Whole 30 Check In

[MrsE]

For those of you participating in a January Whole 30, how's it going?

[MrsE]

wambam
spunkypenguin
@mandiespharm

Thank you both for sharing your favorite eats! So far, my Whole 30 is going well and I feel great! I was tempted by 2 work lunches and a tray full of cupcakes and pastries this week but made it through the first 11 days w/o cheating. .

Hope it's going well for very one else.

[wambam]

No problem! Let me know if you need anything at all

[wambam]

Also, my Whole30 started 12/26 and it's going really well. I always feel so good when I do it. I got two new cookbooks for Christmas so I've been having fun trying out new recipes. Haven't had an epic failure yet haha. I am going to J Alexander's for dinner tonight for my sister's birthday. Hopefully I'll get a helpful server.

[spunkypenguin]

Glad to hear you're doing well so far! I'm on day 13 and the energy has kicked in! I thought I was going to burst with energy yesterday morning - just wait for it- it's coming

I tried Salmon for the first time last week! I've been a picky eater my whole life, so this was a BIG step outside of my comfort zone and it was really awesome Whole30 definitely helps me with awareness and breaking out of my comfort zone. I've also started eating non-breakfast foods at breakfast time and I kinda like it

[mandiespharm]

I'm f-ing miserable today. I think I'm starving. The last 10 days have been great but today was the first that ive been craving everything. I haven't cheated and I won't but goddamn I just want a beer. I don't think it's helping that I'm PMSing too.

ETA: I too have been eating non-breakfast foods for breakfast and it makes it way better.

[winecat]

I'm on Day 3 and am not happy. I want cheese, yogurt, cream in my coffee and wine.

Lack of variety has been my biggest problem. I work a lot so I made big batches and, ugh, it's not good.

[spunkypenguin]

Here are some Paleo coffee creamers. I've drank plain coconut milk in mine the whole time and it's worked out...haven't tried any of these yet, but they look good
deliciouslyorganic.net/homemade-dairy-free-sugar-free-coffee-creamer-recipe/

[wambam]

Jan 16, 2014 23:09:14 GMT -5 winecat said:

I'm on Day 3 and am not happy. I want cheese, yogurt, cream in my coffee and wine.

Lack of variety has been my biggest problem. I work a lot so I made big batches and, ugh, it's not good.

Are you working off recipes or just following the meat/fat/veggie template? Maybe do some more interesting recipes?

[MrsE]

Jan 16, 2014 23:09:14 GMT -5 winecat said:

I'm on Day 3 and am not happy. I want cheese, yogurt, cream in my coffee and wine.

Lack of variety has been my biggest problem. I work a lot so I made big batches and, ugh, it's not good.

I miss wine and cheese but I feel great!! My friend puts a spoon full of coconut oil in his coffee as a creamer substitute. I prefer mine black anyway, but I tried it and I could see how that would be pleasing to some people.

[winecat]

Jan 17, 2014 7:25:39 GMT -5 wambam said:

Jan 16, 2014 23:09:14 GMT -5 winecat said:

I'm on Day 3 and am not happy. I want cheese, yogurt, cream in my coffee and wine.

Lack of variety has been my biggest problem. I work a lot so I made big batches and, ugh, it's not good.

Are you working off recipes or just following the meat/fat/veggie template? Maybe do some more interesting recipes?

So far just following the template.  I did some more reading last night and I don't think I'm eating enough fat.  I thought the fat that I cooked in was enough but on the forum it said that that the cooking fat isn't adequate.  So I'm guessing that is part of the problem as to why I'm hungry and unsatisfied.  

I've been looking up recipes to make on my days off.  Hopefully I can find some stuff that can be frozen so I can have a few things in rotation without worrying that they will go bad before I can eat it.

[wambam]

Jan 17, 2014 10:31:35 GMT -5 winecat said:

Jan 17, 2014 7:25:39 GMT -5 wambam said:

Are you working off recipes or just following the meat/fat/veggie template? Maybe do some more interesting recipes?

So far just following the template.  I did some more reading last night and I don't think I'm eating enough fat.  I thought the fat that I cooked in was enough but on the forum it said that that the cooking fat isn't adequate.  So I'm guessing that is part of the problem as to why I'm hungry and unsatisfied.  

