by 1pm, but my goal is noon.
So simple yet so satisfying.
Post by: KiwiSonya on January 07, 2016, 12:44:15 AM
Post by: mom22boys on January 07, 2016, 07:33:24 AM
Swick - I appreciate the idea with the coconut milk. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) I don't like coffee or tea at all. Can't stand it. I love the smell, hate the taste. Unless of course are huge amounts of chocolate added to them, which kinda defeats the purpose. :-) Instead I've been trying to have more avocado oil with my scrambled eggs each morning. The good news is that I'm feeling satisfied until the next meal, so I maybe shouldn't worry about it too much.
CryingInThe Pool and 1967mama - totally my life too. I think we're stuck in the old 'diet' mentality, which is that I'll eat this way for a while and then after I lose my weight/feel better/whatever the improvement is....THEN I'll go back to my old way.
Something else that kinda hit me last night is that while I have/had a bad relationship with food, a big part of the issue for me is just plain laziness. Yes, my name is mom22boys, and yes, I am lazy sometimes. That's when I get in trouble. I get in this bad pattern of not wanting to cook, plan, etc and that just feeds the issues with food. I'm not saying it's bad to be lazy for a day here or there because something we just need a break. My problem is I get into a rut of laziness for an extended period of time. This is something I've been working on. Part of it is definitely an emotional response to stress, crap around me.
I just want to say again how much I love this group. It's really made me more aware of myself and is helping me improve every day. Have a great day everyone!
Post by: KiwiSonya on January 07, 2016, 11:06:42 AM
Post by: swick on January 07, 2016, 04:06:17 PM
I got totally thrown off my game last night. Didn't sleep a wink till about 6:30 this morning. Apparently spending 12 hours yesterday in a not very ergonomically correct position whilst exasperating my carpel tunnel with a shitty keyboard was not the best of ideas. But I wanted to get my inbox to zero damnit! 12733 messages later....ugh never again!
Besides being in too much pain to sleep I was THIRSTY like stupidly thirsty, I'm fairly certain I have been getting enough water under normal circumstances but it seemed like no matter how much I drank it wasn't enough. Wondering if there are some toxins being released and my body is crying to get them flushed out? Didn't have any more salt than normal. Weird.
Yesterday for Dinner I made a duck stuffed with fennel and prunes, roasted potato and onions and mashed rutabaga.
Mom22boys - I totally hear you about the laziness kicking in, it seems like eating Whole 30 just makes more dishes and requires more thought/planning/cooking time. All my fall backs are easy grain based stuff. Yes there was stressful weeks were we survived on Panini's (and really enjoyed it) Taking out the super quick bread-based stuff makes it all seem more daunting sometimes. Also, eating good makes a lot more dishes!
KiwiSonya - Did you do your shop? Happy to be back at home? Sounds like those "Doctors" in the documentary already had drawn their own conclusions before they started filming. I always tend to say "follow the money" Who sponsored the documentary, how did they get paid? There are tons of great documentaries on how bad sugar is for you! The fact that anyone can deny it these days just blows my mind.
I definitely agree that the problem with the Whole 30 is what happens next. It does kinda feel like we are all meant to find our own way afterward.
Post by: KiwiSonya on January 08, 2016, 03:14:02 AM
Sorry to hear you are having trouble sleeping and managing water, Swick. Is your zero email objective part of a bigger declutter.
Regarding the "documentary", I find since joining MMM I have become more questioning and a lot less accepting of "received wisdom". Everywhere I look people are doing what is expected with often disastrous personal consequences.
Bedtime now. Take care everyone. Ks
Post by: swick on January 09, 2016, 11:55:43 AM
We are still in the process of removing non-compliant ingredients from our cupboards. Apparently I missed some "Garlic Salt" that happen to have modified food starch AND sugar in it. How did I know? I saw it out on the counter, hubby had used it on some squash he roasted. Ahh well, he'll still eat it, he's not being as strict whole 30, mainly coming along for the ride on this round :)
Going to do some more veggie prep this weekend so we have building blocks ready to go in the fridge.
Hi swick, your meals always sound so exotic and delicious. Have you been in the food business?
Not officially :) My Dad ran a kitchen, my mom use to own a catering business and I have been cooking since I was about 6. I decided at a very young age I didn't want to do it for a living, would take all the fun out of it. But I definitely come from a family of foodies, which has made this whole transition really interesting. On the one hand, my mom has been great about wanting to change her own eating and we are all very experimental and comfortable trying new things.
On the other hand, it means that so so so many of our traditions and memories and life revolve around food. Not to mention the habit of feeding people and showing love through food. I really miss making my own bread and pasta and some of those more Meditative cooking tasks...I sure don't get the same satisfaction from peeling veggies :)
I'm also having to start from scratch my list of "Impress" dishes, these are the dishes I know I can make with very little notice and completely wow someone. If anyone has any suggestions for these types of dishes that would be awesome!
Post by: 1967mama on January 11, 2016, 01:01:51 AM
I'm happy to report that my 3rd Whole30 is going great and is pretty uneventful. Its funny when not eating crap starts to feel like normal. Like today, when we were on a 3+ hour drive with the fam, I packed some cooked chicken, hardboiled eggs, celery, oranges, bananas and Lara bars. And last night, when everyone was eating candy, I had a banana and a medjool date ... MMMMMM! Even little things like tea, without milk and honey, has now become normal for me.
I am now at my smallest size since 2008. From here on in, I will need new clothes (from the thrift or consignment store) because nothing else in my closet is small enough. Pinch me ... am I dreaming??
Post by: swick on January 11, 2016, 04:43:23 PM
Post by: 1967mama on January 12, 2016, 01:36:22 AM
Post by: swick on January 12, 2016, 07:35:00 AM
Gee, I'd LOVE to attend camp MMM but I don't think my hubby would be up for it :-/
He could spend some quality time with the kids and you could come?
Post by: CryingInThePool on January 12, 2016, 02:12:28 PM
Post by: 1967mama on January 12, 2016, 10:21:10 PM
Post by: mom22boys on January 13, 2016, 11:40:29 AM
I've been having fun this time around looking for and trying new recipes. This week I made a double batch of Sunday night stew from the Pioneer Woman. I just left out the Worcestershire sauce and sugar, and viola, yummy stew. It was a hit with my boys too. Bonus is that half is in the freezer for next month. Here's the recipe if anyone is interested. I would have made some mashed potatoes (NOT following her recipe) but that's hard to do on a weeknight with two starving boys who want to eat.right.now. Instead I replaced the turnips with potatoes.
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/sunday-night-stew/
My grocery spending this month has me a little bummed, but then I remembered that I froze a huge batch of beef stew and also chocolate chili from last week, so that made me feel a little better. I'll recoup the savings next month.
I'm also going to try this one, likely next week, if I can find compliant buffalo sauce (without having to ship from Tessemaes)
http://paleomg.com/buffalo-chicken-pasta/
Any other new good recipes?
Post by: swick on January 13, 2016, 02:06:42 PM
Okay, I bet you can tell by the title of this post that the Honeymoon stage is over for me.
It's day 13 of this whole 30, but really, just over 4 months for this new, reformed way of eating. I am struggling.
I have no desire to eat. The kitchen chores seem more chore like because I'm not really getting any satisfaction from the process of making and eating food. There is no joy and anticipation. I am making food, it tastes good while I am eating it, but I could take it or leave it (and I am making good food, I just have no interest in it) I think if there were some non-people soylent green I would be all over it. A nutritional block of cardboard tasting vitamins/minerals and essentials? Sure I'd be down for that. I've been feeling rather numb about everything for the last week or so. It's taking a lot of mental energy as well, because I know this isn't normal, or I sure as hell don't want it to be!
It's like you spend years and years getting a high from your food, years of emotional satisfaction, joy and anticipation about treats and meals and such. Not to mention the physiological feel good chemical hits and dopamine. Now food is pretty much just sustenance and a source of stress. It's easy to dismiss all the time planning, shopping, cooking and cleaning when you really get enjoyment or that high from doing it...lately it has all been drudgery.
As a result, I have been feeling like crap, probably not eating enough (I think my weight loss has stalled because my body thinks I'm never going to eat again) There is just zero interest.
So wondering if anyone has any thoughts, similar challenges, ideas for a protein powder that would be whole 30 compliant (yeah, I know that is breaking the rules) Really, I'm just looking for ways to get the nutrients in without a lot of hassel while I figure out other ways to replace that joy and satisfaction I use to get from food.
Post by: horsepoor on January 13, 2016, 03:42:46 PM
On protein powder - there is plain eggwhite powder without any additives. That should be technically compliant even if it's not an "optimal" choice.
On an un-mustachian note, I just bought a sous vide immersion circulator, and that is rekindling my joy in the kitchen, or at least reducing the burden of food preparation. So far I've made steaks, salmon, hardboiled eggs, and tonight will be pork loin and beets.
Post by: CryingInThePool on January 13, 2016, 04:30:31 PM
Don't really have any advice on the substitute nutrients topic but perhaps similar to the FIRE mania/burnout that first hits when you discover ERE/MMM you need to balance your life with activities that remind you why you are on this path?
When similar feelings hit me I'd pick up the phone and call my elderly relatives to say hi. Or grab a book that I kept meaning to get to and read until I was hungry. Go for a walk or start researching travel locations. Now that I'm also in the Language challenge I'd probably go to Duolingo and do a bunch of Spanish exercises.
Best of luck- just remember moods change :)
Post by: mom22boys on January 14, 2016, 11:50:27 AM
Do I have an answer? Nope. :-) But, like CryingInThePool said, moods change. It's another challenge for us to think about how to get past this time and back to feeling like ourselves, but hopefully better. Looking back, I was definitely not eating things I should be during the holidays, but I think that was kinda a blessing in disguise. I'm not saying this is for everyone, and I'm definitely not saying that I should go back to that eating all the time, but it was a good break. Maybe I'm finally shifting from 'Normal is to eat crappy and then take a break by eating good' vs 'Normal is to eat good and then take a break by eating crappy'??? I kinda feel like I'm rambling, and maybe don't make sense! LOL
I think horsepoor had some great advice. Maybe you don't want to eat all-out bad like I did, but just eat simple for a while.
Hoping today has been better and tomorrow even better!
Post by: swick on January 14, 2016, 01:21:34 PM
It's been an interesting retrospection. I think what ti comes down to is without all the various highs and lows and associated emotions/chemical hits I'm feeling like I'm just existing.
Now I know it is not all diet related, we haven't had sun for a couple of weeks and I'm feeling the SAD, also we went grocery shopping and I think that triggered a lot of it. beyond the stupid high prices for produce right now, our store missed a shipment and there was basically no produce everything was gone except their processed crap. We picked through what was left and I was grumbling that we got 4 unripe bananas when we could have gotten a whole box of cereal for the same price of $2.00. Sometimes, I can understand why people who eat the Standard American Diet do it.
I hope you are having fun with your sous vide horsepoor :) I think your suggestion of having the building blocks ready to go and taking some of the creativity out of it is a good idea. I'll definitely do that for the weekend. Think a big batch of Kalua pork is in order.The weekdays are always tougher because I have to think about dinner in relation to hubby's lunches as well.
Filling the void - yes this is where I am at now. I'm also realizing the downside to working from home is I'm just not getting the social interaction and stimulation that I need - even as an introvert :)
CryingInThePool - Took your advice and started figuring out how I can get down to visit my grandma end of February. She's 95. Also started planning camp mustache, it does give us something to look forward to. Although even that is a little depressing with the state our CDN dollar is in right now!
Mom22Boys - Mid-life crisis is a great way to put it this too shall pass :) I did end up breaking the spirit of whole 30 by making some Keto "dinner buns" http://healinggourmet.com/healthy-recipes/keto-paleo-dinner-rolls/ (http://healinggourmet.com/healthy-recipes/keto-paleo-dinner-rolls/) and they actually did help, not so much for the taste but the act of mixing fours, making dough, and the smell that comes with baking. I think I miss that the most.
One odd thing I have noticed is what I crave more than the taste in a lot of cases is the smell. Used the buns to sop up the lemon sauce from this paleo chicken: http://www.jaysbakingmecrazy.com/2016/01/06/paleo-lemon-butter-chicken/ (http://www.jaysbakingmecrazy.com/2016/01/06/paleo-lemon-butter-chicken/) didn't have any fresh lemon so used lime juice and some preserved lemon. Turned out really good.
Post by: Orvell on January 18, 2016, 11:48:44 AM
I'm back.
And you know what?
I'm gonna actually do this thing for real. Well with a few stipulations because I still don't like to cook meat. ;) But more or less for real.
I toyed with it briefly, got off track, and then bounced on and off the healthy eating wagon for the last month. And you know what? I feel shitty.
And I don't want to feel shitty. So I'm going to do this thing. A whole 30 days. I don't know if it's going to stick beyond that, but I am, right here right now, committing to a 30 day experiment.
Do I get my super secret handshake and badge now? ;P
In all seriousness, this is a big deal for me. I have a binge-eating-bad-food problem (not like, clinically binge eating or anything, but I over-indulge when I have a "treat yo' self" mentality going on, and it's unhealthy, and I don't like feeling out of control) that needs to end ASAP, and I need to determine what food sensitivities I've got going on. I know I have a milk/lactose issue (since age 17, thanks genetics!) but I'm also 90% sure I have a soy sensitivity, which is either new or was mascaraing as something else...
Basically, I've got some learning to do...
That said, some of the language here makes me uncomfortable. I don't like the world "complaint." It makes me think of cults. This isn't some set of rules I'm imposing on myself that I should feel deeply guilty and shameful if I fail to follow. It is a set of guidelines that I'm following, by choice, to make myself feel better and to understand myself. :) So that will be taken out of my vocab and replaced with "X isn't what I'm eating right now."
Anyhow, hello again. :)
Post by: jordanread on January 18, 2016, 12:17:53 PM
So really, the reason I am here is for like minded folk to provide face punches and a place to process nutrition based writings. As of December 2013, my diet/lifestyle switched to primarily primal. Even with dairy, and occasional legumes, I wound up losing a ridiculous amount of weight. When I reintroduced craft beer (I'm in Colorado...come on now) and combined that with a year long struggle with alcohol, I ballooned. I still ate well, and determined that lifestyle pretty much cut out the major issues in my life, but I drank any benefits away and adjusted to that new and unhealthy lifestyle. So the Whole30 (for me), is primarily as it is designed...a reset. Cut out everything and move on to there. I'm a little bit more freaked out about the eventual re-intro, just in case I have to actually weigh something I love (which is all that I eat) against potential negative side-effects that I never tested for. I know what mostly works for me, but if something else works in addition, I'll have to do a cost-benefit-analysis. Obviously beer is stupid for me, so hopefully I'll continue to make steps in that direction. Oh, plus I'll have quit smoking. I'll wait to get started, but I'll be pretty damn happy to do it.
Post by: Orvell on January 18, 2016, 12:44:34 PM
Re: beer. I feel ya. I really fucking like beer. It's not even the alcohol content for me, I just actually *like* beer. Finding things that are interesting to drink but not objectively terrible for me is... a new quest. :/
Tea is the obvious answer, but what about those days when you want something fizzy? Is soda water acceptable? Soda water with a lemon or some ginger in it or something??
Something that stuck with me off the Whole30 website that I think will be important to remember is that what we eat? It's a choice. It should be a conscious one, not a passive one. :)
Post by: swick on January 18, 2016, 01:31:06 PM
I don't like the world "complaint." It makes me think of cults. This isn't some set of rules I'm imposing on myself that I should feel deeply guilty and shameful if I fail to follow. It is a set of guidelines that I'm following, by choice, to make myself feel better and to understand myself. :) So that will be taken out of my vocab and replaced with "X isn't what I'm eating right now."
Anyhow, hello again. :)
Welcome, Orvell and jordanread!
A not on the term "Compliant" yeah, I don't really like it either...but there are so many people on this thread at different places on the Whole30 and following different but similar courses and it was getting sort of confusing following who was doing what - so if we mention "complaint" that means that it fits within the parameters and is allowed on the "Whole 30" it is the term they use for what is acceptable during the time you are on the whole30.
I totally hear you on the beer, that was the sad part of finding out about my gluten/wheat issue. I freakin love the taste of beer. Christmas almost killed me when my family was breaking into bottles of my favorite seasonal Chestnut Ale.
I might try it to see if it has the same effect as eating wheat, but I have to do it after this current round of Whole 30 and when I can afford to spend a couple of days in bed if it does.
Orvell - We have a soda stream and had fizzy water on occasion during our Whole 30 - Pop has never been an addition/problem food for us and it sure adds some variety!
Looking forward to hearing how you guys are doing. We are all here for you!
Post by: jordanread on January 18, 2016, 01:36:11 PM
I don't like the world "complaint." It makes me think of cults. This isn't some set of rules I'm imposing on myself that I should feel deeply guilty and shameful if I fail to follow. It is a set of guidelines that I'm following, by choice, to make myself feel better and to understand myself. :) So that will be taken out of my vocab and replaced with "X isn't what I'm eating right now."
Anyhow, hello again. :)
Welcome, Orvell and jordanread!
A not on the term "Compliant" yeah, I don't really like it either...but there are so many people on this thread at different places on the Whole30 and following different but similar courses and it was getting sort of confusing following who was doing what - so if we mention "complaint" that means that it fits within the parameters and is allowed on the "Whole 30" it is the term they use for what is acceptable during the time you are on the whole30.
I totally hear you on the beer, that was the sad part of finding out about my gluten/wheat issue. I freakin love the taste of beer. Christmas almost killed me when my family was breaking into bottles of my favorite seasonal Chestnut Ale.
I might try it to see if it has the same effect as eating wheat, but I have to do it after this current round of Whole 30 and when I can afford to spend a couple of days in bed if it does.
Orvell - We have a soda stream and had fizzy water on occasion during our Whole 30 - Pop has never been an addition/problem food for us and it sure adds some variety!
Looking forward to hearing how you guys are doing. We are all here for you!
Thanks for the welcome Swick!!
Post by: Orvell on January 18, 2016, 02:22:21 PM
Now a nitty gritty question:
Is there a difference between the carbonated water your Soda Stream makes, and the club soda/soda water I buy at the store?
Post by: mom22boys on January 18, 2016, 04:10:36 PM
It's great to have you joining us. This really is a life changer for many of us on this thread, and I hope it is for you both too. Orvell - totally with you on the 'binge' eating. Now that I've done a few rounds of Whole30, those are getting less and less for me. It just feels good to feel good.
Just a couple logistics for you both. If you haven't purchased the book "Whole30" yet, I would recommend it. Yes, the website does provide a lot of guidance, but the book is a good read to help understand the 'why' behind things. The book also has some really amazing recipes (with great pics) to help you. Also, if you are ever in question about an ingredient in something you want to buy, just search for "whole30 X" and you will find your answer. I'm often found in the aisles of Costco doing that. Any search results that start with 'Can I have ____?' are from the Whole30 or Whole9 website, which are the admins of the program, so you can trust the answer. Be really careful with Pintrest and other sites because they often will have ingredients we aren't supposed to eat.
Luckily (or maybe unluckily) I hate all forms of alcohol, so that isn't a struggle for me. :-) Just can't stand the taste of alcohol in general. On a side note, that sure helps with my MMM lifestyle.
I was pretty excited this weekend to find compliant BACON! FINALLY! At Natural Grocers. And it tastes A.MAZE.ING. It really makes me wonder why others put all those crappy ingredients in it. It tastes exactly the same as other bacon I've had. I'm making this recipe right now for supper, which is why I needed the bacon (of course leaving out the sugar, and using olive oil):
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/sauerkraut-and-pork-chops
Post by: swick on January 18, 2016, 04:22:14 PM
Thanks for the welcome (again, in my case), Swick!
Now a nitty gritty question:
Is there a difference between the carbonated water your Soda Stream makes, and the club soda/soda water I buy at the store?
Not really, Mine is cheaper ;) just a matter of how they get the bubbles. Soda stream uses CO2 Injection. Most commercial Club soda uses sodium bicarbonate for the bubbles, as well as sodium chloride and potassium sulfate, for taste. I'm not a big fan of the baking soda taste, and I've had one too many bottles of Club soda explode upon me. I prefer the Soda Stream. One day I'll get around to building my own set-up - but it works for now.
Post by: Orvell on January 18, 2016, 05:34:26 PM
Hi! You guys give such a warm welcome. :) I am going to hold off on buying the book, but the plug is noted.
Swick: My solution to my craving for ginger beer. Ya'll should be proud. Club soda + actual ginger. Tastes pretty fucking great, too!
I'm going to investigate a soda stream, but I'm not sure the upfront cost will make the math logical considering I don't drink a ton of fizzy things. But it might. :) *pushes glasses up nose* Good thing I love to figure this shit out!
(http://i.imgur.com/EYAavsym.jpg)
(And I'm a heathen who doesn't own proper drinking glasses... Mugs and jars for me.)
Post by: swick on January 18, 2016, 05:55:45 PM
Awesome job on the ginger water, I'm uber impressed!
There is a bit of upfront cost for the Soda stream...we wrote it off as a wedding expense. We had a brunch wedding and a make your own Italian Soda bar. Much cheaper then serving alcohol! I'd still probably go buy one now...I really hate having Club soda explode on me - and it is always me, no matter how careful I am with the damn bottle!
Some of the Whole30 recipes are really good, I went the first couple of weeks without it, my mom ended up buying it and letting me borrow it. By far the most useful part is the Timeline: http://whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/ (http://whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/) Everything I was thinking and feeling and experience made so.much.sense
Post by: horsepoor on January 18, 2016, 07:04:57 PM
Jordan, I almost nudged you to join from the Strength and Fitness thread. Glad you showed up on your own!
Post by: 1967mama on January 18, 2016, 11:27:34 PM
I am on my third Whole 30 -- I did 2 back to back in the fall, fell off the wagon HARD over Christmas -- and just LOVE how great I'm feeling again.
jordanread -- I won't lie, I've had trouble with reintroduction. But I"m dealing with a lifelong pattern of terrible eating, so I'm cutting myself some slack on that. So far, I've lost 25 of the 70+ pounds I need to lose to be back to a healthy weight for me. You can do this. You are already aware of how the craft beer is negatively affecting your body and that's a huge part of what I've learned through Whole 30 -- being aware of how foods affect my body, both positively and negatively. Hope it goes well for you, and post here for lots of support and encouragement! This has been a great place to park my thoughts as I go through it and I love how everyone who is further along in the journey has been such a great help.
Orvell -- great idea on the ginger in soda water. I'm totally trying that! Frugalwoods posted an awesome description on their blog on how they made their own soda stream. (http://www.frugalwoods.com/2014/08/11/how-to-cheap-homemade-seltzer-with-a-modified-sodastream/) I am getting a great education through the Hartwig's other book called, "It Starts With Food." I am stunned by how much misinformation is out there. Just today, my daughter's co-worker told her how she'd heard on the radio that paleo and Whole 30 are not good eating plans. WHAT? HELLO??? Protein, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats aren't a good eating plan? Oy! Anyways, hope it goes well for you! (1967mama hands you your badge now and shows you the secret handshake!)
Post by: swick on January 19, 2016, 08:00:12 AM
On day 19, I only know that because I actually started on the first this time around. Definitely becomes much easier as this becomes a way of life - although if you had told me that a couple of weeks into my first whole 30, I never would have believed it :) crazy how a few months can change your entire outlook on life!
In less of a funk, I think with my lack of appetite I let myself get a little lazy the last week. Spent Sunday doing meal prep so the fridge is stuffed with good food. Should make it easier. Also - I'm resorting to the old trick of stuffing as much veggies as I can into meat sauce. It seems to be working great :) I made a veggie/meat stew that had a huge zucchini, roasted red peppers, two eggplants, a roasted squash, onion and tomato and a ton of spices. Pretty tasty, and, as a bonus will feed us for the next few days easy. Want to see how far I can stretch it by just adding more and more veg.
Yesterday was awesome it was the first sunny day we have had in weeks and spent most of the afternoon down by the river with the pup. It did kind of make me realize I have been slacking too much in the exercise/outdoor department. I just have zero motivation to go out on the slippery, soggy, cold and dreary days. Have to work on it.
On the bright side, I booked a flight to go visit my grandma in Victoria in late February, so I'll be able to get out of the snow and into the Cherry blossoms :) Looking forward to hiking around the beach and mountain right near her house! The flip side of that will be feeding myself and setting ground rules with extended family about what I will eat. They have a tendency to show love by providing homemade desset at every meal - even breakfast!
Post by: Orvell on January 19, 2016, 08:17:04 AM
I'm not sure I'm committed to even more upfront cost, but that's rad to know that modding is possible. :) I have some Costco bucks or whatever they're called coming to me in February. I might splurge for a seltzer maker. :)
So this is my Day 1! I could count yesterday as a half day, but that's probably not in the spirit. Day 1. Day the First. The start.
Last night I made a weird cabbage thing. Red cabbage sliced thin, cooked up in a thin bath of coconut milk and onions. That, a hard boiled egg, and an avocado will be my lunch. Breakfast was a smoothie: a naval orange, spinach, kale, flax seed, coconut milk, almond milk, frozen strawberries, canned pumpkin. Dinner is up in the air, but I'm thinking sardines with roasted cauliflower and carrots. :)
I know *how* to eat healthy. The issue for me has always been the side indulgences that slowly swallow up everything else. THAT will be the trick to overcome.
I threw out the extra brownies I had in the house last night. That took gumption. Gone into the trash next to the cat poop...
Post by: jordanread on January 19, 2016, 08:50:42 AM
I have the book on Kindle. If anyone wants to borrow it send a pm.
Jordan, I almost nudged you to join from the Strength and Fitness thread. Glad you showed up on your own!
Yeah, I wasn't sure if I wanted to do one, but because this thread shows up at the top of gauntlets with the S&F thread, it piqued my interest. It was actually the first thing I added to the resource post (http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/strength-fitness-2016/msg915036/#msg915036) in the S&F thread. Also, I wanted to read through it, just in case there may be some guidance for adding a nutrition aspect to the S&F thread. As I mentioned there, general nutrition threads have a tendency to devolve into arguments. It's awesome to see this one hasn't. I'm just not sure if it's because it's so specific. But it should be fun.
Post by: swick on January 19, 2016, 09:15:58 AM
Also, there is just too much to wade through for those who just want to troll. Much easier to stick to things like the "paleo thread" And, you can't really argue with the personal results and transformations we have all been having if you do read the thread. It might not work for everyone, but it is for us.
I have been thinking a lot about it too, and I think that while we have had to find our own way with re-intro and such, the program does set you up for success by forcing you to work through your habits and beliefs and food addictions. I have been reading (and resisting commenting) on the weight loss thread.
Having gone through that and struggled, I can see all the patterns happening with people - the binging, the guilt, the yo-yo-ing, the emotional eating, the addiction...the struggles that you work through and can free yourself from as part of this process. Now I don't know if that is normal for whole 30, or just because we have built such a supportive group where it is safe to work through these things.
Post by: 1967mama on January 19, 2016, 10:31:54 AM
I have done a full 180 since the beginning of October 2015 when I started my first ever Whole30. I am like a new person! And as I've said before on this thread, nothing has ever EVER worked for me before. I am now slipping into size 12-14 clothes (down from size 18+). I am picking up things at the consignment store that I would never have dared to try on before and they fit!
I am taking on a new challenge in my life that I'm certain I wouldn't have had the confidence or energy to do before Whole30. I'm teaching an adult ESL class once a week starting on Thursday! It runs for 14 weeks and I'm so excited! And nervous! Haha!
I feel so much better in my own skin. I feel more normal sized when I'm out and about. I can't wait to lose the remaining 50lbs but I'm in no hurry now. I'm just trusting the process because I know it works. I'm down 25lbs since I started. I'm not as focussed on the scales as I used to be but rather look at ALL the changes together. It's truly wonderful!
Post by: swick on January 19, 2016, 10:39:42 AM
Swick - As I sit here eating my eggs, peppers and avocado (wink) I'd like to thank you for your thoughtful analysis of why both this thread and the Whole30 program have been so successful for us.
I have done a full 180 since the beginning of October 2015 when I started my first ever Whole30. I am like a new person! And as I've said before on this thread, nothing has ever EVER worked for me before. I am now slipping into size 12-14 clothes (down from size 18+). I am picking up things at the consignment store that I would never have dared to try on before and they fit!
I am taking on a new challenge in my life that I'm certain I wouldn't have had the confidence or energy to do before Whole30. I'm teaching an adult ESL class once a week starting on Thursday! It runs for 14 weeks and I'm so excited! And nervous! Haha!
I feel so much better in my own skin. I feel more normal sized when I'm out and about. I can't wait to lose the remaining 50lbs but I'm in no hurry now. I'm just trusting the process because I know it works. I'm down 25lbs since I started. I'm not as focussed on the scales as I used to be but rather look at ALL the changes together. It's truly wonderful!
Awesome, awesome, awesome! I love this post!
It is super exciting to hear about your ESL class! If you need someone to bounce ideas/strategies/lesson plans around with, I'd be happy to! I've taught ESL lessons in both Canada and Turkey and LOVED it!
Post by: Orvell on January 19, 2016, 10:42:48 AM
My co-worker just asked if I wanted anything from the bakery down the street. I said no. +1 willpower point to Oro!
Post by: swick on January 19, 2016, 10:46:52 AM
It's so wonderful to hear that it's helped you guys in so many ways :))
My co-worker just asked if I wanted anything from the bakery down the street. I said no. +1 willpower point to Oro!
Way to go Orvell! Do you have anyone you can recruit to do Whole 30 with IRL? It makes it so, so much easier.
Post by: Orvell on January 19, 2016, 10:52:31 AM
Not... as such. There is a co-worker (different one) doing what I believe amounts to paleo diet right now, but her method isn't the same and involves days off etc.It's so wonderful to hear that it's helped you guys in so many ways :))
My co-worker just asked if I wanted anything from the bakery down the street. I said no. +1 willpower point to Oro!
Way to go Orvell! Do you have anyone you can recruit to do Whole 30 with IRL? It makes it so, so much easier.
In a strange way, I want to keep it private? Not secret. I'm telling lots of people, especially people who might be tempted to make me food in the near future, what I'm up to. But I don't really want to deal with questions from certain co-workers.
I work in the construction industry. My being vegetarian for a few years here was scandalous enough. ;) The idea of cutting out donuts is nigh inconceivable.
Luckily I have supportive friends outside of work, irl and on the internet both. :)))
Post by: mom22boys on January 19, 2016, 12:08:15 PM
Well, the old me would have been like 'What the hell....I'm just gonna eat everything bad since I blew it'. But the new me rolled with the punches. Yes, I went off plan, but only with the things I couldn't control. I didn't have a dab of the sour cream sitting on my plate, or go wild and eat the chips and salsa that was served with the meal. Officially I'm back to day 1 with Orvell, but I'm still counting it as a victory!
Now to work on exercising......Swift - you're motivating me to getting moving again. We have been in the deep freeze that just doesn't make me want to go into the cold garage and workout. I just moved my treadmill inside the house though, so no excuses.
Post by: Philociraptor on January 19, 2016, 01:19:47 PM
I've been doing Paleo on-and-off since mid 2010, and have done a Whole 30 every January since 2012. Saw this thread awhile back, holy crap it's gotten huge! Slowly making my way through the backlog, but wanted to comment to let y'all know that I'm in this with y'all. Doing our typical January Whole 30, going well so far. Here is what a typical week of groceries looks like for my wife and I during Whole 30:
- 15-20 lbs meat (this translates to 9oz/7oz cooked meat for me/her each lunch and dinner)
- 10-15 lbs sweet potatoes (baked, hashed, or pressure cooked to fuel our Crossfit habit)
- 10 lbs of vegetables/greens (roasted, grilled, or stir-fried)
- 2 dozen eggs (for my breakfasts and spicy bacon avocado deviled eggs)
- 5-10 fruits, typically oranges, for me to eat after lunch
- Assorted condiments, spices, salsas, etc.
We buy sugar-free bacon, hot dogs, and ground pork from US Wellness in bulk. We've purchased a half a cow before from a local farmer (lasted about 9 months making 1/3-1/2 our meals each week from it) and plan to again sometime in the near future.
Post by: 1967mama on January 19, 2016, 01:48:59 PM
Thanks for joining in! I loved reading your list of groceries. It's such a sea change when you have never eaten this way before, so I'm still hit and miss with buying the right amount of fresh produce every week. How many people are you feeding? We bought two sides of beef and 50 chickens from our friendly organic farmer. I supplement with fish from Costco - mahi mahi tonite. I also buy salmon and cod and halibut when it's in season.
Happy eating!
1967mama
Post by: Mongoose on January 19, 2016, 05:42:37 PM
Any blogs/links/suggestions for a whole30/paleo on a very low (~$300 for 4 people) budget? No farmers market close by until summer. Some of the food has to travel to work/school and I will have to use part of the budget for gluten free flours (kiddos are very little and want bread + weird public school culture). I apologize if this has been covered before. I haven't read the whole thread but did search the forum.
Right now, I'm planning on dropping wheat for me and replacing it with lentils. I'm sure it's causing my anxiety spikes. We're working hard on repairing the effects of a double job loss so hopefully the budget can loosen up a bit in the next year or so. In the meantime, I would love to get as close to either whole30 or paleo or primal as possible.
Post by: swick on January 19, 2016, 06:05:39 PM
I think that the best way to approach is is to do the best with what you have available. You mentioning hunting, do you know anyone else who hunts that might want to barter some meat?
I have noticed that there is definitely a difference in they types and quality of veggies between summer and winter. We have been relying a lot more on sweet potatoes. They tend to go on sale fairly often and store well.
While not strictly Whole 30, I have made these Keto gluten-free buns which use fairly cheap ingredients and are tasty made savory or sweet:
http://healinggourmet.com/healthy-recipes/keto-paleo-dinner-rolls/ (http://healinggourmet.com/healthy-recipes/keto-paleo-dinner-rolls/)
Here is a site with a Whole30 Once a month cooking meal plan. I haven't had a chance to dig into it too deeply but it looks like some good stuff!http://blog.stuffimakemyhusband.com/p/whole30-oamc-freezer-menu.html (http://blog.stuffimakemyhusband.com/p/whole30-oamc-freezer-menu.html)
I have been doing meat + Veg stew/sauce lately. You could stretch it oven further by using sweet potatoes or potatoes as a "base" This is from an earlier post: "Also - I'm resorting to the old trick of stuffing as much veggies as I can into meat sauce. It seems to be working great :) I made a veggie/meat stew that had a huge zucchini, roasted red peppers, two eggplants, a roasted squash, onion and tomato and a ton of spices. Pretty tasty, and, as a bonus will feed us for the next few days easy. Want to see how far I can stretch it by just adding more and more veg."
Also, keep an eye out for sales and case lot specials. Coconut milk sometimes goes on sale for super cheap, so it never hurts to buy lots when you can!
I'll definitely be interested to see if anyone has some more tips on eating this lifestyle without it breaking the bank.
Post by: Orvell on January 19, 2016, 06:35:13 PM
The obvious answer to me looking at your situation, is buy and eat less meat. $3/dozen for eggs isn't cheap, but it isn't crazy either, and can still supplement and be a part of your protein plan (just not Gaston from Beauty and the Beast style.... ).
(http://i.imgur.com/vN1jUBOm.jpg)
But protein *is* important, and Whole30 doesn't let you sub in beans, so it's a balancing act. I picked up a huge tub of cashews from Aldi for under $11, so there are deals out there on protein if you can find 'em. But also don't get obsessive about protein sources imo, especially if you're not meat-free completely, eat some eggs and fish, and eat nuts. It shows up in the plant side of things, too. Heck, broccoli, spinach, all the good shit has protein, you just have to eat more of it to get your quantities. Carrots, imo one of the damed cheapest veggies out there, have 1.2g of protein per cup chopped. Huh! Even I didn't know that one. :) Basically, don't forget you're getting supplemented on it with your healthy diet when you do your 'but i need to eat x lbs of meat for protein' calcs.
Good luck! I bet you can do it! :)
Swick: where do you see the coconut milk sales? Online or on meatspace? I'm down to my last can! :O
Post by: swick on January 19, 2016, 07:16:08 PM
Swick: where do you see the coconut milk sales? Online or on meatspace? I'm down to my last can! :O
Good tips! Oddly, my local family owned grocery store always has cheap organic coconut milk. Usually 2.00 a can reg price (I'm in Canada) but sometimes it will go on sale for 1.00 a can. I buy them out then :)
Definitely shop your smaller/ethnic grocery stores and price compare. Mine is owned by an Italian family and they bring in the Huge size jars of roasted red peppers. It is way way way cheaper them buying them for 5.99 a lb and in a much easier to use (and tasty) form.
Also bone broths - if you aren't making your own broth and stock it is an easy way to save. We have found recently that one of our cheapest protein sources is whole duck. (now granted it is just the two of us, so one duck will feed us both with some leftovers) but once I render the skin, I usually get over a cup of duck fat (usually sells for above 10.00 here) and several quarts of bone broth.
Post by: 1967mama on January 20, 2016, 12:10:06 AM
One thing I've noticed is that my grocery bills are stabilizing (after really spiking at first) now that I'm NOT buying other foods. I'm not buying junk food, I'm not stopping for fast food, etc. And that would include not buying that stuff for the kids either.
When I think of what used to be on my grocery list: potato chips, pop, ice cream, cookies, sour cream, boatloads of yogurt, cheese (oh the cheese), cereal, taco chips, candy treats,
And my grocery list now: boatloads of fruit and vegetables, huge variety of spices (all bought in bulk), frozen fish, juice, nuts, eggs, canned tuna and salmon.
Another tip I've picked up along the way is to serve rice for the non-Whole30 members of your family. I serve rice A LOT to fill up my large family. Potatoes are a wonder food for the 3 of us in my house doing Whole30 -- we have them quite often and my daughter claims they have cured her of bread. I am so surprised that I no longer crave bread!
Sorry if this is full of typos -- iPhone!
Post by: swick on January 20, 2016, 07:53:21 AM
An interesting way of looking at it is through an overall budget perspective and how much is your health really worth it for you. If it is a couple extra hours a month, is it worth it to downgrade your cable or phone, entertainment budget or drive less? Now, I know this isn't really helpful for you right now, Mongoose. But it is is some interesting food for thought.
I was reading that the average emergency hospital visit in he US, for diet/lifestyle related illnesses upwards of $18,000? I always make sure we have travel insurance when we go stateside. I had a friend who had a heart attack across the border and they lost their house because of the medical bills. Sorry off topic...I just think if you have to pay for your own healthcare it is double motivation to get as healthy as you can!
As far as looking at the whole budget there are lots of OTHER areas we have been saving money because of this lifestyle, even though our food budget has gone up.
- Haircuts - I use to get really bad headaches from my hair if it got too long, so would need a cut every 1.5-ish months. Yearly savings: About $180.00
- Over the counter meds - We get less heartburn, headaches, aches and pains in general. I don't really have an estimate here but imagine it is quite a bit.
- Eating out/entertainment - We not only eat out less, we are doing more "free" entertainment as we have the energy to hike and explore and enjoy the outdoors. Yearly savings, Est:$1,200 (probably on the low side)
- Better health = less sick days and time off work. My income has increased quite a bit because I run my own business and actually am feeling well enough to do the work to bring in the $. Fun side benefit, more confidence = more $ :)
-Becuase we have more energy, we have been doing a lot more DIY, instead of paying people. Tons of savings there on home maintenance and upkeep. Savings so far: At least a 300.00 call out to the furnace guy, $500.00 minimum for an electrician
I'm sure there is more, I'll have to keep thinking about it, I actually hadn't looked at it this way before, and it does really help make me feel not quite so bad at over spending on the food budget, but I am still working on getting it down!
Post by: horsepoor on January 20, 2016, 07:54:27 AM
For oil, I ordered coconut oil from Bulk Apothecary and it's pretty affordable that way, if you can manage the up-front cost for bulk.
You might check into Bountiful Baskets or a similar food co-op in your area for produce.
Seek out the best deal on chicken - sometimes it's whole birds, other times it's the drumsticks or quarters. Sometimes turkeys end up cheaper by the pound, and could keep your family in protein all week.
Post by: Philociraptor on January 20, 2016, 11:05:41 AM
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160120/41ddb5ad58964dc99fb1ebe4f5d392ab.jpg)
Post by: Orvell on January 20, 2016, 11:24:20 AM
My lunch is pretty blah (cooked cabbage anyone? It kinda looks like Yoda's barf...), but that's self inflicted more than anything else. >__> Tonight I'm going to make carrot+sweet potato soup (it's a puree and I add unsweetened almond milk as the creamy bit) and pack that in for lunches the rest of the week. Blah is getting old, so time to add in some delicious. :)
Today is Day 2 for me.
I've been referencing the http://whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/ but I'm not sure how well I'll match up with the goings on reported there. I went through huge lengths of time eating really healthy, followed by smaller lengths of time eating Real Not Healthy. I don't have any daily addictions I'm conquering (no soda, no daily candy bar... etc.), it's the long term ones I'm hunting to kill. *Stares at pre-packaged cookie isle* It knows what it is.
According to the timeline that at least some people go through while on the Whole30 plan, days 2-3 are the "Hangover" days.
I *do* feel tired, but I'm not confident that's diet related (could be hydration, sleep, or the fact that it's Wednesday. Damn it, Wednesday!)
One of the owners of the company asked me why I was eating lawn trimmings (aka my delicious smoothie this morning that was a pretty shade of green from the spinach and kale that I shoved in as its base). I feel like this must mean I'm on the right track. ;)
Post by: Mongoose on January 20, 2016, 11:25:32 AM
I'll start with my biggest question: does anyone specifically source rice based on low arsenic content? It isn't problematic with a standard American (average) level of consumption but the celiac community I have been part of is concerned since it is such a common, easy, cheap replacement for most wheat products (in most recipes/commercial baked good and to just eat!). Trader Joes has reasonably priced low arsenic rice but that's in the big city (3 hours away). I especially hate to chronically dose the kids with arsenic, even in its less toxic form.
I have stocked up on turkey post holidays. I parse it out as 1 per month and we keep it cooked and frozen in broth for "fast food". We sometimes get chicken cheap at a nearby grocery. We do potatoes too. The rest of the family gets regular (cheap but not "cheese food") cheese but I can't do cow dairy or afford the nice sheep/goat cheese that doesn't make me sick. I wish I could cut back on expensive, processed groceries and replace those with the good stuff. Haven't bought those for years though. Or cut other expenses (cable, haircuts, entertainment, etc.). Zero dollars for those in the budget right now. We pay utilities, mortgage, gas for the cars (45 mile commute...our second or third target is to move to get this down but it's going to take awhile), minimums on debts, and groceries. I have about $100 in slush a month that can be used for groceries but might have to go towards car repairs etc.
I'm going to work on finding ways to prepare lentils that are more palatable (I really don't like most legumes), keep going with the potatoes, figure out how much rice I can be comfortable feeding my family, and just plug along. We can do gluten-free oats (I soak/prepare them a la Nourishing Traditions...also not whole30 but cheap).
An interesting way of looking at it is through an overall budget perspective and how much is your health really worth it for you. If it is a couple extra hours a month, is it worth it to downgrade your cable or phone, entertainment budget or drive less? Now, I know this isn't really helpful for you right now, Mongoose. But it is is some interesting food for thought.
A lot. Once we get back on our feet (not living partially off our emergency fund), I'm going to loosen the food budget a bit before paying off the last of our credit card debt, before moving to cut down our commute...before anything else. I haven't found a food co-op anywhere nearby yet but will keep looking. I can continue to try to limit the other stuff. And, for now, at least get me off the wheat too. The kids love meat and vegetables. I would really love to encourage that by reverting to whole30/paleo. Hopefully we can get the income up soon.
Post by: swick on January 20, 2016, 11:48:54 AM
RE: Arsenic in Rice: This has been bothering me and a lot of the research doesn't paint a good picture. Apparently Indian Basmati is better than rice grown in the USA, that is what we normally use.
If you are living in a more rural LCOL area, it might be worth it to look at Amazon and some of the other online retailers, especially if they have free shipping. I have had really good luck buying bulk staples from Amazon in the past.
Post by: Orvell on January 20, 2016, 12:29:06 PM
That looks super yummy, Philociraptor! :DFor the record, since posting, I have been tempted by:
My lunch is pretty blah (cooked cabbage anyone? It kinda looks like Yoda's barf...), but that's self inflicted more than anything else. >__> Tonight I'm going to make carrot+sweet potato soup (it's a puree and I add unsweetened almond milk as the creamy bit) and pack that in for lunches the rest of the week. Blah is getting old, so time to add in some delicious. :)
Today is Day 2 for me.
I've been referencing the http://whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/ but I'm not sure how well I'll match up with the goings on reported there. I went through huge lengths of time eating really healthy, followed by smaller lengths of time eating Real Not Healthy. I don't have any daily addictions I'm conquering (no soda, no daily candy bar... etc.), it's the long term ones I'm hunting to kill. *Stares at pre-packaged cookie isle* It knows what it is.
According to the timeline that at least some people go through while on the Whole30 plan, days 2-3 are the "Hangover" days.
I *do* feel tired, but I'm not confident that's diet related (could be hydration, sleep, or the fact that it's Wednesday. Damn it, Wednesday!)
One of the owners of the company asked me why I was eating lawn trimmings (aka my delicious smoothie this morning that was a pretty shade of green from the spinach and kale that I shoved in as its base). I feel like this must mean I'm on the right track. ;)
Molasses cookies the boss brought in.
Leftover sugar cookies from a networking event a co-worker went to.
A chocolate cake.
Treats in the work place suuuuuckkkkkk.
Holding strong.
Post by: Mongoose on January 20, 2016, 12:48:13 PM
For the record, since posting, I have been tempted by:Keep going. One day you will deliberately decide to re taste what was once a treat and spit it out because it is so gross. At least that's what happened when DH and I decided to eat a mass produced chocolate muffin (don't ask...) after two years of not eating anything with preservatives. It was so chemically tasting we gagged...
Molasses cookies the boss brought in.
Leftover sugar cookies from a networking event a co-worker went to.
A chocolate cake.
Treats in the work place suuuuuckkkkkk.
Holding strong.
Post by: spuggy on January 20, 2016, 01:42:02 PM
Hi, everyone! Long-time lurker but very infrequent poster, but I've read through the entire thread and think it's fantastic the way that you're all helping each other to stay strong in the face of (what feels like) almost constant temptation!
I'm 19 days into my first Whole30, and I'm actually pretty scared of reintroduction. I'm lactose intolerant, so dairy won't be reintroduced, but I've had some awesome benefits so far and don't want to lose them. I was taking at least two antihistamines a day and using a blue inhaler for asthma, which have both stopped dead since changing my diet and which I can't actually believe. I also have consistent energy throughout the day, which is probably my blood sugar stabilising but is really addictive - I can actually do things after work, rather than just collapsing in a heap of tiredness!
I'm just posting to say hello really, and thank you for creating such a welcoming thread :) I'll post back when I've figured out what causes the allergy-type symptoms, in case anyone else gets that too. If you do, and you've already figured it out for you, please do let me know!
Post by: swick on January 20, 2016, 01:49:31 PM
Way to go on your first Whole 30! I think across the board the struggle most of us have had is with the re-intro. COme to think about it, I got so ill after the wheat/gluten, I never did end up reintroducing beans and legumes! I'll have to do that after this Whole 30 just so I have a base line.
My guess for the allergies is a wheat/gluten...but it might also be a perseverative/pesticide issue as well and those are a lot harder to isolate. As far as the asthma, it could be anything causing inflammation. My mom figures cutting out the wheat/gluten has definitely helped with her asthma.
Feeling good is addictive, isn't it? :)
Post by: 1967mama on January 20, 2016, 03:39:03 PM
I loved how you said:
I also have consistent energy throughout the day, which is probably my blood sugar stabilising but is really addictive - I can actually do things after work, rather than just collapsing in a heap of tiredness!
I can't believe the energy I have now. I must've really been abusing my poor body with food.
I hope you can figure out the rest of your allergies. I would think that if you go reeeeallllly slow in your reintroduction, you might be able to isolate it. So like maybe for a week, add in oats and nothing else. The rest of your food would be strict Whole30. The second week, as long as oats were ok, add rice to the oats and see how that goes. The third week, add one type of legume, etc, etc. Maybe keep a food journal to track any odd feelings or sensations that arise so you can see patterns developing.
What a neat thing that you're off your puffer! So great! Whole30 rocks!
*waves back to Spuggy from Canada*
Post by: 1967mama on January 20, 2016, 03:42:43 PM
I've been wracking my brain since then trying to think of what else I could add to club soda? I have flavored stevia that I was using, pre-Whole30, but that's obviously out for now. Suggestions, anyone?
Post by: swick on January 20, 2016, 03:55:30 PM
Sorry Orvell, but I didn't like your ginger and soda. I really wanted to like it, and drank 1/2 of it (in a mason jar, no less!) but the other 1/2 went down the drain.
I've been wracking my brain since then trying to think of what else I could add to club soda? I have flavored stevia that I was using, pre-Whole30, but that's obviously out for now. Suggestions, anyone?
I usually use a squeeze of lime. When I feel like a treat I toss in a couple of chunks of frozen fruit instead of ice cubes. Berries are good, peaches are good, mango chunks, pineapple, whatever you have
Post by: Orvell on January 20, 2016, 03:56:04 PM
Sorry Orvell, but I didn't like your ginger and soda. I really wanted to like it, and drank 1/2 of it (in a mason jar, no less!) but the other 1/2 went down the drain.HA! Sorrrry! I have weird taste buds. :) I love strange things, and I don't begrudge you for not. ;)
I've been wracking my brain since then trying to think of what else I could add to club soda? I have flavored stevia that I was using, pre-Whole30, but that's obviously out for now. Suggestions, anyone?
Why not just throw in some fruit? Slice up a kiwi or something and chuck it in? Same for, say, a hunk of orange or something else that will permeate liquid well?
Post by: 1967mama on January 21, 2016, 01:34:38 AM
Yes, that would be Nutella and graham crackers. After is tuna with Whole30 mayo and celery. I can't believe that's what I chose to eat when I was famished! Thank you, Hartwigs! You've actually changed my life!
Post by: Orvell on January 21, 2016, 06:21:44 AM
Post by: Orvell on January 21, 2016, 09:13:08 AM
So despite my "oh no I'm special" bullshit, yeah. That hangover period that happens to people in the first few days of Whole30? Happening. Yup. For sure.
>.< Last night I drank 2 glasses of water and went to bed a bit after 9 (and subsequently got up to pee...)
It's also strange. A few years ago I did a 36 hour fast, partially to just see if I could do it. I took care of myself, drank lots of good water and tea, and was seriously god damned hungry. But at about dinner time during that fast... I was feeling about how I do now (except now I'm not hungry, lol). I'm not sure how to verbally explain it, but your perception changes a bit. It's partially brain-fog, and partially something else. You feel... lighter. Different.
I know it's my blood sugar having to do a circus act while I restrain myself from eating the cookies set out on the break room table. I know it will balance out as I move forward. But it's... a strange experience.
Did/do you guys feel that too?
Post by: Mongoose on January 21, 2016, 10:59:08 AM
Post by: swick on January 21, 2016, 12:08:18 PM
Day 3
So despite my "oh no I'm special" bullshit, yeah. That hangover period that happens to people in the first few days of Whole30? Happening. Yup. For sure.
I think e all think we are special unique snowflakes ;) Our timetable was a little bit off since we planned our first whole 30 to start when we had a week off. That week was pretty good, the second week hit us HARD when we had to go back to work. I'm glad we did it the way we did though, hubby had to work through some digestive issues that wouldn't have been pleasant to deal with at work.
Mongoose - if there is any way you can afford it, coconut oil (costco sometimes has good deals, also online) would, I think, be the best bang for your buck as far as having something healthy and satiating at hand for you. You can melt it and buzz it into hot beverages (I do every morning and keeps me full till (sometimes past) lunch. You can sautee fruit in it for a quick healthy, substantial snack or dessert. Heck you can take a spoonful if you really are in a rush (ick, not my favorite) But I bet it would be a good addition to your diet. Also, if it helps you feel full, you'll eat less at meals and snacks and save a bit of $ that way too.
Post by: Orvell on January 21, 2016, 06:20:43 PM
Cooking up a big 'ol pan of roasted veggies tonight. Putting away food, I opened my fridge and had an, "oooooooooooooh" moment as I saw my perfect, beautiful, unopened bottle of Kewpie mayonnaise. Which, according to google contains MSG, and according to the back of the package, contains soybean oil, too. Butts! Tell it to me straight, kids. How much work is it to make your own mayo? Cause me and that bottle of Kewpie are having a staring context...
Post by: horsepoor on January 21, 2016, 07:47:51 PM
Post by: Orvell on January 21, 2016, 07:58:55 PM
If you have a blender, mayo takes like one minute. I keep my oil in a sriracha bottle, which is perfect drizzling it into the emulsion at the proper rate. And there are all the flavor possibilities too... Garlic mayo, basil mayo, Chipotle mayo...*SALIVATES*
Is there a particular base recipe you rec?
Post by: 1967mama on January 21, 2016, 08:05:23 PM
Post by: horsepoor on January 21, 2016, 08:14:28 PM
If you have a blender, mayo takes like one minute. I keep my oil in a sriracha bottle, which is perfect drizzling it into the emulsion at the proper rate. And there are all the flavor possibilities too... Garlic mayo, basil mayo, Chipotle mayo...*SALIVATES*
Is there a particular base recipe you rec?
I like to make a smaller batch, so I so about 1 generous teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar and pour a little white off of the egg so I use the yolk plus about half the white, then a pinch of salt. Drizzle olive or avocado oil in while blending g until desired consistency is reached.
Post by: Orvell on January 21, 2016, 08:25:36 PM
Yay!
Post by: 1967mama on January 22, 2016, 12:30:00 AM
Post by: Orvell on January 22, 2016, 06:18:15 AM
Day Four
Oh yeah bitches. I'm here.
And I'm tired. That is mostly on me though (stayed up too late, got up early because I wasn't productive in my staying-up-late... side note I'm doing this writing competition that's been a real challenge; a short story is due basically every week...)
Toady's food plan is a smoothie for breakfast (I'm on a roll with these suckers, and I've found adding flax really makes them filling), roasted veggies and a hard boiled egg for lunch, and cashews for emergency fuel snacks. :) Dinner is unknown, but I'm thinking an omelette with a side of sweet potatoes.
Has anyone tried to make hashbrowns with 'em? Is that crazy talk?
Post by: andy85 on January 22, 2016, 06:47:55 AM
Oh gosh, what else? Idek! I'm def thinking some massive soup making is in the cards; I need to start a better collection of "shit I'm late for work and don't have a lunch plan" stock. :) Freezing soup in flat baggies is a peeeerfect emergency plan.When i had access to a food processer i had a go-to hasbrown substitute that kicked ass....
Day Four
Oh yeah bitches. I'm here.
And I'm tired. That is mostly on me though (stayed up too late, got up early because I wasn't productive in my staying-up-late... side note I'm doing this writing competition that's been a real challenge; a short story is due basically every week...)
Toady's food plan is a smoothie for breakfast (I'm on a roll with these suckers, and I've found adding flax really makes them filling), roasted veggies and a hard boiled egg for lunch, and cashews for emergency fuel snacks. :) Dinner is unknown, but I'm thinking an omelette with a side of sweet potatoes.
Has anyone tried to make hashbrowns with 'em? Is that crazy talk?
Get this: shredded turnips...they seriously did the trick!
I roast sweet potatoes frequently after i cut them into 1" cubes or so...i suppose if you cut them a lot smaller you could roast them to be a bit more crispy....or maybe even roast them first, then finish in a frying pan to crisp them up.
Post by: swick on January 22, 2016, 07:57:39 AM
Oh gosh, what else? Idek! I'm def thinking some massive soup making is in the cards; I need to start a better collection of "shit I'm late for work and don't have a lunch plan" stock. :) Freezing soup in flat baggies is a peeeerfect emergency plan.
Day Four
Oh yeah bitches. I'm here.
And I'm tired. That is mostly on me though (stayed up too late, got up early because I wasn't productive in my staying-up-late... side note I'm doing this writing competition that's been a real challenge; a short story is due basically every week...)
Toady's food plan is a smoothie for breakfast (I'm on a roll with these suckers, and I've found adding flax really makes them filling), roasted veggies and a hard boiled egg for lunch, and cashews for emergency fuel snacks. :) Dinner is unknown, but I'm thinking an omelette with a side of sweet potatoes.
Has anyone tried to make hashbrowns with 'em? Is that crazy talk?
I make big batches of Nomnom's Kalua pork: http://nomnompaleo.com/post/10031990774/slow-cooker-kalua-pig (http://nomnompaleo.com/post/10031990774/slow-cooker-kalua-pig)
Keeps in the fridge for a while, anything I know I am not going to use in the next few days I split into meal size portions for hubby and myself and flat freeze. It has saved my bacon many times.
It can:
-be pan fried to crisp up and top salads (make some homemade mayo with lime instead of lemon throw in a bunch of chopped cilantro, a bit of cumin and whatever pepper seasoning you want and you have a wicked salad dressing)
- Pan friend and top some sauteed cabbage (we sautee the cabbage up with some coconut amions and add hot sauce and sesame seeds, sometimes a little leftover broth from the pork) and serve with Kimchi. It's very reminiscent of an Edo Japan Sukiyaki Beef.
- Added to omelets, scrambled eggs
- chopped up and added to soups
- Crisped up in a pan and eaten with our fingers...ew try not to do this too much
- Crisped and topped baked potatoes or sweet potatoes with salsa
There is a TON you can do with it!
RE: Sleep - You may find your quality of sleep is improved, I was a life-long insomniac that totally sorted itself out. The main thing I have found over the last few months is the two biggest factors in feeling awesome is food and sleep. Once you get your food dialed in, the sleep may follow, but when you screw with the new normal sleep patterns, you tend to really notice it! When doing the whole 30, it is especially important to get enough sleep your body is going through all sorts of cleaning and repairing and a lot of that happens when you sleep.
Post by: jordanread on January 22, 2016, 08:12:41 AM
Oh gosh, what else? Idek! I'm def thinking some massive soup making is in the cards; I need to start a better collection of "shit I'm late for work and don't have a lunch plan" stock. :) Freezing soup in flat baggies is a peeeerfect emergency plan.
Day Four
Oh yeah bitches. I'm here.
And I'm tired. That is mostly on me though (stayed up too late, got up early because I wasn't productive in my staying-up-late... side note I'm doing this writing competition that's been a real challenge; a short story is due basically every week...)
Toady's food plan is a smoothie for breakfast (I'm on a roll with these suckers, and I've found adding flax really makes them filling), roasted veggies and a hard boiled egg for lunch, and cashews for emergency fuel snacks. :) Dinner is unknown, but I'm thinking an omelette with a side of sweet potatoes.
Has anyone tried to make hashbrowns with 'em? Is that crazy talk?
I make big batches of Nomnom's Kalua pork: http://nomnompaleo.com/post/10031990774/slow-cooker-kalua-pig (http://nomnompaleo.com/post/10031990774/slow-cooker-kalua-pig)
Keeps in the fridge for a while, anything I know I am not going to use in the next few days I split into meal size portions for hubby and myself and flat freeze. It has saved my bacon many times.
It can:
-be pan fried to crisp up and top salads (make some homemade mayo with lime instead of lemon throw in a bunch of chopped cilantro, a bit of cumin and whatever pepper seasoning you want and you have a wicked salad dressing)
- Pan friend and top some sauteed cabbage (we sautee the cabbage up with some coconut amions and add hot sauce and sesame seeds, sometimes a little leftover broth from the pork) and serve with Kimchi. It's very reminiscent of an Edo Japan Sukiyaki Beef.
- Added to omelets, scrambled eggs
- chopped up and added to soups
- Crisped up in a pan and eaten with our fingers...ew try not to do this too much
- Crisped and topped baked potatoes or sweet potatoes with salsa
There is a TON you can do with it!
RE: Sleep - You may find your quality of sleep is improved, I was a life-long insomniac that totally sorted itself out. The main thing I have found over the last few months is the two biggest factors in feeling awesome is food and sleep. Once you get your food dialed in, the sleep may follow, but when you screw with the new normal sleep patterns, you tend to really notice it! When doing the whole 30, it is especially important to get enough sleep your body is going through all sorts of cleaning and repairing and a lot of that happens when you sleep.
I literally just put a roast in the slow cooker using that recipe. I hope that it turns out well. 7lbs barely fit in the slow cooker. :) I start tomorrow!! Should be awesome.
Post by: swick on January 22, 2016, 09:12:28 AM
I literally just put a roast in the slow cooker using that recipe. I hope that it turns out well. 7lbs barely fit in the slow cooker. :) I start tomorrow!! Should be awesome.
Lol yeah, I have a large slowcooker and pack it full. I have found it does better with one big roast then two small ones. If you have access to an Asian grocery store, you can get frozen Banana Leaves. I usually cover up and tuck in the pork with a leaf before I put the lid on, it adds some more of that Island flavor. Also, I don't bother with the bacon on the bottom, I just make a run with the Alean salt and smoked Paprika.
Looking forward to hear how yours tuns out and what you do with it!
Post by: jordanread on January 22, 2016, 10:13:46 AM
I literally just put a roast in the slow cooker using that recipe. I hope that it turns out well. 7lbs barely fit in the slow cooker. :) I start tomorrow!! Should be awesome.
Lol yeah, I have a large slowcooker and pack it full. I have found it does better with one big roast then two small ones. If you have access to an Asian grocery store, you can get frozen Banana Leaves. I usually cover up and tuck in the pork with a leaf before I put the lid on, it adds some more of that Island flavor. Also, I don't bother with the bacon on the bottom, I just make a run with the Alean salt and smoked Paprika.
Looking forward to hear how yours tuns out and what you do with it!
It started off exactly as I expected. I turned on the Slow Cooker and realized an hour later that I hadn't plugged it in. I had one big bone-in roast, but had to cut it in half so it fit. Too much food is one of my favorite issues to have.
I do a lot of shopping at my local asian market, so the banana leaves may be a good idea. I never could quite figure out what to use them for, but I've thought about it. That being said, when I initially started the Whole30, we used asian eggplants to make baba ganoush, which has got to be one of my favorite Whole30 compliant foods. If you like garlic, and haven't tried this, you totally should. It's probably going to be one of my staples during the next 30 days.
Post by: mom22boys on January 22, 2016, 11:16:20 AM
Tell it to me straight, kids. How much work is it to make your own mayo? Cause me and that bottle of Kewpie are having a staring context...
The key to mayo is an immersion blender. None of this drizzling business. If you read from the beginning of this thread, I was scared to try making mayo too. Now it's easy peasy. Make sure your egg is room temp, put all your ingredients into a container that's just large enough for the immersion blender (like your Ball jars). Put in all your ingredients and put the blender to the VERY bottom. Turn is on and let it sit at the bottom until you starting seeing white (THE MAYO) then slowly pull the blend up.
Works. every. time. There are videos on the web too if you're more visual.
Post by: Orvell on January 22, 2016, 11:59:22 AM
*Cackles* I have precious little in the way of kitchen gadgets, but I have an immersion blender. Yessssss.Tell it to me straight, kids. How much work is it to make your own mayo? Cause me and that bottle of Kewpie are having a staring context...
The key to mayo is an immersion blender. None of this drizzling business. If you read from the beginning of this thread, I was scared to try making mayo too. Now it's easy peasy. Make sure your egg is room temp, put all your ingredients into a container that's just large enough for the immersion blender (like your Ball jars). Put in all your ingredients and put the blender to the VERY bottom. Turn is on and let it sit at the bottom until you starting seeing white (THE MAYO) then slowly pull the blend up.
Works. every. time. There are videos on the web too if you're more visual.
Going to hit the store on my way home and pick up light olive oil (didn't even know this existed, and it seems important) and mustard powder. It's gonna be go timeeeeee.
Post by: 1967mama on January 22, 2016, 12:06:17 PM
Post by: swick on January 22, 2016, 12:12:36 PM
I have a food processor so have always done it that way. I do have an immersion stick blender thingy that I received as a gift. Maybe I should try it???? Living on the edge here!!!
Ohh if ya'll are just getting into immersion blended mayo...I probably shouldn't mention the life-changing nirvana that is Blender Hollandaise...
Thanks for the reminder Jordanread, I have forgotten about baba ganoush, I keep meaning to make it (it is one of my favorites) every time I plan on making it I end up roasting the eggplant and using it for something else. This is on my list for the weekend!
Post by: 1967mama on January 22, 2016, 12:18:47 PM
Post by: swick on January 22, 2016, 12:45:42 PM
Baba ganoush --- could someone share a whole30 compliant recipe you love for this?
I think as it is it should be Whole 30 Complaint? There are some good looking recipes here:http://whole30.com/2014/10/best-whole30-recipes-sauces-dressings-dips-oh/ (http://whole30.com/2014/10/best-whole30-recipes-sauces-dressings-dips-oh/)
and here:
http://meljoulwan.com/2009/07/17/eat-your-vegetables-eggplant/ (http://meljoulwan.com/2009/07/17/eat-your-vegetables-eggplant/)
Honestly, I have never used a recipe and kinda just go by taste. I use to make it all the time (I learned how in Turkey) but it has fallen off my rader since it is kinda hard to find decent eggplant around here.
Post by: Mongoose on January 22, 2016, 01:51:16 PM
Post by: jordanread on January 22, 2016, 02:00:35 PM
Baba ganoush --- could someone share a whole30 compliant recipe you love for this?
When the better half and I first did it, we just roasted a whole head of garlic, and roasted a few egg plants, and then ground them up in the food processor. I put a bit of pepper in it sometimes, but not always. It's so damn good.
Post by: 1967mama on January 22, 2016, 02:11:02 PM
Baba ganoush --- could someone share a whole30 compliant recipe you love for this?
When the better half and I first did it, we just roasted a whole head of garlic, and roasted a few egg plants, and then ground them up in the food processor. I put a bit of pepper in it sometimes, but not always. It's so damn good.
Pardon my ignorance but after this, do you eat it by dipping fresh veggies in it? Pre-whole30 me thinks it would be good on pita bread or taco chips:-/
Post by: jordanread on January 22, 2016, 03:35:36 PM
Baba ganoush --- could someone share a whole30 compliant recipe you love for this?
When the better half and I first did it, we just roasted a whole head of garlic, and roasted a few egg plants, and then ground them up in the food processor. I put a bit of pepper in it sometimes, but not always. It's so damn good.
Pardon my ignorance but after this, do you eat it by dipping fresh veggies in it? Pre-whole30 me thinks it would be good on pita bread or taco chips:-/
I've done a huge mix of things. Since I had plenty after I failed, it was delicious on Triscuits (don't even ask why they were in the house). However, that stuff was good enough to eat by the spoonful, on bell peppers, zucchini, cabbage, and as a topping on everything I tried eating (even eggs). The caveat of this is that I make mine very heavy on the garlic, and I do love garlic. However, it's an awesome addition to any crispy vegetables. I'd say use a few cloves of garlic and a single eggplant, and adjust as needed.
Post by: spuggy on January 23, 2016, 07:24:44 AM
I've been eating so much more fruit and veg than I used to, and now feel like I can put together a meal with the most random ingredients (bit of tuna, some spinach, some red pepper, apple and almond butter - check, that'll do!). I've noticed that I've been eating quite a few Nakd bars this week though, which has to stop (the mindless snacking was one reason I wanted to do this in the first place!). Everyone's kalua pig sounds yummy as well - might have to put some in the slow cooker tomorrow. Thanks for all the ideas to keep this interesting!
Post by: Orvell on January 23, 2016, 07:32:12 AM
Day 5
My mayo creating plans might get put on hold until tomorrow (we'll see) due to lifeeeee but that's okay. I'm going to the Farmers Market today (tg they hold a winter one, although it's in the Senior Center and inside and far less scenic lol) and intend to buy some FISH. Unless I cheap out. ;)
Sooooo fun fact. I haven't actually cooked meat in... like... 3, 4 years?
And it freaks me out.
But I'm trying to mayyybe get over that (I don't want my Whole30 to be meat based, but I also don't want to make decisions based on weird food issues that are mine and not logical) so if there's some nice meat there that isn't scary supermarket meat I might buy some too. :x
We'll see...
Sardines and eggs and kippers are also just fine to sustain me, lol.
Post by: jordanread on January 23, 2016, 11:45:59 AM
Post by: jordanread on January 23, 2016, 11:53:28 AM
Mmmm, breakfast. Mostly I wanted to see how Tapatalk handles images.
Post by: Caoineag on January 23, 2016, 01:34:33 PM
Since we are doing better with the conscious choosing of when and how much, we will be sticking with that. I don't regret the attempt though because it lead us to the style of eating we do now. Cutting the preservatives and sugar was extremely helpful. We still drink all coffee black, no longer use ketchup. We haven't bothered to bring milk back into the house though we will do small amounts of cheese. I still consider bread and rice sugar with no nutrients so they are very limited. Oh and I make my own broth now and its fabulous.
Unfortunately, because we didn't cut the exercise during the Whole 30, I gave myself horrible Charley horses. The good news is the addition of spinach to lunch and dinner for a week has taken care of this problem (magnesium and calcium deficiencies apparently). This also will remain in the diet as I am not a fan of muscle spasms and clearly my body needs the nutrients.
We will keep weaning out sugar sources and finding permanent replacements for them. Next week I plan on trying Collard green leaves as wraps instead of tortillas. If you wilt them briefly, its supposed to cut the bitter flavor. Didn't do it this week because our fridge is packed with food that we need to eat up.
Hope everyone else does better than we did. I am pretty sure we were also too low on fat sources as I couldn't trust that coconut and I are not friends (I think my skin doesn't like ingesting it in too large a quantities, think cystic acne). We did lose a ton of weight on it (way more than you probably should especially since we were fairly low carb going into it).
Post by: Orvell on January 24, 2016, 07:56:17 AM
Caoineag: Hi! I'm still sticking with the Whole30 plan as it's written for my 30 days in the food slammer, but when I'm done, I don't expect to follow strict paleo rules or anything. :) My beans and legumes will (hopefully) be problem free for me, and returning to my diet for the most part. I think learning from our experience and moving forward in a healthy way is like, basically, the best any of us can hope for. XD
Me:
Day 6!
Who successfully survived a (board game) party while not imbibing: wine, beer, mulled cider, mead, brownies, cookies, tacos, pita chips, or cake? ME. And it wasn't as hard as I thought. The unexpected upshot was I could be the DD when it came time to pick up the food and everyone realized that mead... was strong shit... and tacos weren't worth dying for. I rode in like a hero, tacos in hand, and then ate my avocado and sweet potato in triumph.
Today is mostly a home body day. Which is good since I need to try to make MAYO and also to make soup for the week. I am potentially having dinner at a buddy's, so I'll have to give her fair warning about the State of Claire-Food.
Hope you guys are having a great weekend!
Post by: jordanread on January 24, 2016, 10:53:06 AM
Post by: swick on January 24, 2016, 12:16:24 PM
Me:
Day 6!
Who successfully survived a (board game) party while not imbibing: wine, beer, mulled cider, mead, brownies, cookies, tacos, pita chips, or cake? ME. And it wasn't as hard as I thought.
Way to Go Orvell! Talk about a whole bunch of temptation! It does get easier each time you flex your "saying no" muscle. And it is kind of fun looking back on situations that had the possibility to break you and go "Nope, I am better then the temptation"
joradanread - your hashes look awesome!
Post by: jordanread on January 24, 2016, 02:37:17 PM
Post by: 1967mama on January 24, 2016, 02:39:52 PM
ETA: Sorry for the double photo -- don't know how to fix it!
Post by: swick on January 24, 2016, 03:50:22 PM
Jordanread, lease let me know how the vindaloo goes! I like the idea of smoking it with the spices, seems like a lot of extra steps, though, so curious if it is good enough to make it worth it. I have lots of lamb that would probably be pretty good done up this way. Please report back!
Post by: jordanread on January 24, 2016, 04:28:16 PM
Happy Birthday 1967mama!!
Ditto!!
Jordanread, lease let me know how the vindaloo goes! I like the idea of smoking it with the spices, seems like a lot of extra steps, though, so curious if it is good enough to make it worth it. I have lots of lamb that would probably be pretty good done up this way. Please report back!
I haven't gotten the charcoal/cloves/cinnamon sticks on to smoke it, but the home made curry paste (by toasting the whole seeds and then using a mortar) is loads better than the premade ones. And while my mortar is a bit small, it still worked (although just barely). House is delicious smelling right now. I'll post a couple of pics of the finished product.
Post by: Orvell on January 24, 2016, 07:00:10 PM
GUYS LOOK WHAT I DID!
HOLY SHIT IT WORKED.
Some combination of whisking by hand, not starting with oil in the bowl, and using the right kind of salt... and ... I MADE MAYO!
O_O
(http://i.imgur.com/25ccwAxm.jpg)
Full disclosure I wasted a crap ton of oil, because this took me 3 tries, and I was a stubborn ass who refused to give up. SailorSam over on my journal actually told me to try hand whisking, and it... worked?? Not sure why the other times without it failed, could be a host of factors, but I don't care because I made god-damned mayonnaise!
Post by: horsepoor on January 24, 2016, 07:48:57 PM
Post by: 1967mama on January 24, 2016, 11:41:55 PM
I was making clarified butter this afternoon and was marvelling at how rote and routine some of these things have become for me. I love it!
I had the super fun experience of buying 2 tops at The Gap this weekend (on clearance for $10 each, btw). People, I haven't shopped at a non-plus sized store in probably 15 years, so I was really hesitant to even go in. But I've been wearing my incredible-shrinking-Whole30-daughter's jeans these days (the ones that are now too big for her). Tonight I fit her size 32 jeans. I don't even know my jeans size anymore, except it used to be either a 2x or an 18! yayayayayayayaya! I'm so excited!
This was quite possibly one of my happiest birthdays ever -- my kids and my husband are all cheering me on. Its really neat. I feel like by the time I turn forty-ten in 364 days, I will be at my ideal weight. What a great time in my life to take charge of my health! I haven't felt this great in over 18 years, which was the last time I was my ideal weight. Still a long way to go, but I"m not discouraged or worried about that at all. Just enjoying my days with my kids, being active and busy as a wife and mom, feeling so good, eating my monkey bowls:0)
Thank you for the kind birthday wishes. This is such a terrific thread and I'm very thankful for all of you and the tremendous amount of support I've received here since I made that life changing decision back in October.
((((HUGS))))),
1967mama
Post by: Orvell on January 25, 2016, 06:07:55 AM
Any clues on why?
Here's what I ate yesterday:
B: leftover veggie scramble with two eggs
L: Green Soup puree (broccoli, kale, carrots, zucchini and onion all cooked up with a little coconut milk)
S: tea and cashews
D: sweet potatoes and tomatoes and garlic, plus mayo and tuna and green peppers
Could it have been the mayo? I made the final successful version at a friend's house and used her ingredients, including one of those refrigerator "lemon juice" options. That was the only thing possssssibly not on-point all day.
:(
Idk. I'm a tad frustrated.
Anyhow. Day 7.
Post by: swick on January 25, 2016, 07:03:54 AM
That is pretty common, It seems like digestions goes for a crap (sorry) before it gets better. Also, keep in mind the digestive system takes (roughly) 24 hours from mouth to exit, so when looking at "what you ate" that will help.
You might also not be getting enough fiber. Taking some Psyllium is a good, natural way to get some - just make sure you drink lots of water with it!
Finally, with a higher fat/low carb diet, poops in general should be a little looser. Your body is trying to figure out what it's new normal is. It can take a few days.
1967mamma - SO awesome that you have such a strong support network, and very exciting to hear all your progress! Hope you had an amazing Birthday!
Post by: Orvell on January 25, 2016, 07:17:40 AM
:) Thanks for the moral boost.
ETA: Annnnd I looked at that Whole30 timeline... I shouldn't be surprised. This step was listed. ;P
I should calm my tits and keep riding the ride. NOTED.
Post by: jordanread on January 25, 2016, 09:19:28 AM
First, I want to say that this was delicious!! A bit spicy for the other half, but overall pretty damn good. I've wanted to experiment with pork belly for a long time, but this was the first time I actually did. It turns out...it's freaking delicious. That being said, there were a few things that went 'wrong' that I will further experiment with. Let's do it:
- Making curry paste from scratch is way better than the store bought stuff, and relatively easy. It's all about getting whole seeds and good quality oil (I think). And toast the seeds.
- To make a lot of curry paste, I either need to experiment with the mulling blade on my nutribullet, or get a bigger mortar/pestle combo. Mine is only about 3" in diameter, and I lost more than I like to while squishing things.
- In a mortar, especially a small one, the idea of smashing the big bits (rather than rolling them around) works wonders.
- In a mortar, smashing the big bits is way more fun to refer to as squishing.
- Use the charcoal you have to grill something first. It may seem obvious, but I used a more fancy charcoal, and since I moved in with my GF 5+ years ago, I've been using a gas grill. I didn't know how the charcoal was supposed to act in comparison to how it did act. Check that first.
- Eat lunch!! Both me and the GF were hungry, and rushed things (specifically the charcoal). Another 5-10 minutes would have helped immensely. The charcoal ended up going out, but I still tasted a very slight bit of smoke in the meat. I will experiment with this further, because the flavor it added (even all dumb and tiny) was an awesome addition (especially since Liquid Smoke contains non-approved ingredients). The cinammon was great for smoke, too. It was a deeper flavor, although not as cinammon-ly intense.
- If you do what I do, and intend for this meal to make more than one meal, adjust the recipe accordingly. The GF and I ate almost all of it, even though we usually cook for at least half the week on weekends.
- Do not light the charcoal over a grill burner. If you choose to do that, you will bring rain and wind to your house specifically. It's Murphy or something. PITA
- Since I don't have (and never intend to get) a vindaloo pan (who knew that was a thing?), I used one dish for on top of stove, and another for the oven. I don't think any flavor was lost, since while the food was in the oven, we used the stove top pan to boil the water (hopefully adding more flavor from the little bit that was still on the pan), but who knows?
- Of course I didn't add sugar!! I'm on a Whole30 dammit!
Post by: mom22boys on January 25, 2016, 11:03:25 AM
Happy birthday 1967mama....Sorry this is late. Your family is so great, supporting you through these last months and especially your birthday. I'm hoping you have a great year ahead!
This weekend was full of temptations. My son's birthday is this week so he requested oreo truffles as his treat to bring to school. (I'm not giving the recipe. :-)) I am happy to say that I successfully made them without cheating. Not even a single lick of my fingers.
Yesterday I made a huge pot of Moroccan meatballs from Well Fed, along with some cali rice. It was a yummy supper.
Post by: jordanread on January 25, 2016, 12:29:23 PM
Dang! I feel like I'm watching Chopped when I read about all these cool cooking adventures. Whenever I see Vindaloo, I read it as voodoo.....you must be doing some magic with that meat.
[...]
No magic. However, that's the only way I can (so far) stick with this. Sorry if it's too much. Fortunately I only cook on weekends.
Post by: swick on January 25, 2016, 01:58:02 PM
Feel free to share all your kitchen experiments! I would say Whole 30 is especially tough after a while for those people who are self-proclaimed "foodies" :) I'm enjoying your perspective, giving me a motivating kick in the pants too!
Post by: mom22boys on January 25, 2016, 03:57:55 PM
Dang! I feel like I'm watching Chopped when I read about all these cool cooking adventures. Whenever I see Vindaloo, I read it as voodoo.....you must be doing some magic with that meat.
[...]
No magic. However, that's the only way I can (so far) stick with this. Sorry if it's too much. Fortunately I only cook on weekends.
No! Not too much at all! :-) I love Chopped, so it's actually kinda fun to hear about everyone's adventures with food. I absolutely agree that trying new things make me want to stick with Whole30. I've definitely gone out of my comfort zone on Whole30, and found some great recipes as a result. Keep your adventures with food coming! The weekend is my cooking time too, with a little easier stuff thrown in through out the week.
Post by: Orvell on January 26, 2016, 08:09:57 AM
Went to ladies night last night with some co-workers. Had the world's worst waiter, but still somehow managed to get food I could and wanted to eat. Salmon and greens. Score!
And, of course, got some amusing responses to what I'm calling, for simplicity's sake, "Oro's weird food thing right now, I'm fine, everything's fine, no I really don't want a drink."
Co-worker S asked if I wanted cheesecake for dessert. I explained I wasn't eating dairy or sugar right now. So she suggested German chocolate cake instead. :P Co-worker S perhaps didn't quite get it, but that's fine.
Post by: horsepoor on January 26, 2016, 08:38:50 AM
Day 8
Went to ladies night last night with some co-workers. Had the world's worst waiter, but still somehow managed to get food I could and wanted to eat. Salmon and greens. Score!
And, of course, got some amusing responses to what I'm calling, for simplicity's sake, "Oro's weird food thing right now, I'm fine, everything's fine, no I really don't want a drink."
Co-worker S asked if I wanted cheesecake for dessert. I explained I wasn't eating dairy or sugar right now. So she suggested German chocolate cake instead. :P Co-worker S perhaps didn't quite get it, but that's fine.
I'm convinced that most people have absolutely no idea what they're eating 90% of the time. Well done on the salmon and greens!
Post by: swick on January 26, 2016, 09:03:01 AM
Good Job on the socializing and staying on plan, Orvell!
Things are...going. I don't have too much personally to really report this go around. I do wish sometimes for those easier days when dinner was slap whatever fixings that were in the fridge onto some homemade bread and fire it into the panini press.
Made a big batch of cabbage soup with some leftover Kalua pork broth. Also made an Indian ground beef and potato curry. Hubby really enjoyed it. I'm still struggling with not really having a desire to eat.
Post by: spuggy on January 26, 2016, 12:40:15 PM
Glad you're all doing well - socialising whilst on plan is difficult, so well done Orvell!
Swick - I've been finding that recently, but I found that if I eat less or skip a meal, eventually my body goes "what are you doing?!" and I can eat again. I don't know, something to consider maybe?
Post by: mom22boys on January 26, 2016, 03:01:59 PM
Post by: Orvell on January 26, 2016, 03:10:41 PM
I'm not sure what's up this week. The chocolate cravings are FULL FORCE. About 30 minutes ago I wanted a hot chocolate so bad. Don't. Give. In. (and I didn't give in)Your willpower is like the Hulk!!
Post by: swick on January 26, 2016, 03:15:58 PM
I'm not sure what's up this week. The chocolate cravings are FULL FORCE. About 30 minutes ago I wanted a hot chocolate so bad. Don't. Give. In. (and I didn't give in)
You got this!
Although, I have a mocha or hot chocolate often. Boiled water, coconut milk/cream, coconut oil, vanilla and some raw cacao powder I also add some raw cocoa paste if I have any, and if you want to go white hot chocolate a little grated cocoa butter is great. There isn't any sugar in it, which is odd at first, but your taste buds adapt really quick and it is quite surprising how the flavorful the chocolate tastes, not masked by all the sugar.
Thanks for the suggestions, Spuggy. My body doesn't seem to give me the hunger signals, even when I skip meals. I've got this Intermitted fasting down pat. Normally it is me looking at the clock going, hmm it's 2:00 I should force myself to eat something before I take the dog for a walk. Then I will have a handful of nuts or something while I make dinner and eat a normal size portion of dinner.
Post by: Orvell on January 26, 2016, 03:32:03 PM
Raw cocoa powder, like baking chocolate, is on the Whole30 list!?!?!?
Post by: swick on January 26, 2016, 04:13:47 PM
Wait. This is a very important question.
Raw cocoa powder, like baking chocolate, is on the Whole30 list!?!?!?
As long as it doesn't have any sweeteners, thickeners, milk products. They have a recipe on the website for chocolate chili.
Now drinking it is probably a "Sex with your pants on" type of thing. But it was not a problem food for me so it's a call I have made. This is the raw cocoa paste I use. http://www.omfoods.com/cacao-cocoa/organic-cacao-paste-raw-criollo/ (http://www.omfoods.com/cacao-cocoa/organic-cacao-paste-raw-criollo/)
Post by: Orvell on January 26, 2016, 05:00:51 PM
:OOOOOOOWait. This is a very important question.
Raw cocoa powder, like baking chocolate, is on the Whole30 list!?!?!?
As long as it doesn't have any sweeteners, thickeners, milk products. They have a recipe on the website for chocolate chili.
Now drinking it is probably a "Sex with your pants on" type of thing. But it was not a problem food for me so it's a call I have made. This is the raw cocoa paste I use. http://www.omfoods.com/cacao-cocoa/organic-cacao-paste-raw-criollo/ (http://www.omfoods.com/cacao-cocoa/organic-cacao-paste-raw-criollo/)
And in my defense, plain chocolate isn't a problem food for me, either. It's delicious. But what I binge on are pre-packaged cookies and pastries. I'll think about making some hot cocoa your way. :) I'm not fully decided, but it's cold and snowy, and I'm out of tea... so that might win. :)) Thanks!!
Post by: swick on January 26, 2016, 06:18:48 PM
:OOOOOOOWait. This is a very important question.
Raw cocoa powder, like baking chocolate, is on the Whole30 list!?!?!?
As long as it doesn't have any sweeteners, thickeners, milk products. They have a recipe on the website for chocolate chili.
Now drinking it is probably a "Sex with your pants on" type of thing. But it was not a problem food for me so it's a call I have made. This is the raw cocoa paste I use. http://www.omfoods.com/cacao-cocoa/organic-cacao-paste-raw-criollo/ (http://www.omfoods.com/cacao-cocoa/organic-cacao-paste-raw-criollo/)
And in my defense, plain chocolate isn't a problem food for me, either. It's delicious. But what I binge on are pre-packaged cookies and pastries. I'll think about making some hot cocoa your way. :) I'm not fully decided, but it's cold and snowy, and I'm out of tea... so that might win. :)) Thanks!!
if you do try it, just be aware of anything that might come up for you, it might be too similar that it triggers psychological cravings for the other stuff...Or you might be totally fine...Or you might decide that the taste isn't really what your going for. Never know unless you try. Do just be careful if you do that the cocoa doesn't have anything off list in it.
Post by: Orvell on January 26, 2016, 06:25:32 PM
if you do try it, just be aware of anything that might come up for you, it might be too similar that it triggers psychological cravings for the other stuff...Or you might be totally fine...Or you might decide that the taste isn't really what your going for. Never know unless you try. Do just be careful if you do that the cocoa doesn't have anything off list in it.Good cautions, thank you. :) I made some, it's nice, but it's certainly not, like, hitting any werid craving spots. XD It was a good experiment, but I doubt I'll try it again.
:D
Post by: swick on January 26, 2016, 07:10:28 PM
Post by: Orvell on January 27, 2016, 07:04:54 AM
It's a day. I'm tired because I stayed up too late and had to get up too early, but I got my lunch packed, and my smoothie drunk.
I'm not sure what the variables were, but I had the most incredibly productive night in a loooong time. o_O; Partially my own encroaching deadlines, partially maybe not having sugar issues any more? Who knows. :) But it was good, even if I was too jazzed from the art high to sleep.
Post by: swick on January 27, 2016, 07:22:55 AM
Day 9
It's a day. I'm tired because I stayed up too late and had to get up too early, but I got my lunch packed, and my smoothie drunk.
I'm not sure what the variables were, but I had the most incredibly productive night in a loooong time. o_O; Partially my own encroaching deadlines, partially maybe not having sugar issues any more? Who knows. :) But it was good, even if I was too jazzed from the art high to sleep.
Hey Orvell, sounds like you got your first taste of "Tiger Blood" :) The trick is to balance the newfound energy and mental clarity with some really good self-care and pacing. Establishing good sleep patterns is super important or you can get into a high/low cycle. The goal, I think, is constant sustained productive energy without having to pay for it the next day.
Your sleep patterns might change. I went from a life-long insomniac to sleeping a good 7-8 hours straight and in bed by 10:00 (with zero desire to stay up past that) I've shifted my creating to the early mornings, and it's ben so.much.better! Nothing like being able to start your day with a good couple of productive hours before the world rises.
Post by: Orvell on January 27, 2016, 07:35:45 AM
I *still* kinda feel the high buzz. XD While it felt great to be productive, I think that particular train is unsustainable. :) I'll get it figured out. But man, this tiger blood shit is the bomb!
Serious question for ya'll:
I'm showing art at a convention a few hours out of town in mid Feb. Which is awesome! I'm bunking with a bunch of artists to keep costs down...
BUT
How have you guys dealt with your Whole30 while out of your kitchen for a few days? I will be down there potentially Friday-Sunday... which is a lot of days. I can pack a cooler, and keep some stuff in the trunk of my car (hello midwest. The trunk is like an extra freezer, lol)
Have you guys had to do this before?
Post by: ketchup on January 27, 2016, 08:32:54 AM
Yeah, I definitely need to get on a track that won't peter out. I've historically been a morning person, getting up at 5-6 to do art before work. Then I stopped. Then I stopped doing art. This was also partially due to some anxiety and fearrrrr but also because I was tired. Last night I stayed up until almost midnight working on stuff, which is definitely not the norm. In fact... despite the fact that I'm running on 6 hours of sleep (not enough for me normally)Pack reheatable-in-microwave leftovers in a cooler. 5-day coolers are amazing and live up to the title if you don't already have a cooler. Ensure you will have a microwave available, or hell, bring one. Or eat your leftovers cold. If the food is spicy enough, it's almost not that different (sold this concept to myself, but not to my girlfriend). You can also pack emergency shelf-stable snacks like fruit, nuts, compliant Larabars (or homemade "Larabars" which are even tastier), or compliant beef sticks/jerky. Or simple cold stuff like hard-boiled eggs.
I *still* kinda feel the high buzz. XD While it felt great to be productive, I think that particular train is unsustainable. :) I'll get it figured out. But man, this tiger blood shit is the bomb!
Serious question for ya'll:
I'm showing art at a convention a few hours out of town in mid Feb. Which is awesome! I'm bunking with a bunch of artists to keep costs down...
BUT
How have you guys dealt with your Whole30 while out of your kitchen for a few days? I will be down there potentially Friday-Sunday... which is a lot of days. I can pack a cooler, and keep some stuff in the trunk of my car (hello midwest. The trunk is like an extra freezer, lol)
Have you guys had to do this before?
My girlfriend travels a lot for business (photographer) and she's done all this before, from hotel rooms to tenting it to car camping to six-people-in-an-RV-with-the-AC-stuck-on-despite-being-50F-outside. If you can time things right, you can even bring a small slow cooker and make friends with everyone near your setup.
Post by: mom22boys on January 27, 2016, 12:02:56 PM
I'm not sure what's up this week. The chocolate cravings are FULL FORCE. About 30 minutes ago I wanted a hot chocolate so bad. Don't. Give. In. (and I didn't give in)Your willpower is like the Hulk!!
Thanks for the chuckle! My immediate thought was "I want to have the will power of the Hulk....just not look like the Hulk."
You totally got this for going out of town. In addition to Ketchup and GF, both 1967mama and I have successfully stayed on plan while traveling. Ketchup had great advice. Just plan and bring food with you. If you really want a hot meal, find a good steak house where you can get steak with a plain baked potato. Many times they will have clarified button (for seafood) that you can get for your potato. Of course this advice might ruin your budget though. :-) Some other ideas:
- tuna (maybe mayo in the cooler to add)
- avocados
- cherry tomatoes
I know I'm missing more. Here's a link to the Whole 30 downloads, which includes a travel guide with more ideas.
http://whole30.com/pdf-downloads/
You can do it!
Post by: 1967mama on January 27, 2016, 02:38:27 PM
I've gone back and found my food list from that weekend and will post it here:
218
Throw Down the Gauntlet / Re: Whole-30 Started as a challange, now an awesome group. Want to join us?
« on: October 24, 2015, 08:25:00 PM »
I just thought of this - I will type out what I brought in case it might help someone else out one day:
How I Ate Whole30 in a Hotel Room
This trip was a two hour drive from home. I brought a small cooler that would hold 12 cans of pop as my refrigerator with ice packs. Will refill tonite with hotel ice as my ice packs thaw. I also brought a zippered bag for dry goods and cans. Also in the bag is a set of cutlery, a can opener, a bowl to eat my
Big salad in and a tea towel for drying my dishes.
-applesauce cups
-can of tuna and salmon
-1/2 bag of washed and torn romaine lettuce
-cooked chicken breast
-box of heirloom tomatoes
-ziploc container of mushrooms
-almonds
-pecans
-medjool dates
-coconut
-bananas, kiwis and apples in plastic box to protect them
-small glass jar of Olive oil and balsamic vinegar
-Lara bars
-herbal and regular tea
-can of pineapple
-4 hardboiled eggs
-1 package compliant prosciutto
-coconut
-raisins
-almond butter
-compliant coconut water with pineapple juice
Post by: ZiziPB on January 27, 2016, 07:50:16 PM
Anyone else interested in starting on February 1?
Post by: swick on January 27, 2016, 09:16:01 PM
I am really intrigued by the idea of Whole 30. Considering doing it in February because I feel like I lost control of my eating. I also want to see if I what I eat has something to do with my allergies and chronic nasal congestion and irritation. Planning to spend the next few days reading and preparing.
Anyone else interested in starting on February 1?
Hey, ZiziPB! On my first go round, I discovered that my chronic nasal congestion (that I have had since I was a child) was a dairy issue. I didn't actually know I could breathe fully through my nose!
I'm not sure about doing another whole 30 (just finishing up one) but I'm sticking fairly close to it as a general way of eating, and there will be lots of support here for you!
Post by: ZiziPB on January 28, 2016, 07:28:36 AM
I am really intrigued by the idea of Whole 30. Considering doing it in February because I feel like I lost control of my eating. I also want to see if I what I eat has something to do with my allergies and chronic nasal congestion and irritation. Planning to spend the next few days reading and preparing.
Anyone else interested in starting on February 1?
Hey, ZiziPB! On my first go round, I discovered that my chronic nasal congestion (that I have had since I was a child) was a dairy issue. I didn't actually know I could breathe fully through my nose!
I'm not sure about doing another whole 30 (just finishing up one) but I'm sticking fairly close to it as a general way of eating, and there will be lots of support here for you!
Thank you swick. How long did it take for your congestion to clear? I have suffered from a runny nose and sinus issues all my life but never tried eliminating dairy.
I am slowly working through this thread and trying to wrap my head around black coffee (is there an approved substitute for milk? I actually don't like sweet tasting coffee, so I will be all set if I can find a good substitute for milk) and eating a lot of meat (I'm like you were - using meat mostly as a flavor enhancer).
I quit drinking alcohol almost 6 months ago but unfortunately have filled the gap with lots of sugary treats and carbs which are doing me no favors in my middle age :-) At this point I feel like I really need a radical change because everything else I've tried is an utter failure for me.
Post by: swick on January 28, 2016, 07:59:52 AM
Thank you swick. How long did it take for your congestion to clear? I have suffered from a runny nose and sinus issues all my life but never tried eliminating dairy.
I am slowly working through this thread and trying to wrap my head around black coffee (is there an approved substitute for milk? I actually don't like sweet tasting coffee, so I will be all set if I can find a good substitute for milk) and eating a lot of meat (I'm like you were - using meat mostly as a flavor enhancer).
I quit drinking alcohol almost 6 months ago but unfortunately have filled the gap with lots of sugary treats and carbs which are doing me no favors in my middle age :-) At this point I feel like I really need a radical change because everything else I've tried is an utter failure for me.
It took me...ohh a week or two? I don't really remember. What I have noticed is that now that it is out of my system the results are pretty consistent. If I have dairy for supper I'll start to plug up and generally have a shitty sleep because my nose is plugged and my throat is scratchy and the pressure builds up. Then once I get up and moving the next day things are back to normal. It has played out the same way, so I at least know what to expect now. I still have a little dairy now and then knowing this. The interesting thing is, with having dairy every day, I was never free from it long enough to actually realize that it might be a contributing factor to anything. The possibility never occurred to me.
It isn't like the gluten/wheat that makes my Fibro systems flair and I feel like I got hit by a truck for a couple of days. NOTHING that is edible is worth that!
RE: COFFEE - a spoonful of coconut oil and a splash of coconut milk in coffee (I blend mine up with an immersion blender, it gets frothy like a latte) Is how I have been doing non-dairy coffee, I really love it! Also, I have made my own Pecan Milk and used that as well, it is not a "substitute" but it is a nice addition on its own. If you are not trying to get the lactose "sweetness" of the milk, you have a lot more options!
RE: MEAT - It takes a bit of getting use to, I'm not really all that sure that our meat consumption has skyrocketed. It has gone up a bit, but I am finding between the addition of coconut oil and more veggies to our diet, the meat hasn't gone up as much as we thought it would. We definitely used more when we started out first whole 30, but it has definitely tapered off as we have gotten more use to and comfortable cooking with a lot of veggies.
Also, I think we are eating less food overall, it is higher quality, more nutritious and more satisfying so we need to eat less.
Post by: swick on January 28, 2016, 08:01:20 AM
Post by: Philociraptor on January 28, 2016, 08:22:55 AM
Post by: Orvell on January 28, 2016, 08:59:07 AM
Thank you to 1967mama, mom22boys, and ketchup for the traveling Whole30 ideas! I'm feeling re-invigorated, and a little excited to plan it out. ^__^
ZiziPB, I won't be starting Feb1st, but I'll still be in my first Whole30 at that time. We'll be on different cars of the same train. :)
In Whole30 news:
My awesome tiger blood fizzled into less awesome sleepy cat, which while expected still was an "awwww" moment. I'm hoping to get it back today, as I have much to do. (Soo much to do)
I explained this plan to my friend, mentioning I'm using it to help with my intermitenet binge eating habits. She confessed she does that too sometimes but, "I would never give up sugar to deal with it!"
Her loss.
Post by: ZiziPB on January 28, 2016, 09:37:26 AM
Things that I need to figure out and keep in mind when planning my meals:
- milk substitute for my morning coffee (thanks for the coconut milk/oil idea, swick - I will try it)
- portable breakfast ideas for my gym days (need something I can take with me and eat in the office after my workout). One option is 2 hard boiled eggs with some mayo (need to make some this weekend), V8 juice and a banana. Any other suggestions?
- make clarified butter this weekend
- remember to increase good fat intake - my basic diet tends to be fairly low fat so I need to change my mindset and ingrained habits
Post by: Orvell on January 28, 2016, 10:09:41 AM
Post by: ZiziPB on January 28, 2016, 10:29:28 AM
ZiziPB: A portable breakfast I do most work days (I eat after I walk to work not before) is a smoothie. My go-to is: kale, spinach, a generous pile of flax, an orange, some frozen fruit, some ginger, a spoonful of coconut milk. Throw in an ice chunk or two after it's blended, and you have yourself a portable breakfast!
Thanks, but I should have mentioned that I don't own a blender. I used to have a stick blender but it died and I haven't replaced it.
Post by: Orvell on January 28, 2016, 10:52:01 AM
In other news, it's interesting how I feel like my hunger levels have stopped being insane. Pre-this-experiment I would get realllllly fucking hungry, eat too much, and then be realllllly fucking full and feel gross. Probably mostly just due to the fiber content, that's not happening. There's only so much you CAN eat before you feel done. I'm also being better about eating a high quality breakfast. Today it was a hardboiled egg, some fruit, and some cashews. :)
I just sorta realized sitting at my desk today that I'm not clawing at the computer waiting to bust into my food. I'm ready for it, but in that gentle, "you could use some food now" way, not the, "holy jesus put it in your face," way.
I like it.
Post by: ZiziPB on January 28, 2016, 11:08:25 AM
Huh! Well, if you decide to get one, I can say mine has gotten fairly constant use in the 1.5 years I've had it. :)
In other news, it's interesting how I feel like my hunger levels have stopped being insane. Pre-this-experiment I would get realllllly fucking hungry, eat too much, and then be realllllly fucking full and feel gross. Probably mostly just due to the fiber content, that's not happening. There's only so much you CAN eat before you feel done. I'm also being better about eating a high quality breakfast. Today it was a hardboiled egg, some fruit, and some cashews. :)
I just sorta realized sitting at my desk today that I'm not clawing at the computer waiting to bust into my food. I'm ready for it, but in that gentle, "you could use some food now" way, not the, "holy jesus put it in your face," way.
I like it.
I'm trying not to buy any new kitchen gadgets (especially nothing electric) because I'm planning a move overseas in a couple of years.
Good to know that hunger levels stabilize on this plan. I'm the kind of person who is "always hungry" :-) Although I suspect that most of it is not really hunger but just a habit of constant snacking... It will be interesting to see if I can stick to 3 square meals a day if I change my way of eating.
Post by: mom22boys on January 28, 2016, 11:50:23 AM
In other news, it's interesting how I feel like my hunger levels have stopped being insane. Pre-this-experiment I would get realllllly fucking hungry, eat too much, and then be realllllly fucking full and feel gross. Probably mostly just due to the fiber content, that's not happening. There's only so much you CAN eat before you feel done. I'm also being better about eating a high quality breakfast. Today it was a hardboiled egg, some fruit, and some cashews. :)
I just sorta realized sitting at my desk today that I'm not clawing at the computer waiting to bust into my food. I'm ready for it, but in that gentle, "you could use some food now" way, not the, "holy jesus put it in your face," way.
I like it.
Orvell - I think we're sisters! LOL You described my pre-Whole 30 days to a T.
One thing I should mention. Smoothies/protein drinks are technically NOT supposed to be part of your Whole 30. The reason is that they become SWYPO for most people. They totally were for me! Now, I'm NOT going say that Orvell, you should stop having your smoothies, because only you can determine whether it's SWYPO or not for you. :-) They have a similar rule for pancakes or desserts in general. There are many paleo recipes that technically follow the permitted ingredients of the Whole 30, but are too much like the 'real deal'. That means your not breaking your dependency on those vices for the future. The book can explain this WAYYYY better than me, so I hope I did it justice.
ZiziPB - For breakfast, I will often make a couple recipes from NomNomPaleo. One is her Prosciutto wrapped mini frittatas and the other is her Spicy tuna cakes. They are great for grabbing on the go. You can find them here, along with a bunch of other Whole 30 ideas: http://nomnompaleo.com/post/42057515329/the-round-up-30-days-of-whole30-recipes
One other tip is to remember that breakfast is really just another meal. It doesn't have to be 'breakfasty' food only. That's why I also do the tuna cakes.
Post by: Orvell on January 28, 2016, 11:58:16 AM
Huh!
I get the "paleo versions of things" issue. I really do. Pancakes and desserts that are "healthy" still emphasize the same eating patterns and don't actually help you break any cycles *nods* It's the same reasons people with alcohol issues are told not to just witch to alcohol free beer. It doesn't solve the root habit.
I guess I'm not clear on how a smoothie qualifies? What is it emulating that is unhealthy?
Post by: ZiziPB on January 28, 2016, 11:59:54 AM
Post by: ZiziPB on January 28, 2016, 12:01:28 PM
I get to say "huh" again!
Huh!
I get the "paleo versions of things" issue. I really do. Pancakes and desserts that are "healthy" still emphasize the same eating patterns and don't actually help you break any cycles *nods* It's the same reasons people with alcohol issues are told not to just witch to alcohol free beer. It doesn't solve the root habit.
I guess I'm not clear on how a smoothie qualifies? What is it emulating that is unhealthy?
As I understand it (and I'm totally new to this, so please excuse me if the answer is ignorant), it's something about not drinking your food. You're supposed to eat it (meaning chew it).
Post by: mom22boys on January 28, 2016, 12:02:36 PM
UPDATES? How is everyone doing?
Forgot a few things on my last post! Thankfully my sugar dragon is retreating in defeat (Go Hulk!). But, my son's birthday is on Monday, February 1, which is after day 30. I'm not sure whether I'll partake in a little sweets for ONLY that day or not. Either way I'm going to continue with mostly Whole 30. I'm really trying to figure out still how to move forward. Some ideas I've been playing around with are:
- Do PURE Whole 30 always at home, but allow some minor cheats when going out
- Do Whole 30 with only trace amounts of sugar, but allow minor cheats when going out
From my previous reintros, I haven't noticed dramatic issues with most foods other than sugar. Once I start with sugar, it's full throttle forward. If I do have a little cheat on Monday, it will be back to full NO sugar on Tuesday. Since I don't have huge issues with other foods, I need to think more about other options to add to this list.
Orvell - Just saw your post. Let me see if I can find some better explanations on the Whole 30 site for you about smoothies. I might not be until tonight, since lunch is over and I have a ton of work to get done.
Post by: CryingInThePool on January 28, 2016, 03:54:48 PM
One thing I will say is don't be afraid to buy the right supplies. In my first go round of W30 I wouldn't have made it between work and life commitments if I had to make all the sauces/flavor myself. I totally bought the Ghee, Red Boat, Coconut Aminos, an emerision blender, fancy salts and spices. I tried to be frugal where i could like getting my spice grinder (for NomNoms Magic Mushroom) at goodwill but overall i didn't sweat the investment. Nor in buying more organic and grass fed options. If I was going to be eating the skins of kiwis, it was worth it. Even the Whole Food buffet was acceptable if it was compliant regardless of cost. I put my effort into planning appropriately but not necessarily in making everything from scratch.
Anybody Else- out there contemplating a longer W30 I'll say that until reading this thread today it didn't occur to me that January W30 was wrapping up. Which was pretty shocking to me. On my last 2 W30s I was so hyper aware of when I could have a glass of wine and some Thai food again that the last week felt sooooo long. Knowing that I'm only a third of the way through has definitely prevented most of that whole 'when it's over I can have X again' attitude.
I'll see how I feel in March but I consider the putting off of those thoughts even if only for a month or two hugely successful. Hopefully the other expected benefit of a W90 will kick in, automatic food choices, but I'll have to wait to report back on that one. :)
Post by: Orvell on January 29, 2016, 07:32:02 AM
Specifically, I need help brainstorming themed party food that I can eat. :O Specifically-specifically, we're talking about a Star Wars party (for adults).
Originally I came up with fun things involving alcohol and sugar. These things are now out. Anyone have any great ideas?
I'm thinking I can make a lime seltzer water thing that can be "swamp water" for Yoda... I was going to do chocolate dipped pretzel sticks as light sabers. Maybe carrots instead? That feels pretty boring...
Help me Obi Whole30 Kenobi. You're my only hope.
Post by: ZiziPB on January 29, 2016, 07:55:13 AM
ZiZiPB - I'm doing the W90 this time round so while I won't be starting out with you I'm still on-board for February.
One thing I will say is don't be afraid to buy the right supplies. In my first go round of W30 I wouldn't have made it between work and life commitments if I had to make all the sauces/flavor myself. I totally bought the Ghee, Red Boat, Coconut Aminos, an emerision blender, fancy salts and spices. I tried to be frugal where i could like getting my spice grinder (for NomNoms Magic Mushroom) at goodwill but overall i didn't sweat the investment. Nor in buying more organic and grass fed options. If I was going to be eating the skins of kiwis, it was worth it. Even the Whole Food buffet was acceptable if it was compliant regardless of cost. I put my effort into planning appropriately but not necessarily in making everything from scratch.
Anybody Else- out there contemplating a longer W30 I'll say that until reading this thread today it didn't occur to me that January W30 was wrapping up. Which was pretty shocking to me. On my last 2 W30s I was so hyper aware of when I could have a glass of wine and some Thai food again that the last week felt sooooo long. Knowing that I'm only a third of the way through has definitely prevented most of that whole 'when it's over I can have X again' attitude.
I'll see how I feel in March but I consider the putting off of those thoughts even if only for a month or two hugely successful. Hopefully the other expected benefit of a W90 will kick in, automatic food choices, but I'll have to wait to report back on that one. :)
Thanks CryingInThePool - maybe I am underestimating this program, but I just don't feel like a I need anything special to do it. I have a wide variety of spices in my cupboard that I use on regular basis. I am a competent and adventurous cook, so I feel very comfortable making my own mayo, aioli or clarified butter (and I will enjoy the process). The immersion blender I used to own went mostly unused in recent years - I bought it and used it when my daughter (now 22 YO) was a baby to make baby food for her. She recently found it in one of my drawers and tried to use it herself only to discover that it was dead ;-) So I'm not likely to start needing one just because I'm on Whole30.
Again, maybe I'm naive but I just don't see that this way of eating is really so different than what I normally do anyway - just skip the sugar and the carbs. I think the biggest issue for me will be giving up sweets, dairy and oatmeal :-)
Post by: mom22boys on January 29, 2016, 11:17:10 AM
I get to say "huh" again!
Huh!
I get the "paleo versions of things" issue. I really do. Pancakes and desserts that are "healthy" still emphasize the same eating patterns and don't actually help you break any cycles *nods* It's the same reasons people with alcohol issues are told not to just witch to alcohol free beer. It doesn't solve the root habit.
I guess I'm not clear on how a smoothie qualifies? What is it emulating that is unhealthy?
Sorry this is a little late. Here's a couple quotes from the official Whole 30 'Can I have' guide about smoothies and protein shakes...with the link at the end if you want to read the whole thing.
Protein Shakes: Almost Always No
Almost all protein powders (like whey, casein, soy, or pea) contain off-limit ingredients. Besides, anything you can get from protein powder (except maybe chemical extractives, added sweeteners and strange-sounding isolates) you can get from whole foods during your Whole30. In addition, formulated and processed meal-replacement shakes like Shakeology or Visalus are always off-limits. These products don’t even come close to our definition of real, whole food—and they’re packed with off-plan ingredients like pea protein and stevia. However, protein powder from approved ingredients like crickets (in Chapul bars) or 100% egg white are allowed on the Whole30, provided they contain no sweeteners. As always, though, liquid food is still not encouraged. Got it? Tip: We want you to spend a month learning to appreciate real food, how it tastes, the work it takes to prepare, and how it works in your body. You can have your shaker cup back in 30 days; for now, focus on starchy veggies and lean protein after a workout. Hard-boiled eggs, compliant deli meat, smoked salmon, or tuna are easy, portable protein sources to take with you to the gym.
Smoothies: We’d rather you didn’t
This is a very popular question, with a very unpopular answer. Smoothies (generally made using lots of fruit) are technically compliant on your Whole30, but we strongly recommend against it. Food that you drink sends different satiety signals to your brain than food that you chew. So when you drink your meal, your brain isn’t getting the feedback it needs to tell your body that it’s had enough of what it needs. Plus, smoothies are generally really fruit-heavy, and starting your day off with a liquid sugar-bomb sets you up for cravings, hunger, and volatile energy levels throughout the day. In summary, we’d rather you just eat the food, and skip the smoothie. - See more at: http://whole30.com/2013/06/the-official-can-i-have-guide-to-the-whole30/#sthash.mVk5cZa7.dpuf
Post by: swick on January 29, 2016, 11:53:47 AM
How long do you have till your party? Is this something you want to do totally on budget? Just wondering because Thinkgeek (and probably other online retailers have some neat things) Adorable R2D2 bento boxes...ice cube molds that could be used for all types of things...little pats of Han Solo in carbonite clarified butter for a baked potato bar? Death Star ice cubes for a Dagoba "swamp" punch? Homemade complient-ish gummies... (I might admit to having these molds)
How are your carving Skills? The idea of a carved Watermelon death star fruit salad centerpiece popped into my head. Grab a round watermelon chop in half, scoop out the flesh, carve the outside to look like two halves of the death start (top and bottom) place fruit salad in the middle so you can open it up to serve after everyone ogles it.
Could you draw or print out some alliance or imperial symbol stencils that you could use to dust the top of some no chickpea hummous or other complaint dip with? Then you could make the logo with Paprika or other colorful tasty spice on the top of the dip.
If you don't really like your friends you could take some various innards and make some Ton-Ton Surprise Soup. Maybe based on Tripe Soup? There are some good Turkish recipes, not something I have ever been a fan of that though...
ohh and because compliant and awesome...Wookie bacon hashbrowns!!http://www.carrieelle.com/star-wars-breakfast-ideas-tie-fighter-eggs-anyone#_a5y_p=2867648 (http://www.carrieelle.com/star-wars-breakfast-ideas-tie-fighter-eggs-anyone#_a5y_p=2867648)
Ohhh....you could make Dagoba (green) or Tatooine (brown) marbled eggs, split them and make deviled eggs!
Post by: Orvell on January 29, 2016, 01:33:18 PM
I get to say "huh" again!
Huh!
I get the "paleo versions of things" issue. I really do. Pancakes and desserts that are "healthy" still emphasize the same eating patterns and don't actually help you break any cycles *nods* It's the same reasons people with alcohol issues are told not to just witch to alcohol free beer. It doesn't solve the root habit.
I guess I'm not clear on how a smoothie qualifies? What is it emulating that is unhealthy?
Sorry this is a little late. Here's a couple quotes from the official Whole 30 'Can I have' guide about smoothies and protein shakes...with the link at the end if you want to read the whole thing.
Protein Shakes: Almost Always No
Almost all protein powders (like whey, casein, soy, or pea) contain off-limit ingredients. Besides, anything you can get from protein powder (except maybe chemical extractives, added sweeteners and strange-sounding isolates) you can get from whole foods during your Whole30. In addition, formulated and processed meal-replacement shakes like Shakeology or Visalus are always off-limits. These products don’t even come close to our definition of real, whole food—and they’re packed with off-plan ingredients like pea protein and stevia. However, protein powder from approved ingredients like crickets (in Chapul bars) or 100% egg white are allowed on the Whole30, provided they contain no sweeteners. As always, though, liquid food is still not encouraged. Got it? Tip: We want you to spend a month learning to appreciate real food, how it tastes, the work it takes to prepare, and how it works in your body. You can have your shaker cup back in 30 days; for now, focus on starchy veggies and lean protein after a workout. Hard-boiled eggs, compliant deli meat, smoked salmon, or tuna are easy, portable protein sources to take with you to the gym.
Smoothies: We’d rather you didn’t
This is a very popular question, with a very unpopular answer. Smoothies (generally made using lots of fruit) are technically compliant on your Whole30, but we strongly recommend against it. Food that you drink sends different satiety signals to your brain than food that you chew. So when you drink your meal, your brain isn’t getting the feedback it needs to tell your body that it’s had enough of what it needs. Plus, smoothies are generally really fruit-heavy, and starting your day off with a liquid sugar-bomb sets you up for cravings, hunger, and volatile energy levels throughout the day. In summary, we’d rather you just eat the food, and skip the smoothie. - See more at: http://whole30.com/2013/06/the-official-can-i-have-guide-to-the-whole30/#sthash.mVk5cZa7.dpuf
Thanks for looking that up for me! It makes sense on the fruit side of things for sure. :)
I think I'll keep on making mine, but it's definitely something to keep in mind. Maybe when I do my next one I'll try it without them. I try to make my smoothies at least half greens and stopped using bananas in them specifically because of the sugar content. I appreciate the intel!
Post by: Orvell on January 29, 2016, 01:34:39 PM
Hey Orvell,Oh! These are all *great* ideas! :D I'm short on time and (always) on a budget, but some of these I can toootally do.
How long do you have till your party? Is this something you want to do totally on budget? Just wondering because Thinkgeek (and probably other online retailers have some neat things) Adorable R2D2 bento boxes...ice cube molds that could be used for all types of things...little pats of Han Solo in carbonite clarified butter for a baked potato bar? Death Star ice cubes for a Dagoba "swamp" punch? Homemade complient-ish gummies... (I might admit to having these molds)
How are your carving Skills? The idea of a carved Watermelon death star fruit salad centerpiece popped into my head. Grab a round watermelon chop in half, scoop out the flesh, carve the outside to look like two halves of the death start (top and bottom) place fruit salad in the middle so you can open it up to serve after everyone ogles it.
Could you draw or print out some alliance or imperial symbol stencils that you could use to dust the top of some no chickpea hummous or other complaint dip with? Then you could make the logo with Paprika or other colorful tasty spice on the top of the dip.
If you don't really like your friends you could take some various innards and make some Ton-Ton Surprise Soup. Maybe based on Tripe Soup? There are some good Turkish recipes, not something I have ever been a fan of that though...
ohh and because compliant and awesome...Wookie bacon hashbrowns!!http://www.carrieelle.com/star-wars-breakfast-ideas-tie-fighter-eggs-anyone#_a5y_p=2867648 (http://www.carrieelle.com/star-wars-breakfast-ideas-tie-fighter-eggs-anyone#_a5y_p=2867648)
Ohhh....you could make Dagoba (green) or Tatooine (brown) marbled eggs, split them and make deviled eggs!
You are awesome! And creative!!
Post by: Orvell on January 29, 2016, 07:42:54 PM
I'm finishing up Day 11 and the food bordem is setting in. Came home from work and made pumpkin soup. It was fine. I even put extra coconut oil in it to make it more filling.
But god damn it if I don't want a tumbler of whisky and a pile of cookies.
The moral of this story is that my willpower is holding. And I'm going to try to cook something interesting this weekend.
I mentioned earlier that I haven't cooked meat (not really) in several years. I think it might be time to change that. I think I'll start with chicken since it seems the least scary. Or maybe bacon (because I've always had a weak spot for that). Basically the eggs and sardines are getting hella old. I miss my beans.
Anyone have any favorite low-effort but awesome-result "baby's first try at cooking meat in several years" recipes they want to share? :) Specifically for chicken related ideas. I have a crock pot! And I've gotten over (almost....) the fact that my monthly food budget is higher than normal. I'm accepting that.
:) Thanks guys. You all are really wonderful.
Post by: jordanread on January 29, 2016, 08:15:20 PM
Post by: 1967mama on January 30, 2016, 12:57:19 AM
http://thehealthyfoodie.com/easy-mediterranean-chicken/
Post by: swick on January 31, 2016, 10:24:18 AM
Who is starting a Whole 30 In Feb?
I don't think I'm in for a strict Whole 30, but planning on developing the long-term Whole 30 inspired lifestyle.
Did some meal planning and prep for the week, I find when I don't my whole week goes for a shit, so I need to stay in top of it.
This week:
Lamb Stew is in the crockpot
Nom-Nom's prosciutto wrapped mini frittatas are cooling
Making some double stuffed "green" potatoes for Hubby's lunch for the week
Roasting squash and eggplant so I can easily make Babaganoosh and some Ragatooie later in the week.
What does everyone else have planned food wise for the upcomming week?
Need to plan some more breakfast stuff, but it is a good start :)
Post by: horsepoor on January 31, 2016, 11:17:08 AM
I've been doing smoothies and yogurt for breakfast more lately, in part because I want to use up my bag of whey protein and stash of frozen fruit, and in part because I've learned to make yogurt and it's awesome. BUT I'm going to trend back to either fasting until lunchtime, or eating a more paleo breakfast once the current batch of yogurt is gone.
Swick, please tell me more about these green potatoes!
Post by: swick on January 31, 2016, 11:26:02 AM
Swick, please tell me more about these green potatoes!
Bake potatoes (russets) scoop out the flesh, mix with some chopped up steamed broccoli (the green) and whatever other sauteed veggies and meatbits happen to be in the fridge and cheese if you are eating it. At the very least I always add roasted red peppers and green onion. Season to taste. I usually do salt, pepper and smoked paprika. I have some rosemary mild Italian sausage I'll add to this batch. Then put the filling into the scooped out potatoes and give them another quick bake.
They reheat well and freeze well. Good for using up leftovers and having a quick alternative for Hubby's lunches. - Basically, they are double baked stuffed potatoes. Hubby grew up calling them "green" potatoes and the name has stuck.
Post by: MandalayVA on January 31, 2016, 11:46:18 AM
Today is Day One. I made avocado oil mayo and unsweetened vanilla cinnamon almond milk (I used a vanilla bean, not extract; the milk is pretty good). My one worry was butter, which I love, but last year I got a box from the Clothes Make the Girl site which contained a jar of grass-fed ghee. I cooked my scrambled eggs with a teaspoon of the ghee this morning and the ghee tasted FANTASTIC. It'll be interesting to see how the ghee is on my planned steamed broccoli for dinner tonight--roasting some chicken to go with the broccoli.
I've already eliminated alcohol; I haven't had any since New Year's (this is BIG). I don't drink coffee, and I like my food pretty plain, even as I have a bowl of leftover Swiss steak in my fridge that I'll probably pair with steamed cauliflower to take for lunch tomorrow.
Let's see how it goes, kids.
Post by: horsepoor on January 31, 2016, 12:38:09 PM
Swick, please tell me more about these green potatoes!
Bake potatoes (russets) scoop out the flesh, mix with some chopped up steamed broccoli (the green) and whatever other sauteed veggies and meatbits happen to be in the fridge and cheese if you are eating it. At the very least I always add roasted red peppers and green onion. Season to taste. I usually do salt, pepper and smoked paprika. I have some rosemary mild Italian sausage I'll add to this batch. Then put the filling into the scooped out potatoes and give them another quick bake.
They reheat well and freeze well. Good for using up leftovers and having a quick alternative for Hubby's lunches. - Basically, they are double baked stuffed potatoes. Hubby grew up calling them "green" potatoes and the name has stuck.
Oh, that sounds great (and cheap), thanks!
Post by: spuggy on January 31, 2016, 12:41:06 PM
Guys, I MADE IT TO THE END! Today is the last day for me too, and it has been SO informative (see my previous posts). On top of the other non-scale victories, I lost some weight too (about 6lbs), which is good enough for me.
I'm going to start s-l-o-w-l-y introducing some whole grains and legumes back in next week, so have made the chocolate chilli again but added kidney beans into it, and made a beef curry with a paste that contains maize flour. I'm going to have porridge for breakfast tomorrow and see how it goes. As for sugar, I may have a little chocolate as the week goes on, or I may not. I'm easy either way, which is amazing for me.
Swick, those green potatoes sound lush and are on my "to make" list :-)
Post by: MandalayVA on January 31, 2016, 01:58:30 PM
Post by: swick on January 31, 2016, 02:02:41 PM
So awesome! What was your biggest take away from going through the Whole 30? Also, what is your re-intro plan? It is definitely the murkiest part. Please let us know how it goes and what your experiences are!
MandalayVA - looking forward to hearing how you do, please keep us posted and use the group for support and info!
Post by: ZiziPB on January 31, 2016, 03:15:00 PM
Post by: Orvell on February 01, 2016, 08:40:39 AM
It is my Day 14
I have been experiencing The Cravings. It'd been awhile. I had brunch with buddies at a great spot in town, and watched them eat morning bun french toast. I about wanted to stab it out of their mouths. My fried eggs were perfectly fine, but dammmmmmn that sugary bread looked amazing.
I resisted.
I probably over-ate this weekend to compensate, but it was all on-the-list food.
Lunch today is leftover roasted root veggies (beets, sweet potatoes, parsnips, and yellow taters) and tuna salad with home-made mayo to be served on spinach.
Tonight. There will be. BACON.
Post by: ZiziPB on February 01, 2016, 08:44:18 AM
The mayo I made was delicious on hard boiled eggs this morning :-) And my cat was absolutely thrilled last night with a little taste of the butter solids I strained from the clarified butter I made. Coconut coffee is definitely an acquired taste... And what is up with no chewing gum on this plan??? I had to put away my Trident. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to deal with that?
Post by: swick on February 01, 2016, 08:59:16 AM
One thing I did have to do was tell my family and friends that if I say no, I mean it, and please don't offer it again. I have noticed that people assuage their own guilt at bad eating habits by trying to get you to join them. Or perhaps they are just trying to be nice - but every time you have to make a decision to not eat something it does take a little bit of will power, so by asking again and again if you want "just a taste" it really can impact you.
ZiziPB - yeah straight coconut milk in coffee is an acquired taste. I know you don't want to buy an immersion blender, but I tell you being able to aerate the coffee with a little coconut milk and coconut oil makes it a totally different experience. Kt is also super handy for making very small amounts of fresh mayo and mayo based salad dressings. Great for mixing up the flavours and keeping it interesting.
RE CHEWING GUM: I think it is because chewing gum stimulates your digestive process and basically keeps it "on" which can be distressing while you are trying to heal and repair. Substitute: Drink water. or mint tea if you want the minty flavour.
Post by: MandalayVA on February 01, 2016, 09:06:48 AM
Taking the gelatin in a banana/almond milk smoothie (half a frozen banana, 10 ounces of almond milk) worked, but I think cold seltzer might work too.
Eggs scrambled in ghee, leftover zucchini and the smoothie for breakfast; Swiss steak, cauliflower and a small apple for lunch; two roasted chicken drumsticks and broccoli for dinner.
Post by: ZiziPB on February 01, 2016, 09:11:27 AM
I hear you, Orvell. I had a couple of days like that where I had to stop myself from reaching across the table and plucking something out of someones hand. It does get easier though, and eventually, you'll get a little thrill from having the self-control and mastery of being able to say "no"
One thing I did have to do was tell my family and friends that if I say no, I mean it, and please don't offer it again. I have noticed that people assuage their own guilt at bad eating habits by trying to get you to join them. Or perhaps they are just trying to be nice - but every time you have to make a decision to not eat something it does take a little bit of will power, so by asking again and again if you want "just a taste" it really can impact you.
ZiziPB - yeah straight coconut milk in coffee is an acquired taste. I know you don't want to buy an immersion blender, but I tell you being able to aerate the coffee with a little coconut milk and coconut oil makes it a totally different experience. Kt is also super handy for making very small amounts of fresh mayo and mayo based salad dressings. Great for mixing up the flavours and keeping it interesting.
RE CHEWING GUM: I think it is because chewing gum stimulates your digestive process and basically keeps it "on" which can be distressing while you are trying to heal and repair. Substitute: Drink water. or mint tea if you want the minty flavour.
Thanks Swick! I used my milk frother for the coconut milk so the texture WAS nice. But I didn't care for the coconut taste and missed the creaminess of the milk (I normally use 2% milk, no sugar). Maybe I didn't put enough of it? I used TJ coconut milk from the can. Should I be adding oil to it too?
One good thing I noticed is that it didn't give me heartburn - I usually have my coffee, go to the gym and eat breakfast after working out. Most of the time by the end of my workout, I feel a bit of heartburn from the coffee with milk if I have it on an empty stomach.
Oh, and I made the mayo using my hand held mixer. Very easy.
Post by: swick on February 01, 2016, 09:20:56 AM
Thanks Swick! I used my milk frother for the coconut milk so the texture WAS nice. But I didn't care for the coconut taste and missed the creaminess of the milk (I normally use 2% milk, no sugar). Maybe I didn't put enough of it? I used TJ coconut milk from the can. Should I be adding oil to it too?
One good thing I noticed is that it didn't give me heartburn - I usually have my coffee, go to the gym and eat breakfast after working out. Most of the time by the end of my workout, I feel a bit of heartburn from the coffee with milk if I have it on an empty stomach.
Oh, and I made the mayo using my hand held mixer. Very easy.
I find the coconut oil helps with the "creamy" mouthfeel. Also, it helps keep you full fo much longer. It might work if you melted it and did it in your frother. I know that just melted oil in coffee is not appetizing at all!
Post by: spuggy on February 01, 2016, 12:42:39 PM
Had a little piece of chocolate after my evening meal, with some almonds, and to be honest I preferred the almonds! I saved them until last! The chocolate was nice, but I don't think I'll be having any more this week - it's not worth potentially waking the sugar dragon up when it's happily asleep at the moment :-)
Hope everyone else's days are going well - Orvell, good job on resisting the brunch toast, think how much you're learning about your body and your mind's reactions to food. ZiziPB, awesome on the mayo, I still haven't mastered it! Wish I could get mayo without sugar in the shops, but no luck so far.
Post by: Orvell on February 01, 2016, 01:02:56 PM
Hello whole30-ers! Reintroduction is going okay so far, I had some porridge oats this morning for breakfast, and apart from sitting "heavy" in my stomach they didn't cause me any problems and kept me full until lunchtime. I think I prefer eggs for convenience and the way they make me feel, but it's good to know that non-gluten grains might be okay for me.
