Starting today, I am kicking off a 21 day challenge to start the new year off on the right foot!
What: The Whole30 Program! As described on the website: eat real food - meat, seafood, eggs, tons of vegetables, some fruit, and plenty of good fats from fruits, oils, nuts, and seeds. NO added sugar (of any kind real or artificial), alcohol, grains, legumes, dairy, carrageenan/MSG/sulfites, or white potatoes.
Why: Certain food groups (like sugar, grains, dairy and legumes) could be having a negative impact on your health and fitness without you even realizing it. So how do you know if (and how) these foods are affecting you? Strip them from your diet completely. Let your body heal and recover from whatever effects those foods may be causing. Push the “reset” button!
When: Monday 1/7 to Sunday 1/27, 21 Days
Why I'm only doing 21 days: Although I may be altering the effectiveness of the program by cutting it 9 days short, I want to set myself up to succeed. I could've started earlier, but I gave myself a week long grace period after the new year to finish up all the holiday treats and to enjoy some events last weekend that were already scheduled and revolved around drinking. I will be strict with the program for the next 3 weeks and then the last week of the month I have a winter social and a build your own pizza party, both of which events will include drinking. Typing this out is making me feel like I just can't commit to the entire 30 day period (specifically the booze free portion), but I am just trying to make sure that I'm making a promise to myself that I actually intend to keep, I want to set myself up for success. It's my first time doing anything this strict and I want to commit 100%, so I will start with 21 days and see how I feel after that.
Before thoughts: The holidays brought out my inner cookie monster! I stuffed my face with sugary treats, lots of carbs, and things I knew would have a negative impact on my body. My skin broke out, my nails are brittle and peeling, and my tummy ballooned up with bloat. There were multiple nights that I would lay in bed and listen to my tummy gurgle and know that it was a direct result of what I'd put into it. I know how great my body can feel cutting out processed carbs and dessert treats, but I've never been this strict with my diet. I want to see just how great my body can feel on nothing but real food! I've never cut dairy out of the equation before and I'm praying that my complexion will be singing with the results. The Whole30 website claims this will change your life... really? Will it change mine? I want to find out and I’ll be sharing my journey as I go! So far, so good for day 1, except for the stupid piece of gum I mindlessly popped into my mouth at work, fail! Oh well…
Have you ever done an elimination diet? Did you ever cut something out of your diet and realized that you felt much better without it?
I've read a bit about the Whole30 program, and I'm intrigued. Similar to the Paleo way of eating, I'm just not sure about giving up so many things that are staples in my diet. I'll be super curious to hear your thoughts on this over the next 21 days! Keep us posted!
ReplyDeleteOh- I was a total cookie monster this past month! I've never done an elimination diet, but usually after valentine's day I try to cut out sugar (besides what's naturally in foods) out for a few weeks to help reset myself. I like how you've set yourself up for success here. I can't wait to hear how it goes!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited to follow you through this journey! I think that setting realistic goals that cater to what you know YOU can accomplish is amazing and not at all a 'cop out'. As for elimination diets, I've never had to do one (thankfully) but as you know I've given up alcohol. I think you'll find that over time, you don't really miss it and the benefits that come with it, at least for me, outweigh the desire to have a drink. Also, more paleo dates please. I've been dreaming about dinner from Saturday! xoxo love you! -H
ReplyDeleteI am doing such a similar program, I didn't realize the cleanse I was running on my site was so similar to the whole 30!! Can't wait to read about your journey. I have been on mine since Saturday and could feel a big difference in just a few days. I have been craving chocolate, especially in the beginning, but it is subsiding now. I am a vegetarian, so for me it's been all about legumes to fill me up and lots and lots of veggies and smoothies!! My skin was breaking out from holiday indulgences too and it is much better already. Good luck, I know you are going to feel great!! :)
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