I've been looking up recipes to make on my days off.  Hopefully I can find some stuff that can be frozen so I can have a few things in rotation without worrying that they will go bad before I can eat it.

Definitely not enough. Add some clarified butter or coconut oil to things. You'll be happier and it'll taste amazing.

And yeah, definitely make some paleo recipes. I think you'll enjoy your food a lot more. There's nothing wrong with meat, fat, veggies for when you're in a pinch, but IMO it does not a lifestyle make.

[winecat]

Jan 17, 2014 9:10:21 GMT -5 MrsE said:

Jan 16, 2014 23:09:14 GMT -5 winecat said:

I'm on Day 3 and am not happy. I want cheese, yogurt, cream in my coffee and wine.

Lack of variety has been my biggest problem. I work a lot so I made big batches and, ugh, it's not good.

I miss wine and cheese but I feel great!! My friend puts a spoon full of coconut oil in his coffee as a creamer substitute. I prefer mine black anyway, but I tried it and I could see how that would be pleasing to some people.

I've been adding some coconut cream to my coffee.  (The solid milk from the can of coconut- not the packaged coconut milk.)  It's okay but it isn't cream or 1/2 and 1/2.  

I don't feel great yet though part of that is definitely emotional.  I'm pretty upset and concerned about Pixy's daughter.  

[winecat]

Jan 17, 2014 10:33:40 GMT -5 wambam said:

Jan 17, 2014 10:31:35 GMT -5 winecat said:

So far just following the template.  I did some more reading last night and I don't think I'm eating enough fat.  I thought the fat that I cooked in was enough but on the forum it said that that the cooking fat isn't adequate.  So I'm guessing that is part of the problem as to why I'm hungry and unsatisfied.  

I've been looking up recipes to make on my days off.  Hopefully I can find some stuff that can be frozen so I can have a few things in rotation without worrying that they will go bad before I can eat it.

Definitely not enough. Add some clarified butter or coconut oil to things. You'll be happier and it'll taste amazing.

And yeah, definitely make some paleo recipes. I think you'll enjoy your food a lot more. There's nothing wrong with meat, fat, veggies for when you're in a pinch, but IMO it does not a lifestyle make.

Just plop it on top?  I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around adding straight fat.  I don't believe fat is bad at all.  My life is built around fat- butterfat to be specific.    I grabbed a couple of avocados to add until I can get time to cook on Sunday or Monday.  

Is there enough fat in Paleo/Whole30 recipes or will I need to add some?  I found a recipe for a Whole30 compliant spinach/artichoke dip that another used as a fat source.  I'm sure I'll like that.  

Thank you guys for responding to a newbie on your board.  I really appreciate the help!   

[wambam]

Jan 17, 2014 10:38:58 GMT -5 winecat said:

Jan 17, 2014 10:33:40 GMT -5 wambam said:

Definitely not enough. Add some clarified butter or coconut oil to things. You'll be happier and it'll taste amazing.

And yeah, definitely make some paleo recipes. I think you'll enjoy your food a lot more. There's nothing wrong with meat, fat, veggies for when you're in a pinch, but IMO it does not a lifestyle make.

Just plop it on top?  I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around adding straight fat.  I don't believe fat is bad at all.  My life is built around fat- butterfat to be specific.    I grabbed a couple of avocados to add until I can get time to cook on Sunday or Monday.  

Is there enough fat in Paleo/Whole30 recipes or will I need to add some?  I found a recipe for a Whole30 compliant spinach/artichoke dip that another used as a fat source.  I'm sure I'll like that.  

Thank you guys for responding to a newbie on your board.  I really appreciate the help!   

I usually melt and pour rather than plop, but yeah! Coconut milk is an easy way to go too. I like Native Forest brand.

I think most paleo recipes have enough fat. But you can always add if necessary. Clothes Make the Girl, Nom Nom Paleo, and Stupid Easy Paleo have all done Whole30 blog series so that might be a good place to start!