Had a little piece of chocolate after my evening meal, with some almonds, and to be honest I preferred the almonds! I saved them until last! The chocolate was nice, but I don't think I'll be having any more this week - it's not worth potentially waking the sugar dragon up when it's happily asleep at the moment :-)
Hope everyone else's days are going well - Orvell, good job on resisting the brunch toast, think how much you're learning about your body and your mind's reactions to food. ZiziPB, awesome on the mayo, I still haven't mastered it! Wish I could get mayo without sugar in the shops, but no luck so far.
Nice job on the reintroduction! That's a part of the process I'm a little scared of. Especially that sugar dragon... :)
And yes. That's a great way to frame it re: learning about yourself and food mental catches. :) It's funny how almonds are so prefect a 'treat' replacement. I'm eating some right now for my afternoon snack! :D
Post by: ZiziPB on February 02, 2016, 04:08:38 AM
Tried adding a bit of coconut oil to the coconut milk this morning - it works very well in the frother (I just poured in a bit of hot coffee into it to melt and mix it) and does help with the taste. I also added a sprinkle of cinnamon. I think I can live with it :-)
Thanks Swick! I used my milk frother for the coconut milk so the texture WAS nice. But I didn't care for the coconut taste and missed the creaminess of the milk (I normally use 2% milk, no sugar). Maybe I didn't put enough of it? I used TJ coconut milk from the can. Should I be adding oil to it too?
One good thing I noticed is that it didn't give me heartburn - I usually have my coffee, go to the gym and eat breakfast after working out. Most of the time by the end of my workout, I feel a bit of heartburn from the coffee with milk if I have it on an empty stomach.
Oh, and I made the mayo using my hand held mixer. Very easy.
I find the coconut oil helps with the "creamy" mouthfeel. Also, it helps keep you full fo much longer. It might work if you melted it and did it in your frother. I know that just melted oil in coffee is not appetizing at all!
Post by: horsepoor on February 02, 2016, 07:24:46 AM
Post by: ZiziPB on February 02, 2016, 07:33:29 AM
I have actually been doing straight coconut oil with my coffee instead of coconut milk. I switched over from butter for Whole30 and haven't gone back. It's an acquired taste if you're used to cream, but IMO, the coconut milk flavor clashed a bit with the coffee (and some brands tasted downright bad). The straight up fat makes it creamy enough for someone like me who's never been able to learn to enjoy black coffee.
Interesting. Is coffee with coconut oil more potent than coffee with milk? I had my usual 2 cups this morning (actually, I usually have 2 and a half cups), ate breakfast and felt all shaky as if I had caffeine overdose. This never happened to me before after my morning coffee. Also, my stomach feels quite unsettled.
Post by: horsepoor on February 02, 2016, 07:43:33 AM
Post by: swick on February 02, 2016, 07:46:06 AM
I have actually been doing straight coconut oil with my coffee instead of coconut milk. I switched over from butter for Whole30 and haven't gone back. It's an acquired taste if you're used to cream, but IMO, the coconut milk flavor clashed a bit with the coffee (and some brands tasted downright bad). The straight up fat makes it creamy enough for someone like me who's never been able to learn to enjoy black coffee.
Interesting. Is coffee with coconut oil more potent than coffee with milk? I had my usual 2 cups this morning (actually, I usually have 2 and a half cups), ate breakfast and felt all shaky as if I had caffeine overdose. This never happened to me before after my morning coffee. Also, my stomach feels quite unsettled.
Hey, ZiZiPB - I don't think it is any more potent, I actually lost my desire for coffee completely during my first whole 30. The unsettled tummy might be from other stuff going on, or it could be the coconut oil if you are not used to having any at all. I know if I have coconut oil straight I get queazy. Some people down it my the spoonful, I can't do that!
The cinnamon is a good idea, I usually use a little raw cocoa powder in mine to make it like a mocha.
Post by: ZiziPB on February 02, 2016, 08:19:47 AM
I have actually been doing straight coconut oil with my coffee instead of coconut milk. I switched over from butter for Whole30 and haven't gone back. It's an acquired taste if you're used to cream, but IMO, the coconut milk flavor clashed a bit with the coffee (and some brands tasted downright bad). The straight up fat makes it creamy enough for someone like me who's never been able to learn to enjoy black coffee.
Interesting. Is coffee with coconut oil more potent than coffee with milk? I had my usual 2 cups this morning (actually, I usually have 2 and a half cups), ate breakfast and felt all shaky as if I had caffeine overdose. This never happened to me before after my morning coffee. Also, my stomach feels quite unsettled.
Hey, ZiZiPB - I don't think it is any more potent, I actually lost my desire for coffee completely during my first whole 30. The unsettled tummy might be from other stuff going on, or it could be the coconut oil if you are not used to having any at all. I know if I have coconut oil straight I get queazy. Some people down it my the spoonful, I can't do that!
The cinnamon is a good idea, I usually use a little raw cocoa powder in mine to make it like a mocha.
You're probably right - my usual diet is pretty low fat. To be honest, I strongly dislike greasy or fatty food. So having to eat so much fat makes me feel queasy...
Post by: swick on February 02, 2016, 08:30:55 AM
I have actually been doing straight coconut oil with my coffee instead of coconut milk. I switched over from butter for Whole30 and haven't gone back. It's an acquired taste if you're used to cream, but IMO, the coconut milk flavor clashed a bit with the coffee (and some brands tasted downright bad). The straight up fat makes it creamy enough for someone like me who's never been able to learn to enjoy black coffee.
Interesting. Is coffee with coconut oil more potent than coffee with milk? I had my usual 2 cups this morning (actually, I usually have 2 and a half cups), ate breakfast and felt all shaky as if I had caffeine overdose. This never happened to me before after my morning coffee. Also, my stomach feels quite unsettled.
Hey, ZiZiPB - I don't think it is any more potent, I actually lost my desire for coffee completely during my first whole 30. The unsettled tummy might be from other stuff going on, or it could be the coconut oil if you are not used to having any at all. I know if I have coconut oil straight I get queazy. Some people down it my the spoonful, I c mocha.
You're probably right - my usual diet is pretty low fat. To be honest, I strongly dislike greasy or fatty food. So having to eat so much fat makes me feel queasy...
Start slow and give yourself time to adjust. Good fats are super important during whole 30 because you will probably find yourself going into Keto. You need the fat as fuel. Maybe you only use 1/2 a tsp at a time until you adjust to it.
Post by: ZiziPB on February 02, 2016, 08:38:57 AM
Start slow and give yourself time to adjust. Good fats are super important during whole 30 because you will probably find yourself going into Keto. You need the fat as fuel. Maybe you only use 1/2 a tsp at a time until you adjust to it.
I hope I can adjust. To be honest, I'm not feeling well at all this morning.
Post by: swick on February 02, 2016, 08:48:53 AM
Start slow and give yourself time to adjust. Good fats are super important during whole 30 because you will probably find yourself going into Keto. You need the fat as fuel. Maybe you only use 1/2 a tsp at a time until you adjust to it.
I hope I can adjust. To be honest, I'm not feeling well at all this morning.
Which day are you on, ZiziPB?
Post by: ZiziPB on February 02, 2016, 09:05:53 AM
Post by: Orvell on February 02, 2016, 09:13:59 AM
Day 2 only. Feeling like I'm having low blood sugar/too much caffeine type episode. Is that normal?:( I'm sorry you aren't feeling well.
For what it's worth, I had that weird head-fuzz feeling the first few days, too. It reminded me of how I felt when fasting; it probably IS your blood sugar having a party. For me, it balanced out.
Drink lots of water and be kind to yourself. :)
Post by: swick on February 02, 2016, 09:15:25 AM
Day 2 only. Feeling like I'm having low blood sugar/too much caffeine type episode. Is that normal?It can be, everyone follows a little bit different, but the timeline is pretty accurate. You're in the "hangover" stage. http://whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/ (http://whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/)
Also, feeling a little queasy at first is totally normal, your body is getting use to real food, still craving non-real food and your digestive system doesn't quite know what to do with it all. It might be that you don't want to drink coffee. When I did my first whole 30 after trying coffee for a couple of days, I switched to tea (you probably don't want to add caffeine withdrawal to everything else right now) and had coconut oil/milk buzzed tea.
Post by: swick on February 02, 2016, 09:16:40 AM
Post by: ZiziPB on February 02, 2016, 09:23:15 AM
I'll try switching to tea in the morning. Thankfully, I drink my tea black or with a slice of lemon, so I don't have to bother with figuring out a milk substitute.
ETA: does anyone know if you can do a low fat Whole30? I have done well in the past on South Beach diet - feeling well and losing some weight.
Post by: Orvell on February 02, 2016, 09:24:30 AM
How are you doing, Orvell?DAY 15!
I'm good!
I'm ... waiting for that tiger blood to come back. XD It went MIA after that one awesome time... Currently just chugging along. Had a rough start (fire alarm for my entire building went off before 6AM and so me and my cat stood in the cold while the fire department cleared all three floors and 60 units. Fun.) and ate a weird breakfast because of it. A tin of kipper snacks and half a potato. XD Not ideal, but it worked.
These last few days I've felt like I've been over-eating. I think it's because I'm trying to combat cravings. Not ideal, but better than giving in? :)
Current soda water triumph is bubbly water + a lime slice and mint leaves. Stellar. When I get my Costco reimbursement check thing, I'm 100% buying a soda stream. XD
I read a recipe online for home-made larabars using dates and cashews. I might try to make and freeze a batch of those. Still brainstorming ideas for Whole30 while traveling. :)
How are YOU doing, Swick?
Post by: Orvell on February 02, 2016, 09:25:29 AM
Thanks Swick & Orvell. So, the hangover!!! Didn't think I would experience this as I don't drink alcohol or soda...I didn't think I'd have it either, since I was ~mostly~ healthy before this, just ... sometimes Really Not. But... It seems to be pretty universal! No sugar = sledgehammer to the brain.
I'll try switching to tea in the morning. Thankfully, I drink my tea black or with a slice of lemon, so I don't have to bother with figuring out a milk substitute.
Post by: swick on February 02, 2016, 09:29:31 AM
Thanks Swick & Orvell. So, the hangover!!! Didn't think I would experience this as I don't drink alcohol or soda...
I'll try switching to tea in the morning. Thankfully, I drink my tea black or with a slice of lemon, so I don't have to bother with figuring out a milk substitute.
I think the majority of us thought that going into our first ;) and we were all wrong! With Sugar being so much more addictive than even cocaine, it causes lots of withdrawal symptoms, even when you don't have a ton. Before Whole 30, we only used natural sources, not in huge amounts and it still kicked our asses. There is also so much hidden sugar in foods that you may be getting more than you realize. I even found it in my garlic salt.
Definitely make sure you are drinking water, I found mint tea helps too.
Post by: MandalayVA on February 02, 2016, 09:38:38 AM
Thanks Swick & Orvell. So, the hangover!!! Didn't think I would experience this as I don't drink alcohol or soda...
I'll try switching to tea in the morning. Thankfully, I drink my tea black or with a slice of lemon, so I don't have to bother with figuring out a milk substitute.
ETA: does anyone know if you can do a low fat Whole30? I have done well in the past on South Beach diet - feeling well and losing some weight.
You could, but fat has a great deal to do with you being satisfied and not hungry between meals, which means you won't be tempted to snack. If you're not used to eating a lot of fat you do have to ease your way into it.
Day Three is going well for me. I'm currently enjoying my lunch of tuna salad with salsa and avocado mayo--my first time with olive-oil packed tuna, it's AWESOME--and a tossed salad with homemade Italian dressing. I have an little apple for dessert if I'm still hungry.
Post by: swick on February 02, 2016, 09:46:58 AM
How are you doing, Orvell?DAY 15!
I'm good!
I'm ... waiting for that tiger blood to come back. XD It went MIA after that one awesome time... Currently just chugging along. Had a rough start (fire alarm for my entire building went off before 6AM and so me and my cat stood in the cold while the fire department cleared all three floors and 60 units. Fun.) and ate a weird breakfast because of it. A tin of kipper snacks and half a potato. XD Not ideal, but it worked.
These last few days I've felt like I've been over-eating. I think it's because I'm trying to combat cravings. Not ideal, but better than giving in? :)
Current soda water triumph is bubbly water + a lime slice and mint leaves. Stellar. When I get my Costco reimbursement check thing, I'm 100% buying a soda stream. XD
I read a recipe online for home-made larabars using dates and cashews. I might try to make and freeze a batch of those. Still brainstorming ideas for Whole30 while traveling. :)
How are YOU doing, Swick?
Yikes! Rough start to the day, glad you are ok! Tigerblood is a fickle thing, you can lose it if you are eating too much, or in my case, not enough. It takes a bit of experimenting to figure out what works best for you. I find writing a quick food journal helps so I can connect the dots between what I am eating and how I am feeling.
I wrote a good post a while back on the psychological side of cravings...I'm sorry I have no idea where it is (I can't believe how big this thread has gotten!) but it might be worth a read? If you do find it, can you post a link to the post?
It can be an interesting experiment working through your cravings/finding substitutes/looking at your feelings and habits. Feel free to share your thoughts, happy to help you brainstorm some different solutions!
I love my Soda Stream. Makes me happy :D
I'm doing good, I haven't tried to re-intro anything else yet. I haven't tried oats or beans since my first whole 30 in Sept. So I should, just not really in any hurry. I'm accepting the fact that meal planning ahead of time and having things prepared is the only way I can do it, otherwise, I tend to slide into not eating as much as I should be which stalls progress. I realize it on a brain level, but sometimes it is hard not to slip into old habits. In general though, I feel better than I ever have. Since Sept I'm down 46 lbs and most of my chronic heal issues have cleared up, so life is good :)
Post by: swick on February 02, 2016, 09:55:08 AM
I would NOT recommend trying to do a low-fat Whole 30 - You NEED the fat. You don't have to have it all at once though...Have some veggies sauteed in a bit of coconut oil, use it to cook your eggs in, use olive oil in salad dressings, make some mayo-based dressing to dip veggies in. Have some clarified butter on your steak or protein source.Thanks Swick & Orvell. So, the hangover!!! Didn't think I would experience this as I don't drink alcohol or soda...
I'll try switching to tea in the morning. Thankfully, I drink my tea black or with a slice of lemon, so I don't have to bother with figuring out a milk substitute.
ETA: does anyone know if you can do a low fat Whole30? I have done well in the past on South Beach diet - feeling well and losing some weight.
You could, but fat has a great deal to do with you being satisfied and not hungry between meals, which means you won't be tempted to snack. If you're not used to eating a lot of fat you do have to ease your way into it.
Day Three is going well for me. I'm currently enjoying my lunch of tuna salad with salsa and avocado mayo--my first time with olive-oil packed tuna, it's AWESOME--and a tossed salad with homemade Italian dressing. I have an little apple for dessert if I'm still hungry.
Give it some time, you will feel worse before you feel better - that is part of the process, and why so many people give up before they have a chance to adjust.
If you are going from a low-fat diet, it will be more of a process for you, especially if your have been using "Fat-free" foods like yogurt, salad dressings, baked goods and such that replace the fat with sugar.
You got this, and we are here for you!
Post by: Orvell on February 02, 2016, 10:14:11 AM
Yikes! Rough start to the day, glad you are ok! Tigerblood is a fickle thing, you can lose it if you are eating too much, or in my case, not enough. It takes a bit of experimenting to figure out what works best for you. I find writing a quick food journal helps so I can connect the dots between what I am eating and how I am feeling.
I wrote a good post a while back on the psychological side of cravings...I'm sorry I have no idea where it is (I can't believe how big this thread has gotten!) but it might be worth a read? If you do find it, can you post a link to the post?
It can be an interesting experiment working through your cravings/finding substitutes/looking at your feelings and habits. Feel free to share your thoughts, happy to help you brainstorm some different solutions!
I love my Soda Stream. Makes me happy :D
I'm doing good, I haven't tried to re-intro anything else yet. I haven't tried oats or beans since my first whole 30 in Sept. So I should, just not really in any hurry. I'm accepting the fact that meal planning ahead of time and having things prepared is the only way I can do it, otherwise, I tend to slide into not eating as much as I should be which stalls progress. I realize it on a brain level, but sometimes it is hard not to slip into old habits. In general though, I feel better than I ever have. Since Sept I'm down 46 lbs and most of my chronic heal issues have cleared up, so life is good :)
Thanks! And wow! That's some serious weight loss. I'm impressed. I'm hopeful I trim up a tad, but I don't own a scale, so my only measuring metric will be inches. Annnd I appear to have lost my soft measuring tape. >__> So it might be a mystery for awhile yet. I don't feel any different, but 15 days in is not a huge leap. AND I still need to get a handle on my overeating trend.
I think acknowledging that I'm not *actually* hungry, and calling myself on that will be key. When I'm crabby (as in, when I really want to sink my face into a cinnamon roll) I tend to have a "fuck it" response. When I'm not eating that cinnamon roll, that response means just eating more of whatever's around instead as... I'm not sure. Some sort of weird vigilante food justice? It's weird. And it's a behavior I'd like to kick in the teeth. :) I think food journaling is a stellar plan.
Hopefully people won't get sick of me. XD I'll probably talk them out here.
Post by: swick on February 02, 2016, 10:26:18 AM
Yeah I am very familiar with the "fuck it" thought process. I have found that having some non-food solutions when I am crabby has been a big help. Especially because then I don't have to deal with the inevitable guilt of having caved afterwards! A few deep breathing or visualization exercises, taking a few minutes to mentally tell myself things I am grateful for or reminding myself "why" I am doing this can help. As does taking a quick walk, doing a few stretches or turning on a song with a good beat and dancing for a few minutes.
Don't worry about scaring people away people come and go, pop back in from time to time..it's all good :)
Post by: ZiziPB on February 02, 2016, 10:31:29 AM
I would NOT recommend trying to do a low-fat Whole 30 - You NEED the fat. You don't have to have it all at once though...Have some veggies sauteed in a bit of coconut oil, use it to cook your eggs in, use olive oil in salad dressings, make some mayo-based dressing to dip veggies in. Have some clarified butter on your steak or protein source.
Give it some time, you will feel worse before you feel better - that is part of the process, and why so many people give up before they have a chance to adjust.
If you are going from a low-fat diet, it will be more of a process for you, especially if your have been using "Fat-free" foods like yogurt, salad dressings, baked goods and such that replace the fat with sugar.
You got this, and we are here for you!
I am committed to giving it at least a full week :-) I especially want to see if not consuming dairy will help with the chronic sinus and nasal congestion I have.
The interesting thing is that while I think this way of eating is not such a radical change for me, in reality it is a bigger change than I expected. I normally eat a healthy basic diet. I don't eat fast food and not much processed foods (I make my own salad dressing and prepare most of my food from scratch). But I also tend to eat low fat, not much meat, heavy on fruit and vegetables/beans/lentils/peanut butter/cheese/plain yogurt and a good amount of carbs (rice/bread/sweet potatoes) with a shameful amount of sweets thrown into the mix (chocolate/dried fruit/cookies). So I think the increased protein and fat intake is messing with me. And lack of carbs/sugar...
Post by: swick on February 02, 2016, 10:37:55 AM
Post by: ZiziPB on February 02, 2016, 10:43:26 AM
Post by: spuggy on February 02, 2016, 12:28:41 PM
I have a confession to make. I've tried a few times to make whole30 mayo, and I really don't like the taste of it! It tastes so different to "normal" mayo (I know that's the sugar and preservatives), and I tried to make myself like it, but it tastes too odd to my tastebuds. I'm sure it's something to do with the oil I'm using, but I've had enough of trying to make it work to be honest. Sorry. Letting the side down.
Good news is, I weaned myself off mayo a while back anyway and, whilst it would be nice to go with my salads, I'm okay with a bit of tahini at the moment :-)
Brown rice tonight, doesn't seem to have bothered me - I was wheezing a bit this morning though, hopefully not a delayed reaction to the porridge! We'll see tomorrow morning if the rice is affecting me in a similar way.
Post by: ZiziPB on February 02, 2016, 01:55:15 PM
I used one egg yolk (room temp), a teaspoon or so of mustard, some lemon juice, salt and pepper, light olive oil (not extra virgin). The taste is more intense than store bought mayo but I like it. I think it's the oil that makes the most difference in how mayo tastes. I like mayo on hard boiled eggs, not sure if I would like it on a salad. For salads I usually make a vinaigrette with either balsamic or red wine vinegar.
Post by: ZiziPB on February 03, 2016, 03:58:20 AM
Post by: Orvell on February 03, 2016, 08:56:57 AM
It is my Day 16!
So far so good. :) I changed up my breakfast and did a proper Whole30 one instead of my traditional green smoothie. Deliciousness entailed: a fried egg (in coconut oil... of course!) on a bed of raw kale, and half an avocado. It's still keeping me full, so I think it was a winner! And it didn't take me as much time to prepare (or eat) as I feared. I'm fairly covetous of my morning. ;P
I think I did a good job yesterday cracking down on the over-eating. I'm hopeful today can be a good day for it, too. Not boredom eating is keeeeey. SO key. I bought myself a nice big box of rose hip tea to help combat that. Drinking tea and using Swick's quick meditation advise are my current battle plans for that 'but I want something in my faceeee partssss' feeling when my body is not. actually. hungry.
Lunch will be half a sweet potato, leftover beets and parsnips, and a spinach and cucumber salad. With a hardboiled egg and an orange in reserve if I'm still (ACTUALLY) hungry afterwards.
\o/
Go team Whole30~!
I hope everyone else is doing fantastic?
Post by: ZiziPB on February 03, 2016, 02:11:06 PM
Overall, feeling much better today than yesterday, just suffering from a bit of a foggy brain. My stomach seems to have settled down. Missing oatmeal and chewing gum...
Post by: swick on February 03, 2016, 02:34:44 PM
I do think there is something to be said for having a "real food" breakfast instead of a smoothie (as much as I appreciate the convenience. Easier for me to say in winter though!) I found this article an interesting take on smoothies (and other foods) http://www.toddcaldecott.com/superfoods-are-bullshit.html (http://www.toddcaldecott.com/superfoods-are-bullshit.html)
ZiziPB - glad to hear you aren't getting coffee withdrawal headaches! When we were doing Whole 30, I had a much easier time with breakfast then my hubby did as I grew up with eggs and savory breakfasts and he doesn't really like eggs and grew up on the sweet stuff. I would encourage you to experiment if you are missing oatmeal. Is it the oatmeal or the toppings you are missing? Also it helps if you frame things as Meal 1, 2, 3" instead of "breakfast, lunch, dinner" it gives you more options if you are looking beyond regular "breakfast" foods.
Things are going well here. After finishing my "official" whole 30, I tried a gluten-free ginger flavored ale. My mom had gotten me a 6 pack, forgetting I was still on it. I had one. It was....well...it got better 1/2 a bottle in? but as someone who actually loves and appreciates the "taste" of beer and alcohol...I won't be finishing the 6 pack. Other then that, I'm still eating on plan, just seems to become a way of life.
Keeping up with the weight loss 2016 thread, I am really glad I don't have those struggles that many of the people seem to be experiencing. There is a certain freedom and getting your life back when something becomes a way of life instead of a "diet"
Post by: Orvell on February 03, 2016, 03:56:12 PM
That link was interesting, Swick, thanks. I wish he had provided an explanation on his assertion that cold food and drinks are more difficult to digest than warm foods and drinks. That struck me as... odd... And definitely pinged my "say what now" flags.
Post by: swick on February 03, 2016, 04:30:10 PM
(Full reply later)
That link was interesting, Swick, thanks. I wish he had provided an explanation on his assertion that cold food and drinks are more difficult to digest than warm foods and drinks. That struck me as... odd... And definitely pinged my "say what now" flags.
fair enough, it is a common belief in Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine, which is the background he writes from. I can understand though. I tried fasting for Ramadan once when I lived in Turkey to see what it was all about. As soon as I could I drank a bottle of cold water and was promptly violently ill. They usually break their fast with a warm soup, even in warm weather. It never made sense to me until after that!
Post by: MandalayVA on February 03, 2016, 05:33:36 PM
My coworker got impatient for Valentine's Day and gave everyone on the team mugs filled with candy. I have enough mugs and definitely didn't need the candy, so I managed to give everything away. I'm such an enabler. :D
Right now my only exercise is a half-hour of walking around the seventh floor of my office building. Per my Nike Plus app it comes out to 1.25 miles. I was very sick this summer and it's only been recently that I've even wanted to exercise so I'm not pushing it.
Rock on, y'all!
Post by: 1967mama on February 04, 2016, 12:36:30 AM
I finished my 3rd Whole30 yesterday and let me tell you, Bob, I feel fantastic! I have lost 41.6 pounds since July 2015 (so in 7 months). I lost about 10 on my own (through Primal/Mark's daily apple recommended by MMM), and then started my Whole30's in October. I did 2 back to back and then took a break over Christmas (massive fail) and then started up again in early January.
I continue to shrink, losing inches every month. I can't believe that I'm shopping in regular stores now (not plus size stores). I can bypass most desserts and sweets with ease. I don't miss bread anymore. Dairy, meh. I'm addicted to eggs, spinach, tomatoes and avacado for breakfast ... I never thought I'd say that! I almost had a fit the other morning when I thought we were out of avacados!
1967daughter has lost 30 pounds on her 3rd Whole30 and is just delighted with her results! 1967papa is also seeing weight and inches lost, though he didn't have much to lose, just a bit of trimming up. He is eating Whole30 at home and trying to be careful, thought not 100% compliant, when travelling or eating at work.
For anyone who is reading this and never ever found a diet/eating plan/lifestyle that you can stick with, please consider Whole 30. Its all on the Whole 30 website (http://whole30.com) for free! Nothing has ever worked for me ... ever! I have another 50lbs to go but I'm not worried about whether or not I can stick with it. There's no turning back for me now. I am 7.8 lbs from being out of the obesity range for BMI and just overweight! I can't believe that. My family doctor is so happy for me and he knows what a great long term outcome this means for my health as I get older.
Thanks to everyone for the wonderful support on this thread. What a unique and special community! I'm sorry that I have been MIA recently, but honestly, its because I'm so busy out doing my life. I was a bystander when I was so overweight. I have tiger blood almost every day!
Spuggy - About the mayo. I made it once with the EVOO that I had in the cupboard, because I was desperate for some mayo with my tuna and celery bits for lunch. Previously, I had been making it with "light" or "light tasting" olive oil, since that's what was recommended but I was all out. Well the EVOO mayo was horrible! I threw it out. I hate wasting food but this stuff was nasty. So if you are getting mayo to the right texture but just don't like the taste, it could be worth it to try just one more time! I love me some Whole 30 mayo! I use this recipe. (http://whole30.com/2014/05/mayo/)
MandalayVA - Way to get rid of that candy! I'm the same way now. Out it goes!
Swick - I'm finding the same thing reading the Weight Loss 2016 thread. I love that I'm not failing on a diet every day and beating myself up about it. I want to shout from the rooftops to come on over and give Whole30 a go!
Faraday/mefla - I know you haven't been around lately, but I had one to tell you! I have some weird thing called BPPV which is vertigo when I lie down or sit up. It only lasts for 20 seconds!. No biggie. Physiotherapy should take it away with some weird single treatment. Anyhoo, my sister's response was "go eat a sandwich" and my mom's response was "maybe its all the weight you've lost or how busy you are now!" Oh man! Being a SAHM, I don't take a lot of flack like those of you out in the workforce. So I was really taken aback when they both zeroed in on my diet right away (they are both overweight -- afflicted much??? grr!)
Post by: ZiziPB on February 04, 2016, 04:16:23 AM
Post by: horsepoor on February 04, 2016, 07:34:46 AM
I wanted to mention, for those struggling with re-intro, that I've started reading The Paleo Cure by Chris Kresser, and though I'm not very far in, it seems that he spends most of the book on re-intro and designing a long-term diet (basically he advocates a 30 day reset that is the same as Whole30). I thought one shortcoming of the It Starts With Food is that they focus on the 30 days and then kind of gloss over what comes next, so this book seems to kind of fill the gap.
Post by: MandalayVA on February 04, 2016, 07:37:36 AM
I used to use light olive oil in my mayo, but now I swear by avocado oil; thankfully it's fairly cheap at Costco. And I'm in love with ghee and would marry it if polygamy was legal in Virginia.
Post by: ZiziPB on February 04, 2016, 07:49:20 AM
Yay for us oldsters (I'm '66 myself)! Since this is my first Whole30 I won't know if I've lost any weight until 3/1, but I FEEL a ton better already. Losing my fat ass will come in time, I'm sure. :D
I used to use light olive oil in my mayo, but now I swear by avocado oil; thankfully it's fairly cheap at Costco. And I'm in love with ghee and would marry it if polygamy was legal in Virginia.
Great update, Mandalay!
I am sad to say that I am not feeling better at all. In fact, I felt so tired the last couple of nights that I ended up crawling into bed at 8 pm. I did go to the gym yesterday morning and had to force myself to get through my usual workout. I have no energy at all... I'm wondering if I'm coming down with something because I can't believe that the food I'm eating is causing that.
Post by: Philociraptor on February 04, 2016, 07:52:53 AM
I am sad to say that I am not feeling better at all. In fact, I felt so tired the last couple of nights that I ended up crawling into bed at 8 pm. I did go to the gym yesterday morning and had to force myself to get through my usual workout. I have no energy at all... I'm wondering if I'm coming down with something because I can't believe that the food I'm eating is causing that.
Zizi, it sounds like you're used to a high-carb diet, have you cut carbs entirely? I found that Crossfit became insanely difficult in the heat of summer if I didn't have at least a cup of sweet potato with all my lunches and dinners. Make sure you're getting enough carbs!
Post by: ZiziPB on February 04, 2016, 08:02:41 AM
Well, I am not eating bread or oatmeal or rice, but I'm still eating sweet potatoes (had them with dinner every night this week), bananas (1 a day), and lots of other veggies and fruit. Overall, I feel like I'm eating a lot and I am not hungry. Not sure what else to do other than wait it out and hope that it will pass.I am sad to say that I am not feeling better at all. In fact, I felt so tired the last couple of nights that I ended up crawling into bed at 8 pm. I did go to the gym yesterday morning and had to force myself to get through my usual workout. I have no energy at all... I'm wondering if I'm coming down with something because I can't believe that the food I'm eating is causing that.
Zizi, it sounds like you're used to a high-carb diet, have you cut carbs entirely? I found that Crossfit became insanely difficult in the heat of summer if I didn't have at least a cup of sweet potato with all my lunches and dinners. Make sure you're getting enough carbs!
Post by: swick on February 04, 2016, 08:28:24 AM
Well, I am not eating bread or oatmeal or rice, but I'm still eating sweet potatoes (had them with dinner every night this week), bananas (1 a day), and lots of other veggies and fruit. Overall, I feel like I'm eating a lot and I am not hungry. Not sure what else to do other than wait it out and hope that it will pass.I am sad to say that I am not feeling better at all. In fact, I felt so tired the last couple of nights that I ended up crawling into bed at 8 pm. I did go to the gym yesterday morning and had to force myself to get through my usual workout. I have no energy at all... I'm wondering if I'm coming down with something because I can't believe that the food I'm eating is causing that.
Zizi, it sounds like you're used to a high-carb diet, have you cut carbs entirely? I found that Crossfit became insanely difficult in the heat of summer if I didn't have at least a cup of sweet potato with all my lunches and dinners. Make sure you're getting enough carbs!
It will probably pass, I had some extreme tiredness when I started. My body was resetting from a lifetime of insomnia. I use to sleep 3-4 hours a night, if I was lucky. It's always been a bit of a struggle since my hubby has to get up super early for work he is usually asleep around 9:30 and up between 5-6. Now I have synched to his schedule without a problem and sleep the whole night.
Also, your body is putting a lot of energy into healing right now too, so you might not have the energy available to do a lot of working out. Honor your body as much as you can, if you feel the need to nap or go to bed early, go for it.
As far as coming down with something, when going off carbs many people experience something called the "Carb Flue" This is normal.
That being said, both hubs and I struggled the first time through with finding the "right" level of carbs. If you eat more carbs you will burn glucose as fuel. If you cut out enough carbs you will go into "Keto" where you are burning fat. There is a spot in the middle where if you are not eating enough carbs to keep up with the glucose but you are eating too many to go into keto, you will feel like shit. We added some white potatoes and it helped immensely.
Post by: Orvell on February 04, 2016, 09:07:54 AM
And 1967mama, major congrats!!
Today is my Day 17. That number keeps getting higher. It's nuts! :D I'm really proud.
It's interesting: as people talk about their weight loss, I realize that, as much as I wish it were otherwise, I have a horse in this race, too. I'm not 'fat.' But I am... not fighting trim, either. I have probably 5-10 pounds I should shed minimum. As a 5'4" woman I ought to be hanging around the 130 range, not the 140 range. That said, I haven't stood on a scale in years. But I don't need a scale to see my cookie pouch.
And, thus far, that cookie pouch hasn't seemed to shrink. But I'm also only half way in. :) And still learning how to listen to my body when it says 'I'm not hungry anymore' (instead of 'I'm fucking stuffed now, asshole')
I'm also trying to concentrate on the non-cookie-pouch things. Like the fact that yesterday, I had some tigerblood energy! And generally, my energy level has lifted a notch. Not like, 10,000% more or anything. Just a notch. But that notch makes me happy. :)
Yesterday I had some victories!
- At lunch I put away one of my 3 potato chunks for later after eating my salad first, not last. Aka I didn't just clean my plate out of habit. I paid attention to what my hunger levels were.
- I ate a small handful of almonds for a snack that tasted like a treat and not just... nuts. They're so flavorful! I feel like I'm appreciating them more now. :)
- I went over to my friends' house for dinner, brought an egg and all the required components for mayo, and whipped up a tuna salad on kale to have while they ate baked mac and cheese with soda. It filled me up fantastically, and I felt good after eating it. I'm becoming a wizard at social interactions in conjunction with my food plan.
Post by: The Happy Philosopher on February 04, 2016, 10:11:36 AM
As promised...
http://thehappyphilosopher.com/food/
Enjoy.
:)
Post by: ZiziPB on February 05, 2016, 08:44:11 AM
We had bagels and cream cheese during a departmental meeting this morning and that was hard!
Post by: Orvell on February 05, 2016, 08:54:28 AM
Feeling better physically although my workout was still a drag this morning. But I am in a very cranky mood today, so I guess I reached the "Kill ALL the things!" stage?Glad you're starting to feel better, ZiziPB!
We had bagels and cream cheese during a departmental meeting this morning and that was hard!
And good job not stabbing anyone when the bagel tray passed you. ;) That was only half sarcastic. Seriously: good job.
Post by: swick on February 05, 2016, 09:11:50 AM
@MandalayVA: It might not be appropriate for your actual Whole 30, but I have started making my own gummy bears (and lego bricks!) as a way of getting more gelatin. Super easy to make and you can experiment with lots of flavours. I've been making a lime, vanilla, coconut milk gummy with no added sweetener and all the goodness of coconut milk :)
@Horsepoor: Thanks for the book recommendation, I will definitely check it out!
@Spuggy: I second the use of "Light tasting" olive oil for making mayo. I have slowly started adding more EVOO or Avacado oil...but for the first long while if it wasn't made with light oil, the oil is ALL I could taste and did not enjoy it at all.
@Orvel: Yay for your successes! My "tummy" has been shrinking, but it was the very last thing to start going. Actually, I didn't notice a huge amount of belly fat loss during my first whole 30, despite going down a pant, bra, and shirt size. I think it is the most stubborn! Way to go on being able to socialize and keep on plan, it sounds like you have some supportive friends too :)
@frugaldoc: Thanks for your blog post, I found it (and the rest of your site) enlightening :)
@ZiziPB - Good job on resisting the bagels! The "kill all things" stage is a tough one to go through, but it won't last that long and as you figure ut how to deal with your cravings and your successes start to stack it gets easier and easier, then you realize one day that you know, it doesn't even seem tempting. That is a GOOD day and incredible feeling. Feels like freedom!
Hope y'all are having a fantastic day!
Post by: MandalayVA on February 05, 2016, 09:29:59 AM
Day Five went well yesterday. I went to our local natural foods place and not only found crap-free rotisserie chicken but crap-free coconut/almond milk. Mixing the gelatin with water is failing (and gross) so the nut milk helps, although Swick's tip about making gummy bears might also come into play. Still feeling good, although I missed my morning walk around the building due to a meeting that was actually productive for a change. And I made awesome chicken salad with the breasts of the rotisserie chicken that will see me through a couple of lunches.
Let's keep it up!
Post by: Orvell on February 05, 2016, 09:48:23 AM
@Orvel: Yay for your successes! My "tummy" has been shrinking, but it was the very last thing to start going. Actually, I didn't notice a huge amount of belly fat loss during my first whole 30, despite going down a pant, bra, and shirt size. I think it is the most stubborn! Way to go on being able to socialize and keep on plan, it sounds like you have some supportive friends too :)
:) I'm pretty lucky. My friends may not 'get' it, but they are not only understanding of it, they have been exceptionally kind about the whole thing.
I went to a buddy's house last night, and she offered me wine. She then stopped, looked at me in horror, and apologized. It was so cute. XD But also not necessary. I can handle saying no to wine, lol.
What you were saying is dead true. It gets easier. :) Wayyy easier. I watched her eat cheese and crackers and drink wine, and I had only the slightest of pangs!!!
ETA: And thanks for the reminder that a cookie-pouch not shrinking doesn't mean I'm not potentially losing weight elsewhere! :)) I'm curious to see what results I'll get when I measure up at the end of this. I'm not expecting anything (the non-weight/size bennies are pretty great already), but it'd be nice. :))
Post by: 1967mama on February 05, 2016, 09:58:52 AM
One of my ESL students brought us a 3 1/2 pound bag of mini chocolates yesterday. Thanks a lot! Hahha! Since I had just finished my 3rd Whole30 I thought I could handle one or two. About 10 later, I was at home and feeling soooo tired, presumably from getting up early and teaching. I laid down for a bit but couldn't sleep. I forced myself back downstairs to do some mom things. Another hour went by and I went up to bed to lay down again. This second time I was analyzing how much sleep I got last night, etc when I had an ah-ha moment....it was the stupid freaking chocolate that was making me feel foggy and tired!! My tiger blood came back another hour later and I was buzzing around here like a busy littl bee!
I was happy to tell my husband my realization -- that I finally feel like this is a lifestyle for me and not a diet. I still have a long way to go (50lb) but I'm 40+ lbs down so well on my way. My days will be Whole30 with just a loosening of some of the rules. I took a photo of my favourite breakfast for you all yesterday! have a great day everyone -- we've got this!
Post by: Orvell on February 06, 2016, 04:03:23 PM
How is everyone's weekend going?
I am heading off to a (laaaaate in the game) holiday party, and planning to pre-game my food situation, and bring Oro-friendly snacks. It's all about preparation, right? :) Available food will include: cupcakes, cheese, crackers, waffles, cookies, cookie dough, beer. No thanks!
In other news, I have a confession to make.
Whole30 says not to weigh or measure yourself during the duration of your game. >__>; Well. I cheated. But I was looking down at my cookie pouch, and had convinced myself it was BIGGER. That somehow I was getting FATTER despite eating the best I've eaten in the last... god, probably year.
So I got out the measuring tape. I'd taken a measurement of hips, thighs, bust, and waist on Jan 3rd. I was going to start getting more exercise then (half succeeded...) and wanted a baseline.
You'll notice I don't have a measurement for my cookie pouch on that list (and in case anyone's wondering, that's that lovable (gerrr) balloon of fat that sits right below my belly button.)
Turns out I've lost half an inch off my hips, one and a half inches off my waist, and half an inch of my thighs. I'll take it!
Conclusion: My cookie pouch is likely not diminished, but also likely not larger either. My frame of reference just shrunk!
Lolol!!
Post by: MandalayVA on February 06, 2016, 05:16:14 PM
Remembering childhood days of Jello I tried a new tactic--I nuked half a mugful of the coconut/almond milk, whisked in the tablespoon of gelatin, then added more milk to cool it down. SUCCESS! No lumps or grit, and it tasted like borderline hot cocoa, rich and creamy but with way fewer calories. I'm not a coffee drinker but this makes a nice breakfast beverage and afternoon snack.
Tomorrow is food prep day. More vanilla/cinnamon almond milk, chopping up cauliflower for "rice" in my Cuisinart since a local store was having a good sale on fresh heads.
I had to work overtime this morning, which means that my supervisor arrives bearing either donuts or bagels. Today it was bagels. Fortunately she's not pushy with them. They were from Panera Bread anyway, which means they were bread donuts rather than real bagels.
Have a good weekend!
Post by: ZiziPB on February 08, 2016, 03:06:01 AM
BTW, I am not seeing any improvement at all in my nasal congestion after one week with no dairy...
Post by: jordanread on February 08, 2016, 09:53:36 AM
Lessons Learned From My First Attempt At A Whole30
- Sugar is in everything - One of the things that this opened my eyes to was the fact at how surprising reading the labels on things can be. Sugar seems to be added to everything, even most Curry Pastes. While I only eat trace amounts regularly (haven't even used my bag of sugar in over 2 years), I still ingest a surprising amount. When I track my food intake using MFP, I have it set up to only look at Macronutrient proportions, and sugar isn't on there. May have to keep an eye on that.
- Pork Belly is amazeballs - I am a huge advocate and fan of bacon, and have discussed wanting to attempt to cure my own pork belly into delicious bacon. However, until I started this, we hadn't looked too deeply into it. While shopping for interesting foods to keep the Whole30 interesting, we found a regular and delicious supply of it at our local asian market. We'd been there before, and bought stuff, but never looked at the pork belly. Even though I haven't cured my own bacon yet, I've made some new meals with pork belly as the meat. It's cheaper than bacon, and the way we've cooked it provides at least 4 different textures and flavors.
- Curry paste is easy and delicious to make - This started with the vindaloo pork belly. Heating up seeds and peppercorn, mixing it with garlic and oil, makes for an amazingly flavorful and flexible paste. I've used it as a mix with hash, a marinade/rub, or to mix in with meat and veggies. We've done it a few times, and we'll continue to make it regularly. I still haven't made a huge batch to store and use as we will, but part of that is because I have a really small mortar/pestle. It's on the list though.
- Clarified butter might be mandatory - Since I get the majority of my calories from fat, and specifically from grass-fed butter, the lack of this during the Whole30 made it a bit difficult to sate my appetite. I didn't make clarified butter this time (and I haven't actually ever done it), but I most certainly will next time.
- Salads need to be a more regular part of my diet - I absolutely love salads, but they haven't been a regular part of things. We usually do a meat and a veggie side. We've started doing more, even though the other half isn't a fan of delicious chef salads like I am. She likes a touch of sweetness, so we've been experimenting with cabbage, fruit, tomatoes, and mild onions (like scallions or green onions). I think she's coming around to the idea of having a salad with almost every meal (at least on weekends). It's more cost effective than meat, and stretches the meals when I have like 3 of them.
So I'm only on day 14 or something like that, but I'm temporarily throwing in the towel. I'm personally having too many issues with smoking and drinking. Technically, I never had a fully successful day to either one (or both) of those issues. I'm taking a step back for a bit, and working on a few other things. Things like working out, quitting smoking, and getting the booze under control. Once I'm at a less volatile base line, I am going to try it again, and I'm going to try to get the other half to do it with me. I need to start bringing in some money as well, and the next one will be planned a hell of a lot better (with less limitations on cost). It was interesting while it lasted, and I learned some things that I will stick with, but for now, I'm reverting back to my primal lifestyle. I'll go back to lurking on this thread, and jump back in when I restart. I hope there is a lot that other people learn from this. I didn't even stick with it, and learned a lot. Just remember, it's temporary, it's a dietary reset, and it's a learning experience.
Post by: Philociraptor on February 08, 2016, 12:02:35 PM
It's premature, since I haven't hit my 30 days yet, but there is a reason for that...
Good effort JR. If you're used to using lots of butter, clarifying some is a must. It also tastes amazing on everything. Cool insights on the pork belly and curry paste. I've tried my hand at pork belly once and didn't do it so well, did you follow a recipe or just wing it? Going to have to try making our own curry paste, we have a big mortar and pestle that my mom gave us when I moved out. Best of luck getting everything else settled.
Post by: 1967mama on February 08, 2016, 11:16:26 PM
Hi everyone,
I started my Whole30 journey in October 2015 and have strung 4 together with a week or so off in between, and have lost 41 pounds and dropped from a size 18 to a size 10. However, I have yet to have a proper reintroduction phase. Unfortunately, each time I have jumbled more than one food group together, feel lousy, and go back onto another Whole30.
Whole30 #3 ended February 4th, 2016 and I would call it a success. My goals for Whole30 #4 include: less snacking, less fruit/more vegetables, more substantial protein servings at lunch and dinner, less juice/more water, less Larabars and dates, more healthy fats, NO SCALE! I find it interesting that I even want to refine my Whole30'ing process. Before discovering Whole30, I didn't care one bit about what I ate, and ballooned up to 70+ pounds over my ideal weight after 2 injuries and surgeries.
I feel like I have my life back, for sure, but I don't yet feel like I've got this! So the fine tuning is hopefully getting me closer to being able to ride my own bike without training wheels. I'm still dealing with my sugar dragon (small s, small d) and so I think that all the fruit, fruit juice, Lara bars and dried fruit are feeding that addiction.
jordanread - Congratualtions on your accomplishment and all the best to you as you attempt to overcome other issues in your life. Jump back in anytime!
ziziPB - Congrats on finishing week 1. I've read that it can take 2 weeks to clear the system of dairy (back in my breastfeeding days when I had a baby that was reacting poorly to the dairy proteins in my milk). YMMV Swick?? Maybe you have more info on this??Don't give up!
MandalayVA - That's smart to have a food prep day. I haven't done that before. Do you meal plan too?
Post by: ZiziPB on February 09, 2016, 04:06:43 AM
I am definitely not giving up - I want to go the full 30 days. I prepped and planned my food for the week on Sunday. I typically do that anyway, because when I work I'm usually too tired to cook properly. I like coming home to a dinner waiting in the fridge or freezer. This time I also prepared my breakfasts (I made a big egg frittata with veggies and sausage that I portioned for the week) and cooked and portioned my lunches (roasted butternut squash, sweet potatoes and beets with curried turkey - sounds weird but tastes great!). I'm still eating a lot of fruit but limited to fresh this week. No dates for me this week (they definitely wake up my Sugar Dragon :-). As to the nasal congestion, I think I actually have a cold so it may be hard to tell.
Post by: MandalayVA on February 09, 2016, 04:33:32 AM
I don't really plan meals since for the most part they're fairly simple. I did branch out on Sunday by making meat loaf for dinner (here's the recipe, without the dairy, of course: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/lasagna-meatloaf/, leftovers are awesome) and an "Italian sauce" with ground chicken, mushrooms and marinara sauce, which will go on top of cauliflower "rice." I'm having that tonight since I have an appointment and that can be heated up quickly.
As another person who treated her body like a toxic waste dump rather than a temple, I'm surprised that I haven't had any clutching moments. The only sweet things I have are the almond milk, which isn't really sweet at all but just has the nice hint of vanilla and cinnamon, and an apple with my weekday lunches. I don't really have a sweet tooth but I'm intrigued by Larabars. One might have come in handy on Saturday when I was hungry but running errands. I don't think I'd keep a stash, though.
Let's keep rocking this!
Post by: Orvell on February 09, 2016, 08:29:38 AM
I'm on my Day 21
(TMI TIME)
I had a less than perfect morning. I was feeling kinda shitty in the gut for the first time in a looong time, and I was pretty grumpy about that. But then I took the world's largest poop. So I forgive my body for being grumpy about having all that waiting at the zoo exit doors. ;) Now I'm feeling fab.
(/TMI TIME)
I'm slowly getting prepped for my long weekend away from my kitchen. I made some home-made larabars (dates and cashews smashed together and rolled out) and stuck 'em in the freezer, picked up a bag of apples, and tossed some on-sale (due to expiration dates coming up) guacamole single-serve packets in the freezer too. I've got eggs to hard boil, and a plan to make up a nice big batch of tuna salad. I'm ready to defeat this potential hurtle!
Meanwhile I'm eating up some seriously delicious soup. Carrot and sweet potato = orange deliciousness.
Post by: spuggy on February 09, 2016, 09:27:07 AM
So it's pancake day over here in the UK - I debated making them with bananas and eggs, but decided it's too SWYPO-y for me (and would lead to "well, I have to put golden syrup on them, right?!") so I have made myself some fish with sweet potato and broccoli, and have made my husband a stack of pancakes with fruit and chocolate spread. I think I deserve wife points for that!!
1967mama, congrats on finishing so many whole30s, and on your change of mindset :) I think dates and Nakd bars (Larabar UK equivalent) are definitely my sugar substitutes, so have really tried to stop eating them. Something that has worked for me is herbal tea - ymmv, but I find it keeps my cravings in check until they pass.
Keep going everyone :D
Post by: jordanread on February 09, 2016, 11:23:58 AM
Good effort JR. If you're used to using lots of butter, clarifying some is a must. It also tastes amazing on everything. Cool insights on the pork belly and curry paste. I've tried my hand at pork belly once and didn't do it so well, did you follow a recipe or just wing it? Going to have to try making our own curry paste, we have a big mortar and pestle that my mom gave us when I moved out. Best of luck getting everything else settled.
The first two times we made it, we followed a recipe. Specifically, the Vindaloo Pork (http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/pork-recipes/hot-smoky-vindaloo-with-pork-belly/) one and the 3 hour pork belly (http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/782637/threehour-pork-belly). I was a bit skeptical of the 3 hour one, since it cooks dry. It made the skin super crispy and delicious, and was surprisingly juicy. So overall they were both successful. I got the idea of the curry paste from the Vindaloo pork, and kind of winged it from there.
jordanread - Congratualtions on your accomplishment and all the best to you as you attempt to overcome other issues in your life. Jump back in anytime!
Jordanread, you have my salute for trying to kick some nasties to the curb. You can totally do it.
Thanks for the well wishes everyone. I'll be back, and lurk in the meantime. :)
Post by: Caoineag on February 09, 2016, 08:48:09 PM
I think the best way to describe our current eating style is how many vegetables can I eat in one day. Sugar, grains, dairy and food additives are still extremely limited and will remain so. As a result, I will probably wander onto this thread every once and awhile. Hope everyone is doing well.
Post by: The Happy Philosopher on February 09, 2016, 09:04:18 PM
Post by: 1967mama on February 10, 2016, 12:16:06 AM
Still lurking periodically but wanted to share that zoodles (zucchini noodles) are wonderful for anyone debating whether to try them.
How many folks here have invested in some sort of vegetable spiralizer? I have been using a carrot peeler for our zoodles (had them tonight with a fabulous meaty spaghetti sauce with tons of veggies in it - onion, garlic, bell peppers, celery and spinach).
If you're using one, what brand did you buy? is it worth the $$$? is it easy to use? is it easy to clean?
Post by: ZiziPB on February 10, 2016, 04:35:10 AM
Post by: ZiziPB on February 10, 2016, 04:38:20 AM
Post by: jordanread on February 10, 2016, 06:11:47 AM
Still lurking periodically but wanted to share that zoodles (zucchini noodles) are wonderful for anyone debating whether to try them.
How many folks here have invested in some sort of vegetable spiralizer? I have been using a carrot peeler for our zoodles (had them tonight with a fabulous meaty spaghetti sauce with tons of veggies in it - onion, garlic, bell peppers, celery and spinach).
If you're using one, what brand did you buy? is it worth the $$$? is it easy to use? is it easy to clean?
I use a mandoline to make zucchini into noodles. Works fine for me, plus I can use it for other things. I think mine is OXO that I got for like $10 at Target.
Post by: MandalayVA on February 10, 2016, 06:26:55 AM
One awesomely healthy side that is very easy to make is a handful of spinach heated and wilted with a little feta cheese on top. I don't really like spinach but the feta makes it pretty tasty. Throw that next to a couple eggs, half an avocado, some salsa and there's lunch.
You can't have dairy on Whole30. :D
I have an OXO julienne peeler to make zucchini and squash noodles. 'Tis awesome. I paid about six bucks for it at Bed Bath and Beyond a few years ago.
And I totally blame 1967mama for my trip to the market yesterday to seek out Larabars. They are delicious. I CANNOT HAVE THEM IN MY POSSESSION.
Post by: Orvell on February 10, 2016, 07:10:47 AM
One awesomely healthy side that is very easy to make is a handful of spinach heated and wilted with a little feta cheese on top. I don't really like spinach but the feta makes it pretty tasty. Throw that next to a couple eggs, half an avocado, some salsa and there's lunch.
You can't have dairy on Whole30. :D
I have an OXO julienne peeler to make zucchini and squash noodles. 'Tis awesome. I paid about six bucks for it at Bed Bath and Beyond a few years ago.
And I totally blame 1967mama for my trip to the market yesterday to seek out Larabars. They are delicious. I CANNOT HAVE THEM IN MY POSSESSION.
:) Some people are in the re-intro phase. Some people don't follow Whole30 to the letter but still enjoy the general lifestyle and community.
Post by: Philociraptor on February 10, 2016, 07:26:00 AM
Still lurking periodically but wanted to share that zoodles (zucchini noodles) are wonderful for anyone debating whether to try them.
How many folks here have invested in some sort of vegetable spiralizer? I have been using a carrot peeler for our zoodles (had them tonight with a fabulous meaty spaghetti sauce with tons of veggies in it - onion, garlic, bell peppers, celery and spinach).
If you're using one, what brand did you buy? is it worth the $$$? is it easy to use? is it easy to clean?
We have one. Search "spiralizer" on Amazon.com, best seller with 4500+ reviews, $30. Definitely worth it, very easy to use, not too difficult to clean with a brush, but a sponge would be useless. We haven't purchased a spaghetti squash since the day we got it.
Post by: horsepoor on February 10, 2016, 07:28:59 AM
I have this one (http://www.amazon.com/Spiralizer-Tri-Blade-Vegetable-Strongest-Heaviest-Spaghetti/dp/B00GRIR87M/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1455114025&sr=1-1&keywords=Spiralizer). Love it. I MO the spiral cut vegetables hold their shape better and don't stick together as much as straight cuts, so they're easier to mix with sauces and prettier too. It's very easy to clean and easy to use. If you're making veggie noodles for your whole crew I think it would be worth it. I see they have a 5 blade one now for the same price. They are kind of big and clutter though, so I wouldn't recommend if space is athe a premium in your kitchen.Still lurking periodically but wanted to share that zoodles (zucchini noodles) are wonderful for anyone debating whether to try them.
How many folks here have invested in some sort of vegetable spiralizer? I have been using a carrot peeler for our zoodles (had them tonight with a fabulous meaty spaghetti sauce with tons of veggies in it - onion, garlic, bell peppers, celery and spinach).
If you're using one, what brand did you buy? is it worth the $$$? is it easy to use? is it easy to clean?
ETA, actually, this is the one I have, but they seem pretty much identical http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AW3B5MM/ref=twister_B00PUEIQAW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Post by: swick on February 10, 2016, 07:45:52 AM
Wow missed a lot over the past couple of days!
1967 mamma - We have a spiralizer that we got from my mom (she picked it up from the thrift store) apparently they are a pretty common item, so might be worth looking out for? I'm not sure of the brand maybe a paderno? but we like it, makes for much curlier noodles.
Awesome update and for going into your next Whole 30! We are at very similar stages (18 down to 10 and 40+ lbs lost) It is a super good feeling to be getting back to healthy, isn't it?
ZiziPB - Eggs would be the obvious choice, maybe over a nice hash? Or if you want to go super fancy you could make Eggs Benny and have the English muffins on hand for them and use a bed of veg for yours.
RE Dairy: - It took a couple of weeks to clear for me, partially is that there was a lot of gunk in my system that needed to be cleared out as well. YMMV as far as it goes, you might not notice a HUGE difference until you do reintro and it all comes flooding back. But one way or another, by the wend of Whole 30, you will be able to either adapt to the reality that it might be dairy or cross it off your list of possible causes.
Caoineag - Great to hear from you! I love the idea of zucchini pasta salad! I am definitely going to have to try!
Jordanread - Thank you for sharing your results thus far. What I have come to realize, having to undo a lot of damage that i have done, is getting back to healthy is more of a marathon than a sprint. Even if you put a hold on doing the whole 30, please still use us a support if you need to :)
Spuggy - Great job on resisting pancake day!
Orvell - Good luck on your trip, it sounds like you are totally prepared to rock it Whole 30 Style!
I'm just trucking along. Don't think I want to start another strict Whole 30 at this point. Am eating about 99% (or more) Basically eating whole 30 at home and if we happen to go out and there are rice noodles in my Pho, I'm not going to worry about it. Am traveling at the end of the month to visit my extended family, who are all great cooks but have some of the worst food habits I have ever seen. THAT will be interesting!
Post by: The Happy Philosopher on February 10, 2016, 09:12:03 AM
One awesomely healthy side that is very easy to make is a handful of spinach heated and wilted with a little feta cheese on top. I don't really like spinach but the feta makes it pretty tasty. Throw that next to a couple eggs, half an avocado, some salsa and there's lunch.
You can't have dairy on Whole30. :D
I have an OXO julienne peeler to make zucchini and squash noodles. 'Tis awesome. I paid about six bucks for it at Bed Bath and Beyond a few years ago.
And I totally blame 1967mama for my trip to the market yesterday to seek out Larabars. They are delicious. I CANNOT HAVE THEM IN MY POSSESSION.
:) Some people are in the re-intro phase. Some people don't follow Whole30 to the letter but still enjoy the general lifestyle and community.
Ah, my mistake. It is still very tasty though :)
I don't consider feta cheese dairy...but then again we consider bacon to be a vegetable ;)
Makes all those "vegetarian" meals quite tasty!!!
On a more serious note I've found that yogurt and cheese and cream are much better tolerated for me than milk. When introducing food back into the diet I would break up dairy into multiple groups, with milk separate.
Post by: swick on February 10, 2016, 09:16:38 AM
On a more serious note I've found that yogurt and cheese and cream are much better tolerated for me than milk. When introducing food back into the diet I would break up dairy into multiple groups, with milk separate.
So much this. Milk was by far the worst for me, and the effects seem to last a whole bunch longer. It is definitely worth it to split up the diary in your reintro! It helps you develop a baseline and expectations for how it will affect you. I don't sweat it if something I'm eating out may have a bit of butter or cheese in it, but I want it to be really worth it if I am going to have any ill effects at all.
Post by: 1967mama on February 10, 2016, 12:01:16 PM
Thanks for the awesome tips on spiralizers. I will be considering this purchase over the next few weeks. I had forgotten about spaghetti squash, actually, so I may pick a few up and try that again. Last time I made it, I overcooked the squash and it was yucky:-/
Day 1 of my 4th Whole 30 went terrifically well! I ate 3 meals, plus an afternoon snack. That was a real change for me. I didn't realize how much extra food I was eating via snacking. At 3pm, I had a monkey bowl, and it tasted awesome! I was truly hungry, as in I could eat boiled fish and broccoli hungry!
Post by: swick on February 10, 2016, 01:34:46 PM
I've always had crappy circulation, always have cold hands and feet, my body temp is over all slightly lower than normal. When I get sick my body temp usually goes down not up.
I've never really equated it to influencing food choices and appetite, but it does. I love fresh veggies and salad and stuff in the summer. But winter, when I'm already cold, I have no desire to eat them. Ditto for smoothies, drinks with ice, or really anything that isn't at least warm. I'm contemplating this as I am forcing myself to eat some cucumber slices with some Babaganoosh. I LOVE the flavors...but I have no desire to eat them. I think this is why it's been a struggle for me lately.
It's kinda random, not really helpful to anyone I just thought it was rather interesting :)
Post by: 1967mama on February 10, 2016, 01:46:04 PM
MandalayVA - sorry for enabling a desire for Larabars in you :-/
I went to the dentist for a cleaning this morning, and the hygienist was blown away by the health of my gums! She said that the tissue is similar to the tissues inside of you - your intestines, your liver, etc and so if your gums are healthy, apparently your inisides are healthy also. I was delighted! Benefit #482 of Whole30. She has a fair bit of weight to lose herself and wanted the website to check it out! yay!
Additionally, she hasn't seen me since July and as I walked in, she said, "You're glowing! Have you lost weight?" ::cue balloons and confetti dropping from the ceiling:: She was the first person outside my circle of family and friends to notice! I'm so psyched!
This was the perfect thing to happen to me on Day 2 of my 4th Whole30!
ETA: Hygienist just called me to say that everyone in the office noticed that I was happy and glowing! What a sweetie! I told her she made my day! She also turned 49 last month like me, and said she is excited to go home and read all about Whole30 and hopes I will see less of her next visit <wink>. How neat is that?! Maybe I have my first non-family convert? 1967dad and 1967daughter are totally on board!
Post by: horsepoor on February 10, 2016, 02:11:10 PM
Are you trying to stay keto (unrelated question)
Post by: Orvell on February 10, 2016, 02:20:26 PM
I totally just had a light bulb moment... I don't like cold food. I never have. I just haven't really thought about it before.I totally understand this. 10000%
I've always had crappy circulation, always have cold hands and feet, my body temp is over all slightly lower than normal. When I get sick my body temp usually goes down not up.
I've never really equated it to influencing food choices and appetite, but it does. I love fresh veggies and salad and stuff in the summer. But winter, when I'm already cold, I have no desire to eat them. Ditto for smoothies, drinks with ice, or really anything that isn't at least warm. I'm contemplating this as I am forcing myself to eat some cucumber slices with some Babaganoosh. I LOVE the flavors...but I have no desire to eat them. I think this is why it's been a struggle for me lately.
It's kinda random, not really helpful to anyone I just thought it was rather interesting :)
Salads for me in the winter are all but impossible. I've been enjoying wilting my greens just *slightly*; enough that they're warm, but it's still sort of 'salad-like' ?? Same with my fried egg + greens in the morning. I let the egg and greens sit for a few minutes so nothing is cold. XD The only way I could do smoothies in the winter was after I'd walked to work and my internal body temp was up from the exercise (and it was so much warmer inside than out, it tricked my internal thermometer, too)
:) Might be worth not trying to force yourself to eat something you're not into.
Post by: 1967mama on February 10, 2016, 02:43:30 PM
My mom has been knitting me big, thick infinity scarves out of warm, non-scratchy wool and they are really helping. Also, socks, slippers, undershirts and copious amounts of hot tea are helping to keep me warmish. This is soooo unusual for me! I've always been the one in the room that is too warm while everyone else is freezing!
I can't wait to see what happens this summer because I'm always too hot and loathe the heat! hahah!
Post by: swick on February 10, 2016, 05:38:39 PM
Interesting, Swick! Have you ever experimented with yang (warming) foods? Can't seem to paste a link on my phone, but they seem to be mostly paleo.
Are you trying to stay keto (unrelated question)
I am familiar with the Chinese Medicine beliefs, it's not something I have actively looked into myself, but looking at a list I do tend towards more yang foods. Thanks, horsepoor!
Also, I'm not really trying to specifically stay in keto, I haven't really been tracking one way or the other.
Will definitely try your heated greens Idea, Orvell.
Post by: 1967mama on February 10, 2016, 06:33:09 PM
We had an avocado emergency today! The ones I bought at a store I don't usually frequent tasted awful! My wonderful son went out to Walmart and got me a mesh bag of them ... and noticed that they were cheaper to buy in the bag than buying them loose .. hopefully raising a future mustachian!
I've got a spatchcocked chicken (http://homecooking.about.com/od/chickenrecipes/r/Spatchcock-Herb-Orange-Chicken-Recipe.htm) in the oven and loads of yellow potatoes baking underneath:-) Yum!
Post by: Caoineag on February 10, 2016, 07:04:54 PM
Still lurking periodically but wanted to share that zoodles (zucchini noodles) are wonderful for anyone debating whether to try them.
How many folks here have invested in some sort of vegetable spiralizer? I have been using a carrot peeler for our zoodles (had them tonight with a fabulous meaty spaghetti sauce with tons of veggies in it - onion, garlic, bell peppers, celery and spinach).
If you're using one, what brand did you buy? is it worth the $$$? is it easy to use? is it easy to clean?
I use a mandoline to make zucchini into noodles. Works fine for me, plus I can use it for other things. I think mine is OXO that I got for like $10 at Target.
+1, I have a OXO mandolin and one of the attachments turns veggies into spaghetti. Didn't have to buy anything, just had to use that attachment (we actually had it for other reasons). I think spaghetti squash is great for anything requiring hot pasta but for cold pasta, the zoodles are fantastic because they also have a little crunch (hate soggy food).
Swick, I sympathize on cold food in the winter. Salads were never a thing I could eat in the winter. Since work is always too warm, its fine to eat cold things there but at home if I get too cold, I want boiling hot food. I have actually done better with this during this winter but the stair climbing I have been doing seems to keep my body temperature up because of all the muscle needing to be built and repaired. Running on the other hand seems to require something scalding hot to eat afterwards. Go figure.
Post by: Cranberries on February 10, 2016, 09:41:20 PM
Post by: 1967mama on February 10, 2016, 11:58:19 PM
Post by: ZiziPB on February 11, 2016, 04:10:40 AM
It's day 11 for me. Doing fine on the program, except that now I have a full blown yucky cold with a lot of congestion and a bad cough. I haven't been sick in years so I'm not sure if the timing is a coincidence or my body is telling me something. Needless to say that I have no idea if not eating dairy affects my chronic nasal congestion or not ;-)
I've been drinking what seems like gallons of hot tea in the last couple of days - it helps with the misery of the cold. Any food I eat tastes a bit off, so my normally hearty appetite seems subdued. But I did crave a sweet treat last night in the worst possible way. I had some walnuts instead...
Post by: MandalayVA on February 11, 2016, 04:13:59 AM
Still doing well and keeping the Larabars in check, LOL. I've also discovered cashew milk, which I will try to make this weekend. I'm going to try flavoring it with an apple and cinnamon and see what happens.
Like 1967mama I also had eggs and spinach for breakfast today, the spinach being left over from last night's dinner (grass-fed NY strip steak cooked rare, mmm). Chicken thighs, green beans and an apple for lunch; a pork shoulder steak and broccoli for dinner.
Sorry you're sick, Zizi, keep up with the tea, you're doing great!
Hello to all the returnees from this n00b. :D
Post by: swick on February 11, 2016, 02:41:55 PM
Swick, I sympathize on cold food in the winter. Salads were never a thing I could eat in the winter. Since work is always too warm, its fine to eat cold things there but at home if I get too cold, I want boiling hot food. I have actually done better with this during this winter but the stair climbing I have been doing seems to keep my body temperature up because of all the muscle needing to be built and repaired. Running on the other hand seems to require something scalding hot to eat afterwards. Go figure.
Yep, I hear you. I also work from home, and try to keep the heat as low as possible, so I'm sure that has a lot to do with it as well. My limbs tend to get cold and stay cold. Like if I go for a walk, I'll be fine. As soon as I come in, I'll have cold legs for the rest of the day and it takes forever to warm up enough to sleep. I am definitely the "warmth appropriator" in our house :)
1967mama We don't own a microwave, I keep tossing around the idea of getting one, it would cut down on a lot of the food prep/dishes eating this way seems to create. Not sure where I would put it though!
Welcome back, Botanist :)
ZiziPB - Sorry to hear you aren't feeling well. Hope you recover quickly and are kind to your body in the meantime!
MandalayVA - Great to hear you are doing well! Sounds like you have some good meals to look forward to!
Things are trucking along here. I made a surprisingly tasty curry with Ma Ploy Tamarind Curry paste, ground beef, cauliflower and coconut milk.
Post by: ZiziPB on February 12, 2016, 06:49:49 AM
Oh, and I decided to serve Nicoise salad for lunch when my guests arrive on Sunday. I have some really good Italian tuna packed in olive oil, great free-range eggs from Costco and some nice olives, just need to get the rest of the ingredients tomorrow.
Post by: 1967mama on February 12, 2016, 11:13:16 AM
Post by: ZiziPB on February 13, 2016, 08:11:47 AM
Had to get some stuff to feed my friends over the weekend so I ended buying things like cheese, crackers, bagels, deserts, etc. And a bottle of wine. I am determined to stick to the Whole 30 so I'm planning to make dishes I can eat for the most part and just skip the items I can't. I think it will be OK.
Post by: sunnyca on February 13, 2016, 07:51:42 PM
So today I had:
-Hot lemon water with cayenne and ginger
-Hard boiled eggs with a cucumber/romaine salad dressed with lime
-Green juice containing: green superfoods powder, collagen, cinnamon, and spirulina (the powders are a little pricey, but they do have a pretty positive effect on how I feel)
-Roasted potatoes, bell peppers, onions, and homemade meatballs made with basil, garlic powder, egg, and grass-fed beef
Post by: Orvell on February 14, 2016, 06:31:09 PM
I didn't eat amazing or interesting food. And my god I am fucking food exhausted today. But I did it. Amid a land of Cheetos and pizza and freely available junk food and danish, I ate hardboiled eggs, greens, fruits, and tuna salad that I stashed in a portable cooler.
Thank you to everyone for the ideas on portable Whole30 foods. :))
Post by: ZiziPB on February 15, 2016, 06:00:33 AM
I had weekend guests at the house but since I was the host I was in control of the food :-) I served a Whole30 compliant lunch (Nicoise salad) and dinner (roasted pork tenderloin with red skin potatoes, braised red cabbage and roasted broccoli). I served desert but skipped it myself (except for a couple of mandarin oranges). For breakfast we had scrambled eggs, compliant chicken sausage and bread/bagels, so it was easy enough for me to not have any carbs. All in all, a success. Day 15 today!
Post by: MandalayVA on February 15, 2016, 06:26:05 AM
I survived a 3 day convention while out of town and living in a crowded hotel room, all the while staying on the Whole30 track! I think I need a ribbon for that...
Will this do?
(http://images.clipartpanda.com/blue-ribbon-banner-clipart-xTg5jjGTA.jpeg)
Zizi, glad that handling your weekend guests went so well!
Day 16 for me--past the halfway point! I made vegetable beef soup for work lunches and cashew milk, which contrary to reports does need to be strained. I had some cashews left over so I made cashew cream. SO. GOOD. I ate about three spoonsful before mixing it into some creamy Italian salad dressing I made on Saturday with what was left of the avocado mayo. When I initially made it I put in too much vinegar, but the cashew cream smoothed it out considerably.
The soup will be good on this cold snowy day ...
Post by: ZiziPB on February 17, 2016, 04:16:55 AM
Post by: Orvell on February 17, 2016, 06:29:52 AM
Today is my day 29. It has been an interesting journey. My sad poops have come back, but I'm experimenting again to get them to go the fuck away. It's so hard to determine cause. Was it period-body-shenanigans? Was it dates acting as prunes? Was it not enough veg? All very possible. SCIENCE. We'll get there in the end. :)
I had a super uncomfortable conversation with one of my bosses-from-afar yesterday. I went to an award ceremony for my Actual Boss where she was honored by an organization for executive leadership. Cool! It also meant lots of free booze and deserts, of which I did not partake. Boss-from-afar basically heckled me? It was not comfortable. I had given my drink tickets to a colleague, and Boss-from-afar was teasing me if colleague was an alcoholic who begged them off me. "Did he have the shakes? Hahah!!"
Who the fuck thinks that's a funny joke topic? I'm 50% sure Boss-from-afar now thinks I'm pregnant too, because ~why else wouldn't a woman drink~
*grumble-grumble*
But Day 29. Hello. :)
Post by: swick on February 17, 2016, 08:06:30 AM
Way to Go Orvell! You are almost there! Have you thought about a plan for your re-intro? Way sucky about the boss-from-afar. What an ass hat. At least he isn't your immediate boss. We gave away our drink tickets for Hubby's staff Christmas party and no one really batted an eye, it is pretty clear that what we have been doing has been working for us.
For me, it was huge, I'm definitely on the introverted side of the social scale and the idea of getting through a big social event and making that much small talk usually requires at least a little liquid courage. The fact I could do it without was really eye opening for me.
We've had a week of poultry thus far. Roasted a duck on Sunday, had paleo lemon chicken on Monday and yesterday threw the leftover chicken into a quick crockpot butter chicken sauce. Gearing up to leave for a week and a half so trying to make sure Hubs has enough food options. He has said the hardest part of this process for him is he doesn't really know what to cook as all of his standbys are carb/grain based. He is learning though :)
Post by: AmandaPanda on February 17, 2016, 08:53:58 AM
Post by: MandalayVA on February 17, 2016, 08:59:46 AM
Yeah, the food can get a little boring, but I've been going through my spice and herb cabinet to help. Penzey's BBQ 3000 mix improves just about everything. :D
Day 18 for me with an experiment--a take-out salad. I ordered Italian dressing, but if it turns out to be bad I can get oil and vinegar from the cafeteria.
Let's keep doing this, people!
Post by: swick on February 17, 2016, 09:15:07 AM
Hello! I would like to join this little group :) I registered just for this thread, actually, even though I've been lurking for months. I started Whole30 on Ash Wednesday (even though I am not religious). I had mad headaches for 4 days, but now I'm on a roll. My biggest beef about the whole thing is that food is so boring to me right now. All the social interaction that goes with eating with friends is gone, and I've been short on time and interest this week so basically having the same foods as I had last week. I would love a breakfast idea that isn't apple and almond butter or eggs, because I don't love eggs, but I've eaten them a few mornings. Other mornings is the apple or leftovers...
Welcome, AmandaPanda!
I hear you on the breakfasts. It has been our biggest struggle because hubs doesn't really like eggs. Monkey bowls are a good option - Banana (I fry them up with some cinnamon and coconut oil) with toasted coconut, a splash of coconut milk and almond butter. You can use other fruit too.
Also, thinking of meals as Meal 1 Meal 2Meal 3 (instead of breakfast, lunch and dinner) helps as well. Makes leftovers or savory breakfasts more palatable.
After MUCH deliberation, I started making Crepes for hubs out of Chestnut flour for breakfasts, All compliant ingredients, although would for most people fall into the SWYPO catagory.
For us, it made completing the whole 30 and staying on this lifestyle after a million times easier. Especially because he works so early in the morning. Throwing a couple of crepes in the toaster oven, heating up a quick filling makes it all work. These days we do buckwheat flour crepes as we are not "officially" on the whole 30.
Some people still do smoothies on their whole 30, personally, I have less of a problem with the crepes, because they are not trigger food for us and they are still nutrient dense whole foods. You have to figure out what works for you, just sharing our experiences. I think the really big thing is learning to be conscious of your food choices and why you are eating what you are eating, while still getting all the nutrients you need to repair your body and flourish.
Looking forward to hearing about your journey, welcome again :D
Post by: Philociraptor on February 17, 2016, 09:57:09 AM
I would love a breakfast idea that isn't apple and almond butter or eggs, because I don't love eggs, but I've eaten them a few mornings. Other mornings is the apple or leftovers...
Leftovers. Technically we eat leftovers for every meal except breakfast, but I don't mind eggs and have them every day.
Post by: 1967mama on February 17, 2016, 10:37:46 AM
I detested eggs for breakfast when I started my first whole30 back in October 2015 and now my day would not feel complete without them! I had to find a way I liked them. I tried poached (ok), scrambled (yuck), and fried. I found that 2 fried eggs with broken yolks over easy is just like an omelette. I put a huge handful of spinach on a plate, wash it and microwave it 1 minute. I add 1/2 a diced avacado to the finished plate. I often throw on a handful of cherry tomatoes. This is NOT like me to eat eggs every day, and certainly not heaping with vegetables! Haha! Leftover potato chunks fried up in clarified butter with salt and pepper or a small yam microwaved around 4 minutes makes it fancier in weekends. Or fried up bell peppers, onions and zucchini. I amnot an eat-the-same-thing-every-day kind of person, yet here we are! Hahah. Hope your Whole30 goes well. I've experimented a bit and have found some terrific recipes for preventing food boredom. Nomnompaleo is excellent!
Post by: 1967mama on February 17, 2016, 10:57:59 AM
Post by: AmandaPanda on February 17, 2016, 11:29:45 AM
The only eggs I've eaten so far for breakfast were in the form of shakshuka, which I really like, but is strong for an every day breakfast.
Mama - I have to think over your egg suggestions. I like all the stuff you're putting with the eggs, so maybe!
Post by: swick on February 17, 2016, 12:00:09 PM
Post by: mom22boys on February 17, 2016, 12:09:48 PM
With all of this going on, my Sugar Dragon was full force and I've caved to temptation too many times. I'm finally back to day 3 of no sugar, so between that and my cold, my head has been raging war on me. I just love it when my head feels like it's going to explode. :-) I feel your pain ZipiPB.
My plan is to start my next Whole30 round after I get back from my work trip. I'll likely start on Febr 28 or 29.
Welcome AmandaPanda! For breakfast, I do a rotation of different types of eggs also to help with the monotony....but I do also like eggs. :-) For example, one week I'll make the Mini Frittatas from NomNomPaleo, and will eat that all week. Another week I'll go hard boiled eggs with something else on the side like fruit and veggies. And so on.... But, I think the key is also to get into the mind set of Meal1, 2, 3 as Swick mentioned.
Post by: 1967mama on February 17, 2016, 12:11:53 PM
1 banana, sliced
1 tablespoon of almond butter
2 tablespoons of coconut cream (put a can of compliant coconut milk in the fridge and the cream will rise to the top! I keep 2 cans in there at all times now. One open and one ready to open)
1 tablespoon of coconut
*one diced Medjool date - optional and only if I realllllly want one. Usually I don't because for me, it's bordering on SWYPO
All this talk of monkey bowls has me planning one for my 3pm afternoon "snack." We eat dinner late so it's kind of a mini meal for me. I can't make it from lunch to dinner without a smallish meal (like Swick's idea: meal 1, meal 2, meal 3 etc. I've been really focussing on ordering my eating properly on this fourth Whole30 -- first protein, then vegetables, then fruit -- to slow down my glycemic response.
Post by: 1967mama on February 17, 2016, 04:08:57 PM
Post by: ZiziPB on February 18, 2016, 07:02:47 AM
Post by: MandalayVA on February 18, 2016, 07:53:05 AM
Another word on Eggs - Please buy them from Happy Chickens. I know a large part of MMM is saving $$$ but the taste difference and nutrition makes the splurge totally worth it.
^^^^^^^
THIS. I love eggs so I spring for the good local ones even if they do cost $6/dozen (sometimes closer to seven if I get them at Whole Foods).
In other news, I have solved the gelatin/nut milk problem. Milk + heat + gelatin + small amount of apple juice = very easy to take gelatin!
Day 19 and things are still going well. Let's go, everybody!
Post by: Orvell on February 18, 2016, 08:06:33 AM
It's my last day. Technically I'll be ending my Whole30 tonight at dinner.
I'm not sure what to feel?
I definitely feel proud. I can't BELIEVE I have not had a bread product, a sugar product, or alcohol in 30 days. I did not know I had that sort of willpower in me. At all. I passed up so many things, and it was possible for me to make that decision. I was in control. THAT is, I think, the take-away for me from my Whole 30 experience.
I also feel slightly saddened? I didn't experience a magical girl Sailor Moon transformation. I feel good. But I didn't feel *awful* before. And I still sometimes have sad poops. I'm not sure what I was expecting. So many people have had such amazing experiences. And mine was certainly positive! But it wasn't transformative.
I have changed how I approach food. And I've mentally shifted several ways I wouldn't have pre-Whole 30. I cook meat (occasionally) now. And I'm no longer using 'filler' foods the way I was before (rice specifically). I will likely try another Whole 30 in April. :) I didn't get to all the recipes I wanted to try!
For my re-entry into Regular People Food... I'm not sure where I'll start. I'm 90% sure I have an issue with soy (part of what rocketed me into doing this thing) and I'm apprehensive about trying that to confirm it. For the next few days I think I'll ease in gently. Wine with dinner. And some lactose free (and soy free...) ice cream. ;)
<3
You guys are amazing. I can't believe I did this. Thank you.
I'll still be here. Even though I'll be re-introing, much of what I eat will be the same. And I want to support you guys as much as you've supported me. And... I'll likely be back for my second Whole 30 at some point. ;)
Post by: AmandaPanda on February 18, 2016, 08:36:13 AM
People have got me dying to make a monkey bowl. I have to pick up some coconut milk tonight, but then I am set for those.
I also found a bacon/pepper/zucchini frittata to make this weekend to shake up my breakfast rut next week. My husband will be travelling for two weeks for work, so I will definitely have an easier time since I won't have to stretch the food quite as far.
Post by: ZiziPB on February 18, 2016, 08:50:18 AM
I didn't experience a magical girl Sailor Moon transformation. I feel good. But I didn't feel *awful* before. And I still sometimes have sad poops. I'm not sure what I was expecting. So many people have had such amazing experiences. And mine was certainly positive! But it wasn't transformative.
That's interesting and how I think I will end up feeling. I think if you started from a really bad place (fast food, soda and beer every day), you would probably see a huge difference. But it sounds like you started from a generally good place, like me. I didn't drink alcohol or soda and ate no fast food before I started the program. I prepared all my meals, mostly from scratch. The only concern I had and wanted to address was excessive consumption of sugary treats and reliance on carbs as the basis of a lot of my meals. So I agree, that this program is useful but not life-changing for people like us.
Post by: swick on February 18, 2016, 08:58:52 AM
RE Poop: It is always a bit of a balancing act. It is something to pay attention to and adjust. It can take 1-4 days depending on the amount of fiber for something you eat to work it's way through your system. One thing I noticed during our first whole 30 is we weren't eating as many fermented and probiotics as we usually do (no yogurt or kefir) and my gut really wasn't a fan. We started making and eating more veggie ferments and life returned to normal.
If you are still having major issues and can't isolate it, you might need to try a GAPS, FODMAP or autoimmune proticol. There is a brief overview and how it fits with Whole 30 here: http://whole30.com/2013/06/expanded-iswf-shopping-lists/ (http://whole30.com/2013/06/expanded-iswf-shopping-lists/)
Post by: Philociraptor on February 18, 2016, 09:21:54 AM
Post by: Orvell on February 18, 2016, 09:25:26 AM
Zizi: :D I think it's important to remember that even non-transformative wins still count? I'm still figuring out how to frame it in my own mind. I learned some things. But I didn't solve everything. But I shouldn't have expected to, either. I truly think the most staggering thing I learned is that I actually have control over what I eat. And that no one can make me eat something I don't want to, for whatever reason, be it that I don't want fire poops, or that I just don't want to eat sugar right now.
Swick: You are always so full of information! I so appreciate it. :) Me and my poop chronicles will be hanging out in this thread for many times to come. ;) You're right on re-intro and caution. I'll take care to head your words. ;) I'm also, though, trying to prep and not shock my system for a vacation I have coming up, in which I will have little to no control over the food available (Costa Rica as part of a group tour) so I want to make sure I do a proper and full re-intro before early March. It will be, like everything, a balancing act.
Re poops:
I just printed out the FODMAP grocery guide! I will be testing this out! I've definitely eaten many things that are grayed out on this list (apples, dates, avocados... to name a few) and it will be interesting to see if they are the culprits. I had pegged dates as a Very Likely suspect myself awhile back, but then it didn't clear up 100% when I cut those out a few days ago, so I got discouraged.
My issues aren't "major" (it's more that there's an unpleasant sense of urgency in the morning, like, that had BEST BE the first thing you do upon getting vertical, and it will exit the corpus in 2 seconds flat) but I'd still like to put an end to them if I can find an identifiable cause. :) And the STUBBORN GOAT in me really wants to find that identifiable cause...
Post by: swick on February 18, 2016, 09:26:43 AM
I think if you started from a really bad place (fast food, soda and beer every day), you would probably see a huge difference.
I would like to point out that everyone is different. You can be in a "really bad place" without having fast food, soda and beer every day.
In my case, I lived in an isolated town without consistent access to fresh fruits and veggies so had to rely on grains and filler foods. We did not have a fast food joint in town (wouldn't have gone if we did) I made everything from scratch - whole grain without "refined" sugar, don't drink soda and had alcohol MAYBE once a month.
It took doing the whole 30 to realize that gluten/grains were the cause of my Fibromyalgia, which left me sick, uninspired to do anything physical - because even a vigorous house clean would leave me crippled for days.
Everyone is different. How we have developed and how individual foods affect us is going to be different as well. It's really hard not to judge others their history, situations, choices and progress (I have discovered myself falling into this and I really don't like it) - at the end of the day we are all here trying to do the best we can.
We might take different paths after the whole 30. Some people have gone back to eating normally, some have used their new found insights about their personal relationships with food to make different choices. Some have stayed on the Whole 30 train, some have adapted to a Paleo/Keto lifestyle. There are as many ways to go after you finish your whole 30 as reasons that brought you to it :)
What I really like about this, compared to every other fad diet/program/"lifestyle" out there is if you put in the time and effort you finish empowered to know what does and does not work FOR YOU and then, knowing how foods affect you, you are able to make conscious and informed choice about the foods you eat instead of just eating "whatever" with no concept of what they do to your body and how they make you feel.
Post by: swick on February 18, 2016, 09:34:04 AM
Food - like anything we put in/on our bodies are all the same at their most basic and fundamental level and there is sometimes no telling how things will affect us or interact with each other.
When my mom did whole 30, she discovered that nuts make her wheeze. She has always struggled with Asthma and breathing issues. She noticed it actually got worse on her whole 30, She had been eating a lot of nuts - and then she tried cutting out the nuts and went off her puffer.
Post by: ZiziPB on February 18, 2016, 10:04:38 AM
Very good points, swick. I often forget how lucky I am to be generally healthy, with no chronic conditions, and that I have easy access to (and means to afford) fresh, high quality food. Thank you for the reminder not to take things for granted.I think if you started from a really bad place (fast food, soda and beer every day), you would probably see a huge difference.
I would like to point out that everyone is different. You can be in a "really bad place" without having fast food, soda and beer every day.
In my case, I lived in an isolated town without consistent access to fresh fruits and veggies so had to rely on grains and filler foods. We did not have a fast food joint in town (wouldn't have gone if we did) I made everything from scratch - whole grain without "refined" sugar, don't drink soda and had alcohol MAYBE once a month.
It took doing the whole 30 to realize that gluten/grains were the cause of my Fibromyalgia, which left me sick, uninspired to do anything physical - because even a vigorous house clean would leave me crippled for days.
Everyone is different. How we have developed and how individual foods affect us is going to be different as well. It's really hard not to judge others their history, situations, choices and progress (I have discovered myself falling into this and I really don't like it) - at the end of the day we are all here trying to do the best we can.
We might take different paths after the whole 30. Some people have gone back to eating normally, some have used their new found insights about their personal relationships with food to make different choices. Some have stayed on the Whole 30 train, some have adapted to a Paleo/Keto lifestyle. There are as many ways to go after you finish your whole 30 as reasons that brought you to it :)
What I really like about this, compared to every other fad diet/program/"lifestyle" out there is if you put in the time and effort you finish empowered to know what does and does not work FOR YOU and then, knowing how foods affect you, you are able to make conscious and informed choice about the foods you eat instead of just eating "whatever" with no concept of what they do to your body and how they make you feel.
Post by: swick on February 18, 2016, 10:31:49 AM
Very good points, swick. I often forget how lucky I am to be generally healthy, with no chronic conditions, and that I have easy access to (and means to afford) fresh, high quality food. Thank you for the reminder not to take things for granted.
:) I think most of what I said I was pretty much just talking to myself there. It astounds and frustrates me that I lived with so much pain, for so long, for no reason. I still have some experimenting to do. I don't know if it is gluten or some other shit they put on the wheat here. When I lived overseas I didn't seem to have an issue, and probably consumed more wheat.
I'll eventually start experimenting with EinKorn and such, just to know. I want to know if having a beer will affect me, or if there is any "safe" level for me since wheat is in everything. I'm just not looking forward to doing it and haven't had the time to take a couple of weeks off if I do end up feeling like shit.
Breakfast: Bone broth with some of my mom's homemade "soup mix" Basically just a bunch of pulverized dried veggies from her garden, with a scrambled duck egg dribbled in to make an "egg drop" soup. I'm really liking it :)
Post by: ZiziPB on February 18, 2016, 11:02:09 AM
Very good points, swick. I often forget how lucky I am to be generally healthy, with no chronic conditions, and that I have easy access to (and means to afford) fresh, high quality food. Thank you for the reminder not to take things for granted.
:) I think most of what I said I was pretty much just talking to myself there. It astounds and frustrates me that I lived with so much pain, for so long, for no reason. I still have some experimenting to do. I don't know if it is gluten or some other shit they put on the wheat here. When I lived overseas I didn't seem to have an issue, and probably consumed more wheat.
I'll eventually start experimenting with EinKorn and such, just to know. I want to know if having a beer will affect me, or if there is any "safe" level for me since wheat is in everything. I'm just not looking forward to doing it and haven't had the time to take a couple of weeks off if I do end up feeling like shit.
Breakfast: Bone broth with some of my mom's homemade "soup mix" Basically just a bunch of pulverized dried veggies from her garden, with a scrambled duck egg dribbled in to make an "egg drop" soup. I'm really liking it :)
I'm assuming that you had all other possible health related causes eliminated but I thought I would check? My DD had (undiagnosed) thyroid problems that completely threw off her digestive system. She was deemed allergic to wheat, dairy, soy, corn and a long list of other things. She had some bad reactions and for a while her diet was extremely restricted. But once her thyroid problem was diagnosed and treated, things started to improve. Now, after a couple of years of having the thyroid under control, she can actually eat a lot of the foods that bothered her before. So I guess what I'm saying is that inability to tolerate certain foods may be just another symptom and not necessarily a cause. BTW, she's doing the Whole-30 with me (she lives on another continent so we just compare notes by imessage and Facetime :-) and really likes it.
Post by: swick on February 18, 2016, 11:09:30 AM
Once they finally put a label on it, they couldn't tell me why I had it or what I could do about it other than take drugs for "pain management"
Post by: swick on February 19, 2016, 03:05:46 PM
My apologies for being late!
How was your first day or so of re-intro? Hope it is all smooth sailing for you!
Post by: Orvell on February 19, 2016, 03:40:32 PM
WAHOO, ORVELL! Congrats on finishing your Whole 30!!!!YOU ARE THE BEST.
My apologies for being late!
How was your first day or so of re-intro? Hope it is all smooth sailing for you!
THANK YOU!
My first night of re-intro was a bit of a frenzy. Today is more controlled. Last night I broke out the wine and had too many cookies. It was probably a mistake?? (*coughs* shush) but it felt good to realize that... it wasn't the incredible experience I thought it would be. It wasn't anything special. Even those particular cookies that I'd been lusting after were just only 'pretty okay.'
:)
Today I partook in "beer Friday" at work for the first time in a long time. And tonight I'll have a meal with rice in it with my mom. I think re-intro is going just fine (although possibly was a little out of control yesterday, but I'm being forgiving of myself of that). I'm holding off on dealing with soy, though. :/ That will be a day and or week of its own. I'll probably have things to say about it.
<3
Hope everyone is having a great Friday!
Post by: Orvell on February 20, 2016, 04:22:29 PM
I've been eating some sugar. Not a *ton* but some. It's nutty how you can feel it. I have a mild headache that I'm 90% is from the sugar, and generally feel jittery and a little bloated. Gross. I'll definitely be attempting to keep that down to a minimum even when I'm not on a "real" Whole30. Good news is, as expected, gluten doesn't seem to bug me at all. So while not doing it "for real" I can be a little less puritanical about that. Haven't dealt with legumes in any capacity yet, and I won't be trying 'real' dairy as I already know I can't digest that. One thing (or two) at a time.
In other news, I've sort of accidentally convinced my mom to try the Whole30? Ha! :) I'm not sure how committed she'll be, but I think there are some things she can benefit from, and she seemed genuinely interested. She's not overweight, but she does have some energy-level issues. I think her biggest challenge will be giving up oatmeal every morning!
I think part of the reason she was game to give it a try is because it's verrrry similar to the eating pattern my aunt and favorite uncle follow (and therefore is a bit vetted; they are both highly intelligent people, clearly not following a 'fad diet' and my aunt is a geneticist with a great deal of nutritional background). He has ALS (something that still makes me very very sad to think about) and they are hoping a strict paleo-style diet might slow its progress down.
Anyhow, this is my, "hello from the other side," post. ;) It's not as different as I thought it would be. And I feel better when I'm eating on-plan.
Post by: 1967mama on February 20, 2016, 04:38:56 PM
We got "That Sugar Film" out of the library recently and I can't say enough about it! So convicting about how poorly I was living my life pre-Whole 30 :-/ I feel so terrific and have So. Much. Energy.
No more mid-afternoon slumps for this busy mama. My husband can't believe how much I do with the kids in a day.
A note about bowel/poop problems. Wayyyy back in around November 2015 I was in the middle of my 2nd Whole30 and panicking about bowel problems. I went strict FODMAP free and it still didn't help. I have FINALLY figured it out but forgot to update everyone ... I'm sure everyone was wondering (haha!). It was water! I was not drinking enough water at all! So now I drink lots and lots of water and have zero poop problems! It's a wonderful relief (in more ways than one)!
Post by: Orvell on February 20, 2016, 05:10:08 PM
Orvell - Congratulations on finishing up your Whole30! I do love this way of eating so much that after 4 Whole30's it's finally starting to feel like a lifestyle for me instead of a diet.
We got "That Sugar Film" out of the library recently and I can't say enough about it! So convicting about how poorly I was living my life pre-Whole 30 :-/ I feel so terrific and have So. Much. Energy.
No more mid-afternoon slumps for this busy mama. My husband can't believe how much I do with the kids in a day.
A note about bowel/poop problems. Wayyyy back in around November 2015 I was in the middle of my 2nd Whole30 and panicking about bowel problems. I went strict FODMAP free and it still didn't help. I have FINALLY figured it out but forgot to update everyone ... I'm sure everyone was wondering (haha!). It was water! I was not drinking enough water at all! So now I drink lots and lots of water and have zero poop problems! It's a wonderful relief (in more ways than one)!
Thank you! :D My first Whole 30 was a total experience. :) I am definitely going to be doing another "actual" one, but I know what you mean. Even while not following the rules 100% and going through the Normal People Food re-intro process, I know eating the Whole30 way (in general) makes me feel good, so I'm likely going to be following the majority of the rules anyhow!
I watched "That Sugar Movie" before I even started this, back when I was trying to kick sugar alone without the rest of the dietary shift. It's a good one, for sure! I tried rec'ing it to some friends without any success. XD Apparently "normal people" aren't super into realizing they are destroying themselves.
And thank you for the note about water. I'm going to be making sure I stay fully hydrated. It wouldn't surprise me if that might be my issue too! :) Although I'm guessing yours was constipation? Mine was/is (pattern still not identified) loose poops with a sense of urgency.
Post by: 1967mama on February 20, 2016, 05:46:52 PM
Post by: Orvell on February 20, 2016, 06:54:33 PM
Orvell - my symptoms were exactly the same as yours, which is why I didn't expect it to be a lack of water causing those symptoms.........
*DRINKS A LARGE GLASS OF WATER*
Post by: 1967mama on February 20, 2016, 07:11:35 PM
Post by: nnls on February 20, 2016, 10:41:13 PM
Hoping for some ideas, I am about to start whole30 and am struggling on what to eat for breakfast. I am allergic to eggs and that seems to eliminate a lot of options. I have googled some ideas but not many seem like easy options to have before work or are the kinds of meals I couldn't imagine eating at 5am like stuffed eggplant or various casseroles.
Thought I would ask on here if anyone has any ideas or tips
Post by: horsepoor on February 21, 2016, 08:10:15 AM
YMMV, but I kind of like salmon for breakfast. Or you could make up some compliant sausage patties that you can just grab and warm up. If you're really hungry most mornings, maybe keep some cooked sweet potato and crumbled, seasoned sausage or ground beef on hand and eat them together.
There is also the monkey bowl that several people on this thread have been discussing.
Post by: ZiziPB on February 21, 2016, 09:57:56 AM
Post by: swick on February 21, 2016, 10:57:52 AM
hi
Hoping for some ideas, I am about to start whole30 and am struggling on what to eat for breakfast. I am allergic to eggs and that seems to eliminate a lot of options. I have googled some ideas but not many seem like easy options to have before work or are the kinds of meals I couldn't imagine eating at 5am like stuffed eggplant or various casseroles.
Thought I would ask on here if anyone has any ideas or tips
Welcome, nnls!
I have to get up super early and the thought of eating anything right away doesn't sit well with me. I do like Horsepoor suggests and make a coconut oil "buzzed" coffee or tea. I throw my base liquid in a pot with some coconut oil, coconut milk and ususally a bit of raw cocoa (if it is coffee) to make it like a Mocha. Or a bit of powdered vanilla bean to make a "London Fog" with tea. I Don't like just melting some coconut oil into hot liquid, because you get a mouthful of oil, and that makes me want to gag.
I do this every morning and then stop for a larger "brunch" style meal later in the morning/early afternoon. This keeps me full for a few hours at least.
Thinking of meals as 1, 2, 3 instead of "breakfast, lunch, dinner" is also useful. Especially if you are use to the more traditional sweet breakfast foods in the morning.
I usually have a few roasted sweet potatoes on hand, sliced and fried in some oil, or sprinkled with some of the "sweeter" spices are also both good breakfast options.
I also usually keep some sort of cooked protein easily available. Sausage crumbles, homemade breakfast sausage patties, shredded meat.
Nom nom paelo's Kalua pork is awesome for breakfast, crisped up in a pan on top of some sauteed veggies is awesome! http://nomnompaleo.com/post/10031990774/slow-cooker-kalua-pig (http://nomnompaleo.com/post/10031990774/slow-cooker-kalua-pig) I usually crisp it up and toss it in top of some quick wok fiend caggabe with a bunch of sesame seeds, chalula hot sauce and coconut amino's.
I've been getting more into soups for breakfast as well.
Monkey bowls (discussed throughout the thread) are a good option too if you want more fruit.
Potato cakes, fish cakes, potato pancakes...you are allowed to have white potatoes on the Whole 30 so that should provide some variety, but you probably don't want to depend on them every morning.
Post by: nnls on February 21, 2016, 03:13:20 PM
I may go the piece of fruit options and then something a bit more substantial around 7 or 8 when I am a bit more awake.
Post by: MandalayVA on February 21, 2016, 04:54:38 PM
I make a smoothie with coconut milk, banana or other fruit and almond butter. Easy and filling.
I know the Whole30 authors have some concerns about smoothies because they can be a trigger for drinking sugary stuff but a high-fat smoothie with coconut milk for me is an easy way to ingest something that keeps me full until 2 pm.
We just got some almond butter from Costco so I may try this.
Day 22 for me, and for some reason I've been hungry all day although I'm eating my usual meals. I did eat a spoonful of almond butter when I was clutching and that seemed to help, but I don't usually snack and I don't want to develop the habit.
Post by: 1967mama on February 21, 2016, 06:21:50 PM
Post by: 1967mama on February 21, 2016, 10:52:29 PM
Just had a delicious smoothie made with:
A can of coconut milk
A handful of frozen mango chunks
1 banana
1 date
2 Tablespoons of almond butter
It was fabulous!
Post by: ZiziPB on February 22, 2016, 08:24:38 AM
Sorry to be such a negative ninny about it, but Whole 30 is just not working for me at the moment. I am determined to stick to it to the end in the hopes that it ends up being a positive experience after all, but so far it hasn't been good.
Post by: Orvell on February 22, 2016, 08:36:09 AM
1967Mama mentioned up-thread that her digestive issues were similar, and for her the answer was hydration. I'm still messing around with that (and since I'm "off" my Whole30 my variables are too plentiful to be truly meaningful) but it might be worth downing a few extra glasses of water and seeing if that helps?
Post by: AmandaPanda on February 22, 2016, 09:54:07 AM
Post by: swick on February 22, 2016, 10:06:38 AM
Sorry you aren't doing well. It sounds like you could be going through the crappiness that is not going into Keto but not eating enough carbs to go sustain using glucose as a primary fuel. You feel like shit.
Your symptoms are pretty similar to what my hubby was going through for a couple of weeks. You could try incorporating more carbs and see if you start to feel better. if you feel better after having more bananas or white potatoes, it is a good clue. If you have otherwise been sick and not feeling much like eating, it is very possible you just haven't been eating enough/in the right proportions for your body. Part of the trick of eating Whole 30 is figuring out how it works for you. People do get into trouble because while they are eating compliant foods, they are not eating enough, or getting enough fats, or drinking enough water.
Keeping a food journal for a couple of days might help so you can actually see and analyze would probably help.
Post by: debbie does duncan on February 22, 2016, 10:14:04 AM
just a thought....avocados are on the NO list if you have FODMAPS!
Like Swick said a food journal is your best friend until you figure out what is going on.
Good luck !
Post by: ZiziPB on February 22, 2016, 10:41:43 AM
As to avocados, this is an issue I have on and off - sometimes I can eat them, and sometimes I get stomach pain within 20-30 minutes of eating them. I had a couple of avocados earlier in the month and I was fine. But yesterday was a disaster. I get the same reaction to papaya, except that the pain/cramps are guaranteed if I eat it. From what I've read it is latex fruit allergy. At some point in my 20s I was getting the same reaction to bananas but now I can eat them with no problems whatsoever.
As to non-quite keto: I am eating quite a lot of carbs on Whole 30 - regular potatoes, sweet potatoes, lots of fruit. In fact, I think I may be eating too much fruit :-(
The good news is that I talked to my DD who is doing the Whole 30 with me and she is feeling great. She said all her bloating and swelling is gone and she has lots of energy.
Post by: The Happy Philosopher on February 22, 2016, 07:41:51 PM
Maybe I'm the only Mustachian who didn't know this...but if you put your green onions in water in a sunny window, they regrow. Just put the roots and white portions in water, and like magic, they regrow! I'm using a lot more green onion in my cooking now that I'm Whole30/Paleo. I change the water about every three days.Another awesome tip I learned: treat parsley and basil like flowers - cut the ends and put them is a vase of water and they last for a long time. This would probably work for cilantro as well.
Post by: 1967mama on February 22, 2016, 09:25:34 PM
Maybe I'm the only Mustachian who didn't know this...but if you put your green onions in water in a sunny window, they regrow. Just put the roots and white portions in water, and like magic, they regrow! I'm using a lot more green onion in my cooking now that I'm Whole30/Paleo. I change the water about every three days.Another awesome tip I learned: treat parsley and basil like flowers - cut the ends and put them is a vase of water and they last for a long time. This would probably work for cilantro as well.
Thanks, frugaldoc! This is so exciting to me! I will have all sorts of things growing in my window soon. Nothing drives me more crazy than needing parsley or cilantro for a recipe and not having it "in stock."
Post by: Orvell on February 23, 2016, 09:52:09 AM
I can't remember what I've talked about here before, but my aunt and uncle live pretty similar diets themselves, and have for the last year + (In my uncle's case, as a desperate hope to stave off ALS)
But anyhow, my aunt had a breakfast plan that was different from some things I've read hear, and I know breakfasts can be hard for folks, so I thought I'd share.
:)
She does up ground turkey with dried fruit and silvered almonds, and has a bowl of that every morning. Says it reminds her of oatmeal, haha!
Unrelated, but how do you guys deal with all the negative press paleo (and paleo-related stuff) gets sometimes? I get google news alerts somewhat based on what I've been (you guessed it) googling, and I feel like every other day there's some pop culture report about how paleo diets make you fat and die. Which is like, 100% not my experience, and not most of your guyses's experiences.
So how do you deal with 'science' when you yourself are not a scientist? How do you separate the chaff from the (non)wheat?
My aunt who eats like this IS a scientist. I trust her. Funnily enough, I trust her more for the fact that over the years she's drastically changed her opinions? She was the reason I went mostly-vegan for awhile, too. I think there's not enough respect given to people who look at things, reassess, and move forward on a different track without any shame. :)
I'm rambling. Sorry. I'm a little unfocussed today.
In sum: as a person without a PhD, how do you deal with the onslaught of news articles telling you all sorts of wrong shit you're doing and that you're gonna die like a fat mouse in a lab?
Cognitively I know it's all click bait shit and that our scientific understanding of nutrition is Constantly Evolving. But eventually there's gonna be more new information that IS right. And how will we know?
@__@
Post by: horsepoor on February 23, 2016, 10:48:33 AM
I don't encounter criticism, but I think if I did, I'd just say that it works for me and my personal results speak for themselves. The detractors are free to make their own choices.
Post by: jordanread on February 23, 2016, 10:52:58 AM
[...]
So how do you deal with 'science' when you yourself are not a scientist? How do you separate the chaff from the (non)wheat?
My aunt who eats like this IS a scientist. I trust her. Funnily enough, I trust her more for the fact that over the years she's drastically changed her opinions? She was the reason I went mostly-vegan for awhile, too. I think there's not enough respect given to people who look at things, reassess, and move forward on a different track without any shame. :)
I'm rambling. Sorry. I'm a little unfocussed today.
In sum: as a person without a PhD, how do you deal with the onslaught of news articles telling you all sorts of wrong shit you're doing and that you're gonna die like a fat mouse in a lab?
Cognitively I know it's all click bait shit and that our scientific understanding of nutrition is Constantly Evolving. But eventually there's gonna be more new information that IS right. And how will we know?
@__@
Personally, if I do find myself on a clickbait article, I just look for the references and go down that rabbit hole. Most of those articles are cherry picking things. If I can find the actual study referenced, I read that. If I can't, I dismissed it. Sometimes scholarly articles are a tough read, but they are easy enough to understand if you take the time. If you find yourself worrying about it, that's the route I'd take. If it doesn't phase you, I'd just move on.
Mark's Daily Apple did a post on the Paleo makes you fat thing just yesterday (http://www.marksdailyapple.com/dear-mark-paleo-diet-fattening/#axzz410x14EYt). He usually addresses these things as they come up in the media.
I don't encounter criticism, but I think if I did, I'd just say that it works for me and my personal results speak for themselves. The detractors are free to make their own choices.
That's a pretty good route to take too. Less work, less stress. :)
Post by: MandalayVA on February 23, 2016, 01:25:38 PM
In sum: as a person without a PhD, how do you deal with the onslaught of news articles telling you all sorts of wrong shit you're doing and that you're gonna die like a fat mouse in a lab?
Cognitively I know it's all click bait shit and that our scientific understanding of nutrition is Constantly Evolving. But eventually there's gonna be more new information that IS right. And how will we know?
@__@
Realize that mainstream news outlets are desperate for viewers and use scare tactics to get them. "Are YOU at risk?" Or, sure to set off panic, "Is YOUR CHILD at risk?" They know that few people will read past the first few paragraphs, which have the trigger. Those who go to the end, however, will find that it only applies to a small amount of people or that an opposite result was found.
Today for lunch I had a chicken breast with a dip made of homemade cocktail sauce and mayo, a tossed salad with homemade Italian dressing and a small apple. I'd love to find the person who would look at that meal and call it unhealthy.
PS--Day 24, still going strong!
Post by: 1967mama on February 23, 2016, 02:17:52 PM
She is worried that I'm not getting enough calcium. I'm eating over a cup of spinach every day, plus other calcium containing foods. And my calcium needs are lower because I'm not leaching calcium by eating crap.
When I had a problem with vertigo a few weeks ago (diagnosed by my family doc as BPPV - cured in one visit to a physiotherapist who did the Epley Manoeuvre) my sister texted me and said "Eat a sandwich!" Oh dear:-/ Haters gonna hate.
I feel terrific - the best I've felt in more than 18 years!! That's when I reallllly started packing on the weight with successive pregnancies and births. After my 4th child, my husband was into marathon running and I caught the health bug for a little while and got back down to my ideal weight.
I still have FIFTY pounds to go to get back to that ideal weight and I feel like I can do it. I've already lost 42 since July. I trust this process and am not looking for a quick fix. I'm just eating great food every day, moving more, keeping up with my large family... by my 50th birthday (January 2016) I plan on being back to that ideal health and weight and ready to face my 2nd 50 years with vim and vigour! My youngest child will be 9 in April and I'm hopeful that grandchildren are just around the corner (none of my kids are married yet, but the oldest 3 are in serious relationships)!
Have a great day, everyone!
Post by: abhe8 on February 23, 2016, 02:38:24 PM
Post by: horsepoor on February 23, 2016, 02:46:27 PM
My mom is in her mid 70's (heavy her whole life, knee joints are shot). She is worried about the way I'm eating and that I'm losing weight too fast. She thinks its unhealthy ??? that I've lost 42 pounds in 7 months ... ummmm ... no.
Yep, just another way to reassure themselves that they couldn't be doing something differently/better. You're successful but there must be something wrong with it and you're doomed to fail anytime.
Right... now.
Now?
Hmm, howboutnow??
Post by: The Happy Philosopher on February 23, 2016, 04:42:23 PM
Maybe I'm the only Mustachian who didn't know this...but if you put your green onions in water in a sunny window, they regrow. Just put the roots and white portions in water, and like magic, they regrow! I'm using a lot more green onion in my cooking now that I'm Whole30/Paleo. I change the water about every three days.Another awesome tip I learned: treat parsley and basil like flowers - cut the ends and put them is a vase of water and they last for a long time. This would probably work for cilantro as well.
Thanks, frugaldoc! This is so exciting to me! I will have all sorts of things growing in my window soon. Nothing drives me more crazy than needing parsley or cilantro for a recipe and not having it "in stock."
You're welcome :) I've had stuff stay good for a few weeks that way, just keep changing the water every week so it doesn't get funky.
Also basil likes humidity so draping a cut ziplock bag over it keeps it going longer.
Post by: ZiziPB on February 24, 2016, 09:22:08 AM
I'm going to try making zucchini pasta tonight. On Sunday I made cauliflower rice to have with Thai curry and it was pretty good, but it definitely tasted better fresh than reheated next day. I generally like cooking things that make tasty leftovers so the cauliflower rice is not likely to become a permanent addition to my diet. We'll see how the zucchini pasta will come out - this is going to be my first time making it.
Post by: swick on February 24, 2016, 09:38:42 AM
Day 24 - my stomach seems to have settled. I'm looking forward to coffee and oatmeal in the morning a week from today :-)
I'm going to try making zucchini pasta tonight. On Sunday I made cauliflower rice to have with Thai curry and it was pretty good, but it definitely tasted better fresh than reheated next day. I generally like cooking things that make tasty leftovers so the cauliflower rice is not likely to become a permanent addition to my diet. We'll see how the zucchini pasta will come out - this is going to be my first time making it.
I make a roasted cauli-rice, it reheats much better. You can take the raw cauli-rice, toss it with some oil, salt and pepper and then roast it that way, or you can be really lazy like me and roast the cauli first then buzz it up briefly.
Post by: ZiziPB on February 24, 2016, 10:21:59 AM
That's what I did - I put the raw cauliflower into a food processor and then roasted it with oil, salt and pepper. It reheated fine the next day but the cauliflower flavor/taste got very intense and I didn't care for it that much.Day 24 - my stomach seems to have settled. I'm looking forward to coffee and oatmeal in the morning a week from today :-)
I'm going to try making zucchini pasta tonight. On Sunday I made cauliflower rice to have with Thai curry and it was pretty good, but it definitely tasted better fresh than reheated next day. I generally like cooking things that make tasty leftovers so the cauliflower rice is not likely to become a permanent addition to my diet. We'll see how the zucchini pasta will come out - this is going to be my first time making it.
I make a roasted cauli-rice, it reheats much better. You can take the raw cauli-rice, toss it with some oil, salt and pepper and then roast it that way, or you can be really lazy like me and roast the cauli first then buzz it up briefly.
Post by: ZiziPB on February 25, 2016, 09:17:55 AM
Post by: Orvell on February 25, 2016, 09:20:36 AM
My parents are doing the Whole30 now and sent me a long text complaining about just feeling crappy and "off" (they're on day 3/4) and I was tempted to show them this thread. But I didn't. XD Too weird. I did make sure they saw the Whole30 timeline, though.
In shameful (?) news, I face-planted into a box of cookies last night.
I feel gross.
The end.
Post by: MandalayVA on February 25, 2016, 09:51:56 AM
Can I be proud of myself for zero slips? I think I can. :)
Post by: olivia on February 25, 2016, 10:33:48 AM
Post by: ZiziPB on February 25, 2016, 10:54:08 AM
Day 26. Things are still going well, but pasta has been sneaking into my thoughts. My local Whole Foods sells pre-sliced zucchini noodles, so maybe I'll pick some up this weekend. I've made them myself in the summer when zucchini is dirt cheap since I have a OXO julienne peeler.
Can I be proud of myself for zero slips? I think I can. :)
Funny, but pasta is the one thing I don't really miss. Chocolate, however, is a different matter entirely....
I think you should be very proud of yourself!! I know I am. I had rough time of it between a nasty cold for over a week and a 4 day migraine, but I pulled through and will make it to the end :-)
Post by: AmandaPanda on February 25, 2016, 12:20:08 PM
I know you're not supposed to weight for 30 days, but I completely disregarded that rule and have weighed every day. In the beginning, I was losing a pound a day almost, and then suddenly I put three back on, and they hadn't budged until yesterday. I guess I really was eating a lot less at first, then I started amping up the avocados and monkey bowls. The monkey bowls are now off-limits to me...
Post by: Philociraptor on February 25, 2016, 01:19:37 PM
Chocolate for real!
I know you're not supposed to weight for 30 days, but I completely disregarded that rule and have weighed every day. In the beginning, I was losing a pound a day almost, and then suddenly I put three back on, and they hadn't budged until yesterday. I guess I really was eating a lot less at first, then I started amping up the avocados and monkey bowls. The monkey bowls are now off-limits to me...
These "monkey bowls" just look like sugar- and fat-bombs to me. But it's probably because I do the high-protein thing.
Post by: ketchup on February 26, 2016, 12:10:42 PM
This. My girlfriend found an article (before she lost 50lbs) basically saying "Your Overweight Friends Won't Be Happy For You When You Lose Weight" and it became depressingly true for her relationship with one friend in particular. She seemed downright angry that my GF had lost weight. And unless they ask for help, don't give it. It's even worse than financial-train-wreck people suffering from excuse-itis when responding to reasonable advice.My mom is in her mid 70's (heavy her whole life, knee joints are shot). She is worried about the way I'm eating and that I'm losing weight too fast. She thinks its unhealthy ??? that I've lost 42 pounds in 7 months ... ummmm ... no.
Yep, just another way to reassure themselves that they couldn't be doing something differently/better. You're successful but there must be something wrong with it and you're doomed to fail anytime.
Right... now.
Now?
Hmm, howboutnow??
Post by: horsepoor on February 28, 2016, 09:34:33 AM
Came across this blog post on egg free breakfast soups, thought I'd share. Sorry, the page takes forever to load.
Post by: MandalayVA on February 28, 2016, 06:32:33 PM
http://meatified.com/breakfast-soup-meatified-method/
Came across this blog post on egg free breakfast soups, thought I'd share. Sorry, the page takes forever to load.
It loaded pretty quickly for me, but +1 on soup for breakfast, although I'd cry if I couldn't eat eggs because I love them.
Tomorrow is Day 30. No cheats. Go me!
Post by: ZiziPB on February 29, 2016, 04:19:25 AM
Post by: swick on February 29, 2016, 03:29:15 PM
I'm visiting family, so didn't want to miss congratulating you! Please let us know how your re intro goes!
Post by: Orvell on February 29, 2016, 03:37:59 PM
So reintro. Yeah I really fucked that up. Swick, I took exactly none of your advice, and regret it. Bleh! I fell right back into old (and bad) food behaviors. You know the ones. The "fuck it, I just need X, it's been a long day" behaviors.
I'm fine for breakfasts and lunches (they're structured things I make plans for) but weekends and sometimes dinner are at High Risk for Major Bad Decisions.
But knowing is half the battle?
I'm going to be doing my second Whole30 starting March 14th (when I get back from a vacation abroad). Until then I'm going to continue to try and eat at least somewhat 'on plan' and avoid binge events. Wish me luck!
:)
And congrats to Manydalayva and ZiziPB! :D But please take Swick's advice where I did not, lol. May your reintro NOT be as catastrophic a fail as mine.
Post by: 1967mama on February 29, 2016, 03:41:41 PM
Just get back in the saddle after your trip and keep checking in here in the meantime for motivation. Even if 1/2 our day is Whole30, that's better than nothing, right?
High five!
Post by: ZiziPB on March 01, 2016, 06:49:27 AM
WAHOO MANYDALAYVA AND ZIZIPB!!!! Congrats on your whole 30! YOU DID IT!!!!
I'm visiting family, so didn't want to miss congratulating you! Please let us know how your re intro goes!
Thank you, swick! You've been a great help.
Post by: Orvell on March 01, 2016, 07:53:37 AM
Orvell - It has taken me 4 Whole30's to feel like this is a lifestyle and not a 30 day plan. I'm in a really happy place atm, and I'm sure you can get there too. A lifetime of bad habits for me were not cured in 30 days :-/<3 1967mama, I really needed to hear that, thank you. You're dead right. :) Just gotta keep on keeping on. Course correct and don't be mean to myself.
Just get back in the saddle after your trip and keep checking in here in the meantime for motivation. Even if 1/2 our day is Whole30, that's better than nothing, right?
High five!
I did great last night. I made a tomato and spinach soup (it sounds gross, but it was good! And I'm trying to eat through my fridge before I head out of town. It will also be today's lunch), and broke into my favorite box of tea - lemon ginger. :) It felt good.
Post by: MandalayVA on March 01, 2016, 08:16:46 AM
WAHOO MANYDALAYVA AND ZIZIPB!!!! Congrats on your whole 30! YOU DID IT!!!!
I'm visiting family, so didn't want to miss congratulating you! Please let us know how your re intro goes!
Thank you all for your help and encouragement!
I didn't take any body measurements before, but I did lose four pounds. Four pounds is four pounds and considering that my only exercise was walking (not very fast) on my work breaks it's better than nothing.
I like eating this way enough to keep on with it with only minor changes. I take gelatin to help with my hair and nails, and I was taking it in nut milk. Now I'll take it in hot tea with two drops of liquid sucralose. Since I don't have an issue with dairy, I will gladly welcome back Kerrygold. I will, however, keep an eye on my portions. And today I went back to the gym. I didn't realize how much I missed it.
Orvell--you made tomato Florentine soup! Now I want some ...
Post by: swick on March 01, 2016, 09:53:46 AM
Good Update Mandalay!
The soup sounds great Zizi!
Orvell, I wouldn't sweat it, not everything is solved in 30 days, but it does give you a great introduction and foundation, wherever you decide to go afterwards.
I've been doing, well...as good as I can. I'm on "vacation" visiting some sick extended family. I have mostly been keeping up with Whole 30 except for the occasional rice noodle eating out, some dairy and some occasional organic sugar. Oh and gin and wine....
It's been taking a lot of my energy to avoid the gluten and navigate all the issues with my extended family, so all in all, I think I am doing pretty good. Making sure I have a large whole 30 breakfast in the morning, because it is the only meal I have full control over. Focusing more on the overall self-care (especially with the toxic family members) and not getting sick or loosing my shit.
But, I am thinking I will do start another Whole 30 when I get back on the 7th.
Roll call?? Who's here and where are you on your journey? Updates? Miss checking in as often with all of you!
Post by: AmandaPanda on March 01, 2016, 12:11:37 PM
I do REALLY appreciate how this broke me of sweets, soda, desserts, etc. and cheese. I don't even love cheese, so why was I putting it all over my salad and soup? It's fine without it. I can't wait for my 10 days to be over so I can start using my favorite salad dressing (that is still dairy-free) and oatmeal. I will continue at least through Easter to be wheat and dairy-free.
Alcohol is a whole different beast. I miss it only second to salad dressing. I will keep that out until Easter as well, though.
I thought I would get this raging energy or feel so much better, etc., but I don't. My major positives are my eczema completely clearing up due to the dairy being gone and the breaking of the sweets addiction. The physical addiction, mind you. I still think about dessert or diet dr. pepper at every single meal, although now I feel like I could avoid it.
Post by: mom22boys on March 01, 2016, 12:13:52 PM
This time, I'm going to try for 60 days, maybe even 90. 1967mama - I need to set some subgoals too like you. I'm going to limit fruit more this time around.
Oh, and I have to say CONGRATS to MandalayVA and ZiziPB. It's really a huge accomplishment to finish the Whole30. I've been reading along with you the whole time and cheering you on.
Post by: jordanread on March 01, 2016, 12:18:24 PM
Post by: 1967mama on March 01, 2016, 12:32:56 PM
In the meantime, what we do is mix a little balsamic vinegar, olive oil (plus salt, pepper and garlic if you're feeling fancy) and its quite nice!
Post by: swick on March 01, 2016, 12:37:34 PM
Amandapanda - what type of salad dressing is it that you are missing? If its Italian, I have a FABULOUS recipe I could share with you!
In the meantime, what we do is mix a little balsamic vinegar, olive oil (plus salt, pepper and garlic if you're feeling fancy) and its quite nice!
I make an awesome ranch, basically just make mayo add a lot of chopped fresh/and or driend herbs and a little coconut milk (if it needs thinning) it often doesnt
Post by: spuggy on March 01, 2016, 12:38:20 PM
Overall, everything's still going well, and I'm probably going to do another whole30 once I get back from holiday mid-April.
Hope everyone's doing okay :-)
Post by: ZiziPB on March 01, 2016, 12:38:52 PM
I am on day 20, and honestly, I can't wait for it to be over. I have a real mental block about homemade salad dressings. I don't know why, but I do. And normally I eat an average of 4 salads per week, but I haven't had salad at all. I did lose those pounds I gained back, so that's good, but overall, I don't enjoy this way of eating. I miss beans, condiments, and oatmeal.That's interesting. I haven't bought salad dressing in years and always make my own, I think it's so much better. I don't think my mom has ever bought salad dressing in her life! What kind of salad dressing do you like? Maybe we can come up with some good recipes for you :-)
I do REALLY appreciate how this broke me of sweets, soda, desserts, etc. and cheese. I don't even love cheese, so why was I putting it all over my salad and soup? It's fine without it. I can't wait for my 10 days to be over so I can start using my favorite salad dressing (that is still dairy-free) and oatmeal. I will continue at least through Easter to be wheat and dairy-free.
Alcohol is a whole different beast. I miss it only second to salad dressing. I will keep that out until Easter as well, though.
I thought I would get this raging energy or feel so much better, etc., but I don't. My major positives are my eczema completely clearing up due to the dairy being gone and the breaking of the sweets addiction. The physical addiction, mind you. I still think about dessert or diet dr. pepper at every single meal, although now I feel like I could avoid it.
Post by: 1967mama on March 01, 2016, 06:37:13 PM
1 1/3 cup mild oil (I used some almond oil and light olive oil)
1/2 cup white vinegar
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon onion or celery salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 clove garlic, minced
*For non-Whole30 lurkers, you can also add 1/4 cup of grated
Romano or Parmesan cheese
Post by: ZiziPB on March 02, 2016, 04:05:36 AM
I had a lot of ups and downs during the 30 days and feel that I didn't do it justice during that time because of the extended cold I had. I can't tell if not having dairy helped with my chronic congestion because of it. But I lost close to 4 lbs so that's great. This is the first time in years that the scale moved down instead of up - this is big! I didn't feel a big surge in energy or any other positive effects but that's OK.
However, the primary issue I wanted to address was my sugar addiction - I have a very strong sweet tooth and normally eat a lot of sweet treats. And I don't think that 30 days was enough to deal with that. I feel like I need another 30 or 60 days to really kill my Sugar Dragon, because the sugar cravings are still very very strong and I used fruit as a crutch the whole time. So I think I will do another round (or at least do another sugar-free 30 or 60 days) and focus on consuming significantly less fruit.
As to the re-intro, this morning I'm having coffee for the first time in 4 weeks. I couldn't find an acceptable milk substitute, so after a couple of days of trying coconut oil and coconut milk I switched from coffee to black tea with lemon for the duration of the program. I am planning to make oatmeal this morning. Lunch and dinner are still Whole-30 compliant for the rest of the week. After that, I'm not sure.
Post by: AmandaPanda on March 02, 2016, 01:49:35 PM
Thank you EVERYONE so much for the salad dressing suggestions and offers. 1967Mama, your recipe does sound very easy and good. I don't know why I'm averse to it. Seeing a recipe like that makes me realize I've been silly. I have three favorite salad dressings: Raspberry vinaigrette, chipotle lime vinaigrette, and roasted red pepper. If anyone has any of those, I'd be game to trying them. I do like balsamic, but of course I like the "creamy" balsamics better.
Seriously, thank you all so much for the support! I felt like a real complainypants in my earlier post :)
Post by: swick on March 03, 2016, 11:20:07 AM
Seriously, thank you all so much for the support! I felt like a real complainypants in my earlier post :)
I think we have all been complaintypants at one time or another during this adventure :)
It is exciting to hear that your Eczema has cleared up. Mine did too. After the years and years of trying everything under the sun, it was such a surprise!
The thing about raging energy, Hubby didn't really get Tiger blood, he found that slowly his overall baseline shifted upwards. It wasn't earth shattering, angles singing in the clouds - but he did have more energy and just generally felt better. It wasn't until his reintro that he really realized it because it was a gradual upward trend, and the body always seems to adapt to whatever the new "normal" is.
ZiZiPB - How was the coffee and oatmeal?
I hear ya about the sugar dragon. It can definitely take longer than 30 days; you are basically re-wiring your brain. That is awfully hard to do when there are so many chemical and physiological reasons you crave sweets.
It has been super interesting for me to see how dairy affects me. The congestion - sinus/head cold feeling, sore throat. I use to be like this all the time and just thought it was normal - or I had the world's worst immune system because I was "sick" all the time. There is a great power in knowing it is NOT normal. Looking forward to finishing up this family visit and getting home and back to the next round of whole 30!
Spuggy - Good to Hear from you! It is a bummer about the dairy/wheat/gluten. But nice to know that some of the other grains don't affect you.
Hope you are all having an awesome, healthy week!
Post by: Simplefunlife on March 06, 2016, 07:23:11 AM
I'm SFL and bread is my favorite food.
I actually did a whole 30 a couple years ago and did really well in the 6-9 months after. Then slowly slipped into old habits like hot chocolate to start the day. Decided I need to get my diet in check so that I can be a lean mean hiking machine. I'm actually on day 2 of my whole 30 and here are a few things I did to prepare:
- Taper off sugar, bread, cheese etc over the past week. I'm hoping a more gradual change makes the actual whole 30 strict phase a little easier
Shopped at Whole Paycheck and stocked the house with lots of compliant food. Impressed with the whole 30 approved items they carry in store such as coconut aminos, red boat fish sauce, Tessemes dressings.
Here is where I think I'll struggle:
- I work 50+ hours a week. Seems like there is a conference call around dinner prep time at least a couple times a week
Single mom to two young kids. My plan is to have them eat the same meals I eat while at home but finish out the snacks that are in the house and not re-buy them. Their favorite food is mac and cheese so it will be interesting to see how this goes.
I'm off to put kalua pork in the crockpot and then go outside on this sunny day.
Post by: mom22boys on March 07, 2016, 11:49:12 AM
I'm also a single mom so I understand your pain with the kids and their eating. My kids eat non-stop so it's essential for me to batch cook on the weekends so I have supper 'mostly' ready when we get home. Then I also supplement with veggies during the week as needed. On the days I know they won't like my food, I'll let them have something off plan like mac & cheese.
ZiziPB and AmandaPanda - even after four rounds, I'm still struggling with my Sugar Dragon. My four rounds weren't consecutive, which I know will help. That's why I want to go longer with this round.
Post by: swick on March 07, 2016, 12:02:49 PM
Welcome, simplefunlife!
