I had a hard time coming up with a title for this post, and I am really not satisfied with the current title. Calamity makes my experience with Whole30 sound like a disastrous failure, which it was not. But if I ever had a love-hate relationship with something, the Whole30 diet would most appropriately fall into that relationship category.
Whole30 Brief
If you are unfamiliar with the Whole30 diet, it is one that requires real food eating for 30 days. Any processed food is not allowed, and most things we consume are processed. Whole30 allows large amounts of vegetables, moderate amounts of meat and eggs, and small amounts of fruit. The “no list” includes grains, dairy, alcohol, sugar, legumes and of course any baked goods. Feel free to visit the program rules on the website for more details.
Although this 30 day eating plan could be used for weight loss, the founders intend it more as a learning tool. Many people have no idea that their diet plays a large part in major or minor health issues they might be experiencing. By eating real foods for a month and slowly introducing processed foods after that month, a person can learn what in his diet might be causing his ailment. And boy did I learn.
Several of my friends had experience with Whole30 and talked me into trying it, which I am glad I of. Thank you friends! Although skeptical, my husband agrees to walk through this month long eating journey with me. So I make lists and stock my kitchen with all the appropriate foods, condiments and spices. Off we go!
The Experience
Wow. First Impression, lots of work. In this world of convenience, I am used to quick heat eats and “mostly prepared for you” meals. All those time savers go out the window when eating Whole30 style. I have to plan ahead, peel potatoes, cut up veggies, figure out meat portions. Basically every meal starts from scratch. I quickly associate myself with Ma Ingalls on “Little House”, minus the baking. But I am proud of my ability to provide for my family in this way! Have I been so caught up in eating with ease that I forgot what eating to live well felt like? I am somewhat embarrassed by this!
Second discovery, I feel like I got the life sucked out of me. This only lasts the first few days, but while your body tries to adjust to healthy eating, it misses the processed stuff. For the first 4 or 5 days, my husband and I feel like we have run a marathon with a headache. We feel sleepy, achy, lethargic, and lifeless with no strength in our limbs. I even feel like breathing takes effort. I try to eat more than usual, filling my stomach with strength enhancing leafy greens and other healthy goods. But my body just laughs and wants the usual garbage I consume. I just have to wait it out. Do I eat that badly that my body can’t function on just the good stuff?
Third thing learned, I feel great! I really don’t mind the healthy foods! My research for yummy meals and food combinations pay off. After a week of Whole30, I am sleeping much better which leads to more energized days. I don’t wake up with swollen fingers and hands. The strange little blisters that appear haphazardly on my hands don’t return for the duration of my real food consumption. My spirits remain high because I feel so healthy. And on top of it all, I lose a few pounds. This little experiment was definitely worth my time and effort. Where has healthy eating been all my life?
Fourth revelation, life is boring. Our meals just end after the meal. The hope of something sweet gets squashed daily. The first week I can endure the deprivation of dessert, and even feel I don’t need it. The second and third week without sweets shakes my confidence. I am not sure I can go on with this life. My husband and I often enjoy a glass of wine or a mixed drink on the weekends. It seems to be a relaxing reward for the work week. When we set that aside for Whole30, we become mopey 2 year-olds. You’d have thought someone took away our toys. The sighs and sad whistles that emit from our mouths sound pitiful. Am I that emotionally dependent on sweet food and drinks that I get legitimately depressed without them?
Fifth realization, the teenage kids don’t appreciate Whole30. My son initially thought the diet might help him gain more strength and experience less fatigue for sports, so he joined in…for one day. I believe his comment on day two sounded something like, “Screw that. Not worth it.” I consciously try to find meals that the kids would like. I make the food sound exciting with common titles like “fajitas”. They see through that from a mile away. The number of eye rolls and “oh brothers” just about do me in. They count down the days until the month’s end. When a story comes up that might involve the Whole30 month, it is not remembered fondly. Who asked them anyway?
Thankful for Lessons Learned
I wish I could tell you that the month ends with a celebrated bang. Truth be told, my husband and I end up going to Chicago for the last weekend of the month, so we ditch the diet plan. I can’t slowly reintroduce foods because we jump right back into normal eating in Chicago. But even though it ends a little early, the 26 Whole30 days are filled with magic and wonder. Not really. But I did learn a lot. My eyes have been opened to small unhealthy physical and emotional habits.
The following is my take away from Whole30.
- I have been doing breakfast all wrong. My favorite cold cereal has been my daily breakfast for years. I get extremely hungry late morning, but that is life. Whole30 taught me that different foods prove much more satisfying for breakfast. For example, a hard boiled egg and protein filled almonds keep my stomach from rumbling an hour after eating. A banana and Greek yogurt give me more energy longer into the morning. I still love cold cereal though, and enjoy it here and there.
- Sugar really is like an emotional and physical drug. I can stay off of it for a short time, but I think about it a lot when I can’t have it. And it is extremely difficult to take just one bite once in a great while. Once I take that little bite, all self restraint goes out the window. I don’t have any answers for this life issue. All I know is that I feel physically better when off of it, but emotionally better when on it. The emotional attachment will be a life long battle. Something to work on.
- As the old saying goes, moderation is key. Of course there is nothing wrong with dessert or alcohol here and there, but if you aren’t really wanting it, just let it pass. I find that as hard as it is to say no to dessert at the time, an hour later I forget the pain. And later I am relieved I don’t have a stomach full of sugar. The same moderation rule applies to fried food, large amounts of bread, pasta, etc. Enjoy what is in front of you, just don’t go looking for it on a daily basis. Easier said than done, I know.
- Now I am much more aware of my emotional eating in general. I had no idea how much I depend on food and drink for a bit of happiness, but I am much more able to determine what I need and don’t need. Sometimes my determinations don’t make a difference on whether I eat it, but at least I think about it. 🙂
So, in summary, I am glad I tried Whole30 as it did change my life in some ways. I learned to be conscious of what I eat instead of just randomly eating. I will feel better as a result. Would I do Whole30 again in the future? If I do, I would need to find a friend to join me because my husband will run at the suggestion this time. But, I think I will leave well enough alone and consider this beneficial experiment done.
My Favorite Whole30 Meal for One (Not sure where I came across this recipe)
One Sweet Potato, cut into fry shapes
One regular Potato, cut into fry shapes
1/2 apple, chopped
1/2 small onion, chopped
Sliced smoked sausage, to taste
1/2 t Rosemary
1/2 t Basil
Salt
Pepper
Saute the potatoes and onion in olive oil in a fry pan until almost done. Add apples and saute until all is cooked through. Add sausage and spices and stir once in a while until meat is heated. Enjoy!
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