[winecat]

Jan 17, 2014 10:43:54 GMT -5 wambam said:

Jan 17, 2014 10:38:58 GMT -5 winecat said:

Just plop it on top?  I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around adding straight fat.  I don't believe fat is bad at all.  My life is built around fat- butterfat to be specific.    I grabbed a couple of avocados to add until I can get time to cook on Sunday or Monday.  

Is there enough fat in Paleo/Whole30 recipes or will I need to add some?  I found a recipe for a Whole30 compliant spinach/artichoke dip that another used as a fat source.  I'm sure I'll like that.  

Thank you guys for responding to a newbie on your board.  I really appreciate the help!   

I usually melt and pour rather than plop, but yeah! Coconut milk is an easy way to go too. I like Native Forest brand.

I think most paleo recipes have enough fat. But you can always add if necessary. Clothes Make the Girl, Nom Nom Paleo, and Stupid Easy Paleo have all done Whole30 blog series so that might be a good place to start!

Those are the blogs I've been looking at.    The recipes do look tasty!  I decided to start to get ready for vacation and didn't prep right this week.  Thank you for the encouragement!  

And melting sounds so much better than cold fat.  

[naldridge]

Jan 17, 2014 7:25:39 GMT -5 wambam said:

Jan 16, 2014 23:09:14 GMT -5 winecat said:

I'm on Day 3 and am not happy. I want cheese, yogurt, cream in my coffee and wine.

Lack of variety has been my biggest problem. I work a lot so I made big batches and, ugh, it's not good.

Are you working off recipes or just following the meat/fat/veggie template? Maybe do some more interesting recipes?

We did the started to make recipes from Whole 30 Freezer Menu from Stuff I Make My Husband earlier in the week and I have been super impressed with what we've tried so far. We've both done Whole 30 before aren't necessarily doing it strictly now, but I like having healthier choices for us. The Easy Thai Curry is awesome (I added a bag of spinach/kale and broccoli) and I love the Moussaka (I used lean ground beef and added chopped portobellos to stretch it) but H hasn't tried it yet, so that will be the ultimate test. I'm a little skeptical as to if he will like it, since the béchamel is dairy free and cauliflower-based.  

I also made the Whole 30 friendly BBQ sauce for Apple Butter BBQ Drumsticks and it is delicious. H is a BBQ fanatic (shameless plug, he has a website dedicated to it) and gave it his seal of approval. The Italian Brunch Bake is nice to have ready in the freezer, but isn't really anything amazing. I fudged the recipe for Mega-veggie Freezer Beef Stew a little and have it ready in the freezer to plop in the crock pot on a crazy day.

[hungrycaterpillar]

I didn't realize that there were so many of us doing this. Great job everyone. I had my first real temptation last night having dinner at my parents house, but I did well and stayed compliant. I'm on day 16! Halfway through. I haven't really been looking at what day I'm on and was surprised to see that number.

Keep up the good work everyone!

[IrishBelle]

I'm late to the game but I'm starting my second Whole 30 today. I just got back from vacation and need this now more than ever. Between Christmas, New Year's and my vacation, its been a month of non-stop eating. I'm looking forward to getting back on track.

[spunkypenguin]

Less than a week to go!! How's everyone doing?

My 30th day would technically be Tuesday, but I'm just going through the end of the month

[moreace01]

So I'm admitting that I fell off the wagon a bit.

I did Whole 30 for a week, didn't feel any different. Midway through the second week I cheated (I can't remember on what, but I know I did). Anyway, I guess I got annoyed cause people kept telling me - oh, there will be all this energy, your skin will look great, etc etc. And I noticed...nothing.

Eating out is a royal PITA. I will say that.

I don't know where I'm going with this, but I guess maybe did anyone else do this and just not feel any different?

I will say that the one thing this has done for me is made me realize how much "filler" food I was eating. Grains in everything to just bulk up the calories. So that's my big takeaway with this whole process and I will be mindful not to do that in the future.

I've also been substituting a lot of my food with nuts and eggs. Which are sometimes an allergy problem for some people. I would have no idea if they are problematic for me or not. But I guess...if anyone has ideas how to add calories without resorting to nuts and eggs, please let me know.