Yes, I am all in for the next round! I just got home from a super stressful family visit where I had very little control of my food. Drew the line at anything wheat/gluten but had more dairy/sugar than I would have liked. The good thing is it reminded me how crappy I use to feel and reinforced my desire to keep on eating clean.
I had the worst headache I have ever experienced on Saturday, full blown migraine. I actually hadn't had one before. Not entirely sure what caused it, but man. I have a new found sense of empathy for those who deal with them on a regular basis. I couldn't deal with it.
So back home and ready to eat. Haven't really done any planning since I have been away, but given we eat 95-ish percent complaint even when we are not on the whole 30, I think we'll be ok. I do expect to have some "Sugar Dragon" issues this time around.
I did have the foresight to pick up several packages of prosciutto from Costco for some egg breakfast cups.
mom22boys - what are your meal plans like for the week? I think I am going to continue my soup for breakfast kick that I am on :)
Post by: Simplefunlife on March 07, 2016, 02:31:49 PM
Welcome Simplefunlife! Today is my day 1 (round 4) and I believe Swick is also starting again today, so you'll be in good company. It sounds like you've done some great work for prepping. Kalua pork....YUMMY! That's a staple in my house. Since you've already done Whole30, I bet you'll be surprised at how much easier it is the second, third, fourth...time around. I'm jealous that you've been able to find Tessemae's! That's one thing I can't find locally, and I just haven't ordered on line yet. Maybe this round I'll finally do that. What sauces did you get?Thanks for the welcome. I got the lemonette but haven't tried it yet. Whole foods price was similiar to the website at $5 something a bottle. Certainly not cheap but I appreciate the ease and selection from WF for this special trip.
I didn't end up making the Kalua pork yesterday because I realized I didn't have enough cook time before dinner. I've got it in the crockpot now for tonight's dinner. Yesterday I cooked two meals: Lunch was chicken curry with red pepper and pineapple over cauliflower rice and dinner was 5 spice beef with roasted carrots and asparagus. Curry was great and will put it in the weekly rotation. I read through the whole thread last week during my preparation week of slowly weaning down from sugar/grains/cheese/everything delicious. I'm really impressed with the progress of this group and I love to hear the family, coworker and friends comments. I'll report back on how the Kalua pork comes out and more importantly what the kids think.
Post by: mom22boys on March 08, 2016, 11:34:32 AM
mom22boys - what are your meal plans like for the week? I think I am going to continue my soup for breakfast kick that I am on :)
Hey there Swick! For week 1, I'm sticking with some of my new standby recipes. Breakfast is turkey sausage with scrambled eggs. Then I'll have either a fruit or veggie with it. I need to get better with my veggies. Lunch is the spicy tuna cakes from NomNomPaleo (love those things) with homemade mayo and cherry tomatoes. Supper will be steak/potatoes (last night), taco salad, and beef broccoli stir fry (new recipe that I haven't tried). I hope you're recovered from the migraine. Not sure I've ever had one, but have had really bad headaches/neck aches before, which made me sick to my stomach. Maybe they were migraines??? Either way, they all suck!
Simplefullife - I live a ways from Whole foods, and last time I was there, they didn't carry it (even though the Tessemae site said they did). I might just have to give in and order some on line. Curry is a new food discovery for me a couple years ago, and I love it too.
Keep up the good fight everyone!
Post by: 1967mama on March 08, 2016, 12:18:15 PM
Just checking in a the end of my 4th Whole30 in 8 months (started this grand journey October 2015). I'm so excited to say that I've lost 45 pounds!!! I still have about that much to go to get back to the top end of my range for a healthy weight. I'm only 3 pounds from slipping into the "overweight" category on my BMI instead of "obese!" I can't even believe it. I am your typical suburban mom, with a passel of kids, getting chubbier and chubbier as the years go by -- and now, here I am into size 10 jeans (down from 18's -- and refusing to buy size 20)
If I can do this, anyone can do this! I am the person who has tried EVERYTHING -- and nothing works!
Recently, 1967daughter (who is down 38 pounds and about 10 from goal) was talking to a coworker who said she can't believe the willpower required to stick with this. Interestingly, I commented to my daughter that I think it only required about two to four weeks of super strong willpower for me. After that, your cravings start to dissipate and it becomes a little easier. I'm not saying it's easy -- just easier. And then the weight loss kicks in, and the clothes start to get to big on you, and you start sleeping better, and you have no more brain fog, and you have tons of energy and, and, and.... There's no way you could make me go back to my old way of living!
I love reading everyone's updates here and welcome aboard, Simplefunlife!
Amandapanda - did you try and make dressing yet? (Wink)
Edit: typos
Post by: swick on March 08, 2016, 12:58:49 PM
I have to get around to trying nom-nom's tuna cakes! For some reason, I always forget about them until someone mentions them.
It is also my goal this time to get into eating even more veggies. Like at every meal. Sometimes I'm not so good at that. Especially with what has been available in the stores, I just have to suck it up and make myself do it, even if they are far from garden fresh!
1967momma - I love your updates :) So glad to hear how you and 1967daughter are doing! Was very interesting hearing extended family's reactions to my new way of life. Several of them have had 50+ pounds weight loss over the past year or so, but in the most unhealthy ways possible. Talking to them about whole 30 was a totally lost cause. They could "never" give up some of the foods they have been eating and don't see the need to do anything different because they are "skinny" now. I tried to point out skinny doesn't always mean "Healthy" Sorry, breakfast consisting of a cup of buttermilk with a cup and a half of splenda in it is NOT good for you! (and yes, she measures the splenda out, no exaggeration)
On the bright side, one of my other aunts is going to join us for a round, she has a birthday dinner this week so will be starting next week :)
Post by: Simplefunlife on March 09, 2016, 09:56:12 AM
Hi everyone!
Just checking in a the end of my 4th Whole30 in 8 months (started this grand journey October 2015). I'm so excited to say that I've lost 45 pounds!!! I still have about that much to go to get back to the top end of my range for a healthy weight. I'm only 3 pounds from slipping into the "overweight" category on my BMI instead of "obese!" I can't even believe it. I am your typical suburban mom, with a passel of kids, getting chubbier and chubbier as the years go by -- and now, here I am into size 10 jeans (down from 18's -- and refusing to buy size 20)
This is so impressive to me and really sweet that you are doing it with your daughter. Celebrate every category change and new jeans size!
Now I want to try the tuna cakes as well. Will need to add it to next weeks meal plan.
I have to get around to trying nom-nom's tuna cakes! For some reason, I always forget about them until someone mentions them.
I'm on day 5 today and doing well. The kitchen on the other hand looks like a disaster zone half the time. I'm having trouble keeping up with the dishes with SO MUCH COOKING. Let me know if anyone has ideas for one pot or no cooking meal ideas. I really want to start eating these lovely meals on paper plates just to avoid more dishes. I know I'm not cooking big enough batches and having leftovers. Will have to adjust size of meals I cook. Kalua pork was a success but full disclosure I let the kids add bbq sauce to it. However it stayed in line with my rule of cooking one dinner for everyone to eat so I'm happy. Kids also tried kale and red pepper this week. I'll save you the details but the kale experience wasn't pretty. Here are a few of my other dishes over the last couple days: Pesto chicken, eggs and sweet potato hash, Halibut with lemon ghee sauce. Asparagus, brocolli and cauli rice are my usual sides. Looking forward to hearing updates from others!
Post by: 1967mama on March 09, 2016, 05:04:52 PM
At our house it's salmon, roasted Brussel sprouts and yellow potatoes:-)
Post by: swick on March 10, 2016, 09:20:53 AM
I have been adapting crockpot recipes to whole 30 ingredients. Soups/stews/tajines are all good options. I make a full pot that lasts us a couple of days and portion out the extra for quick freezer meals.
Also, I will roast a bunch of veggies all at once and eat throughout the week. We have found that if we can spend an hour or two on Sunday, it makes the upcoming week much easier on us. Actually between meal planning, shopping and prep, it is longer, that is just something you have to get used to.
Post by: Simplefunlife on March 11, 2016, 03:29:27 AM
1967mama- Looks delicious but does make me curious how much your grocery bill is with all that salmon. I remember reading you are feeding a crew.
Day 7 here. I've made a grilled salmon recipe with mango avacado salsa for dinner. It came out great so I'll put that back on the meal plan later in the month. In addition to eating well I've been working on being more consistent with my activity level. Hitting 10,000 steps a day by adding a brisk walk or run with my dog. Every little bit helps.
Post by: mom22boys on March 11, 2016, 08:41:59 AM
I'm more and more amazed at the power of food, and how much it controls my life. This has got to change and is slowly changing, but I've still got a ways to go. I'm gonna keep on keeping on.
Post by: rawr237 on March 11, 2016, 11:45:10 AM
I'm SO thrilled to have a kitchen of my own again (bf doesn't cook), but having trouble figuring out how to cook healthy things that we both like (he is picky and mostly likes meat, carbs, and cheese). As someone who loves to feed other people it makes me sad to make baked drumsticks and a roasted vegetable and watch him pick at it...and later he'll look for something else to eat *sigh*. So I've been catering to his tastes with more cheesy, carby dishes...and end up eating at least some of it myself of course. Plus the free food opportunities at work have been definitely non-compliant ('Free popcorn Fridays? Don't mind if I do!). After treading for a year, I want to make progress again (could stand to lose 15-25lb) and I know that diet is the best place to start.
In a week or two, bf will be going on a business trip for 1.5weeks, so it's as good a time as ever to try for another Whole 30. Right now, I'll plan a start date for Monday to give me time to use up some non-W30 compliant stuff. Also, because I'm going to happy hour today, ha. Oh and because I can't shake this cough and yikes no cough drops or honey...
Biggest challenges will be ignoring the desire to make bf unhealthy things, not being able to purge the house, no wine, and not eating free work food. Also, breakfast routines...I've tried various things to fix my stomach with mixed success. Will try the breakfast soup idea someone else posted though!
Secret weapons: (aka stuff that has worked for me previously)
Tazo passion iced tea (I brew pitchers and keep them in the fridge)
Hot tea all the time--rooibus, green, herbal
Mayo and ghee (put in on evverything, currently have two big tubs of ghee)
Sweet potatoes -- microwaved with ghee
Steamfresh veggies
NomNomPaleo's crispy chicken thighs and kalua pork
Frugal/notFrugal:
Making my own coconut milk (bf accidentally bought me a CASE of flakes years ago which I am still working through)
Making bone broth from the freezer bone stash
Ethically raised meat is important to me, but $$$. Working to get a freezer so I can do a side of beef and pork.
US Wellness meats bacon -- I'll probably order some of this even though it's pricey, to help me get through
Sorry for the superlong post, thanks guys for inspiring me to try another go-around!
Post by: AmandaPanda on March 12, 2016, 08:44:17 AM
Even though the challenge is over, I am going to stick with the wheat, dairy, sugar restrictions except for salad dressing and marinades on occasion. I will keep checking in, of course!
Post by: swick on March 13, 2016, 06:43:12 PM
Which means...yep...I'm re-starting. The perfect storm of working late to make up for the unexpected time off to deal with family matters, dealing with said matters, coming home to no food in the house, and having hubby work OT every night since coming home lead me to just accept the fact that it was a bad time to start.
So I didn't "cheat" but made a conscious and honest decision to stop and re-start on Monday. Hubby will be eating a lot of the same food, but not fully joining me this round. We'll see how it goes :)
I did a bunch of prep today and have a fridge full of veggies. I made a big pot of ragatooie, roasted some extra eggplants, prepped some zoodles, made some carrot salad: http://www.viktoriastable.com/carrot-almond-salad-fresh-turmeric-coconut-dressing/ (http://www.viktoriastable.com/carrot-almond-salad-fresh-turmeric-coconut-dressing/) I really like the Tumeric dressing! I subbed the honey for some coconut amino's and added a bit of cumin, some tahini instead of almond butter and some chipotle olive oil. Mostly because I can't resist adding my own spin to recipes. I have some Italian sausage crumbles cooked up too.
AmandaPanda - There are a few pounds each way that will be water weight, especially if you have upped your sodium intake. It is much better to go by inches to measure progress.
Mom22boys - Keep on going, you got this! I think it is all a learning process, and just being able to recognize our patterns and beliefs huge progress :)
Post by: rawr237 on March 14, 2016, 06:41:25 AM
Day 1...here we go. Last night I cooked up 4lb of sausage, half with breakfasty seasoning and half with Asian-ish seasoning. Tonight making coconut milk, curried chicken, baked drumsticks (for bf), and taco-seasoned beef. Probably some roasted broccoli too. Then my cooking will be pretty much done for the week, at least protein-wise!
Emergency rations include canned salmon, hard boiled eggs, Steamfresh veggies, nuts, and the sausage. No way I'm going hungry this week, ha.
Post by: Simplefunlife on March 14, 2016, 07:12:42 AM
Day 1...here we go. Last night I cooked up 4lb of sausage, half with breakfasty seasoning and half with Asian-ish seasoning. Tonight making coconut milk, curried chicken, baked drumsticks (for bf), and taco-seasoned beef. Probably some roasted broccoli too. Then my cooking will be pretty much done for the week, at least protein-wise!
Emergency rations include canned salmon, hard boiled eggs, Steamfresh veggies, nuts, and the sausage. No way I'm going hungry this week, ha.
Sounds like you are prepared!
Swick- Where does one get slippery elm bark tea? I've had a scratchy throat that I can't seem to get rid of but not other signs of cold or sickness.
Day 10 for me!
No exciting food recipes for me this weekend just lots of grilled meat and vegetables. I did make it through a party without having alcohol or chips which is a major accomplishment. Good luck to those on day 1!
Post by: AmandaPanda on March 14, 2016, 08:15:05 AM
Post by: swick on March 14, 2016, 10:48:18 AM
Swick- Where does one get slippery elm bark tea? I've had a scratchy throat that I can't seem to get rid of but not other signs of cold or sickness.
It may be in any "Throat Blend" herbal tea, or you may be able to find it in tea bags or loose in bulk at a health food store. FWIW, Sore throat might also be from strained vocal chords, or in my case, dairy. I had a chronically sore throat. Went away during my first round of whole 30 and only comes back when I have dairy.
AmandaPanda - I am going to challenge you to experiment and find a whole 30 dressing recipe that you can like and make. The great thing about experimenting with dressings is you can scale up/down the batches so it is low risk. The crap that is in regular dressings is so bad for you. It definitely can be enough to keep your sugar dragon alive and rearing.
I'm not generally one for facepunches, but I know, know, know you can make your own dressings! Think of the whole 30 and Mustachian Cred you will gain :)
Here is a good place to start:http://www.planksloveandguacamole.com/2014/08/i-am-all-about-flavor-when-i-prepare.html (http://www.planksloveandguacamole.com/2014/08/i-am-all-about-flavor-when-i-prepare.html)
Post by: swick on March 15, 2016, 07:20:42 AM
Day 2 here, struggling to get back into the groove as sleep and schedule got all messed up last week. Not to mention darn time change. Was very glad to have food ready to go in the fridge yesterday!
Post by: Simplefunlife on March 15, 2016, 07:37:43 AM
Post by: mom22boys on March 15, 2016, 11:24:42 AM
Time for Updates! How is everyone doing?
Day 2 here, struggling to get back into the groove as sleep and schedule got all messed up last week. Not to mention darn time change. Was very glad to have food ready to go in the fridge yesterday!
+1....I'm tired, cranky and majorly stressed with work right now. But today is day 1 and I don't care how I feel because I need to work through it. One day at a time.
I'm eating my taco salad right now with hamburger, homemade taco seasoning, homemade mayo, salsa, lettuce and tomatoes. It's quite yummy! So maybe my day isn't so bad after all. :-)
Post by: AmandaPanda on March 15, 2016, 01:02:41 PM
Post by: rawr237 on March 15, 2016, 01:13:09 PM
Day 2 here too, passed up the free pizza at lunch (it looked and smelled amazing) in favor of my sausage patties and broccoli with ghee. Also there were donuts at breakfast. Was sooooo tired yesterday afternoon (wondering if my timeline will look different this round). I was RAVENOUS so basically stuffed my face (egg salad, green beans with mayo, sweet potato with ghee) and then lay in bed watching TV the rest of the day.
I mentally estimate calories sometimes over the course of the day, partially out of curiosity and partially to figure out whether hunger is due to not eating enough. Added a second sausage patty to today's breakfast, so hopefully that will help. Planning to hit the gym today.
Random, but amusing: this morning while I ate my sausage at my desk I had meat juice squirt up my nose.
Oh an I placed my order with US wellness meats for 6 packs of bacon and 4 packs of pork rinds. Can't wait for that box to arrive!
Post by: mom22boys on March 15, 2016, 01:21:21 PM
Random, but amusing: this morning while I ate my sausage at my desk I had meat juice squirt up my nose.
I was having a bad day until I read your post. I was definitely amused <tears running down my face from laughing>
Post by: swick on March 15, 2016, 01:22:47 PM
That being said, it is surprisingly tasty...and collagen is good for the skin, right? So coffee facial is not the worst thing that could happen? *Thank God I work from Home*
Post by: mom22boys on March 15, 2016, 04:00:36 PM
Post by: Simplefunlife on March 16, 2016, 06:28:18 AM
@Simplefunlife: that's exciting! Must have been some pot roast....care to share the recipe?
Sure!
http://www.noshtastic.com/company-pot-roast-gluten-free-paleo-and-whole-30/
Post by: swick on March 16, 2016, 07:24:35 AM
Trying to get on Hubby's schedule and with the time change it has been a PITA for both of us, hmm you want to get up at 5? Hey, well,why not 2? 2 is the new 5! (thanks brain!)
Dinner last night was my lazy go to - a heap of shredded cabbage stir-fried with whatever protein happens to be available. It's kinda embarrassing how often this shows up in the rotation - but we always enjoy it.
Today, some veggie chicken broth egg drop soup seems like a good plan for breakfast. Dinner...hmmm should start planning that.
Hope everyone has a great day!
Post by: rawr237 on March 17, 2016, 05:48:21 AM
That pot roast looks killer, adding it to my to-make list. When I get grumpy about the things I can't eat (mostly free food at work) it helps to distract myself compiling/finding all the W30 things I want to make...Kalua pork...chicken wings...and now this pot roast.
Bf leaves for business on Sunday, which is exciting because I can make all the things he dislikes: mushrooms, eggplant, cabbage...but unfortunate because if I cook big hunks of meat there's nobody to help me eat it up.
I dreamt about eating a fried chicken sandwich and Cheetos last night...in the dream it wasn't even an intentional fail, it was eating without thinking and some confusion...and then SO much guilt and disappointment. Woke up thinking noooooooooo I have to start over. I swear my timeline is totally different this time around...I used to have issues with Cheetos but ever since self-conditioning (thinking about Cheetos during the suckiest part of spin classes) the temptation to grab them at the store has faded.
Post by: swick on March 17, 2016, 09:13:38 AM
Kalua pork freezes very well. I make a huge roast, shred it and pack it into flat 1-2 portion freezer bags. It's super easy to make meals when you have a good stock of them in the freezer. I actually need to do this again.
Post by: rawr237 on March 18, 2016, 07:23:20 AM
Eating the last of the sausage for breakfast right now, with green beans. I'm finding that I bloat a LOT over the course of the day, but in the morning it's all better. Not that unusual for me (digestive issues...), but I'm really hoping that goes away over the next couple weeks. I've also been experiencing some mild depression. I feel like my first week has really been more like Days 8-11 in the Timeline (http://whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/). Though I actually feel like my jeans are getting looser already (at least in the morning, not in the evening).
Even though it's against the rules, I weighed myself Wednesday morning (149.Xlb) and again this morning (148.6lb). Wednesday was because I forgot to get a baseline weight before starting, and this morning was just because I thought my stomach looked flat :P
Post by: swick on March 18, 2016, 08:05:03 AM
If you are bloating that much, have you thought about trying a FODMAP's diet? http://www.marksdailyapple.com/fodmaps/#axzz43GHlFohJ (http://www.marksdailyapple.com/fodmaps/#axzz43GHlFohJ)
How is everyone doing?
Things are going ok, hubs has been working OT pretty much every day this week so I haven't had to worry as much about feeding him (company allows them to order in from local restaurants for OT) So on one hand cooking for myself is a lot simpler when I don't have to always be worried about leftovers for him to take for lunches, on the other it isn't really great for him. Sending him with extra veggies to try and balance it out.
I have to figure out something new and exciting to do with Cauliflower. After it being sold for som many months at 5.99 a head all winter...it went back down to 1.99 so I bought too many :)
Post by: Orvell on March 18, 2016, 09:26:22 AM
Back from vacation and off - plan at the moment, but looking to doing my second Whole 30 in the near future.
Just wanted to say hi and that ya'll are awesome.
Post by: mom22boys on March 18, 2016, 11:31:55 AM
http://paleomg.com/buffalo-chicken-pasta/
rawr237 - I think reading about your dreams made me have a dream about food last night too. :-) I can't even remember what the food was, so it must not have been too tempting for me. For the bloating....from my past rounds of Whole30, the bloating seemed to be kinda bad the first week or so, and then it went away for me. Hopefully it's the same for you. Today my pants feel looser and am starting to feel less bloated. Also, don't forget to drink a TON of water. That also helps.
Orvell - Welcome back from your trip! Did you any new ahh-hhhaaa moments with food and eating while you were gone?
Post by: MandalayVA on March 18, 2016, 12:45:55 PM
I have to figure out something new and exciting to do with Cauliflower. After it being sold for som many months at 5.99 a head all winter...it went back down to 1.99 so I bought too many :)
SEND IT TO ME!!! I love cauliflower.
After a week of visiting in Florida and eating non-Whole30 stuff, I'm ready to jump back on the wagon. HOWEVER ... while I can do without butter I do use two drops of EZ Sweetz (liquid sucralose) in my morning/evening gelatin tea. If Dallas and Melissa have a problem with that, COME AT ME BRO!!! :D I actually ate more sweet stuff (fruit, etc) on my first W30 than I am now, so there's that.
Post by: swick on March 19, 2016, 03:48:13 PM
Thanks for the recipe idea, Mom22Boys, I'll have to check it out!
Welp, turns out hubby is feeling like shit this weekend. I'm sure the massive amount of OT, the stress of his job and not eating well are all contributing factors. The first two we can't do anything about ATM, so I'm going to focus on salads and slaws and supplementing his work food with real food.
Recipes I'll be trying this week:
Sides:
http://omgfood.com/spicy-shredded-cabbage/ (http://omgfood.com/spicy-shredded-cabbage/)
Daikon as a "rice" Substitute has me intrigued: http://www.healthfulpursuit.com/2016/02/grain-free-bacon-and-shrimp-risotto/ (http://www.healthfulpursuit.com/2016/02/grain-free-bacon-and-shrimp-risotto/)
http://wickedspatula.com/slow-cooker-garlic-herb-mashed-cauliflower/ (http://wickedspatula.com/slow-cooker-garlic-herb-mashed-cauliflower/) - UPDATE: The mashed cauliflower was ok, nothing reallt special. As hubby said, it was fine, but not something he would really care if he ever ate again or not. The downside was having the cooking cauliflower smell permeate our house all day. overall, wouldn't make again. Although I did save the cooking water and will try and make some soup out of it. That might make it a bit better.
Salads/Slaws:
Think I am going to go with a cabbage base and make a ton of slaw and then vary up the dressings. I have found that most dressings call for some kind os sweetener, using complaint coconut aminos seems to do the trick, now that our palates are use to not having sugar.
http://withfoodandlove.com/celery-salad-with-black-turmeric-vinaigrette/ (http://withfoodandlove.com/celery-salad-with-black-turmeric-vinaigrette/)
http://quinnsplace.com/blog/2015/03/my-kinda-slawhtml (http://quinnsplace.com/blog/2015/03/my-kinda-slawhtml)
http://laughingspatula.com/3-minute-lemon-dijon-vinaigrette/ (http://laughingspatula.com/3-minute-lemon-dijon-vinaigrette/)
https://downshiftology.com/recipes/grilled-chicken-souvlaki-dairy-free-tzatziki/ (https://downshiftology.com/recipes/grilled-chicken-souvlaki-dairy-free-tzatziki/)
http://www.heyketomama.com/cold-broccoli-bacon-salad/ (http://www.heyketomama.com/cold-broccoli-bacon-salad/)
I'll report back and see what we like :)
We did make a really tasty frittata last night with roasted red peppers, roasted eggplant, zucchini and cauliflower in it. Hubby sliced the leftovers and wrapped them in prosciutto and stuck them on our Panini press for breakfast. Super yummy! We have a theory that everything taste better Panini pressed. So far the theory holds :) Luckily we have found that Fritatta is one way hubby does like eggs.
What is everyone else up to for prep and food planning this weekend?
Post by: horsepoor on March 20, 2016, 08:18:58 AM
Glad this thread is still going. I keep following along although my eating has kind of been all over the board.
I've been doing too much SAD eating. Last week I had a meeting at a hotel near the Denver airport, so we're pretty much stranded in a wasteland of nowhere to eat except Applebee's and Jimmy John's. No one meal affects me, but right now I'm not feeling great, and suspect that all the wheat and crappy oils probably have my inflammation levels up so my joints feel stiff and my muscles haven't recovered from my last workout properly. I'm not planning to do another full W30, but I'm thinking I'll go strict for a week, then add in rice and beans next week, dairy the third, and then wine on the fourth. It should make for an interesting re-intro period.
However, I'm doing half-marathon training and use some Honey Stingers for fuel on my weekly long run, so there's going to be some added sugar once a week, but obviously it will be limited and more than burned off pretty much as it's consumed. Pretty sure the Stinger waffles have wheat, so I'll exclude those.
I have to travel again at the end of April, but at least we'll be driving so I can bring a cooler and control my breakfasts and lunches.
Need to take stock of the food situation today. I think we're in pretty good shape, but I might need to prep some mayo and compliant sausage and grab some more veg. We're getting half a grass-fed lamb, which should be ready to pick up this week, and our hens are laying pretty well right now. If I can keep the birds out, we might have some garden greens soon too. Yes, spring makes this easier!
Post by: swick on March 20, 2016, 02:11:08 PM
Please share if you have any good lamb recipes, I am always looking for some tried and true ones. I like to experiment, but with meat that hard to get, I get nervous using some of our lamb when the recipe might not be anything less than awesome.
Yesterday, we had some lamb stew pulled from the freezer over the crockpot cauli mash (see update in post above)
I made a bunch of buckwheat crepes for Hubby's breakfasts for the week. Not totally complaint but still uber healthy compared to the usual SAD breakfast!
I'm all set for eggs and veggies for the week for breakfasts.
Post by: GoldenGrove on March 20, 2016, 02:55:20 PM
Coming out of lurk-dom because this group is awesome and has achieved some amazing stuff :). I completed one Whole30 in Jan/Feb this year and was pretty successful- shrank the sugar dragon, felt great, and lost 12-13 lbs. I'm about to start my second (with my sister!) on April 4, but I'll probably ease into it before then.
Swick, I don't know if someone's posted this before/what your cuisine preferences are, but this is my all-time favorite lamb recipe: http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-lamb-korma-recipes-from-the-kitchn-196350 (http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-lamb-korma-recipes-from-the-kitchn-196350). Heck, it's one of my favorite recipes, period. It's a bit time-consuming but makes quite a bit. I use olive oil or coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and because I'm a spice wimp I cut down on the cayenne pepper. It's amazing on sweet potatoes.
Post by: swick on March 20, 2016, 03:50:32 PM
Glad you came out of lurkdom:) The lamb Korma recipe sounds AMAZING!! And that it is a good make ahead recipe that reheats well fits our crazy schedule perfectly. Going to make it this week for sure!
It's great that you will be able to do the next round of Whole30 with your sister, having that extra IRL support really makes a big difference!
Easing into it is a good plan, it definitely helps negate some of the negatives you might experience. less of a shock to the system. I have found each time it gets easier and easier, as I have been learning how to take and incorporate the things I learn in my Whole 30 to eating well the rest of the time.
Post by: ender on March 20, 2016, 05:17:02 PM
I really like dairy, which is by far my biggest drawback from doing Whole30.
Post by: swick on March 20, 2016, 10:40:58 PM
Has anyone done a Whole30ish approach with dairy too? How did it go?
I really like dairy, which is by far my biggest drawback from doing Whole30.
Hi Ender!
When I was contemplating doing a whole 30, it took me a while to warm up to the idea. Mostly because I didn't think I would be able to live without dairy.
Turns out Dairy is responsible for my chronic sinus and breathing issues - total bummer. When I am not doing an "official" whole 30, and I chose to eat dairy, I know how it will affect me, so I can go into a situation knowing if it is worth it or not.
Hubs LOVES his cheese, possibly more than I do - but he has gotten totally use to not having it and has said that he doesn't really miss it anymore.
The thing to remember is, it is only for 30 days. What you do after that with the knowledge you have gained is up to you. For lots of people Dairy is not a problem, but it is worth taking the time to find out :)
Post by: 1967mama on March 21, 2016, 01:48:11 AM
Its nice reading all of the updates! I am in between Whole30's atm, having done 4 in the last 6 months. I am definitely eating Whole30'ish, though, so mostly compliant but not sweating a bit of honey in a stir fry sauce, or a bit of rice about every two weeks:D
I am delighted to report that as of this morning, I have lost 45 pounds since July 2015 (so in 9 months)!! I lost 10 on my own and then the last 35 on Whole 30 (from October 2015-March 2016). I am 3.8 pounds from my BMI being just overweight instead of obese. I can't even believe it!
I am a changed woman, I tell ya! I am now about half way to my ideal weight and I know it will come off, slowly but surely, as I make good food choice after good food choice.
My new size 10 jeans are fitting nicely; a big change from the size 18's I was wearing. I've also gone down 5 cup sizes and 4" on band size.
I have sooooo much more energy, and although fitness hasn't yet worked its way into my days, I am much, much more active and have given up my sedentary life.
I continue to be amazed with all of this ... nothing has EVER worked for me! I'm so very thankful for the Hartwigs and this wonderful program they have developed!!
Post by: Simplefunlife on March 21, 2016, 07:28:05 AM
Ender- I agree with Swick on considering giving up the dairy for 30 days. I really really like cheese (close second only to bread) and somehow I'm surviving. I expect to add some back in after my whole30 is up but I think this reset will help turn cheese into small addition to flavor my meal, and not its own food group like it had been previously.
1967mama- That's an amazing change in 9 months. Care to get really crazy and try running?
As for me its day 17. This weekend I had my first attempt at eating out this month. I had a compliant salad but it did hurt a little to say hold the cheese and candied pecans. I got a few new summer casual and workout clothes this weekend so that made me happy to be ready for the warmer weather. I cooked some Kalua pork, beef stew and roasted vegetables in large batches yesterday so I'm better prepared going into the work week. I also ran 4 miles Saturday and 6 miles Sunday. The 6 mile run sure wasn't pretty or fast (slowest mile pace ever possibly) but its the longest I've run in a few years so I'm happy.
Keep up the good work all!
Post by: Orvell on March 21, 2016, 08:27:23 AM
I'm committing.
TOMORROW I start my second Whole 30. Because bleh. I've been feeling nasty as shit.
I'm not sure if sugary/non-vegetable eating triggers anxiety, or if it's ... just a byproduct of not getting outside as much and being a couch potato (which, thanks lowered energy from sugar!) but it's been super not fun lately.
It's so funny how things creep back into your life so slowly, so effortlessly, that you don't even really notice them.
Like, low levels of anxiety.
Like sugar and binge-eating behaviors.
Like unproductivity.
Like emotionally feeling like shit (and not doing art, which becomes a Catch 22 I, for one, am VERY susceptible to. Feel terrible for not doing art, so don't do art because you feel terrible. Rinse and repeat.)
Of course I have no idea if it's actually related to diet. But there's a pretty good chance it is, at least in some part. I felt better when I was eating Whole30 style. And I got a lot more done in my life.
So, tomorrow. :) I'll eat on-track today as much as possible, and go grocery shopping in earnest after work.
Post by: Philociraptor on March 21, 2016, 08:51:47 AM
Breakfast - Eggs and chorizo
Lunch - Honey Chipotle Chicken, Sweet Potato Hash, Roasted Zucchini and Tomatoes
Dinner - Pressure Pot Carnitas, Sweet Potato Hash / Microwaved Sweet Potato, Cabbage stir fry
Snacks - 3 lbs/$1 navel oranges
Post by: swick on March 21, 2016, 09:28:48 AM
Good to hear from you, 1967mamma! How is DD doing? Hopefully she is having an easier time at work now!
Simplefunlife - Way to go on getting to day 17! How are you findings things? Have you noticed any physical changes or come to any new realizations?
Welcome Back, Orvell! I noticed when I relaxed on the sugar thing, my mood and motivation hit a noticeable low. It doesn;t seem to have a huge immediate impact for me but definitely lowers my normal base line to not feeling as good as when I am eating clean and then all the little things really start to add up.
I have some Kalua pork in the crockpot, and a fridge full of veggies!
Breakfast today is going to be some roasted eggplant and roasted cherry tomatoes from my garden last year and some duck eggs. Might crisp up a couple of pieces of prosciutto to have with it :)
Post by: mom22boys on March 21, 2016, 11:51:44 AM
Hubs LOVES his cheese, possibly more than I do - but he has gotten totally use to not having it and has said that he doesn't really miss it anymore.
The thing to remember is, it is only for 30 days. What you do after that with the knowledge you have gained is up to you. For lots of people Dairy is not a problem, but it is worth taking the time to find out :)
Ender +1 - Absolutely agree with Swick. Just like Swick's DH, I LOVE cheese (still do), and now I can take it or leave it when I'm not doing Whole30. Thankfully I don't have any huge issues with dairy, so I can eat it, but I've found that I just don't have the deep cravings like I used to. 30 days is nothing! You can totally do it! Just think of it like a financial challenge. If you can challenge yourself to not go out to eat for 30 days for financial reasons, why is this any different?
Orvell - Yeah! I think you've perfectly described the 'slow fade' we have all experienced with after Whole30 (ok, and maybe not so slow for some). :-)
Today is my Day 7
For the week:
Breakfast - Scrambled eggs or deviled eggs (yummy!) with fruit
Lunch - Leftovers from supper, today was 1/2 a pork chop with smashed potatoes
Supper - Salmon with veggies, Meatballs (not sure yet what kinda) with braised cabbage, need to think of a third dish???
I'm happy to report also that my sleep is WAYYYY better this week. That dumb DST killed me with the time change, but with eating better, I've had a couple great nights of sleep. My bloating is way better too, jeans are looser today.
Post by: ZiziPB on March 21, 2016, 12:43:59 PM
Alright, kids.
I'm committing.
TOMORROW I start my second Whole 30. Because bleh. I've been feeling nasty as shit.
I'm not sure if sugary/non-vegetable eating triggers anxiety, or if it's ... just a byproduct of not getting outside as much and being a couch potato (which, thanks lowered energy from sugar!) but it's been super not fun lately.
It's so funny how things creep back into your life so slowly, so effortlessly, that you don't even really notice them.
Like, low levels of anxiety.
Like sugar and binge-eating behaviors.
Like unproductivity.
Like emotionally feeling like shit (and not doing art, which becomes a Catch 22 I, for one, am VERY susceptible to. Feel terrible for not doing art, so don't do art because you feel terrible. Rinse and repeat.)
Of course I have no idea if it's actually related to diet. But there's a pretty good chance it is, at least in some part. I felt better when I was eating Whole30 style. And I got a lot more done in my life.
So, tomorrow. :) I'll eat on-track today as much as possible, and go grocery shopping in earnest after work.
Orvell, I could have written this post!
I am planning to do my second Whole 30 in April. And I really would like it to be more of a permanent change this time. Because sugar takes over my life as soon as I don't totally banish it!
BTW, I watched Fed Up on Netflix over the weekend. It should be required viewing for everyone, especially if you are considering Whole 30 but hesitating.
Post by: ender on March 22, 2016, 06:53:55 AM
Have any of you done this with your spouse not participating? My wife felt starved most of the time we did it and I don't really expect her to be super excited about it again. I'm not sure how feasible it is to do it by myself, though, as that seems it would be hard to really pull off without her support as many meals are pretty impossible to do with Whole30 (like pasta or pizza etc).
Post by: Orvell on March 22, 2016, 07:39:45 AM
ZiziPB - it's amazing that so many of us have such similar experiences. Whole 30 wasn't a game changer in the sense that it didn't magically transform my life; all it did was remove the small decisions that were making me feel like crap. But holy shit, those small decisions that were making me feel like crap ADD UP.
Lately I've been eating wayyy too much sugar, not enough protein, and vanishingly small quantities of veg. Time to change all that!
Anyhow, today is my Day 1 (Whole30 Numero Dos)
I woke up late and didn't have time for the nice fried egg on kale I'd been envisioning, but Never Fear, dear compatriots, I had a tin of kipper snacks and a handful of cashews. No greens, so I'll have to make up for that elsewhere in the day, but still lots of protein and goodies.
Lunch will be the leftovers of a delicious batch of leek and potato soup I made with an orange for a side, and I have an avocado for an afternoon snack should I get peckish.
Today's willpower feats will include: not eating the horrible fake butter popcorn at tonight's shindig (easy- that stuff doesn't actually taste very good, it's just the rote action that I'll need to tamp down); not eating the leftover snacks and cookies at the office (much harder. They're chocolate and from an actual bakery. ;___;) BUT I will keep it together. Yes I will.
I think the next few days are gonna suck major monkey balls.
I had some cookie binges last week. My body is not going to take the whole "no sugar" thing with any decorum.
TOO BAD, BODY. Too mother fucking bad.
Post by: AmandaPanda on March 22, 2016, 08:51:08 AM
I will say it finally dawned on me that I have been experiencing a major benefit to this way of eating, even with minor "cheats." In my past life, I needed 9 hours of sleep to function. If I went three nights in a row with only 7 hours of sleep, I would absolutely crash. These days, it seems impossible to sleep 9 hours. I'm easily able to function on 8 hours. I know that sounds like a ton of sleep for most people out there, but I struggled for so long with why I needed so much sleep. I think if I exercised regularly other than walking a few days a week it would be even better. Does anyone have a similar story where either diet or exercise improved their sleeping habits?
Post by: rawr237 on March 22, 2016, 10:15:20 AM
@Simplefunlife: I made the pot roast! And it is delicious (literally eating some right now for lunch). Next time would do more carrots, less potatoes. I didn't have arrowroot powder (could have SWORN there was a bag in the pantry), but tapioca flour worked for the gravy...I mixed it with lard first per an online tip. Om nom nom. And bf loves it too! Thanks for the killer recipe.
@Swick: have you done cauli fried rice? I like it but haven't made it in a while a'cause I tend to eat the whole pan.
@GoldenGrove: have you frozen the korma and had it keep well? I love lamb but the bf has issues with both lamb and curry...so I'd have to eat it all myself. Looks yum tho.
@ender: Another dairy lover here. Depending on your perspective, this could be SWYPO, but Whole Foods carries Kite hill nut cheese which is delicious and technically W30 compliant. It's just a few ingredients (almonds, salt, enzymes...I think), cultured in a similar method to real cheese. Or you could make macadamia nut cheese (Nom Nom Paleo has a recipe). I haven't done a W30 with dairy, but it's really up to you -- hard to know how it affects you until you cut it out.
I'm doing the W30 and bf is not, but I do pretty much all the shopping and cooking so it's not so bad. I separated 'his' cheese and pepperoni and such in the fridge. It comes down to planning and willpower. I try to make compliant meals that he will enjoy (wings, roast meats, etc), which is the planning side. The willpower side is adding cheese to his eggs but not mine, and keeping naan around so he can make emergency pizza (if he doesn't want what I'm cooking or the W30 leftovers). If hunger is the issue, I don't worry too much about perfectly sticking to the W30 template - the first two days this round I ate a TON, lots of fat too!
@1967mama: Wow! That's so amazing, thanks for sharing about your success.
@Orvell: Yayyyyyy one more on board!
@AmandaPanda: YES the last couple days I've been waking up and actually feeling awake...a similar state would normally require a big cup of coffee. Even when I don't sleep super well (too much nighttime TV) I still feel way better in the morning than I used to.
@swick: Do you eat duck eggs often? I tried them a while ago and felt meh about them...also pretty expensive from the market.
Day 9! The bloating varies, I have tried the FODMAPS modification but am not being strict about it now because I start to think about FODMAPS + Whole 30 + my own issues (raw vegetables, mostly) and it makes me hyperventilate a little. Oh oh and I'm not having the cheating food dreams anymore! Though yesterday I dreamt I was in Hawaii with my family and my parents broke the news that they wanted to stay for a month...and I freaked out because I have three weeks left in my W30, and hadn't planned on being on vacation that long. Yeesh.
I made these wings (no sauce, duh): http://www.recipetineats.com/crispy-oven-baked-chicken-wings-honey-garlic-sauce/ for dinner on Friday, and think they needed another 5min or so to get really crispy. Bf added BBQ sauce to his. Pretty good anyways, we gobbled up 1.5lb between us. Last night I made layered brownies to bring to work (which I suppose makes me a bad influence and hypocritical, but I'm trying to make friends here), didn't even really mind not getting to taste them.
Have to say I'm glad that regular potatoes are allowed now, because it's part of the bf's ESSENTIAL breakfast: eggs, bacon, home fries. Now that we've mastered it at home (soft scrambled eggs, extra crispy potatoes) he doesn't even want to go out anymore. The food spending is pretty high lately, because I'm buying specialty things like sugar-free bacon. Bf has decided to watch his carbs, but doesn't like to eat a lot of vegetables, so his meat consumption may be up a bit. Actually, since he's on a health kick he's eating less in general...so maybe the spending impact is negligible.
Yesterday I skipped breakfast (not hungry), and was ravenous while grocery shopping in the afternoon...bought a pack of prosciutto as an emergency snack. Nom.
Sorry for writing an essay. So great to have company (the official W30 boards are kind of scary...people seem really intense and judgmental)!
Post by: mom22boys on March 22, 2016, 12:30:57 PM
I will say it finally dawned on me that I have been experiencing a major benefit to this way of eating, even with minor "cheats." In my past life, I needed 9 hours of sleep to function. If I went three nights in a row with only 7 hours of sleep, I would absolutely crash. These days, it seems impossible to sleep 9 hours. I'm easily able to function on 8 hours. I know that sounds like a ton of sleep for most people out there, but I struggled for so long with why I needed so much sleep. I think if I exercised regularly other than walking a few days a week it would be even better. Does anyone have a similar story where either diet or exercise improved their sleeping habits?I'm the exact same with sleep....I need a TON of it. At least 8 hours a day in order to function. To your question, absolutely yes! A few years back when I lost a bit of weight (through good eating and exercise), I noticed that I could easily go on 7 hrs sleep and felt great, rather than my typical 8-9 hours. With the Whole30, my sleep is way better, but I still need a good 8-9 hours. I think once I get this excess weight off, I'll have the same results and be able to go with less sleep.
Eating update
Last night I just made some hamburger patties (rather than meatballs) with fried onions, topped off with homemade mayo and a side of braised cabbage. So simple yet so good. Homemade mayo really scared me (at least the process of making it) before this thread, and now it's easy peasy and surprising really good.
I really need to try that pot roast, and yes, thank God for potatoes on Whole30. Next on my list is to try a new recipe with chicken. I got a steal on leap day...chicken quarters for 0.29 lb. They weren't grass fed, but too good a deal to pass up. I ended up buying 40 lbs. :-) Love a deal!
Post by: swick on March 22, 2016, 12:44:39 PM
I have a bunch of thoughts for a bunch of people, so bare with me!
@rawr237: I get duck eggs from a local farmer who delivers them to my door for 7.00 a dozen (organic chicken eggs from the grocery store here are 5.99 a doz) The duck eggs are HUGE, have a much higher ratio of yolk to white and are an alkaline food (chicken eggs aren't) They are happy ducks and eat more food to produce. So I don't mind a bit paying for them. They are just descendants. Especially if you are a runny yolk gal like I am. They make the most amazing hollandaise sauce and poached eggs and over easy eggs, I also use them to make mayo and salad dressings. They are also apparently really good for making baking light and airy as they have a slightly different protein structure. But I haven't really experimented with that since I have been on a clean eating kick for a while.
Full Disclosure: Some people are apparently allergic to them and get super, super sick from eating them as my sister, took a couple of exposures to figure out what it was, I felt HORRIBLE.
Oh, these are MY FAVORITE wings: They are bonkers good, and you would never know they are whole 30 compliant and clean eating :)
http://www.thekitchenmagpie.com/amazing-salt-and-pepper-chicken-wings# (http://www.thekitchenmagpie.com/amazing-salt-and-pepper-chicken-wings#)
Oh and no worries on writing an essay, the reason I started this thread is I was a little scared of the Official Whole 30 forum :)
@Ender: If you are not the one who is doing the majority of the cooking, and your SO isn't on board, it would be much harder, I love all the suggestions that rawr237 suggests. One thing I would say, though, is if she is always hungry, it might be that she was in that weird stage between not slipping into Keto, but not eating enough carbs to keep burning glucose as your primary fuel. That was Hubby's problem; he felt wiped and hungry for a week or two until we figured it out and got it dialed in for him. If your SO is really active, the balance may be more tricky.
@AmandaPanda: Going on Whole 30 fixed the majority of my sleeping issues (when I don't push it and override with my brain) I was a life-long insomniac who would go for days (weeks when I was younger) with very little sleep and crash hard. My parents use to wake up to a 3-course breakfast on a school day because no matter what I tried, I couldn't sleep. I use to have to take sleepings pills, which didn't help. Being on the Whole 30 has basically reset my sleeping patterns to normal persons. I still have the occasional sleepless night, but it is a million times better.
@Orvell I loved your post, congrats on starting another round! Hopefully, the sugar dragon isn't too hard to deal with. I took ZiziPB's suggestion and watched FED UP (it's also on youtube) which lead me to a day of binge watching (haha!) Sugar documentaries. I got a lot of Countries covered. There is a good Fifth Estate on sugar from Canada, the Fed UP movie from the USA, That Sugar movie from AUS, I also watched a British and then an Irish BBC doc. So many different countries and points of view all very similar and in agreement about how shitty it is for you.
@mom22boys: Your doing awesome, keep it up! :)
Oh so I tried this Lemon Broccoli Salad last night:http://www.pinchmeimeating.com/lemon-broccoli-salad/ (http://www.pinchmeimeating.com/lemon-broccoli-salad/) I was a little skeptical. Broccoli isn't my favorite veg, I like it blended into soup or mixed into double stuffed baked potatoes, but as a side, it doesn't do too much for me. Other it is raw and chewing the tops reminds me of chewing sawdust, or it is overcooked and generally smushy gross. I LOVE THIS SALAD! It is stupid simple and tastes great! I'm pretty surprised it was so tasty!
Post by: horsepoor on March 22, 2016, 09:55:08 PM
I have been feeling like crap since I got home from Denver and I'm eating better, but haven't summoned the wherewithal to prep and really start W30 yet. I did go stock up on veg this afternoon, but then I came home and promptly fell asleep for two hours, so nothing's been prepped yet. Hopefully I can get through a certain morass at work tomorrow and then take some time to prep on Thursday afternoon. I don't know if it's 100% the food itself, but the act of prepping and planning to eat a certain way - I'm thinking it has some powerful psychological benefits. Like if you have all your stuff nicely portioned and stacked in the fridge on Sunday night, it's a great feeling of control and deliberateness that kind of bleeds over into non-food decisions (and takes away so many little energy-sapping micro decisions throughout the week). So even though I have the right foods in the house, not being prepped is killing me, and I keep sort of forgetting that this is supposed to be Whole30 week.
Sleep is probably the biggest change I see when doing W30. I actually feel like I need more, and I'm a solid 8-hour sleeper anyway. But I get the most profound sleep when I'm eating clean and not consuming alcohol; it seems like my body's trying to make up for some lost time in that really deep sleep, and sorting through odd dreams that drag on for ages. But then it's easier to wake and I don't get so tired in the afternoon.
Post by: Simplefunlife on March 23, 2016, 06:35:57 AM
Simplefunlife - Way to go on getting to day 17! How are you findings things? Have you noticed any physical changes or come to any new realizations?
I'm finding this whole 30 much easier than the one I did a couple years ago. I'll be honest and say that I'd still prefer some pizza but I'm ok having grilled chicken and vegetables. I haven't had any extreme cravings just a feeling that is would be nice to just pick up some take out. I think the hardest part for me has been all the cooking. I did a lot of cooking before but there was always a couple sandwiches for lunch and take out once a week. I'm getting better at cooking bigger batches and using the slow cooker but still need to find a way to make things easier.
I've been feeling fairly good but a little tired in the mornings. The kids have been great though. I would say they are only 75% whole30 style but the increase and variety in vegetables and meat has been really good for them. I'm noticing more even moods for them.
Last nights dinner:http://nomnompaleo.com/post/41781593486/whole30-day-29-garbage-stir-fry-with-curried
I liked it and so did youngest kid. Older one tried it and did not like it at all. Sharing as others are dealing with picky eaters.
Post by: rawr237 on March 23, 2016, 08:22:34 AM
Rant whine upcoming...
Last night I proposed breakfast for dinner, and he was eager and willing to do the cooking. I was washing dishes and watching TV while he cooked, glanced over and saw the ghee on the counter so figured it would be fine. Well, halfway through I turned around and saw BUTTER on the counter too! Turned out he had added butter AND ghee to the potatoes and the eggs (potatoes were mid-fry, the eggs hadn't been added to their pan but the fats were melted). I sadly informed him that I couldn't have butter. And irritatedly informed him that ghee IS butter (1000% sure I've told him this, but clearly it didn't stick). Bf offered to start over, but I despondently assembled my own dinner instead (grass fed hot dogs, green beans with ghee...followed by a whole bag of pork rinds later). The unforgettable moment during the 'you added BUTTER?' discussion was when I asked WHY BOTH ghee and butter and he said something like 'for different flavors'. *facepalm*
On a happier note, I went to Whole Foods over the weekend and bought lots of lovely meats. The wings, pork for carnitas, beef for pot roast, ground pork for sausage, pork belly, and chicken thighs. Deboned and froze the family pack of thighs for cracklin chicken later! Since bf is going out of town for work the rest of the week, it's my opportunity to cook the things he doesn't like. I'm also spontaneously taking Thurs-Tuesday off, so will maybe tackle a few more project-y W30 recipes. Ideas?
Just for me:
http://soletshangout.com/roasted-kabocha-squash-carrot-ginger-soup-with-lamb-meatballs/
Stir fried pork belly (or roasted...haven't decided yet)
http://www.primallyinspired.com/salmon-balls-recipe/
http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2016/01/cabbage-and-sausage-casserole/
When bf gets back:
Carnitas from Well Fed
Zuni cafe roast chicken
http://www.primallyinspired.com/one-pan-wonders-better-than-a-steakhouse-steak-and-balsamic-veggies/
I made this a few weeks ago and it was KILLER: http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2014/02/dijon-and-cognac-beef-stew/
Not quite compliant, but easily tweaked to be so (broth instead of cognac, dijon without wine, GF flour for coating meat, etc)
Post by: Orvell on March 23, 2016, 08:46:41 AM
Today is my Day 2 (of Whole 30 The Sequel)
Coincidentally, my parents are re-starting their Whole30 at the same time. They live in a different state from me, but it will still be nice to have some familial support. More for them than for me. :) I have you guys, after all. They don't. Last time around I remember getting all sorts of concerned texts about what was and wasn't alright to eat ('on plan') and if feeling stupid and gross the first few days was normal (sadly yes). So it will be interesting to share experiences with them. I'm still sorta gob-smacked they're doing it, but hey, I got a lot of myself from them, it makes sense in a strange way, that even food experiments would be included in that.
The sugar withdrawal is beginning. I can feel the beginnings of a headache crawling up between my eyes. Nothing's terrible (yet) though.
Today's lunch will be eating the last of the potato leek soup along with a sweet potato. I'm going to have to cook up some veg tonight, though, for the rest of the week. This weekend I'll be more proactive in meal prepping.
Post by: mom22boys on March 23, 2016, 11:23:24 AM
discussion was when I asked WHY BOTH ghee and butter and he said something like 'for different flavors'. *facepalm*
Since bf is going out of town for work the rest of the week, it's my opportunity to cook the things he doesn't like. I'm also spontaneously taking Thurs-Tuesday off, so will maybe tackle a few more project-y W30 recipes. Ideas?
Here are a few that I really like or am planning to try soon. Some will likely even be some that your bf would like, that is, if you're willing to share. Honestly there have been times the food is so good I want to hoard it all for myself, and not let my boys have any.
http://www.platedwithstyle.com/2014/10/24/paleo-swedish-meatballs/ - this is on the menu to make this weekend and looks so darn good
http://www.justpaleofood.com/breakfast-pumpkin-custard-whole30-friendly/ - the first time I made this I thought it was so/so, but I've grown to love it. I eat it for breakfast often with a hardboiled egg to get more protein
http://www.justpaleofood.com/breakfast-pumpkin-custard-whole30-friendly/ - I just posted this one for Swick, and it's really good
http://nomnompaleo.com/post/91332244628/spicy-tuna-cakes - These are a little time consuming to make, but oh so tasty. I always make a double batch because my boys like them too. Next time I make them, I may try to freeze one batch
Happy cooking! I'm off Friday and Monday too, with the boys being at their dad's house most of the weekend, so I'll like be cooking up some big batches of food.
Coincidentally, my parents are re-starting their Whole30 at the same time. They live in a different state from me, but it will still be nice to have some familial support.
My parents were just saying that they need to do another round. All the weight my dad lost came back (ahhhh, no surprise there). They unfortunately still see this as a 'Diet' rather than a life change. Not saying that they need to stick with the strict rules 100% of the time, but no Dad, you cannot eat sugary treats every day and still expect to feel good and keep the weight off. I also got a lot of my parents eating habits and have been slowly trying to retrain my brain to my new normal. Hope your parents have a good experience this time around.
Post by: swick on March 24, 2016, 08:53:51 AM
I don't know if it's 100% the food itself, but the act of prepping and planning to eat a certain way - I'm thinking it has some powerful psychological benefits. Like if you have all your stuff nicely portioned and stacked in the fridge on Sunday night, it's a great feeling of control and deliberateness that kind of bleeds over into non-food decisions (and takes away so many little energy-sapping micro decisions throughout the week)
This is very insightful and something I have noticed but not really spent much time thinking about. The prep is really key the difference in how you feel, how easy things are, how many micro-decisions you have to make is HUGE! It does tend to spill over into other areas and make other decisions easier as well. Maybe because it creates more time for other things, maybe you have more mental energy to devote to other things so you don't have to think about it. Still though, I tend to resist doing it, but I'm working on it :)
I hear ya on having to adjust to cooking and losing some of those "simple, no thought requited" meals, Simplefunlife! We use to rely on Panini's once or twice a week when life got hectic.
Lately, I have been setting aside and freezing a couple portions of Kalua pork. I always have cabbage in the fridge to a quick Sauteed cabbage stirfry with some crisped pork is almost as easy.
I also always make a bigger batch of stew/soup/tajine when I make it and freeze a couple of portions in the taller yogurt containers. These are for hubby's lunches on days I make something for dinner that doesn't provide enough leftovers, or is enough for both of us to split for a dinner with some sort of side veg to stretch it out.
@Rawr237: The wings aren't shatteringly crisp, but they are on the crispy side. What I tend to do is bake them and then add them to the pan of sesame oil/garlic and jalapenos and give them another quick fry (instead of tossing separately in a bowl) that helps them stay a bit more crispy.
@Orvell: How is the head doing? It is great that your parents are doing a round with you :) My mom and aunt are going to be starting a round shortly, it will be my mom's second and my aunt's first. hmm should send them an email to confirm their start date. I think it is so awesome that so many of us have either had supportive SO's and family or SO's and family that have come around after seeing the results!
@mom22boys: Thanks for the recipes, going to check some of them out! I keep meaning to make the pumpkin custard, but canned pumpkin is freaking expensive here! I wonder if this would be good with Sweet Potato? Hubs and I went for a walk last night and I noticed a great deal advertised in the window of our local grocer for sweet potatoes on for .49 a lb (ususally 1.29, which I know is still expensive) so he waited outside with the dog and I got a basketful...he carried home 26.4 (yes he insisted on weighing them) lbs of sweet poatoes...with only a little bit og good-natured grumbling :)
So...Easter is upon us...Anyone trying out any special recipes? Anyone navigating tricky family dinners? We volunteered to bring the sweet potatoes...hmmm maybe that custard would be good? to the in-laws. We aren't too worried about it as we have had to navigate quite a few family dinners since we started eating healthy. It definitely took laying down some ground rules, but they are starting to get the idea that this is a life style thing and not just a diet or whim we can be talked out of.
Post by: swick on March 24, 2016, 09:12:32 AM
I just came across this super neat "Veggie Calculator" http://whfoods.org/vga.php (http://whfoods.org/vga.php)
Not only does it give you an idea of how much you are getting across all the different colors, it gives you suggestions on which nutrients you may be lacking and makes suggestions for which veggies that can provide them. Really neat.
Post by: Orvell on March 24, 2016, 09:26:46 AM
No seriously I'm going to Costco this weekend and I'm going to buy some chicken wings. You guys are a terrible/wonderful influence. XD I will report back how it goes! I think the salt and pepper ones are good (and sound wonderfully simple) since I'm still a n00b at cooking meat.
Another thing I need to pick up from Costco is better Tupperware/freezing solutions. I have... a collection of random things, mostly from take out containers. I need to up my game, as I've found it holding me back a few times. (For example, I'd have a hard time doing a big 'ol Kalua pork.)
Last night (and today for lunch) was oven roasted salmon with sautéed onions, asparagus and brussle sprouts. I actually cooked it all over at a friend's house while they ate take-out. I'm lucky to have friends who understand. :) Even if they think it's a bit silly, they keep it to themselves and are sweethearts who don't offer me their deserts.
Re: Food Prep (and mental clarity)
YES.
I think it's, for me at least, the act of taking control of ones life and actively managing the future. Sure, it's the future of tomorrow's lunch, but it's still an actionable choice with follow through and rewards.
It makes me an automatic winner, to have thought of a food plan, made it, and then eaten it. I like winning! And it makes winning seem like something I can do. Which makes me want to do other things. :)
Re: Families and Friends and SOs
I think this would be so much harder if I were surrounded by people who weren't (at the very least) cool with me doing my own thang. I live alone, so I don't have to worry about meals involving other people more than once or so a week, which is both a help (no extra opinions! I can eat all the smelly fish I want!) and a hindrance (especially when I'm not on-plan. There's no one to see me binge eat that entire box of Girl Scout cookies, and no one for me to moderate my behavior for.)
To everyone doing this with only moderate buy-in from their SO, my hat goes off. That is a hella harder challenge than I'm undertaking.
Post by: Orvell on March 24, 2016, 09:32:53 AM
***For those trying to eat more Veggies***Oooh! That's really cool! Thanks, Swick! 8D
I just came across this super neat "Veggie Calculator" http://whfoods.org/vga.php (http://whfoods.org/vga.php)
Not only does it give you an idea of how much you are getting across all the different colors, it gives you suggestions on which nutrients you may be lacking and makes suggestions for which veggies that can provide them. Really neat.
I'm not doing as well as I thought I was. Good to know!
Post by: GoldenGrove on March 24, 2016, 07:08:14 PM
@GoldenGrove: have you frozen the korma and had it keep well? I love lamb but the bf has issues with both lamb and curry...so I'd have to eat it all myself. Looks yum tho.
rawr237, sorry, just saw your question. I haven't tried freezing the lamb korma, so I don't know. It does keep well for multiple days in the fridge, though- I usually eat a batch by myself over the course of ~5 days (single lady here). Of course, I obviously don't mind eating the same thing every single day, so YMMV :).
Post by: ketchup on March 24, 2016, 09:55:14 PM
Good stuff. Used W30-compliant homemade sriracha from NomNomPaleo and it was fantastic.
Post by: Orvell on March 26, 2016, 09:49:33 AM
Chicken wings acquired. Tonight (or maybe tomorrow if tonight gets busy) will be the great cooking experiment. ;)
Went to Costco and loaded up on alllll sorts of goodies, including bulk nuts, meats, and veg.
My upstairs neighbor and friend and I are going on a nice long walk/hike today and I volunteered to pack us lunches. These salads and nuts plus a hard boiled egg. I wish my avocados were ripe, but sadly, they are not.
(http://i.imgur.com/qU7wWOwl.jpg)
Om nom nom!
In Whole30-and-me news, I spent a lot of yesterday grumpy. Turns out that "kill everything" stage doesn't end with your first Whole30. OH WELL. :) Today the weather is not-bad and a hike will happen, and I did my taxes. I will be just fine.
Hope you guys are having a fantastic weekend!
Post by: Mongoose on March 27, 2016, 01:59:40 PM
I would love to hear frugal, whole30 school lunch ideas, please?
Orvell, your meals always look scrumptious!
Post by: horsepoor on March 28, 2016, 07:23:54 AM
FWIW, I frequently don't bother putting my lunch in the fridge, and it's fine, so I would think with ice packs, they would be OK if everything isn't still ice cold by lunch time. Potato based meals might work to make something more filling, with just a little bit of meat for flavoring. You could swap out sweet potatoes for variety as well. Hang in there; hope your grocery budget gets a little more flush soon!
In the "why didn't someone tell me this years ago?!" department, I steamed eggs in my Instant Pot last night. They practically peeled themselves, and these were good-quality, fresh eggs. 12 minutes steaming for hard boiled, then into cold water. Will try them with my even fresher homegrown eggs soon.
Far as W30 goes, I can't seem to summon the determination to do it just now. Eating well, but just not quite in the right mindset. Also blew this month's grocery budget, so haven't been wanting to redline that budget item in Mint any worse than it is. So hats off to everyone who is sticking with their 1st, 2nd or 5th W30; I'll be cheering you on and probably half-assing it over here...
Post by: Orvell on March 28, 2016, 08:05:04 AM
I was flippant about grocery prices before I started, and even during the first week or two (what do they say about assumptions? Oh, right there it is. My ass. Found it), but it absolutely is more expensive, and your budget is tight, Mongoose. You have my respect. Horsepoor's advice seems solid. :) Do what you can with what you have. And don't feel awful about feeding your family good food, which is what you're already doing. :) ~Somewhat~ Whole30 is already miles ahead of the shit fobbed onto us as 'food.'
Post by: Orvell on March 28, 2016, 08:13:40 AM
It definitely is going faster this time around. I'm also feeling the blues, though. Not sure why. But so far I've held fast and not done what I *usually* do when feeling sad (BYE BYE COOKIES). That said, I feel I ought to confess some food decisions that were on-plan but not... for the right reasons.
I had a banana with coconut milk for dinner last night, and the night before I ate too many chicken wings because I was mad at my oven.
Now I will say my hail Mary's and do better next time.
Today I had two eggs for breakfast (on spinach) in the hopes to not be hungry before lunch (wish me luck!) and lunch itself will be a nice salad with tuna and tomatoes with a hard boiled egg. Dinner is an unknown. I failed to cook for the week over the weekend (thanks, blues, so helpful) so whatever I make it'll have be a big-batch item. :) I'm thinking soup?? We'll see!
Post by: rawr237 on March 29, 2016, 08:39:18 AM
Orvell: Did that breakfast work out for you? If you're still getting hungry, you could try upping the oil. Some days I find the hunger is an insatiable beast, and eat accordingly...with no ill effects. Second time around I'm happy to eat when I'm hungry, and worry less about the meal template.
Mongoose: (Disclaimer - I do not have kids or any nutritional background) You could try a more fat/carb/veg centric lunch and make up the protein at other meals. Maybe veg roasted with tons of olive oil...salmon salad is an alternative to tuna salad if the mercury is a factor. Hard boiled eggs...nut butter with apples or celery...if you have thermoses then bone broth/soup, or nut based porridge? Sorry if that's not helpful at all :P
Over Easter weekend I took communion twice, so technically I 'cheated' by eating those two wafers ('wine' was really grape juice anyhow). Some things are more important than a perfect Whole 30.
I did twice-cooked pork belly based on this recipe: http://norecipes.com/recipe/twice-cooked-pork-recipe (http://norecipes.com/recipe/twice-cooked-pork-recipe), came out flavorful but a little tough. I've roasted belly before with good results, but Whole Foods doesn't sell it with skin on so it doesn't crisp up quite right.
Also made the Smitten Kitchen sausage cabbage casserole, and it's yummy! Only downside is I ate some an hour or two before yesterday's run, and halfway through got a bit nauseated/burpy. Lesson learned...not so many veggies so close to working out.
You guys are so right about the power of planning...nothing better than a fridge full of tupperware! (Though my Snaplock lids are starting to break, boooooo) Right now I have leftover sausage/cabbage, spaghetti squash with creamy sauce (basically this: http://www.planksloveandguacamole.com/2014/04/spaghetti-squash-with-roasted-garlic.html (http://www.planksloveandguacamole.com/2014/04/spaghetti-squash-with-roasted-garlic.html)), pumpkin soup (http://fedandfit.com/2013/10/18/creamy-paleo-bacon-pumpkin-soup/ (http://fedandfit.com/2013/10/18/creamy-paleo-bacon-pumpkin-soup/)), mayo, dairy-free pesto, homemade coconut milk, leftover wings (made 4lb the other day because of this thread)...
Last night I hadn't properly planned out dinner, so I threw together a frittata with bulk sausage, bacon, spinach, a few leftover bits of sweet potato, and cheese (left a small wedge cheese-less for me). Leftovers will feed bf for breakfast for days. Nom.
Reassuring that other people see it affecting their spending too, because my grocery spending has sorta exploded. I'm okay with it because I wouldn't normally splurge on so much sugar-free bacon, plus trying to keep alternatives in the house for me vs bf adds up. The meat is of course the big ticket item, humanely raised / grass fed / pastured is pricier, and having two meat devourers in the house...yeah. In my last shared house I was a bit envious of my housemate/coworker who would only buy chicken at <$2/lb ...but at the same time couldn't quite bring myself to purchase meat that may have been fed its own species, and so on. All the other categories in my spending have dropped drastically since moving back to the Midwest, so I'm not as motivated to cut back on food spending. Main focus is minimizing waste.
Went to Aladdin's last Friday and it was sooooo good! Wonderful to eat a compliant meal without having to make it or clean up myself! I had a beef shawarma salad (hold the cheese) with dabs of baba ganoush and their house dressing, absolutely delicious. Called ahead to confirm they do ALL their cooking with olive oil (except for frying with peanut oil, which I think only applies to the falafel), and their seasonings are all super simple herb type mixtures, no sugar. It's one of my local favorites, and I hadn't been since moving back...a solid meal. Maybe I'll go back to celebrate the end of the W30.
A little sad because a friend invited me to a city event that involves lots of food and drinks, and I would normally be so on that...but paying $50/ticket when I probably won't be able to partake of anything is just dumb.
Post by: Orvell on March 29, 2016, 08:45:16 AM
Verdict: Yummy (and on the Whole30 plan!), but not really worth the effort. The nutmeg in the eggs was fabulous, but frankly, the whole thing was a lot more work than it needed to be. If I make it again I'm going to replace some of the sweet potatoes with spinach and other goodies to make it a little less one-note.
The avocado with lime and salt we snacked on while it baked was almost just as delicious and about 95% less effort. :P
That quiche-thing DOES make a great re-heated breakfast though. So it gets a point or two for that. :)
It's my Day 8!
Things feel so much less eventful on my second Whole30. :) I'm shocked by how much easier it all is. I have not defeated my sugar dragon (by any stretch of the means) but it seems to understand that "not now" is an actual answer for why we're not eating all the cookies known to mankind.
*shrugs*
I'll not complain.
Post by: horsepoor on March 29, 2016, 10:44:32 AM
You guys are so right about the power of planning...nothing better than a fridge full of tupperware! (Though my Snaplock lids are starting to break, boooooo) \
So it appears that Glasslock will replace lids for just the cost of shipping! http://glasslockusa.com/product-category/replacement-parts/
This is awesome; none of mine have broken, but I can tell they're getting a little brittle, and my dogs chewed up one of them. The glass part seems like it will last forever, so I'm going to take advantage of this!
Post by: rawr237 on March 30, 2016, 07:29:11 AM
Orvell: Glad round 2 is going well for you, that frittata looks amazing. To spread out the effort, you could eat roasted sweet potatoes one day and throw leftovers in the frittata the next.
Day 17. With the copious amounts of cooking and dishwashing (I could make bigger batches of food, but prefer variety), I find my appreciation for not having to do it greatly increased. When bf cooks or washes dishes, I am SO happy and thankful. And this Saturday I got invited to a charity cocktail party, which I reeeeally didn't want to agree to (but felt sort of obligated to spend time with friends despite suckiness of not being able to drink/eat anything served)...but then I made plans to do another Aladdin's dinner on the way! Already daydreaming about chicken salad with baba ganoush.
The restriction is also giving me a greater appreciation of being able to be less strict most of the time...compared to people with severe allergies or my cousin who has intense limitations due to illness. After 30 days I'll be able to go back to eating these things (after reintroduction, in moderate amounts) but some people actually live with these challenges all the time. It's humbling when I remember how much I've whined and how depressed I've felt about not being able to go out without lots of debate and planning. I have the resources to spend as much as I like on delicious, healthy, ethically sourced groceries. I have the love of cooking and excitement about trying new foods and recipes. I have a well-appointed kitchen to craft dishes in, with a soon-to-be-complete tupperware collection. (Plus I've lost ~5lb in the first two weeks of the W30.) Life is pretty darn good.
Post by: Orvell on March 30, 2016, 10:20:12 AM
That's a really good idea about the prep split! I might have to try that this weekend. Despite my poo-pooing it, I've actually really enjoyed having it as leftovers for breakfast. I think with some process and content tweaking it might be a good staple! :) Thanks for the idea!
Day 9
I FEEL A TASTE OF TIGER BLOOD, KIDS. AND IT'S GR8.
I've been more motivated at work, and I actually set up an Etsy store last night for the side hustle/passion and started the (long) process of making it known to the world.
o_O;;
I know it's not all food. I know it's not magic.
But DAMN. I'll take it. 8D
Food today:
Leftover sweet potato "quiche" for breakfast, some almonds and a bit of avocado for a mid-morning snack, and soon to be feasting on an asparagus/pork/brussle sprout dish I made last night (It's pretty yummy! I didn't follow a recipe, but it turned out fun, and should serve as lunches and/or dinners for the rest of the week easily. I used lots of garlic and coconut milk and ginger and am really enjoying the flavor palate. Cooking meat is still new and fun to play with.)
Tonight I'm going out with some co-workers. Not entirely sure what I'll eat, only what I won't. It'll be alright, hopefully fun, but I'm already steeling myself for the barrage. It will probably be less-awful than I expect. We'll see.
Part of the issue is I don't really know HOW to explain myself? I did this originally because soy was causing me issues, and I needed to get a handle on my eating habits. Both of these things are still true. But I'm not doing it again because I need to SCIENCE why my body reacts to certain foods a certain way. I'm doing it because it feels healthy and good. Weirdly enough people have the hardest time with that answer over others...
Post by: rawr237 on March 31, 2016, 11:54:42 AM
Day 18
Kind of exciting, I'm actually losing track of the days because it's less of a big deal. I only count to see when I can participate in certain social activities. Last night I made meat patties from Paleo Takeout, uses a method of mixing 1lb meat with 2TB tapioca starch, plus seasonings, in a food processor. It makes for a 'smoother' texture, in the Asian style. The recipe called for 1TB fish sauce which I shorted (because so smelly!)...it was SO pungent during pan-frying I worried they would come out gross, but after cooking the flavors blended harmoniously. Bf added maple syrup to his (that's how subtle the fish sauce flavor is), and was so happy because the texture is closer to the sausage patties served at restaurants. Next time I would double the recipe, maybe do a breakfast-seasoned version.
Also made the lamb meatballs (http://soletshangout.com/roasted-kabocha-squash-carrot-ginger-soup-with-lamb-meatballs/ (http://soletshangout.com/roasted-kabocha-squash-carrot-ginger-soup-with-lamb-meatballs/)) and they came out great.
I tried the broccoli salad someone else posted and it was...okay for us. Bf did not like that it was cold, I think I might just try adding a squirt of lemon to roasted broccoli instead.
Continuously adding new things to make from this thread plus my cookbooks is really helping me stick with it and not get bored.
Tonight, carnitas from Well Fed and spinach soup!
Post by: Dulcimina on March 31, 2016, 12:40:16 PM
Orvell:I'm not doing the whole 30, just chiming in to say I love that soup, and I have some stored in my freezer. I didn't think I would because kabocha squash is really sweet, but it really turned out well.
Also made the lamb meatballs (http://soletshangout.com/roasted-kabocha-squash-carrot-ginger-soup-with-lamb-meatballs/ (http://soletshangout.com/roasted-kabocha-squash-carrot-ginger-soup-with-lamb-meatballs/)) and they came out great.
Post by: mom22boys on April 01, 2016, 12:18:20 PM
I'm still trying to get enough funds to loosen up the grocery budget so we can take the plunge. Anyone doing this with kids without a horrendous grocery budget? Lunches for kids are my particular problem. We eat pretty whole30 for dinner. Breakfast is easy.
I would love to hear frugal, whole30 school lunch ideas, please?
Mongoose - I'm a mom to two boys who eat non-stop. During the four times I've done Whole30, I don't have my kids stick to the rules 100%. There are just too many things I can't control (hello cupcake at school for a kid's birthday). Do I really think my boys will turn down those foods because their mom is doing Whole30? Heck no! But of course, that doesn't mean I let them eat whatever they want. Supper for them will be whatever I eat, which is Whole30 (when I'm doing the program strictly). For lunches, my oldest will get some leftovers (which are whole30) because he can use the microwave to warm up food. I have at least 2 cold packs in his insulated lunch bag, and it's worked great so far. My youngest isn't allowed to use the microwaves yet, so he will often get sandwiches, along with other good stuff likes veggies, fruit, apple sauce (with NO sugar), string cheese (NOT Whole30).
As a single mom, I just don't have the energy to try to make them be 100% compliant. (although this wouldn't be any different if I was still married). Also, remember that Whole30 is an elimination diet and is not meant to be your diet forever. It's a tool to find out if you have issues with any foods, and to give you more control over what you eventually choose to eat moving forward. My kids just aren't old enough to really give a lot of thought to this, and they definitely aren't good yet at communicating how a food makes them feel. That will come with time. Of course, there are always exceptions to this when kids have clear allergies/reactions to food. Thankfully the only issue with food we have is with eggs for my oldest. It clearly gives him a stomach ache when he eats them. I wish you the best as you try to figure this out!
The restriction is also giving me a greater appreciation of being able to be less strict most of the time...compared to people with severe allergies or my cousin who has intense limitations due to illness. After 30 days I'll be able to go back to eating these things (after reintroduction, in moderate amounts) but some people actually live with these challenges all the time. It's humbling when I remember how much I've whined and how depressed I've felt about not being able to go out without lots of debate and planning. I have the resources to spend as much as I like on delicious, healthy, ethically sourced groceries. I have the love of cooking and excitement about trying new foods and recipes. I have a well-appointed kitchen to craft dishes in, with a soon-to-be-complete tupperware collection. (Plus I've lost ~5lb in the first two weeks of the W30.) Life is pretty darn good.
rawr237 - Absolutely agree! I often think too of other countries where people just don't have access to safe food, or even food in general. Why am I so blessed to be born in the US, healthy, able to eat whatever I want, and on and on? Unfortunately I still slip occasionally into my old habits of laziness and "I deserve it" mentality but those thoughts are becoming more scarce.
Also, to your comments earlier about the budget exploding. In addition to your savings on junk food, there is typically a cycle too, meaning you may spend a lot one month, but often you aren't eating all of that food. Some of the meat may go into the freezer, and expensive olive/avocado oil will last 2 months, and so on. I think it's well worth it. :-)
Update for the week
I'm on day 18 and things are going great. As others are finding out, it gets easier and easier each round you do of the Whole30. This week I made those yummy meatballs that I posted earlier. They feed me all week for my lunches, along with caulirice and cherry tomatoes. Breakfast was deviled eggs and fruit. Supper was kalua pork all week with boiled potatoes and ghee. This time I didn't use any bacon with the pork (didn't have any compliant) and instead used smoked paprika. It was honestly the best batch I've had yet.
My sleep has been really good, but I'm still finding that I need A LOT OF SLEEP! I need to get my menu planned for next week. More veggies are necessary, since I know I'm not getting enough, and not enough variety. Also, I'm starting to reduce the amount of fruit I eat. I think that will help more with guarding off teh sugar dragon after I'm done with the 30 days.
A few days after day 30 is my birthday, so I've already started the mental game of "Do I or don't I eat sugar on my birthday?". I'm not sure yet which side is winning. :-)
Post by: Orvell on April 02, 2016, 02:29:46 PM
Okay you know how I said this time 'round was easier? I mean, it still is.
But FUCK guys. This morning I woke up wanting cake and whisky. I can taste it in my mind. It's horrible. I want it.
Slept in later than usual (made it past 8 o'clock! Sound the trumpets!) and, via herculean efforts, did NOT make or procure or eat cake. Instead I made a weird frittata! I had only 3 eggs left (booo!) but I stretched 'em and made it work. Came out pretty good, and should serve as several more breakfasts.
I still need to do my meal-prep for the week, though. Debating what I want to do... What I REALLY want to do is fire up the grill and make a shit ton of chicken wings. Today's weather sucks, but I'm hoping I'll have time tomorrow.
(http://i.imgur.com/o0UQW0Zl.jpg)
Post by: rawr237 on April 04, 2016, 07:18:34 AM
I have more chicken wings in my fridge too. It's becoming a weekly thing, ha. I will FINALLY try that salt and pepper recipe this time. Also on the menu: Nom Nom Paleo's bacon burgers, Paleo Takout Gyro meat, whole roasted cauliflower, pureed rutabaga.
Went to the Saturday cocktail party, ate/drank nothing but water. Ate at Aladdin's and it was amazing - ended up kinda pricey (my grilled chicken salad + small baba ganoush + mint tea = ~$22 with tip, but stretched to two meals) but such a luxury to not have to cook/clean. Bf took apart and cleaned the grill this weekend, and after putting it back together...it doesn't work right lol. So my plan to have him grill half our meals this week was foiled.
Day 22
Can't believe I'm on the last full week! I slacked off on my meal prep this weekend, but I still have coconut milk, mayo, pesto, leftover soup and carnitas in the fridge. The carnitas (from Well Fed) came out...just okay, a little dry and took longer than expected. I want to take another run at that recipe soon, using smaller chunks of meat.
Last night I blended up 2lb of sausage and made patties again, but after bf cooked them they were TINY.
Pre-dinner conversation:
Bf: What's for dinner?
Me: 'sausage patties...and there's leftover green beans'
Bf: 'That doesn't sound very filling' (looks in fridge) 'There are hot dogs, I can grill those too'
I'm having trouble overcoming his mindset that protein + veg can't possible be a full meal. 'Veggies aren't filling', etc. His default solution is apparently to make TWO kinds of meat. *facepalm* My current solution is to tell him to microwave a sweet potato. Last night I didn't cook a vegetable (there were roasted green beans, and spinach soup, and pumpkin soup in the fridge)...
I ate = 3 sausage patties (not feeling well = not hungry, or else I would have added soup)
He ate = ~6 sausage patties, sweet potato with cinnamon and butter
He is not as concerned with optimizing the budget and minimizing waste as I am (I HATE food waste), being more concerned with what he feels like eating (and yes, it feels like I'm cooking for a child sometimes). Since before I moved back he ate out all the time, I can see how that would lead to expectation of eating whatever you want whenever you want it. Bf does recognize the benefits - he's lost weight and saved money, and usually he enjoys my home-cooked meals - but I don't think he fully realizes how much additional effort I put in to try to keep him happy...especially since his favorite foods are cheesy carbs.
Sorry for the whine/rant, done now!
My work team is planning a beer tasting bus tour, I requested that it be scheduled next Friday (post-W30), fingers crossed that the date works out.
Thinking about making meatza: http://meljoulwan.com/2010/02/16/dinner-and-a-movie%E2%84%A2-meatza-pie-and-the-vancouver-olympics/ (http://meljoulwan.com/2010/02/16/dinner-and-a-movie%E2%84%A2-meatza-pie-and-the-vancouver-olympics/) *drool*
Post by: ZiziPB on April 04, 2016, 08:08:31 AM
So I'll be hanging out with all of you here again and getting inspired by your awesome posts, recipes and meal ideas!
Post by: 1967mama on April 04, 2016, 11:24:56 AM
Post by: Orvell on April 04, 2016, 12:54:28 PM
Before you all have kittens, here's both my explanation and my plan:
(With number breakdowns! Because numbers are fun.)
1) I really like how I feel when I'm doing the Whole30. This is my second one (Day 14!) and I've learned loads from it.
2) It's taught me I do well with rules. And that without rules I slip back into my old habits whole hog.
3) That said, it's very limiting, and I want to be able to eat foods I know don't negatively affect me and not worry in social settings.
4) SO! I'm going to, starting today, do a weird hybrid approach. I'm still ironing out the details, but I'm not going to worry about things when I'm eating out or at a friend's house. I am, however, going to keep To A Plan while at home. That means seriously keeping sugar down to a minimum (I'm either going to do a 'you can use it 2x a week' or 'every other week is full no-sugar) (like all ya'll my sugar dragon is the real enemy here) and keeping baked goods limited, too. I'm going to continue to mostly cook Whole30 ish. Just less stringently. :)
5) Hopefully this will still be awesome for me, but also give me the freedom to worry less and enjoy more.
6) I'm still gonna haunt this place. ;) You can't get rid of me.
Post by: Philociraptor on April 04, 2016, 01:00:30 PM
I'm going to, starting today, do a weird hybrid approach. I'm still ironing out the details, but I'm not going to worry about things when I'm eating out or at a friend's house. I am, however, going to keep To A Plan while at home. That means seriously keeping sugar down to a minimum (I'm either going to do a 'you can use it 2x a week' or 'every other week is full no-sugar) (like all ya'll my sugar dragon is the real enemy here) and keeping baked goods limited, too. I'm going to continue to mostly cook Whole30 ish. Just less stringently. :)
This is basically what we do. Food we batch-prep is Whole 30-compliant. My breakfasts are also. We don't stress out too much about it on the weekends, when eating at restaurants, or with friends. And we like alcohol.
Post by: Orvell on April 04, 2016, 01:29:05 PM
*Salutes*I'm going to, starting today, do a weird hybrid approach. I'm still ironing out the details, but I'm not going to worry about things when I'm eating out or at a friend's house. I am, however, going to keep To A Plan while at home. That means seriously keeping sugar down to a minimum (I'm either going to do a 'you can use it 2x a week' or 'every other week is full no-sugar) (like all ya'll my sugar dragon is the real enemy here) and keeping baked goods limited, too. I'm going to continue to mostly cook Whole30 ish. Just less stringently. :)
This is basically what we do. Food we batch-prep is Whole 30-compliant. My breakfasts are also. We don't stress out too much about it on the weekends, when eating at restaurants, or with friends. And we like alcohol.
Glad to know I won't be alone. :)
Post by: swick on April 04, 2016, 01:56:27 PM
Life got busy, haven't had a chance to respond as often as I would like.
Orvell - I don't think there is anything wrong with re-jigging the whole 30 experience to fit you. Remember, it isn't SUPPOSE to be a long-term diet. So figuring out how you want to eat going forward is super important.
Zizi and 1967 mamma - I think continuing with a 30 day no sugar plan is a great idea!
I'm still plugging along. Hubby has been working crazy hours which is making things harder, and he is just about to start 14-16 hour nights for the next 15 days or so in a row. He's stressed, I'm stressed, I miss him. This is the time when I am bored and lonely that the cravings really kick in. Not to mention both our sleeping patterns are going to go for a shit. I'm hoping the healthy food will help counter some of that.
Also, apparently our oven circuitry is on the fritz, so not sure how that is going to screw with my plans. I'm currently roasting sweet potatoes in our toaster oven. We'll see how she goes :)
Post by: rawr237 on April 05, 2016, 10:21:08 AM
swick: That schedule sounds BRUTAL. Good luck to both of you!
Day 23
One week left. I reeeeally want a glass of wine. Not in an I-might-cave kind of way, just kind of grouchy about it. Wine make cooking/cleaning feel less like work. Have to make sure when I reintroduce I find a good moderation point, because it's too easy for weekend drinking only to turn into just one glass on a weekday to a couple glasses every night. Not good for my goals or my energy. I'm leaning towards allowing a glass a few times a week, a glass or two on weekend nights -- would like it to add up to no more than 4-5 glasses/week. Also because it impacts budget (but I can't wait til I don't have to turn down fancy wine shared by the parents).
Still not having fun with the cooking for bf while all he really wants is carbs, meat, and cheese. Will have to figure out how I'm going to cook and eat after the challenge...right now I feel like I could stay mostly W30 indefinitely, except for free meals at work and occasional homemade treats. Except for the added restriction of cooking things he likes (so if I make cauliflower or eggplant, etc, I also make sure there's a vegetable he likes). Will have to work on my batch cooking skills.
I made the Kitchen Magpie S+P wings, they were DELICIOUS but not as crispy as I'd like. Next time would do them on the baking rack. I want to put the garlic sesame oil on everything.
Post by: mom22boys on April 08, 2016, 11:41:10 AM
I've been printing out more and more recipes to try, so my meals have been far from boring. In fact, they are delicious! Here's one for Bang Bang shrimp that is divine. Put it over spaghetti squash or caulirice. So good!
http://www.platedwithstyle.com/2014/01/01/bang-bang-shrimp/
Orvell's post got me think ahead for my plans after Day 30. Do I do a reintro? Stay on plan? Something else? Rather than doing a reintro (which I've somewhat done before), I had actually been thinking along similar lines of doing a hybrid, kinda like Philociraptor. Sugar is still my largest weakness and I know I'm very prone to going back to full blown sugar binges, which I don't want to happen. Here's my current thoughts:
1 - Cooking at home remains Whole30, except for trace sugar. Even trace amounts I'm going to limit as much as possible.
2 - Absolutely NO additional sugar outside the trace amounts. I want to stick with no sugar for at least 4-6 months. (Wanna join mama1967? Not sure what you decided on)
3 - When I'm eating out, at friends house, etc then I will enjoy myself and eat what I'm served or what's available. But, still NO sugar!
I really want to be the 'everything on moderation' eater, but I've just found that I'm not. I have to deal with it, and adjust to it. Life isn't fair and there are things that could be much worse.
Post by: 1967mama on April 08, 2016, 01:01:04 PM
Every breakfast is perfect but then it's a slow slide as the day goes on. Weight is hovering around the same point.
Not sure what to do next. Still have 40 lbs to go. I'm such a sugar addict:-(((
I'm looking into Trim Healthy Mama. They are similar but allow oats and Greek yogurt. Also they allow stevia. No wheat still.
I'm a bit exasperated at the moment, as you can probably tell:-/
Post by: swick on April 11, 2016, 09:39:05 AM
Sorry for the radio silence! I have been trucking along. It has been *really* difficult just in general with Hubby's insane work schedule. I have still kept things complaint for me and for the most part for him, except he has been having homemade granola over yogurt for breakfasts. He doesn't seem to have any issues with dairy or oats and it has been a life-saver having something that requires no thought or prep after his 15-16 hour nightshifts. On that note, I better check his granola supply.
I finally got around to making the chicken curry from the Whole 30 cookbook, except I roasted a couple of heads of cauliflower and used that instead of chicken since my chicken wasn't thawed yet. I think it is entirely dependent on the quality of your yellow curry powder that you use, but it was delish! It is a very simple recipe too with pantry staples.
Rawr237 - I had a thought about the BF. Could you be on the lookout for a cheap panini press? I have found them at thrift stores and garage sales. Having buns in the freezer a meat option on hand and some toppings makes a super easy meal or meal addition. Hot, toasty, cheesy...should meet your BF's needs and not drive you crazy trying to cook two different meals or worry about always having to supplement for him.
1967mamma - I think at the end of the day you have to figure out what works for you! Especially those of us who are on a longer-term journey to get back to healthy :) The sugar is by far the hardest part! if you look at it like coming off any addictive substance or drug, it is literally a one day at a time challenge. It is a socially acceptable and encouraged drug. I'm kinda surprised there aren't actual recovery programs for sugar addicts.
Also, I would really encourage you to go back and read some of your first posts from this thread. You have come a long, long ways and made so many life-changes and such amazing progress. It is easy to get frustrated as it takes longer to notice results and the wins seem a little smaller the more progress you make, but if you look at the overall picture - what you have accomplished in the last 7 or so months is awesome!
Everyone: What wins and successes are you celebrating today?
Post by: MgoSam on April 11, 2016, 11:16:45 AM
During the week here is what I usually eat, I tend to cook lunches and dinners on Sunday and just warm up each day.
Breakfast- Bacon, eggs, avocado, and half a green smoothie (water, kale, banana, blueberry)
Lunch- Shredded buffalo chicken with green leaf and other veggies
Dinner- Slow cooker Indian chicken (wihtout heavy cream)
I feel like that's paleo. My problem is snacks and weekends. Right now I eat chocolate and make chocolate (almond) milk, and eat out on the weekends. I'm likely just going to make an extra large portion of the slow cooker chicken to keep in the fridge along with another dish.
Post by: 1967mama on April 11, 2016, 11:36:17 AM
I've strung together 2 good days here and went shopping at a thrift store and found 5 new shirts for $31. I don't want to go back to where I was but I'm also feeling very ruled by sweets again. It's almost like I had to know so could eat some and then be able to stop. But I couldn't stop. Now I can again. Last night we went out to my parents for dessert and I only had tea and fruit! A small victory for me as there were cookies and bars as well.
My husband noticed something interesting. We ran out of avacados for about a week and this coincided with my "I don't care what I eat" bad attitude. He wonders if my daily 1/2 a big Costco avacado is what turns off my sugar cravings??!! I think he's got something there! I had my first monkey bowl in a month yesterday. Oh my gosh-- I was SOOOOO full after that. So more fats there too.
I feel like I have to focus on just one meal at a time. Not the next 20 years!
Post by: swick on April 11, 2016, 04:02:05 PM
I feel like I have to focus on just one meal at a time. Not the next 20 years!
TRUTH.
You know if you have been accustomed to having those healthy avocado fats (esp. in the morning) and you stopped without replacing that fat, it is more than possible it affects your sugar cravings. Fats keep you full and feeling satiated.
Post by: mom22boys on April 12, 2016, 12:07:34 PM
I'm starting the challenge hwen I get back from Chicago on Wednesday. I might delay it for a few days to get everything in my kitchen and to finish the book. Would love any advice.
During the week here is what I usually eat, I tend to cook lunches and dinners on Sunday and just warm up each day.
Breakfast- Bacon, eggs, avocado, and half a green smoothie (water, kale, banana, blueberry)
Lunch- Shredded buffalo chicken with green leaf and other veggies
Dinner- Slow cooker Indian chicken (wihtout heavy cream)
I feel like that's paleo. My problem is snacks and weekends. Right now I eat chocolate and make chocolate (almond) milk, and eat out on the weekends. I'm likely just going to make an extra large portion of the slow cooker chicken to keep in the fridge along with another dish.
Welcome MgoSam! We would love to help you through your 30 day adventure. The first thing I always recommend is to at least read the rules on the Whole30 website, but it's even better that you have the book. Which one do you have? 'It Starts with Food' or 'Whole30'? I have both, and there are good aspects to both. The first book is better with the overall science, but Whole30 is nicer pics and recipes, which is really helpful through the thirty days.
You are absolutely right that this is like paleo, but it's more strict. As you'll learn, the most important thing is to read your labels, read your labels, and read your labels again. There is sugar in EVERYTHING! And they often disguise it with many different names. Your smart phone (yeah, not the most MMM) is your friend at the grocery store. I'm always searching for ingredients. Just search for "<ingredient> whole30" and you'll find your answer.
Just looking at your sample meal, you are have a great pattern to follow. Compliant bacon is super hard to find (sugar, sugar, sugar). I finally found some during my third round of whole30. Also, you might want to rethink the smoothie. They don't recommend smoothies during the Whole30, because of how it's digested and they typically have more sugar than is recommended (of course from the fruit, not added sugar). But....that's really your call on whether or not to have it. At least you have other whole foods with it. :-)
Chocolate (or sugar in general) is my biggest problem, along with many on this thread as you may have read. :-) It will get easier as you go through the 30 days. Also, the book recommends not snacking if possible (with some exceptions for long days, exercising, etc). During my first round, I found I didn't really NEED the snack because I wasn't hungry. It was more of a mental game of 'Well, I always snack when I'm doing X.' That is hard to break, and I still fall into that trap.
We're all a work in progress! Good luck!
Post by: mom22boys on April 12, 2016, 12:21:11 PM
I'm such a sugar addict:-(((
I'm a bit exasperated at the moment, as you can probably tell:-/
(hope your all sitting in a support circle right now) Hello, my name is mom22boys, and I'm a sugar addict! Oh, 1967mama....I totally feel your pain and have been frustrated too. In between my last 2 rounds I totally went overboard with sugar again and found I just didn't want to stop, because damn it, I deserve it! And after I'm done with my rant and rebounding from my sugar high/low, I quickly realized that 30 days isn't enough to kick this sugar habit. I can't just have one bite and then go back to no sugar....at least not yet.
For my update, I stopped at Day 25 because I forgot I had a banquet this last weekend, and then a lunch with family driving through town yesterday. Instead, I've started with my hybrid that I typed out a few posts ago. I went to the banquet Saturday and ate what I was given, even some bread. But, I didn't touch the dessert. I felt pretty empowered walking out of the banquet. What a concept....I can say NO to dessert! On Sunday, I was back to eating at home and was 100% compliant (not even trace sugar). I'm such a rules/challenge person, so I have to approach my hybrid eating just like I do with the pure Whole30 rules. My birthday is next week and I already told my mom that I would absolutely NOT eat any cakes, treats etc. Instead, I asked for fruit.
Good luck everyone! Keep up the good healthy eating!
Post by: LulutoJapan on April 12, 2016, 04:45:49 PM
Post by: rawr237 on April 13, 2016, 08:35:55 AM
WHOLE 30 COMPLETE
Yesterday was my last day, yay! I've given up coffee starting this week to see if that gets me better sleep, less headaches (was headachy all last week), better digestion. Still getting the headaches tho :(
I had planned to add back rice today, but it doesn't go with my dinner plan so...maybe tomorrow. I might have a piece of chocolate after dinner, but otherwise my meals are actually compliant. I might try low-FODMAP to see if it helps with my bloat, but overall I'm happy with my results. ~7lb down, better energy, better digestion.
I still have 20lb to go to hit my target weight (and 8% body fat to lose), which is good motivation to keep eating mostly clean. It is exciting to be able to go out again without stressing (next week is the local restaurant week, so I have two dinners planned).
Post by: swick on April 13, 2016, 09:02:14 AM
Great job! Keep us posted as you do your reintro!
Welcome MgoSam! Definitely let us know if you have any questions/challenges/thoughts as you start your Whole 30!
It sounds like you already have a pretty good diet. Coconut milk/oil are your friends. I use it anywhere you would use milk/yogurt in Indian dishes. Also, if you are not getting enough fats you will be more tempted to snack. Really helps with keeping you satiated.
A co-worker told me about this and it piqued my interest, and now especially reading all these great results makes it even more enticing. Has anyone here been on Whole30 with hypothyroidism and found this diet change helped to become medicine free? Curious to see...
I'm not sure if anyone in our group has been Hypothroid...but I do remember reading a testimonial on a fb group: https://www.facebook.com/Whole9/posts/10151663957466554 (https://www.facebook.com/Whole9/posts/10151663957466554)
Post by: MgoSam on April 13, 2016, 11:47:09 AM
I want to continue eating what I eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and continue it for the weekend (when I tend to eat out or not care about what I eat). I will eliminate bacon and use avocados instead, with this plan I'll be eating a ton of meat and so I don't mind reducing my meat content for breakfasts. I checked and my buffalo sauce is ok with Whole30. I am going to adapt my dinner to increase my vegetable intake. In addition to the Indian chicken, I'm going to eat a side salad. I will give up smoothies for this, though I might use for them for post-workout meals. I would like to cook all my meals on Sunday (except breakfast) so that it's far easier to continue eating well after a long and hard day.
For those of you that work out fairly intensively (I do Muay Thai and/or boxing for 2 hours most evenings), do you recommend going easy during this period? I know that many people mention having a TON of energy mid-way through the program, but I am guessing that when you hit a funk, it's going to be really difficult to have energy. At work I can take a nap during the day so long as things aren't busy, which I intend on taking advantage of.
Also what do you recommend eating/drinking immediately after the workout? I want to get proteins and carbs into me as soon as possible. I have ordered Rxbars, but I would like to hear if there are other options that you've found to work. I will eat dinner once I get home and I am only about 15 minutes from the gym so maybe I could just wait until I get home and warm up my dinner.
Thanks again!
Edit: I have never gotten into potatoes, sweet potatoes, or squashes, do you recommend I eat any to my meals to get more carbs? I don't mind adding them to my slow cooker for the Indian chicken dish or to other things.
Post by: Philociraptor on April 13, 2016, 12:18:43 PM
For those of you that work out fairly intensively (I do Muay Thai and/or boxing for 2 hours most evenings), do you recommend going easy during this period?
Also what do you recommend eating/drinking immediately after the workout?
If you have an overall drop in calories or a large change in the amount of energy you are getting from fat vs. carbs, you may have to take it easy for a bit. We do Crossfit daily and I try and eat at least a cup of prepared potato (typically sweet, but sometimes gold or white) with both lunch and dinner. I just do eggs and meat for breakfast. Potatoes are going to be your main carb source.
For post-workout nutrition, I just go straight home and eat dinner. No protein shakes unless the workout was very intense or I can feel soreness coming on.
Post by: MgoSam on April 13, 2016, 12:20:58 PM
[ I try and eat at least a cup of prepared potato (typically sweet, but sometimes gold or white) with both lunch and dinner. I just do eggs and meat for breakfast. Potatoes are going to be your main carb source.
How do you prepare them? Do you just nuke them and then add some salt and consume? I've never gotten into potatos, but I will get some from the groceries today to have them on hand.
Post by: Philociraptor on April 13, 2016, 12:25:11 PM
[ I try and eat at least a cup of prepared potato (typically sweet, but sometimes gold or white) with both lunch and dinner. I just do eggs and meat for breakfast. Potatoes are going to be your main carb source.
How do you prepare them? Do you just nuke them and then add some salt and consume? I've never gotten into potatos, but I will get some from the groceries today to have them on hand.
Sweet potatoes can be microwaved on high, 3-5 minutes, flip, 3-5 minutes (depending on size). Open, allow to cool, add salt and garlic powder or cinnamon, depending on if you prefer savory or sweet. We also add clarified butter if we're feeling extra fancy. We do microwaved sweet potatoes once or twice a week.
More often we do a hash: dice several potatoes (3/8" dice) and cook with coconut oil on the stovetop. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Cook covered, make sure to mix around every few minutes to keep from burning the bottom.
For gold or white potatoes we do a rough chop, boil for 12 minutes, mash, add salt, pepper, garlic, and clarified butter. Garlic mashed potatoes are delicious.
Post by: MgoSam on April 13, 2016, 08:00:46 PM
Post by: swick on April 13, 2016, 08:48:31 PM
Looks like I have survived another round of whole 30, and Hubby survived another shutdown. Looking forward to life getting back to normal! Well on the job front. A whole 30-ish life style is the new normal for us. That being said, a historic hotel in our area does an AMAZING Sunday brunch, and we are going to be partaking sometime soon!
Post by: elaine amj on April 14, 2016, 08:48:34 AM
I am not doing Whole 30 (just counting calories for me) but my DH is on a super restrictive diet due to health reasons right now and I need inspiration. We were doing fine for the last couple of months, but he is going through a phase where he doesn't have an appetite for most of the food I have been making. He's dropping weight like crazy and we NEED to get more calories into him. He also doesn't have much of an appetite in general right now.
He used to pad out his meals with lots of plain veggies and a LOT of raw nuts. He pretty much doesn't want either right now. He'd like to keep his diet with absolutely no sugar, no meat (although occasionally he will eat a tiny bit), no dairy (that means no yogurt), no white carbs like rice, white potatoes, etc. Conventional high calorie stuff suggested are peanut butter (absolutely no peanuts), cottage cheese (no dairy), or protein powders (blech). He primarily wants clean, whole foods. My mom suggested a Greens+ supplement but he is not in favor of using a powder.
It doesn't help that I'm frustrated and feel so at a loss for inspiration. I look through recipes but most look too difficult to make or unappealing in general. He's frustrated too - I think this weekend he is going to give in and ask for Vietnamese summer rolls. It's overall filled with yummy fresh veggies, but the sauce I make for this is based on hoisin and peanut butter. *sigh* Last night I told him to just blow the budget (ACK!) and go out to eat at our local vegan-friendly restaurants. Except that he's going to find that by and large, he'll still have to compromise his diet (breading, buns, potatoes, etc).
To top it all off, because of his health, he only has so much energy to get through the day. Which means he doesn't have the energy to help me with meal prep like he used to. Which means the whole burden of cooking is falling on me. Which is probably why I am getting burned out. I have to balance his needs (gaining weight!) with mine (losing weight!) and the kids (not particularly crazy about this whole veggie thing).
Any recipes/ideas? This is even more restrictive that vegan diets and I'm not sure where else to turn for inspiration. Since sugar is the #1 thing he wants to avoid, I wondered if you guys had ideas for high calorie food in small doses. (BTW, he was grossed out by the thought of clarified butter - I showed it to him last night and it was a NO).
I'm going to try a sweet potato hash based on the recipe @Philociraptor posted. I think he will like that. Yesterday, I baked a multigrain tortilla (which has the forbidden flour sigh - but he is getting desperate) with coconut oil. At least it was more calories than his method of eating it completely plain!
Post by: swick on April 14, 2016, 09:37:06 AM
It sounds like your hubby really needs to be getting more good fat calories. Have you looked into a KETO Diet? It sounds like that is pretty much what he is doing.
Full fat coconut milk and coconut oil are your friends. Rich and nutritious veggie curries can be made based on coconut milk and they are usually dead simple. No need for dairy.
KETO Fat bombs would also be a good idea, they are easy to make, can be adjusted to dietary restrictions and are grab and go. Here are some ideas to get you started:
These ones are from a Paleo site, so should be all good with most of your resrtictionshttp://thenourishedcaveman.com/fat-bombs-roundup/ (http://thenourishedcaveman.com/fat-bombs-roundup/)
This is a monster list, More Keto, most should be suitable with a couple of tweaks. http://ketodietapp.com/Blog/post/2015/03/24/60-amazing-fat-bomb-recipes (http://ketodietapp.com/Blog/post/2015/03/24/60-amazing-fat-bomb-recipes)
I'm guessing because I don't know what your Hubby's medical condition is, but it sounds like on top of everything he is in that stage where he is not getting enough carbs to burn glucose as a primary fuel, but he might be eating too much to keep from going fully into KETO. That is a lethargic and generally crappy place to be in.
The struggle of trying to cook low-cal for yourself while trying to keep up with making him calorie dense foods must be exhausting. If you are only counting calories as a way of losing weight and for no other reason, I would encourage you to consider a Paleo/Whole 30 approach. The diet would be good for him, and you would continue to lose weight without having to worry about making separate food or keeping track of everything. Also...you'd be doing it together, which would be a huge support and make it easier for both of you. Just my two cents :)
Post by: elaine amj on April 14, 2016, 10:17:03 AM
Hi, Elaine amj - I do have some ideas off the top of my head. You can make a decent "Peanut Sauce" by subbing the PB with Almond Butter. I also add a little Tahini to mine balances the almond butter a bit.
It sounds like your hubby really needs to be getting more good fat calories. Have you looked into a KETO Diet? It sounds like that is pretty much what he is doing.
Full fat coconut milk and coconut oil are your friends. Rich and nutritious veggie curries can be made based on coconut milk and they are usually dead simple. No need for dairy.
KETO Fat bombs would also be a good idea, they are easy to make, can be adjusted to dietary restrictions and are grab and go. Here are some ideas to get you started:
These ones are from a Paleo site, so should be all good with most of your resrtictionshttp://thenourishedcaveman.com/fat-bombs-roundup/ (http://thenourishedcaveman.com/fat-bombs-roundup/)
This is a monster list, More Keto, most should be suitable with a couple of tweaks. http://ketodietapp.com/Blog/post/2015/03/24/60-amazing-fat-bomb-recipes (http://ketodietapp.com/Blog/post/2015/03/24/60-amazing-fat-bomb-recipes)
I'm guessing because I don't know what your Hubby's medical condition is, but it sounds like on top of everything he is in that stage where he is not getting enough carbs to burn glucose as a primary fuel, but he might be eating too much to keep from going fully into KETO. That is a lethargic and generally crappy place to be in.
The struggle of trying to cook low-cal for yourself while trying to keep up with making him calorie dense foods must be exhausting. If you are only counting calories as a way of losing weight and for no other reason, I would encourage you to consider a Paleo/Whole 30 approach. The diet would be good for him, and you would continue to lose weight without having to worry about making separate food or keeping track of everything. Also...you'd be doing it together, which would be a huge support and make it easier for both of you. Just my two cents :)
He is focused on alkalizing foods and avoiding all acidic foods. And as he reads, he adds more stuff to the "no" list. I told him he needs to stop researching or he will be reduced to eating grass LOL! I looked into Vegan/Paleo/Whole30 but all contain stuff on his "won't eat" list. Same with keto. That definitely contributes to my frustration. So unfortunately, none of those diets will work. I have no issues eating primarily the way he eats (I often add a sprinkle of meat on my food) and it's actually been great for my own weight loss. We've been doing a ton of zoodles, squashes, curries, tofu stirfries, etc. The problem cropped up when he lost his appetite for our current meals so I need some recipe inspirations:) And honestly, I'm rather at a loss at how to add enough extra calories when cooking primarily whole foods. He gets so full after a 600 calorie meal.
I LOVE the fat bombs. The first couple I looked at didn't work (cream cheese, etc) but then I found some that were primarily coconut and shredded coconut. I emailed him the ingredient list so hopefully he will be good with that. He doesn't like stevia but is ok with raw honey occasionally. They were a fabulous suggestion - thank you so very much! One of my friends is on some diet where she has to eat spoonfuls of coconut oil and often consumes them plain. Suggested it to DH and he was willing to give it a go, but the fat bombs will go down much better :)
And thanks for the peanut sauce idea! I'm going to see if I can make something that would go well with the summer rolls.
Sometimes I think I work myself into more of a frenzy than I should. I am trying so insanely hard to stick to the list he gives me. Then he gets frustrated, goes out to eat and has a vegan burger, and I'm sure the burger buns have wheat. So why can't I add some flour to our sauce or use breadcrumbs in the zucchini meatballs?! (well, I do - but I feel super guilty afterwards).
Post by: swick on April 14, 2016, 10:29:11 AM
He is focused on alkalizing foods and avoiding all acidic foods.
One of my friends is on some diet where she has to eat spoonfuls of coconut oil and often consumes them plain. Suggested it to DH and he was willing to give it a go, but the fat bombs will go down much better :)
And thanks for the peanut sauce idea! I'm going to see if I can make something that would go well with the summer rolls.
Sometimes I think I work myself into more of a frenzy than I should. I am trying so insanely hard to stick to the list he gives me. Then he gets frustrated, goes out to eat and has a vegan burger, and I'm sure the burger buns have wheat. So why can't I add some flour to our sauce or use breadcrumbs in the zucchini meatballs?! (well, I do - but I feel super guilty afterwards).
If you can get your hands on them, Duck eggs are alkaline (chicken eggs aren't) and would be a good source of healthy fats and calories (not vegan, obviously)
I have tried the spoonful of coconut thing, if he has texture issues or a gag reflex, I wouldn't try it, it might turn him off it forever. Cooking with coconut oil, roasting veggies in coconut oil are good ways of getting some extra in his diet.
Arrowroot is a great alternative for flour as a thickener. Ground flax seeds make a decent substitute for breading.
Honestly, though, it sounds like your hubby should be consulting a naturopath or natural foods based dietician. If he is getting everything off the internet (as I sit here and write on the internet) with all the conflicting general info out there, he might be adding way more stress to both your lives then he needs to.
Post by: elaine amj on April 14, 2016, 10:48:43 AM
If you can get your hands on them, Duck eggs are alkaline (chicken eggs aren't) and would be a good source of healthy fats and calories (not vegan, obviously)
I have tried the spoonful of coconut thing, if he has texture issues or a gag reflex, I wouldn't try it, it might turn him off it forever. Cooking with coconut oil, roasting veggies in coconut oil are good ways of getting some extra in his diet.
Arrowroot is a great alternative for flour as a thickener. Ground flax seeds make a decent substitute for breading.
Honestly, though, it sounds like your hubby should be consulting a naturopath or natural foods based dietician. If he is getting everything off the internet (as I sit here and write on the internet) with all the conflicting general info out there, he might be adding way more stress to both your lives then he needs to.
Hmm...I'll have to see if we can get duck eggs. He limited eggs for a long time (because of the alkaline issue) but recently started eating a lot of eggs to increase protein and calories. It's one of the few foods he has been craving. Love the suggestions of arrowroot and ground flax seeds!
And yes, he went to see a local naturopathic doctor. Got a list of supplements an arms length long. I joke that we have a whole pharmacy on our kitchen counter! But yes, lots of conflicting info out there which I find annoying. My mother is just as bad and keeps texting more do eats/don't eats. UGH.
All that said, I'm mostly just being a complainypants. All the suggestions so far has been super helpful and I know we can do this. I just hit this mental block. He has chosen what he feels comfortable with and I'm fine with doing all I can to support him. What I think I will do is make a list of recipes and tell him to pick out the ones he is in the mood for. Tonight I am making lettuce wraps using black bean burgers we have in the freezer. I will crumble them and cook them up in coconut oil, maybe add some curry powder. At least it's simple.
Gave up on healthy food for the kids tonight though. I don't have time to cook so DH will just boil up some pasta and give it to them with jarred sauce. He's been asking for healthier meals for them and for them to cut down on their sugar intake. I told him - I get it....but I just don't have the brain energy to handle anymore new meals. My focus now is on his diet and my diet. I'll figure out how to trick the kids into eating healthier a few months from now. This healthy thing sure gets draining sometimes.
Post by: swick on April 15, 2016, 08:29:34 AM
Have some progress to report on the weight front - I have 11.6 lbs to go before I fit into the "Normal" weight range for the BMI and about 15-20 lbs till I reach the weight I know I feel best at. This is coming from a BMI of well over 35. I've lost almost 53 lbs. since my first whole 30 in Sept.
Next steps are to up the physical activity. I have been focusing more on getting solid foundations for the food side of things than to try and make too many new habits at once. I know that doesn't work for me. I would be happy with an hour-long hike with my pup 5 days a week. Have been averaging about 3. Mostly it's because I keep getting sucked into work (I work from home) and not making the time or finding the motivation to go out. Works in progress :)
Post by: MgoSam on April 15, 2016, 02:06:43 PM
Anyone have a good recipe for hash browns? I've been craving them.
I'm thinking of taking two russel potatoes and shred them and then mix them in cold water to get the starch out and then fry them with coconut oil until crispy. Let me know if this works.
If you've done it, let me know if you think boiling the potatoes makes things quicker, or how long you have been frying the potatoes for.
Post by: spuggy on April 16, 2016, 11:31:34 AM
I've been in sunny Florida on a family holiday for the last two weeks, and honestly, I'm NEVER going to complain again about food in the UK. Sure, I can't get coconut aminos or whatever the latest healthy food is, but I can get bacon and sausages, and tomato sauces, and lots of other things, without sugar in them! Ouch! My sugar dragon is in full swing at the moment, so I'm going to do a whole9 reset and then see if I need to continue it longer than nine days (I probably will, I went back to Diet Cola in a bad way!).
I wonder if the sugar cravings ever go away, or if it's something I'll be fighting forever...
Post by: MgoSam on April 18, 2016, 07:38:55 PM
Anyways, I am thinking of skipping the forbidden foods which is nearly everything. As I'll be there a few hours early to help prep, I was thinking of bringing something for me to eat before people come so that I am not hungry. I keep RXbars with me in case I am peckish.
Do you think this is a sound strategy? Is there anything additional that you would recommend?
The friend that recommended Whole30 to me is likely coming. If she does, she said she'll sit next to me and try to keep me on task.
Post by: swick on April 18, 2016, 09:59:45 PM
Also, I think maybe coming up with a dish or two that you and your friend could eat would be nice as well, maybe even if it is just a nice medley of roasted veggies.
Hi Spuggy! *Waves* It's been a while, great to hear from you! The sugar dragon can be evil! It sure makes you realize how much sugar is in everything when you travel, huh?
I made this Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe which turned out really good! I love Kahlua Pork, but this was a nice change. Served it with a big bowl of coleslaw, it was yummers! http://www.theendlessmeal.com/mexican-crock-pot-pork-carnitas/ (http://www.theendlessmeal.com/mexican-crock-pot-pork-carnitas/)
Since I'm no longer on struct whole 30, I experimented with trying to make some low carb, gluten free bread. Still basically using whole 30 ingredients. It was...well not bread in the sense that I want. But I dehydrated it and it made some tasty crackers! Added bonus I used up the last of my jar of tahini and some sunflower seed butter that I wasn't a fan of.
How is everyone doing?
Post by: MgoSam on April 19, 2016, 09:45:30 AM
I'm just going to bring a stew to her house and eat it before people arrive.
Post by: mom22boys on April 19, 2016, 11:39:06 AM
I'm recouping from 4 days with the flu. Not fun! Why is it that crackers seem to be the only thing that sits good in your stomach when you're sick? I had two days where I only ate crackers and drank water. Day 3 I went back to whole 30 eating, but eating a lot less and not all food groups. My appetite isn't fully back yet, and even my taste buds are wacky.
Later this week is my birthday, so I'm going to eat whatever I want that day, with the exception of no sugar. I'm still sticking strong to my no-sugar rule, which is a huge victory.
MgoSam - Good luck on Friday. You can totally do this, and bringing some dishes that are compliant will really help. A few of us on this thread have had dinner parties where no one even noticed that we were eating differently. I hope you have a similar experience.
Spuggy - Soda is a tough one to kick, but it's possible! I gave it up over 6 years ago, and honestly never crave it. In fact, I could go my entire life without ever having a soda again. It has no appeal to me at all. That gives me a little hope that I can do the same with sugar.
Post by: MandalayVA on April 19, 2016, 12:27:44 PM
Hey everyone,
I'm recouping from 4 days with the flu. Not fun! Why is it that crackers seem to be the only thing that sits good in your stomach when you're sick? I had two days where I only ate crackers and drank water. Day 3 I went back to whole 30 eating, but eating a lot less and not all food groups. My appetite isn't fully back yet, and even my taste buds are wacky.
I see your flu and raise you a nasty case of bronchitis that knocked me flat for a week. You could eat crackers--I literally couldn't even LOOK at food. I resorted to herbal tea and honey to try to get some calories in me. Today there was a pot luck and my coworker made her famous bean-free chili. That and some raw carrots and peapods worked for me. It's going to take a while to get back my appetite though. Glad you're feeling better!
Post by: MgoSam on April 19, 2016, 07:00:13 PM
Today was hard! I felt fine until I got to work and then felt really weak and spent the entire day coughing, except I didn't leave to go home to rest because it was a really busy day. I saw someone with a plastic bag with Doritos chips and ached for them (I haven't had a dorito chip for YEARS). I wanted to say #)$U$ THIS and go back to eating forbidden foods. And then I calmed down and realized I'm just in a state and had some food and moved on. I had been hungry since 10 am and I think that played a huge part. Lesson learned!
Had to get that off my chest
Post by: Orvell on April 20, 2016, 08:23:23 AM
Hope you are all fully on the mend. :)
Off-Plan-Oro has been eating, weirdly, mostly on plan.
My breakfasts, lunches, and dinners that I cook for myself are, I'd estimate, about 80% on plan. I'm using beans now, and occasional corn. But other than that... stayin' the course despite myself apparently. XD
^__^
Not that I don't still have oopsies (i.e. girl scout cookies at work *coughs*), and I'm loosening the reins during social events, but it's funny that this style of eating, generally, works for me. It feels good, even when I'm not "doing the plan."
I went up north to spend some time with my mom and do a crap ton of cooking for her last weekend (she broke her arm and is unable to chop things) 90% of the food her friends have been giving her are not what she wants to eat, so I made up huge batches of Whole 30 meals for her. She super appreciated it. :) She's not good at being out of commission, and I 100% get that. So her freezer is loaded up with spicy tuna cakes, sweet potato 'quiche', and green soups.
Post by: MgoSam on April 21, 2016, 10:07:08 AM
Post by: mom22boys on April 21, 2016, 11:15:26 AM
I see your flu and raise you a nasty case of bronchitis that knocked me flat for a week. You could eat crackers--I literally couldn't even LOOK at food. I resorted to herbal tea and honey to try to get some calories in me. Today there was a pot luck and my coworker made her famous bean-free chili. That and some raw carrots and peapods worked for me. It's going to take a while to get back my appetite though. Glad you're feeling better!
You win! Although....I'd rather be a loser any day when it comes to comparing sicknesses! :-) Glad to hear your on the mend too.
Orvell - You're a great daughter. Spicy tuna cakes even for your mom? Now that's love! (they are one of my favorites from NomNomPaleo)
Post by: MgoSam on April 24, 2016, 01:43:31 PM
Now I'm trying to decide what to make for the week, thinking burgers or dinner and a chicken thigh slow cooker stew.
Post by: rawr237 on April 25, 2016, 10:37:42 AM
I went a little nuts off-plan (too much wine -->too much other stuff), but I'm getting back to the aggressive meal planning and prepping, so I expect this week will be mostly clean. Cooked lots of meat and veggies. I'm fine with incorporating some cheese, rice, wine. Working on finding a balance...I don't want to do a 'cheat day' because I like to take advantage of occasional free food at work; I'd rather spread my indulgences out over the week.
My weight did bounce back up, but I bet I'll lose a couple pounds of bloat if I keep it clean. Might try for a Whole7+rice next week (since I already have rice in this week's meal plan). Not really getting killed by sugar cravings, but I have had some sweets due to dessert-inclusive restaurant meals, plus bits of chocolate at home. Also made the poor choice of buying a box of wine, so now I *have* to drink it. In the future I'll stick to bottles/small boxes so I can drink sporadically without pressure.
Right now one of my challenges is finding a morning pre-workout meal/snack, since Sunday I'm doing a marathon relay in the morning. Going to TRY to wake up early once this week to test out a shake...probably coconut (or almond) milk + protein powder (the fancy collagen stuff) + cocoa powder + banana.
Post by: mom22boys on April 28, 2016, 11:09:12 AM
I made it through Day 10-11 while going to a Seder dinner and a BBQ.
Now I'm trying to decide what to make for the week, thinking burgers or dinner and a chicken thigh slow cooker stew.
MsoSam - Excellent! It only gets easier. On another topic....I had a little road trip to Mpls yesterday for work and when I stopped in at Whole Foods, I was thinking of asking everyone if they were MgoSam....but I thought that might be too weird. :-)
Hey guys,
I went a little nuts off-plan (too much wine -->too much other stuff), but I'm getting back to the aggressive meal planning and prepping, so I expect this week will be mostly clean. Cooked lots of meat and veggies.
rawr237 - Meal planning is where it's at! Makes a huge difference for what I eat. Good job recognizing that you went 'a little nuts' and for making changes.
I'm settling into my plan pretty well so far. My meals at home have been completely Whole30, except for the occasional cheese with my eggs in the morning. I'll add a little once in a while to change it up. Otherwise, I'm still completely off sugar (which was REALLY hard yesterday with my road trip). On the occasional restaurant outing, I'm choosing to enjoy my food, but I have also found that I'm making better choices in general too.
This weekend I finally got off my butt and did some Combat exercise videos. It felt really great, so I need to remember that feeling (other than the sore muscles) and keep going. I'm so looking forward to summer and being able to go for more walks.
Hope everyone else is doing great!
Post by: swick on April 28, 2016, 02:31:27 PM
Sorry for the radio silence, hubs finally got a bit of time off of work so haven't been online much.
How is everyone feeling? All the sickness over?
Great to hear from you Orvell - so great you were able to help your mom out by making her some healthy food!
We have been trucking along. We did end up going out for brunch. Luckily there were plenty of healthy options. I still splurged and mixed some of their awesome chocolate mousse into my coffee and super enjoyed it. I did try a bit on it's own, but I couldn't choke it down, too sweet! Stuffed myself, totally enjoyed it but don't really have any urge to do it again anytime soon. I consider it a win :)
We have relaxed a little bit, I've been making Quinoa to supplement hubby's lunches and I'll occasionally have a bit. Otherwise still eating on plan at home and much, much better if we have to go out.
Yesterday I made a great big batch of veggie korma with roasted cauliflower, roasted sweet potato, and spinach was yummer!
How is everyone doing?
Post by: MgoSam on May 01, 2016, 05:14:14 PM
During the week I plan to continue eating eggs, bacon, avo, and veggies. Lunch will be a shredded chicken with vegetables, and dinner will be an Indian chicken. My concern is the weekend, on Saturday I'm going to go to a restaurant and I want to make sure I have a plan. It's a very fine American restaurant and my friend likes to go there and sit at the bar for the bar menu, which is a limited menu of items at a more modest price. It is very limited, but I was thinking of just requesting a burger with avocado, take out the non-compliant foods and extra vegetables. I'm guessing they will be accommodating, what do you think?
Post by: swick on May 11, 2016, 10:00:06 AM
I"m starting it again tonight/tomorrow. Technically tomorrow, but I never want to put off until tomorrow anything as it makes it less likely to happen.
How are you doing, MgoSam?
I've been trucking along. I think I'm eating about 90% compliant these days. My mom gifted me a bag of gluten-free pretzels, which are actually tasty, so I have been slowly working my way through the bag.
I had a girls weekend at a fancy lodge with my sister last weekend, and except for a bit of cheese, a bit of sugar and probably too much alcohol, we did surprisingly well. We had a kitchen in our room and brought a cooler full of salad and fixings, hard boiled eggs, cooked sausages, homemade turkey soup, a rotisserie chicken, asparagus. We did splurge on one restaurant meal that her work paid for so had a lovely steak, baked potato, and veggies. Damn we ate well!
Back on whole 30 for the next couple of weeks before Camp Mustache, will probably relax a little for that, but still planning on packing some healthy and compliant stuff to take with us.
How is everyone doing? Anyone currently on the Whole 30? How is everyone else finding life? Noticing any lasting changes or new habits or ways of being?
Post by: jordanread on May 11, 2016, 10:13:15 AM
How is everyone doing? Anyone currently on the Whole 30? How is everyone else finding life? Noticing any lasting changes or new habits or ways of being?
I still haven't gone back to do a full Whole30, but my eating has somehow accidentally been more compliant. As of a few months ago, I started drinking my coffee black, but not necessarily for health reasons. I drink so much coffee that I liked the idea of making milk and sweetener a special occasion. I've adjusted pretty well to just drinking it black, and it makes those rare instances of drinking it with stevia and creamer so much better. Also, the SO and I just managed to slowly start phasing out cheese, but that's mostly because the dishes we've been making don't require them. I know that dairy (and more strict sugar limiting) were the only major changes when I made my earlier attempt, and the SO lost a couple of pounds over the course of it. So it might turn out to be beneficial to her.
Post by: MgoSam on May 11, 2016, 10:26:04 AM
I"m starting it again tonight/tomorrow. Technically tomorrow, but I never want to put off until tomorrow anything as it makes it less likely to happen.
How are you doing, MgoSam?
Thanks or checking in, I didn't actually start. I thought about it and realized I simply didn't have my heart into it. I'm eating largely compliant foods during the week and am working up on shoring up my weekends, but I don't think I'll go through Whole30 for quite some time.
Post by: Orvell on May 11, 2016, 05:46:44 PM
I FELL INTO A SUGAR HOLE.
It sucks.
It was precipitated by a lot of free food and gift cards to restaurants and cafes.
BUT.
I'm gonna snap myself out of my funke! Clearly my sugar hole of the last few weeks means... it's time to do another Whole30!
Going to start tomorrow. :)
Post by: Orvell on May 12, 2016, 08:01:17 AM
Breakfast today: two fried eggs and spinach.
Breakfast yesterday: a bowl of chocolate covered pretzels.
The sugar hangover is gonna suck this time, dudes.
Post by: jordanread on May 12, 2016, 08:23:01 AM
Day 1
Breakfast today: two fried eggs and spinach.
Breakfast yesterday: a bowl of chocolate covered pretzels.
The sugar hangover is gonna suck this time, dudes.
What have you decided as far as supplements go?
Post by: Orvell on May 12, 2016, 08:26:36 AM
I started doing research, went AHHHHH, and promptly gave up.Day 1
Breakfast today: two fried eggs and spinach.
Breakfast yesterday: a bowl of chocolate covered pretzels.
The sugar hangover is gonna suck this time, dudes.
What have you decided as far as supplements go?
Current plan: just make sure to drink loads of water and maybe try drinking broth for magical electrolyte rebalancing.
Suggestions?
Post by: swick on May 12, 2016, 08:27:54 AM
Looks like you have some great maintenance habits, Jordanread! It is truly amazing how sweet things are when you have cut out the sugar and reintroduce it! Luckily for me, I was pretty turned off instead of falling back into the sugar cravings. I'm not quite at the black coffee stage (unless it is really good coffee) I like getting the healthy fats from the coconut milk/oil I blend in.
MgoSam - How are you finding the eating well on the week days and relaxing it on the weekends? Do you find it easy to go back and forth?
Good luck with your next round, Orvell! I'd join you if we weren't headed on vacation soon. Still planning on packing a lot of our own food, and will be eating complaint for the next couple of weeks until we go.
Sometimes, it is so damn hard! Apparently my usually trusted, locally made sausages have gotten a recipe rework to include gluten which isn't on the label. Last night was not fun. I'm tired and sore and cranky-pants. All my joints hurt, I didn't sleep last night.
This morning I'm nursing my buzzed coffee and trying to psych myself up for going for a hike with some friends and the pups. Really, I just want to crawl back into bed.
Hope everyone have a great day!
Post by: MgoSam on May 12, 2016, 10:02:44 AM
MgoSam - How are you finding the eating well on the week days and relaxing it on the weekends? Do you find it easy to go back and forth?
I've been liking it, though I'm working on eating better on the weekends. It helps that during the summer there are a ton of grill-outs, and it isn't hard to bring some patties for myself and lettuce to use as a bun. I do get bored with what I'm eating during the week, but I'm getting better about that as well.
Post by: Orvell on May 14, 2016, 05:53:48 AM
I find myself being a titch more flexible this time around, while adhering to the core fundamentals. For example, the sausage I'm eating (a local brand) contains "less than 2% brown sugar." During my first Whole30 I wouldn't have bought it. Now I'm concentrating less on maximum food 'purity' and more on... just changing my habits re: sweets, snacks, and baked goods. That said, my goal will always be zero sugar in foods-- I'm just more willing than last time to make exceptions.
I am also drinking a mug or two of broth every day-- a tip suggested by SailorSam who is dropping back into her keto diet (while on a ship. Poor thing). In theory this helps balance electrolytes and makes the transition from Typical American Diet to Other Diet easier.
