December 21, 2012

Whole30: Round 2


I'm doing the Whole30®.

Again.

The

Well, not until January. But if I tell you guys now, I can't change my mind. And if I put it out there now, I can get focused. I can stop eating all these sweets. Damn holiday sweets. This time, I'm not doing the Whole30 alone. I have a partner in crime -- two, actually. We are taking down that sugar "addiction" once and for all.

And again, I'm not saying the Whole30 is for everyone. And I'm not telling you to do it. If you don't judge my food choices, I won't judge your choices. But if you're reading this and you want to join us, then this post is for you. While I won't be only blogging about the Whole30, I will be doing a few posts for those that are interested. And if you need any support (and trust me, you will), then I'm here to help. I might need some help myself.

(Did you follow my previous Whole45? Read from the beginning here, about my sugar issues here, and my final results here.)

Why do I want to do this again? Why do I want to eliminate so many foods when eating real food is hard enough? Well, there are many reasons, but probably the biggest one -- I feel like I'm addicted to sugar. I thought I was good-to-go after my first Whole30. I figured I wouldn't have too many issues. And that I wouldn't really care to consume much sugar. And I didn't, at first...

But, I've been adding sugar to my coffee again. And I've been making treats. I can say it's because Christmas is coming, or because I feel the need to provide recipes for "healthy" treats, or because I want to make cookies for Christmas gifts. But...I have a problem. I am (still) addicted to sugar.

Even now, that's kind of hard to admit. I don't want to be judged. (You know what, let's just pretend this is my first Whole30. Then you guys can't judge me.)

Since my Whole45 ended, it started with chocolate. Then maple syrup in my coffee. Then more chocolate. Then I ate a piece of peanut butter pie, made with dairy. I know dairy causes issues for me. But the pie was there. It was free. Why not eat it? It was a healthy version. But really, the specific food or treat doesn't matter. We can have an argument about moderation. We can say I should just allow myself these treats. And one day, I can. And I will. Right now though, I'm on a mission -- a mission to break away from the hold of sugar. Because right now, moderation isn't working for me.

There is no purpose for this. They are just beautiful. And delicious.
For the last few weeks, I've been feeling down and my energy level has decreased. Stress has something to do with it, but I know that veering too far off the Whole30 track has not helped. I did 45 days the first time, but I needed to go longer. I need longer to break free of the need for sugar. I need longer for my body to heal. I need longer to experiment with food, how it affects me, and what, if anything, I am better off avoiding long-term.

So, my journey is not over. Not by a long shot. I need the constraints of the Whole30 program. I need something to push me. To keep control. To focus. For whatever reason, the Whole30 kept me on track. Some people don't do well with rules and guidelines. I prefer them. (Well, maybe not with everything in life. I do like to be spontaneous.) But when it comes to working out, and when it comes to food, at this moment in my life, I need the rules.

And I know that Dallas and Melissa Hartwig aren't going to come to my house and berate me if I happen to go off course. But when I follow a program, I will know. I will know when I eat that cookie or make banana ice cream or just take one little bite of that cake. And that perfectionist in me, won't let me do it. Because I know I need this. My body need this. My mind needs this. My whole being needs this right now.

This time, though, I'm not looking at it as restriction. Or elimination. Or any of those stress-inducing words. Because stressing over what I can and cannot eat doesn't help. And while I don't expect it to be any easier this time (especially since I'm considering the auto-immune protocol), I do plan on going in with a different mindset.

I'm eating foods that I know are good for me. Foods that make me feel good. Foods that don't affect me negatively. And, because I can't do it any other way, foods that I enjoy. All Whole30 complaint, of course.

So, January 1st (or 2nd, depending on how late I stay up on New Year's Eve), it is on.

Who's in?





Anyone else planning on doing a Whole30 or similar program? Or do you have any food or lifestyle changes you are making in the New Year?


Get the book, It Starts with Food, HERE.




21 comments:

  1. I am! Did my first Whole30 in October, and have been backsliding ever since. I'll be getting back on track right along with you. :D

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    1. Mine was in October too, Michelle. The holidays don't make it easy to stay on track! Good luck and do let us know how you are doing.

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  2. I will be doing my second whole 30 for the same reason - SUGAR! I was so good after my first whole 30 in October. Didn't even look at Halloween candy. I have slowly been allowing myself treats, especially at this season and once again, I am feeling out of control. I hate that feeling! I will begin my whole 30 on the 2nd as well. Good luck to you!