[wambam]

Jan 24, 2014 14:33:26 GMT -5 moreace01 said:

So I'm admitting that I fell off the wagon a bit.

I did Whole 30 for a week, didn't feel any different. Midway through the second week I cheated (I can't remember on what, but I know I did). Anyway, I guess I got annoyed cause people kept telling me - oh, there will be all this energy, your skin will look great, etc etc. And I noticed...nothing.

Eating out is a royal PITA. I will say that.

I don't know where I'm going with this, but I guess maybe did anyone else do this and just not feel any different?

I will say that the one thing this has done for me is made me realize how much "filler" food I was eating. Grains in everything to just bulk up the calories. So that's my big takeaway with this whole process and I will be mindful not to do that in the future.

I've also been substituting a lot of my food with nuts and eggs. Which are sometimes an allergy problem for some people. I would have no idea if they are problematic for me or not. But I guess...if anyone has ideas how to add calories without resorting to nuts and eggs, please let me know.

Have you ever read the Whole30 timeline? It's really funny, but also really accurate. I don't think you gave it enough time. 

[spunkypenguin]

Jan 24, 2014 14:33:26 GMT -5 moreace01 said:

So I'm admitting that I fell off the wagon a bit.

I did Whole 30 for a week, didn't feel any different. Midway through the second week I cheated (I can't remember on what, but I know I did). Anyway, I guess I got annoyed cause people kept telling me - oh, there will be all this energy, your skin will look great, etc etc. And I noticed...nothing.

Eating out is a royal PITA. I will say that.

I don't know where I'm going with this, but I guess maybe did anyone else do this and just not feel any different?

I will say that the one thing this has done for me is made me realize how much "filler" food I was eating. Grains in everything to just bulk up the calories. So that's my big takeaway with this whole process and I will be mindful not to do that in the future.

I've also been substituting a lot of my food with nuts and eggs. Which are sometimes an allergy problem for some people. I would have no idea if they are problematic for me or not. But I guess...if anyone has ideas how to add calories without resorting to nuts and eggs, please let me know.

I didn't have any of the "magical" transformations.  I also don't have any major conditions that I was looking to fix.  It does help me recognize my food relationship issues, which is why I am doing this and plan to stay paleo.  I like that I can taste sweetness in things that I haven't before and my cravings for sweet things are (mostly) gone.  I also find that I don't get as ravenous when eating like this...My day used to be carefully planned around getting back to the office for my AM/PM snacks and then rushing home for dinner.  So, I guess I don't feel a ton different during Whole 30, but the little things add up enough and make it worth it.

I agree w/ Wambam, though...the first week sucks...the second week is only moderately better.  

[moreace01]

wambam - yeah, i read the timeline. i feel like it mentioned feeling worse and having no energy before feeling better. it was usually in the 3rd week where energy level went crazy?

so like i said - i see how poorly i was eating (even though i eat few prepared foods. and really love all food so i have no problems with trying different foods) and am making a concerted effort to eat a lot more veggies and fruits and less grains. i'm doing alright there. total sugar was a little harder to cut out (dried fruit for example). dairy. eh. i don't really eat any dairy other than cheese and i could stay away if i had to for a month (although i made this yummy beet salad and it just cried for goat cheese. sad!)

i do have a thyroid condition, but i don't actually have any symptoms (never did). i have taken a look at the diet for thyroid and...wow...no nightshade plants? it doesn't say no brassicas, but most endo's say no brassicas (or keep it low). you get to the point where there is just nothing left to eat other than meat and lettuce (no grains, beans, sugar, dairy, nightshade plants, brassicas. some people have trouble with eggs and nuts so should limit those...ugh, what else is there??)

spunkypenguin - thanks for your response! i feel like it is good to hear from people who don't have this huge transformation. cause most of the people i talk to are like 'oh, it was amazing!' and when it isn't, it makes it hard to want to stick with it. like...is this doing anything at all??

[mandiespharm]

Jan 24, 2014 14:33:26 GMT -5 moreace01 said:

So I'm admitting that I fell off the wagon a bit.

I did Whole 30 for a week, didn't feel any different. Midway through the second week I cheated (I can't remember on what, but I know I did). Anyway, I guess I got annoyed cause people kept telling me - oh, there will be all this energy, your skin will look great, etc etc. And I noticed...nothing.