Totally hard to tell if it's working... but broth is yummy! XD So the risks are pretty low. ;P
Maybe it is, though? So far my Sugar Hangover has been far milder than I expected. It was definitely worse my first go-around, and I arguably ate much poorer before this one than that. >__>;
Last night I had Indian to-go dinner with friends. I think I managed to stay on-plan but there were likely some oils that weren't. On the whole, though, Indian food is a pretty good choice, imo. I had chicken bharta which is eggplant based (no beans or dairy). I just gave away my rice and passed on the (delicious looking) coconut naan. :)
Post by: Orvell on May 14, 2016, 06:49:42 AM
Day 3
I find myself being a titch more flexible this time around, while adhering to the core fundamentals. For example, the sausage I'm eating (a local brand) contains "less than 2% brown sugar." During my first Whole30 I wouldn't have bought it. Now I'm concentrating less on maximum food 'purity' and more on... just changing my habits re: sweets, snacks, and baked goods. That said, my goal will always be zero sugar in foods-- I'm just more willing than last time to make exceptions.
I am also drinking a mug or two of broth every day-- a tip suggested by SailorSam who is dropping back into her keto diet (while on a ship. Poor thing). In theory this helps balance electrolytes and makes the transition from Typical American Diet to Other Diet easier.
Totally hard to tell if it's working... but broth is yummy! XD So the risks are pretty low. ;P
Maybe it is, though? So far my Sugar Hangover has been far milder than I expected. It was definitely worse my first go-around, and I arguably ate much poorer before this one than that. >__>;
Last night I had Indian to-go dinner with friends. I think I managed to stay on-plan but there were likely some oils that weren't. On the whole, though, Indian food is a pretty good choice, imo. I had chicken bharta which is eggplant based (no beans or dairy). I just gave away my rice and passed on the (delicious looking) coconut naan. :)
I was wrong, kids.
The sugar hangover... has begun.
Post by: horsepoor on May 14, 2016, 08:39:58 AM
I totally didn't start last time I said I would. Work has been crazy and I didn't have the wherewithal to concentrate on my diet much. Way too much beer, but I'm getting back on track now. I'm trying to do a Whole30/Slow Carb diet hybrid, since I'd like to lose 10 pounds by end of summer, and preferably by mid-July. I originally wanted to lose the weight before I start my new horse under saddle in the fall, but that was apparently not quite enough motivation. Now it's fairly hot already, and I want the definition in my arms back for sleeveless shirt weather, so vanity is pushing my motivation level over the top.
This allows the flexibility of one cheat day per week, and beans and red wine are allowed. Last night I made a nice white bean salad inspired by tabbouleh, along with grilled salmon and asparagus. Tonight I'm planning to make a beef coconut curry and jicama slaw. No dairy except cottage cheese (emergency breakfast) and no fruit except a couple grapefruits per week. Lots of green soup and lots of salads. TG for the Instant Pot for cooking all these beans.
Also stepping up my workouts now that the work craziness has died down and I don't have to travel for at least a month, so hopefully I'll be seeing my delts and tris in the mirror again soon.
Post by: swick on May 14, 2016, 10:12:49 AM
Hubs has been struggling a bit, and is actually sniffiling and sick (this guy never gets sick) but he's been putting in some long hours at work doing some really boring training and has been partaking of the pastries and other sugary crap to keep himself awake. He is totally aware of what is making him feel like crap and is determined to lay off the sweets again. I'm sure it won't be fun for him either.
I am soooo stoked that our Farmer's market is starting today! Farmer's Market might be a bit of a stretch it is really more of an "arts and crafts" market...but there is a new organic veggie farm coming who just started their business. I'm popping down to meet them and discuss some biz dev help in exchange for some free veggies!
I'm finding it really interesting how everyone is adapting the whole 30 to an actual lifestyle. What things people are bringing back in, doing a "day off"
Like Orvell, I have been more about not maintaining the rules 100% but working on the lifestyle habits. That pretty much mean eating whole 30 but not worrying about trace sugar, or having the occasional dairy (I know exactly what will happen to my body if I do, so I can decide if it is worth it for me) The occasional bowl of Pho, with rice noodles happens, usually when we go out for dinner with friends. I haven't noticed any ill effects from rice, other then it being high in carb and if I eat too much over too many days in a row I bloat up a bit.
Still trying to stay away from gluten/wheat 100% since I feel so utterly crappy. Some days it is easy, some days it absolutely sucks. I find myself wanting it less and less though.
One thing I have noticed is if I indulge in alcohol/sugar/carbs I gain a massive amount of water weight almost immediately. like 5 lbs over a weekend. It takes about a week of clean eating with the scale not budging then I'll loose all of it and a TINY bit more fat weight. Very interesting to see. Thinking having to re-lose the water weight has significantly slowed my weight loss efforts. Its surprising how only a couple of meals makes a big difference! But, I'm still trucking along and feeling pretty good overall, so onward and downward :)
Post by: ender on May 14, 2016, 10:35:49 AM
I'm finding it really interesting how everyone is adapting the whole 30 to an actual lifestyle. What things people are bringing back in, doing a "day off"
I'm trying pretty deliberately to avoid eating carb-heavy things on the whole. Sometimes, still good, but I have done a pretty good job over the past month of reducing that intake significantly.
Post by: swick on May 14, 2016, 10:43:44 AM
I'm finding it really interesting how everyone is adapting the whole 30 to an actual lifestyle. What things people are bringing back in, doing a "day off"
I'm trying pretty deliberately to avoid eating carb-heavy things on the whole. Sometimes, still good, but I have done a pretty good job over the past month of reducing that intake significantly.
Me too, but then I have those days where damn it, I just want something approximating normal - so I try yet another gluten-free yet high carb recipe that doesn't really do it for me. One day I will just feel the need to stop trying.
I have been having a bit of a struggle because I had a bad skin reaction to some nuts...the same one my mom got...so I definitely haven't been eating many and I have to do some experimenting to find out what is actually the issue there.
Post by: MgoSam on May 14, 2016, 01:12:06 PM
Post by: ender on May 14, 2016, 01:13:36 PM
One thing that Whole30 has taught me is that I can eat healthy and still eat really good. For instance, I wouldn't have thought to use lettuce as a burger bun, but it doesn't take any flavor away and it makes it loads healthier. The only downside is that it will be messier, but to someone that plays with his food, it makes it more fun (perhaps I still need to grow up?).
I prefer this combination!
I've started eating brats/hamburgers/etc bunless on my plate and if you can get over the "not eating with your hands" thing it's great.
Post by: swick on May 14, 2016, 01:58:41 PM
Here is breakfast after visiting the Farmers Market. The couple from the new Organic farm are lovely, I'm really going to enjoy helping them out!
Post by: jordanread on May 16, 2016, 09:41:13 AM
One thing that Whole30 has taught me is that I can eat healthy and still eat really good. For instance, I wouldn't have thought to use lettuce as a burger bun, but it doesn't take any flavor away and it makes it loads healthier. The only downside is that it will be messier, but to someone that plays with his food, it makes it more fun (perhaps I still need to grow up?).
I usually enjoy lettuce wrapped BBQ food. However, I'm going to be getting a smoker soon, and I really want to do smoked burgers, and use portabella caps as buns. It seems amazing, and I haven't gotten to try it yet.
Post by: MgoSam on May 16, 2016, 09:50:52 AM
One thing that Whole30 has taught me is that I can eat healthy and still eat really good. For instance, I wouldn't have thought to use lettuce as a burger bun, but it doesn't take any flavor away and it makes it loads healthier. The only downside is that it will be messier, but to someone that plays with his food, it makes it more fun (perhaps I still need to grow up?).
I usually enjoy lettuce wrapped BBQ food. However, I'm going to be getting a smoker soon, and I really want to do smoked burgers, and use portabella caps as buns. It seems amazing, and I haven't gotten to try it yet.
That sounds divine! I have a grill but hardly ever use it, but this should soon change as I have re-discovered how much I love a good burger.
Post by: InsertFullNameHere on May 16, 2016, 02:50:14 PM
Also, dinner tonight: spaghetti squash in homemade chicken stock topped with avocado, maybe more arugula on the side (hey, it needs to be eaten up soon...)
Post by: mom22boys on May 17, 2016, 12:27:18 PM
In news that will shock no one...
I FELL INTO A SUGAR HOLE.
You obviously didn't fill in that hole, because I happened to find it too!
I was doing quite well with my hybrid approach after completing my last round of Whole30 in mid-April, but then life happened again. It's baseball and soccer season so being home to actually eat supper is becoming very hard. On top of that, I had a family health emergency (with a siblings spouse) and as a result I have some family living with me off and on for a while to help with doctor appointments, etc. (Everything is turning out ok, which I'm so thankful for!) My time to plan and prep meals is almost non-existent. The bloating, headaches, sugar highs/crashes are really starting to wear on me, and it's only been 2 weeks of eating 'poorly'. I need to take some baby steps this weekend and get back to planning/prepping.
Post by: MandalayVA on May 17, 2016, 12:40:04 PM
Whole30 is calling me again. I felt really good during my first one and really didn't find it that hard. This Sunday looks like a good day to begin again ...
Post by: Life in Balance on May 19, 2016, 01:58:57 PM
I did 4 Whole30s in 2013 and felt great. I have autoimmune issues and it really calmed my inflammation. But slowly I started slipping in some sugar. Then, my dad passed away and I was diagnosed with SIBO, cue out-of-control sugar/carb cravings and eating. After doing the SIBO antibiotic treatments and 4 months on the FODMAP diet in 2015, I feel better, but still not great. I eat paleo for 90% of my meals (I have Celiac and other food intolerances, so it's an easy decision). BUT the sugar dragon is bad. So, I'm on Day 4 of Whole 30 #5 wanting to get my health more on track. Have been eating lots of fat and the carb cravings are already so much better. Thank you for serving as inspiration to get back on the horse.
Post by: MgoSam on May 19, 2016, 02:22:24 PM
After a month of eating crap and wanting to eat more crap, I'm ready to do WHole30 again. I would love advice from people here so as to not fail again. Here is my current plan for eating during the week
Breakfast: Eggs, avocado, vegetables
Lunch: Shredded chicken breast with hot sauce, mixed greens
Dinner: Need help there, I am planning to make a chicken stew with indian spices in my slow cooker, I prefer making slow cooker meals on Sunday for lunch and dinner.
Snacks- nuts, tea, RXbars
Post by: swick on May 19, 2016, 02:52:39 PM
It sounds like you have had a huge amount of issues to overcome but are taking great strides to support yourself. That is great! I hope we can serve as a source of support and inspiration!
MandalayVA - How is it going? Did you start your next round of whole 30?
Mom22boys - good to hear from you! Sorry to hear about the family health emergency. Hopefully, you are all doing better. I think all you can do at times like those is the best you can do, without any guilt. It is utterly amazing how just after a couple of weeks of poor eating your body can be so affected. The comfort eating is a really hard one; it seems like such a good solution at the time, or your not even thinking about it at all, but what happens to your body makes it even worse. Ugh. I'm waiting for the day I will turn to carrot sticks for comfort :)
One thing I have found really helps is I keep an emergency stash of super dark, stupidly fancy chocolate on hand. Like the kind you buy from a shop dedicated to the finest chocolates, yeah not mustachian, but whatever.
If I'm having a really, really hard day, I turn it into a meditation.I find a quite comfortable spot, I go through the whole ritual of unpackaging it (they always wrap them super pretty, I imagine that is part of the cost) I breathe in the scent, I snap off a small square, let it melt slowly between the tongue and roof of my mouth, take some deep breaths. This little ritual leaves me satisfied and calm and ready to tackle whatever is next. I think it is really just an excuse to just "be" for a few minutes.
What are some baby steps you are working on right now?
MgoSam - Have you tried Nomnom Paleos Kahlua pork? It is my go to life-saver for making a week's worth of quick protein you can use in a wide variety of ways.
BIG PANS of roasted veggies - I load my oven up with a few trays at a time, it makes dinner's a lot easier. Lately, it has been local Asparagus because it is in season and Hubs and I eat it like candy. Cauliflower is another favorite. Sweet potatoes, beets, Brussel Sprouts...basically any veggie tastes better roasted. We stick in in a pyrex, drizzle with olive oil salt and pepper, give me a good massage/mix-up and roast them in a 425 degree oven. give em a stir every 5 or 10 minutes. Roasting time depends on the veg.
Besides being a side, I will serve them with eggs for breakfast, make a super quick veggie curry out of them (basically, coconut oil, curry powder/paste, bit of tomato sauce, can of coconut milk and the chopped up roasted veg. Sometimes I'll add some spinach too)
The roasted Cauliflower makes a super easy rice/pasta substitute for sauces.
I have 10 lbs to go before I hit in the "Healthy" range of BMI. I'm super stoked. I haven't fit into that range since I was in Highschool and had Mono (yeah not the healthiest.) I've struggled with my weight since puberty and always had hormonal crap going on so this is super thrilling for me.
I asked hubs what he missed most last night and he said "Homemade pasta and homemade pizza" I asked about the desserts and stuff I use to make and he said. "You know, I miss the memories associated with some of those foods, but I don't miss the foods themselves" That was pretty enlightening.
I'm going to try and stay as on plan as I can and be really conscious about what I am eating when we are on vacation starting next week. I'm glad this introvert has become more comfortable in social situations that I don't require a few drinks to loosen up - that being said alcohol tends to flow like water at Camp Mustache, so... I have to be very aware of what I am putting in my body. I think a few drinks will be fine, as long as I eat as well as I can and ignore all the delicious snacks that are around!
Post by: horsepoor on May 19, 2016, 09:56:27 PM
The Slow Carb/Paleo hybrid is really agreeing with me. I feel like it's a little easier to maintain, and psychologically, I don't have the stress about where I can find something I'm "allowed" to eat, so I tend to eat less, and not eat when I'm not hungry. Luckily beans seem to be fine for me, though I'm sticking with lentils, black beans and small white beans. Might experiment with some tofu next week too. A couple times I've inadvertently eaten very low-carb for a few meals, and end up either wanting to sleep for 18 hours, or eat everything in site. Some squash, sweet potato or beans and I'm good to go again. Workouts are going well too, whereas they lagged quite a bit for at least the first couple weeks of Whole30, despite eating fruit and potatoes. This Saturday will be my first cheat day, and I'm planning pizza, beer and ice cream.
Post by: Orvell on May 20, 2016, 05:49:45 AM
*Sigh*
Day one
Post by: swick on May 20, 2016, 07:53:38 AM
I have only one thing to say.
*Sigh*
Day one
What happen, Orvell?
Horsepoor - Thanks for sharing your experience and perspectives on the cheat days and your slow carb/paleo eating style. I'm still definitely trying to find a balance. I've slipped into very low-carb, unintentionally because all the veggies I have been eating are of the green variety with the season starting to change. I might need to be more intentional about balancing my plate as I don't seem to have the extra energy I would like to get some exercising in.
I don't think I want to do cheat days, I think my brain would go "well I should cheat because this is the day" Vs. "Man I really want x and I have thought about it and consciously choose to do so."
I would like to start adding in some beans. Other than chickpeas once or twice, I'm just realizing I never got a chance to re-intro them. I use to live in Turkey, so after coming home Lentils featured a lot in my cooking. Might be nice to experiment with them!
Post by: MandalayVA on May 20, 2016, 10:31:19 AM
Post by: swick on May 26, 2016, 07:11:40 AM
Swick--it's going. My plan right now is to restart Sunday, which I'm already excited about because on that day Richmond will finally have a branch of the greatest supermarket on the planet, Wegmans!!!!!!! (sorry, supermarket nerd)
As a fellow supermarket nerd, I totally get it :) Did you start, MandalayVA?
How is everyone doing? Orvell? MgoSam
Things are going, pretty much in maintenance mode here so nothing really exciting to report. Really enjoying the Farmer's market and the intake of fresh veggies!
We are getting ready for our vacation tomorrow and both hubs and I needed to buy new clothes. We didn't have anything that fit us from last summer. It's quite amazing how much can change in less than a year. Of course, we went to the thrift store first, and waited for a sale and used some coupons, but it was an uncomfortable amount of money to spend on clothes, but we had to buy new hikers as well. I can honestly say though, I feel comfortable in my clothes, probably for the first time in adulthood. I still hated every second of shopping, but afterwards being able to model a few different outfits for hubs while trying to decide what to pack was a lot of fun :)
Post by: Mongoose on May 30, 2016, 08:42:35 AM
I've been cutting back portion sizes to reasonable levels (not paleo or whole30). I'm getting super hungry in the evenings. Theoretically I don't need more food and I'm assuming my body will eventually adjust? Anyone have input on how long that takes? (I'm not eating a lot of sugar or flours, but am eating some).
Post by: horsepoor on May 30, 2016, 09:00:49 AM
I've noticed pork is really cheap right now, and several on this thread rave about Kahlua pork, so that might be a good protein staple. Now that it's summer, there ought to be some opportunities for cheap produce as well. I remember that you were dealing with some food allergies as well, so I won't make too many suggestions that might conflict with those issues.
Plugging along over here, though with Memorial Day my cheat day has sort of strung out into a cheat weekend. Nothing ridiculous, and I'm back on track today. It's getting hot this week, so we'll probably just be eating salads with avocados and protein and calling it good.
Post by: Mongoose on May 30, 2016, 11:42:24 AM
Post by: Tig_ on June 05, 2016, 05:54:09 PM
I'm new.
I saw this thread awhile ago and thought "huh" and been thinking "huh" for awhile now. I've reserved both of their books at the local library a few days ago and hopefully they'll come in soon. I've read as much as I could, but don't like starting things when I haven't consumed ALL the information.
BUT, I've determined that this is really the only time for me to give this a go in the next 6-8 months. Towards the end I'll have a conference and a one day "community festival" (read: beer day) as challenges to deal with. But better than my 2-week vacation in late July or my 10-year high school reunion in August. If I could push it off longer I would, but during the school year I work full-time and take two graduate classes... there's simply not enough time to go to the grocery store as much as I'm thinking will be needed to get the fruits and veggies and spend as much time as I'll need to relearning how to cook. So. Here I am.
I'm about 5'1, 120lbs. Mostly here for the energy benefits, but in case you missed the 10-year high school reunion in August mention... I wouldn't mind a flatter stomach by the time that rolls around, but not a huge driver.
I've been eating the "lifestyle" for a few days, but like a good mustachian I bought and froze some sausages/bacon/etc meats awhile ago that are most likely not compliant, but I've been eating them. I did have a slice of rosemary bread yesterday with lunch. But today has been 100% compliant. Going to freeze the rest of the bread and hope it lasts. Whole30 proofed my pantry and moved all the bad stuff to higher shelves tonight. I'm left with three cans of artichoke hearts, one can of tomato paste, one can of mandarin oranges, and half a thing of raisins. Sigh.
Mostly worried about breakfasts. I've perfected a roll-out-of-bed-and-make-oats-in-the-office morning routine.
I'm going to curl up with Harry Potter, some pickles, and tea now.
Post by: swick on June 06, 2016, 09:43:30 AM
Welcome Tig_!
Breakfasts can be the toughest. If you are making/reheating oats at work, the easiest would be to start thinking of things in "Meal 1,2,3" Instead of breakfast, lunch, dinner. It is easier and just that little mental flip makes it much easier to have leftovers for breakfast :)
How is everyone doing?
Back from vacation, we did much better then I was expecting. It became very apparent how our tastebuds and way of being have really changed. That being said, Hubby was like. "Okay ready to go home and do a whole 30" So it looks like we are embarking on another one, but I have a wedding to go to this weekend and will e flying with a carry-on so not able to bring my staples from home. The plan is to eat as good as I can with whatever is available.
We'll be starting our next round on the 15th.
Potential hurdles: In June we have 4 family birthdays and a retirement party. Weekend trip and BBQ over the July 4th weekend and several potlucks/game nights planned. Should be easy, right?
Good things: Lots of veggies and the Farmer''s market is in full swing, yay for awesome produce! I've also agreed to help develop some marketing for a local organic farm that is just starting up so will get a free veggie CSA share in exchange :)
Post by: Tig_ on June 06, 2016, 05:05:54 PM
I've felt a tad nauseous all day. Could have stuck it out at work, but left early and went to Whole Foods for the first time in probably two years. Spent $50. $20 of which was frozen salmon fillets which will likely last me beyond this month.
Now I'm too tired to get up and make anything for lunch tomorrow. I slept like crap last night. Not sure if its food related or heat related.
I also think I'm not allowing myself to detox properly. Everything I'm eating is compliant, but likely too much fruit and potatoes.
They should add something to their website: "It is advisable to not start the Whole30 at the same time you are expecting your period symptoms." My bad. I can't separate out what from what. And my brain seems a little foggy. I'll write posts/emails/Facebook updates and then I'll reread them and it's... not what I thought I had written. Oh Whole30, how glorious you are already.
Post by: erae on June 20, 2016, 12:13:49 PM
Looking for some solidarity on day 3 of my Whole 30 challenge. I felt GREAT this weekend and resisted the temptation of nachos and drinks last night at the bar, but as stress levels increased with my return to work this morning, the honeymoon has ended and I'm feeling a bit fatigued and irritated by the restrictions. Luckily, I saw this coming and have stocked the kitchen (I work from home) so that it's easier for me to be compliant than to go rogue.
Even with the dip in enthusiasm, I've already seen my energy and moods stabilize. I am in a big, stressful, high-profile crunch at work that will continue through July, and the peaks and valleys of work left me turning to sugar or salty delicious carbs or caffeine to plow through. On Friday I got hit with a couple curveballs towards the end of the work week and felt myself waffling between anger and apathy, neither of which I can afford right now. I know increasing my exercise and improving my diet will help me manage the next six weeks, so I kicked off the challenge on Saturday and have felt more in control - either from finding a part of my life I can control right now (more likely reason) or because of the lack of sugar and caffeine highs and crashes. Tricky part will be a conference next month (that my team is planning...hence the stress), but I have time to plan and can hopefully request a mini fridge for my compliant food.
Have read through your posts the last few months for inspiration, but hope to dig deeper into the thread throughout the week!
Post by: swick on June 20, 2016, 12:48:24 PM
Welcome erae!
With vacation and some out of town work commitments, I haven't been very active on the thread.
Tig_ - You must be almost finished your whole 30? How are you doing? What challenges and successes have you had?
erae - The honeymoon always ends! It is funny that it often coincides with going back to work. I hope your conference goes well and you can ride out the stress.
Do let us know if you have any questions/need to vent/want to strategize or get some encouragement!
Don't know if we will be doing a strict whole 30, but vacation definitely highlighted the fact that we just feel better eating this way in general. We did the best we could but it also seems like we have just gotten way more sensitive to how food affects us.
One thing I did do was pick up a fitbit. Exercise is the other half of the equation - one I have pretty much ignored while creating some solid food habits. The visual motivation actually works for me and the sleep tracker is pretty neat. It does highlight that I am an incredibly shitty sleeper. While it has gotten better since being on the Whole 30, it is definitely the single biggest factor in how I feel on a daily basis.
So how is everyone else doing? Updates?
Post by: Tig_ on June 20, 2016, 02:21:12 PM
I definitely have not been 100% compliant though - but only when eating out. I work in a college town, so I do my best when ordering food, but inevitably I'm sure something probably sneaks into the meal (that BLT I ordered without the bread probably doesn't use compliant bacon, etc). This has happened a total of 3 times.
Other than that, social situations have been slightly awkward when everyone else is drinking, and I've turned down a few invites because of it.
I still just really want a white chocolate macadamia nut cookie and some bread with butter. And those cravings have actually gotten worse with time. Although my energy levels and mood have vastly improved.
I think it really helped that I love coffee but didn't drink it daily before I started Whole30. Having a cup with coconut cream in the morning is like a little reward for getting through the previous day.
Post by: swick on June 24, 2016, 03:23:41 PM
I still just really want a white chocolate macadamia nut cookie and some bread with butter. And those cravings have actually gotten worse with time. Although my energy levels and mood have vastly improved.
That's what I was craving too! I haven't tried it because I found the gluten doesn't agree with me, but we bought some White chocolate macadamia cookie dough from one of Hubby's co-works for his kid's fundraiser. Hubby made a bunch and took them into work, just the sticky sweet smell was enough to turn me off and they are my favorite. Hubs said all you could taste was the sweet and artificial-ness of it.
The alcohol and social interactions are really interesting. We decided not to drink at the camp mustache section of our vacation as a bit of a social experiment. It went fine, but I can't help but think I might have gotten a little more out of it if I had just had enough to loosen up a bit as I'm pretty introverted. Luckily, we went the year before and already had some friends so it wasn't as bad. Now though, I know I'm at the point where I don't "need" alcohol in social situations and have proved it to myself so figure an odd drink here or there will be in the plan. But I don't plan on buying alcohol anytime soon, except for the odd bottle for cooking with.
How is everyone doing?
Post by: erae on June 25, 2016, 06:51:03 AM
Have been tracking somewhat closely to the Whole30 day-by-day expectations I found on-line for the first week. I won't have full days when I'm angry or tired, but had periods of a few hours this week when I felt both of those more strongly than I usually would. Energy has been consistent, though, and am hoping to do a better job stocking the fridge for next week to avoid more just-before-bed runs to the supermarket.
I'm not trying to cut down on snacking, but have noticed that my snacking went down naturally a bit this week - probably because my meals were filling and had good fat and proteín.
Also had a doctor's appointment last week which involved stepping on the scale. I'm at a new all-time high weight: about 40 pounds over where I should be. I got flustered for a few hours after the appointment, but then thought,"I'm already working on it. This first month might not show up on the scale, but it's laying a foundation for a better relationship with food, so shake off that number because you're already indirectly working to change it."
Post by: swick on June 25, 2016, 09:31:49 AM
Still here @swick, rolling into day 8.
Way to go on making it through the first week!
Over the course of whole30 and beyond I have found I don't need to snack (going from hypoglycemia and HAVING to eat every couple of hours) That being said I never really did adjust to the three big square meals a day. I usually have 4 smaller ones. If I feel the need to snack it is usually old habits in the evening resurfacing, or boredom, I'm rarely actually hungry.
Don't let the doc's appt discourage you, use it as fuel. You are already on the right path! It ay take longer than 30 days - the whole 30 really is just a kick start to forming lifetime habits, but you are on your way!
Post by: Tig_ on June 25, 2016, 07:52:09 PM
I did bring a lot of compliant snacks just in case. They all suck so far. Except the little mini packets of almond butter and apples. I shouldn't have brought anything but those.
I'm also rather introverted - so I hear you swick on sort of missing the alcohol to loosen up. I've decided that this will probably be the best part of Whole30 for me though - I've found that just that practice of being the weird person not to be drinking over and over again has made me a lot more confident in those settings in general. It is actually a great conversation starter.
Post by: swick on June 30, 2016, 04:32:43 PM
I'm also rather introverted - so I hear you swick on sort of missing the alcohol to loosen up. I've decided that this will probably be the best part of Whole30 for me though - I've found that just that practice of being the weird person not to be drinking over and over again has made me a lot more confident in those settings in general. It is actually a great conversation starter.
Definitely a conversation starter, although leads to sometimes awkward conversations, especially when someone means to be supportive but make a huge deal about it...yep awkward ensues :)
How is it going, Tig_?
It has been too damn hot to cook, so I have been making lots of Salad, with some sort of protein.
While possibly SWYPO I have been making popsicles out of frozen fruit, and coconut milk - or leftover smoothie. I haven't been really hungry and with the 40 degree weather and no AC I figure it is all good :)
Embracing the idea that I'm going to be hot and gross anyways, I figure I may as well embrace exercise so the rebounder I have left out in the living room has been great. I can feel myself getting stronger and able to go for longer spurts each time, running on it is great!
I have had so many joint and chronic pain issues I haven't been able to run on the ground due to the shock for years and years.
How is everyone else doing? Updates?
Post by: Tig_ on July 01, 2016, 05:22:26 PM
I accidentally ate some non-compliant food at home this week. I had gone to work early and had class afterwards (so ~13 hour day door to door) and didn't have left overs or meat defrosted. "So I know fries aren't ok, but they are those fries from the co-op! Sweet Potato!" and it wasn't until after I had put them on the baking sheet that I realized they had added sugar. wompwomp. My frugal side beat out the Whole30 side, and in to the oven they went.
By the time I came back from traveling I had a horrible headache, but then I had two dinners and felt much better. Possibly that what a calorie deficit feels like?
Post by: swick on July 02, 2016, 09:32:54 AM
Posting to follow along since I expect I will beAt least you'll have some good company :)draggedsuckedcajoledinvited to join with him.
Tig_ It sounds like with your crazy schedule you have been doing a great job! Meal planning and prep is really key to making the Whole 30 work. Do you have a plan for reintro?
Post by: Tig_ on July 02, 2016, 02:19:25 PM
Tig_ It sounds like with your crazy schedule you have been doing a great job! Meal planning and prep is really key to making the Whole 30 work. Do you have a plan for reintro?
I was working on that today! I'm not sure exactly what I'll be eating, I'm still thinking about that. I don't know that I've ever had many legumes without rice for example. I have some questions re: sugar intro that the book didn't exactly answer, so I'll have to do some googling on that.
Sigh. It's definitely been woth it though. I'd love to do it again when I live closer to a grocery store or have more time to meal prep.
Post by: swick on July 11, 2016, 01:15:32 PM
Still making progress, it's a little more morning these days. Have settled into a healthy eating routine, starting to get more exercise. Had to take a bit of a break as the veins in one of my leg has been acting up. My sister and mom swear by taking a shot of cayenne pepper in water.... we shall see. They have both had crappy varicose veins for most of their lives; mine is just starting to be a problem.
Maintaining an average 2+ lbs weight loss a week. Much like the journey to FI once you get things dialed in, except for the occasional bit of tweaking it becomes doing what you are doing and becoming a waiting game.
I would LOVE some updates from folks who have come and gone on this thread, any takers? I would love to see how people are doing since the first round of whole 30 way back last September! Or anyone who joined along the way. Has it made a difference, has anything stuck, anyone go back to their usual habits? I'm so curious!
Post by: Typhoid Mary on July 11, 2016, 03:47:33 PM
I did this once a few years ago but it didn't stick as a lifestyle. I'm attempting a 30 day reboot of my system with no dairy, grains,alcohol, sugars or fruit.
I will then continue on paleo after that.
I'm a type 2 diabetic so maybe have to have some "emergency" fruit or grains if the blood sugar gets too low.
Today is day one for me.
I had 4 egg whites scrambled with peppers and broccoli for breakfast.
Grilled chicken and steamed sweet potatoes for lunch.
Dinner will be baked salmon and steamed winter squash and cinnamon. Snack will be celery with almond butter. Days 1-7 are the easiest for me. Then I run out of steam and get grumpy.
Post by: Typhoid Mary on July 11, 2016, 03:52:47 PM
Post by: swick on July 11, 2016, 04:16:29 PM
Hi, I'm new.
Welcome!
I'll be following along to see how you do with your plan and how it affects your diabetes. If you are not eating any carbs, you WILL go into Ketosis. There is a big difference between nutritional ketosis and diabetic ketosis - I definitely would be checking in with your doc and doing some research.
One of the things that is super key is making sure you are getting healthy fats. I am wondering why you had egg whites without the yolks for breakfast? Most of the new science about yolks suggests that cholesterol is not the evil devil we have been lead to believe and is a healthy source of fat/vitamins and minerals - especially important when doing a reboot.
I've had low blood sugar most of my life, after switching to a Paleo-style of eating my levels have pretty much, well, leveled out. I think removing the sugar and having those huge sugar swings with super highs and lows really helped.
Post by: Typhoid Mary on July 11, 2016, 05:19:32 PM
Hi, I'm new.
Welcome!
I'll be following along to see how you do with your plan and how it affects your diabetes. If you are not eating any carbs, you WILL go into Ketosis. There is a big difference between nutritional ketosis and diabetic ketosis - I definitely would be checking in with your doc and doing some research.
One of the things that is super key is making sure you are getting healthy fats. I am wondering why you had egg whites without the yolks for breakfast? Most of the new science about yolks suggests that cholesterol is not the evil devil we have been lead to believe and is a healthy source of fat/vitamins and minerals - especially important when doing a reboot.
I've had low blood sugar most of my life, after switching to a Paleo-style of eating my levels have pretty much, well, leveled out. I think removing the sugar and having those huge sugar swings with super highs and lows really helped.
Hi! I'm working with my doc to eat better and lose some weight. That being said, they seem clueless on nutrition - as am I - so it's a perfect storm. I have a very fit crossfitter paleo friend who has invited me on this journey. She was the one who suggested cutting out the yolks since the eggs were scrambled in coconut oil. She prefers plant based fats (avocado, coconut oil, walnuts etc) over animal fats since the paleo diet is meat heavy.
I've had T2D for ten years. (I'm 35) I had gestational diabetes that never went away after the birth of my last child. I was insulin dependent for 2 years (pregnancies), did oral meds for 5 years and have been off all medications and controlling the blood sugars with diet for 3 years. My blood sugars are good but being insulting resistant makes it damn near impossible to lose weight if I eat carbs. But if I don't eat any carbs, I pass out from low blood sugars.
I'm trying to eat the RIGHT carbs and hopefully lose some weight. im doing weights twice a week and cardio twice a week. I'll try to read the whole thread and learn some stuff in the next day or so!
Post by: swick on July 11, 2016, 05:35:48 PM
H! I'm working with my doc to eat better and lose some weight. That being said, they seem clueless on nutrition - as am I - so it's a perfect storm. I have a very fit crossfitter paleo friend who has invited me on this journey. She was the one who suggested cutting out the yolks since the eggs were scrambled in coconut oil. She prefers plant based fats (avocado, coconut oil, walnuts etc) over animal fats since the paleo diet is meat heavy.
Wow, it sounds like you have had quite a journey thus far!
RE: Eggs - If you are buying high-quality eggs, then it makes no sense health-wise, or financially, not to eat the yolks.
There is a major difference between PROTEIN and FAT and how they work in your body. The Paleo diet can be very high in protein and animal fat, but fat unless you have super high doses, is a good thing to have, even better if it comes from a variety of sources. There is Protein starvation and protein sickness that you can have if you are having lots of lean protein without the fats, your body needs them - fat is essential.
No, they don't have to be fully animal sourced, but when you are healing your body, all the good stuff in yolks outweighs the bad. Of course, this is just my opinion from going through all that I have and, just like your cross-trainer Paleo friend will have her opinions colored by her experiences, you have to figure out what works best for you. That is the very exciting and scary thing about hacking your diet. There is no one size fits all solution.
Post by: GoldenGrove on July 11, 2016, 06:18:48 PM
I'm mostly eating paleo now (except for special occasions and "worth-it" indulgences), because I really appreciate how my baseline eating patterns have gotten healthier and healthier. And, well, I still have maybe another 20-30 lbs to lose :)
Post by: horsepoor on July 11, 2016, 08:38:05 PM
Come-and-go poster, reporting! So I did my first Whole30 this Jan-Feb, joined this thread, and then did my second Whole30 May-Jun. Between those two Whole30s, I've lost over 20 lbs (and a total of 60 lbs over the past year), and my sugar and junk food cravings have dropped dramatically.
I'm mostly eating paleo now (except for special occasions and "worth-it" indulgences), because I really appreciate how my baseline eating patterns have gotten healthier and healthier. And, well, I still have maybe another 20-30 lbs to lose :)
Wow, congratulations!
I don't have much to say... I'm eating real food, but would like to do better. A W30 might be in order for August. Next weekend we're going to Portland and Seattle and Eating All The Things. I still have the same annoying 10 pounds hanging around, but it's apparently not bugging me enough to buckle down and lose it. I think I underestimated how many calories I was burning when I was riding 6 days a week last year (or maybe I just kept me too busy to eat or drink too much). Most of this 10# showed up after selling my riding horse. I wanted to lose it before starting my new horse, but now I'm wondering if it will just melt off naturally once I'm riding on a regular basis again... I feel fine, and I look fine, but I'd rather look defined. ;)
tl;dr: I do not have the discipline to really stick to rules of my own making. I need Melissa Hartwig's voice shrilling about zero tolerance in the back of my head, apparently.
Post by: Caoineag on July 11, 2016, 09:08:17 PM
Post by: Tig_ on July 12, 2016, 06:38:01 AM
I think the re-intro more than anything will cause the eating habits to stick. I really liked being in control of my body - the idea of going out to lunch later today and knowing exactly what to avoid because it will make me feel X is really great. And not that I didn't know it before, but having a month of not having to worry about any of it really highlights that there's a different way to feel after eating food. I know dairy will make me feel Y, but now I know legumes do Z... etc.
I did weigh myself this weekend and have lost 3lbs since 1 week into this (didn't have access to a scale before I started).
But then I'm going to Seattle next week and plan to eat
Post by: swick on July 12, 2016, 11:45:55 AM
Re-intro is going... ok. Things I thought wouldn't give me any issues have, which has been sad. I'm terrified of dairy, and will be splitting this into two separate re-intro days (goat v. non-goat) just as a test.
Don't know what your specific issues with dairy are, but you could also try lactose vs. lactose free. I also found a set point to how much I could have of cultured dairy before it would trigger my congestion/sinus flair ups/sore throat. It's not a lot, but it allows me to not sweat too much if there is cheese in something while I'm out, and I know if it does trigger if I avoid all dairy for a couple of days it resets.
It is a really good, powerful feeling to be able to look at and understand the bigger picture if how food relates to your body and that you have some control over it, even if the process of finding it out isn't that much fun.
Caoineag, Horsepoor, GoldenGrovw, so good to hear from you all!!
Caoineag - Way to go on maintaining your weight loss!! Sucks to hear about your injury, what kind of exercise are you focusing on? I've been slowly getting into a regular routine with my rebounder, I started just walking a few minutes at a time and now I can run on it for 45 min or so several times a day. I haven't made the leap to running outside, and I probably won't because it is so hard on my knees, but it has been an encouraging start.
Horsepoor - Have you decided when you will be getting your horse? I imagine once you start riding regularly again you'll get your definition back.
GoldenGrove - Awesome job on the weight loss and gaining control over the food cravings, that is the biggest challenge!Isn't it amazing how baselines you thought were set in stoned just seem to shift for the better?
I won't bore you all with an update since I kinda update as we go, but I will give 'yall an update on my hubby. He is getting there a little slower but still making progress. He is eating more carbs than I am, but he feels really crappy if he goes too low carb. He also has a much larger variety of temptations, because he found that too much of anything in excess doesn't agree with him and he doesn't react well to a lot of dairy, he has a lot of temptations (especially at work) that I don't have because I CAN'T do gluten.
For the most part though, I'm doing the cooking so we eat whole 30/paleo except when there is a special occasion. He isn't getting enough exercise and he's super stressed out at work so that is not helping, but he seems to be coping better and still making really good choices, his baseline has definitely shifted. We just got to get him RE or working from home like me so it is easier :)
Post by: mom22boys on July 12, 2016, 12:00:22 PM
I've been eating about 50% whole30 and 50% whatever crap I want, with the exception of sugar. I've gone wild again with my sugar intake, and that has to stop. I've put back on some of my weight as a result.
The meal plans are just starting to get into place and I'll likely start on Friday, July 15th. I picked up some pork from Costco to make a big batch of Kahlua pork, and tonight I need to stock up on a ton of veggies.
Post by: swick on July 12, 2016, 12:26:52 PM
Glad you checked in, I was wondering how you are doing! Sounds like another whole30 reset would be great for you, I'll be following along and cheering for you!
Post by: jordanread on July 12, 2016, 04:46:35 PM
As a type 2 diabetic, I get panicky about people willingly put themselves into ketosis. If I have ketones in my urine I have to go to the hospital - is this not the case for normal, healthy people? I'm intrigued!
It's a wording thing. Ketones are involved in both. Nutritional Ketosis is different than Ketoacidosis, which is what those tests are checking. Hope that clears things up a little bit (or at least gets you the right things to go down a really fun Google wormhole).
Post by: Caoineag on July 12, 2016, 07:25:32 PM
...
Caoineag - Way to go on maintaining your weight loss!! Sucks to hear about your injury, what kind of exercise are you focusing on? I've been slowly getting into a regular routine with my rebounder, I started just walking a few minutes at a time and now I can run on it for 45 min or so several times a day. I haven't made the leap to running outside, and I probably won't because it is so hard on my knees, but it has been an encouraging start.
...
I do stair climbing as my main form of exercise. I also run 1x per week. My overuse injury was because I thought I could do stairs 5x per week, running 1x per week and 1 long walk on my day off. Turns out that doesn't actually count as rest...Whoopsie. I had to walk for a couple of weeks, then I could do about 25% of flight of stairs and my running (albeit slower speed) due to muscle failure (literally, my leg muscles refused to let me do it, no tendon or bone issue, pure lack of leaving the muscles time to repair). I am almost back at full strength now after 2-3 months of slowly rebuilding. Good news is since I know what that feels like I won't push myself over that line again.
The stair climbing is amazing for building leg and knee strength and works great as sort of a cross training for running (stair climbing will build your running speed and endurance in a way running never will). I did stair climbing for at least 3 months before running though to rebuild my bone density so the running wouldn't injure me. Which worked, I haven't given myself any stress fractures (and yes I was at risk of that, and yes I have given myself stress fractures in the past). In fact, several weird foot pains went away after I started doing the stairs on a regular basis and I don't have my arches complain if I run anymore either. Course my favorite part is that I can actually fit it into my work day both before work and during lunch. Otherwise, I am not sure when I would exercise except on the weekend.
I now do stairs 3-4 days per week, running 1x per week and a long walk 1x per week. I make one of my work days my day off (if I need 2, they are both during the work week) which works better than a weekend day when I would prefer to be active. Also, on my stair climbing days I do walking as a cool down. This level of activity feels really good to me without overusing anything so I will just keep at it. In fact, at the end of this month it will be one year since I started the stair climbing.
Post by: Cranberries on July 12, 2016, 11:07:05 PM
I'm halfway through a semi whole30. I have been eating mostly compliant, but I have not been worrying about trace sugars. I have found that I am sensitive to such a laundry list of foods that it is easier to just stick to the whole thing. At the end of this week I am going to a ten day long festival where I want to feel my best. I will be working in a kitchen there in exchange for getting in free. In the interest of not making life impossible for everyone else, I have told them I will eat what I can and supplement with my own food. The food that is provided will be vegetarian lunches and mostly non vegetarian dinners that are prepared by rotating volunteers. Any ideas on what to bring? I will have very limited fridge and freezer space, but unlimited kitchen access and all the salad I could possibly want. I'll be cooking dinner for everyone on the third night, and was originally planning on making lots extra and freezing it, but it sounds like there will not be room in the freezer. I will not be eating 100% compliant, but want to keep it pretty close.
Post by: swick on July 13, 2016, 08:00:10 AM
It sounds like you have access to the important things! I would focus on Protein and higher fat stuff. You could bring Tuna with you to top salads (no need for the fridge) as well as a variety of nuts, A jar of nut butter is handy, you could make your own salad dressing to have on hand - wouldn't take up too much fridge space, Bring your coconut aminos (or wheat free soy sauce if you arent sticking that close to whole 30) You could bring some chia seeds to mix into juice for an agua fresca or into nut milk for chia seed pudding (I know not 100 compliant) You could bring some Quinoa to cook if you need it (again not totally compliant, but if you are doing lots of high energy things you may need it) You coud bring some bananas for a quick snack, coconut milk (can usually find room for a can in the fridge). Also, if you have access to the kitchen, a big bag of sweet potatoes you could roast a few at a time would go a long ways.
I'm trying to sort out festival food too, except I won't have kitchen access and will have to pack everything in. Oh, will you be able to bring in a cooler with some ice for the first few days? In that case I would bring a rotisserie chicken and a bunch of homemade california rolls (again not complaint with the rice) some roast beef, basically things you can grab and eat quick while you are getting into the routine of things. I always tend to think I'll have more time to actually prepare food then I end up.
If you do bring a cool, start making ice cubes now! I made a bunch of bullet proof coffee ice cubes, as they slowly melted in the cooler keeping things cold, I had iced coffee to drink! You could do this with nut milks or coconut water or even water you want to drink afterwards. My sister has a 5-day cooler, so it worked out that it melted enough each day for me to have my morning coffee every day it was brilliant!
I'm not sure what kind of festival you are going to but I think they keys to staying healthy and feeling awesome are hydrating - it is soo easy to forget! Having a few extra sets of ear plugs and pumping up your immune system before you go.
Have fun!
Post by: Cranberries on July 15, 2016, 01:04:58 AM
Thank you for your reply! It's late and I am leaving in the AM, but I really appreciate the response and ideas, and wanted to leave a note to that effect before I take off.
Post by: 1967mama on July 15, 2016, 11:35:17 PM
Hi from a long lost poster! I have been off the forums for many months now. Just. So. Busy. My big family keeps me hopping. I graduated from Whole 30 into a Paleo/Primal type of eating program called Trim Healthy Mama that my friend had great success with. I'm about half way to where I want to be and credit Whole30 for getting me this far. It was just the jump start I needed. I've lost 48 pounds since July 6/15 (in one year). Most of that was whole30 from October 2015
To about March 2016. I took a little break and now am fully committed to THM (Trim Healthy Mama). I love the increased variety with THM (dairy, stevia and grains) but still appreciate the restrictions. Paleo was a bit too loosie-goosie for me and I fell off the wagon.
Happy eating everyone!!
Post by: swick on July 17, 2016, 10:23:35 AM
Awesome to hear that you are still making progress and have found a way to eat afterwards that is working for you!
I'm curious which parts of the Paleo you had trouble with? My complaint with it has always been (even before I looked into different ways of eating) is that just because you CAN have something, doesn't mean you should!
The majority of the recipes that are out there are for Paleo "desserts" that still have a ton of sweeteners or a shit ton of almonds (usually both) It's like gluten-free recipes that have cups of sugar in them. mmm no.
Our maintenance plan has pretty much been:
- no sugar or natural sweeteners (except for the occasional special occasion out, and it is deliberate and thoughtful)
- No dairy (except for the occasional special occasion out, and it is deliberate and thoughtful)
- No Wheat
- Small amounts of other grains/seeds (Buckwheat, chia, quinoa, rice, oats) mostly when we want a bit of variety or for Hubby's breakfasts.
- Legumes - we are not opposed to, just haven't really been interested? Mostly we tend to have more in the winter time.
Post by: Tig_ on July 18, 2016, 07:50:47 AM
Our maintenance plan has pretty much been:
- no sugar or natural sweeteners (except for the occasional special occasion out, and it is deliberate and thoughtful)
- No dairy (except for the occasional special occasion out, and it is deliberate and thoughtful)
- No Wheat
- Small amounts of other grains/seeds (Buckwheat, chia, quinoa, rice, oats) mostly when we want a bit of variety or for Hubby's breakfasts.
- Legumes - we are not opposed to, just haven't really been interested? Mostly we tend to have more in the winter time.
This is helpful. I should create something like this. I didn't do the reintro right, but from what I can tell, pretty much everything I cut out makes me feel worse (poor sleep, upset tummy, other digestive issues). I also hadn't realized that my post nasal drip had gone away -- until of course it came back. So I think it would be good to create a modified version that works for me. I start a week and a half of vacation today, so maybe that's something to think about on the plane. ;)
As a side note, has anyone heard of Butcher Box ( https://getbutcherbox.com/ )? I don't really buy beef (but love it), and I don't spring for the grass fed when I do, so this feels really expensive to me. I'm always looking for ways to get food delivered to me with my hectic schedule and no car though.
Post by: swick on July 18, 2016, 08:19:40 AM
Reintro took quite a bit longer than we were expecting (like longer than the whole 30) because we would try things a week at a time, or give up early because we didn't like the affects but go back to clean eating for a couple of days in between before we tried something new. Most things gave us an indicator pretty swiftly. It only took me one serving of wheat noodles for all my Fybro issues to flare up.
The biggest issues we discovered were with the wheat, dairy, and sugar...well and alcohol, but that's not surprising, but i should add that to my list. I guess the plus side is one drink now adays can get me good and buzzed. The downside is one drink also screws up my sleep and leaves me feeling shitty. One thing I have discovered is it is way, way worse if it has both sugar and alcohol...or the worst sugar, dairy and alcohol! Ahh well guess it is cheaper this way :)
SUGAR - ANYONE have any thoughts, tips, challenges/solutions?
I know someone started a thread and they might pop in. It got me to thinking I know we have covered sugar in the thread, but it is getting rather long! Anyone have any new insights/tips or info?
For me, whenever I am tempted, I pull up a sugar documentary on Youtube, there are TONS out there! It cures my desire pretty quick:) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moQZd1-BC0Y (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moQZd1-BC0Y) This one was pretty good for more of the science besides just "personal experience" ones.
Post by: GoldenGrove on July 18, 2016, 09:02:50 AM
I've also noticed that when I eat food with sugar can make a difference. Sugar-induced cravings/munchies and energy swings are much less pronounced if I eat the food with sugar first and then eat something else with protein or fat afterwards. So basically I eat dessert first :). YMMV, but that's what has helped me.
Post by: Tig_ on July 18, 2016, 10:23:21 AM
No tips on sugar sadly. Will happily read others though!
Post by: Orvell on July 18, 2016, 10:34:47 AM
This last week I experimented with Keto full on, but decided to transform it into a Whole 30 (ish) plan instead for a bit. :)
I won't be 100% W30, but I'll be close (in fact I'll probably be doing something close to that maintenance plan, Swick!), and I enjoy learning from everyone here.
*waves*
:)
Post by: mom22boys on July 18, 2016, 11:28:11 AM
Ah, sugar, my old nemesis :).
+1, which is why I keep coming back to Whole 30 again and again. It's been my only solution, which is to quit cold turkey with all sugar. My mind just seems to deal better with an all/nothing type mentality when it comes to sugar, although I wish desperately that I have an 'everything in moderation' mind. One other thing I'm going to do this week is reread 'It Starts with Food', which will have a similar effect to what Swick was talking about with watching a documentary.
I also think you have a good point GoldenGrove about eating more fat helping with the sugar cravings. I've experienced the same thing....and of course satiated in general.
Today is day 3 for me (started on the 16th). When I picked my approximate starting day, I didn't think about all the events coming up; I was just thinking about not having to deal with traveling. Thinking through my schedule, it's going to be a little tough. First is a work picnic (full for fair food), then a wedding, a baby shower, a bridal shower, and neighborhood party all in the next 27 days. Agghhhh! But I know I can do it, since I've dealt with these challenges in my previous rounds. Learning to say no to food is a powerful thing, and I have to remind myself of that again. Everyday is not a holiday/party even though I've been eating like it is.
Post by: shawn77777 on July 19, 2016, 11:01:22 AM
Post by: mom22boys on July 20, 2016, 11:33:32 AM
Gonna go home and read more about this I'm definitely Interested only read one page and not sure exactly what to eat but as of right now I mainly eat meat, fruit ,veg, beans, nuts,, seeds,and some potatoes and water...
Welcome Shawn77777! From what you listed above, you are awfully close to Whole30 already. Just -beans and maybe -some veggies (like corn and peas). :-) There might be a few other little sneaky things here and there you need to watch out for that you didn't list, so I would still recommended reading more about it.
One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that there is more than enough food to eat on the Whole30. It's just CHANGING your 'normal' meals for your new normal meals that are compliant. The hardest part is that not everyone else eats this way, and there is still a lot of processed crap offered, so that's where the hard part comes in.
Let us know if you have any questions and have fun reading!
Post by: swick on July 20, 2016, 12:21:41 PM
Sounds like your diet is already pretty dialed in. Here is the basics for Whole 30: http://whole30.com/downloads/official-whole30-program-rules.pdf (http://whole30.com/downloads/official-whole30-program-rules.pdf)
How are you doing Mom22boys? What are your meals looking like for this week?
Post by: mom22boys on July 21, 2016, 11:54:11 AM
But....with that said, I thought about this a lot yesterday and I'm going to suspend this round of Whole30 due to all the events I listed previously. I don't want to be that person that brings a cooler with to a wedding just so I can eat something (it's an all day event). Don't get me wrong, I'm ok with being 'that person' in many situations like going to dinner, etc, but I've decided that this wedding isn't the time or place. I want to enjoy the time with all my family instead of worrying about what to eat.
I'm still eating mostly Whole30 though until I get past these events, and then I'll restart for an official 30 days. Right now I'm thinking August 14. That will get me done right before a week of travel for work (which means another reintro crash course). This trip is international so I won't have the luxury of bringing much food with me.
Post by: swick on August 16, 2016, 03:09:25 PM
How are you doing, mom22boys? Did you restart your whole 30 in Aug?
Looks like I am up for another round in Sept! I don't think I really need it at this point, but I have convinced my bestie to do her first round. It is going to be hard for her as she doesn't have any local support and her hubby and son are probably not going to join her, or may try but they have so many dislikes (potatoes, sweet potatoes, eggs any way except deviled, hot spices) that she is going to have a challenge. She also is very much a "cook from the recipe, basic ingredients " type and runs her own business so doesn't have a huge amount of time.
So with all that in mind I am starting to collect recipes for her! Khalua Pork is an obvious one. Anyone else have any ideas? I tend to cook without recipes and free wheel and am pretty comfortable in the kitchen so I'm not a huge amount of help with this, but I really want her to be successful!
Also, anyone up for joining us in Sept? It's almost been a full year since this thread started, I can't even believe it and how far so many of us have come! Major thanks and gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this thread and joined in on the journey :)
Post by: ketchup on August 17, 2016, 08:25:30 AM
Brazilian Chicken with Coconut Milk
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground coriander
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
cherry tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk
1 bunch chopped fresh parsley
In a medium bowl, mix the cumin, cayenne pepper, turmeric, and coriander. Place the chicken in the bowl, season with salt and pepper, and rub on all sides with the spice mixture.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken in the skillet. Cook 10 to 15 minutes on each side, until no longer pink and juices run clear. Remove from heat and set aside.
Heat the remaining olive oil in the skillet. Cook and stir the onion, ginger, jalapeno peppers, and garlic 5 minutes, or until tender. Mix in the tomatoes and continue cooking 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in the coconut milk. Serve over the chicken. Garnish with the parsley.
Made it a few days ago. I've never had Brazilian food before, but it was fantastic! I would definitely recommend it, and it reheats well.
Post by: swick on August 17, 2016, 09:05:57 AM
Post by: rightstuff on August 17, 2016, 10:13:39 AM
We bought the book, but I plan to see what other posters have mentioned here to get us through.
Thanks for starting the group!
Post by: swick on August 17, 2016, 10:25:42 AM
Hey all. Wife and I started the Whole-30 yesterday. She's been having some gluton issues so was going to start and I am diving in as well, heck might help with my high cholesterol/triglycerides.
We bought the book, but I plan to see what other posters have mentioned here to get us through.
Thanks for starting the group!
Awesome, wrightstuff!! It is so great you are doing this with your wife, it is so much easier to be successful when you have full support of those you love/live with!
There is a TON of info in the thread, if you have any specific questions, definitely reach out! I'll be offline from Sat to the 1st of Sept. - but this community rocks!
One thing I would suggest if it is your first is to create a list of ALL your health issues, even ones that you think might not be connected to food or things you have dealt with for so long you just figured "that's how you are" Chances are a lot of things will shift for you so having a list to start is a handy reference for you later on and a great way to see how much your life has changed :)
Post by: jordanread on August 17, 2016, 01:32:20 PM
I forgot this thread of the forum. However, I will say that using Portobello caps instead of buns are a good thing. Every time, they've been amazing.
Post by: 1967mama on August 18, 2016, 01:24:58 AM
I'm excited to be rejoining you for my 5th Whole30 on September 1st! I'm 11 months into my weight loss journey and have really stalled out for the last 7 months or so. I haven't regained at all, but just no further loss. I still have 30-40 lbs to lose (with a BMI still just over 30), so I know that its just my eating that is preventing me from releasing the rest of the weight.
Reading up in my Whole 30 books with my highlighter pen in hand in the next 2 weeks and digging out some recipes that were winners. I am thinking of making a binder of my favorite Whole30 recipes and ideas so everything is one place. I saw the Nom Nom Paleo cookbook at Costco the other day and really liked it when I borrowed it from the library. I may go back and buy it, or be more Mustachian and reborrow it from the library! haha!
I miss the simplicity of Whole30 and I miss eating whatever I want (from the list of compliant foods) whenever I want.
Looking forward to rejoining our little community here - has been such a great support and encouragement to me!
Post by: swick on August 18, 2016, 10:06:52 AM
@Swick,
I'm excited to be rejoining you for my 5th Whole30 on September 1st!
WAHOO! glad you will be joining me!
Re: the weight loss stall, a friend of mine is doing an exploration around "the new sobriety" which deals with Alcohol addiction, but I was reading his first post on it last night and my immediate thought was, wow that pretty much applies to everything. Basically, if you decide to give something up, you only have to do that once (as hard a decision as it might be to come to)
Otherwise, you are forever on a sliding scale of trying to figure when is enough, enough? or too much? or having to exhaust our finite amount of willpower to make those decisions. It's a quick read if you are interested.http://www.thisepiclife.com/sobriety-1/ (http://www.thisepiclife.com/sobriety-1/)
I have found that since I haven't been able to eat gluten anymore or I feel like shit, it has freed up a huge amount of will and brain power and even physical space in my life. I don't have to agonize about it when people ask me, the answer will always be "no thanks"
This week, I even got rid of ALL my artisan bread cookbooks and any others that were full of stuff I don't want to eat anymore. That was really hard, but allowed me to reorganize my cookbooks and low and behold I have enough to fit on one shelf (for the first time ever) and I can actually see the to use them! The space it created mentally and physically has been great!
It's been a little harder with the sugar, because well I don't *have* to give it up as I don't have quite the same negative reaction to gluten, and I'm ok with having a little bit on occasion, but I definitely find myself having to weigh every decision, using will-power, and thinking about it more. It's a work in progress :)
What do you think about starting a public google doc for recipes? I have been meaning to do this and combing the thread, to start - but my plate has been overflowing lately. If a couple of people want to jump on board and help we could get a pretty handy resource started pretty quick!
Post by: ketchup on August 18, 2016, 07:21:12 PM
What do you think about starting a public google doc for recipes? I have been meaning to do this and combing the thread, to start - but my plate has been overflowing lately. If a couple of people want to jump on board and help we could get a pretty handy resource started pretty quick!I'd be 100% in favor of that, and willing to help out!
Post by: swick on August 18, 2016, 07:38:02 PM
What do you think about starting a public google doc for recipes? I have been meaning to do this and combing the thread, to start - but my plate has been overflowing lately. If a couple of people want to jump on board and help we could get a pretty handy resource started pretty quick!I'd be 100% in favor of that, and willing to help out!
Awesome! Folder link with editing privileges here:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B1uK0vXsPTVuNUZkRzhQNVMyZDQ?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B1uK0vXsPTVuNUZkRzhQNVMyZDQ?usp=sharing)
I just did a quick recipe template and created some folders for organization. There may be a better way to do this and if anyone wants to update change things up/customize that is great!
Post by: jordanread on August 19, 2016, 08:12:37 AM
What do you think about starting a public google doc for recipes? I have been meaning to do this and combing the thread, to start - but my plate has been overflowing lately. If a couple of people want to jump on board and help we could get a pretty handy resource started pretty quick!I'd be 100% in favor of that, and willing to help out!
Awesome! Folder link with editing privileges here:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B1uK0vXsPTVuNUZkRzhQNVMyZDQ?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B1uK0vXsPTVuNUZkRzhQNVMyZDQ?usp=sharing)
I just did a quick recipe template and created some folders for organization. There may be a better way to do this and if anyone wants to update change things up/customize that is great!
I'll throw some documents in there. I think it's a great idea, and would have started something, but it turns out my current shared folder is actually owned by someone else. Plus it also contains primal/paleo things too and workouts, not just Whole30.
Post by: swick on August 19, 2016, 08:19:06 AM
I'll throw some documents in there. I think it's a great idea, and would have started something, but it turns out my current shared folder is actually owned by someone else. Plus it also contains primal/paleo things too and workouts, not just Whole30.
Expanding to include some primal/paleo folders or plans like Keto or Healthy Trim Moma (I think that is the one several have gone onto for maintenance) Would be AWESOME!
Part of the problem with whole 30 has always been, What is next? So having some options to consider AFTER Whole 30 would be a great resource!
Jordanread - please add to as you like! I think just creating different clearly labeled topic folders would be the way to go so we don't create confusion for people (as we sometimes do in this thread, because we are all in different places) :)
Post by: jordanread on August 19, 2016, 09:00:14 AM
I'll throw some documents in there. I think it's a great idea, and would have started something, but it turns out my current shared folder is actually owned by someone else. Plus it also contains primal/paleo things too and workouts, not just Whole30.
Expanding to include some primal/paleo folders or plans like Keto or Healthy Trim Moma (I think that is the one several have gone onto for maintenance) Would be AWESOME!
Part of the problem with whole 30 has always been, What is next? So having some options to consider AFTER Whole 30 would be a great resource!
Jordanread - please add to as you like! I think just creating different clearly labeled topic folders would be the way to go so we don't create confusion for people (as we sometimes do in this thread, because we are all in different places) :)
I just copied the shared folder, and I'll add it as a subfolder called ToSort under the tips and resources. I also added a maintenance folder and a reintro one.
Post by: swick on August 19, 2016, 09:05:58 AM
I just copied the shared folder, and I'll add it as a subfolder called ToSort under the tips and resources. I also added a maintenance folder and a reintro one.
Awesome Sauce! Thank you!
Post by: Orvell on August 19, 2016, 09:20:01 AM
Post by: rightstuff on August 23, 2016, 12:35:41 PM
A big thank you to whomever talked about Frank's hot sauce, it's really getting me through breakfasts.
The past 2 days have been so eye opening, I had a peach that was almost too sweet and last night my baked sweet potato tasted like I had put on my formally normal tablespoon of brown sugar.
No big changes otherwise that we've noticed, I am hungry again for the first time in a few days, not sure what that means.
I'm slowly catching up on the posts, they help keep me inspired!
Thanks everyone!
Post by: screwit on August 26, 2016, 11:02:47 AM
Yesterday I had another hypoglycemic moment (or hour. Or two. perhaps three). After not getting around to breakfast or lunch, but managing cake for morning tea and then several cookies for afternoon tea I collapsed. I was at home with a 5 yr old and a 1 yr old and could barely get it together enough to call my husband to get home and rescue us. There was no way I could look after my kids - the 5 yr old was patting my face while I lay almost unconscious on the bathroom floor. That was not fair to her. It wasn't fair to me. It's time I stopped this.
So I've started Whole 30 today. I'm still learning, and I'll be going back through the posts here (but gosh there are a lot of them!). I haven't quite worked out how it differs from paleo and I hope I'm not accidentally breaking the rules with some things (sweet potatos?). I'm significantly overweight but right now all I want is to stop making myself ill by the shite I'm eating. Weight loss can come later, first comes the right food.
I want to start feeling good again.
Post by: horsepoor on August 26, 2016, 06:24:50 PM
Whole30 is a strict version of paleo. Sweet potatoes are "legal" for both Paleo and Whole30, though you'll find that some people choose to dial down the carbs and limit or eliminate sweet and or white potatoes altogether. I highly encourage you to read "It Starts with Food" as soon as you can, to help understand the rules and why you're doing this. As you go through the process, you'll gain a better understanding of how sweet potatoes and other "good" carbs work for you personally, and you can choose to limit them if needed for optimal results. Just eliminating the refined carbs might be a bit of a shock to your system at first though, and some unrefined carbs can be helpful to soften the blow of the "carb flu." The first week you might be wondering WTF you're doing to yourself, but it will get better.
http://whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/
(http://whole30.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/timeline-header.png)
Post by: screwit on August 27, 2016, 02:03:55 AM
Is useful to have that timeline - I just told my DH so hopefully he is prepared for dealing with me.
I think my biggest problem is going to be food boredom. I reinvent breakfast every morning , never having the same thing two days in a row. It could be toast or porridge or muesli or waffles or a smoothie or eggs or yoghurt. Or anything, really. Just not what I had yesterday! It's not a concious decision, in fact I only realised that I do this about a year ago. My ENFP personality does not like drudgery!
Post by: rightstuff on August 30, 2016, 03:23:53 PM
I've tried the coconut oil & milk & egg coffee creamer. It does make my coffee a bit more enjoyable. I've yet to make mayo, but excited about a cabbage/beet slaw recipe I found.
I've not noticed any big changes other than my teeth seem gritty towards the afternoon each day. DW is doing better now that the gluten is now out of her system. Pretty glad we are doing this together!
Post by: swick on August 30, 2016, 05:02:57 PM
Way to go wrightstuff and screwit!
I'm gearing up for another Whole 30. The two people I am doing it in support of are not quite ready to start yet, so are eating healthy for a week or so and easing into it. Both have major life-changing stuff going on so I don't want this to add to the stress and want them to be successful and prepared. Thinking we'll start by the 7th or possibly the 15th, we'll see I'm "Unofficially" Starting tomorrow :)
Has anyone heard of the whole 30 based meal planning service?https://realplans.com/whole30/ (https://realplans.com/whole30/)
I'm seriously considering it. It would empower hubby who's main problem has been feeling like he is out of depth in the kitchen when it comes to cooking whole 30 style, and would free up a bunch of my time and mental energy which I desperately need right now. Would also solve the "Falling into a rut" issue that we have after having been eating thsi way for so long.
Post by: screwit on August 31, 2016, 04:41:41 AM
Post by: swick on August 31, 2016, 09:39:18 AM
Well I'm now on Day 6 and I'm feeling like I must be doing something wrong because I've had no side effects. I think it might be a fruit issue - I'm eating fruit a few times a day and sometimes as a snack.
Hey Screwit, it will depend on how well you were eating before as well. Our timeline the first time was about a week off, we felt fantastic the first week, then it kicked in. If you are eating that much fruit your body may be getting enough sugar that way to maintain and you might want to look at cutting back.
Post by: swick on September 04, 2016, 10:24:21 AM
Day one of this whole 30 is in the bag, This one for me is going to be more about resetting and fine tuning, so I am hoping to escape the lows that come with detoxing :)
That being said, I've just come off about a month of traveling so have had a little more sugar/grains than I am used to. So happy to be home and in control of my eating again! There should totally be a "Find me Whole 30" app! I was introduced to a "find me Gluten-free" app that is pretty awesome! We were all over New England and we had no problem finding gluten-free options and many of them were able to be made dairy-free and basically whole 30 with a few customizations. It was great!
Next weekend, I have two full days of travel and two days of hanging out in a hospital with my Grandma. This trip was not planned, so I am going to do my best to pack good stuff and make sure I am conscious of caring for myself and accepting the reality that this whole 30 might not be perfect.
Hope everyone is having a beautiful day!
Post by: screwit on September 04, 2016, 11:31:34 AM
So does this mean I have to start all over again? Am I done? Is it ruined?
Post by: swick on September 04, 2016, 01:04:08 PM
Well I hit the Day 10 problem zone and failed. Summer festivals and kids birthdays and I've had a few glasses of wine, a piece of cake and a meal with a bread dumpling in it.
So does this mean I have to start all over again? Am I done? Is it ruined?
Hi screwit,
Did you notice how your body reacted to any of the things you ate? Getting data might be tricky since you had quite a few food groups at once.
According to the official program, yeah that would require a restart - and there is nothing wrong with that! Many of us have had to restart once or twice, or several times :) It is still a valuable process.
You could opt to keep going, but it takes gluten and dairy a while to get out of your system, so you might not have the same results. If it were me, I would do some reflecting figure out what I learned around desires, triggers, the mental and emotional side of things and restart.
Beyond the figuring out if you are allergic to anything, it makes you experience life in a totally different way, brings an awareness, challenges you to define what is good and right for you instead of being on autopilot, or letting other people dictate what you eat. There is an amazing amount of self-reflection and growth that tends to happen which no one really talks about :)
Post by: screwit on September 05, 2016, 01:54:50 AM
Ok, I will start it all over again but only on Friday. More kids birthdays this week plus a minor operation... I'll pick the battles I'm most likely to win and a strict eating regime is probably not it this week!
It's an interesting process. I didn't notice any reactions to eating the foods again and I was quite worried I'd go into sugar shock after the cake but I was ok. Probably I was still eating too much fruit, despite cutting back on it.
I broke the diet initially because I was networking with a potential employer at a wine festival (!). Turned out it was a good move on my part to be there and have that conversation (fingers crossed for a new job!) and it would have been a bit more awkward if I sat there without having a glass. Ok, that's excuses on my part, of course I could have sat there without a glass of wine :/
I already eat a very whole food diet. About the only packaged food I buy is bread, pasta, yoghurt and pesto sauce. Of course I do eat the banned food groups like legumes and grains, but I actually have very little processed sugar in my normal diet. Even the bread here is very, very different to that in the US: we eat rye bread which is ~85% rye, unlike the US/Australian rye which is only ~20% rye. In fact these days I find the standard white sandwich bread as sweet as if I'm eating cake. Generally I eat cakes/cookies/sweets very rarely which is also why the hypoglycemic events were scaring me so much, as they were so severe after I ate something sweet (but not always, only once a month or so).
Post by: swick on September 05, 2016, 09:01:37 AM
One thing I found interesting about what you said is "It all started with the wine..." The question I would be exploring is, why didn't it stop at the wine? I have struggled with this pretty much my whole life, once I have "Blown it" I tend to fall into that screw it mindset where I decide to just eat whatever and start again tomorrow...and the cycle continues over and over.
What I found is eventually, your brains stops believing you are serious about wanting to change or want things to be different, in effect by saying you want one thing and doing something else, you are creating a discrepancy within yourself. I also think that's why a bunch of yo-yo dieting happens, if you look at it is deprivation your focus on all the things you can't have, you will eventually give in, and then beat yourself up over it, while proving that little voice in the back of your head right.
I have come to realize that there is no such thing as "Perfect" and no choice past or future matters except the food choice I am choosing right now. I may fully and consciously decide I am going to have a piece of cake and enjoy it and feel absolutely no guilt. Of course, you don't want to do it for all your food decisions :) But you may also decide to pass up something everyone else is having because it doesn't jazz you and fit in with your goals and the temporary taste isn't worth it for you. It's really about living consciously and empowered.
Now the above are just my musing, not saying any of them apply to you!
Realistically, if you are already eating pretty healthy, you might not have the drastic changes that someone eating an Americanized SAD diet will. I "thought" I was eating healthy because I didn't realize the effect wheat and dairy (regardless of how organic and unprocessed it is) has on me.
If you are gluten intolerant, the rye bread might still be an issue. (I miss a good Rye bread! I'm 1/2 Danish and grew up on Danish rye, which sounds a lot like yours!)
I think for you, a whole 30 would be less about radical diet changes, more about fine tuning and finding out if there is anything in your diet causing problems that you never associated with diet.
Post by: wildbeast on September 06, 2016, 02:04:40 PM
1. Eliminate the last of the refined & artificial sugar. Right now I'm using a homemade dressing which contains hoisin sauce most day, and it's amazing, but I'll put it on hold for a month. I also have been using Splenda in my smoothies a couple of times a week. Ready to stop that also.
2. Increase veggie consumption. I've been living on salads for a few months and now I'd like to add in some more nutritionally-dense veggies like broccoli, kale, etc.
3. Evaluate fruit intake. I eat fruit everyday, usually a couple of bananas, and I'm wondering if I should cut down on that. I'm trying to lose weight but I'm also working out 5-6 days a week, so not sure if the fruit is helping or hurting... Would welcome feedback and advice on this.
4. Experiment with eating in a new way. I've been craving Mexican food something fierce, and I want to see if I can enjoy it while still being low-carbish and Whole30.
I'm excited to try this out for the next 30 days with you guys. I'm starting tomorrow as I need to stock up on a few things and finish up the last of the salad already prepared.
ETA: Should I expect any withdrawal symptoms the first week?
Post by: rightstuff on September 06, 2016, 02:28:17 PM
I'm excited to try this out for the next 30 days with you guys. I'm starting tomorrow as I need to stock up on a few things and finish up the last of the salad already prepared.
ETA: Should I expect any withdrawal symptoms the first week?
I had sugar withdrawal the first 4 days even though I had started drinking my coffee without sugar a week beforehand. Best of luck to you!
We just finished day 21!!! So excited to see how my cholesterol check goes tomorrow, I am hoping my egg heavy breakfasts don't set me back. DW and I went to the state fair this past weekend, we were surrounded by all the food and beer temptations you would expect at the event. We made it through without a fail, though we were famished when we got home 6 hours later. We had planned to try our first "eating out while on the Whole 30" when those plans fell apart. I learned to pack a lunch if away from home that long!
9 days to go, I'm starting to decide what I might try first, DW is only going to add rice and maybe beans back eventually, she is enjoying being allergy free.
Post by: swick on September 06, 2016, 03:42:08 PM
4. Experiment with eating in a new way. I've been craving Mexican food something fierce, and I want to see if I can enjoy it while still being low-carbish and Whole30.
I'm excited to try this out for the next 30 days with you guys. I'm starting tomorrow as I need to stock up on a few things and finish up the last of the salad already prepared.
ETA: Should I expect any withdrawal symptoms the first week?
It is easy to eat Mexican on whole 30. I frequently make taco salad, ground beef, homemade taco seasoning, homemade guac, salsa over greens. You can use any typical mexican-style protein and use lettuce leaves as a "Taco" or have it overtop of a potato or sweet potato (or fried slices of either) You can make a horchata approximation with nut milk. There's a lot of different options - just leave out the tortilla.
As far as symptoms, everyone is different. You just have to do it and see.
Post by: mom22boys on September 07, 2016, 07:45:02 AM
I've been swamped with work, so I haven't had much time for posting, but I've been reading to keep up with everyone. I didn't start my next round yet. I have THREE weeks of work trips coming up in Sept and Oct. Ugggg! With these trips being so long, I can't bring enough food with me (flying, not driving) for that long of a time period. But, I have been eating very close to Whole30, with the exception of drinking some protein shakes due to the busyness. I'm feeling really good and the weight is dropping again, which is a great feeling.
screwit - I had a friend also recently cheat on her Whole30, of which there is no shame! Everyone has their own challenges, so you just have regroup and give it another try when you are ready. It's all a great learning experience. I'm still amazed at the things I've learned about myself and my relationship with food in each new round I've completed. I'm trying to undo 40ish years of 'bad' eating habits and it's still a journey for me too!
M.Darcy- Sounds like you are already prepared for a great start today! I like that you listed out your goals. Best of luck!
Post by: swick on September 07, 2016, 08:14:29 AM
We just finished day 21!!! So excited to see how my cholesterol check goes tomorrow, I am hoping my egg heavy breakfasts don't set me back. DW and I went to the state fair this past weekend, we were surrounded by all the food and beer temptations you would expect at the event. We made it through without a fail, though we were famished when we got home 6 hours later. We had planned to try our first "eating out while on the Whole 30" when those plans fell apart. I learned to pack a lunch if away from home that long!
9 days to go, I'm starting to decide what I might try first, DW is only going to add rice and maybe beans back eventually, she is enjoying being allergy free.
How did it go with your cholesterol check? I'm be curious! I really wish I had gotten a full physical and bloodwork done before I did my first round so I had those benchmarks, but it is a pain to get in to see my doc and it's in a different city, and I am lazy :)
Can you update us a little more on your wife's progress? You said she's enjoying being allergy free, but what symptoms have alleviated for her? Have you guys noticed anything different in energy levels and/or sleep quality?
Mom22boys - good to hear from you! That is a lot of travel! I have found that if I can hit up a grocery store in each new city I'm at when I arrive, (or just know what is close by, it really helps!) Although I was trying to find anywhere in the Airport that had almond milk for my coffee in several airports in the Southern US and had zero luck. Well I did find one place, but when I got my coffee it was chunky like yougurt. Almond milk doesn't generally curdle like that...
Screwit - How are you doing? everything okay with the minor operation and life? Planning to still start again on Friday?
M.Darcy - It is awesome that you have a plan and goals! With your fruit intake and exercise - just be really aware of your body, especially at the beginning. Your energy levels may dip, you may be detoxing and adjusting to a different way of eating, so you might not have the energy initially for strenuous workouts. Listen to your body and don't push it, or you will be more miserable.
When people update, can you let us know which day you are on?
I want to help celebrate your successes and track where on the timeline everyone roughly is, but I am keeping track of too many people all starting at different times both on the forums and IRL so that would be a huge help!
My best friend, and her husband, and I are on day 5. My mom and sister are starting another round on Monday, my Cousin-in law is starting on the weekend.
For fun, I tried on my wedding dress this morning. It's been three years to the day, and I was at my heaviest weight ever when I got married. It's a corset style dress, and it doesn't stay up on me anywhere now, actually I look rather like I'm wearing a tent. Never been happier, or healthier :)
Post by: wildbeast on September 07, 2016, 09:01:04 AM
Today is Day 1 for me. I've decided to cut out the fruit for this first week. I've been wondering for a while about it and the only way I'll know how I feel is by actually doing it. Duh. Part of the struggle is that knowing I can eat fruit whenever I want to helps me feel good psychologically. Having that little indulgence eliminates any feelings of being deprived or on a 'diet' and allows me to stay on my eating plan easily. I'm worried that I'll panic and stress eat and undo all my hard work these past few months.
Aaggghhh... now I'm thinking I should stay with the fruit because I want to be able to keep to my exercise schedule without interruptions.
Ok. Since the Whole30 doesn't have any fruit restrictions I'm going to keep the fruit and just cut out the remaining refined & artificial sugar this week. I'll also increase my veggies. Next week I can try reducing the amount of fruit but for now I'll keep it as is.
Sorry for all the angst and drama. Who'd a thought a couple of bananas would create such a commotion?
Post by: swick on September 07, 2016, 09:53:55 AM
Sorry for all the angst and drama. Who'd a thought a couple of bananas would create such a commotion?
Thanks :) and I'm not surprised, this eating plan has a way of bringing up angst and food issues (sometimes even ones you didn't know you had!) got a text from someone just about to start her first whole 30 and she broke into tears at the grocery store. And year, there are times when I've just had to give up and leave. It gets easier, and actually, when you have discounted 90% of the grocery store, it makes shopping quick and easy! But it takes a mental shift to get there.
I think it would be wise to keep the fruit in for now, make it through the first week of sugar withdrawal/carb flue/body adjusting and then looking at it. You are already going to be doing so many new things and having to think about things in a different way there is no point in adding more overwhelm until you get used to it. You got this :D
Post by: swick on September 08, 2016, 07:53:23 AM
Just wanted to let y'all know I am gooing to be offline Thurs-Sun.
Hope you all have a great weekend full of tasty, healthy food and I'll check in on Monday!
Post by: rightstuff on September 08, 2016, 01:13:16 PM
I have had fairly consistent numbers for years, but after being on the Whole 30 for 22 days, my numbers did the following:
Cholesterol 2015-155 2016-119 Great decrease
Triglycerides 2015-207 2016-83 Awesome decrease
HDL 2015-41 2016-43 Nice increase in good cholesterol
LDL 2015-74 2016-16.6 Greatly awesome decrease in bad cholesterol
Blood pressure was down 10 points, liver and kidney function looked good.
After going over these results my doctor turned to me and said, "I never do this, but what do you think about getting off the meds completely?"
I am so very pleased I started this program!
Post by: jordanread on September 08, 2016, 01:29:35 PM
Had a great visit to the doctor for my annual cholesterol checkup yesterday. I have been on Lipitor and Trilipix for high cholesterol and high triglycerides for 15 years.
I have had fairly consistent numbers for years, but after being on the Whole 30 for 22 days, my numbers did the following:
Cholesterol 2015-155 2016-119 Great decrease
Triglycerides 2015-207 2016-83 Awesome decrease
HDL 2015-41 2016-43 Nice increase in good cholesterol
LDL 2015-74 2016-16.6 Greatly awesome decrease in bad cholesterol
Blood pressure was down 10 points, liver and kidney function looked good.
After going over these results my doctor turned to me and said, "I never do this, but what do you think about getting off the meds completely?"
I am so very pleased I started this program!
That is amazing!! Keep on. You are at 22 days, right?
Post by: rightstuff on September 08, 2016, 02:21:22 PM
9 days to go, I'm starting to decide what I might try first, DW is only going to add rice and maybe beans back eventually, she is enjoying being allergy free.
Can you update us a little more on your wife's progress? You said she's enjoying being allergy free, but what symptoms have alleviated for her? Have you guys noticed anything different in energy levels and/or sleep quality?
Hi swick, she has always had just horrible allergies in the fall, ragweed has been an especially potent misery. When we first started dating, she was so ill I was worried she had the flu! We have always had to close all the windows in the house in the summer and fall, and also had to avoid driving around with the windows down to avoid the onset of sneezing, sniffling, sinus headaches she would get so quickly. It is safe to say we avoided going outside much at all.
The past 14-15 days she has been able to go for walks and leave various car and house windows open without a sniffle or sneeze or sinus headache. It is the height of ragweed season, so we conclude the lack of dairy/gluten/??? is helping her enjoy late summer and fall for the first time in a long time.
Our energy levels seem to be higher, definitely we both sleep better, I could do without the vivid dreams I still have! :-)
Post by: rightstuff on September 08, 2016, 02:23:25 PM
Had a great visit to the doctor for my annual cholesterol checkup yesterday. I have been on Lipitor and Trilipix for high cholesterol and high triglycerides for 15 years.
I have had fairly consistent numbers for years, but after being on the Whole 30 for 22 days, my numbers did the following:
Cholesterol 2015-155 2016-119 Great decrease
Triglycerides 2015-207 2016-83 Awesome decrease
HDL 2015-41 2016-43 Nice increase in good cholesterol
LDL 2015-74 2016-16.6 Greatly awesome decrease in bad cholesterol
Blood pressure was down 10 points, liver and kidney function looked good.
After going over these results my doctor turned to me and said, "I never do this, but what do you think about getting off the meds completely?"
I am so very pleased I started this program!
That is amazing!! Keep on. You are at 22 days, right?
Yes! Halfway through day 23! I had been joking about having a bacon cheeseburger and a beer once day 31 rolls around but now have serious second thoughts!
Post by: cheddarpie on September 08, 2016, 09:05:43 PM
This diet is freaking delicious! As a Mustachian, the hardest part for me is how much more expensive it is than my normal diet ... but given how many things I can eat that I normally don't for budgetary reasons, I am pretty sure I won't want it to be over. And at the rate I am going I am going to gain about 20 pounds.
Please tell me the binge phase passes!
Post by: jordanread on September 09, 2016, 06:30:44 AM
I'm new to the group and on day 3. Just cooked a big steak thinking I would eat less than half of it and have the rest for lunch & dinner tomorrow ... ate the whole thing and it was all I could do not to lick the plate when I was done. (OK, maybe I licked the plate a little bit.) Ghee + coconut aminos + compliant cajun seasoning was just too much.
This diet is freaking delicious! As a Mustachian, the hardest part for me is how much more expensive it is than my normal diet ... but given how many things I can eat that I normally don't for budgetary reasons, I am pretty sure I won't want it to be over. And at the rate I am going I am going to gain about 20 pounds.
Please tell me the binge phase passes!
It's a stability thing. Even though we are a thoughtful bunch, Mustachians also recognize the beauty of luxury combined with something that the rest of the world considers 'hard' (like a major diet change). So we find compliant foods, and make amazing dishes. Cost per serving goes up at first. We love doing this. It's a challenge to stay compliant, but it's a challenge we embrace. We don't always get to the mindset of 'Oh, I can't eat that...it's not allowed', we strive to stay in the mindset of 'What amazing stuff can I make that is compliant'. So everything is super rich, super delicious, and we run into plate licking goodness. But yes, your body (and your taste buds) will adjust to the more efficient caloric intake. You'll eventually get to that point where you can identify the plethora of flavors in a homemade vinaigrette, and your body will realize that you can happily consume enough to meet your needs, without going overboard. It will happen. Plus you get to make some awesome stuff. Remember, W30 is a reset. Clear out everything, and see how you feel. You'll get your meal planning and prep stabilized, about 1-2 weeks before it's time for reintro.
Yes! Halfway through day 23! I had been joking about having a bacon cheeseburger and a beer once day 31 rolls around but now have serious second thoughts!
I am not one to disparage the awesomeness of bacon cheeseburgers. You can totally do it, just remember to pay attention to how it makes you feel.
Post by: mom22boys on September 09, 2016, 12:02:34 PM
As for the cheeseburger! Oh man! I would still eat it during the reintro phase, but use potato or sweet potato slices for the bun and do it during your dairy reintro. Leave everything else compliant. During my whole30's, I would have a hamburger every once in a while with onions and mushrooms cooked in ghee, smothered over a hamburger, homemade mayo and occasionally a sweet potato 'bun'. Heaven!
cheddarpie - Welcome! And that was a great visual of you licking your plate. :-) jordanread is right-on with his comments..your body will start to adjust. Remember that everyone has different experiences and often at different timing. You have a great attitude for completing the 30 days! Good luck and post questions to the group if you have any.
Post by: screwit on September 11, 2016, 12:45:14 AM
I have taken an extra day off and am starting again today: Sunday 11.09
Everything with the operation went well, so that wasn't too tough. But DH was very. very sick during the week, the kids birthday party was just a little exhausting, we're trying to organize the purchase of the next rental and find a renter for the first one, it was my first full week back at work and the baby is teething and none of us have enough sleep. Ok, my complaining is out of the way now ;)
I really noticed that something was affecting my digestion when I went back to the usual food this week. My suspicion is that it was milk causing diarrhea but ,of course, it may also be that I just picked up a bug. The baby is going to be bringing all kinds of stuff home from daycare so I can't cut out that possibility.
I do have another question about nuts, specifically almonds. A few years ago I was vegetarian for about a year, and pretty much vegan for about half of that. During this time I had severe knee pain. Really really awful arthritic type symptoms. These stopped as soon as I went back to meat and I thought it must have been something lacking in the diet causing it. A year or so later I found a jar of almond butter and used it to make some protein balls, which I then ate pretty quickly (as in, in about four days) and the knee pain came back again with a venegence and took a few weeks to go away. So now my suspicion is the almond butter, as I was eating a fair bit of it and almond milk while vegetarian/vegan. I've avoided it since and haven't had this kind of pain again.
So my question is: does anyone have any information about this? I've been googling but most that you get back is that nuts can be inflammatory but almonds aren't and all of the websites seem to reference each other rather than any scientific source or study. I'm really after some solid information about what could be the cause and what I need to be aware of.
Post by: ketchup on September 11, 2016, 07:06:52 PM
Post by: cheddarpie on September 11, 2016, 08:37:51 PM
I am on day 6 ... feeling like I've gained five pounds. I know there's a normal "my pants are tighter" phase ... this passes, right? I am trying not to eat quite as much steak. At least not every day ...
Everything else is going well -- pretty good energy levels and I eczema seems to be clearing up (my primary motivation for doing this). It tends to come and go in swings anyway so too soon to tell if it's really working, but I am feeling optimistic!
Post by: jordanread on September 12, 2016, 07:45:32 AM
Thanks, jordanread and mom22boys! Happy to be here. :)
I am on day 6 ... feeling like I've gained five pounds. I know there's a normal "my pants are tighter" phase ... this passes, right? I am trying not to eat quite as much steak. At least not every day ...
Yeah, that should pass (unless you are chronically underweight). You will stabilize soon.
mom22boys and swick - thanks for checking in with me :) It's nice to have friendly faces (usernames?) around boards.
I have taken an extra day off and am starting again today: Sunday 11.09
Everything with the operation went well, so that wasn't too tough. But DH was very. very sick during the week, the kids birthday party was just a little exhausting, we're trying to organize the purchase of the next rental and find a renter for the first one, it was my first full week back at work and the baby is teething and none of us have enough sleep. Ok, my complaining is out of the way now ;)
I really noticed that something was affecting my digestion when I went back to the usual food this week. My suspicion is that it was milk causing diarrhea but ,of course, it may also be that I just picked up a bug. The baby is going to be bringing all kinds of stuff home from daycare so I can't cut out that possibility.
I do have another question about nuts, specifically almonds. A few years ago I was vegetarian for about a year, and pretty much vegan for about half of that. During this time I had severe knee pain. Really really awful arthritic type symptoms. These stopped as soon as I went back to meat and I thought it must have been something lacking in the diet causing it. A year or so later I found a jar of almond butter and used it to make some protein balls, which I then ate pretty quickly (as in, in about four days) and the knee pain came back again with a venegence and took a few weeks to go away. So now my suspicion is the almond butter, as I was eating a fair bit of it and almond milk while vegetarian/vegan. I've avoided it since and haven't had this kind of pain again.
So my question is: does anyone have any information about this? I've been googling but most that you get back is that nuts can be inflammatory but almonds aren't and all of the websites seem to reference each other rather than any scientific source or study. I'm really after some solid information about what could be the cause and what I need to be aware of.
Since there are so many different potential causes of joint pain, and inflammation is a major thing people talk about these days, I don't doubt it's hard to find good info. I did find an article that has a bunch of links to different studies. Here (http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2013/12/17/can-diet-help-ease-joint-pain) it is. While it's uber general, and glosses over a lot of information, the linked studies are quite interesting. Hope that helps.
Post by: screwit on September 12, 2016, 01:34:26 PM
I personally have a sensitivity to almonds (other nuts are fine). It didn't give me knee pain, but they make me feel like death and usually vomit. Very small amounts of almond flour won't do it though. Almond butter (*very* almondy) definitely does. You could have a similar sensitivity that manifests itself differently.
Ugh, that sounds horrible - I hope you don't react that strongly to the random almonds in cakes or cookies!
I think I'm going to have to do a study on myself to fiind out. Might be a job for a seperate round of Whole 30.
Since there are so many different potential causes of joint pain, and inflammation is a major thing people talk about these days, I don't doubt it's hard to find good info. I did find an article that has a bunch of links to different studies. Here (http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2013/12/17/can-diet-help-ease-joint-pain) it is. While it's uber general, and glosses over a lot of information, the linked studies are quite interesting. Hope that helps.
Thanks for the link! I've saved it and will come back to check out the studies in the next few days.
In shorter news, day 2 was far more difficult this time than it was 3 weeks ago. I'm not sure if it ws diet related though, or just general high stress and an uncommonly warm September (what IS going on with that? It was 30°C here today!).
Post by: swick on September 13, 2016, 08:23:34 AM
Back with an internet connection. Wasn't able to comment but been here in spirit with y'all :)
Wrightstuff - Your results are frickin' awesome!!! I read your post out loud to several family members who are on/have been on/contemplating doing a whole 30. It is FANTASTIC to see some numbers. I didn't really track any medical stuff before I started, I wish I had.
The fact that your doc wants to take you off meds you have been on for 15 years!?! That is amazing!
How is your wife doing? She sounds an awful lot like me with the allergies, sinus issues, flue-like symptoms and everything that comes with it. I thought (for my entire life) that my nose just didn't work correctly I was chronically stuffed up since childhood. Always have a scratchy sore throat without being sick... I think it was the diary or some combo of the dairy/gluten (with the inflammation) But I haven't had to take any allergy pills since I stopped eating those foods - and I'm still in the "smell everything!" stage because I can smell things now :)
Oh in regards to finishing your Whole 30 and having a burger - I can't stress enough how valuable it is for a slow re-intro. The problem is if you do too many different foods at once, and you feel like shit, there isn't an easy way to figure out what the cause is. You've done all of this work, rushing the reintro doesn't make much sense, even though it is sooo tempting!
M.Darcy - How's it going? Haven't heard from you! How has it been with your exercising and fruit intake and such?
Cheddarpie - Welcome to the group!! Eventually your body will find it's rhythm. I know starting to eat this way hurts the pocketbook at first! It seems like you are spending money hand over fist. That does get better eventually too. You figure out cheaper meals to make, how to stretch your meat, how to source your ingredients cheaper. You definitely go out for food wayyyy less often!
What I recommend for your first whole 30 is just accept the fact that it's going to cost more, you'll need some new ingredients and staples. You might not be able to wait for things to go on sale. If you are trying to change your diet and optimize everything as far as price, it's too much and can lead to overwhelm and tears.
Jordanread - Awesome wisdom drops, thanks for holding down the fort while I was gone. :)
mom22boys - Your sweet potato burger sounds delish! We have had an explosion of zucchini, so I have been bbq-ing giant slices with salt, pepper and oil and using that as a burger base and having them open faced. Very tasty!
How are things going with you? What are you doing for food these days?
screwit - It sounds like you have had a TON on your plate! If I was in your shoes, I'd just do the best I can and really focus on self-care and being gentle with yourself. Did you re-start? How is it going for you? We're all her supporting you!
Okay, well the trip was long, emotionally and physically draining. I managed to keep mostly compliant. I had a breakfast bowl at a gluten-free cafe that had a bit of Quinoa in it. I know I have no problem with Quinoa and knew it was the only food I was going to have that day, so I didn't sweat it.
I also made some "muffins" out of totally compliant ingredients. Some would consider this as "sex with your pants on" I look at it as fitting a whole bunch of nutritious foods into an easily to transport package to keep me on track as I've been doing this long enough that I don't have the psychological ties to foods anymore - and that is kinda awesome to realize.
I got home and sauteed a bunch of different types of peppers and onions from a farm stand and a pan mushrooms so those are in the fridge ready to be turned into something healthy today. I am thinking a nice fritatta.
Hope everyone has a fantastic, healthy day!
Post by: rightstuff on September 15, 2016, 12:33:42 PM
What a journey! I applaud everyone who has gone through it and those who are in the initial days. It wasn't always easy or necessarily fun, but the results speak for themselves. I've lost 13 pounds, DW has lost 5 pounds. As I've said earlier, my doctor took me off of my cholesterol meds that I have been on for 15 years. DW continues to see a big reduction in her allergy symptoms, I'm happy she isn't suffering so much and the mustachian in me is happy to see our kleenex expense down quite a bit. We both are sleeping better and have more energy to do things together.
We find ourselves a bit afraid now. We both want to expand our meal possibilities, just so many things to choose from. Thanks for the pro-bacon cheeseburger remarks, I'm totally good leaving off the bun and the zucchini slice alternative is high on the possibilities to try. The local pizza joint is screaming our names, talk about a siren song!
DW plans to only add black beans and rice back, she is definitely gluton intolerant. My plan is to avoid too big of a binge spree and keep the doctor at bay.
I think this is a great group, thanks for all of the great ideas and support!
Post by: swick on September 15, 2016, 02:03:29 PM
Day 31!!!!!WAHOO!!! Way to go wrightstuff and Mrs. wrightstuff!!
I'll be interested to hear how your reintro goes. Also, your wife may want to try dairy (even if she thinks it is a suspect in her allergies) because having that negative reaction can be a very important part of the process, it steals your resolve when the Siren sings - just knowing HOW it affects your body. Trying gluten may not be worth it if she knows she is sensitive. It knocked me on my ass for a couple of days during my reintro.
I think they key is slowly reintroducing foods, do it one at a time and just really pay attention to how it affects your body. For most things, you'll know pretty quick. Good luck and hope you stick around to share what life after whole 30 is like for you guys!
Post by: screwit on September 16, 2016, 02:32:37 AM
Post by: Orvell on September 16, 2016, 09:19:37 AM
It's me again. :P I keep cycling in and out of here.
It's my Day 2 of a looseygoosey modified Whole30 I'm terming (stolen from Norabird) Baby30.
The game is to avoid extraneous sugars, and basically revert to a Whole30 "inspired" lifestyle. Again. This time I'm hopeful it will stick. :)
*Waves*
Anywhooo just popping in to say hi. :)
Post by: swick on September 19, 2016, 08:33:54 AM
How is everyone doing?
Going well here, on day, umm...17. Just trying to get as many fresh veggies and salads in before our Canadian winter sets in. Although also enjoying the squashes and root veggies that come with the change in weather too!
I've been spending so much time processing fruit and veg that meals have been pretty standard. Salad, protein, extra veg. I did make a crockpot chai concentrate leaving out the honey and adding some Chaga and Astragalus. Been having that with a bit of frothed almond milk as my afternoon treat.
I guess the exciting thing about the weather changing is we can make soup again! Sooo excited! I have discovered that just a little bit of coconut milk/cream in soups doesn't change the taste but gives it that nice "creamy" taste and mouth feel.
Anyone have any favorite whole 30 (or adaptable) Soup recipes?
Post by: jordanread on September 19, 2016, 08:37:48 AM
Hi Orvell, *waves*
How is everyone doing?
Going well here, on day, umm...17. Just trying to get as many fresh veggies and salads in before our Canadian winter sets in. Although also enjoying the squashes and root veggies that come with the change in weather too!
I've been spending so much time processing fruit and veg that meals have been pretty standard. Salad, protein, extra veg. I did make a crockpot chai concentrate leaving out the honey and adding some Chaga and Astragalus. Been having that with a bit of frothed almond milk as my afternoon treat.
I guess the exciting thing about the weather changing is we can make soup again! Sooo excited! I have discovered that just a little bit of coconut milk/cream in soups doesn't change the taste but gives it that nice "creamy" taste and mouth feel.
Anyone have any favorite whole 30 (or adaptable) Soup recipes?
I do a fully compliant pumpkin chili. It's amazing. I'll try to find the recipe. Green Chili is also a good one.
Post by: screwit on September 19, 2016, 11:32:21 AM
I spent half the day yesterday prepping the weeks food. I've started a challenge with myself that if I turn the oven on I should have at least 2 different things in it. So while I was cooking a baked chicken and tomato dish, I was roasting carrots and sweet potatos for salads. While I had lasagne in (with zucchini not pasta) I was baking a spaghetti squash and some salmon. And while the salmon pie was on, I baked sweet potato rosti for breakfast and some baby potatoes.
I actually really love this kind of Sunday. I'm in creative overload on what to cook and project management overload on how many things are going simultaneously on the stove, in the oven or being peeled, chopped or otherwise prepped.
Post by: swick on September 19, 2016, 11:42:19 AM
Post by: jordanread on September 19, 2016, 11:47:23 AM
Oh I want the pumpkin chilli recipe!
Screwit, I just confirmed with the better half that we pulled it out of a cook book I have. It is freaking delicious, and I ate it while I did my super short Whole30. It was amazing. I'm trying to find an online recipe, but if I can't, are you cool with scans of a book attached to a post?
Post by: wildbeast on September 19, 2016, 12:37:54 PM
Post by: swick on September 19, 2016, 12:48:19 PM
Are you guys able to eat sweet potatoes and such without gaining weight?
I've been eating them, root crops as well without gaining weight. I think most of us started with more weight to lose, and at the beginning, compared to the SAD or what people normally eat, it's not a huge concern. I'm probably getting to the point now where I will have to start watching it more closely.
Post by: wildbeast on September 19, 2016, 12:55:31 PM
Are you guys able to eat sweet potatoes and such without gaining weight?
I've been eating them, root crops as well without gaining weight. I think most of us started with more weight to lose, and at the beginning, compared to the SAD or what people normally eat, it's not a huge concern. I'm probably getting to the point now where I will have to start watching it more closely.
I find that if I eat sweet potatoes, yams, regular potatoes, etc... my weight loss stalls completely (I'm trying to lose weight) or I gain weight if I'm not working out. In truth, I overeat them too, especially the sweet potatoes. So I've been just avoiding them in general. This past week I did have some potatoes and rice because I had them in the house and I was having a really rough week and just didn't the have the energy to go shopping and for extra food prep. I was still working out, although a bit less, and still lost some weight.
When the weather gets colder the sweet potatoes will be really tempting though.
Is anyone interested in doing a low-carb version of this? That's kinda where I'm at.
Post by: swick on September 19, 2016, 01:01:34 PM
Is anyone interested in doing a low-carb version of this? That's kinda where I'm at.
Quite a few people in this thread have settled o a whole30/keto hybrid that seems to work well for them. If you have no problems with dairy, going full keto would be an option too.
I've just been working with limiting my carb intake across the board and choosing the carbs I eat very intentionally, and being careful to actually measure out my portions and put the rest away. The putting the rest away is key. If I leave a pan of roasted root veggies out on the stove, by the time I get around to putting them away, there is a pretty good dent in them. I think we have a root loving gnome, my husband won't admit to anything :)
Post by: wildbeast on September 19, 2016, 01:07:19 PM
If you have no problems with dairy, going full keto would be an option too.
I do have problems with dairy, actually. So I have to avoid it. The only reason I'm not going the full keto route is that it sends my brain into OCD territory and I don't like it. That's also the reason I chucked the scale. Instead I'm working on making slow and steady changes that help me reach my goals. So far that has helped the most.
I didn't know that some people here are doing keto/Whole30. I'll keep an eye out for it. Though I might not check in that often as I don't want to be tempted by pumpkin chili and roasted sweet potatoes. :) Too yummy!
Post by: screwit on September 19, 2016, 02:02:34 PM
Oh I want the pumpkin chilli recipe!
Screwit, I just confirmed with the better half that we pulled it out of a cook book I have. It is freaking delicious, and I ate it while I did my super short Whole30. It was amazing. I'm trying to find an online recipe, but if I can't, are you cool with scans of a book attached to a post?
Sure!
Are you guys able to eat sweet potatoes and such without gaining weight?
I've been eating them, root crops as well without gaining weight. I think most of us started with more weight to lose, and at the beginning, compared to the SAD or what people normally eat, it's not a huge concern. I'm probably getting to the point now where I will have to start watching it more closely.
I don't know yet - I still haven't finished a single Whole 30 and have no idea what's going on with my weight. I have a lot of weight to lose but the main reason I'm here is that my blood sugar seemed to be going all over the place and I needed to find a way to get that under control. Weight loss is not the driving factor at all right now for me.
If this works well for me (and it is so far, but I haven't yet hit again the 10 day point where I failed last time!) then I'll look at getting stricter for weight loss. But for now I'm just trying to settle my (other) health issues and move myself towards a new long term nutrition regime.
Post by: 1967mama on September 20, 2016, 01:02:26 AM
I've decided to do another Whole30 ... successfully lost 48 pounds last year on Whole30 (took a full 12 months) and have been stumbling around the same 5-8 lbs up/down/up/down since the spring. I have about another 30 to get back to a healthy weight for me and this is truly the only thing that has ever worked for me. Day 1 completed :-)
P.S. This article helped me realize WHY Whole30 works for me!
http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellbeing/the-100-per-cent-rule-the-simple-advice-that-changed-my-life-20160825-gr16da.html
Edited to clarify that my weight loss was from doing successive Whole 30'd and a tiny bit of Primal at the very beginning.
Post by: jordanread on September 20, 2016, 07:59:40 AM
Oh I want the pumpkin chilli recipe!
Screwit, I just confirmed with the better half that we pulled it out of a cook book I have. It is freaking delicious, and I ate it while I did my super short Whole30. It was amazing. I'm trying to find an online recipe, but if I can't, are you cool with scans of a book attached to a post?
Sure!
All right. PDF attached to this post. This is actually from the Primal Cravings book.
Post by: jordanread on September 20, 2016, 08:01:44 AM
http://www.health-bent.com/soups/paleo-pumpkin-chili
Post by: swick on September 20, 2016, 08:10:50 AM
Welcome back 1967mamma! THANK YOU!!! for sharing that post, it's brilliant. It put into words something I've been trying to put my finger on. I was trying to figure out why it seems like people are making great progress in the weight loss thread but seem to be really, really struggling on the day to day.
I know once I took the decision making process out of it in regards to gluten things just got so much easier. I'm mostly there with sugar, I'd say I'm 99.5 % there because I don't worry about trace amounts, or if someone makes a naturally sweetened dessert especially for me, I might have a taste. But it's that "decision fatigue" that you don't have to engage in that really makes the difference.
It seems there are people who have found systems of counting calories and having treats within that and it works for them. That would stress me out wayyy too much. I tried that way and failed, and with each failure, you pile on the guilt and it erodes your confidence. Not to mention your brain doesn't think you are actually serious, it just wants you to feel pleasure and happiness - cue the sugar/chocolate/ice cream.
I do like how the 100% applies to other areas, I hadn't thought of it in that context so going to do some pondering it comes at a time in my life when I need it!
jordanread: Thanks for the recipe, will have to try it out very soon!
Hope everyone is having a great day!
Post by: jordanread on September 20, 2016, 08:27:32 AM
Post by: screwit on September 20, 2016, 10:37:14 AM
@swick I'm doing really well at the moment. Day 10! I even managed a birthday party at the weekend. Pretended to drink my glass of bubbly with the toasts, snuck into my bag of nuts when all the food that was out was cakes and chips. Picked the right food at the bbq afterwards.
1967mama that's exactly it! Decision fatigue. And with me it eventually combines with my inner 5 year old "you can't tell me what to do!". If I'm constantly evaluating and deciding then I can also rebel against, um, myself. That's pretty much why I failed at whole 30 the first time. At the party this weekend I didn't even entertain a "if only" or "how much could be ok". It was just flat out no to everything that wasn't straight meat, fruit or vegetable.
There is a great book about decision making called Willpower. I highly recommend it.
Post by: swick on September 20, 2016, 11:50:11 AM
@jordanread thank you for the recipe! I love pumpkin season. There is no such thing as tinned pumpkin over here, so I usually have to wait until they're in season. Actually that goes for most foods here.
@swick I'm doing really well at the moment. Day 10! I even managed a birthday party at the weekend. Pretended to drink my glass of bubbly with the toasts, snuck into my bag of nuts when all the food that was out was cakes and chips. Picked the right food at the bbq afterwards.
1967mama that's exactly it! Decision fatigue. And with me it eventually combines with my inner 5 year old "you can't tell me what to do!". If I'm constantly evaluating and deciding then I can also rebel against, um, myself. That's pretty much why I failed at whole 30 the first time. At the party this weekend I didn't even entertain a "if only" or "how much could be ok". It was just flat out no to everything that wasn't straight meat, fruit or vegetable.
There is a great book about decision making called Willpower. I highly recommend it.
Way to go, screwit! Those are some BIG wins and realizations! It sounds like you learned a lot your last attempt and armed yourself with some great strategies! Socializing is the hardest part of doing this and where most people stumble. You had a plan in place and nailed it. GOOD JOB!!
Post by: rightstuff on September 20, 2016, 02:55:56 PM
After that experience, even the thought of trying pizza nauseates her and I'm being the strict one saying no no no! HA!
Sometime this week we are making taco salads, the new add in item will be black beans, a big fave around our house pre-W30.
We have had a couple of pretty delish compliant soups the past 2 weeks, I will get those recipes and share with everyone.
Cheers!
Post by: 1967mama on September 20, 2016, 04:50:32 PM
Day 2 has also been terrific and ironically, I slept like the dead last night! Yay for good sleeps.
My teenaged son just got out Kettle Chips and made some dip from scratch ... Would have been diving into that for sure but instead I had some tea and a dried fruit bar and feel completely fine walking away from those chips. Ahhhhh, Whole30...glad to be back in your clutches!
Post by: horsepoor on September 20, 2016, 04:55:49 PM
Hi all! DW and I have started our reintroduction. I've been pretty lucky, no adverse effects. DW has confirmed she has a severe gluten intolerance. We ate some bread and she got severe cramping and all the other lovely things that accompany that fun. :-(
After that experience, even the thought of trying pizza nauseates her and I'm being the strict one saying no no no! HA!
Sometime this week we are making taco salads, the new add in item will be black beans, a big fave around our house pre-W30.
We have had a couple of pretty delish compliant soups the past 2 weeks, I will get those recipes and share with everyone.
Cheers!
Timely MDA article on legumes (http://www.marksdailyapple.com/where-do-legumes-belong-in-the-primal-eating-plan/).
Post by: 1967mama on September 21, 2016, 12:23:03 AM
Post by: swick on September 21, 2016, 08:26:57 AM
Wrightstuff - Bummer about your wife's gluten allergy. At least she knows! I'm curious how she will do with dairy and her allergies. Glad to hear you don't have the same issues. Your life is going to change though if your wife happens to do most of the cooking and she can't do gluten, just ask my hubby! We have settled into a pattern where we don't have it at home and if we go out for dinner he gets whatever he wants and I try not to be too jealous :) Although he's coming around because the last couple of times he has said you know, the bready/gluten thing I'm eating with it doesn't really do much more me or the dish.
1967mama - way to go on resisting the chips! Oh, how is your daughter doing? Didn't she do the first whole 30 with you? I'm curious how she is doing a year on!
horsepoor - thanks for the link! I've never really been too concerned with beans, probably because I haven't really noticed any ill-effects from them. I don't have them too often but I don't sweat it if they are in something or hubs wants me to make something special.
We have been really enjoying the last of the lettuces that have been coming in our CSA (ends next week, going to be in super sad veggie land after!) I have been chunking up oven roasted turkey breast and sauteeing it in a little bacon fat and some cajun seasoning and having that on top of salads with a homemade vinegarette dressing. Pretty sure I could live on that salad!
Hope y'all are having a great day!
Post by: Orvell on September 21, 2016, 08:46:43 AM
:D
Any suggestions?
I don't have an instant pot, but I do have a slow cooker.
Post by: swick on September 21, 2016, 08:54:47 AM
It's still by "go-to" recipe if I want to have protein sorted out for the week because there are so many quick things you can do with it.
Although I am REALLY liking the idea of jordanreads pumpkin chili!
There are some good sounding recipes here, but I haven't dug into them yet, mostly because I have no freezer space! https://onceamonthmeals.com/blog/recipe-roundups/50-freezable-whole30-recipes/ (https://onceamonthmeals.com/blog/recipe-roundups/50-freezable-whole30-recipes/)
Post by: Orvell on September 21, 2016, 08:58:31 AM
I'll check out that link, too. :D
(And seriously, that pumpkin chili might end up happening over yonder too hahah!)
Post by: jordanread on September 21, 2016, 09:08:21 AM
Post by: rightstuff on September 21, 2016, 02:49:35 PM
Timely MDA article on legumes (http://www.marksdailyapple.com/where-do-legumes-belong-in-the-primal-eating-plan/).
[/quote]
Thanks Horsepoor. DW is still having some issues we think due to the gluten on Satruday so a soak might be beneficial!
Post by: swick on September 21, 2016, 03:04:37 PM
Timely MDA article on legumes (http://www.marksdailyapple.com/where-do-legumes-belong-in-the-primal-eating-plan/).
Thanks Horsepoor. DW is still having some issues we think due to the gluten on Satruday so a soak might be beneficial!
[/quote]
Wrightsuff - I would NOT reintroduce ANYTHING if your wife is still having issues from the gluten she tried. You went through too much work to muddy your results. Her body needs to be back on track before you reinto anything else. When I got smacked by the gluten, it was a couple of days of severe symptoms, feeling like shit for a week and then eating and feeling good for a few days before I tried anything else. It's so important you don't want to rush it.
Post by: N on September 21, 2016, 03:13:09 PM
I have managed to be strictly dairy free when I was breastfeeding my son, because he reacted so badly to dairy in my milk. That was years ago. Recently I did a strict dairy elimination for 30 days with my daughter. She has decided to avoid it permanently. I know I should too, but Im weak!
Anyway, if Im totally honest, I have a lot of symptoms that I hope could be relieved by improving my diet. Also, I would like to lose a lot of weight. Im feeling pretty motivated to make some healthy changes, and I would llike to do a W30. Ive never given up sugar before, so that will be fun. ha!
My start date will be this Saturday the 24th.
Im scared. how do you live without chocolate?
Post by: Orvell on September 21, 2016, 03:20:39 PM
Re: chocolate
Well, you can still do raw cocoa! That plus some coconut milk is pretty grand. But it is what W30 folks call "sex with your pants on" in that it doesn't truly break the habit you've formed with food, even if it's "compliant" (a word that makes me shudder, if I'm honest).
Just saying that as you get further on your journey, chocolate in its raw form isn't a total no-go!
Post by: ketchup on September 21, 2016, 03:22:51 PM
Im scared. how do you live without chocolate?I've learned to enjoy individual pieces of 100% cacao baker's chocolate. Probably not for everyone. They go well with cinnamon rooibos tea.
Disclaimer: I've never really had much of a sweet tooth.
Post by: swick on September 21, 2016, 03:30:58 PM
We are here to support you :) I'll be totally honest, your first few days are probably going to SUCK.
Do as much prep as you can ahead of time as far as meal planning, hiding/tossing things that will tempt you. Make sure your family is on board or at least aware of what you are doing. If you can find someone IRL to do this with, you will have a much easier time. Maybe your daughter will join you? Also, start cutting down on the sugar now - going cold turkey sucks and will make you feel that much worse.
Now I don't mean to scare you off it is totally worth doing and for many of us have been LIFE CHANGING. I figured out my chronic sinus issues, my allergies, my fibromyalgia. And I've lost 73 lbs from when I started my first whole 30 last September. Is it hard? Yep. Will you have some struggles? Yep. is it worth it? HELL YES!
RE: Chocolate. Raw cacao definitely fits into my life when I am not doing whole 30. Tell you what, you do the whole 30 and I'll share a few of my favorite chocolate recipes with you!
Post by: 1967mama on September 21, 2016, 04:58:00 PM
A salad idea: dice whatever raw vegetables you have in the fridge into a big salad bowl. Mix up a can of tuna or salmon with some homemade whole30 mayo from the website. YUM!
A snack idea: a handful of nuts and a piece of fruit. I keep nuts in jars in the fridge. Easy to see to spark my brain. Also, I try to keep 1/2 a dozen hard boiled eggs in the fridge for emergency snacking.
@swick - 1967daughter is still doing great. Lost around 32 lbs on successive whole 30's and is now doing 21 day fix and loves the addition of workouts. She has such a great basis for a lifetime of good eating. Has about 10-15lbs to go. Thanks for asking!
Post by: 1967mama on September 21, 2016, 06:35:45 PM
It was the only special ingredient I had to make this amazing recipe:
http://www.tasteslovely.com/coconut-chicken-thai-curry/
So quick! I made it at the same time as my whole chicken cooked in the Instant Pot.
Post by: swick on September 21, 2016, 09:26:28 PM
@swick - 1967daughter is still doing great. Lost around 32 lbs on successive whole 30's and is now doing 21 day fix and loves the addition of workouts. She has such a great basis for a lifetime of good eating. Has about 10-15lbs to go. Thanks for asking!
Wahoo 1967Daughter! That is awesome, your a good role model, mama!
The curry sounds delish, I love Thai curry dishes so will have to give this recipe a try!
Post by: cheddarpie on September 22, 2016, 09:00:28 PM
Made some delicious carrot-ginger-squash soup with coconut milk. Trying to find more less-meat recipes.
Overall, this is mostly fun! Much easier than I thought it would be.
Post by: swick on September 22, 2016, 09:19:15 PM
Day 17 and feeling good! My skin issues have not cleared up completely, but doing much better and I've got good energy. Still some quirky digestive issues.
Made some delicious carrot-ginger-squash soup with coconut milk. Trying to find more less-meat recipes.
Overall, this is mostly fun! Much easier than I thought it would be.
Way to go Cheddarpie! I do a Thai red curry with veggies and coconut milk, meat free and awesome :) You can serve it over zoodles, butternut squash noodles, roasted caluflower, caulirice. Basically, it is just a stirfry of any and all veggies that look good or I have to use up, Some red curry paste and a can of coconut milk. Tonight was 2 different types of zucchini, onion, pepper, garlic, an Asian veggie I don't know the name of that came in our CSA, some fresh spinach, some beet greens.
I don;t remember what (or if) you said what your skin issues were, I had chronic Eczema when I lived on the coast. It took actually moving for it to totally clear up. Only mentioning because I noticed you are in Seattle.
Post by: screwit on September 23, 2016, 01:23:27 AM
Post by: rightstuff on September 23, 2016, 07:41:11 AM
It is a minestrone soup. We added italian seasoning to the pork. You could use turkey or beef I suppose, or go meatless!
Post by: cheddarpie on September 24, 2016, 09:35:51 AM
Day 17 and feeling good! My skin issues have not cleared up completely, but doing much better and I've got good energy. Still some quirky digestive issues.
Made some delicious carrot-ginger-squash soup with coconut milk. Trying to find more less-meat recipes.
Overall, this is mostly fun! Much easier than I thought it would be.
Way to go Cheddarpie! I do a Thai red curry with veggies and coconut milk, meat free and awesome :) You can serve it over zoodles, butternut squash noodles, roasted caluflower, caulirice. Basically, it is just a stirfry of any and all veggies that look good or I have to use up, Some red curry paste and a can of coconut milk. Tonight was 2 different types of zucchini, onion, pepper, garlic, an Asian veggie I don't know the name of that came in our CSA, some fresh spinach, some beet greens.
I don;t remember what (or if) you said what your skin issues were, I had chronic Eczema when I lived on the coast. It took actually moving for it to totally clear up. Only mentioning because I noticed you are in Seattle.
Thanks swick! I had curry last night.
Where did you move from/to? My eczema started after I moved to Seattle from New York in 2012. It's better on whole30 but not gone yet. I really hope I can figure it out with diet because moving is not an option!
Post by: swick on September 24, 2016, 10:05:18 AM
Thanks swick! I had curry last night.
Where did you move from/to? My eczema started after I moved to Seattle from New York in 2012. It's better on whole30 but not gone yet. I really hope I can figure it out with diet because moving is not an option!
I was born in Victoria, so dealt with it from birth (Inherited from my mom) When we moved to the Interior of BC when I was 6, both of ours cleared up (my mom had had severe eczema most of her life) Mine flared up again when I moved back to the coast in my early 20's and didn't clear up until I left again.
The only time as a child I had some relief was when the doctor cut out dairy and my mom switched to goats milk *shudders* That was back in the day when the stuff was HORRIBLE, still kinda is. But I wouldn't drink it and she got tired of fighting with me so back to cows milk and the eczema got worse.
Post by: cheddarpie on September 24, 2016, 11:41:42 AM
Post by: swick on September 24, 2016, 12:26:28 PM
Interesting. Thanks for the info -- I am really hoping dairy is not one of my issues, but I think it probably is. I've also had "chicken skin" on my arms for as long as I can remember (at least 25 years) and it's now almost totally cleared up on Whole30. Which is great, but thoughts of cheese make me sad ...
Chicken skin...hmmm you know that is one that I haven't thought of, I had the same for most of my life, and I don't now! It's not something I generally think about so I didn't really notice. cool.
Yeah, I LOVE cheese, and I don't avoid it completely I just know that if I have it, I will get congested. I may flare up my eczema, I will get a scratchy throat. My sinuses will go to shit. - but most of the effects for me last about 12 hours.
So knowing all that, I decide if it is worth it or not, most of the time, the answer in no. If I decide something IS worth it, I savour the heck out of it.
That's the cool thing about doing the whole 30 (and why doing the reintro systematically is so important) It gives you personal knowledge about how different foods affect your body ad allows you to make an informed choice.
How is everyone doing this fine Saturday?
Day 22 here. Food boredom is starting to set in, last week has been super busy so we've been sticking to quick basics. Feeling the itch to experiment :)
Post by: cheddarpie on September 25, 2016, 12:42:30 PM
Post by: N on September 25, 2016, 11:43:42 PM
Did a grocery shop today and stocked up on veggies and some meat and eggs. I have a bunch of chicken skins and fat trimmings in the freezer that I will render this week to use for cooking and flavoring, and Ill make a soup to have for lunches this week too. I feel very optimistic!
Post by: screwit on September 26, 2016, 01:39:44 AM
I think I may have accidentally gone keto? But I'm not sure how - I'm still eating fruit (although not as much as earlier, only about 1 piece per day) and potatoes (actually quite a lot of those this weekend) but I'm suddenly completely unable to keep up with my need for water and my urine has gone pretty dark. It's got me kinda worried. Thoughts?
Post by: swick on September 26, 2016, 08:11:24 AM
Day 15. Survived an impromptu day out with extended family which involved lots of cake and pizzas. This lack of hunger cravings from the sugar highs and lows is amazing - it is so easy to say no when your stomach isn't yelling at your brain the whole time!
I think I may have accidentally gone keto? But I'm not sure how - I'm still eating fruit (although not as much as earlier, only about 1 piece per day) and potatoes (actually quite a lot of those this weekend) but I'm suddenly completely unable to keep up with my need for water and my urine has gone pretty dark. It's got me kinda worried. Thoughts?
I think your symptoms are pretty common when switching over, but it's not something I know a lot about. It does sound like you might not be getting enough minerals, potassium, magnesium, sodium and such - especially if you are drinking tons of water.
A pretty common sign onf being in Keto is a metallic taste in your mouth.
Today was my start day and I did well, until I realized that corn on the cob is off limits. And I had already eaten it :) I did not use it as an excuse to eat other non compliant foods though, so that is good. I wont count today, but will start with tomorrow.
Did a grocery shop today and stocked up on veggies and some meat and eggs. I have a bunch of chicken skins and fat trimmings in the freezer that I will render this week to use for cooking and flavoring, and Ill make a soup to have for lunches this week too. I feel very optimistic!
Sounds like you have a plan! Good job on not eating other NC foods once you had the corn, I know one of the hardest habits I had to break was that "Well I screwed up so f*ck it, I'm going to eat all the things" mind trap.
Post by: N on September 27, 2016, 03:41:09 PM
Post by: ketchup on September 27, 2016, 03:44:41 PM
Im on Day 2. Im doing ok. I feel hungry almost all the time, but not particularly craving things. trying to drink a lot of water. Is there a list of which fruit/veg are NOT W30 compliant?Corn, if you consider that a vegetable.
Post by: newelljack on September 27, 2016, 04:23:18 PM
Im on Day 2. Im doing ok. I feel hungry almost all the time, but not particularly craving things. trying to drink a lot of water. Is there a list of which fruit/veg are NOT W30 compliant?Corn, if you consider that a vegetable.
Corn is not considered a vegetable under W30, since botanically it is a grain. They also call out things like potatoes (your regular baking potatoes or red boiling potatoes) and peanuts (not actually a nut, it turns out). Peanuts are legumes, like beans, and contribute to gut permeation.
Post by: swick on September 27, 2016, 06:29:48 PM
Corn is not considered a vegetable under W30, since botanically it is a grain. They also call out things like potatoes (your regular baking potatoes or red boiling potatoes) and peanuts (not actually a nut, it turns out). Peanuts are legumes, like beans, and contribute to gut permeation.
The have relaxed the rules a bit on white potatoes. Here is a current list: http://whole30.com/downloads/book-shopping-list.pdf (http://whole30.com/downloads/book-shopping-list.pdf)
and seasonl fruit/veggie guidehttp://whole30.com/downloads/seasonal-produce.pdf (http://whole30.com/downloads/seasonal-produce.pdf)
N- if you are feeling hungry try to incorporate some good healthy fats (avocado, nuts, coconut)
Post by: N on September 27, 2016, 10:34:37 PM
Post by: screwit on September 30, 2016, 12:16:56 PM
Everything's been easy going. I haven't been getting bored with food at all - I pretty much cook the way I always did, just drop the rice and pasta. Rice is probably the only thing I really miss. Even bread doesn't bother me!
In the first two weeks I was eating as much, if not more (in terms of mass at least) than I did before. That's changed a lot - having lost the sugar highs and lows, I tend to miss lunch just because I don't notice the time and every meal is just smaller than it was.
I've also "come out" at work. We've had a few events where I was clearly not eating cake or drinking wine. So I told them the truth - that since my pregnancy I've been having trouble with blood sugar and it had reached such scary levels that I'm doing something fairly dramatic add a first attempt to get it under control. Everyone just took it in stride and it hasn't been an issue.
My pre-prepped meals got me well through the week. The fridge and freezer is looking pretty bare again so tomorrow I'll be off on a big shop. But tonight I'm just waiting for DH to get home for my slow cooked beef gulasch!
Post by: N on September 30, 2016, 02:41:49 PM
I started out (not having read the book) just thinking it was about eliminating the foods on the NC list.
I didnt even really read anything about the whys or reintro or changing your relationship with food. Doh.
Anyway, read some more on the website. Im doing pretty well, having 3 solid meals with protein and lots of veggies. Im pretty hungry come meal time, so I eat a good plate full, and then I dont really snack. I guess snacking is where I used to have all my junk food. :) Im doing a good job and not dwelling on what I cant have. I havent tried ghee yet. I know its allowed, but historically, I have had trouble with dairy. I miss my faux butter, especially on veggies, but I actually suspect I react to it (earth balance). I might try some ghee.
I made a birthday cake for my kid and didnt eat any. I went to a friends and someone brought donuts, i didnt have any. My friends are all pretty cool and understand what Im doing (most have experience with being Raw, vegan, done w30 themselves, etc). My husband is still skeptical, but whatever.
I have been having a small homemade smoothie in the afternoon or evening, with 2 servings of fruit and water as the only ingredients. I dont think that is illegal, but I think its frowned upon. I didnt really know that until yesterday when I read about not drinking your food.
anyway, doing ok. Saturday is my usual grocery shop, so I will do that tomorrow. Ill probably go to costco this weekend, any good W30 things there?
Post by: ketchup on September 30, 2016, 03:04:10 PM
Ill probably go to costco this weekend, any good W30 things there?Oils (coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil)
Eggs
Avocados
Onions
Potatoes
Carrots
Mushrooms
Canned tuna
Frozen vegetables
Spices
Nuts
Canned coconut milk (recent addition that just showed up at my Costco)
Sometimes there are deals on meat.
Post by: swick on September 30, 2016, 03:08:40 PM
anyway, doing ok. Saturday is my usual grocery shop, so I will do that tomorrow. Ill probably go to costco this weekend, any good W30 things there?
Love costco for whole 30 ingredients! Coconut oil, nuts, chia seeds, frozen fruit/berries, avocado oil, meats - prosciutto, sweet potatoes (sometimes have them, sometimes not, but usually the cheapest I can get them for) flax meal, frozen seafood, canned tuna, coffee. Might have the whole 30 book too.
Good job on resisting the goodies :) The changing your relationship with food aspect of it is much bigger than I thought it would be!
Doing great Screwit, keep it up your 2/3 through!
Post by: N on October 03, 2016, 11:26:29 PM
I find that a full plate of W30 foods fills me up for about 4.5-5 hours and by then Im pretty hungry again.
I made some ghee and tried a little on sunday. It was delicious. No obvious digestion changes, so Ill have some again tomorrow.
Im pretty sure this is the longest Ive gone without chocolate of any kind in 20 years. :)
How is everyone else doing?
Post by: swick on October 04, 2016, 08:23:40 AM
I love my fitbit! It makes such a difference to your consciousness of movement throughout the day. I also like the challenges they have release, especially the park trails one :)
How are you doing without the chocolate? It's a good time to ponder our favorite foods/indulgences and explore why they are such a big part of our lives.
Finished my latest round, feeling good! I do have to step up my cooking game though. Getting kinda bored with the food and know that with the cold weather, harder to find good fresh veggies and holidays coming up it'll be more challenging.
I have adapted my crockpot chai recipe to leave out the honey (and half the time I don't bother with the tea - if we want to drink it in the evenings) and added some Chaga and Asteralgus. With a bit of frothed coconut or almond milk it is delish and satisfies that "Need warm belly hug" feeling.
How is everyone else doing?
Post by: rightstuff on October 04, 2016, 12:42:41 PM
I'm writing today to share a big surprise for me. Last week I decided to have a "big well known corporation" mocha as a treat. WOW! Still not sure what was added but I was so ill i had to go home from work. I've had some dairy, mostly in cheese form.. I haven't had any chocolate since we finished our first round of W30. I'm sincerely hoping it was something else in the mix, but I guess there is no going back in some situations.
Obviously, I've gone back to Whole 30 compliance for the next few days to get my system back to hmmm neutral? I guess.
Keep up the good work everybody!
Post by: swick on October 04, 2016, 12:50:44 PM
I suppose that is what reintro was for. It could have been any number of things, the HFCS in the chocolate syrup, any artificial flavorings and that crap - but I am guessing it was the milk.
I seem to be able to tolerate cheese better than milk. Cheese will give me the stuffed up, blocked sinuses, scratchy throat thing. Milk makes me feel like I got punched in the gut and all the fun effects that come with it. A Latte (no sugar or other stuff) was my first reintro and I had a similar experience.
