My Whole30 Journey!

Food was an event for me. Notice I said was. Every time I met with someone, or had a great victory or failure: food was involved. I didn’t really realize until I embarked on my Whole30 journey, how much this was the case, and how emotional and mental food consumption really is.  If you want more info about Whole30, you can visit their website here.. If you want more information on their starter book: “It Starts with Food” click here.

Here’s my 31 day journey with some excerpts from my journal.

Days 1-7.

Why did I agree to do this? My body hurts. And I’m mad at myself for even consuming so much garbage. The book is clear: The more junk you’ve eaten before means the “carb flu” will be that more intense. What is “carb flu”, you ask? It feels like you have the flu. Aching body. Fever. Shakes. But it’s just your body detoxing from carbs. Why did I do this right after my family and I completely splurged over Christmas? I’m so glad my husband is doing this with me because, truth be told: I would have given up by now. Thank God for that Whole30 Facebook support group too because this is craziness personified. And they feel my pain.

Days 7-14.

Okay my coffee doesn’t taste that bad without a 1/3 cup of cream in it. Yes I’m one of those people: Almost as much cream as coffee in the cup; and flavored cream at that. And now I’m becoming used to the black coffee with unsweetened, no carrageen almond milk. It really tastes great! It’s all good. And I don’t miss sweets as much as I thought. That’s a miracle in itself.

Days 14-21.

Hello Tiger Blood!!! Yeah, this is the burst of energy that is making me feel like superwoman on steroids! I. FEEL. GREAT! Wow. So great; like can’t explain great; like super productive great. And I’m so in love with new foods and restaurants that I never knew existed in Philly that are extremely Whole30 friendly. Who knew?

Days 21-24.

We are in Ocean City, MD for a conference where all of our food is paid for. And I know that I’m definitely a confirmed Whole30 junkie, because I now carry food around with me! Yes, food in my purse and food in my bag; so that I’m always prepared. I didn’t want to fail so I packed up the grilled cooked organic chicken and put it in zip lock bags in my purse.  LOL! But it’s for fear of what they’re serving at lunch time. It’s because I’ve come too far to stop now. And on top of it, I can’t tell you how great I feel.

Days 24-28

I know I’m not supposed to, but I weigh myself. Whole30 is big on not weighing yourself and not counting calories during the 30 days, but I seriously can’t take it. And, lo and behold, I’m 10.5 pounds down! I’m super motivated.

Days 28-30

Red sweet potatoes. I went to a large fresh produce market in the city and stumbled upon red sweet potatoes for the first time. I found out that they are of Japanese origins and much sweeter than a regular sweet potato which means that I have really found something to  assist with wanting something sweet and it’s natural and pure. And I found it on day 28! I think I could do this for life.

Day 31

I’ve lost 12.5 pounds. I feel great. I want to tell others about how clean eating can be for you. But what I’m really feeling the greatest about? I have control over my cravings. And what I’ve learned the most? Nothing should have that much control over you. Not even food.

If you’re like me, depending on your personality and emotions, food can become an event. I’m still a foodie at heart, but now I can control those feelings.  I believe that discipline is the secret to many of our silent struggles. It’s not as deep as we’ve made it. When we operate in discipline it shows our submission to the process. And if we can’t submit to a process in every area of our lives, then it will be hard for us to walk in long-term success. But when we are disciplined, we give God room to deposit more, because He knows that it won’t be an “event” for us. It will be life-long.

So whatever you choose to make an “event” in your life, I hope you’ll join me on the road to living a more disciplined life in every area. It’ll bring great rewards! Cheers!