Eating out is a royal PITA. I will say that.

I don't know where I'm going with this, but I guess maybe did anyone else do this and just not feel any different?

I will say that the one thing this has done for me is made me realize how much "filler" food I was eating. Grains in everything to just bulk up the calories. So that's my big takeaway with this whole process and I will be mindful not to do that in the future.

I've also been substituting a lot of my food with nuts and eggs. Which are sometimes an allergy problem for some people. I would have no idea if they are problematic for me or not. But I guess...if anyone has ideas how to add calories without resorting to nuts and eggs, please let me know.

I could say I didn't have that "magical" feeling either.  Until now - and I'm thru day 24. And to a point, I don't know that I still truly do.  I feel a lot better about myself.  I'm lifting heavier, sleeping better, and this is probably the first time in months that my face is acne free.   If you read one of my above posts I felt like shit and all I wanted to do in week 2 was eat.  I didn't care what I just wanted something not whole 30 approved.  All I can say is that I'm glad I didn't cheat and that I stuck with it.  I feel better just knowing that I do have the will power to not succumb to those temptations.  

I'm glad you are able to see that you weren't eating well before and hopefully even just a week of this can help you to stay on track.  Eating out is hard and that's why meal planning and cooking ahead for 3-4 days is really important.  With all of our hectic schedules I'm sure we all struggle with this as points.   

[MrsE]

I'm on day 24 (well, starting 25) and I feel pretty good. I still have an intense sugar craving after dinner and long for a delicious chocolate brownie w/ vanilla ice cream but I'm happy I've made it this far without giving into temptation.

I turned down several caterer breakfasts, lunches, cakes, and the like at work and fresh bread, more cake, and drinks in my social circle. Both have been *very* hard, and I have been tempted, but I am pleased with my willpower. Only a few more days to go!

[mandiespharm]

So I have three days left - and I'm getting on an airplane to go visit my 93 year old grandmother for 4 days then dh and I are going on a cruise. This outta be fun trying to explain to her about why I'm eating like I am. I'm bringing the book and I packed snacks so maybe I won't feel so awful eating on the cruise ship especially.

Btw I feel really good. I'm finally starting to see some changes in my waist area. I didn't really have any weight to lose when this started I just wanted to tone up and I think I am! Yay!

[mandiespharm]

MrsE
wambam
spunkypenguin
winecat
naldridge

Last day girls!! What's your first splurge going to be tomorrow or what was it? Or are you going to try to "continue" and not splurge? How do you plan to eat after this is all done?

[spunkypenguin]

I actually started on Dec 30, so today is day 32 for me! I'm going to do the recommended re-intro protocol starting with Legumes on Saturday. After the re-intro protocol (and depending upon my sensitivities), I plan to follow a primal/clean-eating type plan. Sugar and I are still fighting the good fight, so I know I need to keep it out of my life for a bit longer. I'm planning to keep most grains and dairy out as well - occasional cheese and quinoa...maybe some sweet corn in the summer (I live in farm country, it's almost impossible to go without all summer!) I'll allow for indulgences from time to time, but I want to stick to eating this way.

I will do weight/measurements Saturday morning. I haven't dropped a ton, but I am finally starting to feel the magic! My workouts have been awesome this week - I feel so pumped after leaving the gym and eating my post-WO meal. I'm starting NROLW next week, so I'm hoping to see even better results with that.

[mandiespharm]

I'm going to try to eat 80/20 or 90/10 paleo after I'm done. I never have been a big "dairy" person - maybe some cheese here and there but I won't die if I don't have yogurt or milk. The one thing I might add back in that I've missed is protein shakes made with almond milk. But I have found that eggs are a good substitute so maybe not....

My husband already has my day planned tomorrow - beer and chicken wings and I don't know what else. That will be enough for me I'm sure. I feel like I have gotten so used to eating this way it's going to be hard to go back to bad things. The hardest part of eating this way truly has been traveling. I hate to be "that person" eating out but wow there is so much awful stuff out there. And sometimes the servers are so ignorant and just don't get it.