Post by: rightstuff on October 04, 2016, 12:57:13 PM
Ouch, wrightstuff! Hope you are back on your feet soon!
I suppose that is what reintro was for. It could have been any number of things, the HFCS in the chocolate syrup, any artificial flavorings and that crap - but I am guessing it was the milk.
I seem to be able to tolerate cheese better than milk. Cheese will give me the stuffed up, blocked sinuses, scratchy throat thing. Milk makes me feel like I got punched in the gut and all the fun effects that come with it. A Latte (no sugar or other stuff) was my first reintro and I had a similar experience.
I'm really suspecting the 2% milk they used. They didn't have any soy in stock at the time. At least my budget won't have to worry about jumping back onto the morning mocha train!
Post by: screwit on October 06, 2016, 12:03:59 PM
I have now only 3 days left and have been planning for a latte on my first day. You've got me nervous now!
I better go and statt reading up on the reintro phase....
Post by: swick on October 06, 2016, 01:11:39 PM
Also, take your reintro slow. Try ONE THING see how it affects yo,. eat whole 30 until you feel normal again and try something new.
Unfortunately, there may be some discomfort involved, but that was kinda the whole point, too see how different foods affect you and give you that knowledge going forward.
If you have any reintro questions, lets us know!
3 days to go, you got this!!
Post by: N on October 06, 2016, 10:35:12 PM
http://whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/
honestly, I really am dreaming of having tiger blood energy levels. that sounds fun. :)
things have been going pretty smoothly. Im mostly at home with the kids, so I dont have to deal with work lunches or a lot of eating out committments. Tonight I made a batch of toasted nuts with coconut oil, cinnamon and salt and they were very satsifying as a snack. I am feeling a little bored, but I will grocery shop in the next two days so will have the chance to buy some different stuff.
whats everyone cooking/eating lately? one of my go-to's is a chicken-grapes-red onion-celery-walnut-mayo-lemon juice salad on lettuce. its, creamy, crunchy, tart and sweet and very filling. I used to eat it on crackers or toast, but its great on crunch romaine hearts, too.
Post by: swick on October 06, 2016, 10:58:03 PM
how nervous should I be about day 12
http://whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/
honestly, I really am dreaming of having tiger blood energy levels. that sounds fun. :)
things have been going pretty smoothly. Im mostly at home with the kids, so I dont have to deal with work lunches or a lot of eating out committments. Tonight I made a batch of toasted nuts with coconut oil, cinnamon and salt and they were very satsifying as a snack. I am feeling a little bored, but I will grocery shop in the next two days so will have the chance to buy some different stuff.
whats everyone cooking/eating lately? one of my go-to's is a chicken-grapes-red onion-celery-walnut-mayo-lemon juice salad on lettuce. its, creamy, crunchy, tart and sweet and very filling. I used to eat it on crackers or toast, but its great on crunch romaine hearts, too.
You'll be fine! If you're having weird dreams or cravings, just check in with us to be talked out of it :)
That salad sounds AWESOME. I'll admit to being in a bit of a rut. Last week was great I had lots of squash and sweet potatoes already roasted I could do stuff with. This week I've been so busy and stressed trying to get a new business off the ground I haven't been very creative. I threw together a quick beef spaghetti sauce, threw in some chopped spinach and beet greens and some butternut squash noodles and called it done. The last couple of days have been quick salads or soups.
We have three thanksgiving dinners to go to this weekend, still planning to stick as close to plan as possible, but I've finished my last round so an not going to sweat every little thing. When I'm not doing whole 30 I basically stick with the no dairy, no gluten, no soy, very limited amount of carbs and no sugar but trace amounts (in bacon or whatever) It seems to work well for me.
Post by: screwit on October 09, 2016, 08:52:48 AM
Which OF COURSE meant that friends put their baby gender cake party on this evening. Which makes me think several things
1. Baby gender parties are COMPLETE BOLLOCKS and I wish I didn't know people who did them.
2. Really, at the last meal time of this entire undertaking you put a CAKE party?
3. 6pm is NOT cake time. It is Dinner time. Come on.
4. We all have little kids. You may run yours by the south American keep em up till midnight tradition but the rest of them all need to be going to bed by 7 AND TOMORROW IS A WORK/DAY CARE DAY.
Bah effing humbug. And you can all get off my damn lawn as well.
Apparently Day 30 means "completely crappy mood" :/
Post by: swick on October 09, 2016, 12:23:49 PM
I totally get your frustration with gender parties and those other social obligations that you'd really rather not worry about. And the frustration about it being on your last day. On the bright side, it gives you an excuse to say no to the goodies. If you tried to re intro on cake, you'd probably be in a world of hurt and not be able to pinpoint why.
What is your plan for reintro?
Post by: screwit on October 09, 2016, 01:06:32 PM
The party turned out to be much nicer than I thought - it was really just immediate family: us there in person and the South American family via skype. I turned down the cake (pink), and my general mood is much improved over a few hours ago :)
Plan for reintro is: milk. I so very much miss my tea with milk at breakfast and my latte at morning tea. So that's tomorrow. I already expect some problems with it - when I have had a lot of milk in the past I would get stomach issues and the runs. I'm hoping there is a kind of minimum reaction threshold for me there that 2 drinks a day won't hit, but seeing as it's been a month with none at all the slight immunity may be gone. We'll see.
After that, I'm not sure. I do miss bread and I hope the heavy German rye isn't as bad for me as the lighter-than-air toast variety, but I may put that off for a while longer and give rice a shot as second reintro.
Then either chickpeas or soy. Both of those happen enough in my normal cooking that I'm really noticing not being able to use them.
Any suggestions from your experience?
Post by: N on October 09, 2016, 10:43:54 PM
I actually DID have a dream last night that I was grabbing all kinds of chocolate out of some cabinets and planning to hoard them. I laughed when I woke up, because it was so on the nose!
I finished Day 14. I had some pineapple juice with breakfast and it almost tasted like caramel, it was so so so sweet. Tomorrow Im planning to do some bulk food prepping. Roasting a huge beet, making some butternut squash soup, toasting some nuts, steaming some broccoli, roasting some beef bones for more broth. I might also make zucchini soup so my zukes dont go bad. I can freeze some portions of both the soups.
dang, now Im kinda hungry!
Post by: ketchup on October 10, 2016, 07:29:14 AM
In other news, our InstantPot will also arrive tomorrow. :D
Post by: screwit on October 11, 2016, 01:21:00 AM
The most obvious thing about my Whole 30 experience was my lack of hunger and cravings. Without my body chemistry screaming at me it was actually easy to not eat that piece of cake. I also think it flattened out my mood as well. The mild depressions that would randomly hit have been completely absent in the last 6 weeks. I would like to find out if it affects my pretty severe PMS, but I haven't really gotten my period this month (due to the operation I had - I'm not pregnant!).
I didn't notice any other real physical symptoms abating - I don't have excema, asthma etc etc bit I'm feeling physically pretty good. I think most of that is down to carrying around less weight and also my dedicated yoga practice of the last 6 months is starting to pay off. I'm moving easier and have suddenly realised that there is now a core strength that I never even noticed developing.
All of that, combined with my new hair cut giving me the image I always felt I was and my wardrobe adapting to match and I'm feeling better about myself than I have in over a decade.
Thanks swick and the other participants here who kept this thread alive so that I saw it when I needed it!
Post by: swick on October 11, 2016, 07:58:56 AM
Sounds like a lot of positives! Thank you for sharing your journey and results with us :) Please keep us posted and use us as a resource while you do your reintro!
Post by: N on October 11, 2016, 07:37:50 PM
Post by: 1967mama on October 12, 2016, 01:09:47 AM
I successfully navigated Thanksgiving this weekend. It helped that I was the cook! Out of the many dishes I made, I chose turkey, beets and brussell sprouts with bacon (a Dr. Axe recipe .. yum!). I left the stuffing, mashed potatoes (with dairy), peas, corn and pumpkin pie for my family to enjoy:-)
NSV: A pair of jeans that I bought 4 years ago slipped on me today. I'd been waiting to try them on until I thought they might actually fit, and today was the day. Well, by 1/2 way through the day, they were positively baggy and looked terrible! I'm so excited! Into the give-away box they go....my wardrobe is shrinking again.
I forgot to eat dinner tonight ~ said me, never! I'm usually so obsessive about food, so this was a new one for me.
Pumpkin smoothies/shakes (made with coconut milk) totally take the edge off the craving of all the pumpkin spice *EVERYTHING* around right now! ETA: Having about one a week; trying to not make it a SWYPO thing. Certainly better than breaking down and heading to SBUX for one!
screwit -- well done! I'm super impressed by your ability to avoid cake on the last day and last meal of your whole 30! I may not be doing that ...mine falls on the dinner at a fancy/gala/party thing. Pre-set menu and a round table of others eating the same thing. I faced this last year on my very first whole 30. (Hey, I just realized that its been a year since I decided whole 30 a try! Wow! Cool!)
Keep at it, everyone!
Post by: N on October 16, 2016, 11:13:57 PM
I had a rough week-my daughter has been very sick with gastritis pain. We had dr visits, and even a trip to the ER. When we went to the ER I actually took a thermos of soup and some cinnamon toasted nuts because I didnt want to risk being super hungry and having to resort to a vending machine or something. After 6 days, she seems to be improving. She is on some antacids, but I hope we can simplify her diet as well and get her feeling better.
Today I went for a walk with a friend, we walked for about an hour? Anyway, I got 11 thousand steps today, which is my highest, by 6k points, since I started using the fitbit. Woo!
Im down 12 lbs since starting ( I know you arent supposed to weigh...but oh well)
I dont know if I have cravings, exactly, but Im still thinking fondly about NC foods. Actually, this week, when my daughter was feeling so bad, and I was really stressed, is when I was really thinking about certain foods. Made me reallly see those emotional triggers that I have.
I went to a tea party today and I just had herbal tea. None of the snacks were W30, so I didnt have any. I was fine. I actually spent the whole time talking to a friend on a similar diet, so we compared notes. :)
Today I also did some food prep: roasted some veggies, made some veggie broth, made some curry cauliflour soup, so Im feeling ready for the week ahead. I made a spatchcocked roasted chicken with ghee and herbs rubbed under the skin and it was the most delicious chicken Ive made in a very long time. It was so good!
Ok-hope you all had a good weekend!
N
Post by: swick on October 17, 2016, 02:14:56 PM
I really want to acknowledge how amazing you did dealing with all of that and not giving up/in.
Way to go on the step record! It's kinda fun tracking with the fitbit, isn't it? Have you checked out the challenges you can do? I don't really like the NYC marathon one, but the one that winds through all the waterfalls and nature of Yosemite is awesome!
Recognizing those emotional triggers is, I think, one of the most important parts of all of this. Once you know the triggers it is easier to come up with a plan to deal with them when they show up. Self-care is such an important piece that people don't think of., but if you can replace the urge/signal to eat with something else that feeds you, you'll be much better off coping!
Keep on, keeping on, you are on the home stretch!
How is everyone else doing?
Post by: ketchup on October 17, 2016, 02:23:29 PM
Recent recipes:
http://www.realfoodwithdana.com/best-roasted-carrots/
http://www.grazedandenthused.com/single-post/2016/09/26/20-minute-Turkey-Gravy-PaleoAIPWhole30
http://autoimmune-paleo.com/bistro-chicken-salad-garlic-thyme-vinaigrette/
http://www.grazedandenthused.com/single-post/2014/08/04/PeachGlazed-Mini-Meatloaves-AIP-Friendly
All of which have been flippin' fantastic.
Also, our Instant Pot is the greatest thing since Whole30-compliant sliced bacon.
Post by: screwit on October 17, 2016, 02:29:11 PM
ketchup - peach glazed mini meatloaf? I think you just made my week.
Post by: N on October 17, 2016, 10:34:40 PM
omg. all those recipes look amazing. Im salivating!!
Post by: 1967mama on October 18, 2016, 02:06:19 AM
Post by: ketchup on October 18, 2016, 08:54:30 AM
ketchup - what Whole 30 things are you making in your Instant Pot? So far, I've only tried a whole chicken, stock with the bones and hard boiling farm fresh eggs. This morning I did steel cut oats for my husband and used the overnight timer for the first time. He reported in that they were excellent:-)So far all we've made are that turkey/gravy recipe, some basic bone-in chicken thighs, steamed artichokes, absurdly-overcooked broccoli (my fault...), and this lamb shanks recipe: http://gutsybynature.com/2015/08/26/lamb-shanks-with-ginger-and-figs-pressure-cooker-aip/
Post by: N on October 18, 2016, 12:10:56 PM
beef stew
bone broth
cauliflour steamed with bone broth then pureed into soup
veggie broth
steamed or roasted potatoes
steamed sweet potatoes
steamed chicken breasts to use in other recipes (salads, etc)
butternut squash steamed (then blended with coconutmilk for soup)
hard boiled eggs
Post by: horsepoor on October 18, 2016, 04:17:06 PM
ketchup - what Whole 30 things are you making in your Instant Pot? So far, I've only tried a whole chicken, stock with the bones and hard boiling farm fresh eggs. This morning I did steel cut oats for my husband and used the overnight timer for the first time. He reported in that they were excellent:-)
Spaghetti squash
Curry
Soups and stews
Chili
Unstuffed cabbage
Pulled pork
Pot roast
Chile verde
Post by: NorthernDreamer on October 19, 2016, 09:15:04 AM
I must say, in reading the timeline I was feeling like I don't quite fit a lot of it. My first day was the worst, and I've felt pretty level since then except for some days of gassiness (tapering off, THANK GOD). Until yesterday - day 14. I was sleep deprived due to a nutty two year old who'd been awake multiple times the night before (including off and on from 2 until bloody 4 am), and I was just feeling so DONE with the program. In the evening I was having dark thoughts of going to Tim Hortons today and getting an iced capp and a double chocolate donut, my weakness. Thinking, what the hell am I doing this for? Why can't I just treat myself? Luckily this morning I am feeling much stronger and committed to the program. I am looking forward to this Tiger Blood arriving soon.
I really want to weigh myself, but am trying to focus on my NSVs so far. I've been trying to compare eating whatever I want to work. From before I had my first child to now (almost 5 years), I've gained 20 lbs. Just before starting the W30, I'd been letting myself eat whatever I wanted, thinking, I'm "treating myself", that if I like it, then that's fine. Then I started comparing it to working - sure, I'd *like* to not work every day. That would be awesome. But if I started just not showing up for work, or leaving early, then I'd get fired (not the good kind of FIREd). I might *like* to eat sugary junk and chocolate every day. But if I do that, I gain weight, feel like crap, not have energy, etc. And I want to be here for my kids as long as possible. Plus I figure if my husband and I are working so hard to retire early, I should try to do my best to make sure I'm at my healthiest to enjoy a long life in retirement with him!
Post by: swick on October 19, 2016, 09:36:43 AM
Be proud of yourself for not giving in - and also doing it by yourself! It is really hard if you do not have a support network. Please use this thread and us as well!
The eating whatever/work analogy is a good one, I hadn't thought of it like that. It does get easier! Do you have any strategies in place for when you are feeling low? A compliant treat (preferably non-food)? The opportunity to take a few minutes to yourself?
How is everyone else doing?
Dinner tonight is butternut squash noodles with meat sauce :)
Post by: ketchup on October 19, 2016, 09:51:32 AM
GF weighed herself and she is down 11lbs (!) on a week of AIP. Some of that has to be water weight, and she in no way expects that rate to continue, but her body definitely likes what we're doing.
We've also re-embraced kombucha (a first for her, old hat for me), which means I need to start brewing at home again, because that crap is stupidly pricey at the store.
Post by: N on October 23, 2016, 10:25:39 PM
Im doing ok. Im not sure I can say that I notice any symptom improvements.
I have lost weight, 14 lbs.
I think my clothes fit differently and I had to tighten my fitbit and my ring is looser. So maybe I have reduced some inflammation or swollen-ness. One of my sports bras that was TOOOOO tight over the summer is wearable again.
And I havent cheated, which means Ive been eating radically different than before.
But Im having cravings. Im also fairly certain that the ghee isnt working for me.
The problem I have is that Im on this medication that makes me constipated, so results are not as clear cut as they should be.
I havent actually read the Whole 30 books, so maybe I should...not sure what Im going to do after day 30. continue? trial?
anybody have stories to share of day 31+ ?
Post by: Life in Balance on October 24, 2016, 08:24:50 AM
Post by: 1967mama on October 24, 2016, 02:34:38 PM
Post by: swick on October 24, 2016, 04:11:01 PM
Hi N. I'd use your energy levels and sleep quality as indicators of whether you should continue on a Whole45 or 60 or not. If you're having cravings, it might be good to continue until those diminish or it will make re-intro tougher. The fact that you're down 14 lbs. suggests to me that you were reacting to some food you were eating before, so I would plan on a careful and methodical re-intro when you do decide to do so.
This :) Sometimes the changes are internal or gradual so you don't notice things are better as well. For my first whole 30, I tried Dairy and then gluten and had such horrible reactions I went back to whole 30 for quite some time. If there are things like say, chickpeas, that are part of your old diet that you really miss, you can introduce them and see how it goes. Most likely it will be the dairy/sugar/grains/alcohol that will cause a noticeable reaction unless you have specific sensitivities to other things.
Just make sure when you are reintroducing foods, don't mix them. It's tempting to have a piece of cake but that would introduce dairy, gluten, sugar all at once and if you react you won't know to what.
If you are still dealing with cravings and the psychological side of things you might want to just stay on it a little longer. They say "30 days" so people are willing to try, but it is really a lifestyle change in a lot of ways and sometimes it takes longer than that.
1967mama - WAY TO GO!!! Those are AWESOME results! It's been so great seeing your journey and how far you have come :) Keep up the great work!
Post by: N on October 25, 2016, 04:14:44 PM
I went off program yesterday and today. Yesterday my daughter was admitted to the hospital and had surgery. I actually did not have a chance to eat all day and then I had dinner in the hospital cafeteria. I didnt go crazy but I had roasted veggies that Im sure had butter and I had a tablespoon of ketchup. Today I had hospital room service with my daughter and I had gravy on my turkey and potatoes for lunch. Im not beating myself up. I didnt eat bread or get soda or have desserts or anything else, but it was definitely NC.
We got out today and on my way home I was thinking, well, should I just go and have a big cheat day and get pizza? I normally love pizza. Maybe because Im just really wiped out emotionally and super tired, but I dont actually really want to go get pizza. I kinda do, because pizza, but really I dont, because symptoms.
I also need to W30 proof my fridge and cupboards more. I need more choices. I like to buy lemon juice from costco which is compliant, and add it to my fizzy water. I ran out, and the back up we happened to have is a conventional lemon juice that is full of junk. Why is most food full of junk??? ykwim. For me, planning ahead is key.
So, I think Ill return to W30 for the rest of the day and maybe do another 30.
I put a roast beef in the instant pot with some carrots and celery.
Im having a coffee with whipped coconut milk.
Im going to keep on keeping on.
about the weight-I would like to lose about 100 lbs, so Im not sure if the 14 Ive lost so far (couldnt weigh myself today or yesterday) are indicative of reactions, or the calorie reduction due to not eating all those extra grains/sugar/dairy.
I also did not get enough sleep over the last 2 days, so I need to go take a nap! oh-daughter had a laproscopic surgery and was released today, she is going to be totally fine! she also needs rest!!! but good outcome!!!
Post by: 1967mama on October 26, 2016, 12:26:25 AM
I got some bad/sad news about my son today about some learning disabilities and of course, turned to food. I am pretty happy, in hindsight, that my go-to stress food was 1/2 a box of organic raspberries and a Lara Bar.
Post by: screwit on October 26, 2016, 01:46:49 AM
I completely failed my reintroduction. Like you N, I wasn't noticing anything hugely different at the end of my W30 and after a week of trying to reintroduce slowly and methodically I failed completely with a stressful weekend of long travel and family. What I did notice then was that for 3 days where I was eating as before I felt AWFUL. I felt really sick and weak and dizzy the whole time. I was kind of blaming it on illness from my kids (the stuff they're bringing home from daycare right now is ridiculous - it's been nonstop illness for 2 months) but I really think it was sugar and bread.
So one thing I've learned about myself is the 100% solution (which was in an article a few pages ago) is what works for me. The minute I had to start evaluating can I/can'tI/when/how much, I lost the ability to stick to it at all. So yesterday I started again. This time it's going to be a modified W30, with chickpeas, lentils and kidney beans allowed and a single cappucino per day. Okay, so it's not a W30, but I'm going to keep calling it one because that works for me.
I'm going to set the end date as the end of next month so it will be umm, 36 days? I just found trying to work out what day I was on really annoying and the end of a month is much easier to calculate to!
So then it's a.... non-W36? Am I still allowed to hang out here with that?
But this 100% thing has been enlightening. I've actually introduced it into other aspects of my life - budgeting, study, sex life... Yep, indeed. :D
Post by: swick on October 26, 2016, 02:47:19 AM
N - CONGRATS ON YOUR DAY 30!! You have had some major challenges and you did the best you could under the circumstances and you should be so proud of yourself. Sending lots of healing, positive thoughts for your daughter and family.
If you decide to extend your whole 30, We'll be here to support you :)
1967mama - I'm sorry to hear about your bad news. I've had some experience teaching students with learning disabilities and coming up with home strategies and such. if you need any support, please PM me. It is huge that you responded with raspberries and lara bars, thinking back to when you first started you probably would have handled it very differently. You have made so many awesome changes for yourself and your family.
screwit - Reintro is hard. Documenting everything is important because you tend to adopt to a new "Baseline" very easy, feeling good becomes your new normal so you don't really realize things have gotten different/better until you do the reintro and see how the foods affect you when you are operating for a more balanced baseline.
Ultimately you have to do what works for you, this is what the whole process is about. If that means having some legumes or the occasional cappuccino and they don't make you feel bad, that is great! We definitely aren't going to kick you out because you are doing it your own way :) The only thing I try and do is if I do share something that is not compliant, I try to remember to state it right up front. We're all on different paths/stages of the journey :)
When I'm not "actively" doing a whole 30 I include the occasional legumes, the occasional bit of rice/rice noodle when we are eating out or even the occasional bowl of popcorn. These are all planned and I thoroughly enjoy them. It's really the gluten/dairy/sugar that affects me so those are the ones I try and stay away from the most.
Post by: ZiziPB on October 27, 2016, 11:36:34 AM
So the plan is to clean out the fridge and pantry this weekend, plan my meals and stock up on W30 foods, and start on Monday. A couple of specific issues I am facing:
- I can't eat avocados - I think I'm allergic to them. I've had several bad reactions (severe stomach cramps) at the end of my last W30 and a couple of times after that, so I stopped eating them.
- I think I will also need to exclude dried fruit from the W30 as the high sugar content triggers terrible cravings for me
- I still haven't found a good milk substitute for my morning coffee, so I will probably switch to tea with lemon again (unless someone can suggest something else - I tried coconut milk/oil but it didn't work for me).
Any tips and suggestions are most welcome!
Post by: N on October 28, 2016, 11:04:48 PM
or maybe you could try cashew milk? its not too hard to make at home.
Post by: debbie does duncan on October 29, 2016, 08:42:39 AM
the 3 foods you are having problems with are all short chain carbohydrates.
You may have a form of IBS known as FODMAPS.
http://www.badgut.org/information-centre/health-nutrition/low-fodmap-diet/
I have this......no dairy/grains.....low fruit .
Good luck.
Post by: Life in Balance on October 29, 2016, 11:10:31 AM
http://www.med.monash.edu/cecs/gastro/fodmap/
Post by: screwit on October 30, 2016, 01:25:18 PM
They are DELICIOUS.
Buuuuuuut I have an already-noted sensitivity to almond butter and in over indulging my knees are now so painful I can barely get in and out of chairs! Grrrrr I'm so angry at myself - I KNEW this would happen but I still went ahead and did it.
So now I guess I will get to see how long it takes to work this out of my system, at least enough that whatever kind of inflammation is going on goes down.
Post by: ZiziPB on October 30, 2016, 08:21:10 PM
For coffee, I put a couple tablespoons of the coconut "cream" the rises to the top of a can of coconut milk, into the blender with a bit of the hot coffee. whiz it up for a minute, then add that back into the rest of the coffee.Cashew milk sounds great but unfortunately I don't have a blender. I think it will be tea with lemon instead 😊
or maybe you could try cashew milk? its not too hard to make at home.
Debbie and LIB, never heard of Fodmaps. Sounds interesting. I thought that maybe I have latex allergy (latex fruit syndrome) because the two things that cause me the most cramps are papayas and avocados? In the past I also had trouble with bananas but I can eat them now.
Post by: 1967mama on October 31, 2016, 12:27:56 AM
I've completely come off the rails in the last 2 days, so I'm starting another Whole30 again on November 1st. This will be my 5th, I think?? Losing track! Much stress in my life, atm, and eating like crap is just making it worse! I"m moody, miserable, over tired yet insomniac....grrrrrrrr!
I have so much to learn still.
ETA: Link to article screwit referred to: http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellbeing/the-100-per-cent-rule-the-simple-advice-that-changed-my-life-20160825-gr16da.html
Post by: ZiziPB on October 31, 2016, 07:31:24 AM
Post by: swick on October 31, 2016, 08:01:19 AM
Ugh - I just opened the bag of Halloween Candy that I have had in the pantry since July. Soooo glad to be getting it out of the house. While it is full of what use to be my favorites, I have ZERO interest in eating any. The smell alone - that plastic, artificial, chemical smell has me wanting to toss my breakfast. Actually, I might keep smelling it throughout the day. Talk about aversion therapy!
So mama and zizi, what are your goals and aspirations for this time around?
I feel like with the change in weather I have been having trouble getting in all the veggies I want to. I also have gotten into the habit of really having one main meal a day and a snack. I just haven't really been hungry, so I want to get back into the habit of three meals (even if they are smaller ones) Also, I think it be time to actually up the exercise. I get out for a walk in the forest with the pups every day for at least an hour - but now that I have the weight loss kind of in hand (and starting to stall), I think I need to actually build some muscle.
Ohh I made these last night Sweet Potato meatballs!: http://www.slimmingeats.com/blog/pork-sweet-potato-meatballs (http://www.slimmingeats.com/blog/pork-sweet-potato-meatballs)
They are awesome! I didn't have any cilantro. I fried up some reg. onion with cabbage and added that to the meat and sweet potato.
I had some leftover lemon grass, ginger, thai chili and garlic I blended up with the coconut aminos and a splash of fish sauce and added that to the meat mixture too.
Served it with some wok fried cabbage and some kimchi :) Reminds me of wonton filling, just without the dough wrapper!
She actually has some pretty good looking Whole 30 recipes I'm excited to try.
What did you prep for the week, Zizi? I need some inspiration!
Post by: ZiziPB on October 31, 2016, 08:15:16 AM
For lunch I made sort of a sloppy joe with ground turkey (sauteed onions and garlic, a grated carrot and a tablespoon of tomato paste). I portioned it and packaged with roasted butternut squash and steamed green beans. For dinner, I made beef and cabbage curry (but I also added a couple of cubed potatoes). I hate cooking when I get home from work in the evening, so I always make sure that I have dinner ready to be reheated. In case you're wondering, I don't mind eating the same thing every day for a week :-)
Post by: swick on October 31, 2016, 08:26:55 AM
In case you're wondering, I don't mind eating the same thing every day for a week :-)
Ahh I'm jealous :) I could easily eat the same thing for a week and be happy. Hubby needs more variety and he always takes dinner leftovers for lunch, so we can't have it too many days in a row. When he was gone on business last week I made a big pot of Tom Ka and a big pot of Clam Chowder and happily had it all week. On the bright side, he was able to do a costco trip on his way home, so it'll make it much easier this time around!
I hear you about not wanting to cook after getting home from work. I do have to get better at meal planning/prep I tend to wing it, which more often than not means scrambling whatever leftovers are in the fridge and cobbling them together for a meal. It's a useful skill, but one I shouldn't rely on as much as I do :)
Have you had a chance to look into the FODMAPS stuff yet? It might be an idea to dow a low FODMAPS version of whole 30 I think there is a shopping list and guide lines on the site. I know I have to watch my nut intake, or I get a weird rash on my chest.
Post by: ZiziPB on October 31, 2016, 09:22:14 AM
Post by: swick on October 31, 2016, 09:26:11 AM
Post by: Hotstreak on October 31, 2016, 04:05:01 PM
Post by: swick on October 31, 2016, 04:32:15 PM
Please let us know if you have any questions as we get started! Thanksgiving is doable if you plan ahead :)
Post by: N on October 31, 2016, 11:12:19 PM
http://paleomg.com/almost-5-ingredient-pizza-spaghetti-pie/
I added mushrooms when i sauteed the onions and sausage. Super tasty! I ate it for dinner before heading to a halloween party with the kids. The hostess offered me a drink and I though it was La Croix so I took one, and it was so delicious! Half way through it, I read the can and it was San Pellegrino and had sugar. UGH! Annoying! I should have noticed right away when it was soo good! LOL. I stopped when I realized it had sugar, though.
I ate some canned corn today too, but on purpose. I have always loved corn so I thought Id test it. I have been thinking about what else I want to trial...I dont miss beans at all. I dont even really miss soy sauce. I have the coconut aminos. Sometimes I like a bowl of split pea soup, but that is at most a couple times a year. I do like peanut butter, but it often gives me headaches, but then, I usually eat it on bread and sometimes is the kind with added palm oil. Im not sure if I should trial it by itself just to see, or if I just keep on avoiding it. ?? I really only like it as part of a pbj or with chocolate. and if Im not eating those things either...well...
I admit that I was feeling tempted by the halloween candy today. Every time I say no thanks to some food, I feel reminded about how much junk I was eating before. Im really working on making better choices and setting myself up for success, like eating before the party and making foods ahead. Im trying to always have some cooked spagetti squash, cooked sweet potatoes, and butternut soup in the fridge because those are very filling but dont cook quickly. Im trying to have some cooked proteins in the fridge too.
Im probably going to stick very close to Whole 30 for November as well. I will probably trial dairy and wheat, but Im not expecting those to go well :) I stopped using ghee. Im definitely going to want W30 thanksgiving ideas. :)
Post by: ZiziPB on November 01, 2016, 04:09:29 AM
Post by: 1967mama on November 01, 2016, 10:20:27 AM
Post by: ZiziPB on November 01, 2016, 10:31:20 AM
Day 2 for me today. Day 1 didn't go well - the on and off migraine I was battling over the weekend returned with full vengeance on Monday. I'm sure that not having my usual coffee in the morning contributed to it. I felt so sick that I was in bed and asleep before 8 pm. Feeling much better this morning and hoping that today is a better day :-)
BTW, my snacking habits were so bad since I did the first Whole 30 back in February that I gained almost 11 pounds since then! Hoping to shed most of it and hoping to change my habits (I eat a lot of sweet, sugary snacks).
Post by: N on November 01, 2016, 01:18:06 PM
Post by: swick on November 01, 2016, 01:42:51 PM
Giving out Halloween candy was interesting last night, I didn't want any of it. Wasn't remotely tempted (despite being some of my old favorites) but it did trigger a serious need to snack. So I had a few raisins, a couple of slices of turkey and a few almonds. So all in all not so bad, but clearly some more work to do on the psychological side of things. Which is expected given I've got a bit of an addictive personality :)
On the eating breakfast front - ermm... well it's almost 1 pm. Darn forum sidetracking!
Hope you are feeling better, Zizi!
Anyone have some tried and true ideas for using some cooked beets? I got a good deal on a big bag and promptly forgot about them. SO now I have a full bowl in the fridge I need to use up. I thought about making Borscht but Hubby isn't a fan.
How are you doing after the Sugar, N? Did you find that you are wanting more?
Post by: ketchup on November 01, 2016, 01:46:39 PM
It's rather mustache-shaving, but an order from this site (http://www.paleoonthego.com/) was perfect for GF last week when she was flew out of town all week for work. Not easy when you can't just pack a cooler full of leftovers. Also some "Pork clouds" and sweet potato chips made with coconut oil and salt and nothing else.
We'll be starting our reintroduction (starting with egg yolks, black pepper, and seed-based spices in that order spaced out by a few days) right around Day 30. Nearly everything is W30 compliant for about another month of our reintro.
Onward and upward!
Post by: swick on November 01, 2016, 02:00:56 PM
Post by: Hotstreak on November 01, 2016, 02:15:48 PM
Anyone have some tried and true ideas for using some cooked beets? I got a good deal on a big bag and promptly forgot about them. SO now I have a full bowl in the fridge I need to use up. I thought about making Borscht but Hubby isn't a fan.
I make a beet hash regularly. It's a bit sweet but quite good, and W30 compliant!
In a pan, sauté:
Cooking oil
Garlic
Onion
Chopped bacon or sausage of some type
When meat is cooked through, add:
Par-boiled potatoes & beets, cubed
Salt
Pepper
Cayenne pepper (optional!)
Stir & Cook for a while. When potatoes and beets are cooked through, add:
Chopped beet greens, if you have them
Chopped Kale and/or Collards
Stir well & cook until greens are soft. If the pan gets dry add more cooking oil, not water (I use coconut oil for this recipe). It's nice to have the potatoes and beets par boiled so they take in some of the meat flavor while it's all cooking together, but I don't see any reason you couldn't mix them in towards the end. If you try this let me know how you like it!
Post by: ketchup on November 01, 2016, 02:47:19 PM
Awesome update, Ketchup! I was wondering how you were doing! Can you share some of your AIP recipes/resources? I don't feel the need to go that strict (yet), and I'm wondering what you are actually eating!We've used this site a lot for AIP info: http://autoimmune-paleo.com/
Recent recipes (may have posted some of these already):
http://www.cleaneatingveggiegirl.com/2016/01/12/aip-paleo-avocado-turmeric-chicken-salad/
http://enjoyingthisjourney.com/aip-greek-salad/
http://www.primalpalate.com/paleo-recipe/autoimmune-paleo-orange-teriyaki-meatballs/ (honey so no-go on W30)
http://autoimmune-paleo.com/hawaiian-salmon/
http://autoimmune-paleo.com/bistro-chicken-salad-garlic-thyme-vinaigrette/ (this is truly the greatest thing ever)
http://www.grazedandenthused.com/single-post/2014/08/04/PeachGlazed-Mini-Meatloaves-AIP-Friendly
Tonight:
http://autoimmune-paleo.com/bacon-beef-liver-pate-with-rosemary-and-thyme/
Also bottling a batch (4 bottles) of homemade kombucha tonight so we'll see how that comes out in a few more days.
We've been doing this together with a friend and her mom. The friend has Hashimoto's and it's been really good for her so far too.
The hardest restrictions are by far eggs and black pepper. I can handle going without everything else reasonably easily, but I feel like those are in *everything* we used to cook. Luckily they're some of the first to reintroduce.
Also: Cauliflower "rice" has totally become a thing you can buy at the store. And it's way better than my (many) attempts at making it at home.
Also also: W30-compliant no-sugar-or-bullshit bacon is available at a regular store in my area so we don't have to buy it online anymore. Check your stores!
Post by: swick on November 01, 2016, 03:04:17 PM
If you try this let me know how you like it!
I could kiss you, Hotstreak, THANK YOU! You solved my dilemma of what to have for breakfasts for the next couple of days! I couldn't follow your recipe exactly, but I did fry up some onions, garlic, chopped up bacon and beets with some salt and a bunch of pepper. So good! Must remember a little bacon fat makes everything taste awesome :D
Having trouble finding good greens now that our CSA has ended for the year. But going to keep an eye out for some so I can make your whole recipe. Thanks again!
Thanks for all the links Ketchup, I'll be checking them out! It is things like spices and pepper I don't know if I could go without. I'm pretty certain anything can taste good with the right/enough spices. But I definitely am going to try some of the recipes you posted!
Post by: horsepoor on November 01, 2016, 08:47:49 PM
Anyone have some tried and true ideas for using some cooked beets? I got a good deal on a big bag and promptly forgot about them. SO now I have a full bowl in the fridge I need to use up. I thought about making Borscht but Hubby isn't a fan.
I really like them simply with your oil of choice, lemon zest and some nice sea salt and pepper.
You could also do Red Flannel Hash (http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/red_flannel_hash/) with some poached eggs (I use bacon, not corned beef).
Post by: N on November 01, 2016, 10:09:02 PM
I usually cube and oven roast them with oil, salt and pepper.
If you can eat them raw, you can grate them into a salad.
The sugar in the soda didnt seem to ....hmmm. I did have trouble going to bed early enough and then I crashed this afternoon around 4, I was soooo tired. related? I dont know. I did not have any candy last night though. So it didnt trigger any super strong cravings.
Except I keep fantasizing about my favorite pizza place. I will plan a visit there soon, but first I aim to trial dairy and wheat separately. I think Ill do dairy tomorrow. I bought a whole, full fat yogurt to try (with limited ingredients and no gums) and maybe Ill have a bite of hard cheese too.
When I was around 18 or 19 I made the connection that milk gave me digestion problems. I didnt really cut it out strictly though, until my son reacted to dairy in my breastmilk. His reactions were terrible, so I gave it up adn since then have cut it back and been on and off dairy free. It will be interesting to see how I react to it all by itself.
Ive lost 15 lbs since I started W30. Woo!
Post by: swick on November 01, 2016, 10:25:10 PM
Except I keep fantasizing about my favorite pizza place. I will plan a visit there soon, but first I aim to trial dairy and wheat separately. I think Ill do dairy tomorrow. I bought a whole, full fat yogurt to try (with limited ingredients and no gums) and maybe Ill have a bite of hard cheese too.
When I was around 18 or 19 I made the connection that milk gave me digestion problems. I didnt really cut it out strictly though, until my son reacted to dairy in my breastmilk. His reactions were terrible, so I gave it up adn since then have cut it back and been on and off dairy free. It will be interesting to see how I react to it all by itself.
Ive lost 15 lbs since I started W30. Woo!
Good plan on doing the reintos separate first. Good luck with the dairy reintro, let us know how it goes! WAHOO on the weight loss, doesn't it feel GOOD?!?
Post by: ZiziPB on November 02, 2016, 04:40:29 AM
Post by: swick on November 02, 2016, 01:27:51 PM
I fully admit to frequently sending stuff we are given (or extra Halloween candy) with my husband to leave in the lunchroom. He said he put out a full bowl in the morning and by lunch time it was nearly gone. I do feel a little bad about it :S
Next Halloween we will be shifting to non-crap treats or maybe non-edibles? I'll have to think and plan for it. It's our second Halloween here so now I have a little better of an idea on how many kids we will get. It's interesting viewing the whole "trick or treating" thing through the lens of how bad sugar is and how much these kids are getting, and how bad it was for triggering binging and secretive eating when I was a kid....need to ponder all this some more.
Post by: Hotstreak on November 02, 2016, 01:54:05 PM
I figured my cheese and kefir would go bad, so I ate them for dinner on the 31st (along with a salad). There are a few things I won't be using for the next month, & may go looking for complaint alternatives: coconut milk for coffee, lemon juice for tea, sriracha sauce, and chewing gum. I'm sure there will be more things as I keep reading labels.
I've been pretty accepting of small amounts of sugar in commercial sauces, so I'm going to need to make those on my own if I want to use them. I don't think it's nutritionally different to make my own sauce sweetened with fruit juice vs. using one with honey or molasses or a little sugar, but I do want to follow this Whole 30 to the letter, so I'll be getting creative & trying new things.
Oh my goodness, Halloween candy! We got a bunch at my office & people absolutely scarfed it down. The bowls are all empty, but I kept a stash of the good stuff on my desk and now I'm using it to bribe my coworkers :).
I do not participate in the mass giving of candy to kids, though. I'd love to think that every parent controls their kids candy intake & keeps things somewhat reasonable, but the reality is that many kids will be binge eating thousand of calories of pure sugar this week. That's not healthy under any circumstances & reinforces poor food habits these kids will carry with them for a lifetime (while we all pay for the associated healthcare, but that's another topic).
I could kiss you, Hotstreak, THANK YOU! You solved my dilemma of what to have for breakfasts for the next couple of days! I couldn't follow your recipe exactly, but I did fry up some onions, garlic, chopped up bacon and beets with some salt and a bunch of pepper. So good! Must remember a little bacon fat makes everything taste awesome :D
Having trouble finding good greens now that our CSA has ended for the year. But going to keep an eye out for some so I can make your whole recipe. Thanks again!
I'm glad you liked it! I just had some for lunch.
Post by: swick on November 02, 2016, 02:04:46 PM
I've made a few adjustments to stay compliant. This is my first time on the program so it's all new to me.
I figured my cheese and kefir would go bad, so I ate them for dinner on the 31st (along with a salad). There are a few things I won't be using for the next month, & may go looking for complaint alternatives: coconut milk for coffee, lemon juice for tea, sriracha sauce, and chewing gum. I'm sure there will be more things as I keep reading labels.
Hotstreak, definitely use us as a resource with this being your first time! Any observations/thoughts/challenges/successes you have it is worth noting and sharing! Especially so you have a bit of a record to look back on later.
Just wanted to mention that Sriracha isn't complaint - but Cholula is! At least the regular one, not sure about all the specialty flavors.
Chewing gum isn't advised because you are trying to regulate your digestive system and chewing gum stimulates your digestive system but doesn't provide food.
Post by: ZiziPB on November 03, 2016, 06:53:13 AM
W30 seems much easier the second time around. The timeline seems compressed? My hangover feeling lasted a day and now I'm experiencing a surge in energy. Hmm...
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 03, 2016, 10:05:23 PM
Post by: ZiziPB on November 04, 2016, 05:10:39 AM
Hi all, I'm back! Great to see this thread has kept chugging on. I did my first Whole30 this time last year and felt amazing. My motivation last time was awful hayfever & allergies plus 10kg extra weight. A year on and I find myself in the exact same place. Am on strong asthma meds so I can breathe and have such a bad cough that hubby is sleeping on the kids room. Unfortunately despite feeling awesome on Whole30 I haven't managed to make the changes stick - so that is the goal this time around - allergy relief and better habits for the rest of my life. Glad to be joining you. Day 1 starts tomorrow.Another person joining us for November! How exciting! I am also hoping to achieve some permanent changes this time, KiwiSonya. So best of luck to both of us!
Post by: ZiziPB on November 04, 2016, 06:58:39 AM
Just had a banana for a snack and will have some herbal tea soon. Day 5 for me and feeling great.
Post by: swick on November 04, 2016, 07:51:06 AM
Hi all, I'm back! Great to see this thread has kept chugging on. I did my first Whole30 this time last year and felt amazing. My motivation last time was awful hayfever & allergies plus 10kg extra weight. A year on and I find myself in the exact same place. Am on strong asthma meds so I can breathe and have such a bad cough that hubby is sleeping on the kids room. Unfortunately despite feeling awesome on Whole30 I haven't managed to make the changes stick - so that is the goal this time around - allergy relief and better habits for the rest of my life. Glad to be joining you. Day 1 starts tomorrow.Another person joining us for November! How exciting! I am also hoping to achieve some permanent changes this time, KiwiSonya. So best of luck to both of us!
+1 It's good to see you KiwiSonya. I wish you were feeling better though! Sucks that you are dealing with all the allergies again. The lasting change part is hard, it's the shift from going from "short-term experiment" to " new way of life" that is the most challenging.
Way to go for not giving into the doughnut temptation, ZiziPB that would have been tough! I know I have it easier than most working from home because I have much more control over my environment most of the time. Keep on feeling great!
Post by: Hotstreak on November 04, 2016, 11:11:04 AM
I'm on day 4 & things are going pretty well so far. One issue I'm having is breakfast. My normal breakfast, which I eat at work, is a mix of unsweetened coconut flakes, almond meal, chia & flax seeds, salt, cinnamon, and... unflavored whey protein isolate, and a small amount of instant oats. It's not sweet, at all, & actually fairly low carb considering it's an "oatmeal" recipe. To try and replace it, one morning I microwaved eggs, but they didn't fill me up at all. Two days this week I ate a banana & some mixed nuts, which filled me up okay, but the sweetness of the banana was unpleasant in the morning. I'm thinking I will just pack an extra half serving of whatever I'm having for lunch and eat that in the mornings. I bike to work 2-3 days/week and need some food!
Any suggestions from my fellow W30ers?
Post by: ZiziPB on November 04, 2016, 11:42:19 AM
Post by: ketchup on November 04, 2016, 12:05:17 PM
Swedish Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy.
This.
This this this.
Make these meatballs if you have an InstantPot or other pressure cooker. They are fantastic.
(W30/Paleo/AIP/etc compliant)
Made them last night and the GF is bringing them with her for leftovers on a trip for today and tomorrow. Outrageously good.
Post by: swick on November 04, 2016, 12:15:05 PM
Tuna or chicken salad made with some homemade mayo would be portable.
You could also keep with your usual breakfast but add in some chopped fruit. Also looks like it could use some fat in there to help keep you full - nut butter would work. You might be able to replace the whey with some gelatin? Not sure, I take no responsibility if you try it and it is horrible :)
Doing well. Made some soup out of stock I saved from my last Kahlua pork, some asparagus stock, roasted tomatoes, roasted red peppers and zucchini all from the freezer. I've got some chai concentrate brewing in the crockpot.
Last night was craving something warm and not caffeinated so made some "Chocolate Mint" tea (loose Spearmint, peppermint, and some cocoa powder) with a splash of cashew milk. It was tasty and warm.
How is everyone else doing?
Post by: horsepoor on November 04, 2016, 12:30:19 PM
I never realized how much restaurants water down their Cholula until I bought my own bottle, this stuff is pretty thick!
I'm on day 4 & things are going pretty well so far. One issue I'm having is breakfast. My normal breakfast, which I eat at work, is a mix of unsweetened coconut flakes, almond meal, chia & flax seeds, salt, cinnamon, and... unflavored whey protein isolate, and a small amount of instant oats. It's not sweet, at all, & actually fairly low carb considering it's an "oatmeal" recipe. To try and replace it, one morning I microwaved eggs, but they didn't fill me up at all. Two days this week I ate a banana & some mixed nuts, which filled me up okay, but the sweetness of the banana was unpleasant in the morning. I'm thinking I will just pack an extra half serving of whatever I'm having for lunch and eat that in the mornings. I bike to work 2-3 days/week and need some food!
Any suggestions from my fellow W30ers?
Sounds like you'd like Fauxtmeal (http://www.glutenfreefrenzy.com/2015/08/paleo-no-oats-fauxtmeal-whole30-compliant-gluten-free.html). You can adjust the banana down if it's too sweet.
Post by: Hotstreak on November 04, 2016, 01:10:06 PM
swick - Thanks for the suggestions! I'm trying to avoid fruits, but I like your idea about gelatin. Now I need to pick which mug I'm going to deposit this permanent layer of dissolved gelatin on - the office dishwasher is not capable of removing these things :).
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 04, 2016, 10:15:19 PM
Post by: N on November 04, 2016, 11:16:50 PM
My dairy trial was non eventful. No troubles at all. Yesterday I did go and have a pizza. Its a woodfired thin crust build your own place. It was tasty and I enjoyed it, but it wasnt the be all end all. I think I did notice a couple reactions later, but not major. Im going back to plan for a few more days and observing. Im still losing weight, so I am trying to focus on getting enough sleep (lacking this week), and eating at better times of the day.
Post by: ZiziPB on November 06, 2016, 05:58:57 AM
Post by: ZiziPB on November 07, 2016, 03:31:06 AM
- eggs with sweet potato and chicken sausage for breakfast
- mixed salad with tuna for lunches (got Italian canned tuna in olive oil at Costco - expensive but so good)
- spaghetti squash and chicken cacciatore for dinner tonight, then bigos (Polish cabbage and sourkraut stew with pork and sausage) for the rest of the week.
Hope everyone else is doing well.
Post by: Hotstreak on November 07, 2016, 11:18:19 AM
I took time this weekend to prepare quite a bit of food:
- Mashed hard boiled eggs with mustard, avocado oil, spices
- Vegetable chicken stew
- Sautéed green beans with garlic
- Sautéed asparagus with garlic
- Baked acorn squash with cinnamon & ghee
- Chopped raddish, broccoli, & mushrooms in the fridge + tomatoes & avocado on the counter for salads (enough lettuce in the fridge for the week). I use olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dressing.
- One plate of leftover venison liver, sautéed onions heavily seasoned, sautéed mushrooms with radish. I'm looking forward to this tomorrow!
- Taking a beef roast out of the freezer to thaw, for cooking this weekend.
I also have snacks at work including canned meats, mixed nuts, and chocolate bars (100% cocoa, W30 complaint!!). Towards the end of the week I will have my last CSA pickup, and whatever they give me will determine what I eat over the weekend and in to next week.
Post by: swick on November 07, 2016, 11:47:56 AM
I did some as well!
- Carrot sticks and homemade chipotle dressing for dip portioned out and ready to go
- Big batch of Ragutooi (basically a combo of Ragu and Ratatouille) that turns into a delish stew
- Gluten-free Cornbread and Buckwheat crepes (these are for Hubby for breakfasts and lunches, but should lighten my load so I can focus on more tasties for me)
- Big batch of chicken salad I have been eating the last couple of days. Chicken, pecans, chipotle dressing, celery, green onion.
- Chicken Stock
- Asparagus Stock
A friend shared this recipe, which made with Gee should be delish and I have all the ingredients for! https://smittenkitchen.com/2016/11/roasted-cauliflower-with-pumpkin-seeds-brown-butter-and-lime/ (https://smittenkitchen.com/2016/11/roasted-cauliflower-with-pumpkin-seeds-brown-butter-and-lime/)
I'm also trying to figure out something to do with carrot tops. They are pretty bitter but I am determined not to compost them. I tried them raw in a salad, but it was pretty much all I could taste. I know some people make pesto with it, but I can't imagine it would be much better, especially without the cheese. SO I'm going to sautee some in garlic and see if that mellows them out a bit.
I have not been following the "no scale" rule as I have been doing this style of eating so long and am about 15 lbs off my goal weight, I just want to monitor and make sure I am losing at a consistent and sustainable weight. Averaging about 1.2 pounds a week which seems to be working well for me. To date, that is 80 lbs. lost.
N - Glad to hear your dairy and gluten trials went well. Gluten especially may not cause immediate symptoms but can be accumulative and show up over time, just so you are aware of that.
How is everyone else doing? KiwiSonya? 1967mama?
Post by: N on November 07, 2016, 10:34:51 PM
Today I made a big batch of the Pizza Pie (spaghetti squash, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, pizza sauce and eggs), a double batch of chicken bone broth, a dozen hard boiled eggs.
Tomorrow Im making a pot roast with enough for extras all week.
I have two servings of my chicken salad from the weekend also.
prep is good!
Its been 6 weeks since I started and Im down 18 lbs.
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 08, 2016, 02:00:01 AM
I have made several shifts in mindset since I last did whole30 at the start of the year. I have been reading the Stoics and trying to 'Eat to Live ' not the other way around - and that has helped. I've always made food a bit too central to my life and that has been unhealthy for me. Eating shouldn't be about what I "feel like" but what nutrition my body needs - and you can plan this on paper and make it the day or week before! Much like last time it astonishes me how out of control our "treating culture" has become - unhealthy food is pedalled at every corner for every possible reason. I haven't really been interested in any of it - fixing my health is my No.1 priority and no crappy food is going to stand in my way.
You guys have done amazingly with your weight lost. I'm very impressed. And the food all sounds yum. Keep it up! KS
Post by: swick on November 08, 2016, 12:54:14 PM
How do I know? I haven't slept because I am in too much pain. All my nerves hurt. I can feel the inflammation. I feel like I got hit by a bus. I suppose the bright side is it has effectively killed any desire I have been having to try something gluten and tasty and just deal with the consequences. Just.Not.Worth.It
I technically should start again, but I'm not going to. I definitely would if it was my first time around. Although I suppose the numbers are all kinda arbitrary for me at this point. Don't know. Will re-evaluate when I'm feeling better.
KiwiSonya - Sorry you lost your last post but way to go for coming to some of those realizations around food. I use to be in the same place. Breaking that relationship (or redefining it) is paramount to being successful. Way to go!
Hope everyone is doing well!
Post by: N on November 09, 2016, 12:24:01 AM
KS- good point about "treat culture". Its pervasive just about everywhere. I also feel the same way- Im trying to fix my health too, and Im not going to risk it eating junk or bad tasting food. If Im going to stray, it had better be delicious, high quality food. Certainly not for fast food or frozen pizza! :)
Post by: ZiziPB on November 09, 2016, 05:06:15 AM
Post by: swick on November 09, 2016, 07:04:20 AM
I am an "emotional eater", and I am extremely upset today. So please don't hold me accountable for my food choices today...
Today is going to be triggering for many of us. If you give up your personal power, you let them win. FUCK THAT.
Today we all have to ask ourselves "What is in our Sphere of Influence?" How we treat people, if we give into fear and anger, if we numb ourselves or actively harm ourselves with food and/or drink.
The best way you can protest an outcome you don't like is to be personally proactive in taking care of yourself. First and foremost, whatever comes you need to be healthy and clear headed and prepared to react consciously.
Sending all of you love and strength
Post by: horsepoor on November 09, 2016, 07:08:29 AM
I am an "emotional eater", and I am extremely upset today. So please don't hold me accountable for my food choices today...
I feel you. I definitely did some stress eating last night. Will try to channel my angst into exercise today.
Just stopping by to post this recipe that came up in my Facebook feed since it looks good and is W30 without the feta: Greek chicken stew with cauliflower and olives (http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/12308-greek-chicken-stew-with-cauliflower-and-olives).
Post by: ZiziPB on November 09, 2016, 07:19:11 AM
I am an "emotional eater", and I am extremely upset today. So please don't hold me accountable for my food choices today...
I feel you. I definitely did some stress eating last night. Will try to channel my angst into exercise today.
Just stopping by to post this recipe that came up in my Facebook feed since it looks good and is W30 without the feta: Greek chicken stew with cauliflower and olives (http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/12308-greek-chicken-stew-with-cauliflower-and-olives).
Thanks horsepoor and swick! I was saying this half in jest, although I am truly heartbroken. I badly wanted coffee with milk this morning because I barely slept last night, but I stuck with my plan. Had a good breakfast and packed my lunch as usual. The only concession I may make is that I may get some dried Greek figs tonight. They are W30 compliant...
The chicken recipe you posted looks delicious. I may make it this weekend.
Post by: swick on November 09, 2016, 07:38:20 AM
I tend to be rather empathic and there is so much pain right now, I feel like a sponge that can't take anymore. In the past, I WOULD tamp the feels down with food and drink. Not this time.
I think taking control of your own health and well-being is a form of protest/revolution. In any case, it is something in your control.
Post by: Hotstreak on November 09, 2016, 01:02:37 PM
So I turned it off, watched a show on Netflix for a while, and went to bed. This morning I ate a nice breakfast of eggs in coconut oil, and I have lots of leftover veggies at work to eat for lunch. I ran out of leftover meat here, but I have an old tuna packet that I've been meaning to eat. It says "Best By Dec 2013".. I think it will be fine, I'm really only interested in the "Pretty Good By" date, anyways.. but they don't publish that information.
I get my last CSA box tomorrow, which will have enough vegetables for 4-5 days. Since I don't know what's going to be in it, I don't know what else I need to get at the grocery. I have one plate of leftover venison liver & sautéed vegetables to eat tonight, with a small salad. I have some eggs & spinach so I will made a large omelet to take to work tomorrow for lunch, but other than that I'm out of fresh foods. Looking forward to the beef roast & shredded chicken I'm thawing right now.
One week in, removing cheese and alcohol have been the two most significant changes. I've noticed that my face is thinner and my stomach is smaller. I know this could be water weight, could be less puffiness due to inflammation, could be an actual loss of fat (although 1 week is a very short time to notice a change in that regard). When I do a caliper test (grab my gut with my hand) my spare tire seems about the same as before. It's what's further inside that's smaller.
Post by: ketchup on November 09, 2016, 01:47:58 PM
I think I overdid the coconut oil + green tea yesterday morning (2 cups, and lots of oil in each). Felt like I was on drugs. Brain on overdrive.
Discovered the wonder of sweet potato noodles with pork sausage last night (can't find recipe at the moment...).
Making this tonight: http://nomnompaleo.com/post/2540758120/stir-fried-kelp-noodles-with-ground-beef-broccoli
And this: http://autoimmune-paleo.com/bacon-beef-liver-pate-with-rosemary-and-thyme/ (first time cooking liver! Wish me luck...)
Ordered a box of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FG0447S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1 GF tried one and said they're really good! Expensive shit, but shelf-stable, good for travel, and Paleo/W30/AIP/etc.
Post by: ZiziPB on November 09, 2016, 02:22:31 PM
Post by: Hotstreak on November 09, 2016, 02:51:30 PM
Between Hotstreak and ketchup talking about liver, I now have a serious craving for liver with sauteed onions... Where do you get good liver?
Mine came from a deer, in the forest :) First time having fresh liver for me and it's phenomenal. I would suggest calling around to butchers and seeing if they have any liver from grass fed cows. Other than that, you can get it frozen in some grocery stores. The most important thing to remember with Liver is to not overcook it, it should be served rare. I typically cook 1-2 minutes per side, just long enough to brown. If you cook it more than that it will get very nasty, very quick.
Day 29 of AIP for us! GF is down 17lbs since Day 1.
I think I overdid the coconut oil + green tea yesterday morning (2 cups, and lots of oil in each). Felt like I was on drugs. Brain on overdrive.
I love that feeling. Do you blend them, or drink & eat separately? I've always been interested in bulletproof coffee and it's variations, but I can't bring myself to dirty a blender (and wash it!) on a regular basis.
Post by: ZiziPB on November 09, 2016, 02:56:58 PM
Post by: Hotstreak on November 09, 2016, 03:00:01 PM
Post by: ketchup on November 09, 2016, 03:11:11 PM
Between Hotstreak and ketchup talking about liver, I now have a serious craving for liver with sauteed onions... Where do you get good liver?I get ours from a local farm CSA (pastured-raised) for $2.50/lb.
I just make a cup of tea and throw some coconut oil (about 1-2tbsp) on top to melt. I've only done one cup a day in the past though. I've also made Tim Ferris' "titanium tea" rocket-fuel-for-the-brain pu-erh tea/green tea and coconut oil + butter, and Mark Sisson Primal Egg Coffee with a few whole raw eggs. For those, an immersion blender is a quick way to blend without needing to clean much (give it a quick rinse right afterwards and it's good to go).Day 29 of AIP for us! GF is down 17lbs since Day 1.
I think I overdid the coconut oil + green tea yesterday morning (2 cups, and lots of oil in each). Felt like I was on drugs. Brain on overdrive.
I love that feeling. Do you blend them, or drink & eat separately? I've always been interested in bulletproof coffee and it's variations, but I can't bring myself to dirty a blender (and wash it!) on a regular basis.
Post by: LadyStache in Baja on November 09, 2016, 03:38:02 PM
Post by: swick on November 09, 2016, 03:43:33 PM
Mark Sisson Primal Egg Coffee with a few whole raw eggs. For those, an immersion blender is a quick way to blend without needing to clean much (give it a quick rinse right afterwards and it's good to go).
had to look this up. Mind = Blown. Going to try and see. Felt like I needed a bit of a pick me up so had a coconut milk matcha Latte with a little coconut oil. But egg coffee...I'm intrigued!
Got some Cauliflower and leeks roasting in the oven. Going to make a big pot of soup. It is definitely a soup day :)
Post by: Hotstreak on November 09, 2016, 05:24:40 PM
Primal egg coffee! Ooh! And eating raw eggs doesn't freak you out? Or do they sterilize in the hot coffee?
If you're worried about salmonella you can wash your eggs in soapy water before cracking them. Anything pasteurized is also safe, and anything pastured (aka the most expensive eggs) has very low chance of infection, because it's hard for hens to be infected if they aren't living in a CAFO.
There's tons of recipes that call for raw eggs, like eggnog, ice cream, salad dressings & other sauces. Every day thousands of people are eating raw cookie dough and brownie batter, and there's no massive outbreak of salmonella.
Based on all of that, I think the risk is pretty small. If I had a compromised immune system or was pregnant I would take more precautions.
Post by: horsepoor on November 09, 2016, 08:28:25 PM
Last summer I would do egg coffee (1 egg plus coconut oil, cinnamon and a wee bit of maple syrup) on the weekends and not get hungry for a real meal until about 1 pm. Really effective at warding off hunger. And it gets frothy like a latte, so it feels fancy.
Post by: swick on November 10, 2016, 08:17:23 AM
My first thought was it was surprisingly non-eggy and rather creamy. I could get into this. Upon further drinking, I realized I'm the kinda person who will sip a coffee over a rather long-ish period. This coffee doesn't taste as good as it cools. It definitely becomes more eggier as an aftertaste. Eggy isn't exactly the right word - It's something specific in the egg that I don't have a word for.
So, would I make it again? If I was in a rush in the morning and wanted both breakfast and coffee and could only choose one, and I was going to drink it right away - sure! Luckily that is not my life very often :) Apparently, it is based on a Vietnamese egg coffee recipe, and there is also a Swedish version. I will be doing some more research just for fun!
How is everyone doing today?
Hey...wait....CONGRATS KETCHUP AND GF ON 30 DAYS OF AIP!!! WHOOHOO!!!
Awesome job! What are your next steps?
Post by: ZiziPB on November 10, 2016, 09:15:23 AM
Post by: Hotstreak on November 10, 2016, 09:34:11 AM
Horsepoor - thanks for the tip on pasteurization!
Post by: ketchup on November 10, 2016, 09:37:58 AM
Hey...wait....CONGRATS KETCHUP AND GF ON 30 DAYS OF AIP!!! WHOOHOO!!!Thanks! We're looking to do a pretty slow, structured reintro and see how things go from there, probably settling back out to plain-jane Primal if all goes well. Today is egg yolks, and next up a few days later is fruit-based spices (namely black pepper). It all stays W30 compliant until dairy starts showing back up.
Awesome job! What are your next steps?
Post by: 1967mama on November 10, 2016, 10:02:41 AM
Post by: swick on November 10, 2016, 10:09:31 AM
1967mama, can you dig a little deeper into why you were so tempted?
Post by: LadyStache in Baja on November 10, 2016, 12:17:28 PM
Post by: ZiziPB on November 11, 2016, 12:16:21 PM
Need to figure out what I'm going to cook over the weekend and come up with a shopping list. Anyone making anything exciting or different? I'd love some suggestions.
Post by: swick on November 11, 2016, 12:29:44 PM
I know people (myself included) tend to go more protein when they start doing whole 30, but the point isn't really to significantly up your protein intake.
I have found that my protein levels have fallen back to just slightly higher than they use to be, and we didn't eat a huge amount before. Usually, it was more of a "flavoring"
One thing I have found very useful is go back to the way we were eating before, just with more veggies and fruit where there would have been grains. We do lots of stews, curries, soups, salads...things where the meat is more of an accent. So still doing all of that stuff but having it over caulirice, zoodles, specialized veggies or putting more veggies into the dishes themselves.
For inspiration, there are lots of Asian countries that tend to use meat the same way. Thai curries are simple and fast if you get a curry paste, watch ingredients but most are compliant. They use coconut milk as a base. Most Indian curries are great with coconut milk subbed in for the dairy. Or cashew cream.
It might be an idea to also just look at your favorite recipes and see how you can reduce the amount of meat and stretch it with a few more veggies.
Having a wide variety of veggies prepped and ready to go also makes a huge difference. Most of my weekend cooking that I am trying to get into the habit of is just getting veggies prepped. I almost always have some roasted sweet potatoes and squash in the fridge.
Post by: ZiziPB on November 11, 2016, 12:49:44 PM
I'm going to make the Greek chicken with cauliflower and olives that someone posted earlier this week. I still have half of a spaghetti squash that will go nicely with it (I hope!).
Any ideas for lunch or dinner dishes based on chicken apple sausage? I got a 3-pack of it at Costco last weekend and I still have 2 of the packages left.
Post by: swick on November 11, 2016, 12:57:44 PM
Any ideas for lunch or dinner dishes based on chicken apple sausage? I got a 3-pack of it at Costco last weekend and I still have 2 of the packages left.
Cook em, take em out of the pan add a bunch of Cabbage to stirfry. Simple easy yum (if you like cabbage)
I made a roasted cauliflower, leek, kale, potato soup this week. Chopped up Apple sausage in something like that would be delish! Also would be good along side a ratatouille. Or added to a frittata?
Post by: ZiziPB on November 11, 2016, 01:46:45 PM
Post by: N on November 11, 2016, 05:47:10 PM
But Im regrouping and planning to drink a ton of water tonight.
THis week WAS rough. I choose to move forward making better decisions about eating and staying healthy. that is my mantra.
Post by: ZiziPB on November 13, 2016, 04:29:02 AM
ZiziPB, I'm sorry you have had such a tough week. I think we all have to give ourselves a little bit of grace and understanding as the shit storm rages.I just wanted to say thank you again, swick. I had a lightbulb moment yesterday when I realized that I CAN have vegetarian dishes on Whole 30 and don't need to worry about including protein (meat) in every meal :-)
I know people (myself included) tend to go more protein when they start doing whole 30, but the point isn't really to significantly up your protein intake.
I have found that my protein levels have fallen back to just slightly higher than they use to be, and we didn't eat a huge amount before. Usually, it was more of a "flavoring"
I made a big pot of ratatouille yesterday (Martha Stewart recipe, very good!) and instead of worrying about protein, I made some garlic smashed potatoes to go with it. It was delicious and I was so happy to have a vegan meal for a change! So from now on, I'm planning to incorporate some vegan dishes regularly. This makes me excited about the rest of the month!
Post by: swick on November 13, 2016, 09:51:50 AM
I can't remember where I came a cross it, actually I think it was when I was looking up homemade dog food - but the idea of getting the exact same balance of food at every meal is a modern invention (with fortified foods and supplements and such)
Usually eating a variety of foods over time is better and you will still get the nutrients you need. Eating seasonally, having more protein at one meal and more of something else at another. The suggested plan for whole 30 meals is great, especially if you don't know how to eat but everyone is different.
Oh these look super yummy:http://detoxinista.com/2015/09/vegan-pesto-stuffed-mushrooms/ (http://detoxinista.com/2015/09/vegan-pesto-stuffed-mushrooms/)
I actually rely on a lot of vegetarian dishes (which I might slip a bit of meat into, if I am inclined) Becuase this is really about looking at food in a new way and most of the time the interesting veggie dishes with the best ways to learn how to prep them are Vegetarian based dishes. Salad can get a little boring ;)
Post by: 10dollarsatatime on November 13, 2016, 10:20:14 AM
I've been looking into doing the whole30 for a while and have finally settled on my time frame. Planning on starting the week after Christmas. (I need the time to get rid of all the cheese in my fridge.)
I have two issues I'm hoping to find causes for... consistent indigestion and fibro-like aches and pains (never actually diagnosed, but all signs point to).
Biggest challenges... eating out, which a good mustachian shouldn't be doing as much as I do anyway. My accountability friend and I have been talking about a no or limited restaurant thing as our next challenge. We're currently doing no soda until year's end. Hopefully, he'll do the no restaurant thing while I'm doing the whole 30. It's incredibly helpful to have someone around who's trying to make the same changes you are. There's no way I'd get him to do whole 30, but the restaurant thing is a possibility.
Also, grains. Currently I like to cook up a pot of mixed rices and barley at the beginning of the week and use it for meals all week. I suppose that will have to change to roasted veggies, or cauli-rice.
And finally, chai. A good mug of hot, creamy, spicy, chai is my weakness. I'm so close to perfecting my chai syrup recipe, and that will have to be shelved for a while so I can finish up the syrups that I have. I may start working on a version with an alternative sweetener after the whole 30. Date syrup maybe...
I've got a hold on one of the books at the library. I've read most of this thread and scoured the website. Feeling pretty good about it, and I've got some time to prep.
I'm working on a list of foods I want to have made and ready to grab when my start day rolls around...
*Canned soups (I have a ton, but a lot are bean based, and my tomato soup has sugar added to it.)
*Larabars (homemade are fantastic)
*Precut, frozen veggies in various combinations (I just dug 15 gallons of carrots from my garden, along with a ton of rutabegas, onions, potatoes, winter squashes and parsnips. I want to have bags of parcooked veggies, ready to roast or throw in stews or whatever.)
*Nuts portioned out into serving size bags.
*Frozen quiches for quick breakfasts.
*Salad toppers portioned out in small containers (nuts/seeds, some dried fruit, chicken chunks, etc) so I can stuff a bowl with greens, grab a topper container and go. Planning on keeping homemade dressing at work.
I'll be swapping off plan foods out of my pantry with on plan foods from my canning storage. I've got lots of jars of tomatoes, chicken, pork, unsweetened apple/pear sauce and assorted veggies that I'll get into heavy meal rotation while the rice, pasta, sugars, beans, and whatnot will go out sight and hopefully out of mind.
Post by: swick on November 13, 2016, 10:51:52 AM
Joining!
I have two issues I'm hoping to find causes for... consistent indigestion and fibro-like aches and pains (never actually diagnosed, but all signs point to).
And finally, chai. A good mug of hot, creamy, spicy, chai is my weakness. I'm so close to perfecting my chai syrup recipe, and that will have to be shelved for a while so I can finish up the syrups that I have. I may start working on a version with an alternative sweetener after the whole 30. Date syrup maybe...
Welcome! It looks like you have a great plan and strategies down!
I'll be very curious to see if your fibro symptoms get better. Mine are pretty much all gone, unless I accidently eat something with gluten in it.
Once you acclimate to no sugar, you may find you don't need it for your Chai. I make a Chai concentrate in the corckpot. Heated up with a splash of coconut or other nut milk and given a quick buzz with an Immersion (or other) blender provides a warm, frothy, cozy cup of Chai. The great thing about Chai is it uses a lot of those naturally sweet warming spices.
Post by: ZiziPB on November 14, 2016, 07:15:45 AM
I know I'm not supposed to weigh myself but I did this morning and was happy to see that I lost 6 pounds so far. Very, very happy about that.
Post by: ZiziPB on November 14, 2016, 07:41:26 AM
I am an "emotional eater", and I am extremely upset today. So please don't hold me accountable for my food choices today...
I feel you. I definitely did some stress eating last night. Will try to channel my angst into exercise today.
Just stopping by to post this recipe that came up in my Facebook feed since it looks good and is W30 without the feta: Greek chicken stew with cauliflower and olives (http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/12308-greek-chicken-stew-with-cauliflower-and-olives).
Made this yesterday. Not as good as I was hoping. My advice would be to skip the cinnamon and roast your cauliflower before putting it into the stew.
Post by: ketchup on November 14, 2016, 07:42:58 AM
Post by: Hotstreak on November 14, 2016, 10:28:13 AM
Made some soup this weekend which I will be enjoying for lunch this week. Also cooked a beef roast, following these directions (which turned out amazing btw!): http://www.seriouseats.com/2009/12/the-food-lab-how-to-cook-roast-a-perfect-prime-rib.html .
Post by: N on November 14, 2016, 11:09:45 AM
Then Friday I decided to get pizza for lunch. Then I came home and had some more chocolate.
Then Saturday I had two tortillas with dinner. Then Sunday I was invited for brunch out, and I had two donut holes.
THen Sunday night I find myself prowling around my kitchen looking for snacks, going online and trying to find paleo dessert recipes...it was all about snacking and sweets and treats...
Now, on the good side, none of these incidents were crazy binges. At brunch I also chose the spinach fritatta with greens salad instead of say...pancakes or biscuits and gravy, which I also wanted. I AM still making a lot of good choices, but Im still very susceptible to sugar and flour based foods. When I had my tortillas, I filled them with compliant chicken and peppers and onions and skipped the cheese, sour cream etc that my family was adding to theirs. So even though I know its not about depriving oneself for ever, I am not sure I can handle "riding my bike on my own" yet. Im going to stick with the W30 rules for a while longer.
Last night I ended up roasting some nuts and coconut flakes and I had a 1/4 cup as a snack and drinking water.
This morning I had eggs and zoodles for breakfast.
Ketchup- I often find black pepper to be really spicy. I dont handle spicy heat well though.
ZiziPB-congrats on the loss!
10dollars- I also like to keep a container full of cooked spagetti squash. Makes it easy to add some to dishes or warm it up for a quick meal.
swick- have youtried those mushrooms yet? they sound good
Post by: ketchup on November 14, 2016, 11:30:53 AM
Ketchup- I often find black pepper to be really spicy. I dont handle spicy heat well though.I'm the opposite though, and that's why it was so strange. Black pepper to me is generally baseline seasoning (first put on salt and pepper as a default, then whatever else) and borderline bland. I'm used to piling on tons of paprika and cayenne with half my meals, and haven't done that since starting AIP (no nightshades).
Post by: swick on November 14, 2016, 12:31:41 PM
Ketchup - have you noticed a reaction to the pepper yet? How is your GF doing with everything?
N - It can be really tough figuring out how to live in the world and still keep feeling great. One thing to keep in mind with your simple carbs is they basically are broken down and treated like sugar in the body, so it may also be contributing to your sugar dragon. It will most likely be causing sharper rises and falls in blood sugar as well where things are usually pretty steady eating Whole 30 type of foods.
One thing my hubby really had to work on and develop was his ability to stop and think critically about each treat and ask himself "Is this the best expression of sugar/carbs/food that will impact me that I want to be eating?"
Is it something HE really wants to eat and enjoy or is it because it is there/boredom/social pressure/mindlessness/sugar dragon stuff going on?
I think those people who don't have immediate reactions to gluten/dairy/sugar actually have a much, much harder time because every choice matters, instead of someone like me who's consequences of eating it are so not worth it, even if I do struggle from time to time:)
Hubs doesn't have the massive reactions that I do but it doesn' take very long of eating like crap either a little thing here or there or something with a lot of crap in it to start feeling bad and just not as good as he knows he can feel.
Now that your Whole 30 is done the real work starts as far as figuring out your personal ethos around food. Use us as a sounding board :)
I haven't tried the mushrooms yet, I didn't factor in how expensive basil is in Canada off season!
Hotstreak - Roast recipe looks great, thanks! I'm always a little nervous about cooking big cuts of meat because I really don't want to screw it up!
It is a bummer about the chicken and might suggest you have some sensitivities. Soy Sauce is really a double whammy and something you have to be really careful of because people don't remember it is in recipes and many people don't realize that most soy sauce has wheat in it. Glad you are feeling better!
ZiziPB - Good job on the shop and weight loss. Even though you are not supposed to weigh yourself, it is nice to have a little results boost to keep you motivated!
One thing I have been working on is making sure Hubs and I are eating at the table. I came across a suggestion that people who eat in front of screens eat more because 1. They eat faster 2. They aren't as aware of what they are eating so their brains don't register they had food and they are full. They suggested it could be as much as a 90% difference - which includes more ate at meals and more snacking in the evening.
In a totally unscientific experiment, We had one meal while watching something on the computer and had leftovers of the same food the next night at the table. Not only did we eat quite a bit more in front of the TV, hubs was hungry and rooting around in the pantry after the first meal. The next night he had 50% less food at dinner and wasn't hungry in the evening. Interesting.
Post by: ketchup on November 14, 2016, 02:18:20 PM
Ketchup - have you noticed a reaction to the pepper yet? How is your GF doing with everything?No reaction from either of us with egg yolks (raw or cooked) or black pepper. Next on the intro is egg whites in a few days, and after that comes seed-based spices (cumin, mustard, etc.).
She's still doing great. She's getting really good at figuring out travel food with AIP in mind. She's flying to-and-from Raleigh same-day on Wednesday for work, and then driving to Columbus this weekend also for work (with our other AIP-wielding friend with Hashimoto's tagging along). She'll be mostly bringing snacky stuff like pork clouds and compliant sweet potato chips on the flights, but she'll be bringing a cooler full of leftovers to Columbus for her and her friend. Travel is definitely one of the tricker parts of AIP, and something she does a lot for her line of work. Thanksgiving at my mom's house will also be a bit awkward...
Post by: Tig_ on November 15, 2016, 07:35:54 AM
After doing a successful Whole30 in the summer, I've been MIA from this thread (just caught up on the past few pages - everyone is doing some great work!). I did fairly well the first, maybe 3 months after I wrapped up my Whole30, but then have just gone downhill, and this month in particular has been horrible. Mostly, it's due to stress and not having time to think about meals. I won't be able to get back to a more Whole30 diet for awhile, as the time commitment of Whole30 is too much for me (lots of grocery store trips for fresh veggies, but I don't have a car and it's a long walk, and working full-time while balancing two graduate classes). I (very rarely) track my weight, but the graph now has a definitive V shape to it...
What I am going to focus on doing in the mean time:
1) Making better breakfast choices - if I shower at night, I should have time to make a non-oat based breakfast.
2) No. More. Pasta.
3) No more deserts - I ordered girl scout cookies from a girl at work... bad decision.
4) Cut back on cheese again. Brussel sprouts with pecans and Gorgonzola is one of my favorite meals. But it opened a slippery slope.
On the plus side, I have done VERY well with my alcohol intake. I've had maybe one beer every two weeks for the past three+ months. It's actually the thing I missed the least.
Will definitely do another Whole30 around February or so.
Post by: swick on November 15, 2016, 07:57:32 AM
Sorry to hear it has been a struggle for you, your schedule sounds jam-packed!
Re: Girlscout cookies - Could you give the box to someone who might need a little lift? We live near a couple of schools so we always have people trying to sell us chocolate bars and cookies and such. I usually say "I'll buy a box, but I can't eat them, so what I would like you to do is the next person you see who looks like they need some cheering up, give it to them for me!" This usually brings a flash of confusion first and then a great big smile. I've had kids come back and tell me (on their own) who they have given them to and how it cheered them up. I have also kept them for food bank donations as well. Sometimes a little something sweet goes a long way.
Breakfast - I have been making this awesome fruit cobbler: http://athleticavocado.com/2016/02/20/paleo-elvis-breakfast-cobbler/# (http://athleticavocado.com/2016/02/20/paleo-elvis-breakfast-cobbler/#) I don't do the bacon, and I leave out the sweetener. I tried the Cinnamon Banana version, and I adapted it to do a mixed frozen fruit with a lemon poppyseed cobbler. While some might consider it "Sex with Your pants on" I don't. Having another breakfast option is SUPER nice. It could probably be made the night before and reheated. I haven't done so, for me it takes about 20 min from start to finish, most of that is oven time.
Ketchup - Mad props to your GF for being able to figure out how to keep AIP with that much travel! Definitely the hardest situation to keep eating well in.
Post by: Tig_ on November 15, 2016, 10:11:13 AM
Welcome back, Tig_!
Sorry to hear it has been a struggle for you, your schedule sounds jam-packed!
Re: Girlscout cookies - Could you give the box to someone who might need a little lift? We live near a couple of schools so we always have people trying to sell us chocolate bars and cookies and such. I usually say "I'll buy a box, but I can't eat them, so what I would like you to do is the next person you see who looks like they need some cheering up, give it to them for me!" This usually brings a flash of confusion first and then a great big smile. I've had kids come back and tell me (on their own) who they have given them to and how it cheered them up. I have also kept them for food bank donations as well. Sometimes a little something sweet goes a long way.
Breakfast - I have been making this awesome fruit cobbler: http://athleticavocado.com/2016/02/20/paleo-elvis-breakfast-cobbler/# (http://athleticavocado.com/2016/02/20/paleo-elvis-breakfast-cobbler/#) I don't do the bacon, and I leave out the sweetener. I tried the Cinnamon Banana version, and I adapted it to do a mixed frozen fruit with a lemon poppyseed cobbler. While some might consider it "Sex with Your pants on" I don't. Having another breakfast option is SUPER nice. It could probably be made the night before and reheated. I haven't done so, for me it takes about 20 min from start to finish, most of that is oven time.
Thanks swick!!
That is a super sweet idea re: cookies - I will definitely need to do that in the future. And that cobbler looks amazing!!
Post by: Hotstreak on November 15, 2016, 12:03:56 PM
Breakfast - I have been making this awesome fruit cobbler: http://athleticavocado.com/2016/02/20/paleo-elvis-breakfast-cobbler/# (http://athleticavocado.com/2016/02/20/paleo-elvis-breakfast-cobbler/#) I don't do the bacon, and I leave out the sweetener. I tried the Cinnamon Banana version, and I adapted it to do a mixed frozen fruit with a lemon poppyseed cobbler. While some might consider it "Sex with Your pants on" I don't.
Swick! That's a pancake!
Post by: mom22boys on November 15, 2016, 12:10:34 PM
I'm just wondering if anyone else has gotten Melissa's new book "Food Freedom Forever"? I just bought it a few weeks ago but have only had time to read the first few pages. That's my plan over the Thanksgiving holiday. It's really designed to be helpful with the 'now what after I'm done with Whole 30', and gets into some of the reintro (I think). It might really be a great book for those of us that rocked the Whole30 but struggled with the after party.
I'll post more over Thanksgiving as I'm reading, because I think it will be really helpful.
Post by: swick on November 15, 2016, 12:34:24 PM
Breakfast - I have been making this awesome fruit cobbler: http://athleticavocado.com/2016/02/20/paleo-elvis-breakfast-cobbler/# (http://athleticavocado.com/2016/02/20/paleo-elvis-breakfast-cobbler/#) I don't do the bacon, and I leave out the sweetener. I tried the Cinnamon Banana version, and I adapted it to do a mixed frozen fruit with a lemon poppyseed cobbler. While some might consider it "Sex with Your pants on" I don't.
Swick! That's a pancake!
yes, hence the "Sex With your Pants on" warning. Sweet breakfast foods wasn't something I grew up with or have a problem with, so after much (conscious) discussion between hubs and myself, we decided we don't have a problem with it. I wouldn't have done it my first time through, but at this stage in the game, I have no problem with it.
Post by: ZiziPB on November 15, 2016, 12:57:23 PM
Hey everyone! Wow, it's really great to see so many new faces on this thread! I've been keeping up with the reading, but haven't posted in a long time. While I'm not doing a Whole 30 right now, I'm sticking with a lot of the principles, like no sugar and grains. I'm actually experimenting a bit with keto (with some help through a medical program in my local area) and have been seeing great results. Next year, maybe February or March, will be my next round of Whole 30 and I'm kinda excited!
I'm just wondering if anyone else has gotten Melissa's new book "Food Freedom Forever"? I just bought it a few weeks ago but have only had time to read the first few pages. That's my plan over the Thanksgiving holiday. It's really designed to be helpful with the 'now what after I'm done with Whole 30', and gets into some of the reintro (I think). It might really be a great book for those of us that rocked the Whole30 but struggled with the after party.
I'll post more over Thanksgiving as I'm reading, because I think it will be really helpful.
I haven't read it yet - waiting to get it from the library (looks like I'm number 10 in line for it :-)
Post by: Hotstreak on November 16, 2016, 08:34:13 PM
Breakfast - I have been making this awesome fruit cobbler: http://athleticavocado.com/2016/02/20/paleo-elvis-breakfast-cobbler/# (http://athleticavocado.com/2016/02/20/paleo-elvis-breakfast-cobbler/#) I don't do the bacon, and I leave out the sweetener. I tried the Cinnamon Banana version, and I adapted it to do a mixed frozen fruit with a lemon poppyseed cobbler. While some might consider it "Sex with Your pants on" I don't.
Swick! That's a pancake!
yes, hence the "Sex With your Pants on" warning. Sweet breakfast foods wasn't something I grew up with or have a problem with, so after much (conscious) discussion between hubs and myself, we decided we don't have a problem with it. I wouldn't have done it my first time through, but at this stage in the game, I have no problem with it.
Ah, I thought you didn't consider it to fall in the SWYPO category & I was pointing it out to remove any confusion. Carry on!
Post by: ZiziPB on November 17, 2016, 03:05:56 AM
Post by: Stashing Swiss-style on November 17, 2016, 04:02:06 AM
Post by: swick on November 17, 2016, 07:14:38 AM
Anyone else having trouble sleeping while on Whole 30? I noticed it last time but it's even more pronounced now. No issue with falling asleep but I wake up at ungodly hours in the morning like 4 am and am wide awake!
YES! I've had life-long insomnia and going on whole30 did help that tremendously. Now it seems like I have gotten into a habit of falling asleep much better and for longer, but I'm waking up about the same time - the difference is I am waking up refreshed and ready to go!
I think your body self-regulates and you may need less sleep - maybe less damage to undo over the course of the night when you are eating clean? You also may be sleeping lighter which means it's easier to wake up. The whole "sleep for an 8-hour block" is a relatively new invention. We use to have bi-phasic sleep for much of history.
Are you waking up tired or feel like you aren't doing well on the amount of sleep you are getting? I think that is really the key question.
Welcome, Stashing Swiss-style! The sugar dragon is a real beast, I think that is the thing that ends up derailing most of us a time or two. We're here to support you :)
How is everyone doing? Where is everyone at?
Post by: ZiziPB on November 17, 2016, 09:56:19 AM
Quote
Are you waking up tired or feel like you aren't doing well on the amount of sleep you are getting? I think that is really the key question.
No, I wake up feeling rested. But I do get tired and sleepy and ready for bed by 9 pm... It seems that barely 7 hours of sleep is all I need now. Normally I would aim for 8.
Post by: daizy744 on November 18, 2016, 09:12:22 AM
On day 2 today.
Only thing I noticed is that this morning, after a cup of green tea (and before breakfast), I was hit big a wave of nausea. I ate a banana and almond butter and the feeling went away. Never experienced that before.
Thanks for the recipe ideas! Looking forward to trying different new ones!
Happy friday!
Post by: swick on November 19, 2016, 03:12:23 PM
Count me in! Have been thinking about it for a while and finally started yesterday.
On day 2 today.
Only thing I noticed is that this morning, after a cup of green tea (and before breakfast), I was hit big a wave of nausea. I ate a banana and almond butter and the feeling went away. Never experienced that before.
Thanks for the recipe ideas! Looking forward to trying different new ones!
Happy friday!
Welcome, daizy744! The nausea might be a bit of "carb flu" Also, if you are used to eating a lot of frequent meals/snacks your body might take a little while to adjust. It WILL pass!
Please feel free to post your progress, questions, successes, and struggles. We're here for you!
Post by: KiwiSonya on November 20, 2016, 01:10:16 AM
Post by: Life in Balance on November 20, 2016, 07:15:05 AM
Post by: swick on November 20, 2016, 11:06:45 AM
How is it going with the sleep, ZiziPB?
Mom22boys - I haven't read FFF, how is it, any new insights?
N - How is your reintro going?
Hotstreak - Tig_ - ketchup - How are you all doing??
Post by: ZiziPB on November 20, 2016, 02:29:15 PM
Yikes! Thanks for checking in KS, glad yo hear you are all right!Still waking up early but my energy level is good. So I guess 7 hours is enough for me. Doing ok otherwise.
How is it going with the sleep, ZiziPB?
Mom22boys - I haven't read FFF, how is it, any new insights?
N - How is your reintro going?
Hotstreak - Tig_ - ketchup - How are you all doing??
Post by: Hotstreak on November 20, 2016, 03:37:38 PM
Post by: Tig_ on November 20, 2016, 06:05:05 PM
I did succeed in giving away some cheese that had found its way into my fridge though?
Post by: N on November 20, 2016, 09:39:02 PM
Tonight I made those swedish meatballs and gravy. OMG. so delicious. I had mine on spagetti squash, others chose pasta or mashed potatoes with theirs. Everybody enjoyed the meatballs! They said they should go in the rotation! Nice :)
Post by: ZiziPB on November 21, 2016, 07:20:46 AM
Post by: ketchup on November 21, 2016, 08:24:38 AM
Post by: swick on November 21, 2016, 08:40:21 AM
Up and Down. its been an emotional week for me, I have PMS for sure. My dad was in town and took us out to eat, I had pizza and the scale jumped up 3 lbs the next am. Could that be bloat and inflammation?
Yep, it could be. Also might be some water retention. The inflammation side of things can be really tricky to pinpoint. Many people have some sort of immune response to wheat (either because of the gluten or how it is grown/processed) and eating one off doesn;t cause any symptoms but a gradual build up of inflammation and grossness over multiple exposures. This is how it is with Hubs, he doesn;t have the instant reactions and pain and inflammation that I do, but he definitely notices a chance to his baseline after a few days of eating wheat.
Hotstreak and ZiziPB - I totally get you as far as settling into food routine and a bit of boredom. One the one hand it is good because things are becoming a little more automatic, on the other, yeah it can get boring. Now is the time to experiment with new recipes and new cuisines and start making it fun!
Ketchup - Those tacos look awesome! I am super intrigued about the addition of tamarind. Need to see if I have any left! I imagine after eating spice-free for so long the flavours with the cumin would have been epic!
Post by: ketchup on November 21, 2016, 09:19:56 AM
Ketchup - Those tacos look awesome! I am super intrigued about the addition of tamarind. Need to see if I have any left! I imagine after eating spice-free for so long the flavours with the cumin would have been epic!Tamarind is an interesting one, it shows up in a few AIP recipes we've tried, mostly as a bit of a tomato-substitute addition it seems.
And we haven't been quite eating spice-free (just no nightshade spices, fruit- or seed-based spices) but very little in the way of spicey-spices, so black pepper and now cumin and the like have been wonderful reintroductions.
Post by: Hotstreak on November 21, 2016, 11:31:23 AM
Hotstreak and ZiziPB - I totally get you as far as settling into food routine and a bit of boredom. One the one hand it is good because things are becoming a little more automatic, on the other, yeah it can get boring. Now is the time to experiment with new recipes and new cuisines and start making it fun!
I'm lucky in that I can eat the same thing over and over without getting bored. What was good yesterday is good today, and will also be good tomorrow. Currently in the fridge I have the following:
- 3lbs roasted Brussels sprouts (halved & stirred with olive oil, salt, pepper, cayenne powder, 90 minutes at 350)
- 1lbs green beans to sauté tonight (coconut oil, ghee, salt, light garlic)
- 2lbs zucchini to roast tonight (brushed olive oil, salt, 120 minutes at 275)
- Pulp of 5 acorn squash, mashed (oven roasted then added coconut oil, salt, cinnamon)
- Stir fry kale & collars with onion, bacon, I forget what I seasoned it with
- Salad fixings for 2-3 meals (lettuce, broccoli, radish, peppers, tomato, avocado, onion, olives)
- 1 serving leftover chicken soup (last of a 10qt batch, still tastes amazing!)
- 1.5lbs hamburger meat to cook tonight, seasoning TBD
- 1lb tenderloin to cook tonight, seasoning TBD
- 1/2 lb leftover chicken meat
- 2dozen eggs
For Thanksgiving: I have some Cornish game hens I will be thawing to cook later this week, as well as celery, onion, & mushroom to make stuffing with. Leftovers from early in the week will easily carry over and fill out the meal. I may boil some cranberries to make a tart sauce, and roast an apple or two for desert, but that's not finalized yet. I don't have family in the area so I spend the holiday alone, or casually with friends. There's very little pressure to eat foods I'm not comfortable with, and if I go somewhere I won't be the only person not drinking.
Anyone in the USA making plans to avoid non-compliant foods over the Thanksgiving holiday?
Post by: ZiziPB on November 21, 2016, 11:46:25 AM
As to the food boredom, I'm fine eating the same thing for days on end but after 3 weeks I am kind of bored with eggs for breakfast every day. I've had them with vegetables, sausage, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, etc. but they are still eggs!
Post by: Hotstreak on November 21, 2016, 03:43:59 PM
Post by: Stashing Swiss-style on November 21, 2016, 04:42:02 PM
Post by: daizy744 on November 21, 2016, 08:56:51 PM
I made some meatballs and these cabbage rolls on the weekend and they were delicious. The sauce was awesome! http://www.afamilyfeast.com/whole30-stuffed-cabbage/ (http://www.afamilyfeast.com/whole30-stuffed-cabbage/). The recipe was quite involved, but it turned out fabulous and made 13 rolls, so froze some leftovers.
There are so many recipes out there to try. For someone who enjoys cooking, I'm able to learn some new recipes. And the whole family gets to eat healthier (even though they're not cutting anything out).
What a great supporting community! I plan to go back through the thread to pick up recipes, etc.
I get bored of eating the same thing each day. :-)
Post by: ZiziPB on November 22, 2016, 08:46:28 AM
Post by: ZiziPB on November 25, 2016, 04:44:34 AM
Day 26 today. I'm starting to think about what to do next after I get to 30 days. Cutting out all sugar has been great and I would love to continue it. So I'm thinking about doing a slightly expanded version of Whole 30 until Christmas. The only things I would like to incorporate are dairy (mainly milk so that I can drink coffee again, and hard cheese) and possibly oatmeal. Is anyone game for continuing?
Post by: swick on November 25, 2016, 08:04:32 AM
Happy Black Friday everyone! I'm going hiking instead of shopping which has become somewhat of a tradition for me.
Day 26 today. I'm starting to think about what to do next after I get to 30 days. Cutting out all sugar has been great and I would love to continue it. So I'm thinking about doing a slightly expanded version of Whole 30 until Christmas. The only things I would like to incorporate are dairy (mainly milk so that I can drink coffee again, and hard cheese) and possibly oatmeal. Is anyone game for continuing?
Enjoy your hike! As far as reintro, during reintro except for the food you are reintroducing, you are basically eating whole 30 anyways. And you might want to experiment with different types of the same food - so the whole process can take quite a while. But if you want any treats around Christmas I would definitely reintro what you may want separately first.
Fun times - Last year (after reintroducing both sugar and milk) I decided to have a TINY glass of eggnog on Christmas. I was violently, violently ill within about 15 minutes. There was something else in it, maybe the thickeners or just the combination my body wanted out of my system RIGHT NOW. I've had food poisoning a few times but nothing has compared to that.
When I'm not actively doing whole 30 my regular routine is pretty similar except I don't worry about trace amounts of sugar, I incorporate the occasional non-gluten grain (buckwheat, rice, oatmeal, quinoa, cornmeal) occasional beans. Dairy very very rarely and only if I am going to super enjoy it and are okay with the consequences. Most of the time I am eating the same it just adds a bit of variety and flexibility, especially when going out.
Post by: ZiziPB on November 25, 2016, 12:16:14 PM
Post by: ZiziPB on November 28, 2016, 09:32:01 AM
Post by: N on November 28, 2016, 08:52:37 PM
Im about 85% compliant. trying to hang in there. :)
Post by: ZiziPB on November 29, 2016, 04:30:48 AM
Day 30 today. I'm feeling really well. I lost 7.5 lbs and my pants and bras fit so much better now. Ideally, I would like to lose another 8-10 lbs, but I'd be perfectly fine with another 5 and I'm OK taking it slowly. The important part for me is to continue with no sugar. So I'm sticking around on this thread :-)
Post by: swick on November 29, 2016, 07:49:39 AM
Thank you, N!
Day 30 today. I'm feeling really well. I lost 7.5 lbs and my pants and bras fit so much better now. Ideally, I would like to lose another 8-10 lbs, but I'd be perfectly fine with another 5 and I'm OK taking it slowly. The important part for me is to continue with no sugar. So I'm sticking around on this thread :-)
WAHOO WAY TO GO ON REACHING DAY 30!!
Are you planning on reintroducing things other than sugar? What is your game plan?
Post by: ZiziPB on November 29, 2016, 08:02:53 AM
Thank you, swick! I am planning to reintroduce dairy (milk for my coffee and hard cheese only) and possibly oatmeal for some of my breakfasts until Christmas. After that I will reassess again.Thank you, N!
Day 30 today. I'm feeling really well. I lost 7.5 lbs and my pants and bras fit so much better now. Ideally, I would like to lose another 8-10 lbs, but I'd be perfectly fine with another 5 and I'm OK taking it slowly. The important part for me is to continue with no sugar. So I'm sticking around on this thread :-)
WAHOO WAY TO GO ON REACHING DAY 30!!
Are you planning on reintroducing things other than sugar? What is your game plan?
The second Whole 30 went really well for me and was much easier to manage. When I did the first one back in February I didn't feel well - it was unrelated to the Whole 30, I was just sick with a bad cold for a good part of it and also suffered from a couple of migraines. This time I'm definitely experiencing the benefits of it, I feel that my energy level is up and I'm feeling more alert.
Post by: N on November 29, 2016, 12:21:06 PM
NSV: bras fit much better, however, now my jeans and underwear are saggy. LOL. Cant afford clothes until after the new year, so will muddle through :)
Also, really key, for me to lose weight is getting enough sleep. Im tracking my sleep, weight and steps on my fitbit and when I stop getting 8 hrs per night, my weight loss stalls.
Post by: Hotstreak on November 29, 2016, 03:01:11 PM
Thank you, N!
Day 30 today. I'm feeling really well. I lost 7.5 lbs and my pants and bras fit so much better now. Ideally, I would like to lose another 8-10 lbs, but I'd be perfectly fine with another 5 and I'm OK taking it slowly. The important part for me is to continue with no sugar. So I'm sticking around on this thread :-)
Great work, congratulations on the clothes fitting better!
Post by: Hotstreak on November 29, 2016, 03:13:42 PM
I want to get a good weight for post-W30. My usual methodology is to weigh Tu/Wed/Thu & average to eliminate any daily weight changes, so I started weighing myself today. On Thursday I will have my final weight to report. Not expecting more than a few lb change.
Post by: ender on November 30, 2016, 06:49:00 AM
For me, too, sugar must be avoided. And flour.
I've been consciously avoiding both of these (and caffiene) for the past month in a "whole30 inspired" way which has been good.
I feel a lot better overall, too.
Post by: ZiziPB on November 30, 2016, 06:52:11 AM
Post by: swick on November 30, 2016, 07:50:18 AM
What is your plan for reintro? How are you feeling overall?
Post by: Hotstreak on November 30, 2016, 11:53:05 AM
WAY TO GO ON REACHING DAY 30, HOTSTREAK!!!!
What is your plan for reintro? How are you feeling overall?
Thanks!
I've been following a pretty solid paleo/primal style diet for years, and intend to continue with it. I will start with dairy: fermented kefir, then cheeses, then whey protein isolate, over a two week period. Dairy is what I'm most interested in testing, since my usage crept up quite a bit prior to W30. I'll have alcohol next time it's convenient. Things like honey in tea, occasional homemade GF baked goods, "paleo pancakes", etc., will appear at some point, but I don't have a formal reintro strategy since there are no ingredients in those foods that I'm worried about.
I sometimes consume corn, rice, or soy products, so I'm sure those will appear in my diet over the next month or so. Since they were already an occasional food I don't expect eating them to reveal anything new. I'm a rare gluten consumer & know how that effects me. I will often go months between eating it. I'm okay with a meal or two, but if I eat it for a few days in a row I really notice. I won't consider doing a formal gluten reintro since I have no desire to go back to regular consumption.
Once my final weigh-in occurs tomorrow morning, I will have more to say, but as of now it looks like my weight is 3-4lbs lower (probably 4-5lbs fat loss) and overall I feel fine.
Post by: ZiziPB on December 05, 2016, 03:09:46 AM
Post by: Caoineag on December 06, 2016, 05:58:59 PM
I am debating doing a Whole 30 mainly to fully test the various food groups now that I have eliminated the majority of food additives. But I am the type that all or nothing tends to backfire so I would definitely have to consider if the advantages were worth the backlash. Will probably follow this thread for awhile. I can at least offer compliant recipes I love.
Post by: swick on December 06, 2016, 08:25:54 PM
Any recipes you would like to share would be awesome!
Thanks for the check in and update Zizi!
I have some friends who have been getting more amazing results, and it is so awesome to see :) I think quite a few people are gearing up for January. Anyone planning on starting/continuing or up for another round?
Post by: N on December 08, 2016, 09:04:53 PM
I just got back from a 3 day vacation and I was not compliant and I feel awful. I have heartburn and digestive issues and its not good at all. ugh. Im sipping bone broth right now trying to feel better.
Post by: swick on December 09, 2016, 10:41:21 AM
I am definitely doing another 30 starting Jan 1. until then Im going to try to make the best choices I can.
I just got back from a 3 day vacation and I was not compliant and I feel awful. I have heartburn and digestive issues and its not good at all. ugh. Im sipping bone broth right now trying to feel better.
Aww, N, sorry you are feeling like crap!
I have allowed a little sugar to sneak in, just a bit of honey and maple...but...I have been tutoring a Syrian Refugee family. That comes with accepting offers of tea. Sweet tea. Tea that is so sweet the viscosity of the liquid changes. My body is HATING me.
Interesting to not that my period symptoms that virtually went away the past couple of years eating this way are back with a VENGEANCE. Oh and my face looks like I've flashed back to teenagehood :( The only change has been the additional sugar. So no more honey or maple and I have to figure out a strategy to not have to drink the tea. That will be tricky.
On a good note, this hack to make nut milk is AMAZING!!! I used TJ's salted cashew butter...and I'll be damned it tastes like Salted Caramel Cashew milk/creamer. Good for coffee if you aren't digging the bullet proof style and sooo easy! http://www.thepretendbaker.com/easiest-cashew-milk-ever/ (http://www.thepretendbaker.com/easiest-cashew-milk-ever/)
Pork and beef are (FINALLY) on sale this week, so planning on stocking up to make some jerky for snacks to take with us out and about over the holiday season and some Kahlua Pork. WHOOT!
How is everyone else doing?
Post by: ZiziPB on December 11, 2016, 05:53:32 AM
Post by: MEJG on December 11, 2016, 08:56:35 AM
Post by: swick on December 11, 2016, 11:34:26 AM
Doing well - milk in my coffee and oatmeal make a huge difference in how I'm feeling about eating this way. I mean, I'm not feeling deprived in any way and my sugar cravings are slowly going away. Easily resisted baked goods in the office during a holiday gathering last Friday - just had some coffee and chatted with my colleagues.
Goodstuff! And totally makes sense. When I'm not actively doing a whole 30, my modified "after" way of eating includes the occasional buckwheat, oats, lentil and chickpeas,organic corn, rice (usually if I'm eating out) It just adds a little bit of variety that makes eating this way long term doable. Oh And I incorporate those things that are considered SWYPO but still made with compliant ingredients. I'd say I still eat 80-90% whole 30 regularly.
WELCOME MEJG!
Have you done whole 30 before? Let us know what you are doing to plan for this round and how we can support you!
Post by: MEJG on December 11, 2016, 12:27:41 PM
This will be my first round! A good friend recently did her first round and she sent me the new book as an early Christmas present. I'm reading it now and getting a general plan together. One of my kids is allergic to eggs, and my husband is eating (mostly) a ketogenic diet. Actually a lot of my friends have gone keto are are seeing amazing results- but when I tried to jump on the bandwagon there I was hitting some pretty serious hypoglycemic episodes. I need to figure out how I can eat best for my body and this seems like a pretty good option for that!
I'm trying to gather meal ideas that are either quick or easy to prep on the weekends. If anyone has favorites let me know!
Post by: shadowmoss on December 12, 2016, 07:25:40 PM
I have some things going for and against me. I'm a recovering anorexic. I have food issues. I live in a 23' RV that has an extremely small freezer and a not large fridge. I have little counter space to prepare food. My primary oven doesn't work. I do have a small toaster oven and an Instant Pot. So, this will be a challenge.
I already drink my coffee black. I drink very little alcohol. I'm to avoid sugar because of the cancer. The rest of my eating habits are not good. I eat very few vegetables and my meat tends to be a Jr. Cheeseburger from Wendy's. I'm making a big step up this week by getting a roasted chicken from Walmart, and some prepared potato salad and a can of pork and beans. I read the ingredients on those, and the salad has turmeric, which I'm not supposed to have while having radiation, and the pork and beans has HF C. What I know about Whole30 is from my past 2 days of binge reading this thread.
I hope to begin on January 1. I'll eat up the non-compliant foods I have in the meantime while I start to eliminate sugar. This should be an interesting ride.
Post by: swick on December 12, 2016, 08:37:10 PM
Thanks Swick!
This will be my first round! A good friend recently did her first round and she sent me the new book as an early Christmas present. I'm reading it now and getting a general plan together. One of my kids is allergic to eggs, and my husband is eating (mostly) a ketogenic diet. Actually a lot of my friends have gone keto are are seeing amazing results- but when I tried to jump on the bandwagon there I was hitting some pretty serious hypoglycemic episodes. I need to figure out how I can eat best for my body and this seems like a pretty good option for that!
I'm trying to gather meal ideas that are either quick or easy to prep on the weekends. If anyone has favorites let me know!
Keto and Whole 30 have some similarities, many people who start on Whole 30 shift to a keto, some people do better with a little bit of carb. I tried doing Keto without Dairy (since I found on whole 30 I have issues with it) and haven't had much luck sticking with it after having years of blood sugar issues. Whole 30 is great for testing things out and seeing where you are at.
This time of year, I just make sure I roast a ton of veggies on the weekends, pans of Brussel sprouts, squash, sweet potatoes, beets - basically I think any veggie tastes good roasted :) It does help to have them in the fridge to meal plan throughout the week. Also, doing a big piece of meat - Kahlua pork, a side of salmon, a roast, Roasted chicken - all good building blocks.
Post by: swick on December 12, 2016, 08:52:56 PM
I have read approximately 27 of the 35 pages of this thread. I am 3 radiation treatments into a 15 treatment plan for breast cancer they found this past October. I had a lumpectomy on Halloween. I'll be finished with everything on December 29, and I've been thinking I should give a Whole30 a try to get into a better eating plan.
I have some things going for and against me. I'm a recovering anorexic. I have food issues. I live in a 23' RV that has an extremely small freezer and a not large fridge. I have little counter space to prepare food. My primary oven doesn't work. I do have a small toaster oven and an Instant Pot. So, this will be a challenge.
I already drink my coffee black. I drink very little alcohol. I'm to avoid sugar because of the cancer. The rest of my eating habits are not good. I eat very few vegetables and my meat tends to be a Jr. Cheeseburger from Wendy's. I'm making a big step up this week by getting a roasted chicken from Walmart, and some prepared potato salad and a can of pork and beans. I read the ingredients on those, and the salad has turmeric, which I'm not supposed to have while having radiation, and the pork and beans has HF C. What I know about Whole30 is from my past 2 days of binge reading this thread.
I hope to begin on January 1. I'll eat up the non-compliant foods I have in the meantime while I start to eliminate sugar. This should be an interesting ride.
ShadowMoss - You have had some big health challenges and more ahead. I do think proper nutrition is super important in cancer recovery (staying away from sugar and simple carbs is so, so key) but I'm really hesitant to suggest you do a Whole 30 by yourself. Do you have an in-person support network, for whole30, but most importantly just in general, right now?
Between your medical past, your living set-up, looks like you don't have too much experience cooking? You have some major challenges. Do you have time to be cooking from scratch and doing all the prep work that is necessary for doing a Whole 30?
I don't mean to discourage you, but you will have to do so much more planning and you need to really make sure you have support. I'm concerned about your history with anorexia and limiting food right now. Obviously, sugar, simple carbs, alcohol aren't good for you and should be avoided no matter what. But you will definitely be dealing with some appetite issues so getting good, dense nutrients are going to be super important. If that is Smoothies, veggie juice, complaint pancakes or whatever is tempting, you should look at all the "rules" of whole 30 and only take the ones that serve you. You are doing it for very different reasons than most people.
It sounds like your relationship with food does need an overhaul, I'm just a bit concerned that a Whole 30 might be a bit too extreme for you right now? If you still want to do it or a modified version, we're here for you.
***Umm yeah this is where I state emphatically I'm not a doctor, make sure you have the proper monitoring and support network.***
And Kudos for reading through the whole thread, it is a beast. It should give you a pretty accurate picture of what whole 30 is like. I really don't mean to discourage you, I just want you to not have unrealistic expectations. Doing a Whole 30 can be a challenge, even to those who have all the advantages - but we are here to help.
Post by: 1967mama on December 12, 2016, 11:32:34 PM
Post by: shadowmoss on December 13, 2016, 11:01:53 AM
Thanks for your concerns. After December 29 I'm hoping most of my medical concerns will be behind me. Luckily my cancer was slow growing and contained. It was removed on Halloween. The radiation is just to make sure. My reason for wanting to do a Whole30 is some lingering physical issues that haven't been resolved in the round of medical tests and such. My muscles ache, and I have little energy. I'm hoping that monitoring my food intake will find what causes both. I turn 62 on the December 23. I've had times when I cooked a lot, and I own pretty much every kitchen gadget made (I currently have 2 storage units...). I've just been in a bad slide regarding my eating habits for the past couple of years.
My best friend is gluten free and was very into the bullet proof plan for awhile, still drinks her coffee that way. My boyfriend is a healthy food nut and is always on me to eat better. He has a garden and cooks well for me when I'm there. The only things that I will have to eliminate there is cheese and bread. Actually, watching him cook is partly what has me ready to try this. I will have plenty of cheering squad/face punches in real life once I tell them what I'm doing.
I am picking this plan mostly because with my food issues it is easy to decide that most stuff shouldn't be eaten, and I end up living on peanut butter sandwiches (on cheap bread) and coffee. I'm actually adding in foods with Whole30. I like the list of what I should have, I can handle the black and white of it. Afterwards I hope to add back in lentils and beans and yogurt. I live in the land of cheap food (Phoenix) and have great vegetable markets close by. I don't tend to have cravings, and will be interested in seeing how totally stopping sugar will affect me.
The short of it is that I need to change my eating habits. This looks like a good way to start. If I can't do this in my current setup I need to change the setup to make it work. Having a place to talk it out will help a lot.
Can I still play?
Post by: swick on December 13, 2016, 11:30:04 AM
Of Course! This post has put my mind at ease. I just want to make sure you do have lots of support, we all need it :)
Can I still play?
Will respond more, when I have a chance to sit down. I think this could be very good for you!
Post by: LadyStache in Baja on December 13, 2016, 08:25:04 PM
Post by: N on December 13, 2016, 11:16:50 PM
Whole 30 problems.
NSV: my thick itchy dandruff has cleared up and disappeared. Ive had this for YEARS.
Ooh, I had a couple pieces of my kids broccoli that had Earth Balance on it. BIG MISTAKE. seriously uncomfortable reaction all the next day. Will not be ingesting that again.
Im still having some cravings and doing my best to thwart them with drinking water, eating fats along with the template at meal times, and good self talk :)
Ill be starting R2 on Jan 2 and until then, trying to be compliant as much as I can.
Post by: LadyStache in Baja on December 14, 2016, 07:07:14 AM
Post by: swick on December 14, 2016, 08:45:29 AM
I hear you about the clothes. I have refused to buy anything new at this point, since clothes are lasting me less than a month before they get too big, I'll buy some new things when it all starts to even out.
So exciting about your dandruff clearing up! I imagine the healthy oils have helped contribute to that :) Also could be an allergy side effect as well. So cool to hear your progress!
Sucks about the Earth Balance, but I'm not horribly surprised, it's still kinda frankin' food.
Welcome, LadyStache!
Shadowmoss - It sounds like the Whole 30 would be good for you. A couple of suggestions getting started. Planning is going to be KEY for you. Definitely pick our collective brains to help solve any issues you might have with ingredients/kitchen setup/motivation etc!
Also, if you have been eating lots of fast food/really carb heavy stuff for a while, you are going to find the first week or so of whole 30 absolute hell as your body detoxes and your brain keeps wanting the simple fast sugar stuff. Even if you are staying away from sugar, simple carbs break down in a similar way.
My suggestion would be to take Dec and try to ease into the whole 30 way of eating. Then it won't be as big a shock to your system. I know that is hard to do with the holidays or "season of Insanity" here - but anything you can do to limit it now will help. Also, you'll need a plan of easy grab and reheat foods for the first week when you are feeling like shit and won't want to cook. Is there a chance you could plan on spending the first week with your BF or someone who can be around to support you?
Post by: shadowmoss on December 14, 2016, 09:06:18 AM
I am not participating in the Season of Insanity. I'm unemployed/retired (haven't decided if I'll look for another job yet or not), it is just Mom and I and she is 75 miles away, I have no TV, so I have no seasonal excuse to go totally nuts. So far the first issue I may have is that I'm to take 3,000 MCG/day of B12 per doctor's orders to correct a deficiency, and what I have now has soy lecithin in it. I'll start reading labels on what is available as I'm taking OTC B12. I've heard good things on here about the stuff from Costco, so I'll be renewing my membership there. My favorite tomato sauce from Costco has cane sugar in it, so it will go into the off-limits pile at least for the duration. I still have a case of it in storage. sigh. May give that away.
Post by: MEJG on December 14, 2016, 09:27:20 AM
Post by: LadyStache in Baja on December 14, 2016, 12:31:41 PM
Also creaky cracky neck? Is this whole30 related or am I just getting sick?
Post by: swick on December 14, 2016, 04:39:28 PM
I am eating up my non-compliant foods, and putting a moratorium on fast food. My friend of the Bullet Proof Coffee laughed and told me to just toss out the food, it isn't good for me. I will probably chart a path down the middle.
I really struggled with this, especially after whole 30 when I realized that all my awesome hard to find ingredients were not in-line with how I needed to eat. Every day I was in the kitchen, shifting stuff around, feeling guilty, feeling tempted. Then I finally got to the point where I just had to let it all go. I hate wasting food. I gave away what I could but a lot of it ended up in the bin. The mental and physical and emotional space it cleared up was AMAZING. So I know you have to process everything in your own way - but I'm with your friend :)
MEJG - That sounds like a win in my books!
So "feeling like shit for the first week" is normal? Day 3 here, and I feel like I'm coming down with a cold. That, and my fingers are swollen as if I had binged on flour tortillas....detox symptoms?
Also creaky cracky neck? Is this whole30 related or am I just getting sick?
While you might be getting sick, the don't call it the "Carb Flu" for nothing, and Day 3 is ususally when it kicks in. The first couple of days, yeah it's easy...then it's like your body rebels and hates you. Definitely practice self-care and take it easy. It will get better.
Post by: marioarm2 on December 14, 2016, 07:00:01 PM
I'm not new to Whole 30, but I've also never successfully completed one before.. My carb and sugar intake has been particularly out of control lately, so I have my sights set on successfully completing a Whole 30 come January. In the meantime, I'm going to try to tone down the unhealthy eating (sugar, carbs, fast/processed food) so I don't have to suffer as much during initial Whole 30 detox.
Looking forward to having some support and making it to Day 30!
Allison
Post by: swick on December 14, 2016, 07:34:03 PM
Hi All!
I'm not new to Whole 30, but I've also never successfully completed one before.. My carb and sugar intake has been particularly out of control lately, so I have my sights set on successfully completing a Whole 30 come January. In the meantime, I'm going to try to tone down the unhealthy eating (sugar, carbs, fast/processed food) so I don't have to suffer as much during initial Whole 30 detox.
Looking forward to having some support and making it to Day 30!
Allison
Welcome, Allison!
Limiting as much as you can before hand will certainly help, as will taking the time to have a good plan in place! Use us as a support network!
Post by: LadyStache in Baja on December 16, 2016, 07:55:48 AM
lol, I'm really excited.
I can also tell that I'm going to make it this time. After my first whole30 I tried to do a repeat several times and never could! Not even a whole7!
But this time feels different :)
Post by: 1967mama on December 17, 2016, 02:02:33 AM
Still down 50 lb but another 40 to go. I'll be joining in on the January Whole30 and am intrigued by your Mastermind group, Swick! I've never heard of that before!
Post by: ender on December 17, 2016, 06:07:27 AM
I've been doing a "Whole30 plus peanuts/dairy" like setup recently and while I probably will keep doing that indefinitely. And by doing, I mean actually doing, not sort of doing.
I atea lotsome of my homemade granola yesterday and felt sleepy/foggy for hours. So remarkable how far I've come from a year and a bit ago when I first started my Whole30 journey. I never would have noticed the food/feelings connection.
I also am surprised how much eating sugary things affects me. It's pretty obvious to me my stomach/GI issues are highly correlated with starchy food, deserts, and/or overeating (normally by eating lots of not-really-Whole30-complaint-food).
Post by: horsepoor on December 18, 2016, 08:06:07 PM
The plan I am settling in on is to maintain a Whole30 household while I'm there. I think this will be somewhat Mustachian as well, as it will limit the number of ingredients I purchase and I'll be less likely to have leftover things when I leave. It will actually be kind of nice to start with an empty kitchen and only buy compliant ingredients. This fits in with my plan to eat out only one day a week. So essentially, I'll be W30 6 days a week, and get one day off so I can enjoy some of the restaurants in the city and take full advantage of the tourist opportunities on the weekends. I'll do a soft start over the next couple weeks, and my first official day will be around January 12, since I travel all day on the 9th, and report to work the morning of the 10th, and it will take a few days to get groceries sorted and all that. DH is visiting in February, and I might have some other visitors as well, so those will be days off, but otherwise I plan to stick with this until I come home in March.
Post by: shadowmoss on December 19, 2016, 08:57:11 AM
Post by: LadyStache in Baja on December 22, 2016, 07:37:01 AM
Eat a big, filling meal just before you go, and have a big filling meal waiting for you in a crockpot for when you get back.
Swick, I'm interested in your group, but 1-1 virtual call turns me off because my life is too busy as it is and adding another appointment sounds terrible. Is that a central aspect of your program? I'd be way more interested in 1-1 email consultation! just my two cents.
Post by: MEJG on December 23, 2016, 07:13:07 AM
Working out the planning. Found a compliant coconut milk (silk brand no sugar added) for BP coffee in the morning. I may try adding an egg into my BP coffee..... Working on some meal planning for January but it is slow going. I started prepping the kids, letting the 6 yr old know we are focusing on fruits, veggies, meats and homemade food to start the year. Our plan is to keep all food in the house compliant. Mr. six was concerned about the icecream social at school- I let him know thats not a problem :) we are just not going to BUY icecream for the house in January.
Swick- I'd love to join up a group like that but I'm not sure if it would fit in my schedule.
I am planning on trying some breakfast casserole recipes. Any other QUICK and easy breakfast options? Kids usually have either eggs or oatmeal for breakfast. Our littlest kiddo is allergic or eggs and just starting to eat breakfast with the rest of the family. I know we can just do leftovers or give him sweet potato and avocado for breakfast but it would be nice to have a good option for everyone.
Post by: horsepoor on December 23, 2016, 12:41:38 PM
I thought I would re-post my Whole30 Pinterest board for anyone looking for resources: https://www.pinterest.com/kapelakin/whole-30/
I will be working on editing it over the next week or two to make it work better for the limited pantry I'll have in DC, and try to find some basic menus to pin.
Post by: Cookie78 on December 28, 2016, 09:09:28 AM
A few years ago I lost 65 pounds, and since then it's crept back up 35. I don't ever want to slide back all the way where I was, but it's getting dangerously close already. I've been trying halfheartedly to lose weight the last year, lost 10, gained 10. So here I am. I need to do something serious and shake things up a bit. I need to get real, like the first time I lost weight so successfully.
My goal is 31 pounds in the next 31 weeks, but for now I'm working on step one. January goal: Whole 30, starting Friday Dec 30. I know the carb cravings suck to get through the first few days, and without a goal I haven't been able to break through this tough wall recently. In fact, I find myself WAY more sugar and carb craving than usual over the past few months.
The good news is, I have a freezer full of meat and garden veggies that I need to work through, and a few buckets full of potatoes which I see are now allowed! I just need to stop making bread, and to hide the rice, flour, sugar, butter, soy sauce, oatmeal, and yogurt.
I can do this, ya? I have a day and a half to figure out a game plan, learn the rules, and hide or use up the not-allowed foods in my house.
I'm excited. :)
Post by: 10dollarsatatime on December 28, 2016, 11:04:54 AM
Anywho. Problem with waiting until Christmas to tell her is that I couldn't get a reservation this week. So we're going next Saturday and I'll start my whole30 the following Sunday.
The book came in at the library this week, so I've been reading through it. I'm working on prepping ingredients; chopping, parcooking, and freezing winter squash, freezing frittatas, riced cauliflower, homemade sausages, etc. Trying to make this as easy on myself as possible, considering that I have multiple 16 hour work days lined up in January.
Post by: LadyStache in Baja on December 28, 2016, 04:57:22 PM
Willpower is weakening......
Post by: Helmet on December 29, 2016, 12:00:58 AM
LadyStache, might you be craving salt? I had never put salt on anything, maybe ever, until I did Whole30. If you crave a crunch is there a veg that does the trick (bell pepper, carrots, celery)? You're more than half way, you can do it!
Post by: swick on December 29, 2016, 10:53:53 AM
Helmet - A big welcome to the forums as well! Feel free to PM me if you have any questions as you find your way around :)
The reintro really seems to the key between people who are successful long-term and those who do a bit of a reset but continue to struggle. It is easier to avoid the things that don't work for you when you know exactly what they are.
Ladystache - Distraction is your best friend! Helmet is right, your body may be craving salt. Another option is to eat a pickle, usually does the trick for me :) All of the crunchy stuff you are craving are also simple carbs - which are processed like sugar, so it might be your body going to "plan B" to get more of the fuel it is use to having.
Horsepoor - Thanks for sharing the link again to your Pinterest, it has some great stuff on it!
Post by: BabyShark on December 29, 2016, 01:42:15 PM
Looking forward to the mustachian tips!
Post by: swick on December 29, 2016, 01:49:30 PM
Sent here by Swick, doing my first Whole 30 starting Jan 2. Prepping right with a big batch of bone broth in my slow cooker today, fingers crossed I finally get a gel!
Looking forward to the mustachian tips!
Welcome to the thread, BabyShark! I have a much easier time getting my bone broth to gel in the crockpot on low, since the gel is destroyed if it boils. My mom's crockpot, even on low, I discovered, boils the heck out of it. It also helps get a bit more nutrients and calcium out of the bones if you add a splash (like a tsp) of apple cider (or other) vinegar.
A successful and lower-cost whole 30 really depends on prep work and meal planning. I don't know if you have any produce liquidation shops near where you live? We don't where I am, but I have a friend in WA who found an AWESOME liquidation place that has tons of organic veggies. It has been a HUGE savings for her. Doesn't hurt to shop around. I also have a bulk place where I get the staples like coconut oil and coconut chips, nuts and such. If you have a Costco close by there are also a lot of saving to be had there on staples as well.
Post by: BabyShark on December 29, 2016, 02:17:31 PM
Sent here by Swick, doing my first Whole 30 starting Jan 2. Prepping right with a big batch of bone broth in my slow cooker today, fingers crossed I finally get a gel!
Looking forward to the mustachian tips!
Welcome to the thread, BabyShark! I have a much easier time getting my bone broth to gel in the crockpot on low, since the gel is destroyed if it boils. My mom's crockpot, even on low, I discovered, boils the heck out of it. It also helps get a bit more nutrients and calcium out of the bones if you add a splash (like a tsp) of apple cider (or other) vinegar.
A successful and lower-cost whole 30 really depends on prep work and meal planning. I don't know if you have any produce liquidation shops near where you live? We don't where I am, but I have a friend in WA who found an AWESOME liquidation place that has tons of organic veggies. It has been a HUGE savings for her. Doesn't hurt to shop around. I also have a bulk place where I get the staples like coconut oil and coconut chips, nuts and such. If you have a Costco close by there are also a lot of saving to be had there on staples as well.
Fascinating! I had never heard that the gel gets destroyed if it boils. I added my splash of ACV and I'm using a whole rotisserie chicken worth of bones, which I haven't done before. Doing my best to prep for next week, tonight's plan is to make breakfast muffins to stick in the freezer. I'm going to hopefully swing by BJ's today (I don't have a Costco membership) and see what sorts of things I can pick up.
Post by: swick on December 29, 2016, 02:55:33 PM
Sent here by Swick, doing my first Whole 30 starting Jan 2. Prepping right with a big batch of bone broth in my slow cooker today, fingers crossed I finally get a gel!
Looking forward to the mustachian tips!
Welcome to the thread, BabyShark! I have a much easier time getting my bone broth to gel in the crockpot on low, since the gel is destroyed if it boils. My mom's crockpot, even on low, I discovered, boils the heck out of it. It also helps get a bit more nutrients and calcium out of the bones if you add a splash (like a tsp) of apple cider (or other) vinegar.
A successful and lower-cost whole 30 really depends on prep work and meal planning. I don't know if you have any produce liquidation shops near where you live? We don't where I am, but I have a friend in WA who found an AWESOME liquidation place that has tons of organic veggies. It has been a HUGE savings for her. Doesn't hurt to shop around. I also have a bulk place where I get the staples like coconut oil and coconut chips, nuts and such. If you have a Costco close by there are also a lot of saving to be had there on staples as well.
Fascinating! I had never heard that the gel gets destroyed if it boils. I added my splash of ACV and I'm using a whole rotisserie chicken worth of bones, which I haven't done before. Doing my best to prep for next week, tonight's plan is to make breakfast muffins to stick in the freezer. I'm going to hopefully swing by BJ's today (I don't have a Costco membership) and see what sorts of things I can pick up.
Apparently, the gel is caused by the collagen and that is heat sensitive. The nutrients aren't gone, but the structure gets nuked. It sounds like when you are making stock you are not using enough bones? Stock that doesn't gel for that reason may if you simmer out some of the extra water. <----all this is according to my mom and Grandma and so on. It might not be 100% science grounded but seems to have held up over the years :)
Post by: Cookie78 on January 02, 2017, 09:33:34 AM
So far so good. I was craving sugary carbs pretty hard after 5pm on the first day, and after 2pm on the second day, but not so bad yesterday. That may have had something to do with the number of potatoes I ate!
I've been letting myself eat as much allowed food as I need to, at least for the first week while I get over the sugar/carb hurdle. It's included an astronomical amount of veggies and about twice as much fruit as usual. Lucky for me, I have enough frozen garden veggies ready to go to survive a few more months at his rate if I had to.
Also I've been adding wayyyy more herbs and salt than usual to my food, with fantastic results.
Today is my first day at work while doing Whole30. I was worried it would be a tough one since I have less food options and need to avoid the treats people bring in, so I made all sorts of food last night and brought in nearly 2 days worth, just in case I needed it. So far so good!
I find having food thawed or prepared ready to go is HUGE for my success so far. Also stir fried swiss chard, carrots, mushrooms, garlic, with herbs and salt is F'ing amazing delicious!
Also, sauces! I bought some almond/coconut milk (the only coconut milk at my store had soy in it) with the intention of making some sauce with it. Does anyone have any recommendations or favorites they want to share?
Post by: N on January 02, 2017, 10:17:44 PM
I really find having premade components in the fridge helps SO Much. cooked spagetti squash, some soups, broths, etc just waiting to go.
Post by: ZiziPB on January 03, 2017, 05:01:31 AM
Post by: horsepoor on January 03, 2017, 07:32:16 AM
5 diets, a single resolution (https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/5-diets-a-single-resolution-to-eat-better-in-the-new-year-which-will-work/2016/12/29/d150b080-c93c-11e6-85b5-76616a33048d_story.html?tid=a_inl&utm_term=.b852f2ba50e5)
I'm eating better than I was in the cookie avalanche that was December, but still not fully compliant. Ran out of cream and have switched to coconut oil coffee, but still eating Kerrygold cheese. Made a big pot of compliant Thom ka gai last night. Kind of a balance between eating well and using up perishable ingredients DH won't use while I'm gone. Felt like garbage yesterday but I don't think it was diet-related.
Discovered that I have The Paleo Cure by Chris Kresser on my Kindle, so I read through some of that the other night. Since I'm not doing W30 for real, and my main goal is to lose some weight, I'm settling on going low carb for breakfast and lunch, and then eating some carbs each night. I'll probably just have coffee with egg and coconut oil for breakfast, then a lunch of tuna or chicken salad and maybe some berries or a small orange, then a larger dinner with baked sweet potato or similar, so I'll be around 100-120 grams of carbs and restricting my carb intake to about a 6 hour window each day, but not strictly intermittent fasting. This is all predicated on getting my butt out of bed and working out before work 3 days a week.
