First, I need to give a shout out to my friends and family members for their support on this latest Whole 30 effort. You guys are awesome, and I appreciate it! I even went to a party this weekend where there were lots of approved options on the table so I was able to enjoy a healthy and tasty plate!
Second, I think I can say this is the easiest Whole30 I’ve done to date. I’ve learned quite a few things about myself since the last time – the most important of which is the mindset. There is a determination that you simply have to embrace to make the most of these 4 weeks. I keep repeating to myself, “I don’t want sugar. It’s making me uncomfortable and keeping me from being my best self. Eating those cookies or cake may be enjoyable for a moment, but the self-loathing I would feel for breaking my commitment would be much worse.” I’ve also done some self-discovery into my cravings, and 90% of them come after dinner and before bedtime when I’m trying to calm my brain from the stresses of the day so I can relax and eventually sleep. E.J. finally got me to try some caffeine free hot teas from Celestial Seasonings, and I’ve actually managed to find something that kills the craving – “Tension Tamer”. The ingredients are “Eleuthero, peppermint, cinnamon, ginger, chamomile, lemongrass, licorice, catnip, tilia flowers, natural lemon flavor with other natural flavors, hops and Vitamins B6 and B12.” I add a packet of true lemon to the cup when it’s steeping, but otherwise drink it as is. It actually calms my brain, helps me relax, and prevents the urge to raid the freezer looking for paleo cookies. With one cup of tea every night, I’ve managed to not just survive the first week, but feel like it was no big deal.
Finally, the best part is the result. I know you’re not supposed to weigh yourself, but I managed to lose 5 lbs in 7 days. That’s half of the weight I was hoping to lose in the 30 days gone in the first week. It just tells you how much of the weight we’re all carrying around comes from bloating and inflammation from sugar [even natural ones like maple syrup and honey], dairy, and alcohol. All of those had crept back into my regular diet, and that’s really all I’ve cut back out.
I’m still battling the knee pain, but I’ve been religiously riding the exercise bike 3-4 times a week and have added push ups and crunches to those days as well. I’m determined to make this the best Whole30 yet!
Reblogged this on Paleo Marine and commented:
Sherry’s first week of Whole30 results. I’m really happy for her and excited that she’s seeing the results she’s been after. I have also been benefiting from it myself, having lost 2 lbs last week without effort.