Learning From My Whole21

Coming into the April Whole30, I want to look back and reflect on my Whole21.  Although I had success, I want to do even better this time around.  I know I can improve my experience and results using the knowledge I have now. Here are a few things that I didn't do the first time, that I'm definitely doing in April:

Make a meal plan: I didn't do this last time and I think it would've made my life much easier, plus I'm hoping it will help other people.

Read It Starts With Food: I think it really helps to understand the whys!  Websites and blogs are great, but ISWF is just so clear cut!  I highly recommend it.

Order some items off the internet: I couldn't find some things in my local grocery stores, so amazon was my friend.  I stocked up on shredded coconut flakes (no added sugar) and ghee.  I may also be ordering some Whole30 approved salad dressing.

Expand my cookbook collection: I never understood the point of purchasing a cookbook when there's unlimited resources online, but now I'm a changed woman.  Heather gave me a copy of Practical Paleo in October, and while I was excited to receive it, I didn't really utilize it until January when it became a boredom buster during my Whole21! The recipes are so simple and straightforward.  Today I purchased Well Fed: Paleo Recipes for People Who Love to Eat and I'm very excited to add some new recipes into the mix.

Hide my scale: The program clearly states that you are not allowed to step on the scale (since the Whole30 is about way more than just weight loss) but I completely disregarded this and weighed myself almost every day.  Fail!  This time I'm going to put the scale away.  Out of sight, out of mind!

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Follow the Reintroduction Protocol: ISWF recommends a strict reintroduction protocol where you add one thing, then eat compliant for two days, then try another thing, and so on.  This is done to determine exactly how dairy, gluten, legumes, etc. make you feel.  I did not do this at all.  I stuffed my face with everything and anything.  Not only did I feel terrible, but I robbed myself of learning how each food affects me!  It also put me into a spiral of bad food choices.  This time I will do better.

Rally the troops: I'm SO excited that Dave is joining me this time!  Last time I had some support since Holly was doing a Whole30 on her blog (which is really the whole reason I even decided to do one in the first place), but I didn't have someone to fully commiserate with.  This time I'll have Dave, Sarah, and some more people that have told me that they were interested in joining on Facebook.  Hey Facebook friends, I'd looooove to see an official commitment in the comment section below... come on people, humor me with some comments :)  If you're thinking about it, debating joining in, JUST DO IT.  It may be tough, but it's only thirty days and it's so worth it!

I have no affiliations with any of the products in this post, I'm just sharing what I've found to be helpful.

Are you in?!