Post by: ZiziPB on January 03, 2017, 07:59:05 AM
This WaPo writer is doing a second W30 while four of her co-workers do four other diets for the month. Should be interesting to see how it all turns out. Whole30, take 2: what I'll do differently this time (https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/whole30-take-2-what-ill-do-differently-this-time-around/2016/12/30/bffd025c-cd29-11e6-a747-d03044780a02_story.html?utm_term=.58daabba7f32)
5 diets, a single resolution (https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/5-diets-a-single-resolution-to-eat-better-in-the-new-year-which-will-work/2016/12/29/d150b080-c93c-11e6-85b5-76616a33048d_story.html?tid=a_inl&utm_term=.b852f2ba50e5)
I'm eating better than I was in the cookie avalanche that was December, but still not fully compliant. Ran out of cream and have switched to coconut oil coffee, but still eating Kerrygold cheese. Made a big pot of compliant Thom ka gai last night. Kind of a balance between eating well and using up perishable ingredients DH won't use while I'm gone. Felt like garbage yesterday but I don't think it was diet-related.
Discovered that I have The Paleo Cure by Chris Kresser on my Kindle, so I read through some of that the other night. Since I'm not doing W30 for real, and my main goal is to lose some weight, I'm settling on going low carb for breakfast and lunch, and then eating some carbs each night. I'll probably just have coffee with egg and coconut oil for breakfast, then a lunch of tuna or chicken salad and maybe some berries or a small orange, then a larger dinner with baked sweet potato or similar, so I'll be around 100-120 grams of carbs and restricting my carb intake to about a 6 hour window each day, but not strictly intermittent fasting. This is all predicated on getting my butt out of bed and working out before work 3 days a week.
Sounds very much like what I am doing in January as well.
I did a strict Whole 30 in November, then the slightly modified one like you are doing in the first half of December. Then ate a whole bunch of non-compliant foods for the rest of the month and now I'm back to where I left off in December. My main goal is to lose weight - I'd like to go down 10 lbs by mid-March.
Post by: shadowmoss on January 03, 2017, 11:19:59 AM
Post by: MEJG on January 03, 2017, 12:14:59 PM
Didn't have a scale with me yesterday, so weighed and measured today.
Today I'm home, so easier to eat well. I finally cleaned out our pantry of all non-complaint ingredients this morning. So far, so good. I have a head cold and had that caffeine headache yesterday so I can attribute none of my mystery to Whole30. Wondering if we might go longer than 30 days in our household. DH and kids eat what I cook/buy- but also eat out (ie at school). If we go longer I might get a better read on dairy and grains on the kiddos during reintroduction.
Post by: BabyShark on January 03, 2017, 01:20:17 PM
Post by: Philociraptor on January 03, 2017, 01:44:23 PM
Post by: monkeymind on January 04, 2017, 02:58:11 AM
I'm feeling good except for a wicked headache. I think I might need to find some tea to replace my coffee which I haven't learned to like without cream. I definitely need to make a grocery run for some staples. The whole30 is hard when you've run out of eggs!
Here's to our good health!
Post by: Cookie78 on January 04, 2017, 09:46:52 AM
The whole30 is hard when you've run out of eggs!
And fruit! I don't think I've gone through a bag of oranges so fast. Went to the grocery store on the weekend and bought my usual amount of groceries. Went back last night and spent $17 just on fruit and mushrooms because I was already out. Also forgot how much I like mushrooms!
So far at work I am not even tempted by the chocolates and treats. Not worth it. Pretty happy about that.
Post by: Landlady on January 04, 2017, 10:53:33 AM
I think the hardest part is that I got a book for Christmas about baking bread. I really want to read it but I'm afraid to tempt myself!
Thanks for the tip about ACV in broths! I make lots of chicken soup from leftover rotisserie chickens in the winter.
Post by: 1967mama on January 04, 2017, 12:39:54 PM
http://whole30.com/2016/09/vital-proteins-faq/
Post by: swick on January 04, 2017, 01:47:38 PM
Did anyone have any realizations or interesting Christmas experiences? I found that overall there has been a definite shift towards healthy for both our families. Very noticeable with mine as my mom and sister have done various rounds of whole 30 with me. We kept everything gluten-free and interestingly there was significantly less alcohol consumed - even family members who have a problem with it. It seems there have been some major attitude shifts overall. It highlights the type of shifts that can be hard and how important a strong support network is :)
Christmas day was a bit harder as we were at Hubby's parents. There was much less consumption than normal, and they tried to keep our healthy eating in mind for gifts for us (we got nuts instead of chocolate, that sort of thing) but there was still so so so much chocolate and candy everywhere. Willpower was tested...sort of... there was almost so much that it was all a turn-off. Every time I was tempted I'd go seek out the packaging.
Overall, despite serious lack of sleep, we felt much better after this Christmas than last. We had lots of practice eating consciously and figuring out what was worth it to indulge in and what wasn't.
Cookie78: This is a great roundup post for sauces: http://www.planksloveandguacamole.com/2015/01/Whole-30-Sauces.html (http://www.planksloveandguacamole.com/2015/01/Whole-30-Sauces.html)
Way to go for not giving into the Chocolate temptation!
N: I think you re stronger than I, don't think I could make calzones and not eat them. I finally gave away my flour and most of my bread making cookbooks. I feel lighter and not as tempted.
ZiziPB: Good to see you back!
Horsepoor: How is the Paleo Cure? Worth the read? Any tidbits you could share?
Shadowmoss: Good job on the curry! You may want to be careful about how much fruit you are eating, especially the dates. They may keep your sugar dragon alive and kicking. You may want to slowly wean off of them as you are getting more used to eating this way. I know it is a HUGE shift for you, and you are doing awesome :)
MEJG: How are you feeling now? It would be interesting to see how your kiddos respond. I kinda wish I'd done this as a child, I would have found out 25 or so years ago that I could indeed breathe through my nose :) The breakfast you made at your dad's sounds great!
Babyshark: How are you feeling? Good job on having breakfast and being prepped for your day!
Philociraptor: Welcome! Nice to have a whole 30 veteran join us. What have been some of your biggest takeaways from having done so many? How was life changed for you? Have you kept up eating similar the rest of the year or do you do more of a reset and then go back to eating normally the rest of the year? So many questions!
Monkeymind: Welcome! How is the headache? This is a great place for support. If you don't like any of the bullet proofing or buzzed options for coffee, it would be worth it to try some tea. The caffeine withdrawals mixed with the carb flu and sugar withdrawals is a NASTY experience.
Landlady: Welcome! I would suggest putting away the bread book for the month. It makes it so much harder. Once I discovered gluten really doesn't work for me I would feel horrible just going by my cookbook shelf. I LOVE cookbooks and baking and bread and I've amassed a huge collection, so I felt bad that I didn't read them, then I'd feel bad because I'd read them and get cravings or just feel the loss of not being able to engage in the process. The sunk cost fallacy played a role (even though most of them were gifts or purchased cheaply) It did take me about a year, but I finally got rid of almost all of them. I took the time to find good homes for them with people who would enjoy them and I was able to make them happy and clean out the space on my shelf and in my head.
I'm looking forward to hearing about everyone's challenges, successes, and realizations :)
Post by: ketchup on January 04, 2017, 02:54:02 PM
Did anyone have any realizations or interesting Christmas experiences?We went to my mom's house for dinner on Christmas and told her ahead of time of our limitations. She's not much of a cook but she put in a good effort and everything she made was compliant. The roast beef was overcooked, the broccoli was undercooked (and not seasoned because reasons), and the sweet potato mash was the highlight of the meal. We brought an apple cake my GF made. Overall went very well.
We're nearly through our AIP reintroduction. Just put bell peppers and paprika back on the menu this week. I missed paprika quite a bit.
Post by: Philociraptor on January 04, 2017, 02:56:02 PM
Philociraptor: Welcome! Nice to have a whole 30 veteran join us. What have been some of your biggest takeaways from having done so many? How was life changed for you? Have you kept up eating similar the rest of the year or do you do more of a reset and then go back to eating normally the rest of the year? So many questions!
Big takeaways:
- Meal prep, meal prep, meal prep. Having a fridge full of Whole 30-compliant food is key to surviving being at home on the weekends, especially if you have roommates. I've always been one to look in the fridge/pantry when I'm bored, so I need ready-to-eat food on-hand to keep me straight.
- On snack cravings at work: keep pouch tuna nearby at all times. If you aren't hungry enough to eat one on those, you aren't actually hungry. Go drink some water.
- Missing non-compliant foods? Kill it with decadence! We make sure to include lots of uncured bacon, avocados, eggs, etc., especially during the first week. It's almost impossible to get too much salt when you make all your own food.
- If doing high-intensity exercise, make sure you are getting plenty of carbs before your workout. I chug a pouch of apple sauce (the kind that's just apple and citric acid) about a half hour before I workout each day.
Life changes:
- I've realized that losing weight is easy, just have to power through.
- The converse to that is that keeping it off is hard if you don't have any muscle on your body. I'm of the opinion that everybody, and I mean everybody, could benefit from resistance training a few times a week.
- I'm more aware of foods that make me feel terrible, whether it's in large amounts or small amounts.
- Every year I get a bit closer to my ultimate goal weight and body composition, but it's really a life-long thing, and even after 5 and a half years I feel like I have plenty of room to improve.
During the rest of the year we go back to our normal eating, which is Whole 30 + rice/corn (aka the foods of our people) during the week, weekends are free to eat whatever, within reason. We almost never buy bread or flour tortillas, milk, snack foods, sodas, or desserts.
Post by: swick on January 04, 2017, 03:17:13 PM
- On snack cravings at work: keep pouch tuna nearby at all times. If you aren't hungry enough to eat one on those, you aren't actually hungry. Go drink some water.
HA! I'm totally showing this to Hubs, he is not a big tuna fan so this would be the perfect little visual reminder for him to have at work!
Thanks for sharing, there is lots of good stuff in what you say! I do like the "Kill it with Decadance" theory. Whenever I'm feeling low my go to is a duck egg browned clarified butter hollandaise sauce. Hollandaise makes pretty much everything taste beyond decadent.
Nice to hear from you, Ketchup! I bet it is great to have paprika again! Since you are almost done your AIP reintro, have you found any problem foods for you guys that are part of a reg whole 30?
Post by: ketchup on January 04, 2017, 03:35:56 PM
Nice to hear from you, Ketchup! I bet it is great to have paprika again! Since you are almost done your AIP reintro, have you found any problem foods for you guys that are part of a reg whole 30?We've confirmed that almonds are a no-go for me (very bad). My GF is more sensitive to coffee than she thought. White potatoes make our hunger/appetite regulation go a bit nutty if we have them too often (but "smashed potatoes" small potatoes boiled then smashed and baked on a tray with bacon are pretty much the greatest thing ever).
Excess chocolate makes me feel not-awesome (excess as in half a bar of unsweetened baker's chocolate which I eat like candy because I'm a freak), same with too many raw cashews. Neither of those are exactly unexpected.
Apart from that, we haven't really hit any sensitivities yet. We've still got eggplant, milk, cheese, tomatoes, nightshade spices, and chili peppers to reintroduce. And after that, we already have our date set for returning to our favorite local Thai restaurant (first time eating out together since late September) to see what our bodies think of white rice again.
Post by: horsepoor on January 04, 2017, 04:03:33 PM
- On snack cravings at work: keep pouch tuna nearby at all times. If you aren't hungry enough to eat one on those, you aren't actually hungry. Go drink some water.
HA! I'm totally showing this to Hubs, he is not a big tuna fan so this would be the perfect little visual reminder for him to have at work!
Haha, I tend to do the same thing, only with kipper snacks or canned sardines and packs of seaweed. Haven't looked into Whole30 seaweed snacks, but might need to do that. They are pleasantly crispy and salty, and tend to kill my urge to snack. Some fermented pickles or kimchi does the trick too.
Swick The Paleo Cure is pretty good if you're new to Paleo, but there's only so much to say. The part I found helpful recently was where he outlines the macro ratios to shoot for depending upon your circumstances. Nothing you can't find online though.
I think I'm going to buy the new Gary Taubes book The Case Against Sugar to read on the plane and firm up my resolve. I've been fighting off a cold and ended up on the couch last night noshing on chocolate chips. Oops. At least they were bittersweet?
My aunt brought me a huge container of Gomasio (http://www.food.com/recipe/gomasio-japanese-sesame-seed-condiment-135282) this summer, and I've been loving it on avocados. It's just seaweed, sesame seeds and salt. Need to find other things to sprinkle it on!
Post by: monkeymind on January 04, 2017, 06:46:03 PM
Swick: Thanks for the welcome. Two Excedrin did the trick. I guess just that little bump of caffeine was enough to get me over the hump. I haven't really craved sugar yet but I guess that's because I just got started. Not hard so far but I won't fool myself that it won't get harder.
Cookie78: I've got two bags of tangerines on my list. Thanks for reminding me to get mushrooms!
Landlady: I feel your pain. I got TWO bread cookbooks for Christmas! The giver doesn't need to know I've hidden them in the closet for now.
Day 3 is in the books, no more eating today. On to day 4. Anybody have recommendations for mentally preparing myself for the impending carb flu?
Post by: swick on January 04, 2017, 06:55:58 PM
Day 3 is in the books, no more eating today. On to day 4. Anybody have recommendations for mentally preparing myself for the impending carb flu?
Drink lots of water. Be gentle with yourself. Know that no matter how crappy you feel, it is temporary. Figure out some non-food ways to indulge in self-care - use these whenever you need, as a pick me up or a distraction when cravings set in. Tell your support network you might be feeling icky and to support you as much as they can. Come here when you are feeling low and need to complain/have a pity party or strategize ways to cope.Get to know the timeline:http://whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/ (http://whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/) YOU GOT THIS!
Post by: monkeymind on January 04, 2017, 08:31:52 PM
EMERGENCY!!!: I'm suddenly going out of town over the weekend and will undoubtedly have at least one restaurant meal where location will not be up to me and it will not be appropriate for me to mention my dietary restrictions. I'm planning to eat from my own stash beforehand and sneak in some homemade balsamic vinaigrette and have a veggie salad if I can't find anything else compliant. If necessary, I'll claim lack of hunger. I'm nervous about this sudden monkey wrench.
Post by: swick on January 04, 2017, 08:49:08 PM
EMERGENCY!!!: I'm suddenly going out of town over the weekend and will undoubtedly have at least one restaurant meal where location will not be up to me and it will not be appropriate for me to mention my dietary restrictions. I'm planning to eat from my own stash beforehand and sneak in some homemade balsamic vinaigrette and have a veggie salad if I can't find anything else compliant. If necessary, I'll claim lack of hunger. I'm nervous about this sudden monkey wrench.
If you stick to the basics, you should be okay. Just curious, why wouldn't it be appropriate to mention your dietary restrictions? These days, everyone has them, there is much less stigma than there use to be. You don't have to go into all the details, but you could just say you are trying to figure out what some of your allergies are, or something along those lines.
Some ideas: Just ask for any dressings/sauces on the side. Baked potato, salad, grilled meat (salmon, chicken, beef)
If there is any chance you can find out where you will be going ahead of time, they may have an online menu you can look at. Or if you happen to be able to suggest a place, research a couple that might be okay to have in your back pocket should they be looking for suggestions. I have found while traveling the "Find me Gluten-Free" app is an awesome starting place. At the very least these places usually have easy info on their menus.
Post by: shadowmoss on January 05, 2017, 08:51:41 AM
Post by: BabyShark on January 05, 2017, 09:23:22 AM
Post by: swick on January 05, 2017, 09:35:16 AM
I'm still hanging in there. The interesting thing for me is the disruption in my habits reguarding food.
I think this is where most of the value of Whole 30 comes in (other than figuring out your sensitivities) So much of what we put in our mouths is out of habit, unconscious, or trying to fill another need (emotional, mental, physical) It really is meant to be a pattern disruptor.
If you are out and about a lot, portable food will be key. You could keep a mini-cooler with you, or more portable snacks - apple or carrots with nut butters or compliant dips, hard boiled eggs, nuts, a thermos of soup or bone broth, sliced meats.
I've got my first real challenge today, going out for a coworker's birthday and an event for my husband's MBA program. Lunch is ok, I've found something on the menu that should be ok with some modifications but tonight I have NO idea what the buffet is going to look like. On top of that, I forgot to pack any snacks because I was running late today and just didn't grab anything.
Could you swing by a grocery store and pick up some prepared foods? Hard-boiled eggs, sliced meat, jerky? veggie packs? mixed nuts? Fruits? Even a gas station might have something you could grab.
Buffets these days (at least In Canada) seem to be really good about having lots of options and everything labeled. At the very least you should be able to find a salad bar. There should be some proteins there, and maybe some seeds and such? The good thing about a buffet is you can pick and choose and no one is really analyzing what you are eating.
I'm doing a bunch of food prep to try and get ahead of the game for our start on the 8th. Roasting veggies, making bone broth, putting some sauces together, figuring out what to make for some freezer meals. Already cursing my hubby's early morning work schedule and dislike of eggs :)
Post by: Landlady on January 05, 2017, 11:57:25 AM
Best of luck to everyone meeting challenges and temptations today!
Post by: BabyShark on January 05, 2017, 12:45:51 PM
I've got my first real challenge today, going out for a coworker's birthday and an event for my husband's MBA program. Lunch is ok, I've found something on the menu that should be ok with some modifications but tonight I have NO idea what the buffet is going to look like. On top of that, I forgot to pack any snacks because I was running late today and just didn't grab anything.
Could you swing by a grocery store and pick up some prepared foods? Hard-boiled eggs, sliced meat, jerky? veggie packs? mixed nuts? Fruits? Even a gas station might have something you could grab.
Buffets these days (at least In Canada) seem to be really good about having lots of options and everything labeled. At the very least you should be able to find a salad bar. There should be some proteins there, and maybe some seeds and such? The good thing about a buffet is you can pick and choose and no one is really analyzing what you are eating.
I'm doing a bunch of food prep to try and get ahead of the game for our start on the 8th. Roasting veggies, making bone broth, putting some sauces together, figuring out what to make for some freezer meals. Already cursing my hubby's early morning work schedule and dislike of eggs :)
Yea it's a school event so there'll at least be a vegetarian option, I just know it's going to all look so good and I'm going to have to be really discerning about what I eat. I have some tuna packs in my desk that I may eat right before I go and that should help too.
Lunch was tough, we went to an Italian restaurant and I LOVE pasta but I sucked it up and got a salad. Then they ordered dessert and tiramisu is my absolute favorite. I'm salivating thinking about it...
Food prep is key, I wish I had done that better but we were out of town for NYE so I didn't get as much done as I wanted to.
Post by: swick on January 05, 2017, 01:33:08 PM
The old adage is partly true: "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels" except I prefer to think of it as "healthy feels" or, in my case, knowing gluten wrecks me, "Nothing tastes as good as pain-free feels!"
Good luck tonight, you got this!
Post by: monkeymind on January 05, 2017, 04:23:59 PM
I'm a bit surprised that the hangover and "kill all the things" period have been so subtle up to now. I'm still feeling kind of like "what's the big deal?" with maybe a touch of minor irritation. I did have a terrible (and fortunately short-lived) headache which I guess could count as a hangover but, on the whole, I expected to feel a lot worse up to this point. I guess I'll count this as a blessing. I'm hoping I won't be blind-sided by a lot of misery in one fell swoop.
The pantry is full, I have a million eggs, and I think I'm prepared for the weekend. Keep on keepin' on, everybody!
Post by: swick on January 05, 2017, 04:40:06 PM
Day 4 and, overall, I'm feeling pretty good. I think I just had a moment of panic when my solid weekend plan was upended by this last minute travel surprise. I'm feeling much more optimistic about successfully navigating the out of town adventure. Thank you for your words of wisdom, Swick. I'm sure that helped to pull me off the ledge.
I'm a bit surprised that the hangover and "kill all the things" period have been so subtle up to now. I'm still feeling kind of like "what's the big deal?" with maybe a touch of minor irritation. I did have a terrible (and fortunately short-lived) headache which I guess could count as a hangover but, on the whole, I expected to feel a lot worse up to this point. I guess I'll count this as a blessing. I'm hoping I won't be blind-sided by a lot of misery in one fell swoop.
The pantry is full, I have a million eggs, and I think I'm prepared for the weekend. Keep on keepin' on, everybody!
That's what we're here for :) I know my timeline was off the first time I did it, and I had a real struggle through the second week. I think it has a lot to do with how you were eating beforehand, as well as what else is going on in your life. The timeline is pretty accurate for most people, but there are always exceptions. Hopefully, you are good to go and will be feeling the tiger blood soon! If you end up feeling worse, that is okay too - although not enjoyable, but it may happen. Drinking enough water is really key!
Post by: N on January 05, 2017, 10:36:45 PM
I have lost 39 lbs in 2016 and hope to continue losing more. I have definitely noticed that when I go off plan, my weight jumps up several lbs at once and then climbs. When I go back to W30, it gradually drops again and then I lose. It seems that I can have a little dairy or a little wheat without a physical reaction but after a few days, it adds up and causes a problem. Legumes are instant discomfort and reaction. sugar and chocolate are triggers and cause cravings and loss of rationality :)
Ive learned that I really love sauteed or grilled Romaine lettuce. Weird huh?
I started R2 on Jan 2, so Im 3 days in. I had some sugar cravings, but I kept away from it.
Hoping you all have continued successes!
feel free to share recipes! :)
Post by: ZiziPB on January 06, 2017, 05:33:35 AM
Post by: BabyShark on January 06, 2017, 06:41:11 AM
Post by: swick on January 06, 2017, 08:09:07 AM
I went to the Dr yesterday to follow up with my blood pressure and it was 124/78 which he said was great. And he halved my bp medicine dosage, which Im excited about. My labs came back very good, so my health is definitely improving.
I have lost 39 lbs in 2016 and hope to continue losing more. I have definitely noticed that when I go off plan, my weight jumps up several lbs at once and then climbs. When I go back to W30, it gradually drops again and then I lose. It seems that I can have a little dairy or a little wheat without a physical reaction but after a few days, it adds up and causes a problem. Legumes are instant discomfort and reaction. sugar and chocolate are triggers and cause cravings and loss of rationality :)
Ive learned that I really love sauteed or grilled Romaine lettuce. Weird huh?
I started R2 on Jan 2, so Im 3 days in. I had some sugar cravings, but I kept away from it.
Hoping you all have continued successes!
feel free to share recipes! :)
Wahoo, N!! AWESOME health improvements!! I'm not surprised by the grilled Romaine :) I love sauteeing/roasting Brussels and cabbage, last night I sliced some Brussels in half and laid them face down in a cast iron pan with some super hot duck fat. Once they were suitably crisped (a couple of min) I flipped them over to brown on the other side and then topped with some fancy salt and fresh cracked black pepper. SOOO GOOD!
If you can get a deal on a whole duck it is a super economical way to get a bunch of duck fat. I cook the duck in the crockpot and fire it under the broiler to crisp the skin. I'll make stock out of the bones and extra skin and stuff and separate the fat from that. Makes roasted veggies super decadent. I usually get between a cup and a cup and a half of fat, which sells alone here for more than the whole duck!
I lost the battle with chocolate yesterday :-( Hasn't happened to me before in two prior Whole 30 rounds. I guess my heart is not in it this time? Need to refocus and start again but for some reason I am just not motivated at all this time. I'm wondering if part of it is that I have now firmly established that I have no food allergies or sensitivities besides an easily avoided a latex fruit allergy (avocados, papayas). Other than that I'm doing the Whole 30 for the sole purpose of losing weight. And that's no fun...ZiziPB, my husband has gone through a similar struggle, he doesn't have any really noticeable sensitivities but noticed the long-term trend of feeling like crap after a while. In lots of ways it is easier for me, the decision-making process every single time is largely taken out of it for many things because I react so badly. Having to make the decision on everything, each time you have it definitely exhausts your willpower.
Would it help for you to reframe away from losing weight" to some other positive focused goal? Most people who I've been yo-yo look at it more as a quick fix traditional "diet" vs a longer term healthy way of eating, so you just have to figure out what your balance is. It can be tough, but you can do it!
This Whole30 nonsense is really messing with my usual Snow Day plans. When it's supposed to snow, I go out and stock up on pizza rolls and mini egg rolls and mac and cheese and wine. Today I have to stock up on veggies. Which I also like. But it's different.
Kill it with decadence! (see duck fat above) I have done a duck fat duck egg hollandaise sauce, which was crazy over the top. These are my totally favorite, complaint chicken wings which are super easy and fun to eat:http://www.thekitchenmagpie.com/amazing-salt-and-pepper-chicken-wings# (http://www.thekitchenmagpie.com/amazing-salt-and-pepper-chicken-wings#)
The key here isn't to feel deprived it is to explore and find other alternatives to the less healthy things you love.
How did you make out with dinner?
RANT TIME:
Fucking Sausages. I love our local family owned grocery store - but their fucking sausages. There is clear gluten-free labeling. There is extra info sheets with ingredient lists (they make everything in house) I have talked with at least one of the meat dept people... and I have been bitten by their damn sausages 4 times now. There is gluten in there somewhere, or cross-contamination enough to flair my Fibro up. I am sore and achy and feel like I got hit by a truck. They have two locations so I thought maybe standards were slightly different, so I'll buy sausages at the other I won't, but apparently, whatever is happening in production is happening at both places. Damnit. Time to find a new source. I'm just glad I haven't officially started my next round yet. But I am very whiney today :)
Post by: horsepoor on January 06, 2017, 08:14:04 AM
I lost the battle with chocolate yesterday :-( Hasn't happened to me before in two prior Whole 30 rounds. I guess my heart is not in it this time? Need to refocus and start again but for some reason I am just not motivated at all this time. I'm wondering if part of it is that I have now firmly established that I have no food allergies or sensitivities besides an easily avoided a latex fruit allergy (avocados, papayas). Other than that I'm doing the Whole 30 for the sole purpose of losing weight. And that's no fun...
I am kind of with you there. Not having allergies or major sensitivities means spending lots of time finding a balance. Over the fall, I was experimenting with sourdough baking. The sourdough seemed to agree with me from a digestion standpoint, though I'm not so sure about a weight management standpoint, because we were eating more carbs overall. Then in December I started indulging in too many cookies, because I was doing fine with the sourdough. After a couple weeks of baked goods at every office meeting and function (plus sampling beers with DH on/around his birthday), my gut definitely was disturbed and it felt great to get back to cleaner eating after Christmas, but I can eat 85% clean and reap 99% of the benefits, at least in how I feel day to day, so it's hard to find the discipline to improve the 15% of what I put in my mouth to get the last 1% of benefit.
I'm reading The Obesity Code right now, and it's really helping me decide how I want to dial things in while I'm doing my 6 day a week program Whole6x8? I find that I get to lax when I don't follow "the code", but need something else to play around with. I'm at a point in the book where he's discussing insulin response to protein, and he also provides more discussion about the nuances of glucose load, timing and frequency of eating, etc. I think after this I might read one of Gary Taubes' books. Adding more fuel to the "why am I doing this?" fire seems helpful, at least for me.
Also thought I'd post the Nomnom Paleo Whole30 guide for anyone not familiar her January Whole30's. http://nomnompaleo.com/post/155276926793/ready-for-the-january-whole30
Post by: BabyShark on January 06, 2017, 08:59:50 AM
This Whole30 nonsense is really messing with my usual Snow Day plans. When it's supposed to snow, I go out and stock up on pizza rolls and mini egg rolls and mac and cheese and wine. Today I have to stock up on veggies. Which I also like. But it's different.
Kill it with decadence! (see duck fat above) I have done a duck fat duck egg hollandaise sauce, which was crazy over the top. These are my totally favorite, complaint chicken wings which are super easy and fun to eat:http://www.thekitchenmagpie.com/amazing-salt-and-pepper-chicken-wings# (http://www.thekitchenmagpie.com/amazing-salt-and-pepper-chicken-wings#)
The key here isn't to feel deprived it is to explore and find other alternatives to the less healthy things you love.
How did you make out with dinner?
RANT TIME:
Fucking Sausages. I love our local family owned grocery store - but their fucking sausages. There is clear gluten-free labeling. There is extra info sheets with ingredient lists (they make everything in house) I have talked with at least one of the meat dept people... and I have been bitten by their damn sausages 4 times now. There is gluten in there somewhere, or cross-contamination enough to flair my Fibro up. I am sore and achy and feel like I got hit by a truck. They have two locations so I thought maybe standards were slightly different, so I'll buy sausages at the other I won't, but apparently, whatever is happening in production is happening at both places. Damnit. Time to find a new source. I'm just glad I haven't officially started my next round yet. But I am very whiney today :)
Yea, I'm just craving my routine I guess, and part of the whole point of this is to break my crappy routine. The wine is the hardest part for me. My favorite part of snow days is drinking wine on the couch while my husband shovels.
Dinner was ok, they had steamed asparagus and a salad and a London broil we were able to eat. They had these delicious looking mashed potatoes that I didn't trust not to have dairy in them and a salmon in a dill cream sauce that I knew was off limits. And the chocolate cake we had to avoid of course. I was so hungry when I got home though, I sauteed up some compliant pork belly and spinach.
And you have every right to be whiny re: the sausages! If this happens every time even after you're told it shouldn't be happening, it's irritating. At least you've figured it out now and can avoid it going forward.
Post by: swick on January 06, 2017, 09:11:46 AM
And you have every right to be whiny re: the sausages! If this happens every time even after you're told it shouldn't be happening, it's irritating. At least you've figured it out now and can avoid it going forward.
Yeah - I think the big problem is it DOESN'T happen every time, I keep getting lulled into a false sense of security, thinking they fixed their issues. I'm (slowly) coming to the realization that it is not worth the risk.
Way to go on surviving dinner! Is there something you can substitute for the wine? Herbal tea, fizzy water?
Post by: N on January 06, 2017, 12:09:50 PM
I usually render my own chicken fat from the skins and fat I trim off, but I dont normally eat duck. Ill have to think about that. I like the duck fat, though.
My other new favorite thing is using homemade mayo as a dip for veggies. Not something I ever did pre W30. I like to season the mayo with one of the bazillion spice blends I have stashed in my cupboard (although have to avoid the ones with sugar) Last night I had steamed potatoes that I dipped in mayo blended with Butcher Spice Rub from Savory Spices http://www.savoryspiceshop.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQiAnb3DBRCX2ZnSnMyO9dIBEiQAOcXYH6fCaLHGlbqnoHVrWgWRc8DmlRGML8POVC435zi4CEoaAtHT8P8HAQ (http://www.savoryspiceshop.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQiAnb3DBRCX2ZnSnMyO9dIBEiQAOcXYH6fCaLHGlbqnoHVrWgWRc8DmlRGML8POVC435zi4CEoaAtHT8P8HAQ)
http://www.savoryspiceshop.com/blends/barneg.html
Im also on a big cabbage kick. roasted, sauteed, in soups...I feel like its a really good sub for pasta/rice in terms of bulking up a meal.
Post by: Landlady on January 06, 2017, 03:47:18 PM
Today's recipe for me is nom nom's Curried Cream of Broccoli Soup because it's snowing and curry soup is perfect. http://nomnompaleo.com/post/2345953636/curried-cream-of-broccoli-soup
Those wings look amazing, swick. I'll definitely have to give those a try.
Post by: Bracken_Joy on January 06, 2017, 04:21:58 PM
-Sparkling mineral water with bitters (there's a whiskey barrel aged one that scratches the whiskey itch really well for me)
-Sparkling mineral water with lemon and lime juice
-Sparkling mineral water with grapefruit juice
-Sparkling mineral water with OJ and a splash of pom
We love the trader joe's sparkling mineral water =)
Post by: MEJG on January 06, 2017, 06:39:25 PM
Post by: shadowmoss on January 06, 2017, 07:16:25 PM
Post by: Mongoose on January 08, 2017, 12:57:21 PM
DH is fine. I have a headache and am extremely dizzy and lethargic...like I cannot function. I can't feel like this because I have a ton to do. Any advice for getting through the adjustment while being able to still work, drive, etc?
Post by: swick on January 08, 2017, 02:02:52 PM
I'm not doing a Whole30 but am adjusting towards a better diet (less SAD...more paleo/whole30-ish). We started yesterday and this is unbelievable. I'm not trying to restrict carbs per se but skipped rice with dinner and potatoes with breakfast (those things make me hungry an hour later).
DH is fine. I have a headache and am extremely dizzy and lethargic...like I cannot function. I can't feel like this because I have a ton to do. Any advice for getting through the adjustment while being able to still work, drive, etc?
Drink LOTS of water and fluids. Take an OTC pain med if you need to. If you need to, eat a Banana or sweet potato. It gives you some carbs with some other good stuff that should keep you fuller.
I had some probably non-compliant chicken salad today, but my 85yo Mom made it. She is slowly going downhill andit was nice to share a meal wwith her. It was made with commercial mayonnaise and sweet relish that I know of, not sure of the status of the other ingredients. Trace sugar and processes food are my main issues. At the doctor appointment I found I'm down to 113#. If I can't make myself cook more I may need to drop out for now until I can get my weight back up.
Shadowmoss - your situation is unique compared to the rest of us. I think just doing the best you can with your circumstances and limitations is great. What support do you need in order to cook more? What systems can be put in place? Who can you reach out to? This is the crucial piece of things for you. We are here to brainstorm and bounce ideas around and support you.
Also, while not horribly mustachian there are several options available on the Whole 30 site for approved snack and meal kits and such. You could look at these for inspiration and get some of these better for you prepared foods while you are figuring out the cooking piece, or heck, if it is what you need, spend the money and just order the kits. Your health is the biggest priority.
MEJG - How are you doing?
I'm not upset that I can't eat them and I'm not tempted, but it kind of pointed out to me that I have to be mindful so I don't accidently grab something just out of habit.
Yep this is what I found hard too, We are starting our next round officially tomorrow. was suppose to be today but Hubs, out of habit and because it was there, grabbed some rice crackers and hummus this morning. I've gone through and removed everything that we might just use out of habit (the other one for us is wheat free soy sauce) as well as those not totally complaint foods we eat the rest of the time occasionally like the odd rice noodle or cracker.
I totally get the whole kinda hoping you react to something in the reintro because it makes it easier to stay away from. I sometimes wonder if my husband (who found he had no immediate affects) or I got the better deal :)
Thanks for popping in, Braken_Joy! Love your different seltzer ideas, We have found that having fun with sparkling water makes things a little more fancy and exciting. We have a soda stream, which we find totally worth it to be able to make our own sparkling water whenever we like :)
Check in time! How is everyone doing?
Post by: shadowmoss on January 08, 2017, 03:32:16 PM
Edited to add: I'm usually on my phone when I reply as I don't have internet at my RV. That explains the majority of weirdness. Also, the primary issue was I was having digestive issues, probably from so much fruit, and I'm afraid that will cause even more weight loss. I need to get more organized. The rest of the stuff can be worked around once I read the book I'm sure.
Post by: ketchup on January 09, 2017, 08:15:55 AM
Also, while not horribly mustachian there are several options available on the Whole 30 site for approved snack and meal kits and such. You could look at these for inspiration and get some of these better for you prepared foods while you are figuring out the cooking piece, or heck, if it is what you need, spend the money and just order the kits. Your health is the biggest priority.My GF has used Paleo On The Go twice for this sort of thing (in addition to bringing stuff with her), and had it shipped to the hotel where she's staying on trips longer than a day or two. It is very expensive (like $15-20/meal holy shit expensive, plus shipping) but you're paying for convenience and non-shittiness (and for her, not having to deal with somehow flying with a cooler full of food).
Our AIP reintroduction is still going pretty well. GF found out she is sensitive to milk (butter/cream is fine). She woke up in the middle of the night Saturday night with some lovely knives-in-stomach sensation after having milk the previous night. Cheese is next up, so we'll see how that goes. She loooves cheese so that'll be pretty crappy if that goes badly too.
Milk was fine for me, and cheese probably will be too (though I personally hate cheese because I apparently hate happiness, sunshine, puppies, and Mario Kart).
Post by: Cookie78 on January 09, 2017, 09:34:14 AM
Post by: swick on January 09, 2017, 09:54:28 AM
I'm on day 11 and doing really well. I live by myself and cook for 1, so I usually fall into the habit of cooking the same things all the time out of convenience and efficiency. I'm loving the need to try different things and and LOVING the delicious results. So far no major cravings or difficulties avoiding 'bad' foods. Also, so far, no major impacts like headaches or bad moods. Just the usual exhaustion. I'm hoping I'll have more energy, as promised, by the end.
Glad to hear you are doing well, Cookie78! Have any recipes or successes you could share? I'm starting day 1 today so I'll need the inspiration!
Were you exhausted before, or is this something that is new since going on Whole 30?
Today is day 1 of round...ummm...I'm not actually sure :) We eat about 85% (Hubs) and probably 95% (me) Whole 30. But have had a bit of excess during Christmas. It was Hub's idea to do a full round of strict Whole 30, so here we go!
Chicken stock is going in the crockpot. We have the leftovers from the Kalua pork we had for our game day to eat and I made Nom-nom's tuna cakes. I was hoping Hubby would like them, but he really hates canned fish. They confused him. He said he likes the flavor but is unsure if it is enough to hide the canned fish flavour. In the end he had 4 bites. He did say if we used frozen fish he would eat them, so I have to dig through the freezer and see what I have :)
For breakfast, Hubby had a monkey bowl today. We have discussed soups for breakfast, and stir-fries the problem with both of those is they take a while to actually chew and he doesn't have a ton of time in the morning without having to get up even more ridiculously early. Especially these days as he often has to shovel snow before he can leave. I think the solution is less chunky soups and chopping everything finer for stir-fries? We'll see!
I did make a big batch of my ragatooie and served that over roasted sweet potato and did up about 8 portions of that so Hubby can take it for his lunches. That way I can focus on making dinners that might not provide leftovers for his lunch or we can experiment with new things and if he doesn't like it he won't starve the next day.
Post by: Landlady on January 09, 2017, 10:23:31 AM
My grocery bill will definitely be on the high side this month. I'm realizing how much homemade bread and granola usually fills me up normally.
I also got a massive workout in yesterday in the form of shoveling snow. We got 6 inches in 12 hours and our snow blower is busted right now.
Post by: swick on January 09, 2017, 11:29:23 AM
Day 9 for me. Over the weekend we had 5 guests including carb-loving kids stay the weekend so I knew there would be challenges. So I cooked up a big batch of bolognese sauce in the slow cooker for everyone. I just ate the sauce over brussel sprouts and it was amazing. Everyone else filled up on pasta too. There were SO many cookies around, but the worst temptation was self inflicted. I baked a batch of blueberry muffins for everyone to scarf down after they got off the ski slopes. It's so hard to bake something and not taste it afterwards!
My grocery bill will definitely be on the high side this month. I'm realizing how much homemade bread and granola usually fills me up normally.
I also got a massive workout in yesterday in the form of shoveling snow. We got 6 inches in 12 hours and our snow blower is busted right now.
Awesome job Landlady! I hear you about the higher than usual grocery expense. I actually gave up keeping track during my first whole 30 I couldn't stomach it. BUT if you continue to eat in this style longer term it evens out as you build your recipe bank, figure out what foods you do and don't like, which can be made at home and so on. Also save quite a bit on the eating out front!
Getting the initial pantry ingredients can be a hit. If you are only doing it for 30 days as a reset and then going back to normal food, the cost will be way higher then your usual eating. The frustrating part is real food costs more than fake food, and if you aren't eating the grains and legumes and other cheaper protein sources you have to get creative in your sourcing.
INSPIRATION: Okay so I'm going back over the whole thread to prepare a support program for a few folks in February and I came across page 10. It is an AWESOME, inspiring read for those new to Whole 30 and it is a FANTASTIC reminder for those of us who have been here a while how far we have come! http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/whole-30-starting-sept-8th-want-to-join-us/450/ (http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/throw-down-the-gauntlet/whole-30-starting-sept-8th-want-to-join-us/450/)
Post by: 1967mama on January 09, 2017, 11:31:55 AM
Post by: Cookie78 on January 09, 2017, 12:04:45 PM
I'm on day 11 and doing really well. I live by myself and cook for 1, so I usually fall into the habit of cooking the same things all the time out of convenience and efficiency. I'm loving the need to try different things and and LOVING the delicious results. So far no major cravings or difficulties avoiding 'bad' foods. Also, so far, no major impacts like headaches or bad moods. Just the usual exhaustion. I'm hoping I'll have more energy, as promised, by the end.
Glad to hear you are doing well, Cookie78! Have any recipes or successes you could share? I'm starting day 1 today so I'll need the inspiration!
Were you exhausted before, or is this something that is new since going on Whole 30?
I've been exhausted more often than not for nearly 2 years. My brother committed suicide Feb 2015 and I spent a year dealing with grief, and the next year trying to get my energy levels back up. I don't know if the exhaustion is still due to grief or if I use that as an excuse. Maybe I've just been exhausted so long that I don't know how to be any other way. I went to the doctor a year ago and did some blood tests, that all came back normal. I was hoping something would be off and easy to fix, but nope. I went on anti-depressants and that helped a lot. I think I'm exhausted now because it's cold and dark for so many hours of the day. I am pretty sure that it'll get better in the spring, and even better in August when I'm not wasting my prime hours sitting in a cubicle! The good news is that it's getting better, I do have bursts of energy, especially in the mornings, and I'm not sad or upset anymore, just tired.
As for recipes, I REALLY loved the tzatziki sauce recipe on this page http://whole30.com/2016/10/best-of-dips-sauces/
Also stir friend swiss chard with carrots, mushrooms, garlic, and various herbs and spices has been my go to phenomenal, I can't get enough, recipe. I grew so much swiss chard this summer and I almost stopped freezing it thinking I'd never get through that much. But after discovering this deliciousness I'm not so sure!
Post by: BabyShark on January 09, 2017, 01:01:02 PM
Post by: ketchup on January 09, 2017, 01:17:32 PM
Also stir friend swiss chard with carrots, mushrooms, garlic, and various herbs and spices has been my go to phenomenal, I can't get enough, recipe. I grew so much swiss chard this summer and I almost stopped freezing it thinking I'd never get through that much. But after discovering this deliciousness I'm not so sure!!
Recipes!?
Chard is one of my big "I should eat that more than once a year like I do now" foods.
Post by: Cookie78 on January 09, 2017, 01:31:55 PM
Also stir friend swiss chard with carrots, mushrooms, garlic, and various herbs and spices has been my go to phenomenal, I can't get enough, recipe. I grew so much swiss chard this summer and I almost stopped freezing it thinking I'd never get through that much. But after discovering this deliciousness I'm not so sure!!
Recipes!?
Chard is one of my big "I should eat that more than once a year like I do now" foods.
I don't have a recipe, I just winged it based on what was in my fridge one day.
I used a little oil in the pan, threw in about 2-3 cups of thawed swiss chard, maybe 1.5 cups of thawed carrots, stir and let it sit for 5-10 min, stirring occasionally. Sometimes I add a tiny bit of water. After 5-10 min I threw in some mushrooms (1 cup) and chopped garlic. Let sit maybe 3-5 more min. Add spices etc (garlic salt, onion salt, basil, chives, oregano, pepper, in various combinations based on mood). Stir. Cook until you like what you see (not much longer, just a few min). Once I got distracted and let it cook a little longer than usual, All the moisture on the bottom had evaporated, but it was soooo good. I think it largely has to do with the fact that the carrots from my dad's garden are quite sweet and so amazing fried like that.
Post by: horsepoor on January 09, 2017, 09:16:11 PM
Should be pretty well on track by Thursday.
Post by: missundecided on January 09, 2017, 10:44:15 PM
Today is day 2. Yesterday my friend and I got together and batch-cooked a week's worth of food; I followed her lead in menu planning since she is already familiar with what's compliant, etc. (I joined kind of last minute so there has been very little research on my part. I'm hoping that the challenge aspect will be enough for me to stick around.)
Anyway, while I'm no stranger to batch cooking, I usually portion and throw into the freezer to ease my temptation to eat all the food that is ready and available! The stuff we made is instead just sitting in my fridge, calling my name. I admit that it was too easy to over-eat tonight, and now I'm feeling uncomfortable.
I think another challenge I'll be facing is that I'm not used to eating this much meat. Another challenge I suspect will be in finding that right balance between fiber, fat, and protein.
So far I haven't been tempted by sweets, but the month is still young! (Tonight I accidentally licked some of the honey that I use to wash my face. Oops!)
Post by: N on January 09, 2017, 10:56:20 PM
I bought a really big cabbage last week, so Im having cabbage alot! Ill finish it off tomorrow.
Today I sauteed some, topped it with mashed sweet potatoes and 2 fried eggs.
For lunch I had my fave chicken salad (chicken, grapes, celery, red onion, walnuts, mayo, lemon juice) on romaine lettuce and then some guacamole on the side. Oh, and an apple with cinnamon. So sweet and good!
For dinner, I roasted some chicken legs and thighs and had one of each with roasted carrots and potato.
Im planning to make chicken stock in the instant pot tomorrow, and render some chicken fat/skin in a skillet. I need to season some ground pork to turn it into sausage :) and cook up a butternut squash to make soup.
Last week I had a kale kick. I made some "zuppa toscana" (w30 style) with chicken stock, homemade sausage, kale, onion and potatoes. Even if you dont put it together as a soup, those things go great together.
Ive never consistently eaten this many greens before. I like it.
Post by: MEJG on January 10, 2017, 05:54:18 AM
Maybe this was a crazy month to do this.... but nothing like jumping in feet first!! We have stayed compliant despite new jobs, 3 kids, and doctors appts over 2 hrs away by car- YAY!!
Last week I learned I NEED a snack, maybe 2, at my new job due to when food breaks are and the rigors of the job itself. Favorite meals so far are slow cooker chocolate chili :) and for DH and I chicken Thai red curry. Three of us are loving breakfast casserole in the morning.
Most meals are protein + roasted veggies + ghee or avocado and are not elaborate. We have plans to try a complaint version if general Tso chicken this week over sweet potato noodles.
My blood sugar has been interesting.... By my meter I've been down between 56-70 MOST readings, with many of them in the 59-65 range. This *should* be hypoglycemia....but I feel great! So I think either my meter is broken, or this really is fixing my body and *my* normal is in the low end of the range. Perhaps my issues in the past quarter were due to being too high carb, empty food, processed crap with my particular metabolism. I am eating plenty of starchy compliant veggies, every meal, and yet I'm still floating around the low 60s.
I am also wondering if maybe I am really insulin sensitive (which was not my personal hypothesis prior to this) and I have a higher carb tolerance and this I'm actually ketogenic with this plan... But I am NOT shelling out for a ketone meter. Maybe I will in the future but not at this juncture.
Kiddos are eating compliantly at home, but out and about we are not being strict with them. I'm really interested to see is DD3.5 is sensitive to dairy.... I think she may be and we may have been over treating her asthma (she goes on her sick plan at the first sign of illness ie a runny nose).
Next steps.... keep on keeping on, and trying to work out a probiotic solution when we don't particularly like fermented foods.
Post by: swick on January 10, 2017, 07:55:23 AM
I've got this nasty cough that I can't seem to shake though and I'm worried I might need to break to take some non-compliant cough drops. I've tried tea and that doesn't really help. Any ideas?
Sorry, I'm late to respond, Babyshark! I hope you are feeling better! It's hard to make suggestions without really knowing what is going on with you, is it a dry cough or a wet cough? Are you bringing up flem and junk? Do you have a sore throat? When my mom went off dairy she coughed up a lot of junk as her body cleared it out.
Some ideas: Cough sore throat - Slippery elm tea or lozenges (I'm not sure what else is in the lozenges, some are just compressed and formed slippery elm) and Licorice http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-licorice-root.html (http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-licorice-root.html) are what I usually use.
Also, there are quite a few essential oils that are good for inhalation for cough and cold. I'm not comfortable really making recommendations without more info though.
swick - page 10 is THE page that convinced me to jump in. I'd been reading up on the thread for suggestions and I was just so impressed with how supportive and focused you all were. I felt like I'd be super lucky to get to participate in such a great group. I'm wishing you and your husband a smooth and easy 30 days.
Aww yay! I've really enjoyed going back and reading them, often it is easy to forget how far you come. Glad you have joined us!
Really glad I went to the trouble of packing my Instant Pot, immersion blender and lots of compliant spices and condiments!
Glad you made it safely! Wait....did you fly? With your Instant pot?? That takes some dedication! I can't help with all the threads and comments and such I am missing out on some wonderful, revolutionary piece of equipment...Is it really so amazing?
WELCOME missundecided! I would spend some time poking through the Whole 30 site most of the info is there and it will give you a better jist for the why and whatnot of everything :)
I totally get you on the eating more meat and finding the right balance. One thing to keep in mind is this is not Atkins. You will up your protein a bit, but for the most part you should be focusing on upping your veggies and healthy fats. There is a little bit of discomfort and transition period when you do this, but it is worth it!
N - Awesome update! Yay for greens! It sounds like you are really dialed in :) How are you feeling two weeks in?
Hello folks!WAY TO GO!!! Super impressive that you are able to keep it up with all that life going on!
Maybe this was a crazy month to do this.... but nothing like jumping in feet first!! We have stayed compliant despite new jobs, 3 kids, and doctors appts over 2 hrs away by car- YAY!!
Blood sugar and insulin resistance/sensitivity is such an interesting rabbit hole :) Our bodies and how food affects them and the balancing of hormones and processes in the body. We are all pretty much walking experiments, either by someone else's hand or our own, so you have to do what works for you.
RE: DD: It could very well be the dairy, but if she has asthma it might be worsened by the inflammation caused by wheat (or some of the preservatives and sulfites?) My mom didn't have an asthmatic reaction to eating bread in Italy, but she has one slice of bread here and within a short amount of time, I can hear the wheeze come back. Ususally, if she has had either dairy or wheat I can tell, even on the phone.
Post by: swick on January 10, 2017, 08:38:35 AM
I've come around to the fact that this way of eating is so much easier with prep - but I have been still thinking in terms of whole meals. Due to the Uber-frugal January challenge, and the Use up your pantry challenge in addition to this one, I hit on a system that might work well for us.
Basically, I'm throwing out the idea of having to plan, prep and cook complete meals out the window and instead focusing on stuffing the fridge with building blocks, that can be combined however people want at the time. I think this will work well because there are a couple of things I tend not to cook with because hubby doesn't like them (Mushrooms and fresh tomaotes) Also, not having to commit to cooking a whole balanced meal all at once allows for me to cook in shorter and clean up in shorter spurts throughout the day as my schedule allows. Also allows me to be creative and use up the bits and pieces that wouldn't make a full meal.
So yesterday:
Am - took a work break, did a load of dishes strained the chicken stock I had in the crockpot and refried some tuna cake and an egg for breakfast.
PM - Made some chicken soup while I was chopping veggies, used up a load of veg that would have probably been forgotten about and some already cooked and shredded chicken from the fridge.
Threw a bag of Brussel sprouts into the oven to roast
Looked in the fridge and noticed I had some homemade mayo that needed using. Hmm, I had used some specialty olive oil that was gifted to us and too damn spicy. needs to be cut. Thawed out some spinach, threw it into the food processor with the mayo, a clove of garlic some of my mom's soup mix (pretty much just dehydrated veggies from her garden) and a can of water chestnuts and made a pretty close approximation of spinach dip (Hubby's fave) without the sour cream. Served with carrot sticks.
Now, that wasn't hard to do but it adds extra time and dishes which I wouldn't have done if I had to worry about making a full meal.
Hubs wasn't in a soup mood, but I had some shredded cabbage on hand and some leftover Kalua pork in the fridge. Took nothing to fry them up.
So dinner consisted of an appetizer of Spinach dip and carrot sticks, roasted Brussels and pork and cabbage. All in all probably as balanced as if I had planned a "complete meal" and realistically, had way more veggies then I would have prepared otherwise.
I woke up actually hungry this morning, not a problem I have a pot of soup ready to go!
There is potential in wasting food if I get too excited and make too many different things, but having a list of what needs to be used up on the fridge should help with that. We'll see if it sticks :)
Post by: Landlady on January 10, 2017, 03:47:02 PM
1/2 banana
handful of frozen blueberries
1/4 can of coconut milk
all blended together... Let's just call it a cold soup rather than a smoothie so I can get away with this. :/
Dinner for tonight will be Chicken Vindaloo with sweet potatoes and broccoli. Costco sells Indian sauces and their Vindaloo is Whole30 compliant and very delicious.
Also I roasted some roots to have on hand.. yellow potatoes, sweet potatoes and half an onion with olive oil, Moroccan spices and fancy sea salt at 420* until I see caramelization.
Does anyone else use Maldon sea salt? I swear it makes anything I cook incredible and it's just salt. I got it as a Christmas present this year. My friend calls it "sexy salt" and I completely agree. If you need to treat yourself in a non-sugary way, I'd recommend it.
Post by: shadowmoss on January 10, 2017, 04:35:09 PM
I have a Pound of butter and i want to make clarified butter. The book says to strain through cheese cloth. Would a wire mesh strainer be ok, or is it not fine enough? Once I find my immersion blender I want to make mayonnaise as well. I will make up a meal plan for the first week this time, and I'm timing the 30 days to fall between food related activities this time. I've stayed off dairy, and had only small amounts of bread and sugar, so hopefully just a bit of tweaking will get me compliant again.
Post by: swick on January 10, 2017, 04:50:04 PM
I'm going back on the whole30 next Monday. I now have the book from the library, and I'm continuing to cook more at-home. I have some questions. I went to a meat market here. The sign advertised Corn Fed Meat. I'm thinking this is not a good point. I did get 2 pork chops and one is cooking as I type. I don't usually buy meat to cook at home, so I'm not totally sure if corn fed is to be avoided or a necessary evil or actually good.
I have a Pound of butter and i want to make clarified butter. The book says to strain through cheese cloth. Would a wire mesh strainer be ok, or is it not fine enough? Once I find my immersion blender I want to make mayonnaise as well. I will make up a meal plan for the first week this time, and I'm timing the 30 days to fall between food related activities this time. I've stayed off dairy, and had only small amounts of bread and sugar, so hopefully just a bit of tweaking will get me compliant again.
Good to hear from you shadowmoss :) Ideally in a perfect world you want grass-fed, organic happy cows, chickens, and pigs. The term I tend to look for up here is pastured/pasture raised. Now, I'm not American, so I guess when you are talking pork, corn fed means at least they are being fed grains and not some of the other nasties that are in factory farmed meat? Maybe someone can shed better light on it :)
The key things to keep in mind is go as high quality as you can with your budget and circumstances allowing. The more natural the diet of the animal, they better they will be for you. That being said, you are cooking at home. That is awesome, Don't stress on the minutia, get a solid foundation and if you want to upgrade you can!
For the Ghee it depends on the size of your mesh, you just want to make sure you catch all the solids. You can use a piece of paper towel, although it is a little awkward - or even a sock (preferably clean!)
LandLady - I love fancy salts! Maldon is lovely! The vindaloo sounds great too!
Post by: horsepoor on January 10, 2017, 05:17:21 PM
Really glad I went to the trouble of packing my Instant Pot, immersion blender and lots of compliant spices and condiments!
Glad you made it safely! Wait....did you fly? With your Instant pot?? That takes some dedication! I can't help with all the threads and comments and such I am missing out on some wonderful, revolutionary piece of equipment...Is it really so amazing?
Yes, I flew and packed it in checked luggage, along with canned sardines, duck fat, immersion blender and a good knife. Imagine my surprise that TSA searched that one. ;-) I love the IP so much I bought an extra on Black Friday and use them simultaneously about once a week. Cooking drumstick in it tonight, then use the bones for stock, then chicken curry and green soup all done in the Instant Pot. The soup pot that came with the apartment is about 2 quarts.
So I decided to add fancy cheese to my diet. Previous experience plus some recent reading lead me to the conclusion that it's fine. If I stick with the pricey stuff I won't eat too much. I also ended up with peanut butter because the $12 cashew butter had sunflower and or safflower oil, and the PB just had organic peanuts and salt. Recent reading also said peanuts tend to down regulate glycerin response, which is a bonus. Found some compliant andouille sausage at whole foods, so had a skillet tonight with that, onion, mushrooms, sweet potato and jalapeño.
Post by: 10dollarsatatime on January 10, 2017, 06:15:28 PM
So far, so good. I haven't felt well yesterday or today, but I don't think that's much related to the W30. I spent Sunday just cooking/prepping, so the past couple of days have been easy enough. I was running late this morning and, needing finger food, I sliced a sausage and dropped it in a frying pan with an already diced roasted sweet potato. I chucked the pile in a baggy and ate it on the way to a meeting. I think those Aidell's sausages will save me this month.
Post by: ketchup on January 11, 2017, 08:01:20 AM
Day 10. I may have cheated since Whole30 doesn't like smoothies, but I needed something to fill me up today and our fridge is running low on vegetables.I've... made almost that exactly for breakfast pretty often. But I do a full can of coconut milk, a whole banana, a raw egg, giant handful of frozen blueberries (strawberries too if I have some), and sometimes some collagen and vanilla extract. Good stuff.
1/2 banana
handful of frozen blueberries
1/4 can of coconut milk
all blended together... Let's just call it a cold soup rather than a smoothie so I can get away with this. :/
Post by: Philociraptor on January 11, 2017, 09:46:02 AM
Post by: swick on January 11, 2017, 10:21:42 AM
Today is day 3 round...umm I dunno. I think in some ways doing a strict Whole 30 this time around is going to be harder than the first. We have gotten into a pretty good groove of 80+% between hubs and I. That extra 20% requires WAY more thought and planning - mostly in making sure hubs is fed enough and with enough variety to keep him interested.
I love the Wins/challenges format they are doing in the Uber frugal January thread, and we use to do here but stopped some time ago, so I'd like to re-kindle that, especially so we are putting our challenges out to the group for feedback and support.
Wins: Yesterday for supper I roasted some "Steaks" of cabbage in the oven, had some of our left over roasted sweet potatoes and I pan-fried some steak in some ghee with some preserved lemon bits in it. Used that as a pan sauce over everything. Very much nom nom.
Challenges: Today will be awkward. I have been tutoring our Syrian Refugee family. Arabic tea is such a part of their culture and it is all they have to give. It is always sweetened, like so much so that it becomes thick. Ususally, I try and choke down a mouthful or two (although it makes me gag) and then I break out and feel like shit after, even after just a sip or two.
For all the navigating of family and setting expectations and boundaries, this has been the one situation I have been struggling with. I'm going to just have to do it, but I don't have the Arabic to really explain the "why" behind it and they don't have the English skills (yet!) to get it. So we'll see how it goes.
R1D3
So far, so good. I haven't felt well yesterday or today, but I don't think that's much related to the W30. I spent Sunday just cooking/prepping, so the past couple of days have been easy enough. I was running late this morning and, needing finger food, I sliced a sausage and dropped it in a frying pan with an already diced roasted sweet potato. I chucked the pile in a baggy and ate it on the way to a meeting. I think those Aidell's sausages will save me this month.
Way to go, 10dollars! That is a good win :)
How is everyone doing? What are your wins and challenges?
Post by: BabyShark on January 11, 2017, 10:22:17 AM
I've got this nasty cough that I can't seem to shake though and I'm worried I might need to break to take some non-compliant cough drops. I've tried tea and that doesn't really help. Any ideas?
Sorry, I'm late to respond, Babyshark! I hope you are feeling better! It's hard to make suggestions without really knowing what is going on with you, is it a dry cough or a wet cough? Are you bringing up flem and junk? Do you have a sore throat? When my mom went off dairy she coughed up a lot of junk as her body cleared it out.
Some ideas: Cough sore throat - Slippery elm tea or lozenges (I'm not sure what else is in the lozenges, some are just compressed and formed slippery elm) and Licorice http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-licorice-root.html (http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-licorice-root.html) are what I usually use.
Also, there are quite a few essential oils that are good for inhalation for cough and cold. I'm not comfortable really making recommendations without more info though.
Still feeling like crap, sore throat, wet cough, stuffed nose and aches. I don't think it's whole30 related because this exact nonsense has been going around my office lately and none of my coworkers are on Whole30 (which I'm reminded about when they invite me to our favorite burger place and I sit out).
I was nervous about a cocktail party I was supposed to go to last night, my boss was going to be there and he's not a big fan of people not enjoying the bar, but I felt so terrible yesterday I even went home early from work (which I never do) and I look and sound so terrible today they're trying to get me to go home early again.
Foodwise, I feel ok, I had lots of stuff in the house which helped but man I miss cheese. Ah well, I can survive until it's time to reintroduce. My husband noted today that he's feeling great, he thinks his skin has cleared up and his clothes are fitting a little looser so he's happy.
Post by: rawr237 on January 11, 2017, 11:50:01 AM
Timeline is different this time, had the bloating early but my belly is already flatter.
Fiance is doing it with me (his first round), which is a completely different experience. I always do the cooking, and hadn't realized how much he eats breakfast and lunch out or at his work cafeteria. Cooked food disappears from the fridge at an ALARMING pace with two adults! On the flip side, he's doing nearly all of the dishes, which is AMAZING and should stave off my cooking fatigue.
Dishes I've made so far (mostly from Nom Nom Paleo):
Mexican Beef
Pulled pork
Cracklin chicken
Broccoli with bacon
Roasted Kabocha
Lots of side salads with vinaigrette
Stir-fried brussels sprouts
Turkey sausage patties
Egg salad
Lettuce tacos
Pork belly
Pan-roasted salmon
Chilean sea bass
Scrambled eggs, home fries, bacon - this is our standard weekend breakfast anyways, so I just add veggies for me
Upcoming:
Wings (sub baking soda/cream of tartar for baking powder...for crispyness)
Short ribs
Sweet potato fries
Chili
Roast chicken thighs
More pork belly (roasted instead of pan-fried)
Between rounds, my diet varies greatly from mostly-compliant to not-at-all-compliant. I do love my high-quality chocolate, but don't actually have the sugar dragon to tame anymore...I don't normally eat sweets every day. Carbs and cheese are tougher to manage.
This round is my first with the Instant Pot and it really helps (yay being able to make Kalua Pork on a weeknight with no prep). I came down with a cold last Thursday and have been pretty grumpy about no cough drops. I take Benadryl some nights and allergy medicine during the day, plus Throat Coat tea. Not being able to make my default rice porridge has been kind of a downer, but I just ate leftovers, smaller portions due to less appetite -- that probably was best anyways because I wasn't expending much energy, so why would I need to eat as much as usual?
For next week I'm going to try bigger batches of food so I don't have to spend quite as much time cooking. Haven't hit any extraordinary challenges yet, but I'm traveling for a few days near the end of the month so will have to plan for that.
Oh and grocery spending has been HIGH. Last weekend I went to Whole Foods and went a little nuts -- fighting feelings of deprivation with luxury foods. But I think with not eating out (except while travelling, and a few local meals at a Mediterranean place) it still may be a wash. I also ordered sugar-free bacon online because fiance claimed he couldn't live without it *eyeroll* Oh but our food waste is expected to be super low this month because all the leftovers get eaten, yay! (Usually I have trouble figuring out what fiance will eat leftovers of and subsequently things go bad).
Do you guys always use top-quality meat? After reading about factory farms I mostly do...Whole Foods and local farms aren't that different on cut prices though. Trader Joe's has grass-fed ground, but I don't know how the rest of the meat is raised, really. I got a chest freezer for Christmas, so at some point we'll buy a half cow or pig or both.
Great to see everyone here doing their first, or several-th, Whole 30!
Post by: Landlady on January 11, 2017, 11:58:42 AM
Wins: I think tiger blood hit me last night! I went sledding last night under the moonlight with my family and ended up running up the hill between runs to get my heart rate going. And today I woke up with tons of energy and had a dance party with my toddler on "drums" (aka knitting needles and chair) before getting started on work for the day. A special thank you to Adele for inspiring us.
I've also noticed that the little fat pad on my lower back has disappeared. Yes! Why is there even fat there anyway? Good riddance little fat pad.
Challenges: My fridge is out of fresh veggies and fruit so it's time to 'Eat everything in the freezer' for a few days. Frozen broccoli, cherry tomatoes, blueberries and cherries are my choices. Recipe ideas anyone?
Great idea on the wins/challenges format, swick!
Post by: swick on January 11, 2017, 12:28:56 PM
My husband noted today that he's feeling great, he thinks his skin has cleared up and his clothes are fitting a little looser so he's happy.
YAY! That is great motivation to keep on going! Sorry you are still feeling crappy :S at least it gets you out of the cocktail party?
Rawr237 - Great job so far! Thanks for the detailed updates - I'm especially interested to see how things are different with your fiancee in on this round! Your list of meals has inspired me as well :)
Re: Meat: I'm in Canada so it is all damn expensive, I think the important thing is to do what you can with the funds you have available. Costco in the US usually has ground organic beef for not too outrageous (I mean compared to our prices!)
Way to go on the tiger blood (isn't it awesome!) and the body changes! That is fantastic! If it is showing already on your outsides, imagine how good your insides are becoming!
Challenges: My fridge is out of fresh veggies and fruit so it's time to 'Eat everything in the freezer' for a few days. Frozen broccoli, cherry tomatoes, blueberries and cherries are my choices. Recipe ideas anyone?
Re: frozen food: For veggies I think roasting makes everything better. Even the frozen stuff. I love roasted cherry tomatoes, toss them with some oil, chopped garlic, salt and pepper and roast them till they pop. This is also a good soup base or sauce base - there will be a lot of liquid so use a baking dish.
Frozen Fruit: This MAY BE SWYPO depending on your point of view but I made a cobbler this morning with frozen fruit and the cobbler from this recipe (doubled for a larger skillet of fruit that will feed us for a couple of days): http://athleticavocado.com/2016/02/20/paleo-elvis-breakfast-cobbler/ (http://athleticavocado.com/2016/02/20/paleo-elvis-breakfast-cobbler/) Leave out the maple syrup and vanilla and bacon. I added orange zest and poppyseeds.
My reasoning why it is not SWYPO for us. These are all compliant foods Hubs should be eating. He has basically all these foods as a monkey bowl anyways. It doesn't set off any cravings or other food triggers. We are not substituting anything - this is the only version of cobbler he has ever had, so it is not a replacement for something familiar. Also, it gets eggs and some healthy fats in him and provides more nutrients and protein than his usual breakfast.
Post by: N on January 11, 2017, 10:03:21 PM
But Im hanging in there. Went to the store last night and now my fridge is bursting full of veggies. I had beef stew today, which is one of my favorites, so Im trying to eat foods I love to take my mind off the other stuff.
I dont think I got Tiger blood last time, so I REALLY hope I get some this round :) Just to see how it feels.
Kudos to you all who have to deal with coworkers and bosses taking notice of your eating habits. Im at home with the kids so I dont get too much flak.
Post by: Cookie78 on January 12, 2017, 07:53:59 AM
Kudos to you all who have to deal with coworkers and bosses taking notice of your eating habits. Im at home with the kids so I dont get too much flak.
No kidding. I've always brought my lunch to work, so no one really noticed. I did tell a couple coworkers and when treats are out everyone has been very supportive. I've even convinced them to use a different table so the goodies aren't right beside me (I sit beside the most convenient table for treats). One coworker even let me borrow me her Whole30 book.
Post by: BabyShark on January 12, 2017, 08:14:51 AM
Kudos to you all who have to deal with coworkers and bosses taking notice of your eating habits. Im at home with the kids so I dont get too much flak.
No kidding. I've always brought my lunch to work, so no one really noticed. I did tell a couple coworkers and when treats are out everyone has been very supportive. I've even convinced them to use a different table so the goodies aren't right beside me (I sit beside the most convenient table for treats). One coworker even let me borrow me her Whole30 book.
Right there with you. My coworkers love going out to lunch and it's a great chance for me to get to spend time with some of the older attorneys and bond/socialize. But that doesn't happen when I bring my lunch. They've slowly come around to the idea that I'm not going out to lunch with them (which is great for my wallet and my waistline) but they still ask all the time.
Post by: swick on January 12, 2017, 09:02:03 AM
N - It'll get better! Making things you love like the stew are a great way to get over the cravings faster. Also, make sure you are drinking enough water and figure out some non-food self-care distraction. It is easy to obsess a bit because there is so much more to keep track of and think about on the Whole 30.
WINS: Hubs is feeling more motivated. He forgot to weigh himself before starting, so I got him to do it this morning. He's at 202.7 He was 250+ when we started in Sept 2015. So he's lost weight a little slower, but he has been consistently losing without really realizing it. It is a GREAT place to be starting from. I don't think he's been under 200 his entire adult life.
Challenge: Hubs came home last night and said that he was going to have some problems with work. They are in full day meetings for a couple of days which are catered (IE premade sandwiches and industrial soup from the grocery store) because they don't want people to break for lunch. So no reheating his usual dinner leftovers. Luckily we were going to the store anyways so with a bit of adjusting I was able to come up with a protein packed salad he will actually eat (I made a middle eastern spiced crockpot chicken), some dried fruit and nuts and an orange. Hopefully, this will tide him over for today and I'll have to do some planning for some non-heated lunches he'll actually want to eat.
Challange2 - It is uber frugal January, dammit and y'all are making me want to buy an instant pot!!
Post by: shadowmoss on January 12, 2017, 09:11:44 AM
My pork was delicious the other day so I will put that cut into rotation. I have one frozen for next week. I'm making small changes slowly this wk to me compliant by Monday.
My phone isn't being compliant this morning so hope some of the above is readable.
Post by: swick on January 12, 2017, 09:20:51 AM
An instant pot is frugal. It makes frugal meals quicker and easier so helps the bottom line over all. I just need to get mine out of the car (part of my storage as my RV is small) and practice what I preach.
My pork was delicious the other day so I will put that cut into rotation. I have one frozen for next week. I'm making small changes slowly this wk to me compliant by Monday.
My phone isn't being compliant this morning so hope some of the above is readable.
Oh I'm sure that it is, I just have 3 crockpots already :P Although if I got an IP I could have a dedicated soap making crock and that would be awesome!
So glad your pork turned out! How are you finding the shopping, cooking, and whole food stuff right now?
Post by: BabyShark on January 12, 2017, 09:31:54 AM
An instant pot is frugal. It makes frugal meals quicker and easier so helps the bottom line over all. I just need to get mine out of the car (part of my storage as my RV is small) and practice what I preach.
My pork was delicious the other day so I will put that cut into rotation. I have one frozen for next week. I'm making small changes slowly this wk to me compliant by Monday.
My phone isn't being compliant this morning so hope some of the above is readable.
Oh I'm sure that it is, I just have 3 crockpots already :P Although if I got an IP I could have a dedicated soap making crock and that would be awesome!
So glad your pork turned out! How are you finding the shopping, cooking, and whole food stuff right now?
I'm sure I could have survived Whole30 without my IP, but man does it make things a lot easier. Cannot recommend it more.
Post by: horsepoor on January 12, 2017, 12:37:37 PM
My phone isn't being compliant this morning so hope some of the above is readable.
Uhoh, did it trip up and eat a cookie? ;-P
Post by: Landlady on January 12, 2017, 01:42:46 PM
I'm not a IP owner because every time I think about it I can't imagine fitting it in my kitchen cabinets. I guess if my slow cooker goes out I will get one.
I have had food dreams too! I used to dream about buffets of food when I was pregnant two years ago. My last food dream was on day 8 and I felt guilty in my dream! Then I realized I was dreaming and tried to go back to sleep to have the same dream guilt-free, but it didn't work. :/
Win: I'm finding it a lot easier to make non compliant foods for my son and husband and not feel left out. Last night they ate rice and I had no issue skipping it. And today I made them hot cocoa after spending hours out in the 0* temps and I made myself a hot coconut milk and cocoa drink with a date instead. The slight bit of sugar from the date was just enough.
Second win is that I no longer have a dessert craving after dinner now. If I get hungry again before bed I have no issue reheating leftovers even with the husband eating dessert right next to me.
Challenge: Meal planning and thoughts of Whole30 are taking away from my working time. I find myself looking up recipes instead of working. I've GOT to focus better today.
Post by: Cookie78 on January 12, 2017, 05:43:36 PM
Challenges: I got hit by a mega-cold or something today and I can hardly breathe. Looking at the Buckly's non-medicinal ingredients it doesn't look pretty...
gelatin, glycerin, pharmaceutical ink, polyethylene glycol, povidone, propylene glycol, sorbitol, titanium dioxide, water.
Allowed? Yeh or Neh?
Post by: shadowmoss on January 12, 2017, 07:38:30 PM
Post by: shadowmoss on January 12, 2017, 07:40:39 PM
My phone isn't being compliant this morning so hope some of the above is readable.
Uhoh, did it trip up and eat a cookie? ;-P
I saw what you did there...
Post by: missundecided on January 12, 2017, 08:16:27 PM
I wish I could blame it on W30! But alas, this peckishness was present before too.
Post by: 10dollarsatatime on January 12, 2017, 09:06:02 PM
I've done well so far. No nasty cravings or anything. I think my carb flu coincided with my cycle, making everything hellish for 3 days, but that was also what likely staved off the cravings. I wasn't really tempted by the gourmet cupcake a client brought me yesterday. Still pawned it off on the first employee who walked by so I didn't have to look at it though.
I'm in for a challenge the next two days... I'll be working a gig at a venue where I won't have ready access to a microwave, meaning I need to pack two cold meals each day. (I prefer them hot!) I'll put together a tuna or chicken salad for lunch, but am trying to figure out what else I can pack. Probably will be hard boiled eggs, sliced turkey, veggies with sunshine sauce, and a couple of clementine oranges. Will have to resist the pizza and rice bowls that my client usually provides. If I can find my soup thermos, I may attempt to pack chili and a potato.
Post by: BabyShark on January 13, 2017, 06:59:56 AM
Day 5
I've done well so far. No nasty cravings or anything. I think my carb flu coincided with my cycle, making everything hellish for 3 days, but that was also what likely staved off the cravings. I wasn't really tempted by the gourmet cupcake a client brought me yesterday. Still pawned it off on the first employee who walked by so I didn't have to look at it though.
I'm in for a challenge the next two days... I'll be working a gig at a venue where I won't have ready access to a microwave, meaning I need to pack two cold meals each day. (I prefer them hot!) I'll put together a tuna or chicken salad for lunch, but am trying to figure out what else I can pack. Probably will be hard boiled eggs, sliced turkey, veggies with sunshine sauce, and a couple of clementine oranges. Will have to resist the pizza and rice bowls that my client usually provides. If I can find my soup thermos, I may attempt to pack chili and a potato.
I'd recommend this portable crock pot, so long as you have access to an outlet: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006H5V8QW/ref=twister_B006OBRA52?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
It's got a heating unit and you just plug it in an hour or so before you're ready for lunch and boom, hot lunch! I love mine, it's very handy.
Also what is Sunshine Sauce??? That sounds amazing.
Post by: horsepoor on January 13, 2017, 07:32:30 AM
Day 5. I need better portion control lessons! I go to bed every night uncomfortably feeling like I ate too much but this morning I woke up randomly at 4 am and at 5 was feeling hungry. Made myself wait to eat at 6:30 like a normal person then as soon as I got to work at 9 felt famished again. After a really early lunch, all day I grazed on raisins.
I wish I could blame it on W30! But alas, this peckishness was present before too.
I am sort of feeling the same way. Ate a bunch of chicken coconut curry Wednesday night, and then two bowls of chili last night. Felt a little too full, but it didn't last. I've also been eating way too many raisins.
Day 5
I've done well so far. No nasty cravings or anything. I think my carb flu coincided with my cycle, making everything hellish for 3 days,
Right there with you, though instead of carb flu, it seems to be a head cold. I was in denial that I was getting sick until I went home and went to bed at 8:30 last night. Trying to work through brain fog this morning.
Wins: Keeping all grains, sugars, legumes and alcohol out of the house and not missing any of it.
Challenges: Adapting to a totally different climate, time zone, commute, kitchen etc. while courting a cold and cycle simultaneously. Looking forward to the three day weekend to hopefully kick the cold and have some time to regroup and do some prep cooking. I've been bringing salads to work and I'm finding that I'm going to need a little more food to get me through the day. I'll either need to start coming in earlier, or working out in the morning and then working later, but either way, I need to be able to wait until 7 or so to eat dinner. Other challenge is currently eating a little more fruit than I'd like. If my avocados would hurry up and ripen, that would help with both issues. For right now, I'm just settling sticking with the correct foods and not worrying about ratios or timing. Will kick it up a notch next week.
Post by: Landlady on January 13, 2017, 04:25:53 PM
Day 13 for me and everything is feeling good. I'm enjoying all the hot meals I'm getting instead of cold, sweet things.
I've gotten in a bit of a coconut milk blended drink rut the last few days that I'm enjoying. It's because of all the foods we're eliminating, I miss dairy the most. Yesterday I tried coconut milk, a banana, some canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice. I think someone on here may have posted a recipe that I recalled. Thanks, if you did!
Today I feel like I could eat this way the rest of my life. I'm curious how that will change over the rest of the month.
I enjoyed this roast last night especially because of the gravy:
http://www.primallyinspired.com/crockpot-balsamic-roast-beef/
In case anyone lives close to a TJs this looks helpful. Sadly, I do not: http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/nutrition/5-trader-joes-foods-that-will-help-you-survive-whole30/ar-BBy7scG?li=BBnba9O
Happy Friday everyone! If anyone is big batch cooking for leftovers this weekend, please post your recipes!
Post by: swick on January 14, 2017, 04:42:58 PM
BabyShark - Not a cough drop, but I saw a suggestion on www.rootandbranchnutrition.com (http://www.rootandbranchnutrition.com) for Hyland's 4Kids Cold & Mucus medicine. From the recommendation:QuoteIt technically is the absolute closest to Whole30-compliant I could find. Citric acid is an acceptable additive and sodium benzoate is an acceptable preservative. Glycyrrhiza extract and vegetable glycerin are sweeteners, but from licorice and vegetables, so I was willing to bend a bit-- there was no artificial junk, gluten, grains, soy, or dairyMaybe that could be an option? Others here on the thread are likely better able to tell you if it passes muster or not. I hope you're able to find suitable relief.
I just wanted to highlight this suggestion for Cookie and others struggling with colds right now.
I have spent the last few days going over this entire thread. Wow there is a lot here! A couple of follow-ups:
10dollarsatatime: Have you noticed any lessening of your fibro symptoms?
Rawr237: How are things going with the Mr. joining you this time around looking back at a couple of previous rounds you mentioned it was really a struggle getting him to understand the whats and whys you were doing this. What changed/ Why did he decide to do a round wit you?
Wins:
- Survived Tutoring and avoided the sugar-filled tea. It was a bit of a struggle, luckily I had a translator with me...although imperfect, my student might think I have diabetes. oh well :D
- Every time we do a whole 30 it takes a while for our bodies to sort out how much food we need. Last night ALL I wanted was some popcorn. had a few cashews and dried berries instead. Doesn't solve the snacking need but at least doing it healthier while bodies sort out.
- Made a big batch of ragatooie so have 6 frozen lunches ready to go in the freezer. That means I can make dinners for at least a week and not have to worry about always having leftovers for Hubby's lunch. WIN!!
Challenges:
- We are both having trouble adapting to hubby's early morning work schedule. I've been falling asleep sitting up at 6pm. The unfortunate part is then I get a second wind but should be going to bed around 9:30. So that doesn't happen and I stay up to late trying to fall asleep, or it does happen and I"m wide awake at 2am.
How is everyone doing? What are your wins and challenges? What new insights are you having?
Post by: monkeymind on January 14, 2017, 07:51:02 PM
Win: I've definitely got extra room in my pants these days. I even had to pull a pair from rotation that just got to be too big.
Challenge: I share an office with a very opinionated and judgemental dieter. She's an avid Weight Watcher and doesn't think kindly of any other approach. It's just easier to fly under the radar than even mention Whole 30. I disguise my "weird" eating as bringing from home to save money. In the scheme of things, not a big deal, but irritating none the less.
On the bright side, I don't have to constantly pull out my phone to calculate points and I seem to be having an easier time avoiding sugary snacks than she is.
Post by: Cookie78 on January 15, 2017, 08:52:15 AM
Post by: 10dollarsatatime on January 15, 2017, 10:11:36 AM
10dollarsatatime: Have you noticed any lessening of your fibro symptoms?
Not yet, really. But today marks my day 8, so I'm still going through all the miserable transition stuff. (I was exhausted yesterday!) If anything, it was worse up until this morning when I'm feeling pretty good. But then, it's always come in waves for me. I'm optimistic though.
Survived my working weekend... I carted around all my meals and didn't even manage to feel deprived when everyone else was eating takeout from Noodles and Company. Went to McDs after the show last night just to hang with the crew and performers. They all asked why I wasn't having an icecream and were very supportive when I told them I was doing the Whole30. A bunch of them had actually done it before, with varying degrees of success.
Today, I batch cook for the upcoming week. I'm making an unstuffed pepper shepherd's pie, and roasting chicken thighs with a mixture of sweet potatoes and purple potatoes. I think I'll throw together some tuna cakes as well. This past week was the first time I'd had tuna in a long time, and it's agreeing with me.
Post by: swick on January 15, 2017, 10:47:01 AM
Round one, day thirteen here. I'm still on track.
Win: I've definitely got extra room in my pants these days. I even had to pull a pair from rotation that just got to be too big.
Challenge: I share an office with a very opinionated and judgemental dieter. She's an avid Weight Watcher and doesn't think kindly of any other approach. It's just easier to fly under the radar than even mention Whole 30. I disguise my "weird" eating as bringing from home to save money. In the scheme of things, not a big deal, but irritating none the less.
On the bright side, I don't have to constantly pull out my phone to calculate points and I seem to be having an easier time avoiding sugary snacks than she is.
Way to go Monkeymind! It is so awesome to get rid of pants because they become too big!
If you have more weight to lose, I would suggest buying a belt with lots of holes! I found a great one that has the holes as part of the design so you can tighten it up the whole length of the belt. I grumbled because it was 2x the cost of all the other belts, but it has been a life-saver. Otherwise, even trying to thrift store shop you spend a lot of money on clothing!
RE co-worker: I don't phrase anything as "diet" if asked by someone I don't want to get into it with, I just say I'm trying to figure out some of my food allergies. There is definitely a difference between a "diet" something you are on short term and establishing eating patterns you may choose to make a lifestyle.
Just like the old and outdated saying "a calorie is a calorie is a calorie" the WW program has some issues from my point of view. I don't know how many times I have heard a friend say "Well if I skip breakfast and have some veggies for lunch, I can have an extra appetizer tonight and still be within my points!" The quality and nutrition of food matters. Dealing with the "why" behind your food choices matter. Now I do realize that there is the group part of WW that covers some of that stuff. It's just not sustainable long term because you are learning a new system of eating (points) but you never really figure out how to eat the best way FOR YOU so inevitably people can't stay on the points system long term and in the process of yo-yo dieting it wrecks their metabolism. I have tried most of the diets out there over the years, nothing has ever worked. I use to think I was broken. Now I realize the focus on "dieting" vs. creating a lifestyle that is sustainable is what is broken.
Off soapbox! :)
I succeeded at my first real social challenge last night! I went to a friends birthday party with loads of chocolate, crackers, cheese, cake, etc. and I avoided it all! I did eat a lot of the fruit, veggies, and drank quite a few glasses of water! Everyone was raving about the cake, but I wasn't even that tempted. When I went to eat my first strawberry, out of habit I moved to dip it in the whipped cream, but caught myself with half an inch to spare! Whew! I even skipped the little sausage things, not knowing for sure what was in them. Proud. :)
That is awesome, Cookie, Way to win! Good call on staying away from those little sausages and enjoying the fruit! It gets easier and it is so freeing when you get to the point where you realize that good doesn't have control over you anymore.
10dollarsatatime: Have you noticed any lessening of your fibro symptoms?
Not yet, really. But today marks my day 8, so I'm still going through all the miserable transition stuff. (I was exhausted yesterday!) If anything, it was worse up until this morning when I'm feeling pretty good. But then, it's always come in waves for me. I'm optimistic though.
I got worse before I got better as well. There is a bunch of detoxing your body has to do. If it comes in waves or as I say "Flare ups" there is a good chance it is being triggered by something (for me it was the gluten) just want to keep track of your experiences because your the first person other then myself who is doing this so far who has the same issues and I am really, really hoping they will clear up for you.
Way to go on packing your own food and surviving your work weened and surviving socializing at McD's those are all huge wins!
Tonight I am making Nom-nom's tuna cakes with frozen cod instead of tuna hoping that will help Hub's like them better. We are on day 7, other than being super tired, we're doing good. Have to dig out our Vitamin D and double check that there are no crappy ingredients in it.
Post by: horsepoor on January 15, 2017, 11:23:18 AM
I don't know how ya'll do it with colds and flus. I would buckle so fast for cough medicine. Feel better!
Oh, I am not that bad ass. I took the pills. Wasn't going to call in sick my first week on detail. Yesterday was the worst, seem to be on the mend today, and need to get out of this chair and get some fresh air.
Have a small wild boar roast in the Instant Pot right now. Added lots of lard instead of bacon, and used my chicken stock instead of water. Have acorn squash and coleslaw for sides.
Tuna cakes: do you bake them in muffin tins? I did, and they stuck terribly even though I greased the tins.
Post by: swick on January 15, 2017, 11:31:24 AM
wow, that boar roast sounds AMAZING!! I just do them more like traditional cakes and pan fry them. Easier, less clean-up, more crispy that way too. Not as portable, but I just have them for breakfast so would be reheating them anyways.
Have a small wild boar roast in the Instant Pot right now. Added lots of lard instead of bacon, and used my chicken stock instead of water. Have acorn squash and coleslaw for sides.
Tuna cakes: do you bake them in muffin tins? I did, and they stuck terribly even though I greased the tins.
Speaking of breakfast, I suppose I should drag myself up and make some. I love breakfast foods, I just hate actually eating at breakfast time, this is something I am trying to improve during this Whole 30.
Post by: monkeymind on January 15, 2017, 03:40:40 PM
I can't believe I wasted a cheat dream on gumballs. I didn't even get to enjoy a guilt-free decadent desert or anything. ;-)
Post by: horsepoor on January 15, 2017, 04:53:09 PM
The board is excellent! Was nervous because I've never had it and bought on impulse because it was marked down (but still not cheap), then started wondering wtf I was going to do with it, and whether it was going to be very gamey. Not gamey at all, just really flavorful compared to pork. Poured the extra liquid back in with my chicken stock to make a nice soup later this week. Will shred the rest and eat with baked sweet potatoes for the next few dinners.
Post by: missundecided on January 15, 2017, 05:45:25 PM
Post by: Landlady on January 16, 2017, 12:27:27 PM
Wins: I went out to eat yesterday at a German restaurant. It was surprisingly easy to eat W30 there. Two pork and apple sausages which are made at the restaurant (without sugar) with sides of roasted potatoes and sauerkraut.
Challenges: I'm struggling with acid reflux more so since starting Whole30 which seems to be the opposite of what most people experience. I'm guessing that's because I've been drinking my coffee black and eating richer winter-like foods with tomatoes. Tums have sugar in them so I'll be picking some OTC reflux meds today to try to stop the cycle.
Post by: shadowmoss on January 16, 2017, 12:35:56 PM
I'm on day 1 of my second attempt. Im more prepared this time. So far so good.
Post by: Landlady on January 16, 2017, 12:47:13 PM
Post by: Orvell on January 16, 2017, 01:05:44 PM
Hi gang? Remember me? Possibly not, lol, but I flitted in and out of hear last year, doing 1.5 W30s.
I'm contemplating doing another one, as the Plight of the Baked Goods has returned in full force.
:)
Anyhow, just showing my face again.
Post by: Landlady on January 17, 2017, 01:36:12 PM
Hi there Orvell!
Post by: BabyShark on January 17, 2017, 02:20:59 PM
I prepped a bunch of food over the weekend and it feels like it's already almost gone. I have another recipe planned for this week that I should probably make tonight so the leftovers are in the fridge for meal time but we'll see if I have the energy to cook when I get home.
DH started night classes last week so on M/Tu he needs to take both lunch and dinner. I think the problem this week (how is it only Tuesday...) was we both took lunches yesterday and then I also ate one of the prepped meals for dinner last night when really I should have made something new.
I'm with you Landlady, I'm exhausted. That's been my permanent state since Law School though so I was hoping W30 would help with that. There's still time though, fingers crossed.
Post by: Orvell on January 17, 2017, 02:44:40 PM
If you're a person with a uterus who menstruates, don't forget that this can be a major contributor, whether you are on the W30 or not. :)
Whether it's pooped or full of energy, where are you on your cycle might be at least part of it.
I sleep like shit for the half week leading up to my period. Just a fact. I'm always surprised by this, even though I've recognized it as a pattern, lol.
Just throwing that out there in case anyone is primed for an "a ha!" moment.
Post by: Landlady on January 17, 2017, 04:14:13 PM
Just throwing that out there in case anyone is primed for an "a ha!" moment.:D Truth!
My energy is back now. I think I let myself get into a calorie deficit last night which extended into today. So I just loaded up on a salmon burger (no bun) and zucchini, with a banana and coconut milk drink. Now I'm feeling the day.
I'm thinking tonight's dinner will be wilted spinach salad with chicken, bacon and poached eggs with oil/vinegar dressing. Maybe a side of frozen bluberries and toasted pecans. Visualizing how delicious my meal will be is very motivating to me. Thanks for listening!
Post by: swick on January 17, 2017, 04:39:43 PM
My energy is back now. I think I let myself get into a calorie deficit last night which extended into today. So I just loaded up on a salmon burger (no bun) and zucchini, with a banana and coconut milk drink. Now I'm feeling the day.
I'm thinking tonight's dinner will be wilted spinach salad with chicken, bacon and poached eggs with oil/vinegar dressing. Maybe a side of frozen bluberries and toasted pecans. Visualizing how delicious my meal will be is very motivating to me. Thanks for listening!
Sorry for not getting back to this sooner - HI ORVELL!! -
RE: energy dips. It can be common if you are not getting enough calories. The idea is you don't have to track, but sometimes when your body is figuring it out and you get busy you can actually lose track of how much you are eating. making sure to add more good fats ususally helps.
Also you may be not getting enough carbs. There is a place between going keto and not where you are still burning glucose as your primary food source, but you are not getting enough to sustain that but still high enough to keep from going into keto. The usual reaction is no energy and feeling like shit. If you think this is happening, grab a banana, if you feel good after eating it there is your sign you need to up your carbs a bit. Hubs went through this quite badly so now I make sure he always has some sweet potato with lunch.
Post by: monkeymind on January 17, 2017, 06:19:50 PM
I was just invited to go for celebratory drinks next Friday so I'm making my plan now. Ah well, I can celebrate just as easily with a soda and orange juice as with a glass of wine.
I've got some sardines that I'm looking forward to eating. I generally eat them in a nice salad with avocado and vinaigrette. Anybody got a special sardine recipe that you really love?
Post by: N on January 17, 2017, 09:15:33 PM
Im not sure why I decided to do it (NC curry sauce, it had wheat and junky additives) but Im not going to let it completely derail me.
Overall Im doing ok. I stayed compliant at a party filled with tempting food and drink on Saturday evening. Im averaging 7.5-8 hrs sleep a night every week. Im not super tempted to snack, and make filling meals.
I could do better: Drinking more water, consistently getting more exercise during the week, sitting down and savoring each bite at meals.
Post by: Landlady on January 18, 2017, 11:15:19 AM
swick Before you mentioned keto yesterday I'd only heard it mentioned in conversations with my nurse and doctor sister-in-laws talking about diabetic patients in their peds ER. So I looked it up and found the keto diet. Intriguing! It's possible I wasn't getting enough carbs as you said. Thanks for that enlightening comment. I added a potato to my salad and felt great afterwards. I'm getting a little tired of potatoes though which is why I think I went too low.
Bacon, eggs and spinach scramble for breakfast with a shot of vinegar (for acid reflux) and my black coffee. Lunch will be another salmon burger and zucchini. Dinner I'm thinking chicken thighs, roasted potatoes and brussel sprouts.
I'll be marching in Seattle on Saturday and I'm trying to come up with a compact meal to carry with me since it'll be a long day. I'm thinking pecans, dried apricots, beef jerky (compliant?) and larabars.
Post by: BabyShark on January 18, 2017, 01:04:28 PM
Day 18
swick Before you mentioned keto yesterday I'd only heard it mentioned in conversations with my nurse and doctor sister-in-laws talking about diabetic patients in their peds ER. So I looked it up and found the keto diet. Intriguing! It's possible I wasn't getting enough carbs as you said. Thanks for that enlightening comment. I added a potato to my salad and felt great afterwards. I'm getting a little tired of potatoes though which is why I think I went too low.
Bacon, eggs and spinach scramble for breakfast with a shot of vinegar (for acid reflux) and my black coffee. Lunch will be another salmon burger and zucchini. Dinner I'm thinking chicken thighs, roasted potatoes and brussel sprouts.
I'll be marching in Seattle on Saturday and I'm trying to come up with a compact meal to carry with me since it'll be a long day. I'm thinking pecans, dried apricots, beef jerky (compliant?) and larabars.
I've had a really hard time finding compliant jerky, every package I've picked up has had sugar. If you find one, please share the brand!
Post by: rawr237 on January 19, 2017, 11:18:21 AM
Landlady - I had a digestive flare-up last week which turned out to by PMS-related. But during previous Whole30's I've found my burps got worse, eating more cooked vegetables and less raw helps me with that somewhat. You could do butternut squash or similar if you're tired of potatoes - I love delicata squash. Japanese sweet potatoes have a different flavor profile too.
Orvell - Hiya!
Swick - I'm honestly not sure why fiance is in this round with me. I think he may have realized that with me cooking W30 it wouldn't but much extra effort for him to join in. And I think it's partially to support me trying to make healthier choices. It's mostly been okay, though he was driving me CRAZY for the first week because he was weighing his food and tracking to make sure he got enough calories...I don't know how many ounces of ground beef are in your portion, because part of the point of this plan is not having to measure! It's also more pressure on me, feeling responsible for his W30 - but I feel that way about his diet in general as the person who shops and cooks. I do appreciate the ease factor of not having tempting non-compliant food in the house. It adds a little challenge because he's a pickier eater (mostly about vegetables), but meat is pretty safe.
Re: supplements
I realized at some point that the Zinc and allergy meds I take are probably not compliant. Stopped taking them, but I'm not starting over. It would be tiny amounts of non-compliant stuff anyways.
Lucky for me, my coworkers eat lunch in the cafeteria (at least one other guy brings lunch from home) so I can socialize without struggling to be compliant. I do envy them their sweet potato fries though.
WINS
I made a triple recipe of this chili over the weekend. Fiance happily ate it 6 meals in a row.
http://www.farmsteadchic.com/paleo-whole30-chili/ (http://www.farmsteadchic.com/paleo-whole30-chili/)
I'm doing better with making sure there are ample leftovers so that I'm not *forced* to cook if I don't feel like it.
My energy is pretty good, and my skin is clearer :)
Challenge
Eh, pretty much humming along right now. Trying to figure out the Spartan Sprint fueling plan. RXbar is good for pre-workout, but not mid-workout (feels like a rock in my stomach). Will try coconut water or Larabars.
My grocery bill was $$$ again, I stocked up on RXbars and Larabars in preparation for our training/race.
Meal Hack
It's not exactly frugal, but one of my go-to meals is...
Protein: grass fed hot dogs or roast beef (Applegate brand, can find at Target...hot dogs are at TJ's also)
Vegetable: Steamfresh broccoli or green beans with ghee and salt
Post by: Cookie78 on January 19, 2017, 11:36:00 AM
I used to be hungry and snacking quite often, mostly healthy snacks, but not always. After the first week of Whole30 my hunger level dropped a LOT, and even when I do get hungry it goes away if I'm distracted, or if I have something small to eat. I thought the amount of meat I eat would go up, but it's gone down. I wonder now if what I used to think was hunger, was actually just carb/sugar cravings.
Post by: swick on January 19, 2017, 12:02:41 PM
I've noticed lately that my hunger is different, is that a common effect?
I used to be hungry and snacking quite often, mostly healthy snacks, but not always. After the first week of Whole30 my hunger level dropped a LOT, and even when I do get hungry it goes away if I'm distracted, or if I have something small to eat. I thought the amount of meat I eat would go up, but it's gone down. I wonder now if what I used to think was hunger, was actually just carb/sugar cravings.
Totally normal :) Definitely could be carb/sugar but also plain old thirst as well. I use to believe I HAD to eat every couple of hours, Hypoglycemic since I was a teen. Turns out (for me at least) it was pretty much just feeding the cycle and making sure I had to keep eating, and the constant rising and lowering of insulin and blood sugar does a number on your system long term.
LandLady - glad the suggestion to eat a bit more carbs helped. It is a tough balancing act. The first part is getting to a point where you realize the signals your body is telling you, the second part if figuring out how to meet those needs :) I found some good stuff earlier in the thread that I'll repost about the whole keto thing and what is going on when I'm at my desktop.
Anybody got a special sardine recipe that you really love?
I wish I liked Sardines more. I would suggest mashing them up into some compliant mayo and making a dip/spread. Maybe caper/pickle (watch for sugar) lemon juice, salt and pepper for add in's?
Today is day 11 for us.
Wins: I feel like I've finally made some progress on cooking and stocking a variety of freezer meals for Hubby's lunches. Knowing I have stuff in the freezer makes planning dinner so less daunting. Not feeling great? Leftovers that are enough for just dinner but not lunch, That's okay! Breakfast for dinner? That's ok!
I spent a good three hours shoveling out after a snowstorm yesterday. I'm tired and sore but it is "I haven't used these muscles in a while" type of sore and not the "I did a little bit of work and am going to have to spend a week recovering in bed" type of sore I used to get with my Fibro. So that is a win, even if I'm a little complainty-pants.
Challenges: Still feeling very snacky in the evening, I think it is because I'm not eating enough during the day, so have to get more conscious of this. I keep saying this, and it is nothing new, usually I'm good for a couple of days and then slip back into old habits.
Post by: Landlady on January 19, 2017, 01:54:31 PM
swick, isn't shoveling snow the most Mustachian workout you can imagine?! I just finished an hour during my lunch break. It was HARD work, especially where our driveway meets the road the plowed snow can be very compact and heavy. I'm still new to snow, but so far I like shoveling it as a free workout. I'll have to go out for another hour or two later today and I'm thinking of getting an audiobook from the library to keep me company.
rawr237, I think I'll try a squash soup inspired by your suggestion. I'm imagining... can of squash, can of coconut milk, chicken stock, curry powder and a garnish of chopped apple and bacon.
Wins: There's definitely a little less of me around my hips and belly button area. This feels a little like an easily earned accomplishment because I've never felt hungry on W30. That hungry dieting feeling is my main complaint about weight-loss diets and why I don't do them. W30 is definitely busting my preconceptions of what it feels like to loose some weight.
Challenges: I'll be traveling Friday through Monday and will likely not have time to cook meals for myself. I'm considering cooking up a batch of something big tonight that I can freeze and take with me so that I always have something to fall back on. Maybe the soup above or maybe another batch of bolognese since that's always easy and tasty.
Post by: horsepoor on January 19, 2017, 08:03:40 PM
I might get some wine and chocolate to drown my sorrows tomorrow.
Post by: 10dollarsatatime on January 19, 2017, 09:15:17 PM
I've felt fantastic for the past few days. Tired in turns, but my fibro symptoms are lessening. I don't hurt as often, and it's amazing! Add in an abnormally good mood, and I'm annoying everyone around me. :)
I've eaten out once. Hit a local burger place and had the unfortunately named wedgie burger, which just means it was wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun. This means my eating out budget has fallen drastically, but this has been countered by higher grocery shopping costs. This should even out, as I've been shopping Costco, and my freezer is now stocked.
I almost feel bad, as eating out a few times a week was basically the thing I did with my best friend. Certainly not healthy for the body or the budget, but it was our way of dragging each other out of our self imposed hermitism. Neither one of us are people persons, but somehow we can stand to be around each other. On the bright side, he's been watching my progress with interest and is considering trying the Whole30 himself in the future, especially when I told him I was thinking of taking it to a whole60 or longer.
I'm happy that water kefir is allowed. My second ferment has been with grape juice canned from my parents' vines or with pomegranate juice. Will have to figure out an awesome ginger kefir, maybe with ginger and apple juice? I dunno. Really spicy ginger soda is kind of the thing I miss the most, which means I probably shouldn't start working on that one until after my 30 days are up.
Post by: swick on January 19, 2017, 09:26:51 PM
Day 12
I've felt fantastic for the past few days. Tired in turns, but my fibro symptoms are lessening. I don't hurt as often, and it's amazing! Add in an abnormally good mood, and I'm annoying everyone around me. :)
YAYAYAY!!! ****does happy dance for 10dollars!**** This is so awesome to hear! I know for me, it literally felt like I got a new lease on life. I hope your symptoms continue to improve. There is so much you will be able to do and so much to look forward to.
I think once your bestie sees the changes in you and how much more life you will have, he'll help you come up with other things to do together :) Now I don't want to rain on your parade, but do be prepared for a setback when you do your reintro. and as much as it sucks I do recommend doing it, just because then you KNOW and it makes everything afterward SO much easier.
Post by: swick on January 19, 2017, 09:33:40 PM
Wins: There's definitely a little less of me around my hips and belly button area. This feels a little like an easily earned accomplishment because I've never felt hungry on W30. That hungry dieting feeling is my main complaint about weight-loss diets and why I don't do them. W30 is definitely busting my preconceptions of what it feels like to loose some weight.
Challenges: I'll be traveling Friday through Monday and will likely not have time to cook meals for myself. I'm considering cooking up a batch of something big tonight that I can freeze and take with me so that I always have something to fall back on. Maybe the soup above or maybe another batch of bolognese since that's always easy and tasty.
So happy for your wins :) For hubby's lunches I have been roasted a bunch of sweet potatoes and them topping them with various sauces (Thai red curry, "Butter "chicken sauce with ground beef instead of chicken, spaghetti meat sauce...the I portion them out in containers and they microwave really well. Also Cottage pie with ground beef, spices, topped with mashed potatoes/cauliflower etc. I did a mashed squash/potato topping that was good.
Post by: Orvell on January 20, 2017, 09:09:50 AM
I decided against doing a "proper" Whole30 round, but am trying to incorporate a lot of the things I learned from doing it the first time around.
This is more along the lines of a maintenance eating plan than anything else, trying to eat lots and lots of plants. ^__^ Real goal for me is to make sure I eat real and filling things, with an embargo against added sugar. Beans are occasional for me (and don't give me trouble) and grains are limited but not off the menu completely.
This morning I had a salad with half a scotch egg for breakfast, and it was delish!
For lunch I'll have my pork and cabbage soup, with a side of brussel sprouts, and an orange for a snack. :D
I'm thinking of making an eggplant rattatoi for dinner... We'll see!
Post by: rawr237 on January 20, 2017, 10:25:47 AM
10dollars - Congrats on your results! So thrilled for you that you're already seeing such great benefits at Day 12.
It looks like certain kombucha is allowed http://whole30.com/2016/08/kombucha/ (http://whole30.com/2016/08/kombucha/) so you could find a ginger flavor, or make your own. Or you could just add ginger (crushed, or juice squeezed from pulp) to sparkling water. It's not a bad thing to try to satisfy cravings that aren't unhealthy at the core -- aka if you're craving the spice and the refreshment and not the sugar. The issues come in when you're trying to replicate something non-compliant with a mashup of W30-approved ingredients ('Whole 30 muffins'), or if the food is a crutch (replacing afternoon candy with Larabars).
Maybe invite your friend over for a delicious Whole 30 meal?
horsepoor - Color me jealous, my dad's retirement party is Sunday and he's renting out a whole (small) Japanese restaurant...so many delicious things for free (to me) that I can't have, but at least there's sashimi!
swick - Can you pack me lunches too please? I don't cook curry often because fiance loathes the smell, but I do so love a good chicken curry. Similar to your spaghetti meat sauce, sometime I just make meatballs in tomato sauce and don't miss the spaghetti at all (Marcella Hazan's tomato sauce recipe is the best, just sub ghee for butter).
Win:
This morning I woke up early and made breakfast for myself and fiance (homefries, scrambled eggs, bacon, coffee) which made him very very happy. Thank goodness his favorite breakfast is compliant (though lacking in veggies, ha).
Challenge:
I find an unhealthy mindset creeping up on me...thoughts like "oh if I eat a little less then I'll keep losing weight quickly" because my natural hunger sensor has been messed up for some time. I need to keep eating solid, balanced meals to support my active lifestyle, but my stomach doesn't always 'force' me to do so. I've never had a full blown eating disorder, but definitely some issues with obsessing over food/calories. I guess the best way to combat this is to keep cooking food that I look forward to eating.
Post by: 10dollarsatatime on January 20, 2017, 11:00:12 AM
10dollars - Congrats on your results! So thrilled for you that you're already seeing such great benefits at Day 12.
It looks like certain kombucha is allowed http://whole30.com/2016/08/kombucha/ (http://whole30.com/2016/08/kombucha/) so you could find a ginger flavor, or make your own. Or you could just add ginger (crushed, or juice squeezed from pulp) to sparkling water. It's not a bad thing to try to satisfy cravings that aren't unhealthy at the core -- aka if you're craving the spice and the refreshment and not the sugar. The issues come in when you're trying to replicate something non-compliant with a mashup of W30-approved ingredients ('Whole 30 muffins'), or if the food is a crutch (replacing afternoon candy with Larabars).
I make my own kefir. The grains are like pets without faces that give me probiotic soda. :)
I think I'd probably be safe experimenting with it. I don't crave the sugar. I just love really spicy ginger soda. Like... the kind you have to sip or it will burn the back of your throat and cause you to cough. My problem is that you have to add something to the second ferment for the bacteria to eat to make the fizz. Sugar (not allowed) or fruit juice, which is why I'm thinking apple juice. Date syrup is a possibility, but sitting at the fuzzy edge of ok. I'll feel better trying that one when my 30 days are up.
Quote
Maybe invite your friend over for a delicious Whole 30 meal?
This would require having someone in my house, and my hermit-ness will not currently allow for this.
... I have ridiculous issues with ridiculous things... I'm working on it. :)
Post by: Landlady on January 23, 2017, 11:43:38 AM
Day 23
Wins: I made it through a weekend away from home and even a visit to a friend's new bakery without breaking Whole30. I also picked up a bunch of compliant ingredients at Trader Joe's while I was in the city. RXbars, coconut milk and cream, Chomp sticks, ghee...
I had an nectarine yesterday and it tasted so amazingly sweet. My taste buds have definitely changed.
Challenges: Constantly explaining Whole30 is annoying... My mother in law is either very curious or very judgemental and I can't tell the difference between the two with her. I hate the feeling of not eating someone's home cooked food because of a diet. It feels so rude to not even take a no-thank-you-helping.
I am loving the taste of the cashew butter from TJs, but for three days now I've have a little GI distress and I'm starting to think the cashew butter is the cause. :( The other possible cause is a chicken apple sausage I've been eating. So out with both for now and I'll try cashew butter again in a few days. It is ridiculously good on bananas.... sigh.
How's everyone doing?
Post by: swick on January 23, 2017, 01:32:04 PM
Challenges: Constantly explaining Whole30 is annoying... My mother in law is either very curious or very judgemental and I can't tell the difference between the two with her. I hate the feeling of not eating someone's home cooked food because of a diet. It feels so rude to not even take a no-thank-you-helping.
I am loving the taste of the cashew butter from TJs, but for three days now I've have a little GI distress and I'm starting to think the cashew butter is the cause. :( The other possible cause is a chicken apple sausage I've been eating. So out with both for now and I'll try cashew butter again in a few days. It is ridiculously good on bananas.... sigh.
How's everyone doing?
Way to go on your wins, landlady! The bakery visit would have been HARD.
The quoted above: is the hard part. It is all in how you word it though. If you say no to people's home cooked food because "You are on a diet" it is much easier for them to get offended, or have their own opinion or...or...or
Phrasing it as " I'm trying to figure out some food allergies, so I'm on a pretty plain eating plan right now, so I can't have it. But it looks amazing and hopefully, it isn't x...y...z (whatever is in what they are offering) that is the problem. I'm looking forward to getting healthier and figuring this out!" It doesn't leave them much to argue with, it makes it a little less scary because it is not a "diet" and it has an end date in sight - so they don't have to be worried about you or how your eating affects them forever.
Unless you find something out and it does :)
This works most of the time, Although there will always be people who will be a challenge.
We are on Day 15 Nothing really exciting to report.
Win: Figured out a meal plan for the next couple of days that allows us to be lazy and not have to go to the store while using up pantry and freezer staples and eating like kings. Funny how that tends to work :)
Challange: Totally didn't look at the calendar when making arrangements for Hubby's family to come over for a potluck dinner (our new solution to eating out which is expensive, usually not tasty, and doesn't meet our main reasons for going out, which is visiting.)
MIL wanted to do a Chinese New Year themed meal. She found a recipe for Wonton Soup that doesn't use wrappers and asked me about the ingredients and they are all good. I'll make some complaint Chicken dish. Hub's brother will do some sort of pulled meat dish (Probably won't be compliant) and Grandma will probably bring buns and an ungodly amount of commercial dessert. Should work out. Will have to explain to the whole family what whole 30 is (again) but when I was talking to MILI made it very clear that this round was entirely Hubby's idea :D
Post by: BabyShark on January 24, 2017, 11:50:22 AM
Post by: rawr237 on January 24, 2017, 02:48:47 PM
Landlady - I use the word "detox" (which still confuses people who expect it to mean a liquid diet). Having a history of GI issues is a good excuse.
Win: My dad commented that Dave and I looked "shiny" (pretty sure he meant glowy) and like we had more energy. My skin is pretty clear compared to the last few months.
Challenge: I attended my dad's retirement party at our fave local Japanese joint. My parents supplied great wine and beer and an amazing spread of Japanese food (MY FAVORITE), most of which fiance and I couldn't eat. I had Perrier, sashimi, and green tea -- which on a normal day would be lovely, but being faced with so many foods I love (and which were free to me) was pretty depressing. Having to listen to my mom comment on how they got too much food and everyone would have to take home leftovers (I love leftovers)...*sigh* Add to that the stress of interacting with "family friends" (really, parents friends) without the aid of alcohol...I was grumpy and exhausted when we got home. I could only stand it for about an hour. I'm still a little bitter, in case you can't tell.
Guess this is the Day 22 Interlude because the enthusiasm is gone, now it's just counting down the days and trying to make sure we stay on track during our California trip. It's possible the stress of wedding planning (the venue we currently have our eye on is already filling up in 2018) is also a contributor. I'm going to take a day off from the gym and just go home to read/rest.
Post by: BabyShark on January 24, 2017, 03:00:16 PM
My upcoming fear is that Super Bowl Sunday is going to roll around and I'm going to just go ham on a ton of non-compliant food. I'm not sure if I'm going to do the complete reintroduction or what, I know I probably should, but man I want a cheeseburger. I've also done pretty well with my weightloss that I'm nervous I'm going to totally blow that progress come Feb. 1.
Post by: monkeymind on January 24, 2017, 06:28:28 PM
BabyShark - I'm getting a bit nervous about reintroduction, too. I want to do it well but fear I'll cave during upcoming special occasions. If anyone has any advice for the reintroduction phase, I'm all ears.
Wins: I don't know if this is exactly a win, but I had to miss lunch today due to circumstances. It didn't even phase me. No hunger pangs, no need to snack or cheat. I didn't even over-eat when I finally got to eat dinner (late). It was just easy.
Challenges: My whole work crew keeps talking about the need to drink when we go out this Friday after our big hard week. I floated that I'm doing "sober January" so they won't be shocked, and it was just awkward. I'm not even a big drinker but it was just so foreign to everyone that I wouldn't drink when we go out.
Post by: Orvell on January 24, 2017, 06:53:33 PM
I did a sober November (not a W30) and I'm doing a sober January (and doing ... something inspired by a W30) and it's illuminating to see people's reactions to not only the sugar avoidance etc... but the alcohol abstention.
It's very much a part of my work culture, too. We have "beer Fridays" where at 3:30 on Friday, beer goes around. Free beer. Good beer (I buy it for the office, lol. I get the good stuff).
It's funny how not taking part in that, even only for specified periods (let alone if someone didn't drink at all) creates confusion. It's such a "social binding" thing.
The "X is so hard, Y is so annoying, god I need a drink..." thing is cute and funny, until you start to worry that people really do, and don't recognize it as a numbing mechanism, and instead see it as liberating. Don't get me wrong, I really love a good beer...
But, I think for me that's been the biggest take-away from doing W30 and W30 adjacent eating styles - I use food to numb myself and escape. And if it's not food, I'll do the same with drink. And if you take away both you sort of have to deal with yourself.
Which is scary as fuck.
Post by: Mezzie on January 24, 2017, 08:28:06 PM
Post by: swick on January 25, 2017, 08:59:13 AM
Hi folks!
Lots of awesomeness happening and lots of people close to reintro and expressing some nervousness/cravings and such. I'll try and provide you with some info, things to think about and ideas for your reintro.
Truth: Whole 30 is not a "Diet" So why did you do it?
If you did the Whole 30 just to lose a little weight and give yourself a rest after Christmas, Awesome, carry on, you might not need to do a reintro.
The whole premise around a whole 30 is to eliminate foods that might be causing you a problem and REINTRODUCE them.
If you skip this part, or go out and eat a bunch of different foods at once, you are basically cheating yourself out of the knowledge to make your life better. You are doing all the work and basically deciding at the last minute that it doesn't really matter and that your cravings/psychological need for things etc is stronger than you are.
This thread has been around a while, and the main difference between people who are successful in making lasting changes and those who aren't, or that come back for another round from the same place they were before is the reintro. It is a super important part of the process. It is the REASON you spend all the time detoxing and re-examining your relationship with food in the first place. The data and information you will learn about how different foods affect you (or hopefully don't) is the main reason to do a Whole 30. The weight loss is awesome, the other benefits are great, but don't you want to keep feeling that way? The reintro provides the knowledge and power for you to do so! You are stronger than whatever psychological bull crap your mind (and body!) is trying to pull on you right now.
For those who just want on keep on going:
It is also tempting to keep eating this way forever if you have noticed a big improvement. I don't recommend this either - unless you have systemic chronic inflammation and stuff going on that you don't think is quite gone yet. You may want to extend which is fine, but when you feel like you are in a good plane DO THE REINTRODUCTION!!!
I am so so glad that I spent some time in reintro-mode. It makes getting back on the plan (or whatever your version of it ends up being) so much easier.
A reintrroduction gives you context to your decisions - and power. With the whole 30, there are a bunch of rules that, at times, seems arbitrary. The initial appeal is "it is only for 30 days!" but doing it longer without the re-intro it makes it much harder to stick with and be motivated if you don't have a "personal" reason for staying away from certain foods. It is the extra little bit of self-knowledge and understanding with your body that adds another level of determination and creates a new lense for how you interact with food.
Especially if you discover problem foods. It is much, much easier for me to resist the sirens call of wheat/gluten when I know that I will be paying for it with a fibro flare-up that lats days. I'm not denying myself and resisting becuase a plan tells me I must, I am doing it because I know how it affects me and no moment of temporary pleasure is worth the consequences.
Stratagies for dealing with cravings:
Just realizing that a food has this kind of psychological hold is a big breakthrough! Sit with it for a while, become the observer of your thoughts and feelings around it and don't let the feelings and cravings take hold. Make your choices conscious and deliberate and from a place of knowing how far you have come, how amazing you feel, and the "new" you.
Creating your Reintro Plan:
1. Spend some time making a list of all the things that you have noticed have gotten better since you started your whole 30. That way you have an idea of what to look for to see if anything gets worse. It is also a great way to track and realize your successes.
2. Create your Reintro timetable:http://whole30.com/step-two-finished (http://whole30.com/step-two-finished)
I did a slower reintro that started like this:
week1: - Milk (unfermented dairy)
week2: - Fermented dairy (Yougurt, Kefir)
week3: - Cheese (casin can apparently cause issues)
week4: - legumes
week5 - Fermented soy - (soy sauce, miso)
week6: - Non-gluten grains
week7: - gluten grains
week8: - Sugar
Now, it went much faster because I discovered I had issues to dairy and wheat and if I have more than trace sugar. So after having some immediate negative effects on a few of these, I had gotten enough data and didn't need to break it down as much as I had planned.
Keep a journal while you are reintroducing foods Sometimes the effects will be really notable and swift, sometimes they will be slower. Sometimes you will notice old aches and pains coming back slowly. Or the brain fog that comes with wheat, even if you have no immediate physical reaction.
3. Develop a Maintenance plan - or figure out how you are going to live!
Once you have all this data, you get to figure out what to do with it! You might decide to do another round of WHole 30, you might develop some guidlines that you want to follow depending on what you may have reacted to. This is pretty much where your training wheels come off and you get to decide what works best for you!
This is the maintenance plan we settled on that we generally follow while not on Whole 30:
- no sugar or natural sweeteners (except for the occasional special occasion out, and it is deliberate and thoughtful)
- No dairy (except for the occasional special occasion out, and it is deliberate and thoughtful)
- No Wheat
- Small amounts of other grains/seeds (Buckwheat, chia, quinoa, rice, oats) mostly when we want a bit of variety or for Hubby's breakfasts or are going out to eat
- Legumes - Occasionally.
I know if I eat wheat it will trigger my fibro and I'll feel it for days. I know that dairy causes sinus issues and congestion and such - but will go away in 10 or so hours. So I know to stay away from wheat and can choose to have dairy knowing what it does to me. This is the power that comes with reintro. It allows you to make the decisions that are best for you.
***
Okay that is a lot, and I don't mean to get preachy, I just think it is such a key to success. You all have been doing awesome and I want to see you all feeling better and rocking life :D
Post by: Cookie78 on January 25, 2017, 11:27:20 AM
I'm wondering how I'll handle re-entry. I don't feel much different and I don't think I have any foods that I react poorly to, but I don't want to rebound with sugar and grains like I'm trying to make up for missing a month's worth!
Post by: swick on January 25, 2017, 11:45:18 AM
I'm on day 27 and doing ok. The last two days I have wanted to bury my face in a chocolate cake, so your post is in good time for me swick!
I'm wondering how I'll handle re-entry. I don't feel much different and I don't think I have any foods that I react poorly to, but I don't want to rebound with sugar and grains like I'm trying to make up for missing a month's worth!
Hi, Cookie!
That is the super interesting thing, everyone will have a different experience. My sister was MUCH healthier than I was and she didn't really think that any foods had an affect on her. She makes most of her stuff from scratch and eats organic and all of that. She basically did a Whole 30 to support my mom, even she was very surprised to find that she just "felt better" staying away from Wheat, it wasn't anything drastic, but she definitely felt her motivation and ability to focus and think clearly was affected.
She is still trying to narrow down exactly what it is, but for most of her life she has had periodic outbursts of really bad cold sores, about every month or so and especially after her body gets stressed. After eating whole 30-ish for three or four months she noticed, no cold sores. Then she had a weekend way and ate all the things and had an outbreak within 12 hours.
It's always interesting to see how people react.
Post by: swick on January 25, 2017, 11:47:21 AM
How long does it take for wheat-related symptoms to subside? (i.e. haven't had any today; last wheat product was a sandwich around 4PM yesterday.)
It really depends on what your symptoms are and how long you have been dealing with them. Besides the problems with wheat, there is Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). Interesting paper here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4517012/ (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4517012/)
Quote:QuoteNon-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is a syndrome diagnosed in patients with symptoms that respond to removal of gluten from the diet, after CD and wheat allergy have been excluded [1,2]. The description of this condition is mostly restricted to adults, including a large number of patients previously labeled with “irritable bowel syndrome” or “psychosomatic disorder” [1].
The “classical” presentation of NCGS is, indeed, a combination of gastro-intestinal symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, bowel habit abnormalities (either diarrhea or constipation), and systemic manifestations including disorders of the neuropsychiatric area such as “foggy mind”, depression, headache, fatigue, and leg or arm numbness [1,2,3]. In recent studies, NCGS has been related to the appearance of neuro-psychiatric disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia and depression [2,4]. The proposed mechanism is a CD-unrelated, primary alteration of the small intestinal barrier (leaky gut) leading to abnormal absorption of gluten peptides that can eventually reach the central nervous system stimulating the brain opioid receptors and/or causing neuro-inflammation.
It's complicated, and the research is still pretty new. That's why trying to see what works best FOR YOU is worth a shot.
Post by: Landlady on January 25, 2017, 03:06:42 PM
The reason a whole45 is tempting for me is to figure out if my skin clearing is part of my typical monthly cycle or due partially or fully to a food I've eliminated. I guess it's a bit of pessimism in me waiting for my skin to cycle back to bad again just as soon as I get used to it being clearer. I'm not convinced it's food related yet.
Here are my benefits which I will watch next week in reintro:
-slightly clearer skin
-weight loss (measured by how my pants fit, I don't own a scale)
-no food coma after eating
-slightly more energy in workouts (maybe due to less weight being carried around)
-no more urges for carb or sugar loaded snacks or desserts (freedom!)
Post by: Landlady on January 25, 2017, 03:37:06 PM
I highly recommend it. You can substitute something in for the orzo or just leave it out. I think I'll try diced or shredded potatoes. The eggs make it creamy without dairy.
Post by: swick on January 25, 2017, 03:47:49 PM
The reason a whole45 is tempting for me is to figure out if my skin clearing is part of my typical monthly cycle or due partially or fully to a food I've eliminated.
This would be a totally legit reason to stay on whole 30 longer. There are lots of cases where your body simply needs more time. You tend not to develop health issues in 30 days (unless you are really trying, like Supersize Me) so it is unrealistic to think 30 days will solve them all.
For me, I consider my first Whole 30 as the kick-off I needed, it provided me with *enough* proof that it was working for me. but it didn't solve many of my issues. Really, it's an ongoing process and to get to the point I am at now, I would say has taken about a year and a half, but then I had a lot of issues :)
But if you are looking at any ongoing process, doing the reintro really does give you the data and helps your brain understand the "why" behind what you are doing because you will be challenged, you will feel like giving up, or slipping into old habits, or feeling like changes aren't happening fast enough.
Aww, feel better! and I love the idea of an Avgolemeno. I haven't made it in ages! Thanks for the inspiration!
Post by: Landlady on January 26, 2017, 01:24:13 PM
Challenges: I tried the chia coconut pudding that a neighbor raves about and nearly gagged on it. Thankfully my son likes it. I guess I'll be giving her the rest of my chia seeds bag. I learned that I'm not a fan of the gelatinous texture.
We have guests coming from Friday to Tuesday so once again I will be around a ton of non-Whole30 foods. But at least this time I'm armed with some good advice on how to frame the discussion and with a loaded fridge of good food.
Wins: I made it through the worst day of my cold yesterday. All I wanted was to take a bath in warm carbs, but I held strong and made lemony, chicken soup instead.
I told my dad about Whole30 and he was so supportive of me. He's in chemo treatments right now, but I could see us doing it together next year once he's healthy again.
Post by: Cookie78 on January 27, 2017, 07:44:34 AM
Against all re-entry rules, I did take a piece of cake to have on Sunday. It's currently in my freezer. I almost liked the icing off my finger, but stopped just in time.
Post by: swick on January 27, 2017, 08:22:46 AM
Day 26
Challenges: I tried the chia coconut pudding that a neighbor raves about and nearly gagged on it. Thankfully my son likes it. I guess I'll be giving her the rest of my chia seeds bag. I learned that I'm not a fan of the gelatinous texture.
We have guests coming from Friday to Tuesday so once again I will be around a ton of non-Whole30 foods. But at least this time I'm armed with some good advice on how to frame the discussion and with a loaded fridge of good food.
I can see how you might dislike the texture :) Here are some ways I use chia, that I shared in the use it up thread. Warning not all of these are compliant, bust most can be tweaked or can be used after your whole 30. You might like the chia seed pudding texture MUCH better.
Chocolate Chia seed pudding. I usually sweeten with dates instead of what they suggest. Maple syrup works well too. I prefer this to the "Tapioca" style because sometimes chia seeds don't look all that appetizing, or I don't want to be picking them out of my teeth later. Also this seems less healthy in pudding form :) http://wholenewmom.com/recipes/chocolate-carob-chia-pudding-dairy-free-sugar-free/ (http://wholenewmom.com/recipes/chocolate-carob-chia-pudding-dairy-free-sugar-free/)
Refrigerator Jam pretty much any fruit combo will work, so it is good for using stuff up. Don't always need the extra honey depending on the fruit you use http://thankfulexpressions.blogspot.ca/2013/07/strawberry-rhubarb-refrigerator-jam.html (http://thankfulexpressions.blogspot.ca/2013/07/strawberry-rhubarb-refrigerator-jam.html)
Rasinetes Protein bites - cuz, yum! Alos handy to have on hand for grab and go snacks. http://teaspoonliving.com/2015/06/raisinets-protein-bites/ (http://teaspoonliving.com/2015/06/raisinets-protein-bites/)
Lemon Energy Bites - Also delish, I really like making them with Brazil nuts instead of almonds! http://www.theleangreenbean.com/lemon-energy-balls/ (http://www.theleangreenbean.com/lemon-energy-balls/)
Lemon Chia Pancakes (grain-free) Good if you have lots of coconut flour to use up. Again, use whatever sweetener you want, if any. http://www.anthonysgoods.com/blogs/recipes/102442374-lemon-chia-pancakes
Chia Buckwheat Pizza Crust Okay this is a WEIRD one. My hubby made it while I was out of town and when he said he wanted to show me when I got back I was suspicious. I looked at the recipe and was even more suspicious. Then he made the "gloop" and I was thinking there is no way. Turns out I was wrong. It is surprisingly tasty. It is not really, yeast pizza dough, but it is the best gluten-free sub we have found and it is VERY filling. You just got to make sure you really bake it well before adding the toppings. We usually flip it over and bake for longer than it says. It might take some experimenting to figure out how you like it, but if you can't do gluten it is worth playing with. http://nyoutritious.com/grain-free-chia-buckwheat-pizza/ (http://nyoutritious.com/grain-free-chia-buckwheat-pizza/)
Wins: I made it through the worst day of my cold yesterday. All I wanted was to take a bath in warm carbs, but I held strong and made lemony, chicken soup instead.
I told my dad about Whole30 and he was so supportive of me. He's in chemo treatments right now, but I could see us doing it together next year once he's healthy again.
Glad to hear you made it over your cold, and sending your dad positive healing thoughts :)
Yesterday, Day 28 was so hard. Tons of delicious food AND chocolate cake were available at lunch. I ate the grapes and melons and cauliflower. The hardest part was the food that was available that MAY have been compliant. There was chicken, but it had some sort of baked on sauce on it and I couldn't tell what type. It was home made, but I couldn't find out who had made it. I eventually tried a very small bite and it was incredibly spicy, but not sweet. Could have been compliant, but I didn't enjoy the taste!
Against all re-entry rules, I did take a piece of cake to have on Sunday. It's currently in my freezer. I almost liked the icing off my finger, but stopped just in time.
You got this, Cookie! Way to go on resisting all the temptations! I'm going to make a suggestion. If you *really* want to have some of that cake after your Whole 30, do it in a way that won't derail your progress and will give you some data to work with.
Have a TINY piece (like a couple of mouthfuls)and put it on a super fancy plate. Sit down with no other distractions and totally focus on it. Use all your senses. Have a bite. See what it brings up with you as far as feelings and emotions and cravings. Is it excruciatingly sweet? Do you still want to eat a bite, even though the other bite wasn't as satisfying as you would like?
Don't eat it all. save a bit and put it away in the fridge. See how that feels. Notice your response after the fact, do you spend a lot of time thinking about it? do you cave and scarf it down? are you okay with letting it sit there until you make a conscious decision to enjoy it again?