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    1. I'm right there with you, Melissa! I didn't care about sugar during Halloween, but come Thanksgiving and Christmas, I couldn't stop. No more -- we got this! Good luck and keep us updated.

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  3. I have been backsliding as well since this season has started and I actually got a stomach virus that lasted a couple of days. I never got sick before. I am beginning to realize now how my body really does react to food.

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    1. I completely understand. Awareness is an important step. I think the more we experiment and understand how food affects us, the easier it will be to avoid the offending foods. Though it does take time (and slip-ups) to get there. I hope you are feeling better.

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  4. I need this round again as well. I'm in and thanks in advance for the support and best
    wishes to all.

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    1. Thanks Donna! Good luck to you as well. Keep us updated on your progress and if you need support in any way.

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  5. I'm in. The last couple weeks has been sliding. Looking forward to feeling on solid ground again.

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    1. Welcome Darla! We can do it! Good luck and keep us updated.

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  6. Me too! Got way off track with sugars and breads suddenly... need to get feel better so doing my 1st Whole 30 in Jan.

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    1. Me too, Rhonda. Sugar was first for me...then came the bread and cake and cookies. I know the Whole30 can be a little overwhelming the first time, for some people -- so do let us know when you need support.

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  7. I'm in! I started today and can't wait to have the sugar monkey off my back.

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    1. Sugar monkey -- I like that :) Welcome and good luck! And I love that you aren't waiting until the 1st to start.

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  8. I was so excited to read your post today. I AM IN. I have even found a Crossfit gym nearby that has CHILD CARE and a new member special - totally affordable.

    I am so. addicted. to. sugar. I am a recovering alcoholic - doh! And the two weeks I managed to do the Whole 30, I felt the best I have in years. I am really looking forward to FEELING better.

    Question: do you subscribe to the Whole 30 Daily? Let me know if you think it's worth it.

    Kat

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    1. The comment below this is for you...it didn't post as a reply so wanted to make sure you knew so you'd see it :)

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  9. Welcome Kat and glad you found a great, affordable gym! First, congrats on your recovery. That in itself is a huge accomplishment, so I hope you aren't beating yourself up over the Whole30. We are all here for support and I have a post I will try to put tomorrow that I hope helps everyone also.

    I actually put off subscribing until my 2nd week (during my Oct/Nov Whole30), because I didn't want to spend the money. I don't think it's necessary for success, BUT I loved the emails. There was so much support in them - and at exactly the right time you needed it. Sure there were some I barely skimmed or didn't need, but overall (for me) they were worth it.

    Good luck and keep us updated!

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  10. I myself am starting Whole30 on Jan 2nd. Looking for more energy to work out and would like to get down to a healthier weight after the holidays. I've been preparing and researching recipes. Even bought a 48 piece tupperware set so I could cook my meals and veggies in advance and just grab and go! After indulging in sweets and junk food, I'm looking forward to healthier food! Good luck to us!

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    1. Welcome and good luck! Great idea with the tupperware...precooked food can be a life-saver during the Whole30! Come back and let us know how you are doing.

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  11. New to your blog and today is my first day of ever doing Whole 30. I am addicted to sugar and breads, and am ready to eat foods that are good for me. My husband is in remission with Multiple Myeloma (blood cancer) and processed foods and sugar is the worst. Also have my 82 year old mother living with us and she is insulin diabetic. The two of them aren't totally on board, but will make some healthy changes due to what I am making for them. Want to feel better and not head down the road to GI issues, diabetes and obesity! My Mom and I love to bake and unfortunately are a bad combination. I turn 59 in March and my goal is to be healthier and feeling better with lifestyle and food changes this year, so that by my 60th birthday I will be better than ever! Thanks for the encouragement and I look forward to reading your posts!

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    1. Welcome Linda! And wow, you are my new inspiration! Take it one meal, one day at a time. The best approach, in my opinion, when you are living with people not completely on board with the change, is to have Whole30 compliant meals with a little something extra (rice, quinoa, bread, etc) for those not doing it. That way they at least feel like you aren't pushing them to do it. Then maybe one meal, leave out the rice/bread and see if they even miss it. And even if they only make a few small changes during your Whole30, I'd say bravo to you. Small changes can eventually lead to bigger changes. Good luck and keep us updated!

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