If you have ever struggled with sugar/sweet things going from 0 to cake will probably wake your sugar dragon something fierce. You just have to be conscious and aware of that, otherwise, it is so easy to slide and undo all your progress.
Post by: Cookie78 on January 28, 2017, 10:12:12 AM
Post by: swick on January 28, 2017, 10:42:07 AM
That is AWESOME advice swick. Thank you. I have been thinking about re-entry a lot and debating whether I really want the cake or not. My main purpose in doing Whole30 was to get past sugar cravings and I don't want to detail that progress on day 31.
The sugar cravings are the hardest part for many of us. There is just a lot going on on every level. They say sugar is as addictive as cocaine and lights up the same chemical processes and addiction centers in your brain. Add to that all the marketing for it, it's pervasiveness in EVERYTHING, our culture and beliefs about it, it is an uphill battle for sure.
From the people who have come and gone on this thread, and it seems like the other weight-loss threads it seems to be the biggest struggle for people and the start of going back to regular eating habits.
I have a somewhat addictive personality with a history of substance abuse in my family, I would definitely say in the past food has been my drug of choice. One thing I discovered is I am an "all or nothing" personality type so going off the rails for me means *really* going off the rails. I found this article that someone shared here a while ago extremely insightful: http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellbeing/the-100-per-cent-rule-the-simple-advice-that-changed-my-life-20160825-gr16da.html (http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellbeing/the-100-per-cent-rule-the-simple-advice-that-changed-my-life-20160825-gr16da.html)
the thing I have found interesting is when we do inevitably reintro sugar in any significant amounts neither of us enjoy it, we go, ugh that's kinda gross now - but if we let ourselves have more, your taste buds readapt very quickly.
I think Orvell's recent comment is really key:
But, I think for me that's been the biggest take-away from doing W30 and W30 adjacent eating styles - I use food to numb myself and escape. And if it's not food, I'll do the same with drink. And if you take away both you sort of have to deal with yourself.
Which is scary as fuck.
this is kinda the root of it all, and why I think a thread/group like this is so important, you sometimes realize it is not all about just the food, and then what? I think this needs to be a safe place to explore that "which is scary as fuck."
Post by: swick on January 28, 2017, 10:43:46 AM
Post by: Landlady on January 28, 2017, 11:00:06 AM
Post by: monkeymind on January 28, 2017, 04:03:56 PM
Orvell - Thanks for chiming in. You're absolutely right, this is an interesting experience in living through life without the crutches. Facing things (and myself) head on without the numbing agents.
And I did it! WIN! We got through our horrendously stressful week and, at the last minute, one of my co-workers invited us to her house for wine and snacks instead of going to the bar. Unfortunately, the lack of wine in my hand did not go unnoticed so I had to explain again how I was not drinking this month. And then someone noticed how I was sticking with the veggie tray and leaving the cheese & crackers and chips & dip, and I had to go on to explain that I'm trying to eat more healthfully and maybe identify some allergy triggers. "So that's why you didn't have a donut with us this morning, isn't it?"...
It all worked out very well though and nobody gave me any guff after that. However, we did take a little tour of her wine cellar - temperature controlled wine closet actually, but it was stacked floor to ceiling with hundreds of bottles of wine. It was lovely and I must admit I'm a little jealous. But still, I was fine and enjoyed my water and celery. Ha! - reading that back, it sounds ridiculous, but it's true. ;-)
I'm on day 27 here and feeling good. I randomly checked my blood sugar today and it was 71. I'm very pleased to see it at the low end of normal (I'm not diabetic but have a deep family history and I have no doubt I'm insulin resistant though I've not been diagnosed). I'm scheduled for a yearly checkup next month and am looking forward to seeing some lab results.
RE-INTRODUCTION: you owe it to yourself to NOT eat that pizza and why it matters....
***
Okay that is a lot, and I don't mean to get preachy, I just think it is such a key to success. You all have been doing awesome and I want to see you all feeling better and rocking life :D
Beautiful. So helpful and not preachy at all. I really appreciate the guidance. I read the guide to reintroduction but I thought it was a little flimsy. Your recommendations are very useful - for example, I hadn't thought of dividing dairy up like that and I think it's really smart. It's exactly the kind of advice I'm looking for. Thank you!
Challenge - As helpful as this thread has been through my Whole30, I have a feeling it's going to be especially important during the immediate aftermath. One of my main goals is to stay away from those sugars that I've gone without so easily this month. I think, like you- swick, I'm an all or nothing kind of person. It's actually easier for me to do NO sugar than try to navigate moderation.
Enjoy your weekend, everybody!
Post by: Cookie78 on January 28, 2017, 06:04:35 PM
I'm cooking a delicious compliant meal at the moment, and I'm not even craving sugar at the moment.
A lot of what you said rings very true to me swick. I do best with all or nothing plans, which is why I'm worried about my sugar craving response tomorrow. If I let it happen I know my taste buds will adapt quickly also. We shall see how it goes! Maybe I'll try one bite of cake and think yuck!
Congrats everyone on your wins!! :)
Post by: 10dollarsatatime on January 29, 2017, 12:23:20 AM
On the bright side... My belt is on it's last hole today. I'm going to have to shorten my belt. :)
Post by: Mezzie on January 29, 2017, 04:15:33 PM
I also made a list of 7 dinners and sides, 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches (I generally have salads), and six snacks that I can choose from while I'm doing this. All of them are things I already like that happen to be compliant; I'm hoping that will make it go easier since I've got a master list to make my weekly meal plans from. I'm really looking forward to several of those meals, so I'm feeling less daunted by the whole thing. I also have the support of my husband, which is great (he always supports me, but I never take it for granted and appreciated his questions about the length of time I'm dedicating to this, the things I can and can't eat, etc.).
Post by: Landlady on January 30, 2017, 11:22:44 AM
Last day before reintro and going strong. I've decided to do the typical introduction with legumes first tomorrow. I don't miss legumes at all so that's a good one to start with to keep any reintro cravings in check.
We had guests from Colombia and Italy this weekend so I made my typical white bread to go with dinner. Of course I didn't eat any. They loved it so much I made them two extra loaves the next day to take with them. I felt mildly bad that I had gotten my guests addicted to carbs during their visit. But I will say that it gave me a stark comparison to reflect on how my view of fast carbs and sugars have changed over a month. I no longer look at a loaf of bread so naively now. I do still enjoy the process of baking though. I'm like a drug dealer who doesn't do drugs. :P
I'm excited to see what reintro signals to me if anything! I'm feeling optimistic that my clearer skin is indeed due to a food and I'm excited to figure it out.
Post by: swick on January 30, 2017, 12:39:53 PM
It'll be interesting to follow your reintro and see what you notice!
Also, the ethical questions that come up are super interesting. We have been having a hard time with Christmas presents because there is lots of cheap/easy and damned impressive sugary stuff we can make....But Should We?
People make their own choices, if they don't eat it from us they'll probably eat the crap anyways...on the other hand, we have immediate family currently in cancer remission. We know they should NOT be having any sugar. They seem to think it is fine. Knowing that it isn't means we really shouldn't provide them with it, that is our choice - or it is our obligation? it is their right to eat whatever they want to. So where does one draw a line?
On the bright side... My belt is on it's last hole today. I'm going to have to shorten my belt. :)
Yay for changes! Crappy that you are reacting. How are you doing now?
In preparation for my March 1st start date, I'm trying to eat my way through all my non-compliant staples so I don't have to toss stuff (or be tempted by it).
I also made a list of 7 dinners and sides, 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches (I generally have salads), and six snacks that I can choose from while I'm doing this. All of them are things I already like that happen to be compliant; I'm hoping that will make it go easier since I've got a master list to make my weekly meal plans from. I'm really looking forward to several of those meals, so I'm feeling less daunted by the whole thing. I also have the support of my husband, which is great (he always supports me, but I never take it for granted and appreciated his questions about the length of time I'm dedicating to this, the things I can and can't eat, etc.).
Sounds like your planning is going great! I have made a secret Pinterest board of whole 30 recipes that have been shared over the thread. Send me your email via PM if you want an invite :)
Yay me!! Thanks everyone!
I'm cooking a delicious compliant meal at the moment, and I'm not even craving sugar at the moment.
A lot of what you said rings very true to me swick. I do best with all or nothing plans, which is why I'm worried about my sugar craving response tomorrow. If I let it happen I know my taste buds will adapt quickly also. We shall see how it goes! Maybe I'll try one bite of cake and think yuck!
Congrats everyone on your wins!! :)
How is it going, Cookie?
Post by: Cookie78 on January 30, 2017, 01:47:43 PM
How is it going, Cookie?
Yesterday went ok. I had only a bite of cake 3 or 4 times throughout the day, then ate the rest in the evening. I found, until the evening, that one bite killed any craving I had. Today I have no sweet cravings at all. I did, however, have a lot of crackers and cheese yesterday, spread out throughout the day. I added a little bit of rice to my dinner last night, and to my leftover lunch today. Just a little bit has been enough to keep me satisfied.
Post by: swick on January 30, 2017, 01:50:09 PM
How is it going, Cookie?
Yesterday went ok. I had only a bite of cake 3 or 4 times throughout the day, then ate the rest in the evening. I found, until the evening, that one bite killed any craving I had. Today I have no sweet cravings at all. I did, however, have a lot of crackers and cheese yesterday, spread out throughout the day. I added a little bit of rice to my dinner last night, and to my leftover lunch today. Just a little bit has been enough to keep me satisfied.
Have you noticed any immediate affects (probably from the dairy, if you are going to) or any dips in energy/mental clarity that sort of thing? All things to keep an eye on.
Post by: Cookie78 on January 30, 2017, 02:11:53 PM
How is it going, Cookie?
Yesterday went ok. I had only a bite of cake 3 or 4 times throughout the day, then ate the rest in the evening. I found, until the evening, that one bite killed any craving I had. Today I have no sweet cravings at all. I did, however, have a lot of crackers and cheese yesterday, spread out throughout the day. I added a little bit of rice to my dinner last night, and to my leftover lunch today. Just a little bit has been enough to keep me satisfied.
Have you noticed any immediate affects (probably from the dairy, if you are going to) or any dips in energy/mental clarity that sort of thing? All things to keep an eye on.
I haven't noticed anything different yet. Sunday my energy started a little low and dropped throughout the day, but I was working hard Friday and Saturday and didn't sleep much Saturday night. Today I woke up feeling full of energy, but this afternoon my eyes are getting heavy. I think both of these things are pretty typical for me before and during Whole30, so it's not really a change. I'm trying to keep an eye on everything, but my moods/energy levels/pain levels/mental clarity/etc have always (for the past two years) bounced around so rapidly like a yo-yo trick. It's hard to see any pattern.
Post by: swick on January 30, 2017, 02:51:30 PM
The headaches could be detoxing, or caffeine withdrawal. Are you or do you usually have caffeine-containing beverages? Some people cut them out completely because they don't like them black, but giving up caffeine cold-turkey is a bitch, doing it while ALSO on whole 30 is tough!
PRO TIP: no matter what, make sure you are drinking lots of water! Also, a cause of headaches if you are not getting enough.
So poop - yeah we talk about that from time to time, it's a really good indicator of what is going on in your system. Are the dates bunging you up? It is good to incorporate coconut oil to loosen things, just start with a small amount you need to give your body time to adjust if it is not used to it.
If you are having lots of dates, you might be using them as a sugar krutch, something to keep an eye out for.
I totally hear you on the temptations around D&D and Boardgames. We may have planned our current whole 30 to end before we have an all day D&D session planned. We have been going to game nights at the library which has been really handy because we aren't allowed food or drinks in there! As far as home gaming, we just tell people to bring whatever they want to drink or munch on and we'll provide some healthier options. Seems to work out pretty well :) Also, we use it as an excuse to ship out whatever unhealthy food seems to collect at our house from entertaining, no one leaves empty handed :D
Post by: swick on January 30, 2017, 03:17:09 PM
No "bunging" - yesterday was the complete opposite of "bunge" ;)
Yeah that could very well just be your body adjusting and...cleaning itself out. If it continues of r more than a day or two, having a little extra fiber would help, ground flax, chia, psyllium.
Your body is used to producing a lot of extra bulk with bread products as well, if you are eating more nutrient dense foods there is less to get rid of.
I generally find the 100%-ing much easier than moderation. Interesting link here if you haven't seen it, I've been sharing it around lately: http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellbeing/the-100-per-cent-rule-the-simple-advice-that-changed-my-life-20160825-gr16da.html (http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellbeing/the-100-per-cent-rule-the-simple-advice-that-changed-my-life-20160825-gr16da.html)
Post by: BabyShark on January 31, 2017, 09:37:35 AM
Post by: swick on January 31, 2017, 09:48:50 AM
Today is my last day of whole30! I can't believe I did it! The weightloss has been great, I don't necessarily feel much different but maybe when I start reintroducing things I'll notice. First up, a glass of red wine!
WAHOOOO!!! CONGRATS ON FINISHING YOUR WHOLE 30, BabyShark!!
Looking forward to updates and seeing how things go for you for reintro!
Post by: Landlady on January 31, 2017, 10:28:52 AM
Major props to whoever posted the salt and pepper chicken wings a few weeks ago. I made drumsticks for guests last night and they were a huge hit and fairly easy to make too. The kids were begging for more "bones". http://www.thekitchenmagpie.com/amazing-salt-and-pepper-chicken-wings/
Post by: swick on January 31, 2017, 10:45:30 AM
Congrats Babyshark!
Major props to whoever posted the salt and pepper chicken wings a few weeks ago. I made drumsticks for guests last night and they were a huge hit and fairly easy to make too. The kids were begging for more "bones". http://www.thekitchenmagpie.com/amazing-salt-and-pepper-chicken-wings/
Aren't they awesome? I did them with thighs last week. Much cheaper than the wings!
Post by: Landlady on January 31, 2017, 10:58:51 AM
I've got a pot of pinto beans soaking for reintro tonight but until then I'm still on whole30 since my house is so nicely outfitted with nutritious ingredients.
Post by: BabyShark on January 31, 2017, 12:59:11 PM
I love all of my whole30 recipes, and I'm betting they're going to go into regular rotation in my house after we're done. I'm wondering if we're going to be mostly whole30 just because it's easy to do now. For example, my favorite recipe has been a chicken curry that I've made literally every Sunday this month to prep for lunches and even had to make it a few more times during the week because I was craving it. I could eat it every day and I probably will still make it for lunches.
Post by: monkeymind on January 31, 2017, 04:58:11 PM
Today is 30 days for me, too. I'm so pleased that I made it. Thank you to everyone for the advice and support. My goal now is to do a slow reintroduction and maintain the whole foods aspect of this program.
I'll see what the scale says tomorrow but, regardless of what it says, this month has been a major success. Without question, I just feel better eating in a conscious and healthy way.
Post by: Cookie78 on January 31, 2017, 05:02:17 PM
Thank you!!!
I love all of my whole30 recipes, and I'm betting they're going to go into regular rotation in my house after we're done. I'm wondering if we're going to be mostly whole30 just because it's easy to do now. For example, my favorite recipe has been a chicken curry that I've made literally every Sunday this month to prep for lunches and even had to make it a few more times during the week because I was craving it. I could eat it every day and I probably will still make it for lunches.
I found this to be the case! Still loving the whole30 foods, though often with a small side of rice now.
After crushing my sugar cravings with a piece of cake on day 31 (sunday) I haven't been craving sugar at all. And besides a tiny dollop of chili jelly on a few crackers, I haven't had any added sugar since Sunday.
Yesterday was the first work day evening in about 2 years that I stayed up until 10:30, just working on projects, playing with the dogs, and reading at home. I'd been going to bed between 6 and 9, usually 8, and sleeping 10-12 hours. Today I feel just as energetic and excited to get home to finish painting. I'm hoping this new found energy is here to stay. Maybe it's a result of kicking the sugar habit, getting past grief, and letting a few grains back into my diet.
Will keep you all posted.
Post by: BabyShark on February 01, 2017, 08:50:40 AM
Thank you!!!
I love all of my whole30 recipes, and I'm betting they're going to go into regular rotation in my house after we're done. I'm wondering if we're going to be mostly whole30 just because it's easy to do now. For example, my favorite recipe has been a chicken curry that I've made literally every Sunday this month to prep for lunches and even had to make it a few more times during the week because I was craving it. I could eat it every day and I probably will still make it for lunches.
I found this to be the case! Still loving the whole30 foods, though often with a small side of rice now.
After crushing my sugar cravings with a piece of cake on day 31 (sunday) I haven't been craving sugar at all. And besides a tiny dollop of chili jelly on a few crackers, I haven't had any added sugar since Sunday.
Yesterday was the first work day evening in about 2 years that I stayed up until 10:30, just working on projects, playing with the dogs, and reading at home. I'd been going to bed between 6 and 9, usually 8, and sleeping 10-12 hours. Today I feel just as energetic and excited to get home to finish painting. I'm hoping this new found energy is here to stay. Maybe it's a result of kicking the sugar habit, getting past grief, and letting a few grains back into my diet.
Will keep you all posted.
That is so great Cookie!!
And monkeymind I'd been cheating and weighing in every day but was very pleased to step on the scale this morning and see a 9.4 lb loss since my day 1. I never felt like I needed to watch what I was eating on W30 because I always felt satisfied. I hate hate hate calorie counting and am hoping I don't have to switch to that to maintain weightloss.
Post by: monkeymind on February 01, 2017, 10:34:22 AM
BabyShark, NICE! 9.4 pounds is nothing to sneeze at. Good for you! I'm with you, I hate to have to count calories and record every little thing religiously. I lost just over ten pounds without weighing, measuring, or counting anything. Yay!
Two things of interest (to me anyway) today... First, last night for dinner, I had roasted sweet potatoes - Whole30 but not something I've been eating. I woke up in the middle of the night with a terrible headache. Gone now but it was awful for a bit. Coincidence? I don't know yet. Second, I reintroduced coffee with cream this morning (starting with dairy). I haven't had coffee for something like 25 days. Immediately afterwards, instead of feeling energized and awake from the caffeine, I was ready to take a nap. I'm feeling fine now but, for about two hours, I just wanted to curl up in my warm cozy bed.
I'm going to try a glass of milk later today too, but I'm much more excited about the Whole30 approved ham hocks and collard greens I'm making for dinner.
Post by: Philociraptor on February 01, 2017, 10:41:33 AM
Post by: swick on February 01, 2017, 11:02:02 AM
Sorry I missed you, hard to keep track of where everyone is!
Thanks sooooo much swick for all your support and your delicious recipes! I didn't have anyone here physically to do whole30 with me this month. You all were my major support! Thank you. :)
You are most welcome! Major props for not having an in-person support network and making it, that is hard to do! Also, I love this thread and everyone who contributes. I love the positivity and motivation, sharing and real-ness. THANK YOU!
Thank you!!!
I love all of my whole30 recipes, and I'm betting they're going to go into regular rotation in my house after we're done. I'm wondering if we're going to be mostly whole30 just because it's easy to do now. For example, my favorite recipe has been a chicken curry that I've made literally every Sunday this month to prep for lunches and even had to make it a few more times during the week because I was craving it. I could eat it every day and I probably will still make it for lunches.
While I have found it frustrating at times and mourned the loss of being able to do all the traditional baking stuff I use to love, I have found so many good staple recipes and stretched myself in different ways because of the limitations. Being able to and willing to experiment is important in keeping up with whole food eating long term!
I'll see what the scale says tomorrow but, regardless of what it says, this month has been a major success. Without question, I just feel better eating in a conscious and healthy way.
This is AWESOME :D
Yesterday was the first work day evening in about 2 years that I stayed up until 10:30, just working on projects, playing with the dogs, and reading at home. I'd been going to bed between 6 and 9, usually 8, and sleeping 10-12 hours. Today I feel just as energetic and excited to get home to finish painting. I'm hoping this new found energy is here to stay. Maybe it's a result of kicking the sugar habit, getting past grief, and letting a few grains back into my diet.
Will keep you all posted.
This is great, Cookie, it sounds like you have had a great reset and a new lease on life. Hope the energy sticks with you and you get to enjoy those evenings!
Cookie, isn't it lovely to easily choose an option other than "eat all the cake!" Good for you.
BabyShark, NICE! 9.4 pounds is nothing to sneeze at. Good for you! I'm with you, I hate to have to count calories and record every little thing religiously. I lost just over ten pounds without weighing, measuring, or counting anything. Yay!
Two things of interest (to me anyway) today... First, last night for dinner, I had roasted sweet potatoes - Whole30 but not something I've been eating. I woke up in the middle of the night with a terrible headache. Gone now but it was awful for a bit. Coincidence? I don't know yet. Second, I reintroduced coffee with cream this morning (starting with dairy). I haven't had coffee for something like 25 days. Immediately afterwards, instead of feeling energized and awake from the caffeine, I was ready to take a nap. I'm feeling fine now but, for about two hours, I just wanted to curl up in my warm cozy bed.
I'm going to try a glass of milk later today too, but I'm much more excited about the Whole30 approved ham hocks and collard greens I'm making for dinner.
Interesting on both the sweet potato and coffee. If you haven't been having sweet potato (which is pretty high in sugar) that may have been enough to overload your system? It might be something you will have to experiment to get a clearer idea - although if you don't generally eat them, not really any point in including them in your diet simply because they are whole 30.
Let us know how the milk reintro goes!
Day 24 here, keeping things pretty simple. Hubby's work and sleep schedule is all out of wack which has been hard for both of us. I too have been cheating this time around with the scale. I'm still losing but it is super slow compared to the past, which is to be expected I've gone down from an Obese BMI to well within the normal range. Thinking I'm at the point where diet alone has done about as much as it is going to do so I have to start upping my exercise again. Which I haven't been doing because it is too damn cold :)
Post by: BabyShark on February 01, 2017, 08:04:27 PM
Well, made it through with minimum non-compliant foods (we allowed rice and beans on ours, but no alcohol, wheat, or sugar). Here's my weight graph from 2016 with the result of our January Whole 30. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170201/1a942b3af7705f0f4910baf3077e9d67.jpg)
Philociraptor, where do you track your weight?
And also did anybody have any issues with bruising more easily on Whole30?
Post by: Philociraptor on February 01, 2017, 08:13:55 PM
Philociraptor, where do you track your weight?We have a Withings scale that automatically syncs to the app.
Post by: horsepoor on February 02, 2017, 06:38:33 AM
In case anyone has an immersion circulator. Totally making these when I get home.
DC grocery prices are killing me, so I broke down and bought beans and rice the other day. Doing well at keeping sugar, wheat and processed stuff out of the house though.
Post by: BabyShark on February 02, 2017, 07:29:43 AM
Philociraptor, where do you track your weight?We have a Withings scale that automatically syncs to the app.
Ahh ok. I really like the pink!
Post by: rawr237 on February 02, 2017, 09:39:49 AM
Orvell - Your comments were so insightful, that's EXACTLY what I've been thinking/feeling about not having carbs and alcohol to lean on during Whole30.
swick - Oh man I never thought of using the salt and pepper wing technique on thighs...totally doing that next week.
Wins:
Yesterday was my Day 30, yay!
Today is post-W30 Day 1, and so far I've had a compliant breakfast and packed a compliant lunch. Planning to eat a bit of super fancy chocolate later though :) It's really a specific chocolate craving, I haven't struggled with sugar cravings since my first W30 I think.
We survived the long weekend in SoCal on the W30. It involved a lot of RxBars, Larabars, Chomps - not as many veggies, and definitely didn't fit the meal guide, but we completed our first Spartan Sprint! We ate at In-n-Out twice, but I was still a little sad to miss out on the amazing Asian food (we don't get quite the same selection in Ohio...) Even though LA is generally Paleo/Primal/Vegan/etc friendly, I still hit a low point the evening before our trip while I was researching restaurants. I looked at Mediterranean places, and called one to ask about ingredients -- turned out they cook ALL their meat in soybean oil. I truly hate being the picky person asking what's in everything, and requesting special modifications. Texas Roadhouse, where we did post-race lunch, was actually really easy - dry steak, dry sweet potato, dry steamed veggies - we brought our own ghee and added salt at the table. The In-n-Out staff was completely friendly and accommodating, but still took a couple tries to get our order right.
Challenges:
Over the last couple days I've been talking to fiance about how we want to handle diet/food going forward. He actually mentioned that he's been feeling really good (no GI issues during runs), and he's wary about adding things back in. For me this is the tough part, trying to find balance.
Fiance and I agreed to keep mostly eating this way for now. One issue is that his dearest wish is to have his favorite breakfast (bacon, eggs, potatoes) every day, but bacon has a pretty high $/protein ratio. Of course if I buy the bacon with sugar, and bulk potatoes/eggs it's cheaper (for some reason my potatoes always sprout really quickly though)... a significant contributor to the January grocery spend bump is fiance eating all meals from home instead of at his work cafeteria. He doesn't understand my frustration and anxiety as the person who does all the shopping/cooking, because I feel like IT'S ALL UP TO ME (health and $).
Superbowl Sunday also coming up, I'm planning to bring meatballs and maybe a veg tray - I'll eat non-compliant things as well, but don't want to go whole-hog. Tomorrow (Friday) I have two alcohol-involved events, but need to pace myself because my tolerance goes super-low after a month of skipping it.
Post by: monkeymind on February 02, 2017, 06:38:43 PM
Day 30+2.
I tested milk yesterday - half&half in my coffee and two cups of milk through the day. I would say I felt only a very slight difference in digestion. I don't feel sick or unwell, no gas or bloating or anything, just not as "clean" as I've been feeling, if that makes any sense. I'm now back to the plan for two days.
Next was going to be yogurt - it's straining now after I made it overnight - but a new and very rare opportunity came up that I'm going to take advantage of instead. I'll be going out of town over the weekend and we've got plans to go to a favorite German restaurant. I'll be using that as my next "test". I'm fully prepared to feel like hell after that, but I'm still looking forward to the treat. I will then go right back on the plan until I have "normalized" and then will start reintroducing food types again after that - starting with fermented dairy.
Two silly things I've noticed over the past month...
First, I have a fingernail that has been split for literally years. I have tried a million things to fix it over this time: seal it, cover it, clip it, protect it, strengthen it, EVERYTHING! but, over and over, it would continue to re-tear and cause me problems. One month of Whole30 CURED it - the split is gone - the nail is whole! That's silly, but it's huge. I have hated that stupid nail. I'm so tickled at that totally unexpected improvement.
Second, I have had the hiccups more in the past month than I've had in the past 3 years. I've probably had hiccups at least 30 times in 30 days, sometimes several times a day. They come on randomly, with no association to food or drink, and they last anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. Though annoying, it's a small price to pay for health improvement. It's so weird.
Challenge: I'm trying not to feel too smug. My WeightWatcher friend was complaining that, yesterday, she spent a third of her daily points on 4 Nutter Butter cookies. She did this as she looked up the points for the "healthier" gummy fruit snacks she bought as today's treat. She was astounded that the gummies COST 5 POINTS!!! FOR WHAT!!! I tried to offer a sweet, juicy, zero point tangerine instead but she declined. Man, was that tangerine good!
Post by: swick on February 02, 2017, 09:27:03 PM
Wins:
Yesterday was my Day 30, yay!
Today is post-W30 Day 1, and so far I've had a compliant breakfast and packed a compliant lunch. Planning to eat a bit of super fancy chocolate later though :) It's really a specific chocolate craving, I haven't struggled with sugar cravings since my first W30 I think.
We survived the long weekend in SoCal on the W30. It involved a lot of RxBars, Larabars, Chomps - not as many veggies, and definitely didn't fit the meal guide, but we completed our first Spartan Sprint! We ate at In-n-Out twice, but I was still a little sad to miss out on the amazing Asian food (we don't get quite the same selection in Ohio...) Even though LA is generally Paleo/Primal/Vegan/etc friendly, I still hit a low point the evening before our trip while I was researching restaurants. I looked at Mediterranean places, and called one to ask about ingredients -- turned out they cook ALL their meat in soybean oil. I truly hate being the picky person asking what's in everything, and requesting special modifications. Texas Roadhouse, where we did post-race lunch, was actually really easy - dry steak, dry sweet potato, dry steamed veggies - we brought our own ghee and added salt at the table. The In-n-Out staff was completely friendly and accommodating, but still took a couple tries to get our order right.
Challenges:
Over the last couple days I've been talking to fiance about how we want to handle diet/food going forward. He actually mentioned that he's been feeling really good (no GI issues during runs), and he's wary about adding things back in. For me this is the tough part, trying to find balance.
Fiance and I agreed to keep mostly eating this way for now. One issue is that his dearest wish is to have his favorite breakfast (bacon, eggs, potatoes) every day, but bacon has a pretty high $/protein ratio. Of course if I buy the bacon with sugar, and bulk potatoes/eggs it's cheaper (for some reason my potatoes always sprout really quickly though)... a significant contributor to the January grocery spend bump is fiance eating all meals from home instead of at his work cafeteria. He doesn't understand my frustration and anxiety as the person who does all the shopping/cooking, because I feel like IT'S ALL UP TO ME (health and $).
Superbowl Sunday also coming up, I'm planning to bring meatballs and maybe a veg tray - I'll eat non-compliant things as well, but don't want to go whole-hog. Tomorrow (Friday) I have two alcohol-involved events, but need to pace myself because my tolerance goes super-low after a month of skipping it.
BADASS WIN!!!! And I totally hear you about the frustration and anxiety about balancing meal prep/time/$ when you are the one doing it all. What has really helped is having a couple of meals in the freezer for those days it just all gets too much.
Two silly things I've noticed over the past month...
First, I have a fingernail that has been split for literally years. I have tried a million things to fix it over this time: seal it, cover it, clip it, protect it, strengthen it, EVERYTHING! but, over and over, it would continue to re-tear and cause me problems. One month of Whole30 CURED it - the split is gone - the nail is whole! That's silly, but it's huge. I have hated that stupid nail. I'm so tickled at that totally unexpected improvement.
Second, I have had the hiccups more in the past month than I've had in the past 3 years. I've probably had hiccups at least 30 times in 30 days, sometimes several times a day. They come on randomly, with no association to food or drink, and they last anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. Though annoying, it's a small price to pay for health improvement. It's so weird.
Challenge: I'm trying not to feel too smug. My WeightWatcher friend was complaining that, yesterday, she spent a third of her daily points on 4 Nutter Butter cookies. She did this as she looked up the points for the "healthier" gummy fruit snacks she bought as today's treat. She was astounded that the gummies COST 5 POINTS!!! FOR WHAT!!! I tried to offer a sweet, juicy, zero point tangerine instead but she declined. Man, was that tangerine good!
The nail thing is odd but awesome! The hiccups have me totally stumped.
I too struggle with my WW friends, I keep thinking they are fundamentally missing the point - and becoming dependent on learning points instead of how to eat real, healthy food encourages yoyo-ing. I find it frustrating to hear "well if I skip breakfast and lunch, I can have pizza for dinner!" It allows you to develop unhealthy and unsustainable habits.
I love the no tracking, no calorie counting aspect of whole 30, it gives you time and energy to really focus on what you eat and why you eat it and I think that creates thinking and habit shifts.
Post by: 10dollarsatatime on February 02, 2017, 09:50:43 PM
Whatever nastiness was going on last week has left me. I'm currently avoiding a few suspect foods... artichokes, peppers, acorn squash, and a few others. I went from feeling amazing and a ridiculously good mood to miserable. GI issues, fibro issues, general feeling of blah. I also had a cold though. These things could have been related.
I'm planning on extending a couple more weeks, much to the disappointment of the lunch-goers at work. I still haven't gotten back to feeling amazing, and that's what I want my baseline to be when I start re-intro.
Post by: Mezzie on February 03, 2017, 02:15:07 AM
Has anyone on this thread gone the no-egg no-nightshade route?
Post by: ketchup on February 03, 2017, 10:24:18 AM
Just curious...Yup. My GF and I did a full run of AIP paleo with a very gradual reintroduction. Eggs and nightshades in particular weren't issues for us. Just mainly milk for her, and almonds and wheat for me.
Has anyone on this thread gone the no-egg no-nightshade route?
Post by: Mezzie on February 03, 2017, 06:45:52 PM
I'm sick right now. Hopefully I'll avoid that once I start, but I work in a school, so... germs. Anyway, the only foods I can keep down right now are far from compliant. Outside of broth, which I haven't tried today but assume I could handle, what are your go-to sick foods?
Post by: swick on February 03, 2017, 07:00:45 PM
And another just curious question:
I'm sick right now. Hopefully I'll avoid that once I start, but I work in a school, so... germs. Anyway, the only foods I can keep down right now are far from compliant. Outside of broth, which I haven't tried today but assume I could handle, what are your go-to sick foods?
Fell better! Egg drop soup is good, or plain scrambled eggs, cooked squash or sweet potatoes, and heck, if you are having trouble with food because you are sick, smoothies are definitely an option. Getting good nutritious food in you so you can fight off the germs is more important than following the strict letter of the whole 30 law.
Post by: Mezzie on February 03, 2017, 07:03:35 PM
Post by: swick on February 04, 2017, 10:58:47 AM
How is everyone doing? What are your wins and challenges?
WIN: I did a test batch of this oatmeal substitute this morning, sauteed some apples and raisins in the pot first, YUM!
Ya'll know how much of a struggle breakfasts can be. I love the fact that you can make a mix of the dry ingredients ahead of time! I used ground flax instead of whole seeds, and recommend it. Also awesome for eating up our pantry challenge :)
http://www.paleostateofmindblog.com/blog/grain-free-oatmeal (http://www.paleostateofmindblog.com/blog/grain-free-oatmeal)
'nother win: I tried on some shorts I bought on steep end of clearance last year, hoping for a bit longer warm weather in which to wear them. That didn't happen. I bought two sizes one just about fit and one was too small by a fair amount. I slipped into the smaller ones easily today :) Now if only there weren't so much blowing snow or I had somewhere warm to wear them! Ahh well :)
Challenge: It is snowing heavily and we have no desire to go to the store, soo...going to continue with the eat up the pantry challenge. I said because it is Saturday and we have time at home, we could have breakfast for breakfast, lunch, and dinner :D
The real challenge will be figuring out veggies. We do have a cauliflower and a Squash I need to use up.
Post by: Helmet on February 05, 2017, 03:39:01 PM
Over the month I slowly realized there wasn't much from my diet that really got cut other than dairy, white rice, oats, and beer. The major thing was all the convenience foods I learned it's okay to say no to, even when it's free -- office lunches, doughnuts, birthday cakes, etc. Normally I'm all about free food and taking extras home so I had to re-train myself (and my office informant network) over the last month. My wallet took more of a hit in January, but it's worth it for my health.
Post by: BCpuppy on February 05, 2017, 03:46:45 PM
I'm doing a whole 30 to see if it helps my alopecia since nothing else has really helped. I may do the AIP whole 30 after the first 30 days if i don't see any improvement; but man, i thought the normal whole 30 was strict?! AIP blows it out of the water!
What did you eat on the AIP? I look at the suggested diets and they seem a little ridiculous!Just curious...Yup. My GF and I did a full run of AIP paleo with a very gradual reintroduction. Eggs and nightshades in particular weren't issues for us. Just mainly milk for her, and almonds and wheat for me.
Has anyone on this thread gone the no-egg no-nightshade route?
Does anyone else feel ridiculously tired when they are starting? I've been sleeping at least 9hrs at night since day 1 and all I want to do today is take a nap... I haven't worked out in three days!
Post by: Helmet on February 05, 2017, 04:14:49 PM
Does anyone else feel ridiculously tired when they are starting? I've been sleeping at least 9hrs at night since day 1 and all I want to do today is take a nap... I haven't worked out in three days!
I bookmarked this link from somewhere back in the thread, I don't want to comb through 40 pages to figure out who posted it (but thanks!). It sounds like you're right on track based on the timeline:
http://whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/ (http://whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/)
In my first round of Whole 30 I was lifting and running regularly 4-5x per week and found I had to up my carb intake to beat the fatigue. If you exercise regularly and the fatigue doesn't pass you may want to examine that.
Post by: Mezzie on February 05, 2017, 06:23:49 PM
I'm still eating down the non-compliant stuff. I should be thoroughly sick of pasta by March 1st.
Post by: ketchup on February 05, 2017, 10:03:26 PM
What did you eat on the AIP? I look at the suggested diets and they seem a little ridiculous!I don't know what sort of "suggested diets" you're looking at, but AIP isn't too difficult. The main issue with it is that you absolutely definitely need to make 100% of everything from scratch with zero chance for fuckup. It gives you slightly more leeway than Whole30 in the sugar department as it does allow very small amounts (<1tsp/day of honey/maple syrup/etc). Eggs and black pepper are by far the most limiting eliminations. There are a bunch of AIP recipes out there, and barring that, plenty of paleo-type recipes that are AIP compliant or very close to it with minor modifications. Also, no butter so make sure you have a good source of tallow and/or lard.
Some things we ate on AIP:
http://enjoyingthisjourney.com/aip-beef-tacos/ (this is pretty much the best thing I've ever eaten)
http://autoimmunewellness.com/hawaiian-salmon/
http://www.primalpalate.com/paleo-recipe/autoimmune-paleo-orange-teriyaki-meatballs/
http://www.grazedandenthused.com/single-post/2016/03/21/Instant-Pot-Maple-Tamarind-Ribs-PaleoAIP
http://www.grazedandenthused.com/single-post/2016/09/26/20-minute-Turkey-Gravy-PaleoAIPWhole30
http://cleaneatingveggiegirl.com/2016/01/12/aip-paleo-avocado-turmeric-chicken-salad/
http://autoimmunewellness.com/oven-roasted-rainbow-carrots-with-orange-glaze/
http://enjoyingthisjourney.com/aip-greek-salad/
http://www.grazedandenthused.com/single-post/2014/08/04/PeachGlazed-Mini-Meatloaves-AIP-Friendly
http://eatbeautiful.net/2015/11/08/lemon-ginger-salmon-paleo-gaps-aip/
http://autoimmunewellness.com/bistro-chicken-salad-garlic-thyme-vinaigrette/
Plus simple stuff like baked bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (lemon, salt, and garlic), lazy steam-in-the-bag vegetables, fruit snacks (as in fruit-as-a-snack, not actual fruit snacks), meatloaf (no breadcrumbs or eggs), simple salads with just romaine, chicken breast, and basic homemade dressing, baked sweet potato fries, coconut milk smoothies, etc.
Post by: monkeymind on February 07, 2017, 06:39:18 PM
I'm feeling so much better sticking with whole foods that I'm actually finding it a little hard to be willing to try other things. It's just easier not to. This is not the problem I was expecting to have.
Post by: swick on February 07, 2017, 08:04:23 PM
I'm feeling so much better sticking with whole foods that I'm actually finding it a little hard to be willing to try other things. It's just easier not to. This is not the problem I was expecting to have.
That can happen :) Eating whole, good foods can definitely make you not want to go back, which is a good thing, but still a good idea to continue with the reintro :)
Yesterday was "fail" day - we met up with family for bowling, and I didn't bring snacks. Ended up eating a bag of pretzels (wheat!) from a vending machine. We went to Applebee's, and I ordered salmon, broccoli and fries "with no dairy." The broccoli was delicious... I can't help but think they put butter on them (and I must have denied it while eating them...) I also realized this morning that the beef jerky I've been happily chowing on is made with soy sauce (wheat!) so I'm going to have to find some new things to eat.
Just got to get back on the horse, Neo! How are you doing today?
Today is day 30 for us, we celebrated with steak, roasted cauliflower and roasted squash, sooo good!
We don't really have any plans to do a reintro (yeah I know, despite I keep telling everyone to!) But we already have the data. I imagine tomorrow will be very much like today. Am looking forward to having some popcorn on the weekend though :)
How is everyone doing? What are your successes and challenges?
Post by: BCpuppy on February 08, 2017, 06:25:05 AM
What did you eat on the AIP? I look at the suggested diets and they seem a little ridiculous!I don't know what sort of "suggested diets" you're looking at, but AIP isn't too difficult. The main issue with it is that you absolutely definitely need to make 100% of everything from scratch with zero chance for fuckup. It gives you slightly more leeway than Whole30 in the sugar department as it does allow very small amounts (<1tsp/day of honey/maple syrup/etc). Eggs and black pepper are by far the most limiting eliminations. There are a bunch of AIP recipes out there, and barring that, plenty of paleo-type recipes that are AIP compliant or very close to it with minor modifications. Also, no butter so make sure you have a good source of tallow and/or lard.
Some things we ate on AIP:
http://enjoyingthisjourney.com/aip-beef-tacos/ (this is pretty much the best thing I've ever eaten)
http://autoimmunewellness.com/hawaiian-salmon/
http://www.primalpalate.com/paleo-recipe/autoimmune-paleo-orange-teriyaki-meatballs/
http://www.grazedandenthused.com/single-post/2016/03/21/Instant-Pot-Maple-Tamarind-Ribs-PaleoAIP
http://www.grazedandenthused.com/single-post/2016/09/26/20-minute-Turkey-Gravy-PaleoAIPWhole30
http://cleaneatingveggiegirl.com/2016/01/12/aip-paleo-avocado-turmeric-chicken-salad/
http://autoimmunewellness.com/oven-roasted-rainbow-carrots-with-orange-glaze/
http://enjoyingthisjourney.com/aip-greek-salad/
http://www.grazedandenthused.com/single-post/2014/08/04/PeachGlazed-Mini-Meatloaves-AIP-Friendly
http://eatbeautiful.net/2015/11/08/lemon-ginger-salmon-paleo-gaps-aip/
http://autoimmunewellness.com/bistro-chicken-salad-garlic-thyme-vinaigrette/
Plus simple stuff like baked bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (lemon, salt, and garlic), lazy steam-in-the-bag vegetables, fruit snacks (as in fruit-as-a-snack, not actual fruit snacks), meatloaf (no breadcrumbs or eggs), simple salads with just romaine, chicken breast, and basic homemade dressing, baked sweet potato fries, coconut milk smoothies, etc.
Thank you so much!
I borrowed "Practical Paleo" from a friend. In the book, they discuss AIP and have suggested meal plans. I think I was having a temper tantrum with myself. "I don't want to up eggs and spicy foods when I've already have no sugar, wine, bread...".
This first week on the whole 30 really hasn't been bad at all which makes the AIP seem much more realistic for me.
Post by: Landlady on February 08, 2017, 02:00:42 PM
I've reintroduced almost everything at this point, albeit a bit faster than I was hoping. A weekend vacation expedited me into grains territory and dairy at the same time. But now I've stopped grains again and kept dairy up which gives me some data. The single biggest surprise was when I shared a chocolate sundae with my family. About 40 minutes later I was pissy for no good reason and it led to a small fight with my husband. It's not really a treat if it makes you feel bad is it?
I'm giving keto a try now to see where that takes me since I have found that I enjoy high fat foods and I feel more full.
I experienced a small skin break out after my weekend of overindulgence which makes me want to blame it on either grains or my blood sugar bouncing around. I think another month would help me pin this down.
But for now, while I have no vacations or temptations coming up, I'm cutting carbs and going high fat. Whole30 really was an amazing reset.
Post by: Mezzie on February 09, 2017, 07:34:16 AM
Week 1:
Breakfasts:
Steak
Squash soup
Snacks:
Nuts
Fruit
Lunches:
Avocado tuna salad
Chicken avocado salad (greens, jicama, carrots, olives, apples, etc.)
Dinners:
Chicken tangine with stir-fried greens
Oven-baked cod with spring vegetables
Week 2:
Breakfasts:
Stir-fry
Turnip and sweet potato hash
Snacks:
Fruits, veggies, and almond butter
Lunch:
Avocado tuna salad
Salad with chicken and/or salmon
Dinner:
Lemon salmon, salad side
Pot roast -- haven't decided on side. Possibly mashed turnips.
I generally have a variety of two things for each meal/week so I don't have to eat the same thing two days in a row but I also don't have to buy a ton of different ingredients.
If I need a dessert, I can have a fruit smoothie or a frozen banana or something similar.
Post by: swick on February 09, 2017, 08:41:03 AM
You are quite lucky to not have any adverse reactions to dairy, if I could handle it, I'd have gone full keto a long time ago. I think someone was doing Keto without dairy, but I would find it way too restrictive.
I'm giving keto a try now to see where that takes me since I have found that I enjoy high fat foods and I feel more full.
Mezzie - Looks like a good plan! I will say though:
If I need a dessert, I can have a fruit smoothie or a frozen banana or something similar.
Part of the idea is to break cravings and habits, and (Whole 30 police here) they don't want you "drinking" your food. Just figure I should mention it because lots of bloggers and people who do whole 30 tend to include smoothies, that's got to be a choice you are going to make or not.
Dinner last night was pretty simple, sausages with roasted cauliflower, squash and cabbage. Definitely starting to be a challenge with finding edible looking greens in the store right now, I'm over winter. This morning I got up and took my damn Vitamin D (I swear if I was on a medication I'd have to take every day or I'd die, I'd last a week!)
Oh on that note - take a look at any vitamins and supplements to make sure they are compliant!
Post by: Landlady on February 09, 2017, 10:24:25 AM
If I need a dessert, I can have a fruit smoothie or a frozen banana or something similar.
Your menu looks amazing! I too made smoothies the first 3 weeks as a dessert substitute. It took me that long to truly kick the craving for something after dinner. What got me over the hump was eating dinner leftovers when I felt that craving. It was a little weird feeling at first to essentially have a second, smaller dinner, but it worked for me. Now I don't crave a dessert, I crave dinner leftovers or a spoonful of cashew butter.
In a non-mustachian moment I ordered lard, tallow and duck fat online yesterday so I can experiment with different healthy fats in my cooking. It's pricey, but everything is pasture raised from this supplier: http://fatworksfoods.com/
In other news, I busted my ACL on the ski slopes over the weekend. Yet one more reason to gain control over inflammation and work on building strength in my legs and glutes. Sigh. Getting old is tough on soft tissue.
Post by: swick on February 09, 2017, 10:37:00 AM
In other news, I busted my ACL on the ski slopes over the weekend. Yet one more reason to gain control over inflammation and work on building strength in my legs and glutes. Sigh. Getting old is tough on soft tissue.
aww bummer :( Hope you are not out for too long!
Duck fat is all sorts of amazing! Occasionally frozen ducks go on sale here, and I always stock up because the amount of just fat I can get off one bird works out to about 1/4 of the cost of buying just the fat - and all the meat and stock I get from it is an extra bonus :)
Post by: Mezzie on February 09, 2017, 02:16:46 PM
I wouldn't be able to have much of a smoothie anyway as I am sensitive to coconut milk and hate almond milk. We're talking 4-6oz tops.
Post by: swick on February 09, 2017, 02:42:14 PM
It's hard to get that data after only a month, but I know for certain even small amounts of sugar have a HUGE impact on mine. I use to be the lose three full days a month curled up in a ball type of pain, huge (suicidal) mood swings. Not sure if it is the lack of sugar for those things or just getting more nutrients in general, but these days I get barely any pain or mood dips - but if I have an increase in sugar and they all come back.
Post by: BCpuppy on February 11, 2017, 08:30:05 AM
What am I doing wrong??
Post by: Mezzie on February 11, 2017, 09:11:38 AM
Focus on the fact that you're feeling great. :)
Post by: monkeymind on February 12, 2017, 07:31:31 PM
I made garlicky sauteed beet greens with roasted beets and balsamic vinegar (and I added some goat cheese since I'm reintroducing cheeses). Delicious! That was dinner. At the end of this week I'll be throwing caution to the wind and testing out wheat and gluten with homemade pizza for a special occasion meal, but I'll be right back on the horse after that.
Post by: swick on February 13, 2017, 08:48:03 AM
Day 19. Bathroom woes continue. This was actually one of the worst nights (gas, bloating, etc). Worried that EGGS are my problem, as they've been a constant (every day breakfast) throughout, and yesterday I had 2 hard-boiled eggs at lunch. I thought maybe coconut oil, but I actually had very little yesterday.
I just responded in your other thread that it might be the coconut oil...why don't you try a couple of days without eggs?
This is a good breakfast I have been making: http://www.paleostateofmindblog.com/blog/grain-free-oatmeal (http://www.paleostateofmindblog.com/blog/grain-free-oatmeal) I've been doing ti with sauteed apples and raisins. Super yum.
I'm almost two weeks into reintroduction and I've definitively determined that I am sensitive to milk. I seem to do OK with cheese but plain old fresh milk does not agree with me. I'm going to try yogurt tomorrow. We'll see how that goes.
I made garlicky sauteed beet greens with roasted beets and balsamic vinegar (and I added some goat cheese since I'm reintroducing cheeses). Delicious! That was dinner. At the end of this week I'll be throwing caution to the wind and testing out wheat and gluten with homemade pizza for a special occasion meal, but I'll be right back on the horse after that.
Crappy about the milk, it seems to be a bad one for so many :( But if you can tolerate cheese well,t hat would be AWESOME, your beets sound delish!
I doubt you're doing anything wrong. You mentioned getting back into working out regularly. If I take even a week off, I can gain up to 2-4 pounds just in water retention when I start working out again. (I enjoy it because it looks like my muscles got bigger even though it's 100% water retention.) I also fluctuate +/-2 pounds over the course of a month and about 6 pounds over the course of a day depending on what I have for dinner. Two pounds at a random check doesn't really tell you anything.
Focus on the fact that you're feeling great. :)
+1 to all of this :) One of the reasons you are not supposed to weigh yourself during whole 30. Weight can fluctuate wildly, especially if you are detoxing. Much better to go with non-scale measurements to keep on track.
Post by: Mezzie on February 13, 2017, 09:33:49 AM
I've frozen some emergency compliant foods for quick emergency meals: chicken, broth, etc. I'll continue doing that so I'm not stuck.
I think my GF flours should keep for the reintroduction phase, so I'm not eating those down. I'm just going to put them way in the back of the pantry.
Just over half a month to go. I want to make my Week 3 & 4 menus and shopping lists for each week before the start day.
It's warming up, so I'll mostly want to eat fruits and veggies anyway.
Post by: Mongoose on February 13, 2017, 07:52:29 PM
Post by: swick on February 13, 2017, 08:07:20 PM
Dropping in. DH and I, but not the kids, are going to take a stab at this starting Feb 14. We have one more day of non-compliant lunches that we want to eat up first. We've never done this before but we have dialed back sugar and caffeine consumption recently.
Welcome, Mongoose! Let us know if there is anything we can do to support you!
Post by: monkeymind on February 14, 2017, 05:15:57 AM
Mezzie, I'm so impressed with your preparation and organization. I was nowhere near as ready as you'll be.
Neo, I hope you quickly find the offender and get back to normal. Kudos for sticking with it even through these challenges.
swick, thank you for your constant presence, encouragement, and advice for everyone on this thread. You're much appreciated.
Mongoose, welcome! You can do this and, once you have, I'm sure you'll be so glad you did.
Post by: Mongoose on February 14, 2017, 07:38:51 AM
Dropping in. DH and I, but not the kids, are going to take a stab at this starting Feb 14. We have one more day of non-compliant lunches that we want to eat up first. We've never done this before but we have dialed back sugar and caffeine consumption recently.
Welcome, Mongoose! Let us know if there is anything we can do to support you!
I meant Feb 15. This feels like a looming cliff. Chocolate and I have a very dysfunctional relationship. I don't even like the taste...ugh. Tomorrow...
We're still pretty budget restricted so I foresee lots of less expensive vegetables, omelets, and homemade soups. That is my biggest concern...grocery spending can't rise. Oh, and I can't do coconut oil as I have a weird reaction to it.
Post by: swick on February 14, 2017, 10:37:30 AM
I meant Feb 15. This feels like a looming cliff. Chocolate and I have a very dysfunctional relationship. I don't even like the taste...ugh. Tomorrow...
We're still pretty budget restricted so I foresee lots of less expensive vegetables, omelets, and homemade soups. That is my biggest concern...grocery spending can't rise. Oh, and I can't do coconut oil as I have a weird reaction to it.
This had me concerned when I read it in the UFF thread. Overall, if you eat this style longer term, the prices even themselves out as you learn what you do and don't like, where you can source ingredients and such, and the money saved because you tend to eat out less, also, I have spent WAYWAYWAY less on medical stuff, and I'm in Canada. Unfortunately, those savings aren't immediate, even if they are lasting.
But if you are on a really tight budget, it can get tricky. Larger sizes of meat are your friend, doing a whole chicken at a time, a big pork roast Nomnom Paleo's Kahlua pork is a favorite, and I never bother using the bacon.
I don't know where you live, but checking out liquidation stores for veggies can net some good deals. Tami gets all her organic fruits and veggies for pennies at a liquidation place because they may be imperfect or only good for a day or two longer. We don't have anything like that around here and I get so jealous seeing her hauls :)
We tend to bulk up a lot with sweet potatoes as they are filling and fairly cheap. Eating "in season" still helps a lot. Also being adaptable with the recipes you are making.
Everyone! Time to share your tips! How do you keep eating costs down while doing whole 30??
Post by: jordanread on February 14, 2017, 10:48:03 AM
And using squash type thing as a base is a great way of making food go longer. We use baked Mexican Squash (and plantains sometimes too) put through a food processor to thicken up curries. It makes it go a lot farther, and then you don't need stuff like rice to bulk it up.
Oh, and Baba Ganoush for eggplants (which were in the ugly food section last week! 2lbs/$1 of Philippine Eggplant).
Post by: ketchup on February 14, 2017, 11:07:16 AM
Everyone! Time to share your tips! How do you keep eating costs down while doing whole 30??Cheap meats, cheap produce, cheap cooking fats, cheap spices. Minimize anything else. Minimize or don't buy any specialized fancy stuff (almond flour, cashew butter, etc.)
Cheap meats come from picking out what tends to be cheaper (bone-in chicken thighs, ground pork, beef liver, etc.), and adapting with/stocking up during sales. For chicken, go skin-on, bone-in. It tastes better, and you get a lot more calories for your dollar.
Cheap produce comes from the same mindset, but also shopping in-season and remaining adaptable. Make cheaper vegetables more often. Eat lots of cabbage, onions, and carrots. Only buy berries and the like when they are cheap (that usually means they're more fresh, too). Buy the greens in heads or bunches and cut it up yourself (those pre-cut/pre-washed salad mixes are usually rather silly when you run the numbers). Be more selective about fruit in general; fruit is expensive. Blackberries might be on sale for $0.99 with the raspberries right next to them for $4.99 (witnessed this yesterday).
Cheap cooking fats come from buying in bulk and sourcing correctly. If you can find a source of local beef suet or pork back fat, you can render your own tallow or lard really easily and super cheap (like 20% the cost of buying it). Olive oil and coconut oil are stupid cheap at Costco.
Cheap spices come mostly from buying in bulk. Figure out what you use the most of and find those in bulk.
Post by: BCpuppy on February 14, 2017, 12:30:50 PM
I doubt you're doing anything wrong. You mentioned getting back into working out regularly. If I take even a week off, I can gain up to 2-4 pounds just in water retention when I start working out again. (I enjoy it because it looks like my muscles got bigger even though it's 100% water retention.) I also fluctuate +/-2 pounds over the course of a month and about 6 pounds over the course of a day depending on what I have for dinner. Two pounds at a random check doesn't really tell you anything.
Focus on the fact that you're feeling great. :)
Thanks! Makes me feel better:)
I'm supposed to be weighing myself weekly as part of a research study but I might skip this weekend.... it was just so demoralizing! Focusing on how great my skin looks and how I feel. *Focus focus*
Post by: Mongoose on February 14, 2017, 03:43:56 PM
I feel fairly confident that we can get in a lot of eggs (we only by local, pastured due to intolerance to bulk processed/stored eggs). And I'm not going to try to go with grass-fed or pastured meats this time around. Those are very pricey around here. But we have good sources of relatively inexpensive meats plus a fully stocked meat freezer. I get queasy if I eat very much meat or eggs at once though. Not sure what's up with that. And we looooovvveeee veggies! I seriously just adore steamed, stir-fried, and baked veggies. Hopefully the desire for those will last the whole month.
We haven't been spending any on medical so (un)fortunately, no savings there...but an improved diet should save over the long term. And we rarely eat out either. We'll get it figured out though.
Thanks again...tomorrow is Day 1 (cringes at the thought of no chocolate).
Post by: horsepoor on February 14, 2017, 04:53:55 PM
A baked potato topped with a meat sauce can be a pretty nice dinner. Make it a "taco" potato with ground beef and salsa, etc.
Cabbage is cheap this time of year, and very versatile. I like to simply roast it on a sheet pan with oil, salt and pepper.
Roast large amounts of veggies at a time to save on electricity as well.
Use more cooking fat than usual to increase calories in your veggie dishes. Capture fat from meat to use for other cooking - example, put veggies under a chicken in the oven so they capture the drippings.
Post by: Mezzie on February 14, 2017, 07:03:06 PM
Ah yes. The ugly food section. I have that in every grocery store, and it's only bit me in the ass once. I always try new things, and the Asian Market in my area had bittermelon in the ugly food section. Um, it turns out those things are disgusting...and surprisingly bitter. :)
And using squash type thing as a base is a great way of making food go longer. We use baked Mexican Squash (and plantains sometimes too) put through a food processor to thicken up curries. It makes it go a lot farther, and then you don't need stuff like rice to bulk it up.
Oh, and Baba Ganoush for eggplants (which were in the ugly food section last week! 2lbs/$1 of Philippine Eggplant).
I LOVE bittermelon, but you do need to know how to prepare it. Bittermelon soup is my go-to comfort soup. Sooooo good!
Post by: Mongoose on February 15, 2017, 10:23:12 AM
Post by: Mongoose on February 15, 2017, 08:45:19 PM
I read wanna chocolate at a beer...long, hard day, but I'm persisting (yeah...woohoo...1/30 of the way?),
Post by: Mongoose on February 17, 2017, 05:36:22 AM
Post by: swick on February 17, 2017, 08:48:40 AM
Day 2 was awful. Headache, starving...staggering along. I'm pretty sure that the kids gave me their cold/flu.. Hopefully this will improve.
You can do it, Mongoose! The first couple of days are the hardest, especially if you have sickies in the house. Power through, you got this! And come complain as much as you like here, we've all been through it :)
Last night, I asked my wife what to do with a can of coconut milk. She said "Make hot cocoa!" Heated it up, added vanilla and cocoa. Yummmm! This morning, I repeated the process, but added the concoction to the "oatmeal" swick suggested. Yummmm!
Chocolate nope-meal would probabaly be pretty tasty! I have no problem (personally) using cocoa as long as it doesn't create cravings. I think (technical Whole 30 Police) would say it might be bad to have it hot chocolate style if it feeds into your cravings or regular habits you may be trying to break. When I'm not on an actual round, we do have "Healthy Hot chocolate" at our house which is pretty much the same - once your taste buds adapt you don't miss or need the sugar in it.
Another use for a can of coconut milk is a quick Thai curry. Most Thai curry pastes are compliant (double check) It lasts FOREVER in the fridge. Melt a little coconut oil, add a dollop of curry paste, let it sizzle, add any protein you like, add veggies (and blend of fresh or roasted will do. I'm partial to a roasted eggplant and beef curry), stir in a can of coconut milk. Serve over caulirice, zoodles, spaghetti squash, other veggies, noodles, roasted sweet potatoes....
We always have stuff on hand to make this, and it helps use up whatever odds and ends happen to need using up. It's super quick too so good on those nights where you just can't handle the thought of something complicated.
Updates: Didn't really do a reintro (I don't know how many whole 30's I've done the last year and a half, so know how stuff affects me) Had some beans on my taco salad last night, otherwise still pretty much sticking on plan.
I'm sitting about 137, down from 142 when I started this round. So 85 lbs lost in total and about 2 more to get to my goal weight which is in the middle of a healthy BMI for my height. I think I'm at the point where if I want to drop any more weight, I'm going to have to up my exercise (which has been non-existent this winter, other than daily walks with the pups) The bright side is with my weight finally starting to stabilize I can hit the thrift and find some clothes!
SAD is hitting me HARD this year, so trying to find some ways of dealing with that, Vitamin D and getting the light that I can. Mix that with a severe need to wander, if I disappear, I went someplace warm :D
How is everyone doing? Updates? Wins? Challenges?
Post by: swick on February 17, 2017, 09:35:16 AM
Cocoa is from a legume. I verified that coffee "beans" are actually fruit seeds, whew :) So on that count, I imagine it's already not recommended. Of course, I don't really have a "hot cocoa" bad habit, but I want one. The only really bad habit I can point to pre-whole30 was eating 23 bowls of cereal between dinner and bedtime :) So that's a big change already. I usually do have some berries and maybe dried fruit as "dessert" after dinner, but I'm usually quite satiated.
I have not weighed myself in months, but I think I was around 215-217 before starting Whole30. Looking in the mirror, I would guess I'm in the 210 range now.
The Hartwig's take on cocoa: http://whole30.com/2013/12/great-cocoa-debate/ (http://whole30.com/2013/12/great-cocoa-debate/)
23 bowls of cereal?? Please say it wasn't sugar-sweetened...I think that change alone would make for some HUGE least benefits!
What have you been doing in the evenings when you would be eating cereal?
Post by: swick on February 17, 2017, 09:51:05 AM
Hopefully it's clear that behind sarcasm, my second language is exaggeration! Usually ~1 bowl. Anything up to and including Lucky Charms...
I'm a reformed cereal junkie, so 23 bowls is ALMOST believable for me ;) And I know people who will eat cereal for every meal if it is in the house.
Cool that you have found something to do in the evenings!
Post by: Mongoose on February 18, 2017, 06:41:55 AM
Post by: Mongoose on February 19, 2017, 05:29:50 PM
Post by: swick on February 19, 2017, 07:45:37 PM
Will have to try again when horrible sickness is gone. DH is sick too. We barely have the energy to make everyone meals...which are currently whatever is fastest. Ugh.
Awww focus on getting better, Whole 30 will be here when you are feeling up to it. Take care and feel better!
A decrease in body fat is a good thing, neo!
Post by: Mezzie on February 20, 2017, 09:50:27 AM
Sauteed half an onion and a handful of chopped sage from the garden in olive oil, added a couple sweet potatoes and a jar of homemade chicken broth. Added some salt and, voila -- yummy and satisfying sweet and savory breakfast for a cold rainy morning.
:)
Post by: swick on February 20, 2017, 10:09:34 AM
Whipped up one of my "What's in the fridge?" meals this morning that I can definitely repeat during Whole 30.
Sauteed half an onion and a handful of chopped sage from the garden in olive oil, added a couple sweet potatoes and a jar of homemade chicken broth. Added some salt and, voila -- yummy and satisfying sweet and savory breakfast for a cold rainy morning.
:)
That sounds delish!
Post by: swick on February 20, 2017, 05:52:52 PM
So... weighed myself this morning. 203.0 lbs. Apparently lost ~14 lbs in 25 days.
So how are you feeling otherwise? If you have a lot to lose, the weight comes off pretty quickly at first when you shift to whole 30 style eating. More important than the weight though, is how are you *feeling* Are you getting enough calories to keep your energy levels up and feeling good? How are you doing with your blood sugar and other metrics you are tracking? Have you noticed other non-scale victories or has anything concerning come up?
Post by: Mongoose on February 20, 2017, 07:09:42 PM
Post by: Mongoose on February 23, 2017, 07:20:38 AM
Post by: SuperSaver on February 24, 2017, 09:01:58 AM
Brief intro: 26, female, engaged to a supportive dude. 5 ft. 184 lbs. I suffer from lactose intolerance, non alcoholic Fatty Liver and IBS.
I was eating more plant based so upping my meat and fat consumption is delicious. I was a huge soda drinker but I'm doing fine. days 1-3 were fantastic. I ate lots of good food and water. I don't drink coffee so I tried green tea on day 2. It tasted kind of OK hot but gross cold. So far I have had very stable energy all day, a stable mood all day and sleep pretty deeply although I have so much energy I've been falling asleep a bit later than usual.
I have the whole 30 book and went to stock up on compliant food Monday (and had a good bye panera bagel with cream cheese). Overall I feel lighter and less bloated although I noticed my fingers got a bit puffy.
I'll post more when I'm not on break, just wanted to join you inspiring folks!
edit: typo and paragraph form.
Post by: swick on February 24, 2017, 09:34:05 AM
Sounds like you have quite a few issues you are dealing with, hopefully doing Whole 30 will help, it sounds like you are off to a great start!
Mongoose - Eating out of the house and adapting your lifestyle is one of the hardest parts. Bringing your own food, trying to find whole 30 places to eat, or adapting on the fly can be tough. One day/step at a time and doing the best you can. You are making positive changes and new habits and that is what counts!
How are you doing, Neo?
I had an interesting experience wth some brown rice pasta. Was doing a spring clean yesterday and found an open bag, that we haven't touched in MONTHS. We aren't currently doing an official whole30, so figured I'd use it up. withen about 10 minutes of eating it, I went from feeling pretty good and having a conversation with my hubby to falling asleep sitting up in the chair, literally mid-conversation. Like my body shut down everything other than the digestion function. It was super weird. Ugh, back to Wole 30 eating for me!
Post by: 10dollarsatatime on February 24, 2017, 11:06:09 AM
So now I need to decide if I'm going to go full AIP for a month. I should be finished with both my tomato based batch recipes by Monday, so I'm thinking I'll start next week. Will have to come up with a different breakfast. I've been eating eggs and spinach.
Post by: swick on February 24, 2017, 11:16:08 AM
So. I haven't started re-intro yet. I'm going on week 7 right now. But I feel I'm still having food/digestion issues. I did come to the conclusion in the past week that peppers are an issue for me. (Totally explains why fresh-mex always makes me sick! Also means it's a possibility that I don't actually have issues with avocado. I just always ate it as guac, which has peppers in it.)
So now I need to decide if I'm going to go full AIP for a month. I should be finished with both my tomato based batch recipes by Monday, so I'm thinking I'll start next week. Will have to come up with a different breakfast. I've been eating eggs and spinach.
Would some version of Nope-meal work on AIP? I'm not really familiar with all the rules, but it is a very customizable recipe you can add/take out anything you want as long as you can have the coconut, chia and flax. I would probably go right into AIP and save all the reintro for the end of it, more time to clear your body out and you won't have to clear out whatever you reintroduce.
We have found we actually like the nope-meal cold better, so we have been making a big pot and it lasts the workweek. http://www.paleostateofmindblog.com/blog/grain-free-oatmeal (http://www.paleostateofmindblog.com/blog/grain-free-oatmeal)
Post by: ketchup on February 24, 2017, 01:34:36 PM
Nuts and seeds are out on strict AIP, FYI.So. I haven't started re-intro yet. I'm going on week 7 right now. But I feel I'm still having food/digestion issues. I did come to the conclusion in the past week that peppers are an issue for me. (Totally explains why fresh-mex always makes me sick! Also means it's a possibility that I don't actually have issues with avocado. I just always ate it as guac, which has peppers in it.)
So now I need to decide if I'm going to go full AIP for a month. I should be finished with both my tomato based batch recipes by Monday, so I'm thinking I'll start next week. Will have to come up with a different breakfast. I've been eating eggs and spinach.
Would some version of Nope-meal work on AIP? I'm not really familiar with all the rules, but it is a very customizable recipe you can add/take out anything you want as long as you can have the coconut, chia and flax. I would probably go right into AIP and save all the reintro for the end of it, more time to clear your body out and you won't have to clear out whatever you reintroduce.
We have found we actually like the nope-meal cold better, so we have been making a big pot and it lasts the workweek. http://www.paleostateofmindblog.com/blog/grain-free-oatmeal (http://www.paleostateofmindblog.com/blog/grain-free-oatmeal)
Post by: Mezzie on February 24, 2017, 07:43:51 PM
Jury duty this week will make lunch planning interesting. I don't want to lug around a big lunchbox on the train, but I may have to.
Post by: Mongoose on February 25, 2017, 02:00:13 PM
Post by: swick on February 25, 2017, 02:15:18 PM
Prep time is difficult. Eating the actual food is satisfying. It definitely is more expensive and the price point will make it unsustainable.
The cost drops off the longer you do it, as does the prep work as you figure out what your new staples are and where to find them and best ways to prep ahead/batch cook. Also, once you do your reintro, you may find some of your staple cheap foods are not a problem for you, so you can add them back in.
We also find we save quite a bit on average due to less eating out, less healthcare costs, less of the more expensive foods we use to get (mostly dairy) More energy to do things ourselves instead of outsourcing, better work performance from DH since he isn't so exhausted resulting in raises. So looking at the whole picture, the slight increase in our food budget is worth it for us, but YMMV :)
Post by: SuperSaver on February 25, 2017, 04:26:20 PM
The last two day's I've felt pretty fantastic. Level mood, high energy, lots of sleep and water. I have a headache today but I think it's because my house is 78* as we've used the oven all day.
I found Penderson's bacon at Wegmans, Epic's DuckFat, avocado oil and dry mustard, chives, dill, sage and ghee. So all these new cooking fats and spices are great to experiment with! I had had chives and dill before but the rest of the products are amazing too.
My biggest hurdle is drinks. I hated water going into this. I only liked soda, juice, lactaid milk and hot chocolate. I can't drink coffee (the smell always makes me gag/feel nauseous). Don't like tea or kombucha or soda water, so I am really struggling on lack of drink variety. Today I am trying to drink tea and infuse water with either a fig or strawberries. Still kind of gross. What is everyone else drinking? I'm kind of hoping I'll get desperate and turn into a tea lover.
Post by: horsepoor on February 26, 2017, 05:45:06 AM
Mongoose - yeah, the cost and prep time usually sends me scurrying back to beans and rice to defray costs. I figure billions of people have been eating them as staples for 100's of years, so if they don't cause issues, the cost savings is worth it.
Post by: Mezzie on February 26, 2017, 06:59:59 AM
Post by: SuperSaver on February 26, 2017, 10:10:03 AM
Super - have you experimented with different teas? You might like some herbal teasanes instead - like hibiscus, or ginger or lemon teas. I recently discovered a tangerine white tea that is really nice. Any of these should work iced if you don't want hot tea. Good Earth tea has a nice spicy sweetness to it, not sure if you'd enjoy something like that?Thanks horsepoor! I just got back from Wegmans and I got Rooibos? tea and one called Perfectly Peachy. I can't stomach anything 'spicy' unfortunately but, I'm on the lookout for a tangerine white now! I am trying Kombucha again since maybe my tastebuds changed enough. It's also mildy mango flavored. I am trying some offbrand La Croix today and it's mediocre. Plain water and tea are shaping up to be my go to drinks the last 24 days.
Making this http://www.noshtastic.com/company-pot-roast-gluten-free-paleo-and-whole-30/ (http://www.noshtastic.com/company-pot-roast-gluten-free-paleo-and-whole-30/) today. Ran to Wegman's to stock up on food we can prep for me today. For $92 I stocked up on compliant bacon, roast, chicken, beef/chicken broths, veggies, fruits, trying some new drinks, arrowroot, coconut milk and our new staple- eggs. :)
Yesterday I got my first negative side effect. *tmi* totally crappy bathroom troubles. However unlike, my usual IBS flare ups I felt better immediately and bounced back to my usual self in no time. *end tmi*
Neo? how do you make sweet potato hash? Is it like hashbrowns?
Post by: Mongoose on February 26, 2017, 05:48:59 PM
So far, I don't notice music difference in how I feel. I have lost about 3 pounds so that's good. I was already fairly low grain and dairy and had already dropped caffeine and most added sugars.
I'll be interested to see if reintroduction causes any issues.
Post by: Mezzie on February 27, 2017, 05:41:10 AM
I have a suspicion I'll end up sensitive to beans, which is a bummer since I love them, but there have been some interesting correlations of late. I guess we'll see in a month!
Post by: Mongoose on February 27, 2017, 07:42:00 AM
Post by: FiguringItOut on February 27, 2017, 10:10:14 AM
I don't eat breakfast at home on work days, no time, too early. I usually make oatmeal when I get to the office.
What can I bring from home with me to have breakfast at work at my desk that will not take too much extra to plan/cook/carry?
I take public transportation to work (bus + subway), commute is about 1 hour.
Post by: swick on February 27, 2017, 10:21:03 AM
What would be doable breakfast ideas?
I don't eat breakfast at home on work days, no time, too early. I usually make oatmeal when I get to the office.
What can I bring from home with me to have breakfast at work at my desk that will not take too much extra to plan/cook/carry?
I take public transportation to work (bus + subway), commute is about 1 hour.
Hi FiguringItOut, don't let the size of the thread turn you off, many people just pop onto the whole 30 website, read the program outlines and jump to the end f this thread :) I make Paleo oatmeal, it tastes good cold (we prefer it) I do a big batch at a time and we eat it all week. I like it with some cooked apple and raisins.
http://www.paleostateofmindblog.com/blog/grain-free-oatmeal (http://www.paleostateofmindblog.com/blog/grain-free-oatmeal)
Post by: Urchina on February 27, 2017, 10:19:41 PM
Post by: Mongoose on February 28, 2017, 07:59:27 AM
Post by: swick on February 28, 2017, 09:42:31 AM
Hi, all! This has been a great thread to read as i get ready to start my first Whole 30 for Lent this year. However, I tend to not eat a lot of meat and don't like how I feel after eating a lot of animal protein. Anyone else here shared this experience? How did it go for you?
Welcome, Urchina! Whole 30 is more about upping your healthy fat intake then considerably upping your protein intake, Usually, it is just easier to do one with the other. It is not really a high "Protein" diet. There are suggestions on the Whole 30 Website for doing a vegetarian-adapted Whole 30 - the problem is with that is you won't discover if you have any sensitivities to those foods.
Update Time! How is everyone doing? What day/stage are you on? What are your wins/challenges/observations?
Post by: CloserToFree on February 28, 2017, 11:11:18 AM
Post by: swick on February 28, 2017, 11:50:13 AM
Having *just* learned about Whole-30 (I have a few friends doing it right now, as I learned from social media), I'm pretty intrigued. There are some issues I have with it/things I'm very reluctant to give up, which I'll post/query about later, but in the meantime am posting to follow. Inspired by everyone making this work!
Welcome, CloserToFree! We all struggle with things we are reluctant to give up, and most people going into it think it is *Impossible* to live without x, y, z.
Something that helps is knowing that it is only 30 days (plus time for reintro) After that and you have your data, you can do what you want with it. Your taste buds also adapt very quickly so by the end of it those things you thought you couldn't live without sometimes lose their appeal completely, and you are feeling so good you don't care.
Definitely post/query share your thoughts, we are here to support you!
Post by: Mezzie on February 28, 2017, 05:41:08 PM
1. 125 pounds (a few pounds above my favorite weight, but a healthy weight for me)
2. Daily base pain level with daily pain pill: moderate in big joints, extreme in ankles and small joints.
3. Frequency of spiked pain (enough to take extreme pain med): 1-3 days/week; often includes back pain.
4. Energy level: Generally bad fatigue about 2weeks/month (on average; sometimes months at a time, sometimes just a couple days)
5. Digestive problems: frequent bloating
6. Allergies: itchy eyes, stuffiness, post-nasal drip daily
7. Sleep: oddly good lately, probably because jury duty isn't very stressful. Usually only a couple hours at a time and not restful.
8. Supplements: magnesium, iron
I can't think of anything else to compare at the end. Any additions you would make?
Post by: swick on February 28, 2017, 05:51:49 PM
. I like peanut butter and have some "slightly lower sugar" stuff at home right now. But I know it's a "trouble" food for me - the kind of food I'll have at 10:30PM on a large table spoon.*Blinks* There is sugar in your PB? (Okay so I totally know it is a thing) But I'd be curious if it is the peanut butter that is a trouble food for you or if it is just a way of feeding your sugar dragon?
Some stats before I start tomorrow:Wow Mezzie, that is quite the list! I would add your measurements if you are interested in tracking that, although it seems like you are doing this more for health than looks. I'm very curious if cutting out dairy will help with your allergy symptoms, it certainly did for me. Hopefully, you'll solve the pain mystery as well. Wishing a good start tomorrow!
1. 125 pounds (a few pounds above my favorite weight, but a healthy weight for me)
2. Daily base pain level with daily pain pill: moderate in big joints, extreme in ankles and small joints.
3. Frequency of spiked pain (enough to take extreme pain med): 1-3 days/week; often includes back pain.
4. Energy level: Generally bad fatigue about 2weeks/month (on average; sometimes months at a time, sometimes just a couple days)
5. Digestive problems: frequent bloating
6. Allergies: itchy eyes, stuffiness, post-nasal drip daily
7. Sleep: oddly good lately, probably because jury duty isn't very stressful. Usually only a couple hours at a time and not restful.
8. Supplements: magnesium, iron
I can't think of anything else to compare at the end. Any additions you would make?
Post by: SuperSaver on March 01, 2017, 02:35:39 PM
Take aways from my first attempt: I have gone 9 days since quitting soda cold turkey. Yay me! I can't eat eat pork chops. I dislike a ton of drinks but am coming around to plain tap water. I also get very sick of eggs quickly. I didn't crave candy but, I did wish I was able to snack on pretzels or something crunchy/salty which was surprising. I also lost 6.4 pounds in water weight. Mood (prior to the meds) and energy levels were very stable. I did catch up over the weekend with the 41 pages so I got lots of ideas for the next attempt.
I'll keep up with the thread in the mean time. :D
Post by: swick on March 01, 2017, 05:08:26 PM
So I made it 6 full days, but I currently need to take a pause and restart in a week or so. My doctor has me on new anxiety meds and I somehow managed to get 8+ side effects with half that overlap with Whole30 symptoms. I will be back and stronger after I get though this ramp up phase.
Take aways from my first attempt: I have gone 9 days since quitting soda cold turkey. Yay me! I can't eat eat pork chops. I dislike a ton of drinks but am coming around to plain tap water. I also get very sick of eggs quickly. I didn't crave candy but, I did wish I was able to snack on pretzels or something crunchy/salty which was surprising. I also lost 6.4 pounds in water weight. Mood (prior to the meds) and energy levels were very stable. I did catch up over the weekend with the 41 pages so I got lots of ideas for the next attempt.
I'll keep up with the thread in the mean time. :D
Gold Star for making it through all 41 pages of the thread! Your results thus far have been encouraging! It's all one step at a time and getting all your meds and stuff figured out is so key!
Post by: Mezzie on March 01, 2017, 07:11:39 PM
Instead, I came home to find my husband had made a compliant roast that totally satisfied my Pho craving (which is not to say it tasted like Pho, but it was meat and a broth and some veggies, and it worked). I am so lucky to have such a supportive husband. He's not doing this with me (he has no weird symptoms to deal with), but he's going out of his way to make this easy for me.
Feeling pretty good about the whole endeavor right now. :)
Post by: 10dollarsatatime on March 01, 2017, 09:33:32 PM
No lessening of the GI issues I've been dealing with, but a noticeable decrease in general fibro related body aches. So that's good. I was probably overdoing the nuts and seeds on the regular whole30, and most of my meals had tomatoes involved in some way. I did realize that there's a possibility that I'm not actually allergic to avocados like I've thought for the past ten years. (Allergy as in gastro issues and terrible body aches.) Just that I only ever ate them in guac form, which usually has peppers in it. I might get brave and try one. Which would give me another "eating fat", which may be useful for the next month.
Post by: Mezzie on March 03, 2017, 09:31:13 PM
I forgot to take my meds this morning, so I'm feeling crappy and cranky. The good news is my jury service is finally over, so I won't have 12-13 hour days anymore and can be more creative with food next week.
Post by: Stashing Swiss-style on March 04, 2017, 04:55:23 AM
Post by: Weedy Acres on March 04, 2017, 05:56:40 PM
Breakfast: eggs with veggies
Lunch: salad with chicken, nuts, veggies, compliant dressing
Dinner: meat (chicken, burger, pork chop) and roasted veggies of some kind
With fruit thrown in as well
I get that maybe you don't want the same thing every day, but it's "only" 30 days, and I think there's enough variety of veggies that it would be plenty varietal for me. I also understand that eating in restaurants or traveling pose challenges.
Fwiw, By way of background, I started reading this thread a couple weeks ago in an airport, and I'm curious as to what the effects might be on me. So I think I'm going to give it a go starting March 21, after a conference I'm attending. I'm generally healthy: no known allergies or health issues. I claim an "iron gut" developed from lots of 3rd world street food I've eaten during travels throughout my life. My diet is good: lots of fruits and veggies, whole grains, I drink only water, cook from scratch, and don't do a lot of sugar, at least in its straight form (not even tempted by candy or donuts, but do like desserts and ice cream on occasion). I work out M-F, and probably have 10-20 lbs to lose.
Should I get a blood test (cholesterol, anything else?) and a body fat test before I start, just to see the impact of Whole30 on those variables?
Post by: swick on March 04, 2017, 07:18:01 PM
YES!! Having those benchmarks would be really handy. As far as how complicated it is, No I don't think it is, the whole 30 template is very straightforward and pretty much what you are suggesting.
Should I get a blood test (cholesterol, anything else?) and a body fat test before I start, just to see the impact of Whole30 on those variables?
But meal prep and such can be daunting for people who aren't used to the extra time and effort and planning cooking from scratch takes in the first place. Or for those who may not be used to cooking with veggies, or for those who are replacing a lot fo processed foods. Or those who don't like eggs, that is the biggest problem for some people. It sounds like you will probably be fine from what you say.
There are also a bunch of us who have tended to eat more or less this way for quite some time, and yeah after a while you want to branch out a bit, especially those of us who loved to cook before and now need to find new recipes to replace our old favorites.
We do have a whole 30 Pinterest board, of you want to PM me your email I can send you an invite to it.
Post by: Mongoose on March 05, 2017, 07:28:12 AM
I didn't get any pre-testing done but that would be interesting (says the science geek).
Post by: Mezzie on March 05, 2017, 08:23:21 AM
Today I'm going to try and get everything I need at Aldi, and then I've got some meal prep to do. I'd like a new breakfast idea. I think what I really want is Thai noodles, which I could totally swing with mung bean noodles or other non-rice noodles, I think, but that would mean a trip to the Asian market a ways away for the veggies I'd want with that. I really wish general supermarkets had a wider variety of vegetables. I may need to get some more seeds for my garden to remedy that. Maybe I could make tapioca/sweet potato noodles? It couldn't be that different from making rice noodles, which I'm a pro at.
Ayway, after shopping, I'm going to make a truly delicious broth (I've got so many vegetable ends to add, including my favorite -- leeks!). My last broth was good, but weaker in the flavor department than I generally like because I had eaten every last bit of that week's veggies.
Post by: Mezzie on March 07, 2017, 07:02:01 PM
Post by: monkeymind on March 08, 2017, 12:35:17 AM
It's been about 35 days since I ended my Whole30. I've been slowly incorporating foods back into my diet but I've stayed unprocessed/no added sugar about 95% of the time.
The only very clearly associated ill effects I've found are from dairy. That still shocks me. I can't believe I went my whole life until now without knowing that I'm sensitive to it. I've really not eaten enough wheat so far for definitive associations yet, but the one time I did, I got a migraine the next day. I'll be paying attention to that as I continue to test.
For me, the best thing to come from the Whole is the nutritional reset. It has been very very easy for me to continue eating healthfully. I haven't had junk food or soft drinks since the beginning of the year and I haven't missed them. I even bought a friend a surprise birthday cake and celebrated amongst a group without eating any cake - unheard of for me previously.
I had my yearly physical and all of my labs were fantastic. I'm not pre-diabetic yet (which is a major concern with my family history) and hopefully I'll stay that way with my current lifestyle. I was definitely on the wrong track before Whole30 and am glad to have found what appears to be a sustainable approach. That 30 days really helped me break some bad habits.
For all that, I am grateful. I encourage everyone to really give yourself the gift of this month of good health. It's totally worth it. This is a great group for encouragement and support. You can survive it and thrive, and the benefits can extend well past those 30 days.
Good luck everyone!
Post by: swick on March 08, 2017, 10:01:53 AM
I'm one week in. No noticeable changes in pain, fatigue, energy, or brain fog. I'll check in again in another week.
Mezzie, keep with it, it can take a while for you to detox and bring the inflammation and such down and the first week or two there is also just the changes as your body shifts gears. I would say the sicker you were going into whole 30, the longer it takes to feel a difference.
For people with Chronic issues, it seems to take longer. I got "enough" results in my first Whole 30 to know that it was "working" but it took me quite a bit longer to really start noticing a difference in my baseline with my chronic issues. The damage was done over longer than 30 days, so it will take longer to heal. For some of them, it came totally as a surprise and it wasn't even me who noticed them because you adapt to your baseline sometimes without noticing.
I've been eating this style since the thread started, so will be 2 years in Sept. Benefits I have noticed:
- No more sciatica
- massive decrease in headaches/migraines
- Fibro symptoms are gone if I stay away from wheat
- Sinus issues gone if I stay away from dairy
- I can grow my hair longer, my hair would give me headaches
- Clearer skin
- no more brain fog
- increased energy levels
- Better immune system. I haven't had cold or flu (and I usually get hammered every winter)
- Better sleep - was a life-long insomniac averaging 2-3 hour a night for weeks and then crashing. Now I easy sleep 6-8.
- No more leg cramps! Hereditary and would usually happen a couple of times a week.
- eczema is gone, I've struggled with that since childhood
- much less painful menstrual cycle.
- 86.6 lbs lost
The main thing I am struggling with now is balancing levels of dopamine. My brain chemistry has always been a little wacky, but when you can get dopamine hits from food, it's easier not t have to deal with the underlying issues. So I'm looking at alternative ways to get the dopamine flowing and balanced. Trying not to feel totally flat but not have too much that one addiction is replaced with another.
Post by: Mezzie on March 08, 2017, 07:02:59 PM
Post by: Mongoose on March 09, 2017, 06:29:34 AM
Post by: nottoolatetostart on March 11, 2017, 07:22:40 AM
Post by: BCpuppy on March 11, 2017, 09:07:20 AM
Hi all - I am contemplating redoing a whole30. I have never actually made it further than day 13. Do you all really, really, really have more energy after doing it? I see comments like "more energy" but just wondering if it feels like night and day with energy levels to you?
I have actually never made it past day 25 so take this with a grain of salt. But even the short amount of time that I have been 100% compliant, I have noticed that I don't get the afternoon slump and I'm not constantly hungry like I am when I am eating sugar and grains all day. It does take me up to a week once I start the whole 30 for this to start occurring. The first couple of days I tend to be really tired as I'm eating a lot more fat and no sugar, but by day 7 each time, I feel much better.
Post whole 30, I have been continuing to eat more fat and less sugar. I have much much more constant energy levels.
Post by: swick on March 11, 2017, 09:22:42 AM
Hi all - I am contemplating redoing a whole30. I have never actually made it further than day 13. Do you all really, really, really have more energy after doing it? I see comments like "more energy" but just wondering if it feels like night and day with energy levels to you?
For me, it has been night and day. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say doing that first whole 30 probably saved my life. I was so sick and tired of being sick and tired and in constant pain, I was actively contemplating ending it. Which is probably why I stick around and keep this thread going and support anyone who wants to try it.
Where I use to have to spend three days in bed if I did anything as strenuous as a good house clean, and getting out of bed was a chore that didn't always get done, now, I''m up with energy ready to start the day, I'm not trudging through my day but literally dancing. Now everyone is going to be different and everyone will have different base lines and results, but for everyone I have seen go through the program, I don;t know of anyone who hasn't seen some sort of improvement in their energy levels.
It's not the manic energy you get from caffeine or sugar/carb spikes it's a solid reworking of your baseline. which can be misleading after a while because your body likes to adapt to and remember it's baseline. So eventually the "Tiger blood" feeling kinda seems like it disappears, but then you realize that it hasn't it has just become your new normal.
Post by: nottoolatetostart on March 11, 2017, 10:12:35 AM
I have a preventative dr appt coming up and will have blood work done (for the free $100 my husband's employer insurance offers...lol). The labs are in 34 days (I have good cholesterol), and then appt a week later after that, and other than friends visiting in a few weeks (one of whom has eaten very clean for years), it dawned on me this the most perfect time to do it. I need to be focused on this. Thanks to the uber frugal challenge, we already eat virtually every meal at home, so I kind of have no excuses. I feel like I have very low energy at times and find myself sleeping more (naps midday plus 8 hours good sleep at night). I walk for errands/taking kids to school, drinking less alcohol (thanks to uber frugal challenge), but need to step it up in eating department. Sometimes I just feel like shit and I have been noticing this pattern has been going on awhile. Something that I *should* talk to my doctor about, but I am far too embarassingly knowledgeable about eating right to get treatment for an issue unless I can positively say I am fueling myself right. I am about 140 pounds, so I probably look healthy for my height, but I know I am kind of bankrupt health wise. We are so good money wise but when it comes to my health, I.....I would NEVER treat our money the way I treat my health.
I am going to start tomorrow morning. Spending today re-reading Whole 30 and getting a few things at store to prep.
Sorry for the long note but I wanted to serve as reminder to myself to reflect back on later.
Thank you!
Post by: swick on March 11, 2017, 10:52:31 AM
Thanks swick. I really appreciate the insight. What an experience and it hurt me to read your experience. I am so sorry and thank you so much for sharing. I am so overly joyed for you to be at this new place.:) It's all good, thanks for your support! We all have our challenges and opportunities to grow, and it is great to be in the place I am in. You don't really appreciate the basic things in life unless you go through a few experiences along the way. I am glad my response to hitting rock bottom health wise was, just try eating a little damn different as opposed to something more permanent. But having tried to convince people to give it a shot with various amounts of success, I know you have to hit that bottom point first.
t I know I am kind of bankrupt health wise. We are so good money wise but when it comes to my health, I.....I would NEVER treat our money the way I treat my health.
I think this is the key part of your post. What is the point of having money, if you aren't healthy enough to enjoy it? Or are you trying to tackle the issue of security by ensuring you have enough money to weather health issues and aging by taking care of the money but neglecting doing the things that will fill up your "Health" bank account? Investing in both pays dividends, but money comes and goes relatively easily, your health, not so much. You have hit on something here, you might want to spend some time with it.
I think one of the things about whole 30 they don't go into, is it brings up a lot of beliefs/conditionings/emotional baggage you didn't even realize you had. The food - it's a symptom, coping mechanism, a way to not deal with whatever you are not dealing with. Expect stuff to come up and meet it face to face - it kinda sucks but you will be much better on the other side.
Don't be worried about long posts, that's what this thread is for, I know I have written a book or three over the course of the thread :) It helps to process. It allows you to ask for and get support from us. It serves as a record to remind yourself of your journey. I would suggest creating a doc you can copy and paste your responses in so if you ever want to see your progress all in one place you don't have to hunt through the thread though. That is a LOT of work!
In prep for your next round:
I'd spend some time sorting out why your last attempt didn't work for you and what strategies you can use to make it through. 13-15 days is a pretty common time to quite, it is when you have done most of the detoxing but Tiger blood hasn't kicked in yet and you are at that in between stage where shit starts getting real and things emotionally and mentally start getting intense. If you are at all an emotional eater or use food as a "fuck you" way to control things, this is the time you will struggle the most.
Please use the thread and as a support!
Post by: monkeymind on March 11, 2017, 04:15:20 PM
You'll find excellent advice and support here to help you through the Whole30 and I have no doubt you'll be glad you did it. Good luck!
Post by: Weedy Acres on March 11, 2017, 06:17:09 PM
I've ordered a body fat scanner from amazon, so will baseline that as well as weight and measurements.
Any other recommendations before I start?
Post by: Trifle on March 12, 2017, 11:12:44 AM
I'm in! I've been reading about the Whole30 for the past few weeks, and I'm going to do the Whole30 + AIP starting this Friday (after I complete some work travel). I did a three day trial run last week, and it's going to be hard, but I can do it.
Background: I'm generally healthy and eat well, but have had serious food allergies my whole life. (OAS Birch Group, allergic to all tree nuts, most tree fruits, and all root vegetables. I've been to the hospital with anaphylaxis three times in my life, when I made a mistake and ate something on my no-go list. Every time it involved either a restaurant that didn't disclose all ingredients, or else a dish-to-pass event -- picnic or party.) After 40 years of dealing with these allergies, I thought I had it all dialed down, however a couple months ago I started having some pretty bad hives, off and on. I haven't been able to pin down a cause, but it is definitely food related. I think I've now developed a new allergy (wonderful -- just what I needed). It must be something I eat pretty regularly. Some possibilities: peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, avocadoes or possibly some type of grain or dairy(?)
This is going to be extremely challenging for me. My diet is pretty limited as it is, with the long list of foods I must avoid. Many of the Whole30 recipes are off the menu for me. But the hives and itching have gotten to the point where I have to face it and figure it out. Looking forward to progress. Onward!
Post by: nottoolatetostart on March 12, 2017, 02:35:26 PM
Post by: nottoolatetostart on March 12, 2017, 03:24:42 PM
nottoolatetostart, having an upcoming doctor visit with labs was great incentive for me when I did the Whole30 at the beginning of the year. I'm happy to report that my lab results were FANTASTIC and seeing such positive objective results made it easy to see the value of clean eating. I found that the 30 days was short enough that it felt manageable but long enough that it totally broke my cravings for processed foods and I've been maintaining a 95% whole foods diet ever since.
You'll find excellent advice and support here to help you through the Whole30 and I have no doubt you'll be glad you did it. Good luck!
Thanks monkeymind. That is terrific. I have been hiding from primary Dr for a couple years waiting for when I was in a better place.
Post by: nottoolatetostart on March 12, 2017, 03:39:10 PM
Thanks swick. I really appreciate the insight. What an experience and it hurt me to read your experience. I am so sorry and thank you so much for sharing. I am so overly joyed for you to be at this new place.:) It's all good, thanks for your support! We all have our challenges and opportunities to grow, and it is great to be in the place I am in. You don't really appreciate the basic things in life unless you go through a few experiences along the way. I am glad my response to hitting rock bottom health wise was, just try eating a little damn different as opposed to something more permanent. But having tried to convince people to give it a shot with various amounts of success, I know you have to hit that bottom point first.t I know I am kind of bankrupt health wise. We are so good money wise but when it comes to my health, I.....I would NEVER treat our money the way I treat my health.
I think this is the key part of your post. What is the point of having money, if you aren't healthy enough to enjoy it? Or are you trying to tackle the issue of security by ensuring you have enough money to weather health issues and aging by taking care of the money but neglecting doing the things that will fill up your "Health" bank account? Investing in both pays dividends, but money comes and goes relatively easily, your health, not so much. You have hit on something here, you might want to spend some time with it.
I think one of the things about whole 30 they don't go into, is it brings up a lot of beliefs/conditionings/emotional baggage you didn't even realize you had. The food - it's a symptom, coping mechanism, a way to not deal with whatever you are not dealing with. Expect stuff to come up and meet it face to face - it kinda sucks but you will be much better on the other side.
Don't be worried about long posts, that's what this thread is for, I know I have written a book or three over the course of the thread :) It helps to process. It allows you to ask for and get support from us. It serves as a record to remind yourself of your journey. I would suggest creating a doc you can copy and paste your responses in so if you ever want to see your progress all in one place you don't have to hunt through the thread though. That is a LOT of work!
In prep for your next round:
I'd spend some time sorting out why your last attempt didn't work for you and what strategies you can use to make it through. 13-15 days is a pretty common time to quite, it is when you have done most of the detoxing but Tiger blood hasn't kicked in yet and you are at that in between stage where shit starts getting real and things emotionally and mentally start getting intense. If you are at all an emotional eater or use food as a "fuck you" way to control things, this is the time you will struggle the most.
Please use the thread and as a support!
Swick - thank you, thank you, thank you. I waited to respond as I have been thinking about this quite a bit. I will post more as we go along about these thoughts. There is a lot to unpack for myself. I have some serious work to do here. Of course, today, day 1, I am experiencing "this is easy" ----typical of day 1 feelings. This will be tough 2 weeks but I am excited to see if my energy is better for latter half of month.
Post by: Trifle on March 12, 2017, 04:35:36 PM
Trifele - Welcome! I am on day 1, so not much advice to offer. Howver, you mentioned allergies. I have a mild tree allergy and notice mild symptoms (scratchy throat) when I eat apples and pears, etc. My worst tree allergy is avocados. I LOVE avocados, but they are a tree fruit. Just food for thought (pun intended).
Hey nottoolatetoshart,
Sounds like you may be a fellow Birch Group-er. www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oral_allergy_syndrome . You are absolutely right. It could be the avocados. Some folks in this grouping do react to them. I never have, but that's not to say it couldn't be starting. To be safe I will eliminate those too for the month. (Sob!)
Good luck with your W30!!
Post by: nottoolatetostart on March 12, 2017, 07:46:45 PM
Trifele - Welcome! I am on day 1, so not much advice to offer. Howver, you mentioned allergies. I have a mild tree allergy and notice mild symptoms (scratchy throat) when I eat apples and pears, etc. My worst tree allergy is avocados. I LOVE avocados, but they are a tree fruit. Just food for thought (pun intended).
Hey nottoolatetoshart,
Sounds like you may be a fellow Birch Group-er. www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oral_allergy_syndrome . You are absolutely right. It could be the avocados. Some folks in this grouping do react to them. I never have, but that's not to say it couldn't be starting. To be safe I will eliminate those too for the month. (Sob!)
Good luck with your W30!!
Well, that was a sobering read. So much makes sense though. I do get tingly from raw carrots, got sick from trying a splash of almond milk in my coffee (I stupidly tried this a few days in a row and had same results) and a few others. My face gets red with eating fruit and nut mix (may be the almonds though I never spent a lot of time thinking abut it). A lot of things make so much sense after reading that. Yes, sounds like I may be a birch group-er too. This is enlightening to say the least. Wow, how did I never know this? I can't believe parsley is on there too...I need to be on lookout. It was mainly minor for me so I never mentioned to my doctor.
Anyway, what about cabbage? Butternut squash? Fresh Green beans? Cooked items on our list (I never notice problem with roasted carrots for example....are those ok for you?). There are still lots of vegetables that you can enjoy on whole30 without those. I will be following along on your elimination diet to see what works, or does not work, for you.
Also, I used to eat avocados all the time and one day, I ate it in a sandwich and was in terrible stomach pain. Then it happened again. So it could just happen with one of the foods you mentioned (not necessarily avocado like in my case) that your body decided it is intolerant of.
Good luck on your w30 when you starthink later this week.
Post by: N on March 12, 2017, 11:23:22 PM
Post by: SuperSaver on March 13, 2017, 03:16:25 PM
Post by: Liz on March 13, 2017, 05:14:14 PM
Thanks for letting me share and very thankful for this thread.:)
Post by: Trifle on March 13, 2017, 06:15:53 PM
At the end of my Whole30, as I'm reintroducing foods I'm going to take the extra step of first trying fully cooked, then lightly cooked, then raw -- gradually to see what happens.
Hope your second day was ok. We're all on a journey, aren't we?
Post by: nottoolatetostart on March 13, 2017, 06:24:37 PM
SuperSaver - congrats on upcoming nupitals. Major props to you for trying to do this before your wedding. That is such a stressful time
N - I always find that just putting on my tennis shoes is like 90% of actually working out, even walking. Good luck!
Update: Day 2 in the books since I never eat after dinner. I felt like crap today, but I didn't let it get me down since, let's face it, I always feel like crap. So what else is new? I am resigned that I will feel bad for the next 2 weeks or so, so I had better settle in.
A bonus: I was seriously craving broccoli this morning. Who craves broccoli? It was weird. So I made some during my breakfast and my daughter wanted some. It felt good that my munchkin was popping the steamed broccoli with olive oil like it was candy at 7am. Then my other one nearly ate all my sweet potatoes.
Post by: nottoolatetostart on March 13, 2017, 06:47:16 PM
Post by: Mezzie on March 13, 2017, 06:51:40 PM
Week 2: No change in symptoms. I've lost a little weight, but that always happens in spring. If it's more than usual, I would guess it's due to fewer carbs. If my pants get looser, I'll have to eat more, but I've been pretty satiated.
I'm glad I'm doing this in the spring when some of my favorite fruits and veggies are in season. Most of my food experiments have been great, but I HATE almond butter. I thought it would be a good peanut butter replacement to go with carrots, apples, and celery, but it is not good at all. Hopefully peanuts will not prove to be a problem. Fruits and veggies are just fine on their own, but I like the extra calories with peanut butter. I've just been eating a handful of nuts instead.
Otherwise, I can't say I've missed anything but nightshade spices. It isn't to the point of a craving or anything, but I like spicy food, so it's weird not to have any. (For example, tonight I made carnitas tacos with lettuce instead of tortillas. It was good, but a dash of habanero sauce would have made it amazing.)
Post by: nottoolatetostart on March 13, 2017, 06:58:23 PM
Hi all - I am contemplating redoing a whole30. I have never actually made it further than day 13. Do you all really, really, really have more energy after doing it? I see comments like "more energy" but just wondering if it feels like night and day with energy levels to you?
I have actually never made it past day 25 so take this with a grain of salt. But even the short amount of time that I have been 100% compliant, I have noticed that I don't get the afternoon slump and I'm not constantly hungry like I am when I am eating sugar and grains all day. It does take me up to a week once I start the whole 30 for this to start occurring. The first couple of days I tend to be really tired as I'm eating a lot more fat and no sugar, but by day 7 each time, I feel much better.
Post whole 30, I have been continuing to eat more fat and less sugar. I have much much more constant energy levels.
BCpuppy - oops, sorry i did not mean to overlook this. I love hearing your story and am excited to hear you too have had more constant energy levels and there have been some long term change. Thanks for sharing!
Post by: 1967mama on March 14, 2017, 02:03:08 AM
Have you tried a few different types of almond butter? I've found there's quite a variety out there, from really good to awful. My favorite is from costco. I love to dip apple slices in it.
Post by: Mezzie on March 14, 2017, 04:20:53 AM
I'll live. :)
Post by: Mongoose on March 14, 2017, 06:39:44 AM
A bonus: I was seriously craving broccoli this morning. Who craves broccoli? It was weird. So I made some during my breakfast and my daughter wanted some. It felt good that my munchkin was popping the steamed broccoli with olive oil like it was candy at 7am. Then my other one nearly ate all my sweet potatoes.
Me. I looooovvvvveee vegetables. I seriously adore broccoli and sweet potatoes and green beans and zucchini and.... I'm glad to know my kids aren't the only ones zeroing in on mom's food. Around here it seems like the general philosophy is that if Mom is eating it, it must be fantastic and I need some too...now. Even fun stuff like liver!
We're done. Reentry involves lots of travel and little control over our food. The debrief: I feel moderately better but wasn't bad off prior. Sleep is a bit better but that may be partly/mostly to PT reducing my hand pain (torn tendon?). I think I'm more...efficient... I guess that might be a good description. Not sure if it's related or just getting better at juggling our schedule. Down 10 pounds this year...maybe 5 of that this month.
We may revisit for another go later in the year depending on how our crazy schedules look.
Post by: swick on March 14, 2017, 10:00:50 AM
Im back, reading for inspiration. Im really struggling with sugar. And also, need motivation to get to the gym and do strength training. I mean, I just have to do it!!!
Welcome back, N! have any plans to do another round of whole 30? Or any strategies for concerning that sugar dragon?
:) so I've been reading the thread still. I have been so very sick and ramping up my anti anxiety meds so by Sunday I should be ready to relaunch. Unfortunately I won't make it the full 30 this round with my wedding 40 days away but I just felt so much better eating W30 that my fiance and I are going to try to be a whole30ish leading up to our wedding so we feel our best. He's even cut down on acidic foods that have been causing him stomach aches.
Supersaver, it sounds like you have a lot on your plate right now! I think doing the best you can leading up to your wedding is huge! Congratulations! It is so awesome to have a supportive partner in this journey. It will make a big difference for both of you!
I'm so excited to see that this thread is going strong! After my second Whole30 about a year ago (and thanks to the information to from this thread), I started eating keto macros (very low carb) but still applying what I learned from my Whole30. When I eat at home (which is every meal except usually 2 out of the week), I eat NO sugar and mostly whole foods. When I eat out, I try to be mindful about what I am ordering. I've been eating this way for about a year now and have never felt better. I lost 20lbs on a 5'2 frame and have kept it off -- I'm actually looking to slowly gain back a few pounds, but hopefully mostly muscle. But more importantly, I haven't been sick in over a year and my allergies and sinus troubles are GONE! My asthma still bothers me very slightly sometimes, but it is so much better than it ever was before.
Thanks for letting me share and very thankful for this thread.:)
Liz, This is such a fantastic update! :D :D It is great to hear from you and that your allergies and sinus problems are gone WAHOO!!
*Okay guys, I'm in that kind of mood, expect lots of exclamation points in my post, you have been warned :)
At the end of my Whole30, as I'm reintroducing foods I'm going to take the extra step of first trying fully cooked, then lightly cooked, then raw -- gradually to see what happens.
That is a really good strategy. I'll be curious to follow along and see what your results are. I'm pretty sure I've got some birch issues, I've just not gotten around to isolating that specifically yet.
Update: Day 2 in the books since I never eat after dinner. I felt like crap today, but I didn't let it get me down since, let's face it, I always feel like crap. So what else is new? I am resigned that I will feel bad for the next 2 weeks or so, so I had better settle in.
You got this, nottoolatetostart! It can be a bit of a struggle figuring out how much you should be eating and stuff right off the bat, so if you don't start to feel better over the next couple of days, at least a little, you may have to experiment to adjust what you are eating and when. I know there have been a few times, especially for DH when he was sitting at that weird place between not going low enough carb to go into keto and not getting enough carbs to sustain. It can leave you tired, lethargic and feeling like, well crap. So keep an eye out. Generally if you are feeling crappy and you eat a banana or a sweet potato and feel better, that is a pretty good sign.
Mezzie - I'm not a big fan of almond butter either. I do really like cashew butter though!
1967Momma - good to see you poking your head in! How is life? Updates please! :D
I'm glad to know my kids aren't the only ones zeroing in on mom's food. Around here it seems like the general philosophy is that if Mom is eating it, it must be fantastic and I need some too...now. Even fun stuff like liver!Ha! This is how you end up with a 6-year-old kid who wants sushi for their birthday. May as well get them exposed to as many tastes and good habits as you can while you have the influence :)
Update: Okay this response got super long because I have been turtling the last few days. I got hit HARD. I had a chocolate from a local company. The gal I talked to said there was no gluten in them (normally I'm not too worried about cross-contamination) and I figured I'd be okay with the bit of dairy and sugar... but yowza did I pay for it!
Within about 10 minutes of eating it my head was pounding, my throat was constricting, my sinuses were stuffed, I felt a breakout starting, and within about 20 minutes I could barely move. My joints seized up, my nerves got all achy, I could literally feel the inflammation building, it was super bizarre. So I spent all of Sunday and most of yesterday in bed. I'm mostly okay but seem to have caught a cold, which is weird. I haven't been sick in over a year, I know sugar is supposed to suppress your immune system temporarily, but this is just silly.
I suppose on the bright side, it has cured me from wanting anything glutenized/sugar-filled or containing dairy (I don't know if it was a combo of ingredients or what - This is why you reintro everything separately, folks!) Ah well, onward and upward!
Post by: 10dollarsatatime on March 14, 2017, 11:18:33 AM
Post by: swick on March 14, 2017, 11:29:57 AM
So glad that you are finding something that is working for your Fibro! Yes, the goal is to not HAVE to be poked, isn't it? I'm so happy for you, it's kinda like a new lease on life, isn't it?
I'm thinking I might do an AIP round in the summer, when we have more fresh veggies. Although I love my spices and nightshades, I'm curious if I can level up even more. This feeling better thing is rather addictive :)
Post by: LadyStache in Baja on March 14, 2017, 04:47:11 PM
Did that make sense? Do you think eating clean for so long has made your body less able to handle those foods?
Post by: swick on March 14, 2017, 05:07:32 PM
Wow swick, that's a crazy reaction--actually feeling the inflammation. So were you like this before whole30 living and you thought it was normal? Or has your adverse reaction to off-diet foods gotten worse as your eating has gotten cleaner?
Did that make sense? Do you think eating clean for so long has made your body less able to handle those foods?
makes sense, and I think it is a bit of both. The feeling the inflammation bit was super weird, I wouldn't say it was hallucinatory but close.
I know that before, for example, I just assumed from childhood that there was something wrong with me, I couldn't breathe through my nose at all, I usually had a stuffy head and sinuses and chronic headaches. I thought that was just me. Then I took out the dairy and realized nope, I'm normal. I discovered it takes about 8 hours for dairy symptoms to subside. But when you are having dairy every day you never have that chance, that is your baseline, it is normal.
With the gluten and the fibro, it was always there, my baseline again was kinda sucky, and I had no idea what would cause a bigger flare-up than normal. I didn't keep specific track but it usually came with periods of stress, which is also when I would eat far more carbs than normal. So don't know if there is a connection but suspect so.
All that being said, I know for sure I am WAY more sensitive to sugar now. I can feel it lighting up my brain now. Also, the skin reaction was pretty dramatic and fast and I wouldn't have had that before.
I do think that the cleaner I eat the more the crap affects me. It's like your body going ""Oh hell no, you are NOT doing this to me again!"
Post by: nottoolatetostart on March 14, 2017, 07:13:13 PM
Day 3 in the books! I would say today was moderately easy and flew by.
Oddly, today, I felt like I had more energy compared to yesterday. Yesterday I felt terrible, just really crappy nd foggy. Woke up feeling headachy and a little hungover today (I hate that! All the pain without the fun from night before), but got better once I got my cup of coffee and got moving.
I am never hungry when I wake up. Never. I read this is typical of hormones being out of whack. So I drink my water and coffee first (black now!), read, enjoy the quiet before my kids wake up, and heat up my breakfast exactly 61 minutes later and just eat everything in my bowl despite not being hungry. Still eating breakfast hours earlier than pre W30. My breakfasts (lots of fat and carbs) keeps me full until late afternoon. So I forced myself to eat a nice salad at lunch today. My energy was actually OK. I had half a cup of coffee midday and 10 almonds in the late afternoon for munching. Amazing progress if you were to see what I ate for 'snacks' 'meals' previously (like 96 hours ago???).
Alright, day 4 next tomorrow!
Post by: swick on March 14, 2017, 07:25:14 PM
I am never hungry when I wake up. Never. I read this is typical of hormones being out of whack.
I get this :) It's a struggle I have as well. Some days, I consider myself having accomplished the world if I have managed to have breakfast. Since I'm not doing an actual whole 30, more often than not when I'm struggling it is a compliant ingredient smoothie.
Good to hear that your energy is starting to trend up and that you are eating better than before. One day at a time, you got this!!
Post by: Mongoose on March 15, 2017, 08:31:15 AM
Post by: nottoolatetostart on March 16, 2017, 05:15:59 PM
Ladystache - what an interesting experience on those foods.
Swick - I am so grateful for your encouragement.
My update: Day 4 and 5 have gone by ....I already find myself getting bored even though I have not had same thing twice. However, I just received Mel Joulwan's Well Fed Weeknights and that book has helped. I love that book already. I already made a couple recipes in it that are exciting. I am trying to make meals that can be modified for my family and they don't know they are eating whole 30 dinners. He he he.
I have been sleeping not so great. Fall asleep easily like normal but wake up in middle of night. I can't fall back asleep. It dawned on me maybe my afternoon nap (during kids nap time) is not needed right now since I have more energy. So I abstained today on the nap and hope for a more nornal night for me (pre- Whole 30 I always sleep through night unless a kid wakes up).
Energy is still better than before pre-Whole 30. I'm just meh but happy to have made it one more day...
Post by: Mezzie on March 16, 2017, 06:31:11 PM
Otherwise, life goes on as usual. High pain last night and today. I do like eating extra veggies, so I'm having fun. :)
Post by: swick on March 16, 2017, 06:48:45 PM
Did this mess with anyone's cycle? I'm two weeks early, and that never happens. It's probably just a fluke, but I thought I'd check.
Otherwise, life goes on as usual. High pain last night and today. I do like eating extra veggies, so I'm having fun. :)
I haven't heard of anyone having a drastic change like that. For a lot of women, there is a normalizing effect as your hormones self-regulate. I know my cramps and period symptoms are way, way better when I eat this way. I was one of those who would be curled up on the floor for two days every month not able to do anything. I have noticed that eating Sugar actually makes my period symptoms worse. But as far as being early like that, that would be a new one to hear about.
Mongoose - it is so good that you know this about dairy so you can keep those symptoms at bay.
Ladystache - what an interesting experience on those foods.
Swick - I am so grateful for your encouragement.
My update: Day 4 and 5 have gone by ....I already find myself getting bored even though I have not had same thing twice. However, I just received Mel Joulwan's Well Fed Weeknights and that book has helped. I love that book already. I already made a couple recipes in it that are exciting. I am trying to make meals that can be modified for my family and they don't know they are eating whole 30 dinners. He he he.
I have been sleeping not so great. Fall asleep easily like normal but wake up in middle of night. I can't fall back asleep. It dawned on me maybe my afternoon nap (during kids nap time) is not needed right now since I have more energy. So I abstained today on the nap and hope for a more nornal night for me (pre- Whole 30 I always sleep through night unless a kid wakes up).
Energy is still better than before pre-Whole 30. I'm just meh but happy to have made it one more day...
Happy to encourage you! I'll have to check out the cookbook, sounds good! I know eating this way can kind of feel plain after a while. Keeping things interesting is the hard part, the thing is there is so so much variety you can eat, but it is very easy to focus on what you can't so it makes it seem like there are less options then there are.
Re naps: I use to have afternoon naps as well and I have found that I don't need them anymore and they were interfering with my nightly sleep.
I think this is just your body and energy levels sorting themselves out, it is a good thing! Added bonus, if you don't need to nap when your kids do, you have YOU time!! Take advantage of it! Do something that nurtures yourself so you can be a more energized, happy and engaged you, wife, and mamma :)
Post by: Trifle on March 17, 2017, 04:43:33 AM
Kicking off the Whole30 AIP today. Glad to hear you are doing ok on it, Nottoolate. I'm slightly worried about the lack of variety, like after a while I might get totally nauseous at just the thought of eating X or Y again, but time will tell. Very excited to start!
Post by: Weedy Acres on March 17, 2017, 09:36:45 AM
Mr. Weedy is similarly healthy to me, and has a chocolate chip cookie addiction. I've told him "we" are doing the W30 and explained what it is, and that it was up to him whether or not to follow it strictly. I do all the cooking, and he eats whatever I put on the table, but to ensure he does it 100% I'll need to have a breakfast casserole in the fridge (we leave for work at different times and he usually just does cereal), and make him a lunch salad when I make mine. Still no guarantee he won't stash chocolate chip cookies in his truck or indulge in a DQ Blizzard and that's up to him. I'd like him to do it all in, as I'm interested to see if it affects his energy levels. He's a workaholic and crashes on Sunday.
Post by: nottoolatetostart on March 17, 2017, 08:09:30 PM
Weedy Acres - definitely try to extra light olive oil. I just made some the other day with my inmersion blender and was great. I only use the extra light OO for making mayo, so the bottle lasts awhile. Welcome though. I am ending my day 6 today, so will be here for you
Mezzie - no cycle issues yet
Swick - an update wouldn't be an update without thanking you Ah-Gain. :0) Are you all recovered now from the inflammation sugar/dairy bout you had earlier in the week? I still cannot believe your reaction
My update : as mentioned, day 6 done. Sleep went poorly last night again (daughter getting up didn't help) so today I laid off caffeine after really my only cup of the day. Inpressive (for me!) I had so much energy (compared to pre W30) that I barely missed not having my afternoon cup of coffee. Hopefully tonight's sleep goes better without the afternoon caffeine. It's so weird though because after I wake up and get going (after my "6 pack hangover" goes away), you would never know I had some restless sleep the night before, so I am going to stop worrying about it. I like these experiments.
Made a Chipotle-like fajita pork bowl for dinner. Rice and cheese for DH's, none for me obviously.
Noticing every single condiment I own : Kirkland salsa, even organic Kirkland Tomato sauce, dijon mustard contains sugar or wine...wtf? No wonder people have problems with diabetes, weight, etc. I wonder why people allow for this.
Final musing.. today I was enjoying a large salad of organic red leaf lettuce, cherry tomatoes, black olives (checked to make sure they were safe first!), hardboiled eggs, lots of leftover cooked chicken, homemade cilantro lime cumin dressing (this is from Wellfed Weeknights book).....and in the middle of eating my huge bowl, I was just so grateful. That salad truly gave me jolt of happiness, plus it was so lick-the-bowl delicious.
Day 7 up next. I keep recounting because this W30 is going by very fast.
Sorry for my meanderings....Happy St Patrick's Day.
Post by: swick on March 17, 2017, 09:03:09 PM
Swick - an update wouldn't be an update without thanking you Ah-Gain. :0) Are you all recovered now from the inflammation sugar/dairy bout you had earlier in the week? I still cannot believe your reaction
Aww shucks, You are doing all the hard work, we're just here to support you and cheer you on! I think I caught a cold, Sugar suppresses your immune system big time, and apparently, it was enough. I don't think I've been actually sick for over a year so, live and learn and staying away from the sugar.
RE: Sleep: As your body adjusts you might find you actually need less sleep, so toss and turn and feel like you aren't getting enough. I know I went from lifelong insomnia to sleeping like the dead for 8 hours to settling into about 6-7. with two distinct sleep cycles and begin aware of tossing and turning for a bit in the middle and if I tried to stay in bed longer in the morning because I felt like I "should" I felt worse than just hitting the ground running earlier. It does take some experimenting and seeing what is best for you and your body, like this whole eating thing :)
Doesn't it suck how much sugar and crap is in EVERYTHING? It is so eye opening. And of course once you start looking you never stop.
Nice to hear about how much you enjoyed your salad. Jolts of happiness and gratitude are a great way of being :)
Weedy Acres - I use extra light olive oil for y dressing or avocado oil (Avocado has a strong taste that takes some getting used to, but it is good, a blend of oils would be good first if you want to try it)
Post by: Trifle on March 18, 2017, 03:52:10 AM
Thanks for asking! Day 1 really kind of sucked, to be honest. Whole30 + AIP + my regular food allergy restrictions = very few things to eat. To keep things simple, I made a list of what I CAN eat, and other than the large category of "meat/fish" (which is a large category, to be fair), I have 10 vegetables and fruits I can eat.
My big challenges this month: (1) making compliant lunches for work, (2) keeping up my exercise routine. How does that work? I guess I'll find out if my energy stays level, goes up, or down. (3) keeping weight on. I know the W30 is not a weight loss diet, but jeez louise I think that's what it's going to do. I went through cancer treatments a year ago (I'm all clear now, fortunately) and just gained my weight back. I definitely don't want it to decrease again.
I'm committed. I'll make it. It's only a month, and I think I will learn things that will benefit me for the rest of my life.
Thanks again Nottoolate. How are you doing, one week in?
Post by: nottoolatetostart on March 18, 2017, 04:54:51 AM
Can you post what those 10 vegetables and fruits are that you can eat? I would be happy, and I am sure others will too, to recommend some easy recipes/combinations so you don't get bored. Your post sounded discouraging and I worry it might not help you with motivation (of course, coming from someone on only day 7, so that it with grain of salt, I have long way to go). I was experiencing boredom by day 2 or 3 (even with everything I can eat and it made me down too) and then I got a new cookbook, started following more Whole 30 bloggers on Instagram, and I became more jazzed about options....maybe we can help. Their creativity sparked my own creativity a bit even if I have not completely enacted what I learned. Please let us help if we can?
My week went well. I posted a little every day this week but overall I already have more energy, my sleep was negatively affected, and I am not all that tempted on foods I am missing out on (I am thinking of them as foods I don't like and wouldn't touch anyway...like chocolate covered raisins...ick...gag...ugghhhhh). Prep and cooking has been fine and I am doing a bit every day. The energy thing is great so far compared to where I was a week ago, I can't even imagine tiger blood. I don't even think about food like I used to.....in between meals, I am....just satiated (sp?) and fine.
Let us know what those vegetables are and if any meat/seafood restrictions so we can help!
Post by: Trifle on March 18, 2017, 05:24:00 AM
Other than the sleep, sounds like you are doing great!
Thanks for the offer to help. I really appreciate that! Here are the 10 foods on my green light list:
Sweet potatoes. (Thank god for sweet potatoes)
Spinach
Chard
Lettuce
Mushrooms
Squash
Melons
Pineapple
Grapefruit
Bananas
I've been researching and I may have one more I can add. The Jerusalem artichoke is a member of the aseteraceae family, which in general I am not allergic to. I've never tried JAs, but botanically speaking they should be fine. I'm going to pick some up and experiment.
Post by: Mezzie on March 18, 2017, 08:17:01 AM
I'm not worried. I've really been enjoying this way of eating, so doing it longer if need be won't be a problem. Today is my cousin's birthday, so I may just choose to be a little lax today as well (again, just on spices) and then jump back into things tonight. Symptom relief or no, it's been really nice doubling my veggie intake, and I won't be stopping that anytime soon.
Post by: swick on March 18, 2017, 09:53:24 AM
(2) keeping up my exercise routine. How does that work? I guess I'll find out if my energy stays level, goes up, or down. (3) keeping weight on.
Trifele, not sure what you are doing for exercise, but you may want to consider taking a break or modifying while you are doing whole 30. It will be hard to get enough calories while you are doing this if you are following AIP and have other allergies as well. Also, one of the main reasons to do this is to heal and give your body a break. Exercise, by it's definition, stresses the body.
Are you able to up or supplement your gelatin intake? It'll also help with the healing, especially of the gut.
I like roasting/bbq'ing pineapple for a bit of variety. Also if you can make bone broth, a lot of those veggies would be good in a soup!
I think getting lots of healthy fats is going to be pretty key for you.
You can do it! We are here to support you!
Mezzie - Sounds like a challenging day and you did the best you could. Sorry you are going through pain spell. Sending you lots of healthy, feel good thoughts!
Nottoolate - glad to hear your thoughts and attitudes around food are shifting, the mental part of it is the hardest and most important for lasting change. You are rocking it!
Update time! What is your biggest success so far, and what is one way the rest of the group can support you?
Post by: Trifle on March 18, 2017, 10:29:32 AM
Post by: nottoolatetostart on March 18, 2017, 12:42:25 PM
Savory Lotus CREAMY SWEET POTATO BACON CHOWDER (note: I would use chard or spinach in lieu of kale if that works wtter for you) (DAIRY FREE) https://www.savorylotus.com/creamy-sweet-potato-bacon-chowder-dairy-free/
Egg drop soup
http://ketodietapp.com/Blog/post/2016/09/23/anti-inflammatory-egg-drop-soup
BUTTERNUT SAUSAGE BAKE WITH KALE AND TOMATO CREAM {PALEO} (note: sub kale for chard or spinach) http://www.paleorunningmomma.com/paleo-butternut-sausage-bake-with-kale/
Chipotle Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes (note: obviously I would skip the mozzarella, but this sounds good with ground beef or sausage on the side to make for a full meal) http://thestayathomechef.com/chipotle-twice-baked-sweet-potatoes/
Swiss chard pesto. Add this to anything. Make meatballs, pile on top of julienned squash, bake on chicken or salmon: http://www.louloubiscuit.com/swiss-chard-pesto/
Sweet potato puttanesca (omit tomatoes and olives if allergic) http://www.cleaneatingmag.com/recipes/sweet-potato-puttanesca-with-chicken-and-swiss-chard
Wraps using chard. Taylor Cooper on instagram just posted a very delicious wrap. You may want some different vegetables, but she gave great alternatives, like using different lettuce leaves or different proteins. I am going to do this soon!
Also, Taylor Cooper (or see whole30 instagram, since she took over the last few days), she talked about making "burgers" using two thick round sweet potatoes with a burger in between (you could do ground turkey or beef) and add some spinach and a nice homemade mayo. Apparently this is very good so I will be trying this soon too.
Do you have the Whole 30 cookbook that just came out? In thumbing through it, I found things like (I mention these recipes specifically because there is likely something kind of similar on the internet that you could find to get close enough to these ideas):
- Slow cooker pork lettuce wraps with spicy peach salsa (I think pineapple could absolutely be subbed here)
- beef and squash collard green enchiladas (can you eat collards? You mentioned other leafy veg. So not sure). I was planning on making it since it looks amazing!!!!!
- Spicy pineapple kabobs (exclude peppers, but everything else seems great for you)
- easy beef mushroom and rosemary ragout (I would exclude tomatoes and maybe use butternut squash instead?)
- sweet potato breakfast stacks (basically using a thick sweet potato round as a base), topped with spinach, complaint bacon, and a poached egg on top
- scrambled egg breakfast tacos with quick cider-chipotle breakfast sausage (it includes avocado, you previously mentioned you were good with it, did you take it off the green light list?l
- Sausage mushroom frittata (sub argula for maybe red leaf or green leaf lettuce?)
- thai coconut chicken soup
I hope this starter list helps!
Edited to fix my silly typos
Post by: Trifle on March 18, 2017, 12:48:25 PM
These ideas sound so awesome. Thank you. You may have saved my Whole30. :)
Now if I can convince my husband to have some of these delicious meals ready when I get home from work, I'll have reached nirvana. :)
Post by: nottoolatetostart on March 18, 2017, 01:12:14 PM
HOLY COW Nottoolate! I love you. I think many of these will totally work!
These ideas sound so awesome. Thank you. You may have saved my Whole30. :)
Now if I can convince my husband to have some of these delicious meals ready when I get home from work, I'll have reached nirvana. :)
Yes, husbands in the kitchen would be nirvana. Mine tends to make messes though and only makes sugary desserts.
Let us know if you encounter any obstacles and we can all brainstorm. I was not sure about onions and garlic for you (I once worked with a lady allergic to garlic and saw first hand while we were traveling her difficulty in finding garlic free food). If any of those suggestions are too spicy, just leave it out. I rarely eat spicy because of my kids so i always omit the spice if kids will be eating it and no change in taste. Also, try Pinterest if you have not already. I just typed in "chard whole30" , etc too to get a few recipes. I feel like there are so many options. I hope you come from a place of plethora rather than restriction. Good luck!
Post by: Mezzie on March 18, 2017, 06:39:03 PM
All the more reason to eat veggies and keep my immune system up.
On another note, my husband made this delicious baked pear with pistachios and mustard. It sounded like an odd combo, but it was amazing.
Post by: nottoolatetostart on March 19, 2017, 04:45:40 AM
Your husband's dish sounds amazing!!!!
Post by: nottoolatetostart on March 19, 2017, 05:15:46 AM
Update time! What is your biggest success so far, and what is one way the rest of the group can support you?
Just continued support. My success so far is why I started program:to have more energy and I definitely feel it. I am worried about reintroduction and kind of don't want to allow myself to indulge for fear of no self-control and I am back where I started. Pathetic, right?
Day 7 is the books! I felt pretty good yesterday. We are refinancing and appraiser came yesterday. Instead of dreading the whole house pick up and clean (I was not expecting her for few more days), I actually enjoyed the task of moving around (craved it!) and handled the situation well. I was dancing and moving the whole time and had tons of energy afterwards. A week ago, I definitely would have needed nap and lounged around on couch for rest of the day. Went for family walk to the grocery store later in the afternoon.
I made steak with a fun chimichurri sauce (freah cilantro, fresh parsley, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes) for dinner and roasted potato wedges. DH loved it and was suprised that I could eat that on Whole 30. The dinner was not satisfying to me, like I still needed something (abnormal for me so far) so I had a banana (I don't know if that was ok technically but my family was enjoying a local gourmet cookies and cream ice cream, so I am going to say I did ok, plus I only eat 1-2 fruits per day). Banana hit the spot and then I moved on with life instead of thinking about food. Steak salad with red onion, maybe avocado, and with some kind of homemade dressing for lunch today....can't wait!
Discovered Califa Unsweetened Almond milk and tried it this morning with my coffee. Really does a much better job than coconut cream and gives that slight touch of creamy. I could see me using this long-term instead of my full fat half & half.
Post by: Bergal on March 20, 2017, 07:15:54 AM
Regarding recipes, I made this for my book club last week and they LOVED it - http://paleogrubs.com/indian-paleo-stew-recipe
Post by: nottoolatetostart on March 20, 2017, 01:22:55 PM
I am working on day 9 today.
Post by: Mongoose on March 20, 2017, 04:14:36 PM
Post by: Bergal on March 20, 2017, 07:26:44 PM
I also found this recipe which looks amazing . I'm going to try it this weekend. Chorizo sausage sweet potato frittata with carmelized onions! http://www.paleorunningmomma.com/paleo-sausage-sweet-potato-frittata/
Post by: Trifle on March 21, 2017, 04:46:03 AM
I felt better yesterday and was able to go to work. Slept ok last night, so maybe I have turned the corner. I read about what happens when you take a normal/healthy person and suddenly put them on a very low-carb diet, and sounds like pretty much what I experienced the first few days. Strange -- did not expect my energy to dip quite so much.
Very interesting experiment, this. It gives me a whole new appreciation of food as pure fuel. And how our bodies react to varying proportions of protein, carb, and fats.
Post by: nottoolatetostart on March 21, 2017, 08:38:16 AM
Trifele - gosh! I am so sorry to hear how incredibly rough these last few days have been. Do you think you are getting enough carbs? So weird you felt good before and now no good. Is it because you are going easier on running? I am glad you are feeling better today and get a little relief. Don't worry about the recipes I found....it is something I enjoy and generally do every day depending on what ingredients I have on hand
Update: today is day 10 for me. I got a good night's rest last night finally without waking up. I am grouchy today for no good reason. So I feel meh. I am just trying to keep focused. Broke down and bought a spiralizer over the weekend. Made zoodles last night to go on top of a ginger coconut chicken (from Whole30 cookbook) and they were very, very good. I love how fast they cook. I realize that this trend of spiralizing everything started years ago and just this weekend I hopped on the band wagon. Better late than never.
I did get pretty food sick on Sunday. I made the breakfast sausage tacos from the Whole 30 book - - so, so good. Like reminded me of grad school days good. However, I rarely eat scrambled eggs even though I make them nearly every day for my kids. I may have a bite or two, no more than one egg to myself. Same thing with avocado...I don't eat a lot and was doing fine with eating up to a half in one sitting. The breakfast tacos had eggs and avocado in it and I felt terrible shortly after, like I had to lie down, husband watch kids, curl up in bed terrible for at least an hour. I don't know which one caused it but I had some of that same avocado later in the day in a steak salad and I was fine. So maybe the scrambled eggs bothered me? Or the sheer quantity in the breakfast tacos? The pork, lettuce, hot sauce were the only other ingredients, which I can eat no problem. It's not an experiment I want to try again.
Post by: Trifle on March 21, 2017, 10:44:06 AM
Trifele - gosh! I am so sorry to hear how incredibly rough these last few days have been. Do you think you are getting enough carbs? So weird you felt good before and now no good.
I think you are right Nottoolate -- it was the sudden switch to very-low-carb. Feeling much better today
Post by: 10dollarsatatime on March 21, 2017, 11:28:50 AM
Post by: swick on March 22, 2017, 08:26:26 AM
I did get pretty food sick on Sunday. I made the breakfast sausage tacos from the Whole 30 book - - so, so good. Like reminded me of grad school days good. However, I rarely eat scrambled eggs even though I make them nearly every day for my kids. I may have a bite or two, no more than one egg to myself. Same thing with avocado...I don't eat a lot and was doing fine with eating up to a half in one sitting. The breakfast tacos had eggs and avocado in it and I felt terrible shortly after, like I had to lie down, husband watch kids, curl up in bed terrible for at least an hour. I don't know which one caused it but I had some of that same avocado later in the day in a steak salad and I was fine. So maybe the scrambled eggs bothered me? Or the sheer quantity in the breakfast tacos? The pork, lettuce, hot sauce were the only other ingredients, which I can eat no problem. It's not an experiment I want to try again.
If you are not used to eating breakfast and have a large amount of food, Your stomach can go into "Nope, this is no good, gotta digest this" mode which can leave you feeling pretty horrible. It took me a long time to get back into the habit of having breakfast and I had to start (and still often) have to eat little amounts spread out.
I'm so excited to see this thread as I am on Day 20 of the Whole30. I was just going to give up alcohol for Lent then decided to do Whole30 and now I'm going to do Whole45 which will get me through Lent. I feel great! I had had a really annoying cough for MONTHS and could not shake it. Turns out it was chronic post-nasal drip, likely aggravated by my addiction to cheese. Four days after starting Whole30, the cough was gone! I can breathe through my nose!!!! Woo hoo.
Welcome, Bergal. Isn't it amazing when the breathing clears up? It's like you don't realize how bad it is until you don't have to live with it any longer! And speaking as a reformed cheese addict who said they would never, ever be able to give it up, it gets easier and the difference is so remarkable that you want to keep it up. I have found that my breathing goes to shit for about 8-12 hours, so the occasional worthy cheese splurge still happens, I just know what I'm going to pay for it now.
Next time I do this I need more than 30 days clear. Because traveling with no real planning and eating what was offered while visiting was ick. Sugary "treats", fast food, way too much salt, grains with/as every meal. I feel hung over and a bit sleepy...but mostly just so stupid thirsty that I can't stand it. Another trip is immanent. Ugh!
Ugh, sounds tough, Mongoose! Travel is hard to navigate at the best of times. Just make the best choices you can and try to limit the icky.
Checking in. Day 4 is in the books. First three days were super rough. My energy plummeted and I could barely move. I felt sick/nauseous and was not sleeping well. This is an extreme change for me, since I normally have great energy and sleep like a baby. I'll be honest -- I seriously thought about bailing out on this. But then I thought about all the preparation I put into it, not to mention all the work Nottoolate put in, looking up recipes I could actually eat on my insane, AIP-extreme, food allergy version of the Whole30! So i decided to stick it out a while longer.
I felt better yesterday and was able to go to work. Slept ok last night, so maybe I have turned the corner. I read about what happens when you take a normal/healthy person and suddenly put them on a very low-carb diet, and sounds like pretty much what I experienced the first few days. Strange -- did not expect my energy to dip quite so much.
Very interesting experiment, this. It gives me a whole new appreciation of food as pure fuel. And how our bodies react to varying proportions of protein, carb, and fats.
How are you doing, Trifele? Sounds like your body is going through quite an adjustment. I think you just have to power through, but also listen to your body and do what is best for you and disregard any arbitrary rules, especially with how strict you are being. You also need to make sure you have a healthy mindset, as such restrictions and tracking so much can lead to problems with food obsession/anorexic behaviour. Not saying this is you, just realize it is easy to slip into without realizing it.
Nottoolate - Butternut squash makes my favorite spiralized noodle substitute! Also, way to go on getting through day 10 and thank you for supporting everyone in the thread. You rock!
Post by: nottoolatetostart on March 22, 2017, 07:26:16 PM
Post by: Weedy Acres on March 22, 2017, 08:45:23 PM
Felt very full after M1 and M2 so had a smallish M3. Craved something sweet after dinner so indulged in half a frozen banana. It'll be hardest to limit my fruit intake for 30 days, because I LOVE all fruits.
So far I'm feeling the Day 1 "what's the big deal?"
Post by: Trifle on March 23, 2017, 04:30:52 AM
Day 6 in the books here. I am feeling better than the first three days, but still very low energy. Can't exercise the way I usually do, so I am just walking. I am definitely getting enough calories, so I believe this energy slump is caused by the switch to low-carb. I don't feel like I ate too many carbs before, but wow is this a major change. On the positive side -- no allergy symptoms right now. Since that was my whole reason for doing this, it appears that this "cleanse" is working. Really looking forward to the re-introduction phase to figure out which food(s) it was!
Post by: Mezzie on March 23, 2017, 07:13:00 AM
I was kind of hoping the lack of dairy would help my allergies, but no such luck. Those are probably 100% due to working next to a refinery and a busy port.
I'm going to add eggs a bit sooner than planned, I think.
Post by: Bracken_Joy on March 23, 2017, 08:41:51 AM
Anyway, a couple question to help with my planning, hoping you guys can help.
1- DH and I are both very active. The way we manage this now is through rice. We get the big bag of jasmine at costco. Other grains seem problematic after elimination in the past (wheat for him, corn for me). Both of us seem fine with rice, but as I've said, we've never done a whole 30 before. I can't eat very many potatoes at one time (this includes sweet potatoes). And due to a metabolic disorder, I'm limited in how much fat I can metabolize at any given time. (For all you medical nerds out there, I'm a partially expressive carrier for Medium Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency). In practical terms, what this means is I need to keep a balance of fats and carbs in my diet, otherwise my blood sugar drops- and when it does, it goes *fast*. Which brings me to the question: what are our options for getting enough carbs to support activity level and in my case BS stability, especially since I can barely eat ~1/4 of a potato at a time before finding them revolting? Can we just keep doing rice and do a crappy version of w30, or does that totally defeat the purpose?
(Although it just occured to me I can do more potato/sweet potato if I fry them up. But that seems a- like a lot of work and b- maybe not super healthy all the time? Haha)
2- I got through #1 and forgot my second question! So uh... I'll come back to this I guess.
Post by: jordanread on March 23, 2017, 08:59:37 AM
Post by: Bracken_Joy on March 23, 2017, 09:02:01 AM
...And due to a metabolic disorder, I'm limited in how much fat I can metabolize at any given time. (For all you medical nerds out there, I'm a partially expressive carrier for Medium Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency). In practical terms, what this means is I need to keep a balance of fats and carbs in my diet, otherwise my blood sugar drops- and when it does, it goes *fast*....
How does this compare to functional/reactive hypoglycemia. I assume it's very different... ? Or maybe very much alike. Either way, I'm just happy to report that my experience on Whole30 is/was (slowly reintroducing things now) that my blood sugar has been pretty good (stable) throughout. I think that's probably mostly because of the lack of alcohol and added sugar, though, which I think would be different from your need for fats/carbs. I do eat a lot of fruit, so it's not like sugar isn't a part of my life, but most fruits have fiber that go along with the sugar, and that seems to make a difference.
As it is now, we don't eat any added sugars. And the past 7 months, we've been doing 2 weeks with alcohol, 2 weeks off, because we've been trying to conceive. (Which is why we want to do whole 30, since we've had no luck so far). Alcohol does make my blood sugar less stable the next day, though. But not in a huge way- it seems like as long as I get breakfast with enough protein and fat in close to waking up, and avoid major stress, my BS is pretty stable nowadays.
My biggest concern is just getting enough carbs to support activity levels. With enough of a transition period, DH does fine on a lower carb/keto approach, but it takes him a couple weeks to make the switch. I, on the other hand, am limited in how low I can go because of the metabolic issue. It's not a blood sugar question (since that's secondary) so much as a "I have a very low supply of the cellular machinery that breaks down fats" so I will never be able to go really low carb. From past experimenting, it seems 50g carbs when I'm less active, 75g carbs when I'm active, seems to be my lower limit. So how do I achieve this with potatoes, or do I add some rice and call it a medical compromise?
BJ. I've had good luck with shredding miscellaneous squash as a base for curries and the like. They are a compliant way to add additional calories/fillers/flavor vehicles.
Oh interesting. How do you shred them? And I'm assuming you cook them somehow before adding things on top- boil them? Fry them? Thanks!
Post by: jordanread on March 23, 2017, 10:31:17 AM
BJ. I've had good luck with shredding miscellaneous squash as a base for curries and the like. They are a compliant way to add additional calories/fillers/flavor vehicles.
Oh interesting. How do you shred them? And I'm assuming you cook them somehow before adding things on top- boil them? Fry them? Thanks!
Actually, I usually use a grater (or the grater attachment on the food processor when I'm cooking in bulk/feeling lazy). Usually, with my squash, I either bake them whole, or grill them cut lengthwise (brushed with avocado oil and pepper). However, the way I've been doing mixes lately involves pre-cooking chicken, add broth, adding in curry spices/mixes (I know a good majority of the mixes contain extra sugar, though), and shredding the veggies (poblanos, Chinese eggplant, jalapenos, onions, serranos, bell peppers*, etc) raw, and just letting it warm through. It's not very labor intensive, holds well for lunches throughout the week, and is delicious.
So I suppose that was a long winded way of saying that cooked or raw, it works well, and I use a cheese grater/food processor.
*Don't judge me...they were on sale.
Post by: Bracken_Joy on March 23, 2017, 10:43:42 AM
BJ. I've had good luck with shredding miscellaneous squash as a base for curries and the like. They are a compliant way to add additional calories/fillers/flavor vehicles.
Oh interesting. How do you shred them? And I'm assuming you cook them somehow before adding things on top- boil them? Fry them? Thanks!
Actually, I usually use a grater (or the grater attachment on the food processor when I'm cooking in bulk/feeling lazy). Usually, with my squash, I either bake them whole, or grill them cut lengthwise (brushed with avocado oil and pepper). However, the way I've been doing mixes lately involves pre-cooking chicken, add broth, adding in curry spices/mixes (I know a good majority of the mixes contain extra sugar, though), and shredding the veggies (poblanos, Chinese eggplant, jalapenos, onions, serranos, bell peppers*, etc) raw, and just letting it warm through. It's not very labor intensive, holds well for lunches throughout the week, and is delicious.
So I suppose that was a long winded way of saying that cooked or raw, it works well, and I use a cheese grater/food processor.
*Don't judge me...they were on sale.
Do you grill them *then* shred them? Or you only shred them if you're going to use it raw? I'm guessing when you reheat your curry with the raw grated veggies, it semi-cooks them to an al dente type texture? Sorry for all the questions, just having a hard time following what you're describing!
Post by: jordanread on March 23, 2017, 11:29:44 AM
[...]just having a hard time following what you're describing!
You and I operate on different wavelengths (unless it comes to dogs). Not a problem in the least.
Do you grill them *then* shred them? Or you only shred them if you're going to use it raw? I'm guessing when you reheat your curry with the raw grated veggies, it semi-cooks them to an al dente type texture? Sorry for all the questions, just having a hard time following what you're describing!
I didn't actually think about this until you mentioned it. When I cook things, I usually don't shred. They are too soft to make it worthwhile. I'll either cut them into big chunks or liquify them, depending on mood. When it's raw, things are a touch more firm, so grating works really well, especially as a rice replacement (BLACK RICE UBER ALLES!). I suppose that breaking it down, a nice flow chart would be useful. Give me a bit, and I'll get something posted. Initial thoughts are that if you use the reheating process to cook things al dente, shredding raw stuff works great. If your only use-case is to provide volume to a dish, pre-cooking and liquefying works. The cheap veggies on their own make a good base, and can stand in for rice or other fillers.
Does that kind of clear things up?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on March 23, 2017, 12:02:00 PM
Post by: swick on March 23, 2017, 05:35:06 PM
Bad news guys....back to day 1. Don't worry, I didn't cave to cupcakes or wine but rather unknowingly from my breakfast. I get all of my meat generally from a cute little Italian market. I didn't even think they put ingredients on their butcher shop items and didn't read the label on the pork sausage. Today I was walking by and thought to check it (I felt so weird on Sunday and even yesterday - the only two days that I had the pork sausage - and it didn't make sense that eggs or avocado would make me feel this way). The second to last ingredient is MSG. Obviously, if I had known, I would not have consumed and still be conpliant. I am so upset but want to play by the rules, yet still acknowledge that for 11 days I did make the right choices vs. Going back to my old ways. Going forward, I will now say day 11/1 (or whatever we are on). Deflating but oh well...minor inconvenience.
This is pretty big progress, even if it seems like a temporary setback. You didn't cave you got bit by sausage. This is a life lesson I am learning, and keep failing at. Every time I have been glutened it was due to damn unmarked sausages. Sometimes the hardest part of all this is not a matter of changing yourself, but navigating the world around you That is a huge learning curve in itself. I'm kinda introverted so I use to just take it on faith and gamble rather than ask. After I keep having to suffer the consequences I have gotten much better at being "that" person. Mostly people don't mind if you are nice about it, but it has been a learning curve for sure.
You are doing awesome, nottoolate!
Weedy Acres - Congrats on starting, how are you doing today?
Bracken_Joy - YAY!!! it is GREAT to see you here! Some thoughts on the rice thing: You know how rice affects you. You know a hell of a lot more about your health challenges and being a nurse, you have the most knowledge. I would say if carbs are something you need, and you know you are okay with rice, keep it. The point of a whole 30 is to see how foods affect you, if you already know, I don't think modifying it is a bad thing.
A couple of other options: Chestnut flour (hella expensive though) or buckwheat. Hubs had a major issue with going too low-carb so once we established he was fine with it after the first Whole 30, it has been in our regular rotation.
Besides starchy veg, fruit can also probably get you to the carb count you need: A quick google search led me to this:
"One apple, banana, orange, peach and pear, one-quarter of a cantaloupe, and 21 sweet cherries provide 12 to 34 grams total carbohydrates. Pears, sweet cherries, bananas and apples have the most carbohydrates. They range from 26 grams in pears and cherries to 34 grams of total carbohydrates in an apple. The other fruits have 12 to 19 grams of total carbohydrates." http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/carbohydrates-grains-6600.html (http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/carbohydrates-grains-6600.html)
And this was interesting: http://balancedbites.com/paleo-diet-carbs/ (http://balancedbites.com/paleo-diet-carbs/)
Ultimately, you have to make it work for you, don't want to be stressing yourself out if you are trying to conceive either!
Post by: Bracken_Joy on March 23, 2017, 05:45:37 PM
Yeah, the whole30 has seemed like a lot of work, and not *so* far off from what we do that I've wanted to mess with it. But we still haven't gotten pregnant, and two of my close friends were doing w30 when they got pregnant. Anecdata and possibly coincidental timing, but at this point, I'm willing to try anything!
Thank you for the link. I think it'll take some brain power to make a meal plan that ensures enough carbs, but I should be able to do it! Just need to pre-plan enough. If I wait until I realize I'm not getting enough, it can screw me up for days before I get my groove back =\
Coming up on the ideal time of year to do this though, some of my favorite foods are in season!
Post by: swick on March 23, 2017, 05:55:05 PM
The interesting thing about Anecdata, is pretty much all of this diet and food and how it affects your body is mostly anecdotal at this point as a lot of the research around it is pretty new, but it is worth a shot if it doesn't conflict with what you know medically.
Post by: Weedy Acres on March 23, 2017, 07:23:31 PM
I had a salad for lunch. I have a fabulous lip-smacking dressing recipe...that has sugar in it. I tried substituting orange juice (after experimenting with pineapple and lime) and it was ok. Does someone have a good compliant recipe that's not savory?
Still want something sweet after each meal. I've typically satisfied this with fruit, but I gather we're not supposed to do that (sugar dragon thing?).
I just found out that I've got to make 2 short biz trips during my W30. Grrrr. I timed it so I'd be able to home cook everything, and now my plans are foiled. They're both trips by plane too, so I can't load a cooler in the trunk. Any suggestions?
Post by: Trifle on March 24, 2017, 04:52:23 AM
Oh my GOSH, I didn't even think about fruit. *face palm*. We really don't eat much fruit other than things like tomatoes. (Irony: the whole30 could require me doing MORE of my carbs from sugar).
Yeah, the whole30 has seemed like a lot of work, and not *so* far off from what we do that I've wanted to mess with it. But we still haven't gotten pregnant, and two of my close friends were doing w30 when they got pregnant. Anecdata and possibly coincidental timing, but at this point, I'm willing to try anything!
Thank you for the link. I think it'll take some brain power to make a meal plan that ensures enough carbs, but I should be able to do it! Just need to pre-plan enough. If I wait until I realize I'm not getting enough, it can screw me up for days before I get my groove back =\
Coming up on the ideal time of year to do this though, some of my favorite foods are in season!
Hey Bracken__Joy -- Welcome to the W30! I just finished week 1, and as a fellow super-active-person, I wanted to let you know that so far the carbs have been very tricky for me. My energy in week 1 absolutely bottomed out and I have been struggling to continue exercising. It seems to be getting slightly better day by day -- but wow. Huge impact.
Post by: nottoolatetostart on March 24, 2017, 09:56:22 AM
We have friends coming into town this weekend, so I am slightly nervous about staying on plan, but since I am at home, this should be ok. Will be sad that they are having glass(es) of wine though.
Had tacos night last night using taco meat recipe from Well Fed Weeknights. Family loved the homemade spice mix. Family ate normal tacos and my meat was on a bed of sauteed cabbage. Delicious! Kind of reminded me of nachos.
Weedy Acres - sorry about upcoming travel. If I had to travel, I would stick to the most whole foods I could find. Hardboiled eggs, salads, fruit, nuts, plain sweet potato, etc to just "make it through". I would pack fruit, eggs, and nuts for plane. I think there are Whole 30 approved bars but I haven't had any. Any chance of a grocery store or staying at hotel with little microwave (I am sure you thought of this already)? Good luck
Swick - thanks for your support. Yes, it does stink but the better that I feel, the more convinced I feel to incorporate more into my long term eating anyway., so what's a few more days? I am hoping to be close to tiger blood despite my MSG mishap.
Day 13 / Day 3 today.
Post by: Bracken_Joy on March 24, 2017, 11:16:27 AM
Happy that some of our past paleo-ness is still paying off- our bacon and a decent number of our condiments are already compliant. OTOH, it was with great sorrow that I realized that our salsa verde has citric acid and will be off the table. I love that stuff. At this point, it could probably be said that my favorite food is salsa verde. I put it on everything. Our red salsa is compliant though, so that's nice. (Maybe I'll be motivated enough to make my own salsa verde... I just hate making it our of season, haha, prefer to buy it. This will teach me to put more up this summer I guess!)
Anyway, this week I work an extra shift and we're working on clearing out the dairy we have, and then it will be "go time".
Foreseeable challenges: Baby shower that is a 5 hour drive away on April 10th. (TEN HOURS in the car, ughhhh. Good thing I love her). Work shifts- I'm a nurse, and I do not get breaks of lunch breaks. Just me and my patient, allll day. In the past, this has been when I judiciously deploy sandwiches (the only time I use bread). But, I'm only working 1-2 days per week right now, so I'll just have to make it work. Egg cups, a la nom nom paleo, are the current plan.
So glad this group is here you guys. It's crazy to me how overwhelming this is, considering I went paleo originally in 2010, and have been on the spectrum of paleo/primal to "clean eating" ever since. I guess I thought it would be easier to plan this out. Hubris, guys. It's a stinky cologne ;)
Post by: swick on March 24, 2017, 11:23:28 AM
Okay. A week one meal plan (SANS RICE, gasp) is prepped. Start date set for Sunday, April 2nd. Husband is on board.
Happy that some of our past paleo-ness is still paying off- our bacon and a decent number of our condiments are already compliant. OTOH, it was with great sorrow that I realized that our salsa verde has citric acid and will be off the table.
Any particular reason citric acid is off the table for you? It's allowed on Whole 30 according to their list of additives: http://whole30.com/downloads/additives.pdf (http://whole30.com/downloads/additives.pdf)
Post by: Bracken_Joy on March 24, 2017, 12:40:07 PM
Okay. A week one meal plan (SANS RICE, gasp) is prepped. Start date set for Sunday, April 2nd. Husband is on board.
Happy that some of our past paleo-ness is still paying off- our bacon and a decent number of our condiments are already compliant. OTOH, it was with great sorrow that I realized that our salsa verde has citric acid and will be off the table.
Any particular reason citric acid is off the table for you? It's allowed on Whole 30 according to their list of additives: http://whole30.com/downloads/additives.pdf (http://whole30.com/downloads/additives.pdf)
Oh! Well color me surprised. I just assumed all additives were off the table I guess. Huh! Well the calcium carbonate and citric acid makes things easier- I was wondering how anyone did ANY canned tomato products without an acid adjuster, haha!
Well okie dokie then. Herdez Salsa Verde, I shall never break up with you my love. I'm sorry I doubted you <3
Thank you for the link! I should probably just buy the book ;) haha. I just looked at the main "program rules" before.
Post by: Weedy Acres on March 24, 2017, 08:35:35 PM
To make things even more challenging, around 4:15, I realized I needed to stay late to plant 100 trees (long story whose details don't matter), so schlepped around till dark, at around 7:30. Was absolutely famished, and did have a banana for a snack. I had nothing else available (free fruit is an employee benefit, so it's always around) and couldn't do a quick run to the nearest fast food joint for something to tide us over. I stayed strong with willpower and ate once we got home. My key to a quick go-to meal: frozen hamburger patties and potatoes on hand. Just need to come up with something for work.
Mr. Weedy, who admits he made (and ate) a batch of snicker doodles when I was gone last weekend, says he's been feeling very tired/low energy. He has been completely compliant with me so far. I told him he was ahead of the game, with week 2 symptoms.
Post by: Mezzie on March 25, 2017, 02:39:59 AM
1. I have Celiac Disease and have been gluten-free for nearly a decade. Though I do generally eat non-gluten grains, it's in moderation. It's probable, considering the countless improvements in my health since that diagnosis, that my gut is just fine.
2. Though I've about doubled my veggie intake to stay full, I've always eaten a lot of veggies. Most of my desserts through life have been fruit, though there are certainly occasional exceptions. In general, I find most desserts entirely too sweet to enjoy. Most of what I eat is Mediterranean, Thai, or Central American home-cooked traditional staples rather than the SAD. But for little things like no yogurt, no nightshades, and no beans, this really isn't a far cry from how I normally eat.
3. I work next to a refinery, port, freeway, and super-polluting train. If anything is triggering my symptoms, it may simply be the obvious environmental effect of where I work. I am certainly not the only one to have developed health issues while working there (we have, in fact, won lawsuits against the refinery because of these things and are currently in a suit over the trains).
Like I said earlier, I'm really enjoying eating more vegetables because they just taste good. I'm sure they're good for me, too. But I have felt exactly zero of the predicted results of this diet -- no mood swings, no energy fluctuations (good or bad), no relief from pain, no interruption in my regular bouts of fatigue...
Right now at 25 days (28 if you include the three days before my official start date that included homemade broth with pepper in it against the no-nightshade plan), I'm not feeling very motivated to continue strict adherence or bother with reintro at a slow pace.
Post by: Bergal on March 25, 2017, 08:12:08 AM
Post by: MangoAtPlay on March 25, 2017, 07:29:39 PM
I want to do the Whole 30! Where is the group? Or is this thread the group?
I'll plan to start April 8th after I get back from a trip.
Looking forward to it!
Post by: Weedy Acres on March 25, 2017, 08:03:05 PM
Bergal: the W30 mods do say it's your choice whether to restart after an accidental ingesting of a non-compliant item. They say if you're really trying to pinpoint food sensitivities you really need the whole 30 days to get clean.
My day 4 is done, and it felt much like the first three. Since it's the weekend, I spent some time tracking down a few recipes for next week, doing some grocery shopping, and grilling a boatload of chicken breasts to take some of the prep out of next week.
Even though pre-W30 I cooked a lot of healthy food from scratch, this is taking more effort. Because everything is from scratch, even stuff like salad dressing and spaghetti sauce, which I've bought in jars. So I've got to find recipes and make sure I've got the ingredients on hand. And we're eating probably double the veggies we were before.
Wondering when the "something different" is going to kick in...will I still want to nap all next week? Haven't yet felt the urge to Kill All The Things.
Post by: nottoolatetostart on March 26, 2017, 03:16:26 AM
Gah! I'm at Day 25 - yay! - and realized at the store last night that some sliced turkey I bought (and already consumed) has added sugar. Aaaagh. So disappointed that I didn't look at the label first but it never occurred to me that there would be added sugar in sliced deli meat. And I was so psyched because it was easy protein at lunch and in the am. So, back to square one. I had already decided to do this through Lent. Now, I'll keep going after Easter. Note to self: read the freaking label!!!!
Sorry to hear this. This happened to me with some pork earlier this week. I was not as far as you but opted to do a side by side count to track my progress both ways...day 15/5, for example.
Post by: Salim on March 26, 2017, 09:03:24 AM
My doctors currently have me on three permanent diets simultaneously: gluten free, low FODMAP, and ph balanced. The W30 diet will cover most of that, although I will still need to take care about low FODMAP.
I am also recovering from an accident, 10/30/16: 8 broken bones, collapsed lungs, followed by pneumonia, PTSD, and also pulled tendons from trying too hard too soon when exercising.
I tried W30 with a few cheats for 5 days. The results are already AMAZING. The inflamed tendons pain had been so bad, I had to sleep in a recliner for weeks. Last night I slept soundly in bed and awoke with no pain! There are tears in my eyes just thinking about it.
A lingering issue since the accident has been fatigue. It looks like W30 may help this, too.
Today is day 1.
Post by: Bergal on March 26, 2017, 08:58:54 PM
NTLTS - your story of the pork is what inspired me to read the label on the deli meat. So sneaky!! Fortunately, sugar is not a trigger for me but it is really amazing some of the foods that have added sugar, isn't it?
Mara, welcome! So sorry to hear about your accident but very happy that you're having some pain relief from the W30. Good luck with day 2.
Post by: Weedy Acres on March 27, 2017, 07:50:30 PM
I've got to find a decent salad dressing. I've tried a couple vinegrettes and find I that vinegar without sugar to mellow it is too strong tasting for me. Any ideas? I've tried one with red wine and one with apple cider vinegars. Perhaps I need to go with a creamy mayo-based one. Otherwise I can give up on salads and just go with leftovers For lunch I suppose.
Tomorrow starts a quick 2-day trip by plane. I'm a bit trepidatious, but I just have one 3-hour meeting, with no shared/public meals (cocktails, but I can easily just drink water). And I booked a hotel with kitchenette, so should be able to cook something compliant. Crossing fingers that it won't be too tough.
Post by: Salim on March 27, 2017, 07:56:46 PM
Mara, welcome! So sorry to hear about your accident but very happy that you're having some pain relief from the W30. Good luck with day 2.
Thanks, Bergal! I may need to restart... found there is sugar in my bacon and other hidden no-no's. Sigh.
Post by: Trifle on March 29, 2017, 04:10:14 AM
Post by: nottoolatetostart on March 29, 2017, 04:57:38 AM
Trifele - hopefully you will turn corner soon. You are almost half done!
Mara - what did you decide?
Update : today is day 18 / 8. Time is flying by. I don't know if I have more energy but I can tell you that I feel more patient and more positive. I feel less overwhelmed. I feel like I am better wife and mom.
Yesterday after I dropped my daughter off at school (walked there), I had a moment when walking back of "I feel really f**king great". All is right with the world. Still no sign of Tiger Blood, yet I feel like my energy is generally more consistent. My blood test is in about 2 more weeks and then dr appointment in 3 weeks to get results to see if this made a difference. My sleep is 100% back to normal and I don't nap as often. I think I have issue with almond milk or almond butter. My skin may actually be clearing up. It is soft, slightly oily/hydrated (but in a dewy kind of way, the good way). I think I look younger. I have done no exercising other than walking outside and I think have totally lost weight (I have had on my to-do list forever to lose about 10 pounds total ...I estimate I have lost maybe 5 so far).
Have a great day everyone!
Post by: Salim on March 29, 2017, 07:42:23 AM
Weedy Acres - good luck with the trip.
Trifele - hopefully you will turn corner soon. You are almost half done!
Mara - what did you decide?
Update : today is day 18 / 8. Time is flying by. I don't know if I have more energy but I can tell you that I feel more patient and more positive. I feel less overwhelmed. I feel like I am better wife and mom.
Yesterday after I dropped my daughter off at school (walked there), I had a moment when walking back of "I feel really f**king great". All is right with the world. Still no sign of Tiger Blood, yet I feel like my energy is generally more consistent. My blood test is in about 2 more weeks and then dr appointment in 3 weeks to get results to see if this made a difference. My sleep is 100% back to normal and I don't nap as often. I think I have issue with almond milk or almond butter. My skin may actually be clearing up. It is soft, slightly oily/hydrated (but in a dewy kind of way, the good way). I think I look younger. I have done no exercising other than walking outside and I think have totally lost weight (I have had on my to-do list forever to lose about 10 pounds total ...I estimate I have lost maybe 5 so far).
Have a great day everyone!
I am still considering. I was already on a very strict diet (GF, low FODMAP, balanced PH) for years when I found W30, always on the lookout for more ways to clean up the diet. After one week of almost completely removing grains, dairy, and added sugar, the improvements are amazing: pain from two inflamed tendons and one knee gone, sleeping all night (hadn't done that in years), weight gained after the accident gone, increased energy, and acne reduced.
Bad things: hot flashes greatly increased, more bloating pain and runs
Most important to me now is debugging the bad things, as both can be dreadful. I would greatly appreciate any advice on those.
NTLTS, congrats on the terrific improvements!
Post by: Weedy Acres on March 29, 2017, 07:26:01 PM
I arrived mid morning, had Chipotle carnitas salad for lunch, then went to the grocery store. Spent $22 for this:
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e11/AllisonAllgaier/album%20name/image_zpsbnszkmnz.jpg)
Which got me dinner:
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e11/AllisonAllgaier/album%20name/image_zpsk9uzdwnl.jpg)
Breakfast:
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e11/AllisonAllgaier/album%20name/image_zps3r36l98a.jpg)
Lunch was tricker. I had to return my rental car by 9, but my flight didn't leave until noon, so I had to make a portable picnic, packed in ice. Here's what I ended up with (no I didn't eat it all):
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e11/AllisonAllgaier/album%20name/image_zpsgylessvo.jpg)
I basically had guacamole on boiled eggs and veggies. It wasn't my favorite meal ever, but it fit the template and lasted until I got home. Unfortunately the TSA took away my coconut oil (fits in the "liquids" category).
Next week I've got another trip with 2 overnight stays, so I'm a little more trepidatious. Don't know that I can find a hotel with kitchenette. And I'll be with people at lunch. And it looks like I may have another trip tossed into the mix in mid-April. Dang, I tried so hard to schedule this around my travel. Grrr.
So days 7 and 8 are done. Still nothing notable in how I feel. Still have mild hot flashes and don't sleep through the night (those are connected). I did start coming down with a sore throat on my trip, so I'm adding back a bit of fruit. I typically eat a lot, and have been cutting back, but my body was wanting vitamin C.
In other news, Mr. Weedy drove to the east coast for work and among other things has eaten donuts and an ice cream sandwich. He never promised to eat compliant, he just eats everything I put in front of him when home and cleans up all the dishes after me. :-)
Post by: Salim on March 30, 2017, 05:59:35 AM
Mara - what did you decide?
I am still considering. I was already on a very strict diet (GF, low FODMAP, balanced PH) for years when I found W30, always on the lookout for more ways to clean up the diet. After one week of almost completely removing grains, dairy, and added sugar, the improvements are amazing: pain from two inflamed tendons and one knee gone, sleeping all night (hadn't done that in years), weight gained after the accident gone, increased energy, and acne reduced.
Bad things: hot flashes greatly increased, more bloating pain and runs
Most important to me now is debugging the bad things, as both can be dreadful. I would greatly appreciate any advice on those.
NTLTS, congrats on the terrific improvements!
Update: I figured out the "bad things" were due to not realizing bok choy is cabbage, duh. Useless suffering.
There are two key takeaways for me from the W30 after just one week: grains and sugar cause me grief, while the lack of them improves my health and well-being. This is huge! Thank you so much for making the improvements possible.
I am withdrawing from the challenge. My family will continue to enjoy the great W30 resources, especially the incredible recipes. Best wishes for success to everyone!
Post by: Salim on March 30, 2017, 06:18:45 AM
Slice a plantain. Fry in clarified butter. Salt to taste.
Post by: Bergal on March 30, 2017, 07:53:02 AM
Post by: Bracken_Joy on March 30, 2017, 10:40:32 AM
The really weird thing is, by avoiding dairy, I'm going to end up consuming stabilizers I don't normally eat. Minimal quantities, since it's just for my coffee, but still, it feels a little odd haha. The dairy is definitely the Primary Experiment for me. I've never successfully, fully given up dairy for a long enough period of time to tell if I have Issues with it. (I know I have issues with soy, I know I have no obvious issues with wheat, I know I have intermittent issues with corn- I've successfully eliminated those in the past). Given a family history of Issues With Dairy and my personal IBS issues, I'm giving it a "likely" that dairy will end up being a no-no for me. This thought gives me great sorrow. I am going to have a really hard time keeping my calories up without dairy- it's one of the few things I can eat even when I'm not "feeling" hungry, but I know I need more fuel.
Anyway, closing in on the beginning! Much to my great sorrow, I just this week discovered how awesome greek salad is. I hope it's just as good without the feta! =o Anyone have suggestions for a replacement? (I roughly follow the Pioneer Woman recipe).
Post by: Weedy Acres on March 30, 2017, 07:46:56 PM
Bracken: I love clarified butter and take great joy in slathering it liberally on baked potatoes and spaghetti squash.
My day 9 was more of the same. Still fighting off the cold, so low energy, but still went to the gym and ate all 3 meals, having fruit with each.
I've given up for now on the salads for lunch, until I can find a dressing I like. Will likely experiment a bit with mayo this weekend. I've never been a mayo lover, so we'll see.
Post by: Bracken_Joy on March 30, 2017, 08:04:43 PM
Post by: Bergal on March 30, 2017, 08:38:04 PM
Post by: swick on March 30, 2017, 08:44:44 PM
Update. Almond milk is not good in coffee. Nope, nope, nope. (Anyone want a mainly full carton of plain almond milk!?) Picked up some other coconut milks to try in my coffee. Black coffee is a bit too hard on my stomach, I don't mind the flavor =\
First, Almond milk is not my fave, but in a pinch it'll work. Order is important, you have to add a bit off coffee to the almond milk first and temper it and then add coffee to the almond milk. if you do it the other way around it may curdle and is otherwise unpleasant.
Do you happen to have a good blender? If so, I have a bunch of alternative suggestions. If you have a way to strain it, it is dead simple to make our own coconut milk (throw in a date if you want it sweeter) out of dried coconut. Just make sure it isn't the sweetened stuff you American's seem to favour.
Otherwise nut butter milk! No straining, dead easy! http://www.thepretendbaker.com/easiest-cashew-milk-ever/ (http://www.thepretendbaker.com/easiest-cashew-milk-ever/)
Also, sorry I've been MIA glad to see everyone has been active and supporting each other, I couldn't ask for more :)
Also, also way to ROCK your business travel, Weedy Acres! I am truly impressed :D
Post by: swick on March 30, 2017, 08:45:41 PM
Hey Bracken_Joy, I totally agree with you on Almond milk in coffee. I've had great luck with unsweetened Califia Better Half (Coconut cream and almond milk). It's W30 approved - no sweeteners and no carrageenan. Maybe it'll work for you.
+1 it is pretty much the only commercial nut milk I can stand. Great brand!
Post by: Mezzie on March 31, 2017, 02:04:20 AM
Update. Almond milk is not good in coffee. Nope, nope, nope. (Anyone want a mainly full carton of plain almond milk!?) Picked up some other coconut milks to try in my coffee. Black coffee is a bit too hard on my stomach, I don't mind the flavor =\
Have you tried low acid coffee?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on April 01, 2017, 01:36:57 PM
Update. Almond milk is not good in coffee. Nope, nope, nope. (Anyone want a mainly full carton of plain almond milk!?) Picked up some other coconut milks to try in my coffee. Black coffee is a bit too hard on my stomach, I don't mind the flavor =\
Have you tried low acid coffee?
I've never even heard of low acid coffee? Unless you mean central american ones that tend to be lower acid than african ones, right? I prefer the central american coffees anyway, due to the flavor. But I do prefer light roast coffees.
The coffee issue has been resolved though- husband rightly pointed out that since my probiotic, and drinking coffee with breakfast (instead of like... all the time), my stomach would likely stand up well to black. Tested that the past two days, and it's grand, no fall out. So I'll just go with black coffee, easy enough.
Made ghee successfully, so that's in order. Ready to start tomorrow morning =)
Post by: Weedy Acres on April 01, 2017, 08:18:31 PM
Still no noticeable physical changes. I read the timeline and it said now is the "my pants are tighter" phase. I have to confess I'm not pooping much. Need to research what might be going on there.
Post by: nottoolatetostart on April 02, 2017, 04:00:39 AM
With eating a lot more and getting more carbs, I felt better yesterday but still got a little headachy. Maybe I am eating something my body does not like though.
Went to a beautiful, vibrant, busy indoor market (one of the oldest in the country) yesterday about 30 min from my house and all the produce from the different vendors was so beautiful. I love where we live with all the farms around and makes me feel better connected to my community. I may go back Tuesday with my son when it reopens for more food to restock there (it's only open 3 days per week). I am very comfortable with the cooking aspect, I just wish I would feel better. I am truly super excited about new veg and meat CSA starting in a couple more weeks. Sorry for the rambling...
Watching Forks Over Knives on Netflix this weekend to support my Whole30 wellness program. Any other food/health movie recommendations (I watch while on treadmill)?
Post by: swick on April 02, 2017, 10:34:11 AM
Still no noticeable physical changes. I read the timeline and it said now is the "my pants are tighter" phase. I have to confess I'm not pooping much. Need to research what might be going on there.
Aww it is tough when you aren't feeling well, hope you get better and your nose gets a break! if you are not pooping as much it might be a couple of things, are you eating enough fiber and bulk? Also, are you getting enough healthy oils? The whoel 30 is suppose to be a higher fat program, not so much higher protein, sometimes people tend to replace the carbs with protein and not fat. Increasing coconut oil consumption will defintiyl help move things along, but you want to do it slowly, or you might go too far in the other direction.
Hi - on day 22 /12. I had a rough few days and after googling, perhaps I am either not eating enough or not getting enough carbs. I think perhaps it is blessing in disguise that I had a MSG-relapse since perhaps I am one of the few whose diets were so bad that 30 days is not long enough. I also think my food allergies or intolerances might be more significant than I thought. Honestly, many nights lately I haven't felt well and makes me question whether I felt better with my old diet versus this. I am committed to seeing this thing through, plus my blood tests are in 8-9 more days, when my original whole30 ends.
With eating a lot more and getting more carbs, I felt better yesterday but still got a little headachy. Maybe I am eating something my body does not like though.
Went to a beautiful, vibrant, busy indoor market (one of the oldest in the country) yesterday about 30 min from my house and all the produce from the different vendors was so beautiful. I love where we live with all the farms around and makes me feel better connected to my community. I may go back Tuesday with my son when it reopens for more food to restock there (it's only open 3 days per week). I am very comfortable with the cooking aspect, I just wish I would feel better. I am truly super excited about new veg and meat CSA starting in a couple more weeks. Sorry for the rambling...
Watching Forks Over Knives on Netflix this weekend to support my Whole30 wellness program. Any other food/health movie recommendations (I watch while on treadmill)?
Finding that carb balance can be tricky, if you are not going into keto but not eating enough carbs to keep burning glycogen than you can get into that flue like space.
It is very possible that you are also eating something that doesn;t agree with you that s allowed on whole 30. My mom didn't realized she had an issue with almonds until she did a whole 30. My suggestion would be do the reg Whoel 30, do reintro, and then if you feel you need to do an AIP or FODMAPs version (depending on what you think your problem foods might be) and go from there, it can take a while to figure out what is causing your issues. It is a process and a journey.
As far as doc's, I ususally just type whatever I'm curious about into Youtube. I watched a ton of different sugar documentries and such to maotivate me when I was still struggling with wanting to eat sugar. I still do when I feel I need a little more motivation :)
Post by: Weedy Acres on April 02, 2017, 07:15:58 PM
1. Drink lots of water. no problems there, that's my only beverage and I've been drinking extra since the cold started.
2. Get enough salt. I haven't skimped, but the last few meals I've tried to be more liberal with it.
3. Eat enough fat. I've been eating lots of avocado, clarified butter, bacon even. Cook my eggs in plentiful coconut oil. But the last few meals have really tried to pile it on.
4. Take magnesium. I prefer to stay away from pills, but may try this if I don't see more movement in the next day or so.
We had a church potluck today. I brought a compliant broccoli salad and some cut up chicken breast for my private portion of protein since I figured the rest of the dishes would have non-compliant stuff in them. I didn't get completely filled up (not enough fat), so was slightly tempted to grab a roll (pre-W30 behavior), but instead waited till we got home and make a baked potatoes drenched in clarified butter with half an avocado. It sure doesn't feel healthy to drench a potato in butter. :-). But I LOVE clarified butter.
Oh and i made mayo with light OO that I used in the broccoli salad. I'm not a mayo eater, so have questioned people that love it (figuring I wouldn't be one of them). It doesn't taste like bottled mayo. Instead it's a light, frothy, oily concoction. I'm going to make another batch this week and try seasoning it as an alternative fat for veggie dips or something.
Bracken, how did your first day go?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on April 02, 2017, 07:31:54 PM
Day 12 down. Did a lot of googling and the most frequent suggestions for constipation are:
1. Drink lots of water. no problems there, that's my only beverage and I've been drinking extra since the cold started.
2. Get enough salt. I haven't skimped, but the last few meals I've tried to be more liberal with it.
3. Eat enough fat. I've been eating lots of avocado, clarified butter, bacon even. Cook my eggs in plentiful coconut oil. But the last few meals have really tried to pile it on.
4. Take magnesium. I prefer to stay away from pills, but may try this if I don't see more movement in the next day or so.
We had a church potluck today. I brought a compliant broccoli salad and some cut up chicken breast for my private portion of protein since I figured the rest of the dishes would have non-compliant stuff in them. I didn't get completely filled up (not enough fat), so was slightly tempted to grab a roll (pre-W30 behavior), but instead waited till we got home and make a baked potatoes drenched in clarified butter with half an avocado. It sure doesn't feel healthy to drench a potato in butter. :-). But I LOVE clarified butter.
Oh and i made mayo with light OO that I used in the broccoli salad. I'm not a mayo eater, so have questioned people that love it (figuring I wouldn't be one of them). It doesn't taste like bottled mayo. Instead it's a light, frothy, oily concoction. I'm going to make another batch this week and try seasoning it as an alternative fat for veggie dips or something.
Bracken, how did your first day go?
Re: the constipation. I definitely find some light yoga can help move things along, and a little black coffee helps too.
First day:
Went well! Although I woke up with a hangover... what a way to start! I drank moderately, too, it was just throughout the afternoon/evening, and I had taken 3 weeks off drinking. Guess it hit me harder than I knew =\ So I didn't feel great this morning, but I took a short nap mid-morning and it helped a lot. Breakfast is easy, since it's what I always do, just ghee instead of butter. (Some bacon, 2 eggs, cooked in butter, then topped with hot sauce). Lunch we did a salad, and it worked really well! Did tuna, romaine, red onion, and kalamata olives, then I made a sorta salad nicoise vinaigrette- olive oil, red wine vinegar, mustard, garlic, thyme. The flavors came together really well, and DH loved it too, so this recipe will stick around. It was similar enough in flavor to greek salad that I'm hoping I don't pine for feta *too* much.
Dinner was less of a success. We wanted to give sweet potatoes a go. They're odd for me. I enjoy the taste as I eat them if they're fried (we did hashbrowns) but after I eat them I feel a little nauseous and the smell of them becomes incredibly revolting to me. I wanted to try them again and see if that had changed (it's been a few years since I've had them), but no go. I loved them as I ate them, but now I feel icky and the smell is getting to me. Ah well, it'll be white potatoes for the long haul then.
Definitely a bit of the day 1 "how is this hard?". Other than doing sweet potatoes instead of rice with the pork and asparagus tonight, the food we ate is what we normally would eat. Oh, and I'm still mourning the cream in my coffee. I checked 3 stores, and none of them carry that creamer swick linked =( But I *want* it, haha.
Onwards to day 2. Days 3-4 will be hard, since I work (long hours) one day then DH is out of town for the next day.
Post by: Trifle on April 03, 2017, 03:26:09 AM
No allergy symptoms at all, so that piece is going great.
Post by: ketchup on April 03, 2017, 01:16:51 PM
Watching Forks Over Knives on Netflix this weekend to support my Whole30 wellness program. Any other food/health movie recommendations (I watch while on treadmill)?Heh, Forks Over Knives isn't exactly compatible with the Whole30 ethos, but it can always be good to seek out differing opinions.
Post by: Weedy Acres on April 03, 2017, 08:54:59 PM
When does the tiger blood kick in?
Post by: swick on April 03, 2017, 10:10:42 PM
Day 13--check. A magnesium supplement with dinner seemed to get me moving again. Or else my body is in a new every-three-days cycle. Tomorrow will tell.
When does the tiger blood kick in?
Way to go on Day 13! Here is the timeline:http://whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/ (http://whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/) but it is variable, it depends on a lot of different factors.
How is everyone else doing? Wins? Challenges? Realizations?
Post by: Mezzie on April 04, 2017, 06:05:42 AM
Post by: Bracken_Joy on April 05, 2017, 08:59:22 AM
Um, anyway. If anyone is struggling with creamer, or wants a cheaper home option, I would recommend giving it a try. I think he did roughly 50/50.
We're on day 4 now, pretty sure. So far so good. I miss my dark chocolate squares- I would usually grab one along with brazil nuts or walnuts before the whole 30. (I always try to eat some brazil nuts after a fish meal- selenium to chelate the mercury and all that jazz. I really just need to get to the point where I like sardines like DH does, instead of doing tuna. At least I've moved to skipjack from albacore! But I digress).
One recipe I was *really* happy with: paleo egg cups. I took the leftovers of the shredded pork (basically this recipe without the chipotles en adobo since mine aren't compliant: http://www.skinnytaste.com/instant-pot-pork-carnitas-mexican/ (http://www.skinnytaste.com/instant-pot-pork-carnitas-mexican/)) and then I used the leftover shredded sweet potato to quickly heat on the stove until the potato was softened. Then I did this recipe: http://stupideasypaleo.com/2013/06/10/paleo-carnitas-egg-muffins/ (http://stupideasypaleo.com/2013/06/10/paleo-carnitas-egg-muffins/) This is a life saver, because even though I'm only working one day a week right now, it's super limited on food choices. No breaks, I have to be able to eat one handed without refrigeration and I have to be able to drop and pick up the food as needed as I do other things. It's also a long day (11 hours) and physically active so I need tons of fuel. In the past, this was my day for sandwiches. The only time we ate bread. But these egg cups fit the bill really nicely.
Hard to say on energy levels so far. Yesterday I was exhausted, but my patient was being just... awful. And I never stopped moving. So that may have been why. Still, I nearly missed something that isn't like me (couldn't find a med bottle that was right in front of my face), so there's a chance I was flagging due to the whole30. Today is my rest day though. Only day of the week with no work, no workout, no major house work (mopping/mowing/etc). So I'm opting for 'active recovery' today- lots of dog cuddles, a good walk if it's sunny, and hopefully a nap =)
DH might have to break his whole 30 today. He out of town for work and going to a work dinner. Definitely the sort of environment where, if he doesn't have a beer, it will be Noticed. He can try and play the health angle (everyone thinks he's a fitness nut already), but if he has a rough day I'm guessing he won't want the drama. And since he left at 4:30 this morning and won't be home until ~midnight? Yeah... not good odds. It's okay though, he's mainly doing the whole 30 to support me, and he plans on just restarting his counter. I'll need to be slow with my re-intro anyway, so I'll just have an extended whole 30 if it comes to that =)
Post by: Weedy Acres on April 05, 2017, 09:27:00 PM
Sorry to hear you didn't learn much new from your W30. I'm starting to wonder if it'll be that way for me too, though I don't have the health problems you're trying to solve.
Days 14 and 15 are done. I'm a bit better on the constipation front but don't know if I'm out of the woods yet.
I'm traveling again. And this time not staying in a place with a kitchen, and also have an all day meeting tomorrow. Had a very short layover thanks to a delayed flight, so not much time to figure out dinner. I ended up buying a big dish of steamed veggies at Sbarro. Not a template meal, but at least it was compliant.
Bracken: I might try those egg cups. I've made an 18-egg frittata a couple times, but. 9x13 pan of eggs takes forever to cook. The muffin tin thing looks like a good variant.
Post by: Hotstreak on April 05, 2017, 11:08:28 PM
We're on day 4 now, pretty sure. So far so good. I miss my dark chocolate squares- I would usually grab one along with brazil nuts or walnuts before the whole 30. (I always try to eat some brazil nuts after a fish meal- selenium to chelate the mercury and all that jazz.
Here's an old, fun post on whole30.com about chocolate http://whole30.com/2013/12/great-cocoa-debate/ . I eat 100% Chocolate bars as part of my regular diet, with nuts just like you do. I usually get Bakers brand but Ghirardelli makes one too. They're almost entirely fat, are very bitter, and pack a good portion of anti-oxidants. It is VERY hard to over eat this stuff as it tends to stick to the roof of the mouth if you eat too much. Might be worth buying a bar to check out.
Post by: ketchup on April 06, 2017, 10:36:30 AM
I eat 100% Baker's chocolate routinely too. My co-workers think I'm crazy.We're on day 4 now, pretty sure. So far so good. I miss my dark chocolate squares- I would usually grab one along with brazil nuts or walnuts before the whole 30. (I always try to eat some brazil nuts after a fish meal- selenium to chelate the mercury and all that jazz.
Here's an old, fun post on whole30.com about chocolate http://whole30.com/2013/12/great-cocoa-debate/ . I eat 100% Chocolate bars as part of my regular diet, with nuts just like you do. I usually get Bakers brand but Ghirardelli makes one too. They're almost entirely fat, are very bitter, and pack a good portion of anti-oxidants. It is VERY hard to over eat this stuff as it tends to stick to the roof of the mouth if you eat too much. Might be worth buying a bar to check out.
Post by: Bracken_Joy on April 06, 2017, 11:42:49 AM
Bracken: I might try those egg cups. I've made an 18-egg frittata a couple times, but. 9x13 pan of eggs takes forever to cook. The muffin tin thing looks like a good variant.
I have silicone muffin liners which are reusable and just wonderful. Otherwise if the eggs stick it's a nightmare. Foil cups also work pretty well, but I've found regular muffin liners, and/or just greasing the pan, to be a messy proposition. You're forewarned =P
I eat 100% Baker's chocolate routinely too. My co-workers think I'm crazy.We're on day 4 now, pretty sure. So far so good. I miss my dark chocolate squares- I would usually grab one along with brazil nuts or walnuts before the whole 30. (I always try to eat some brazil nuts after a fish meal- selenium to chelate the mercury and all that jazz.
Here's an old, fun post on whole30.com about chocolate http://whole30.com/2013/12/great-cocoa-debate/ . I eat 100% Chocolate bars as part of my regular diet, with nuts just like you do. I usually get Bakers brand but Ghirardelli makes one too. They're almost entirely fat, are very bitter, and pack a good portion of anti-oxidants. It is VERY hard to over eat this stuff as it tends to stick to the roof of the mouth if you eat too much. Might be worth buying a bar to check out.
I'll definitely look into this. We've been doing the "dark chocolate lover's" by trader joe's, it's 85%, but it's got soy lecithin in it. No bueno =(
Reading that, though, since we're not "carb addicted choco-holics", I think we'd be fine. We've gone for *years* just have 1 or 2 of those tiny TJ's squares every day. I have literally never binged on chocolate (as an adult). Sweet tooth/sugar dragon isn't my issue at all, and isn't why I'm doing the whole 30. It's funny, because I didn't even think about cocoa powder possibly being verboten. I used it to make a "psuedo mocha" to replace my usual homemade dairy calorie-bomb I drink on the way to work, to hold me over in case the shift is the apocalypse incarnate, haha.
Dang, I was just at the grocery store, shoulda picked up 100% chocolate then. I can eat more nuts if I do it with chocolate. And for me that's a good thing, haha, I sometimes struggle to get enough calories given my activity level and height.
Oh, and update: still going well, DH didn't have to break his streak yesterday since the work dinner was cancelled. HOWEVER. I noticed that there's sulfites in our lemon juice >.< Which I've been using in all sorts of dressings and chimichurri and such. Picked up fresh lemons today, but just... ugh, not sure how to proceed.
Post by: Weedy Acres on April 06, 2017, 07:50:07 PM
M1: hard boiled eggs and banana from bfast bar. Nothing else compliant
M2: ordered in for meeting, salad with chicken and oil/vinegar dressing.
M3: well, since they booked me in a hotel not in walking distance of anything edible (plus it's rainy and windy and 36 degrees), I faced a 7:30 pm choice of taking an Uber to a restaurant and hassling with finding something compliant or eating what I had stashed for my early pre-flight breakfast for tomorrow. So dinner was 3 hardboiled eggs, a banana, and the last of my emergency nut stash.
Blech.
Did I mention I had a 3rd trip just added to my schedule during W30? Fortunately this one is to a city where I can stay with a sister and control what I eat.
Post by: Trifle on April 07, 2017, 04:11:31 AM
Post by: nottoolatetostart on April 09, 2017, 04:42:06 AM
Update: day 29 / 19 for me. Tomorrow is my blood test if I get my act together before I have a sip of coffee (need to fast) otherwise it can be Tuesdsy or Wednesday. I stepped on scale this morning (my first time this month). Weighing 137.2 or 137.4 (I don't remember), so I did lose about 5-6 lbs, without exercising other than walks around neighborhood. I definitely have aversion to eggs that seemed to strengthen throughout the month. :0( I have been feeling better once I just avoided eggs. The last few days have been tough, but thankfully I have my blood test to keep me motivated. I miss my life with eggs - homemade mayo, hardboiled eggs, egg this, egg that. So delicious! Oh well. What's weird is that I am thinking a bit about sugary cupcakes and such, but really I want a SANDWICH with some really thick crusty chewy fancy bread, red leaf lettuce, tomato, and turkey.
The good news is that I think that I would splurge on it, not in my own kitchen (I make a GREAT) bread, but at one of those artsy craft kitchen type places. This is a big change for me to wait to have this decadence ONLY if it is the real deal and exactly what I want, rather than a thoughtless, mindless snack. Huge win!
I don't think I will make it to the full 30 after my MSG issue (so no day 40 / 30) because of Easter. My local pasture had an Easter ham order and it has sugar in the ingredients. I ordered it anyway. But it is nitrate free, free range, pasture, himalayan salt, etc. So I might have "indulgent" Easter but be back on Whole 30 lifestyle the next day. I am calling it good enough if I keep my changes up. Otherwise, I will redo another Whole30 after our trip to FL. But I foresee, assuming my blood work concurs, continuing like this. I generally want to stay away from sugar...it is a slippery slope for me and bananas taste plenty sweet.
I still have no Tiger blood, but I have read that people get it after Whole 30 if they had poor diets. What is great that other than when I am HUNGRY (like my stomach growling hungry), I don't really think about food. I feel more even keeled. My sleep makes so much more of a difference on Whole30. Yesterday, I slept poorly and was kind of headachy all day. Last night, I got exactly 8 perfect hours of sleep and I expect to feel great today. Coffee midday is generally too much caffeine for my system now (I get sort of shaky). So I am seeing changes like that.
My doctor's appointment is next week, so I can't wait for my blood test results. He was very concerned when I last saw him with my blood work, so I will definitely post back on if this Whole 30 made a difference in my blood work.
Sorry I have not posted much as I have been busy with life and refinancing our mortgage (we are kind of officially FI once the funds settle on Wednesday! Woo hoo!). I think of you guys! Thank you so much for everything.
Post by: Bergal on April 09, 2017, 05:43:36 AM
After my W45 ends, I want to continue to stay off dairy and keep my alcohol and sugar consumption low. It's so great to have this community here as a place to vent and keep things in check.
Post by: Bracken_Joy on April 09, 2017, 06:40:26 AM
Update for me: We started last Sunday, and we're on Sunday again. First the 'failure'. Yesterday I was out with DH and stuck in a waiting room and got super nauseous (happens sometimes early in the day, esp if I couldn't get through enough breakfast) and so I grabbed my emergency Larabar- forgot I hadn't swapped it in my purse for a compliant one. It was one of the coconut chocolate chip ones, so it had some added sugar. I'm not too fussed about it to be honest. I wasn't craving the chocolate and went for it because of that- it was just what I happened to have as my 'emergency food protocol'. No rebound sugar cravings later in the day or anything like that.
Now the 'success'. I had only committed to one week without rice, in case it was just too hard to plan around the carbs thing. Luckily, I found the miracle of little red potatoes. These puppies are 25g carbs apiece, and I can easily eat 3 at a meal- so roughly what I was getting with rice. So I've been doing those with one meal per day, generally dinner, and usually a higher fat/lower carb salad for lunch, and with fruit as my mid-day mini-meal (sometimes with almond butter, or with nuts). Blood sugar seems to be doing well, and it's not too hard to plan meals around them, so I'll probably stick to the 'no rice' plan. I decided to skip my run yesterday though, since I'll be in the car for so long today- I didn't want to get super stiff and miserable. But yesterday DH and I did help my BIL move, and we were totally fine the whole time- no issues moving big heavy stuff. I'm super grateful we haven't hit any of the crappy feelings, exhaustion, any of that. I guess because it hasn't been a radical departure from our usual? I don't know. Either that or it will slay me next week ;) Stay tuned.
Really glad you guys are here. I really appreciate this thread.
Post by: Weedy Acres on April 09, 2017, 07:51:47 PM
Days 17-19 have been same old same old. I decided to cut out nuts for a few days just to see if it made a difference. On the forums they often tell people to cut out nuts if they feel bloated. I wasn't particularly bloated, just decided to do a small experiment. No difference. Still not pooping as regularly as before. But still that's the only difference physically I've felt since starting this. No crashes, no tiger blood, no better sleep.
I've always said I had an iron gut...maybe it's really true. Maybe tiger blood is my natural state and I didn't realize it. Hmmm. In any case I guess re-intro will really tell.
I do miss bread. And popcorn.
Post by: Trifle on April 10, 2017, 03:47:20 AM
that's the only difference physically I've felt since starting this. No crashes, no tiger blood, no better sleep.
I've always said I had an iron gut...maybe it's really true. Maybe tiger blood is my natural state and I didn't realize it. Hmmm. In any case I guess re-intro will really tell.
I do miss bread. And popcorn.
I'm with you WeedyAcres. I just got Day 24 of the W30/AIP in the bag, and I am concluding that tiger blood is my natural state, and these last 3+ weeks have been a very painful experiment. Cannot wait to start re-introduction... Hoping I learn lots of things. Though I am afraid that I may be about to say goodbye forever to some old friends, like tomatoes . . . [sob!]. My favorite food of all is tomatoes (see avatar and forum name -- that's a delicious tomato variety).
Post by: 1967mama on April 11, 2017, 12:38:53 AM
Watching Forks Over Knives on Netflix this weekend to support my Whole30 wellness program. Any other food/health movie recommendations (I watch while on treadmill)?Heh, Forks Over Knives isn't exactly compatible with the Whole30 ethos, but it can always be good to seek out differing opinions.
I don't know if its on Netflix, but "That Sugar Film" is excellent!
Post by: Weedy Acres on April 11, 2017, 07:31:44 PM
Days 19 and 20 are checked off the list. The timeline says this is when food boredom sets in, but I don't have that issue. In fact I've got pork chops and a roast waiting their turn in the fridge to be cooked, and I'm going to try homemade sausage tomorrow.
Of course I haven't had weird food dreams either.
Post by: nottoolatetostart on April 11, 2017, 08:15:10 PM
Post by: Bracken_Joy on April 12, 2017, 09:45:30 AM
Made it through Whole30! Blood taken this morning for next week's appointment. Today was day 31 and I didn't eat a single sweet or beer or wine. I was ok - eating food for fuel. Success!
Woohoo!! You made it =) Good job.
Upcoming challenge for us: easter dinner. In-laws want to go out. They always make it a Huge Thing if we are doing anything with our eating, and poor husband hears about it for *weeks* afterwards. (I think because he was pretty overweight when we got together, and now he is in incredible shape, and they see it as rejecting their 'food culture' (aka restaurants and kraft mac n cheese) plus I think that they think that we think we're bette than them.) Anyway, the restaurant is some fancy italian place, so I feel like odds of 'sneaking in' a compliant meal are pretty non-existant. DH and I are talking about just giving up for that meal and resetting the Whole30 counter. We're not having any problems eating this way- in fact, DH is a huge fan. Wants to get up to 4 different week's meal plans so we can keep most of this long term. Personally, I just want rice and half and half for my coffee back ;) Everything else I'm fine with as a baseline.
Resetting the counter could be a good idea anyway, considering I almost certainly 'failed' on Sunday at the baby shower, particularly with the diary elimination- pretty sure the frittatas were done with butter, not ghee. And I did have a canker sore the next day and an acne flare- not sure if that was from the food, or the stress related to going to a baby shower when you haven't been able to conceive for almost a year and 10 hours of driving to do it, lol.
Post by: Weedy Acres on April 13, 2017, 08:21:38 PM
Bracken: people who "insist" on making me do something I don't want typically make me dig my heels in, not cave. Why should you accommodate them? Can you offer to cook instead, and make a fabulous compliant Easter spread?
I'm done with days 21 & 22. I decided to completely eliminate fruit for 5 days, just to see if it changed anything. I've been eating above the W30 RDA because I love fruit. Of course, day 1 of this I find huge pineapples on sale for $1.99. Bought a couple to ripen on the counter. They'll keep till 5 days are up. :-)
Post by: Mezzie on April 14, 2017, 07:46:42 AM
Post by: Bracken_Joy on April 14, 2017, 08:00:09 AM
Congrats nottolate!! What's your plan for re-intro?
Bracken: people who "insist" on making me do something I don't want typically make me dig my heels in, not cave. Why should you accommodate them? Can you offer to cook instead, and make a fabulous compliant Easter spread?
I'm done with days 21 & 22. I decided to completely eliminate fruit for 5 days, just to see if it changed anything. I've been eating above the W30 RDA because I love fruit. Of course, day 1 of this I find huge pineapples on sale for $1.99. Bought a couple to ripen on the counter. They'll keep till 5 days are up. :-)
So are you day 2 of the fruit elimination? I'm curious how that goes for you!
Re: easter dinner. It's a 'pick my battles' situation. I don't have a great relationship with my in-laws really, we are all just *very* different people. But DH works for the family business, so playing nice is kinda a requirement upon occasion. They don't live near us anymore, so we haven't seen MIL in a couple months. They're just over for the afternoon, and MIL really wants to take the whole family out to Fancy Restaurant.
Added bonus is this keeps my very destructive druggy BIL out of our home. When we hosted Christmas, he brought people we didn't know, they all reeked of cigarette smoke, and then he passed out on the couch. So NOT hosting is actually pretty awesome for Easter.
So anyway, having to reset the timer after 2 weeks is preferable to the actual hosting, and saves months of rude, weird, passive aggressive, and inappropriate questions and comments.
Anyway, we're on day 13 I'm pretty sure. So far so good. I made a second meal plan and accompanying grocery list, so we'll rotate our plan for next week. I *did* talk to Friend who's baby shower it was. The frittatas were not made with butter, but the pans were greased with Pam. That's mainly canola oil (fine), but has soy lecitihin. I know I have issues with soy, so *maybe* that was the cause of the canker sore/acne flare? Or, like I said, could have just been stress, hard to say.
We eat a lot of potatoes on whole30 =P We're half way through our second 10lb bag, plus a couple sweet potatoes (I don't mind them in pork egg cups), so that means we do more than a pound of potatoes each day. (3-4 small red potatoes each per day is what that works out to). It's really interesting, I have found I have a major mental hangup about potatoes. Rice never equaled unhealthy to me. But potatoes equal unhealthy, because potato chips and french fries and all these things I avoid. Anyway, it's just really interesting, because white rice generally has a higher glycemic index than white potatoes (although apparently it depends on the person pretty significantly). Definitely a bias I noticed in myself.
Re: activity. I've still been doing well on my runs. I just finished week 9 of the couch to 10k, so 4 cycles of 10min run, 1 min walk. As usual, I am ravenous after my runs, but the potatoes seem to do a good job of getting me the carbs I'm craving.
If it's a *truly* fancy Italian place, they should be able to make you compliant food, no problem. Those restaurants are often my go-tos for safe gluten-free food. It doesn't all have to be pasta and cream sauces. :)
It still involves asking for modifications in front of my in-laws, which is what I want to avoid.
Post by: Weedy Acres on April 15, 2017, 08:19:04 PM
I've also been low energy for a couple days. I planted 45 berry bushes and I just was not moving very fast. Again, don't know if it's food related, but there it is. I am eating template, with varied veggies, and including starchy stuff (white and sweet potatoes) so the only thing different is the fruit.
I'm getting on a plane tomorrow for yet another quick trip. I warned my sister that I'm eating clean, so I may be cooking my own meals on the side. But at least I won't have eating out to figure out.
Good luck with Easter, Bracken!
Post by: nottoolatetostart on April 16, 2017, 05:10:37 AM
Post by: Trifle on April 16, 2017, 06:03:36 AM
It turned out to be easier for me not to even try to make recipes or anything with my 10 items. I actually pared down the list, and for the past two weeks have only eaten five things. I pretty much ate the same thing every meal, and that made it easier mentally.
Reintroduction is going to be in order of things I feel like will probably be ok -- grains, dairy. Then start on the things I am pretty sure are going to be problems -- tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, berries. Eggs I am not sure. Probably do those in the middle.
Thanks for the support everyone. Congrats to you too Nottoolate!
Post by: Bracken_Joy on April 16, 2017, 07:49:36 AM
Bracken - can you let them know you are monitoring things because of doctor's orders? Or you have upcoming bloodwork? That worked for me (but I actually did have blood tests coming up). Would that help with ordering? I found that people were more accomdating if they knew it was for bloodwork vs some "fad diet", if that makes sense. Good luck. My MIL watches food like a hawk and makes comments.
Nope. I've tried this before. MIL is really health illiterate, and I'm a nurse. She gets drunk, keeps trying to ask me questions about my health (super super prying type things) then that turns into 'you shouldn't have kids' or 'when are you having kids' or 'will my grandkids be #$*#*ed up too' type comments. Definitely not worth it.
We broke the whole30 on our own terms yesterday by going and getting a drink with my BIL. Will restart tomorrow.
I appreciate everyone's attempts, but this isn't something I need advice on fixing. Doing the whole30 is much, much easier than giving my MIL easy ammo. We're just going to restart the whole30. It's a bit annoying, but not the end of the world. Some battles just aren't worth it.
Done with the "ultra" AIP!! What a month. Although this last week has been much easier, and I feel better. I even went running yesterday, first time in a month and it felt ok.
It turned out to be easier for me not to even try to make recipes or anything with my 10 items. I actually pared down the list, and for the past two weeks have only eaten five things. I pretty much ate the same thing every meal, and that made it easier mentally.
Reintroduction is going to be in order of things I feel like will probably be ok -- grains, dairy. Then start on the things I am pretty sure are going to be problems -- tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, berries. Eggs I am not sure. Probably do those in the middle.
Thanks for the support everyone. Congrats to you too Nottoolate!
Wow, I'm glad you could thrive on such a reduced menu! That's awesome. I always admire people who can do that. Out of curiosity, what have you been eating?
Good luck with your reintro! And good job!
Post by: Trifle on April 16, 2017, 02:07:02 PM
Post by: jordanread on April 16, 2017, 04:41:14 PM
[...] for the past two weeks I have eaten only bacon [...] I think "thrive" is toostrongweak a word,:)[...]
FTFY
Post by: Bracken_Joy on April 17, 2017, 08:08:27 AM
Day 14/1, started.
Post by: Weedy Acres on April 17, 2017, 09:46:33 PM
Easy peasy to eat W30 while here. And I'm still feeling the same. The tough part will be the airport travel home, as it's about 12 hrs from door to door. I'll have emergency carrots and nuts with me, and will try and find decent food in airports.
Bracken: congrats for surviving the Easter dinner with the in laws.
Trifele: how's the re-intro going?
Post by: Trifle on April 18, 2017, 04:52:31 AM
Trifele: how's the re-intro going?
Going well thanks! I did dairy first, and I don't notice anything yet. No symptoms. Not sure how "kosher" this is, but I am doing a quicker reintro with the things I am pretty sure are fine -- one day on, two days off. With the other things I am doing a slower reintro -- two days on, three days off.
Post by: nottoolatetostart on April 19, 2017, 07:33:05 AM
Bracken - you know what is best for you and your interaction with MIL.
Weedy - I hope your travel goes well. You win prize for most difficult time staying W30 compliant
Update:
BLOOD TESTS ARE IN!!!!!!
Drum roll please. I previously had 2 other tests done in Dec 2014 and June 2015 - so about 2 yrs ago. Last week's blood work was day 30 or 31 of whole 30, I forget off top of my head.
Previously total cholesterol was 208 and 226, respectively. Results last week: 192. I am no longer considered high! Note that I have family history of high cholesterol, which is what prompted me to do W30 and knowing that I had bloodwork tests is what kept me going when I felt like giving up on W30 when I was not feeling well or boredom of W30. W
LDL previously "calculated": 133 and 133, respectively. Last week 119. Google says "calculated" LDL is based on total and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. So a 10% decrease
HDL previously: 56 and 68, respectively. Last week: 61
Non HDL Chol: 152 and 158, respectively. Last week: 131
Cholesterol ratio to HDL: previously 4 and 3, respectively. Last week, stayed at 3
Trigylecrides (sp): previously 93 and 125. Last week: 59! About cut in half.
All in all, moved in right direction! It was only 30 days, so I would hope to see even better results after 60 days, 120 days, 180 days, etc. Plus, other than walking for errands, I did no exercise (my usual) so this was entirely diet driven.
What's funny is that my favorite W30 food is probably ground beef and I consumed a lot of red meat. Doctor commented that my low trigylcerides meant that I was not eating a lot of fatty foods....hehehe.
Hope this helps others! I am super pumped!
Post by: Weedy Acres on April 19, 2017, 08:51:09 PM
Awesome test results, nottolate! That's a good reminder for me that I need to do an "after" on mine too.
Which will be FRIDAY!! I've just got one more day to go. I have to admit that I'm ready to be done. It's tiring to stay on plan when you can't cook for yourself. I'll do a summary of my stuff after I weigh and measure and blood test. And I am curious on the results of reintro, though not expecting much since I didn't really feel different.
I am back on fruit again. My body thanked me. :-)
Post by: thatgirlwholaughs on April 20, 2017, 03:04:31 AM
Post by: Trifle on April 20, 2017, 04:13:19 AM
Post by: Weedy Acres on April 20, 2017, 06:03:21 AM
Quick question -- So I just did my first reintro (dairy) with no problems. Do I leave dairy in as I move on to the second one? Or drop it again? Thanks!
You drop it. Each reintro is strict W30 + the one item or food group you're testing. That's why you wait a couple days between them. To get "clean" again.
Post by: Trifle on April 20, 2017, 07:10:34 AM
Quick question -- So I just did my first reintro (dairy) with no problems. Do I leave dairy in as I move on to the second one? Or drop it again? Thanks!
You drop it. Each reintro is strict W30 + the one item or food group you're testing. That's why you wait a couple days between them. To get "clean" again.
Got it. Thanks!
Post by: Weedy Acres on April 22, 2017, 09:57:28 AM
Results:
Lost 6 lbs, 1.5" on my waist and 1/2" on most of my other measurements. Happy with that, as belly's slightly less rounded. Still have more to go there (~10-15 lbs).
Body fat down from 30% to 27.7%.
Cholesterol (I did fasting blood test yesterday):
Measure Before After Good/Normal
Triglycerides 83 52 0-149
HDL 71 81 >39
VLDL 17 10 5-40
LDL 142 139 0-99
Total 230 230 100-199
So I rocked it on dropping my triglycerides & VLDL (related), and bumped up my HDL, all good. But my LDL is still pretty stubborn, keeping my total cholesterol in the high range. There's a genetic component to that in my family, but I still want to figure out how low I can get it with diet.
NSVs: other than cholesterol, zip, nada, none. Just one anti-NSV, that of more irregular BMs. No tiger blood (guess I already have good energy), no better sleeping (still wake up once/night), no reduction in hot flashes (not too bad, but recurring).
So I've moved on to re-intro. Picked dairy yesterday. Put cheese on my M1 egg/veggie/sausage scramble. No impact. Had a yogurt with M2 and had a short-lived, very mild headache, but that could have been because the yogurt had been in my fridge for over a month and it didn't really "go" with my lunch, I just forced the dairy to do the re-intro. May test that again. Then for M3 mashed potatoes with butter, sour cream, and milk. No noticeable impact, but pooped normal this morning. So maybe lack of dairy was messing up my elimination. We'll see.
Mr. Weedy, who's been on-again off-again on W30 (eats what I make when home, eats junk when he travels) drank a much-missed glass of milk with dinner and had a big stomach gurgle an hour later. He also said he ate McD yesterday and had bad diarrhea, so commented "I can't eat McD anymore." Since he hasn't been real compliant, I don't know that his assessment is accurate, but if that'll get him to knock off the junk, so be it. He also said he's down to his smallest belt hole. And he's not a big guy.
Post by: Bracken_Joy on April 22, 2017, 10:19:48 AM
We're plugging away. Let's see, day... 6 of our restart. So like 22/6 I guess then? Something like that.
Today will be an interest test though, having friends by and going out to the march for science, so hoping we stick to the plan. We'll make dinner for our friends after, is the game plan. For anyone curious, I posted a couple of our meal plans on my journal: https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/journals/roughest-mustachian-on-the-nicest-block/msg1520862/#msg1520862 (https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/journals/roughest-mustachian-on-the-nicest-block/msg1520862/#msg1520862)
Post by: Weedy Acres on April 23, 2017, 07:57:59 PM
M1: waffles. No problems. Side note: our traditional Sunday breakfast is waffles with peaches or strawberries, ice cream, and melted chocolate. I've sorely missed them this past month. But I stayed true to the single-category re-intro. Next week we'll do the whole thing.
M2: had pasta salad alongside our burgers and sweet potatoes. Had a handful of grapes at the end, and it think that combo gave me a bout of diarrhea. :-(
M3: had a slice of toast with clarified butter. About an hour later had a mild, short-lived headache. Perhaps too much gluten in the day?
I feel a bit like I'm forcing more of the re-intro'd food than I'd normally eat. Kind of like the yogurt for lunch a couple days ago. They say to do the food at all 3 meals. Is that to be a bit extreme so you make sure to push the limits? I contemplated the slow roll, one food at a time, because it's more like I'd probably have the food, but I don't want to wait forever to have my waffles & ice cream back. Or to have to endure another 100% compliant travel, which I've got coming up in another week.
So I guess I'll plow ahead. I should say I've also let trace sugar back in. Like the burger seasoning had some dextrose in it. Nothing major yet.
Trifele: any new discoveries with your re-intro? Have you tested tomatoes yet?
Post by: N on April 23, 2017, 11:54:07 PM
I keep telling myself that Im starting another W30, but then I blow it, cant even get one day in. Ive really got to just do it. I think overall, my meal choices are good, its snacking that gets me. Cravings. Tomorrow is Monday, and Im going to do some bulk cooking to have things ready to grab and make meals easier. Ill report back soon! Wish me luck :)
N
(havent been on the thread for a while. as a recap: did my first W30 in September '16, did a second one a couple months later. have been off and on compliant since. Have lost around 46 lbs since last fall. Still have significant amount of weight I would like to lose, but also I do have physical reactions to foods, and the w30 makes me feel great.)
Post by: N on April 25, 2017, 11:43:13 PM
Post by: Weedy Acres on April 26, 2017, 07:00:31 PM
M1: had oatmeal, plus a couple eggs+spinach to try and maintain a template-ish meal.
M2: tortilla chips and salsa as a side dish.
M3: made some yummy pecan rice to go with my steak and Brussels sprouts.
No noticeable physical impact. So I guess I'm ok with corn, oats and rice.
I'm trying to figure out if you add something back in, what does it push off your plate? Does anyone know?
N: I love the chips with fresh salsa or guac too. Some people dip veggies instead of chips. Have you tried that?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on April 26, 2017, 07:07:07 PM
Post by: Trifle on April 27, 2017, 03:34:38 AM
Wheat didn't produce any of the allergy symptoms I'd been having (hives, red itchy skin and eyes) but it made me feel bloated and a little crappy. Lesson -- either eliminate or eat very little wheat. Body does not like it somehow. I'm fine with that -- I can live without it.
Starting on eggs today. Very curious about this one.
Post by: Trifle on April 29, 2017, 05:44:45 AM
WTH? I have always eaten eggs and how could I not know this?
This is a bummer, as I relied on eggs for cheap healthy protein (we have our own chickens!), but I am very glad to know it. Eggs are now out for good. The W30 AIP has been worth it just for this one result alone.
Post by: Bracken_Joy on April 29, 2017, 08:51:03 AM
Whoa Nellie! Had my first interesting result on the re-intros. Eggs are a big problem. No itching/hives, but I got fairly severe nausea, general feelings of sickness. Crystal clear message from my body that I should not be eating those.
WTH? I have always eaten eggs and how could I not know this?
This is a bummer, as I relied on eggs for cheap healthy protein (we have our own chickens!), but I am very glad to know it. Eggs are now out for good. The W30 AIP has been worth it just for this one result alone.
WOW. Glad you got an answer! Even if it's *really* not a fun one. =( But hey, actionable! That's awesome.
Post by: Weedy Acres on April 29, 2017, 03:51:32 PM
I re-intro'd legumes today. Had a handful of "clean" peanuts at breakfast and felt a tad headachy all morning. Ate some veggies with hummus at lunch and it got worse, plus I had some stomach gurgling. I decided to hold off on black beans with dinner so I can get back to feeling normal first. I don't eat many legumes other than peanuts so I don't much care if I never eat chickpeas again. But it was unexpected.
So technically my re-intro is done. I want to test a few more things, though. My "further investigation" list is:
Bread
Peanuts/peanut butter
Black beans
I want to try them in a more normal setting, as I'd typically eat them, rather than forced into 3 meals. I'm going to go ahead and let dairy and non gluten grains back in to regular rotation, and test the others again.
I'm also curious about soy, so will probably cook my eggs in soybean oil sometime next week.
I do know that sugar gives me headaches (knew before W30) especially in more concentrated forms. I ate a single bite of going-away cake last week and felt headachy. And it wasn't that great tasting, so not worth it.
I'm traveling yet again next week, and my plan is to eat template-ish, no desserts or sweets, and without worrying about oils used or trace sugar in ingredients.
I am putting ice cream on my waffles tomorrow morning. :-)))))
Post by: Trifle on April 30, 2017, 03:44:39 AM
I am putting ice cream on my waffles tomorrow morning. :-)))))
Congrats on nearing the end Weedy Acres, and I like how you eat breakfast. :)
Post by: Trifle on April 30, 2017, 06:08:07 AM
Whoa Nellie! Had my first interesting result on the re-intros. Eggs are a big problem. No itching/hives, but I got fairly severe nausea, general feelings of sickness. Crystal clear message from my body that I should not be eating those.
WTH? I have always eaten eggs and how could I not know this?
This is a bummer, as I relied on eggs for cheap healthy protein (we have our own chickens!), but I am very glad to know it. Eggs are now out for good. The W30 AIP has been worth it just for this one result alone.
WOW. Glad you got an answer! Even if it's *really* not a fun one. =( But hey, actionable! That's awesome.
Thanks, Bracken_Joy -- I agree. Better to know and deal with it!
Post by: Bracken_Joy on April 30, 2017, 07:40:00 AM
Neighbors invited us over for a game night, as they were having some friends over. Husband talked to me ahead of time and we decided he was going to go off whole30 and have a beer. He was only ever doing it to support me, and really wanted the beer+social outlet. (They've bonded over beer in the past, and we rightly guessed that neighbor would have gotten a special beer for him to try).
Anyway, we didn't realize once stuff got pulled of the grill we would all sit down and eat together. And since I was playing with hostess' kiddo, she made me a plate. And a glass of wine. And she so, so sweetly didn't get any grains, and there was no soy.... but she forgot about the dairy and TBH I just wasn't going to mention it. She was being so kind and we're *really* trying to nurture this friendship.
I know, fundamentally, that's all excuses. And it's absurd really, since dairy was my main question mark going into the whole30. So far I feel fine. (It was a fair bit of dairy though- like, a cream sauce for the asparagus and meat, and lots of cream and butter on the asparagus. And then a glass of red wine. Again, I wasn't going to reject it- it was a local Pinot that they saved from their wedding from the vineyard where they got married to open for the party).
Maybe my view will change as time goes on, but as it stands right now, I can't picture doing a SECOND half way restart in a row. I think I might just finish out this w30 like nothing happened, and give it a break. That'll still mean like 40-45 days of whole 30 with 2 disturbances. I imagine we'll come back and try for a perfect one at some point, but I'm running out of steam for heavy avoidance. As you can see, things like dinner parties I don't do well with haha. And that's normally our approach- we do great at home, and one on one with friends, but larger groups and families we just normally don't fuss about it.
Post by: Weedy Acres on May 07, 2017, 07:12:54 AM
@Trifele: any more findings on the re-intro front?
@Bracken: I'm sure you can still learn stuff from an imperfect W30. I think the biggest potential downside is that your gut doesn't completely heal if it has been ailing you, because you interrupt the healing. So it's better to do a mostly W30 than none at all.
@N: are you still with us?
I've allowed dairy and non gluten grains back in whenever they want, and am doing a slow roll on other specific things. I traveled this week again, so had some conference food and restaurant food.
I ate a template Chinese meal: roast pork and choi sam (leafy green) and had some post nasal drip afterwards (needed to clear throat, blow nose) I believe from the soy. I want to test it one more time at home, cooking something in soybean oil, and if confirmed I'll probably avoid cooking with it anymore. It's not a huge inconvenience, so I won't be Nazi about it when eating out, but it's a good example of how re-intro helps you ID "less healthy" stuff and decide how to handle it.
I've also eaten a few more breads (roll with lunch, Panera bread with dinner) and been fine, though I think it makes my belly swell a bit. I'm going to do some more experiments with gluten to nail it down. And then decide how often to eat it.
And legumes, the one thing that definitely gave me a negative experience....we had a reception that included chickpea hummus, white bean hummus, and some mini pastries with black beans and avocado. I avoided the chickpeas, had small servings of the 2 bean things and felt a mild response. I still plan to test black beans and peanuts separately, from a clean eating standpoint. Maybe later this week, since I'm not traveling.
Post by: Bracken_Joy on May 07, 2017, 08:46:42 AM
Spoiler: show
Post by: Trifle on May 08, 2017, 03:11:48 AM
I'm still doing reintroductions. I did corn, and I'm not sure . . . Just like with wheat, this was a 'maybe' result. Felt a little 'under the weather' but not sure if it was the corn. So I'm going back to template eating for three days and then try corn again.
There are a few things I am not going to reintroduce at all, because I already know they are a problem: beans, lentils, and white potatoes.
Still on the list for reintroduction: honey, peanuts, peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, strawberries.
Hope everyone has a good day. :)
Post by: Axecleaver on May 09, 2017, 07:16:26 AM
As long as we stick to the rules for 30 days, the effects of elimination on the stuff we cut still works, right?
Post by: swick on May 09, 2017, 08:25:48 AM
As long as we stick to the rules for 30 days, the effects of elimination on the stuff we cut still works, right?
yes-ish...Dairy can cause a whole host of issues though, breathing sinus congestion, sore throat, phlegm build-up, headaches, indigestion, heartburn, tummy upset....
So even if you have a very mild issue with dairy it can make isolating anything else you have issues with harder. The idea is to reset your whole system so you can get accurate data.
Kimchi (watch ingredients) pickles, sour kraut, Kombucha are all good ways of getting some good little bacteria into your system.
Post by: Stashing Swiss-style on May 09, 2017, 08:45:52 AM
Post by: polarama on May 14, 2017, 08:00:48 PM
But mentally, I feel good. I don't feel deprived or sad like I did the first time. Last Friday we took a little work outing to this awesome sandwich shop, I went for the walk and the company and I wasn't even thinking about how I couldn't get a sandwich--was happy to come back to the office and eat my curry chicken salad for lunch.
This time around I also feel like I get random..hot flashes? Like I feel sweatier even though I'm not. I'm definitely sleeping better so the NSVs are really inspiring!
Post by: N on May 27, 2017, 11:35:11 PM
I was so frustrated, because a day or two before we left, I had reached a milestone of 50 lbs lost, and then seeing the scale after vacation...ugh. I even did a ton of walking that week, and swimming, too. Just drives home that dairy and grains arent my friends. Id like to still lose another 70 or 75 lbs, but I know its not going to work as the result of a diet, it has to be a lifestyle change. My hope is that the longer I eat this way, the more habituated I will be to it, and the less I will crave or want the things that make me feel bad.
in some respects, this is already true. My mindset has changed a lot wrt what to eat for meals, packing lunches, etc. no more sandwiches with bread, muffins, or cereal for breakfast or a snack. I am making better choices and better choices more often over all.
I enjoy reading this thread and everyones posts about their experiences and process. Thanks for being here and sharing!
Post by: Weedy Acres on May 28, 2017, 05:56:32 PM
So dairy, gluten, and grains are back in, though I eat less cheese and bread than before. And thankfully, after a couple weeks my poop got back to normal, which it wasn't during W30.
Habits I'm keeping:
1. Minimal sugar. Aside from small sugar in condiments, bacon, etc, and the ice cream on my Sunday waffles (definitely in the "worth it" category for me), I steer clear. I didn't eat a lot before, but now my only dessert is fruit.
2. Avoid processed foods. I'm making my own meatballs, sausage, and whole wheat bread, since none are too hard, and it beats the processed crap with ingredients I can't control.
3. Eating template. I'm keeping up the veggie volumes, but I do have grains back in on occasion.
4. Cooking fats. I'm straight olive and coconut oil now, plus I use butter. Canola, soybean, etc. are gone.
I haven't lost any further weight. In fact I think I might have gained back a few pounds. Did W30 change my life? I'd say no, as I ate pretty healthy before, and felt pretty good. But if was an interesting experience. And who knew legumes didn't agree with me?
I'm curious with some of the others how the re-intros went and any discoveries. Dying to know if Trifele can eat tomatoes. :-)
Post by: Trifle on May 29, 2017, 04:02:20 AM
I am more than a month post-W30 and still doing reintroductions. Haven't done tomatoes yet. I had some rough experiences with the introductions and learned the hard way that for the iffy ones I need to do those on a weekend -- not on a work day -- in case I get really sick. Tomatoes and peppers are high on my list of risky re-entries. I think tomatoes will be next weekend.
So far -- eggs are out. That one took a long time, because after my initial bad reaction to the eggs, I had to take a few days to re-set, then I tried just egg whites, and then duck eggs. Answer -- I can handle a small amount of egg white, but big no on the whole duck eggs, similar reaction to chicken eggs. So I will be ok eating baked goods that contain egg white, in moderation. But no whole eggs of any kind.
My other big result from re-intros was a week ago when I tried to add back peanut butter. Holy shit was that an awful scene. I ate some before work, and then ended up vomiting and having horrible diarrhea a couple hours later. I felt sick for two days after that. Definite, absolute no on the peanuts. Wow.
Here's the thing I wonder about though . . . I was eating peanuts before, so obviously I had built up my 'defenses' against them. Is it possibly a bad thing that I have now lowered those defenses? Have I actually weakened myself? Or is it a good thing to eliminate a food like that because it is doing low-level damage to you, even after you reach a point of tolerance?
Onward!
Post by: Bracken_Joy on May 29, 2017, 08:23:24 AM
Great to hear you are back to normal Weedy!
I am more than a month post-W30 and still doing reintroductions. Haven't done tomatoes yet. I had some rough experiences with the introductions and learned the hard way that for the iffy ones I need to do those on a weekend -- not on a work day -- in case I get really sick. Tomatoes and peppers are high on my list of risky re-entries. I think tomatoes will be next weekend.
So far -- eggs are out. That one took a long time, because after my initial bad reaction to the eggs, I had to take a few days to re-set, then I tried just egg whites, and then duck eggs. Answer -- I can handle a small amount of egg white, but big no on the whole duck eggs, similar reaction to chicken eggs. So I will be ok eating baked goods that contain egg white, in moderation. But no whole eggs of any kind.
My other big result from re-intros was a week ago when I tried to add back peanut butter. Holy shit was that an awful scene. I ate some before work, and then ended up vomiting and having horrible diarrhea a couple hours later. I felt sick for two days after that. Definite, absolute no on the peanuts. Wow.
Here's the thing I wonder about though . . . I was eating peanuts before, so obviously I had built up my 'defenses' against them. Is it possibly a bad thing that I have now lowered those defenses? Have I actually weakened myself? Or is it a good thing to eliminate a food like that because it is doing low-level damage to you, even after you reach a point of tolerance?
Onward!
I've wondered/worried about this myself. I'm going to try my best to type out the thoughts/findings on this stuff, so you guys can pick apart my thoughts and help me understand this too!
For some things, like dairy, we know the body up or down regulates enzymes based on the level of use they're getting. So some people will have a lactose-intolerance like reaction to large quantities of dairy when first re-introduced, but smaller intro's or subsequent ones won't have the same reaction. Think when vegetarians first come back to eating meat as an example as well. This is a question of downregulation of enzymes, so no real damage going on long term. But the symptoms are pretty classically 'low enzyme/wrong bacteria', ie, gas and GI distress. Things like foggy headedness, headaches, acne, sleep disturbances, none of that should flow from a low enzyme situation since there isn't really any mechanism I can fathom there. Oh, another great example here is people who eat beans who don't often- 'beans beans the magical fruit, the more you eat the more you toot', and yet people who consume beans often and at high levels do NOT have gas at higher rates than other people. I think this mainly applies to foods that require special enzymes to break them down, in particular 'difficult' proteins to break down. Something like taking out JUST spinach, but keeping other leafy greens, shouldn't in theory produce a GI reaction like taking out dairy would, because the machinery would not downregulate, since something similar still exists in the diet.
(Bacteria are also part of this, and they follow a similar although much more complicated up/downregulation pattern. This is key to people tolerating things like high levels of roughage consumption regularly, and also have been shown to respond to macro shifts- higher or lower carbs).
So then we have the other type of intolerance, immune-modulated intolerances. These are obviously the ones we're MOST concerned with. And as far as I know, the basic principal is that once an immune impression is there, most exposures more highly sensitizes you. So my thoughts are, JUST GI reactions mean I should do small amounts, stair step the quantities, and see if I tolerate it then. If I have any non-GI issues (rashes, cognitive changes, so on), then this to me points more to an immune modulated response and that indicates a true intolerance.
I would LOVE other people's thoughts on this as well, since I've just cobbled together the science and mechanisms in my brain to the best of my ability. I haven't found any good scientifically rigorous discussions on this topic directly, so nothing I'm able to just defer to =\
Post by: Trifle on May 29, 2017, 03:14:26 PM
I think you did a nice job articulating this issue! I think you may be right about there being two different issues here -- (1) the low/wrong enzyme issue which leads to some GI problems, and (2) Immune system responses, which I guess can take different forms. My gut tells me (pun intended) that I have some of both going on during these reintroductions. (For the record I have had true, immune-response food allergies since I was a kid. I carefully avoid the foods I am allergic to, and in the past 40 years I have had a dangerous reaction/life-threatening situation three times -- all three times the result of eating food at a restaurant or a dish-to-pass situation, where I was not in control of the ingredients). In my experience my food allergy symptoms are variable: With some of them I get an immediate, go-to-the-hospital-right-now reaction of vomiting, diarrhea, wheezing, swelling, etc. With other foods I am allergic to, nothing happens immediately, but there is a delayed reaction of itching and hives that shows up about 1-2 days later.
On these W30 reintroductions, I'd say the gluten grains was category #1 -- I felt a bit bloated and gassy, but not sick per se. I am chalking that up to an enzyme issue. I have been building back up the amount of wheat I eat and I feel fine. For the eggs and the peanuts, on the other hand, I was sick -- putting those two into category #2. I didn't have any respiratory issues, but with both I had nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Both of these responses felt to me like true allergy issues, with the peanuts worse than the eggs.
My whole reason for doing the Whole 30 was to identify some mystery food which was causing me severe itching and hives. So far none of my re-introductions have caused itching or hives, but I suppose the eggs or the peanuts could have been the culprit. I may just not have eaten them long enough on the reintroduction to cause the delayed hives reaction(?) Maybe my body just reacted with a faster immune response this time because of the W30 "re-set"(?)
These are tough issues to try to figure out. And as far as I can tell, we are on our own. From my researches on the web it does not look like anyone else has figured these things out . . .
Post by: Weedy Acres on May 30, 2017, 07:57:26 PM
Trifele, here are some posts that exemplify the typical answers:
http://forum.whole30.com/topic/38374-bloating-stomach-cramps-after-reintroducing-greek-yogurt/
http://forum.whole30.com/topic/42349-oversensitivity-after-whole-30/
http://forum.whole30.com/topic/43326-typical-dairy-reintro-reaction-or-fodmap-complication/
Post by: Mongoose on June 14, 2017, 10:37:06 AM
Bracken, your explanation is more cogent than those in the W30 forums. The typical answer is that the stomach has a "protective lining" that sheds when you eat W30, leaving your stomach more vulnerable when you re-intro. They talk as though this linng is a bad thing. The enzyme/bacteria explanation makes a bit more sense to me.
Trifele, here are some posts that exemplify the typical answers:
http://forum.whole30.com/topic/38374-bloating-stomach-cramps-after-reintroducing-greek-yogurt/
http://forum.whole30.com/topic/42349-oversensitivity-after-whole-30/
http://forum.whole30.com/topic/43326-typical-dairy-reintro-reaction-or-fodmap-complication/
Your stomach does have a protective lining...but if you "shed" it, ulcers are sure to follow. I definitely would not listen to medical explanations from those folks.
Post by: Axecleaver on June 17, 2017, 10:39:02 AM
Post by: LadyStache in Baja on June 17, 2017, 03:17:17 PM
Post by: renata ricotta on June 18, 2017, 06:17:03 PM
I still have more reading to do, but I think I'm going to personally make the modification of not following the "no legumes" rule. First, most of my meals are vegetarian and dropping beans might be too restrictive. Second, based on my personal experience, I do not feel good after eating meat but feel excellent after a bean-heavy meal, so it isn't high on my list of "potentially suspicious" foods. Open to good reasons why I shouldn't do this, though.
Post by: jordanread on June 19, 2017, 05:15:01 AM
I know this is a touch different than standard voluntary discomfort, since the Whole30 is designed to be more temporary, but I've just got this sense that people do Whole30 in spite of the restrictions, not embracing them for 30 days. Also, there is the whole timeline thing in which your body is adjusting, and Tiger Blood isn't the first step. So how many people have jumped into this with a super fun outlook, stoked to try experimenting, and the end result was also cool?
I know that I had a blast doing my Whole20 or whatever abbreviated version I did, mostly because coming up with new recipes without my "go-to's" was hard, but "Dammit! I can make something great!".
Post by: SuperSaver on June 24, 2017, 11:40:39 AM
Another bonus: I am about to go back to work on July 3 (after a 3 month LOA) so I figured now is the time to take action. Since my last W30 attempt I got married and got gifted: A Ninja blender, a kitchen aid mixer and an InstaPot. We also bought a veggie spiralizer.
Day 1-3: Going super well. I got foods from Wegmans, our new Trader Joe's and The Fresh Market. I had a lot of the oil and fat staples from my last try. Decided to try new ingredients I don't ever buy so I got coconut aminos, riced cauliflower, cabbage, compliant prosciutto, cashew butter and artichoke hearts to try out. I also am loving avocados now :D Swapping recipes with J&M rocks since they inspire me to try new foods and we're all great cooks. It's very fun and supportive. They're coming to spend all of tomorrow with us so it'll be a W30 extravaganza with fresh pineapple in lieu of a birthday cake.
So far my only negative was a caffeine headache the last few day although today it is much better. Only thing I miss is not having any form of cracker or chip for my cashew butter and salsas. I tried celery and cashew butter and could only manage a few bites. So a great start overall. :)
jordanread: My mindset this time is "aww yessss IRL support buddies and recipe swaps. Going to hit that 30 days or else"
Post by: Trifle on June 28, 2017, 05:05:27 AM
So I believe my allergy symptoms were probably caused by peanuts/peanut butter. I am eliminating those forever.
Thank you to the group who supported me through that! I really appreciate it. :)
Post by: horsepoor on June 28, 2017, 09:54:43 PM
I haven't had the chance to read through the 40+ pages here, but I have been feeling very blech lately and it often gets worse after I eat, so I think some resetting is in order, so I'm going to give this a go. I also haven't been doing as well as I wanted to on the cutting back alcohol front, so I think it's good to go cold turkey for a bit.
I still have more reading to do, but I think I'm going to personally make the modification of not following the "no legumes" rule. First, most of my meals are vegetarian and dropping beans might be too restrictive. Second, based on my personal experience, I do not feel good after eating meat but feel excellent after a bean-heavy meal, so it isn't high on my list of "potentially suspicious" foods. Open to good reasons why I shouldn't do this, though.
You may have found it by now, but there is a vegetarian Whole30 shopping list here: https://whole30.com/downloads/whole30-veg-shopping-list.pdf
One thing I learned from my first, albeit imperfect, round, was that certain beans agree with me, but kidney beans do not, and I avoid them now. From the reading I've done, the smaller beans and lentils are better, so it might be worth cutting out any favas, kidney or lima beans and their ilk for a bit and seeing if you react to them any differently than the smaller legumes.
Post by: Weedy Acres on July 02, 2017, 03:09:15 PM
I did try peanut butter and also black beans (in a wonderful salsa I make) and was fine with both. So I'm now thinking that it was just the hummus. Or possibly the tahini in the hummus.
I'm now working on a friend who eats crap and she and her kids are always sick. I'm encouraging her to eat more veggies and have her over regularly to teach her how to cook them. She told me she suffers from extreme constipation and is always taking laxatives. I gave her a piece of homemade whole wheat bread and it cleaned her right out. How some people suffer so long with the repercussions of a crappy diet I'll never know.
Good luck to those of you newly entering the W30 experiment!
Post by: Bracken_Joy on July 14, 2017, 10:04:02 AM
1. Husband and I will be embarking on our second whole30 soon. My skin was the best it's ever been on w30, and he leaned out a lot (impressive, since our baseline diet is already very good and he's extremely active/fit). We're still TTC, too, and it's an "easy" option for feeling like we're doing something to help.
2. Trader Joe's currently has a whole30 compliant chocolate bar, depending on your take on the 'rules'. Anywhoo, it's "Montezuma's 100% cocoa solids Dark Chocolate Absolute Black with Cocoa Nibs". It has zero stabilizers, etc, containing only chocolate liquor and cocoa nibs. Tastes a bit like bitter dirt, but hey, it's chocolate and it will sure as hell not set off a sugar craving ;) haha. I'm not a big fan, but husband likes it a lot now, so YMMV.
Post by: Hotstreak on July 14, 2017, 11:40:19 PM
I have been meaning to do a W30 soon, too. I had surgery a few weeks ago and have been having a hard time getting around, so I've been having more meals out of convenience instead of health. I finally made it to the store though! I have all weekend to cook, so I will start my W30 Saturday, July 15 and my last day will be Monday, Aug 14.
Post by: Bracken_Joy on July 15, 2017, 09:15:19 AM
One of my big goals this time is I want to see if I can reach "Wahls Protocol" levels of veggies =) This means- 9 cups of veggies. 3 green, 3 cruciferous, 3 colorful. I've actually achieved this at times in the past, but it's dropped way off over the years!
Other challenge will be more diversity in foods this time. I do like the meals plans we did last time, and a couple of those dishes have actually stayed in our permanent rotation, but that means we'll be more prone to get tired of them this time! This'll take some planning!
Post by: Hotstreak on July 15, 2017, 01:46:04 PM
My first day is going great. Eggs and sauerkraut down the hatch for first meal, then cooked up kale & chard with onion and garlic, pre-prepared three huge salads (2x 2.5qt and 1x 3qt container), put seasoned Brussels sprouts & zucchini in the oven, and prepped a 3.5lb salmon with lemon and rosemary which is waiting to go in when they are done. I have a lb of pork sausage thawing which I'll use next week to cook a 12 egg frittata with veg, 1.5lb beef heart thawing to roast with onions, carrots, & celery next week, and a few yams I'll roast at some point this weekend.
Stocked household staples include sauerkraut, kimchi, olives, carrots/celery, onions, yams, lots of frozen veg and berries, canned fish, cooking and eating oils, 100% dark chocolate, raw mixed nuts, and a variety of dried herbs and spices. Also looking at a bag of granny smith apples and a lb of strawberries on the counter. I was late getting my tomatoes in this year but they are ripening, and I will be drowning in them within the next few weeks. Anybody have a good W30 compliant tomato dominant recipe they'd like to share?
Post by: Bracken_Joy on July 15, 2017, 03:39:09 PM
Wow that's a lot of veg! The only times I've thought I hit those requirements were when I was eating quite a bit of squash or berries (I think Terri counts colorful fruits towards the 3 cups). I do hit the greens requirement and cruciferous on most days through my lunch salad. It's great to have a tough goal like that, will you try to hit it each 24 hour period or are you aiming to reach that level on average?
My first day is going great. Eggs and sauerkraut down the hatch for first meal, then cooked up kale & chard with onion and garlic, pre-prepared three huge salads (2x 2.5qt and 1x 3qt container), put seasoned Brussels sprouts & zucchini in the oven, and prepped a 3.5lb salmon with lemon and rosemary which is waiting to go in when they are done. I have a lb of pork sausage thawing which I'll use next week to cook a 12 egg frittata with veg, 1.5lb beef heart thawing to roast with onions, carrots, & celery next week, and a few yams I'll roast at some point this weekend.
Stocked household staples include sauerkraut, kimchi, olives, carrots/celery, onions, yams, lots of frozen veg and berries, canned fish, cooking and eating oils, 100% dark chocolate, raw mixed nuts, and a variety of dried herbs and spices. Also looking at a bag of granny smith apples and a lb of strawberries on the counter. I was late getting my tomatoes in this year but they are ripening, and I will be drowning in them within the next few weeks. Anybody have a good W30 compliant tomato dominant recipe they'd like to share?
Your food prep sounds delicious!
Cherry tomatoes or slicers? For cherry, I'm partial to greek salad style things. I shared my greek dressing on here once before I think, if not I'll type it up again. I like doing a salad with like-
lettuce or baby spinach, artichoke hearts, chicken, greek dressing, kalamata olives, red onion, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, whatever I have on hand/I'm feeling =)
Example recipe: http://fedandfit.com/2013/02/21/paleo-greek-salad/ (http://fedandfit.com/2013/02/21/paleo-greek-salad/)
For slicers or paste, I tend to do a lot of salsa, chili, tomato sauce, all the good stuff.
For chili, here's my favorite whole 30 recipe: http://www.bakerita.com/paleo-chili/ (http://www.bakerita.com/paleo-chili/) although I don't put the broth in, I think it's the right consistency without, but I'm in the "stand my spoon up" camp of chili thickness =D
Post by: Hotstreak on July 15, 2017, 08:29:02 PM
I'm growing a cherry, a slicer, and a paste. I'm used to the cherry and will be using that for salads and on eggs. I usually have trouble using all of my slicers, and this plant is really setting on heavy, so I will need to be trying that chili recipe and making salsa for sharing. Never done a paste before but planning on making some sauces and some freezing.
Post by: Bracken_Joy on July 15, 2017, 09:00:53 PM
I'm growing a cherry, a slicer, and a paste. I'm used to the cherry and will be using that for salads and on eggs. I usually have trouble using all of my slicers, and this plant is really setting on heavy, so I will need to be trying that chili recipe and making salsa for sharing. Never done a paste before but planning on making some sauces and some freezing.
Let me know how it goes! We're still weeks off from big tomatoes, and it's been a decade since I've grown any! (Except a volunteer, VERY prolific cherry tomato last year, but those aren't hard to use!).
Definitely let me know the best recipes you find and everything. I eventually want to get away from the BPA in canned tomatoes issue by doing my own.
Post by: LadyStache in Baja on July 17, 2017, 03:42:51 PM
Anybody know where to point me to see any research? I'd just love to see some research that says x% of people lowered their blood pressure through a whole30 diet.
Post by: Bracken_Joy on July 17, 2017, 04:12:01 PM
So DH just found out he has high blood pressure. 150/100. Very scary! There's a diet called the DASH diet that is specifically for high blood pressure. But I know there's a lot of people whose numbers have lowered with the whole30/paleo.
Anybody know where to point me to see any research? I'd just love to see some research that says x% of people lowered their blood pressure through a whole30 diet.
Unfortunately, I really doubt you'd find research like that! You might be able to find anecdotal accounts and poll data, but for a study to 'count', there would have had to be observer oversight of diet and a clinician to take the BP, etc. And with the exception of medically formulated diets, like DASH, specific diets just really aren't studied.
That being said, a lot of the reasons people see lowered BP on DASH is the same as Whole 30. Cutting out processed foods which results in reduced sodium intake, weight loss which improves all sorts of labs, lots of fresh fruits and veggies, and so on. Some of the big differences- DASH restricts fat quite a bit (lean protein only) while Whole 30 does not. DASH also restricts sodium REALLY strictly, while whole 30 does not (although it'll be lower than a standard american diet anyway, because our main sodium intake is via breads/rolls/cereals). Finally, whole 30 eliminates legumes and grains, whereas DASH does not.
One of the big issues with DASH is a really low patient compliance rate, which makes sense when you look at it- low fat and super low salt, where is your flavor? So as long as his doctor didn't PRESCRIBE the DASH diet, I think whole 30 could be a good alternative that might feel less (or at least differently) restrictive.
Post by: Hotstreak on July 17, 2017, 04:19:57 PM
So DH just found out he has high blood pressure. 150/100. Very scary! There's a diet called the DASH diet that is specifically for high blood pressure. But I know there's a lot of people whose numbers have lowered with the whole30/paleo.
Anybody know where to point me to see any research? I'd just love to see some research that says x% of people lowered their blood pressure through a whole30 diet.
I'd suggest trying it and seeing what his personal results are, as ultimately that's the only thing that matters. Paleo diet is significantly easier to adhere to than W30 (I think only the craziest of the diehard crown do a W30 for 365 days a year). I would recommend starting with 30 days of paleo and seeing how it goes, then do a W30 later if you're inclined to. Here are a few articles that explain how a paleo type diet and lifestyle changes may lower blood pressure, and contain links to research. Best of luck and let us know how it goes!
https://chriskresser.com/how-and-why-to-lower-your-blood-pressure-naturally/
https://chriskresser.com/pills-or-paleo-reversing-high-blood-pressure/
https://chriskresser.com/6-ways-to-lower-blood-pressure-by-changing-your-diet/
http://www.marksdailyapple.com/salt-and-blood-pressure/
Bracken_Joy posted as I was typing this, I agree with the advice she is giving.
Post by: LadyStache in Baja on July 17, 2017, 04:21:11 PM
In fact, along those lines, I'm thinking we'll keep dairy. Calcium helps balance sodium and take it out of your system, so the DASH diet recommends it. But I think we'll go full-fat versions, because I'm pretty sure the research HAS shown that fat isn't the enemy.
Also thinking of keeping beans and rice (as a side, rather than the main), because he loves those, and hey DASH says it's ok.
Basically going to work on veggies veggies veggies and fruit.
I know research hasn't been done (WHY THE F NOT?!), but anyone seen any comprehensive polls?
Thanks Hotstreak, you're posting while I'm typing, so I'll take a look right now! Definitely thinking we're going to go Paleo-Primal (which often includes dairy) to start.
Post by: LadyStache in Baja on July 17, 2017, 04:26:32 PM
Post by: Bracken_Joy on July 17, 2017, 04:34:11 PM
Still reading, but anyone know how LONG it takes to see results? The medication he was just prescribed says 3 weeks. Is it the same for diet?
This will really vary based on the person, unfortunately. If he carries a lot of extra weight, it may take until he sees a good 10% weight loss before you see major clinical parameters improve. It also depends on how his sleep is, and how much he walks and excercises... it all varies so much. Sorry there isn't any good answer there. From what I've seen online, a lot of people see improvements after 1-2 months of paleo for blood pressure.
Re: the dairy and legumes. It sounds like Primal might be a good one to look at. Marks Daily Apple being the main website for that (http://www.marksdailyapple.com/ (http://www.marksdailyapple.com/)) That's roughly how DH and I eat usually. Rice, some beans, some whole fat dairy but pretty much just fermented stuff, then the usual paleo host after that. The benefit to a whole 30 is to see if there are any food sensitivities also at play. Ex, from my whole 30, we found that I most likely have trouble with dairy. We're still investigating the extent of that. If he *does* have some sort of food intolerance, discovering it will certainly speed his health improvements.
Also re: the calcium, leafy greens actually have tons of calcium =) And that's where things like bone broths, bone-in seafood like sardines, and organ meats that paleo encourages can also be fantastic. Oh, and bivalves. All of those can be very high in minerals, no dairy required.
Post by: Axecleaver on July 18, 2017, 04:19:01 PM
Part of the W30 diet is that you're not supposed to weigh yourself for 30 days, I assume because the weight loss is uneven and you don't obsess about it. I broke the rule because I was going on the road where I wouldn't have access to a scale.
Encourage you to go cold turkey on dairy for 30 days. I was very reticent to do it, too, but I think it was a strong contributor to my weight loss. I used to eat a lot of cottage cheese, milk, and cheese. It adds up fast and milk adds a lot of sugar (in the form of lactose) to your diet. We both feel a lot more mentally alert, less bloated, and get better sleep now.
Post by: LadyStache in Baja on July 19, 2017, 08:56:27 AM
So I used to be really into this, and then with kids and everything, I started taking short cuts, less veggies, more flour tortilla quesadillas!
When I did a Whole30 as a healthy person to feel more healthy, it was a no-brainer. But as a cure for DH's high blood pressure, it's a little scary, especially when the scientifically-approved DASH diet is low fat, and all the conventional wisdom says be a vegetarian!
But as I've gotten back into the reading, it's all coming back to me.The scientific explanations are so compelling. Like converting the body from being a carb-burning machine to a fat-burning machine. Makes sense if you want to get fat out of the bloodstream!
So here goes. I've been telling DH everything I've learned over the years, and it's a little bizarre to be like, "yeah listen to me, not your doctor!", especially when we're dealing with a life-threatening condition.
Sorry for the thread hi-jack! Just gotta talk about it somewhere!
Post by: Bracken_Joy on July 19, 2017, 09:07:42 AM
Those are awesome results! That would be really encouraging to DH if we can get some quick weight-loss results.
So I used to be really into this, and then with kids and everything, I started taking short cuts, less veggies, more flour tortilla quesadillas!
When I did a Whole30 as a healthy person to feel more healthy, it was a no-brainer. But as a cure for DH's high blood pressure, it's a little scary, especially when the scientifically-approved DASH diet is low fat, and all the conventional wisdom says be a vegetarian!
But as I've gotten back into the reading, it's all coming back to me.The scientific explanations are so compelling. Like converting the body from being a carb-burning machine to a fat-burning machine. Makes sense if you want to get fat out of the bloodstream!
So here goes. I've been telling DH everything I've learned over the years, and it's a little bizarre to be like, "yeah listen to me, not your doctor!", especially when we're dealing with a life-threatening condition.
Sorry for the thread hi-jack! Just gotta talk about it somewhere!
I think a 45 page thread can handle a valuable discussion about health and well being! =P Honestly, I think the WHY of doing a whole 30 is so important. And a lot of people who have participated in the thread have been doing it for food sensitivity identification or general wellness. So it's pretty cool to see another reason, actually!
I hope if you guys do go forward with it, you'll post progress here! It's so great to read people's journeys with this.
Post by: Hotstreak on July 21, 2017, 01:04:27 PM
The major issue I was having was dry broccoli - I can't seem to eat more than a small head w/o something on it. By putting the chopped broccoli and stalk at the bottom of the container with some dressing, I'm able to saturate it well. On top of that goes all the other chopped vegetables & avocado, olives, etc., then lettuce/greens, lid, and in the fridge it goes. The morning of I will grab the container and shake it to mix in the dressing, open the top and add meat and any last minute ideas + more dressing as needed, and toss is in my bag to take to work. Today (Friday) I ate a salad that I made last Sunday, containing radish, cucumber, broccoli, kalamata olives, green pepper, tomato, avocado, chopped kale, baby greens, lettuce, salmon (added this morning), half a sweet potato (added this morning), olive oil, and a touch of balsamic vinegar. Except for the tomatoes having been refrigerated, it was as good as the day I made it. For anybody who's wanting to eat more salads but doesn't want to take the time to chop and mix every day, try making them ahead of time! 2.5qt containers are about right for a meal sized salad for an active adult.
Post by: LadyStache in Baja on July 22, 2017, 08:01:37 PM
Post by: Hotstreak on July 24, 2017, 11:53:57 AM
Post by: LadyStache in Baja on July 27, 2017, 11:23:30 AM
Any advice?
Post by: Hotstreak on July 27, 2017, 02:03:14 PM
Ugh! Sucking at life over here! So the biggest kink in our lovely whole30 lives is the children. You all know cooking this way tends to take a lot of effort: lots of chopping and trying new things. So then I make these beautiful masterpieces and the kids don't like it, so they stay hungry and I have to make them shitty food an hour later (cereal, P&Js, easy stuff). I've got 4 that are 5 and under, so you can imagine.
Any advice?
If you always make them the foods they want after an hour, they will continue to delay their meal by an hour in order to eat those foods. When they get hungry enough (or understand you're not going to make those foods) they will be a lot more open to eating what they DO have access to. I think it would be easier for you if you cleaned all of those things out of the cupboard to remove the temptation.
Post by: Axecleaver on July 27, 2017, 08:53:35 PM
We never forced our kid to eat; if she liked what we made, she ate it. If not, she didn't eat. She just turned 19 and is about as healthy and happy as you can get as a 19 year old woman. This may sound like a radical idea, but it isn't really. Make meals, ask your kids to eat them, if they don't, just wait 4-6 hours and try again with the next meal. They will come around.
Post by: Hotstreak on July 27, 2017, 09:10:59 PM
Post by: Stashing Swiss-style on July 28, 2017, 02:19:14 AM
BUT YOU DON'T SUCK AT LIFE!!!! YOU ARE EXTREMELY BRAVE TO TRY A WHOLE 30 WHEN YOU MUST BE PERMANENTLY EXHAUSTED!!
Post by: marioarm2 on July 28, 2017, 01:04:04 PM
I've previously attempted the Whole 30 a BUNCH of times, but never made it through the initial first few days. This time around didn't seem nearly as challenging, so I'm assuming my mindset has shifted and that I'm finally "ready" to succeed!
Post by: Hotstreak on July 28, 2017, 02:16:35 PM
Hello everyone! I'm new to this thread, but just wanted to pop in and say hello. I'm currently on Day 15 of my first Whole 30!
I've previously attempted the Whole 30 a BUNCH of times, but never made it through the initial first few days. This time around didn't seem nearly as challenging, so I'm assuming my mindset has shifted and that I'm finally "ready" to succeed!
Hey marioarm2, welcome! I'mlad to hear your W30 is going smoothly! What made you want to try it, and what made this time so successful? Are you looking to achieve anything in particular?
Post by: LadyStache in Baja on July 29, 2017, 02:13:14 PM
Post by: marioarm2 on July 31, 2017, 06:57:28 PM
Hello everyone! I'm new to this thread, but just wanted to pop in and say hello. I'm currently on Day 15 of my first Whole 30!
I've previously attempted the Whole 30 a BUNCH of times, but never made it through the initial first few days. This time around didn't seem nearly as challenging, so I'm assuming my mindset has shifted and that I'm finally "ready" to succeed!
Hey marioarm2, welcome! I'mlad to hear your W30 is going smoothly! What made you want to try it, and what made this time so successful? Are you looking to achieve anything in particular?
At some point I stumbled upon paleo eating, and then from there I discovered the Whole 30. I did eat paleo for a brief period of time, but I've always been crazy for processed food and sweets, so it didn't stick.
Honestly I've always considered W30 for weight loss purposes, although I know weight loss is only one of MANY wonderful things brought on by completing the program. The last few times I've unsuccessfully attempted W30 were indeed for weight loss, but this time around I know it's a "now or never" scenario to get a grip on my sugar dragon, eating, and life in general. Today I'm on Day 19 and know I'll cross the finish line!
Post by: Hotstreak on July 31, 2017, 09:43:06 PM
All in all the W30 is going well for me too. I had a huge craving for sweets, so I gorged a bit on a carton of blueberries, and no such cravings since. This week I'm eating sauteed green beans with onion and garlic, steamed kale, pork sausage, salmon, pan fried hamburger with everything, and I have a few salads mixed up as well.
Post by: horsepoor on August 01, 2017, 10:01:52 PM
Thanks for the advice guys! My kids actually like broccoli and healthy food. They just don't like it when it's been chopped, diced, stirred, seasoned and made into a masterpiece. Stashing swiss-style is right, I need to have simple sides included in the meal so they have something that will appeal to them.
Haven't read this, don't know if it will be helpful, but http://realeverything.com/guest-post-getting-your-kids-excited-about-real-food-real-food-with-kids/
It sounds like you're already almost there if they just like simple, real food. I'm not a parent, but I'd probably just veer towards their preferences and eat fairly plainly.
Post by: LadyStache in Baja on August 02, 2017, 04:27:17 AM
Post by: horsepoor on August 02, 2017, 10:16:03 PM
<3 great article Horsepoor!
Glad you liked it! I remembered something about Paleo Parents, but they oddly didn't have any posts to their blog on the topic that I could see, but linked to that article.
Post by: marioarm2 on August 04, 2017, 07:33:50 AM
Cool! Hope you see the changes you're looking for.
All in all the W30 is going well for me too. I had a huge craving for sweets, so I gorged a bit on a carton of blueberries, and no such cravings since. This week I'm eating sauteed green beans with onion and garlic, steamed kale, pork sausage, salmon, pan fried hamburger with everything, and I have a few salads mixed up as well.
Oh I just got so hungry reading your food line up! I'm on Day 22 and I've been getting tired of making the same old things. I've also noticed my vegetable intake is pretty non-existent aside from the occasional salad, cucumbers, sweet peppers, and roasted carrots. I'm going to make it a priority to try some new recipes this upcoming week and bump up the veggies.
Post by: bluewater on November 02, 2017, 06:46:10 AM
Post by: JanetJackson on November 02, 2017, 07:11:01 AM
I am jumping on board to hopefully try W30 in the new year!
Through my former Crossfit Gym (that I miss SO SO SO much) we did a program called the Performance Nutrition Challenge that was essentially Whole 30. Since I'm a vegetarian (that occasionally eats fish) they had, however, given me permission to eat garbonzo beans at the point- and no other beans. I loved the program, felt great, and repeated the cycle about 3 or 4 times before kind of settling into a "loose" paleo way of eating. Unfortunately, it's gotten TOO loose and I'm ready to tackle some of these digestive problems via diet..
Has anyone else successfully tried Whole 30 who is not a meat eater and not broken the bank with seafood? I really want to give it a solid go, but I can't afford to buy salmon or tuna every week and wanted to get some insight. I eat eggs.
*Please note, I'm not looking for "you should just eat meat" advice here. I am not really an 'ethical' vegetarian, and I have tried to force myself to eat meat about a dozen times since I stopped 24 years ago. I just haaaaate it, all of it. I gag at the flavor and texture, it makes me feel tired and sick (yes, even grassfed) and it's like constantly trying to force someone who doesn't like Brussel sprouts (but likes lots of other veggies and otherwise has a well balanced diet) to choke down Brussel sprouts. K, had to get that mention out of the way...thanks.
Post by: shadowmoss on November 02, 2017, 08:55:51 AM
Post by: horsepoor on November 04, 2017, 08:28:41 PM
HI Everyone!
I am jumping on board to hopefully try W30 in the new year!
Through my former Crossfit Gym (that I miss SO SO SO much) we did a program called the Performance Nutrition Challenge that was essentially Whole 30. Since I'm a vegetarian (that occasionally eats fish) they had, however, given me permission to eat garbonzo beans at the point- and no other beans. I loved the program, felt great, and repeated the cycle about 3 or 4 times before kind of settling into a "loose" paleo way of eating. Unfortunately, it's gotten TOO loose and I'm ready to tackle some of these digestive problems via diet..
Has anyone else successfully tried Whole 30 who is not a meat eater and not broken the bank with seafood? I really want to give it a solid go, but I can't afford to buy salmon or tuna every week and wanted to get some insight. I eat eggs.
*Please note, I'm not looking for "you should just eat meat" advice here. I am not really an 'ethical' vegetarian, and I have tried to force myself to eat meat about a dozen times since I stopped 24 years ago. I just haaaaate it, all of it. I gag at the flavor and texture, it makes me feel tired and sick (yes, even grassfed) and it's like constantly trying to force someone who doesn't like Brussel sprouts (but likes lots of other veggies and otherwise has a well balanced diet) to choke down Brussel sprouts. K, had to get that mention out of the way...thanks.
Here are the vegetarian W30 recommendations: https://whole30.com/2017/06/veg-whole30/
I am curious if you know the reasoning behind allowing chickpeas but no other legumes? I have found lentils and black beans to be less problematic. Kidney beans are the one thing I've essentially eliminated from my diet as a result of W30.
Post by: Hotstreak on November 04, 2017, 11:06:58 PM
Late to the party but just finished up my first whole30! Had some red wine as my first intro and went fine and I'm moving to some legumes next. Question for the group: Do I need to wait to reintroduce legumes, grains and gluten before having some more wine? Social situations were the most difficult for me being the non drinker at a party so it would be nice to have a drink this weekend. Thanks all!
No problem with that plan, go have fun and drink some wine! You want to avoid introducing two or more things at once, and it can take a day or two before you notice the effects, so if you just had your first wine, I'd stick to wine only this weekend, and as long as it's still fine then move to a serving of beans next week.
Post by: Hotstreak on November 04, 2017, 11:13:31 PM
Has anyone else successfully tried Whole 30 who is not a meat eater and not broken the bank with seafood? I really want to give it a solid go, but I can't afford to buy salmon or tuna every week and wanted to get some insight. I eat eggs.
Eat a LOT of eggs. Buy cheaper fish like Tilapia instead fresh salmon. If you do get Tuna and Salmon, look at the canned versions which are a fair price and much easier to prepare.
Post by: shadowmoss on January 29, 2018, 03:19:24 PM
I did whimper a bit as I walked out of Walmart with my bag of carrots past the table of Girl Scout cookies that they were hawking.
Post by: shadowmoss on January 30, 2018, 09:23:35 AM
Post by: Stashing Swiss-style on January 31, 2018, 02:51:07 AM
Post by: shadowmoss on January 31, 2018, 08:16:39 AM
I made vegetables including zoodles and a couple of pork chops last night. I'm out of eggs, so breakfast will be grapefruit and a bananna, and then eggs and guacamole for lunch. I'm using up stuff in my current stash of food. I may get more exotic once it is used up. I need to get the Whole 30 Cookbook from the library today as well.
Post by: ixtap on January 31, 2018, 09:35:34 AM
I have been plagued with a series of minor complaints for at least six months and a recent bio screening suggests I may have developed diabetes (currently awaiting A1C results). Evidently, a steady diet of fast food isn't providing proper nutrition?
I did my big grocery shop last night, so it is just a matter of preparing so that I have food with me when I am out and about.
For this morning's breakfast, I prepped enough veggies for tomorrow, as well. We really need to replace our containers so that we can store more prepped food. As it is, I had to split a cup of veggies between two half cup containers.
Post by: shadowmoss on January 31, 2018, 12:05:00 PM
I'm packing away the staples I currently have that are not allowed. I have SO MUCH sugar in various forms. I should find d someone to take some of it.