every last detail // my whole30 experience.

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21 days in! B O O M.

L E T ‘ S  G E T  C L E A N.

I’m trying to figure out how to start this post. I want to tell you all the things– all the decisions, and details, and reasons, but I’m just not sure how to begin. I think I’ll start with me, a month ago, feeling lazy, and heavy, and blah. A good a place to start as any, I guess. The holidays were over, we were deep into winter, and I just didn’t feel good about the way I felt or the way my clothes fit. I was eating whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, my skin was itchy, and my sinuses were crap. And so, I went out to change a few things.

//

My decision to try The Whole30 came from a mix of different places. A little over a year ago I talked with my friend Kristin about her experience with Whole30. I felt encouraged by her success, asked a lot of questions, and then basically put it on the back burner of my mind. Did I think it was awesome? Yes. Did I think I could do it? No.

In February and March I knew of two other friends that were trying Whole30. My good friend Liz loved it so much, she’s continued to live a Whole30-inspired lifestyle, which really got me to think more about trying it myself. And yet. I put it on the back burner of my brain AGAIN. But every time I’d get together with her {and saw how TERRIFIC she looked. Seriously.} I’d think to myself– I should do that someday. I should try that.

Another friend of mine from college switched to a Paleo lifestyle, and she called me on the phone one day SO EXCITED about her sinuses. You see, she used to get sinus infections A L L  T H E  T I M E. Every month, every week, it seemed– but when she stopped eating like she used to and started eating clean, she stopped getting sinus infections completely. WHAT? As a long time sufferer of allergies, and more recently, some serious sinus trouble, this sounded AMAZING. Sign me up! Someday.

Someday.

Someday.

Someday.

Always someday, never today.

Until now.

I don’t know exactly what finally caused me to commit. I’m thinking it was a combination of feeling unhealthy, and seeing others’ success. My two friends Janee and Molly have been huge inspirations. My friend Jolie started eating clean, and is making a real effort to get fit. And so, one weekend in early February I just said LET’S DO THIS. TODAY.

And I am so glad I did.

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You can read all the nitty gritty details about The Whole30 here, but I’m going to write a little bit about my eating experience, and what it’s meant to me.

First off, you can basically eat only 6 main staples. Protein, vegetables, fruit, oils and butters, coconut and olives, and nuts and seeds.

It’s not a lot, but it’s plenty.

You cannot eat grains, dairy, sugar, legumes, or alcohol. Basically, any kind of processed food is out, and only REAL NATURAL food is in.

For me, this has been a life change. I used to eat a lot of processed food, a lot of grains, and dairy, and chocolate. It’s what I grew up with, it’s what all the commercials and even doctors told me was good, it’s all that I knew. This new way of eating is different, but it’s not bad. Also, I picked a time of the year when not much is happening and I can easily make my own food and be successful. No vacations, no celebrations, just me, making a lot of trips to the grocery store, spending a lot of time in my kitchen.

You’re supposed to eat 3 balanced meals a day, following this meal plan, and avoid snacking. I sometimes snack, because I just can’t help it, but the things I’m snacking on now are way better than anything I was ever snacking on before.

Here are some of my go-to meals:

BREAKFAST

Always eggs {scrambled or soft boiled}.
Greens {cooked kale, broccoli} or butternut squash, or sweet potatoes, or carrots, or any veggie, really!
Sometimes maybe a banana with almond butter. Or raspberries. Or blueberries.
Black coffee. {Not as bad as you’d think. I tried coconut milk in it {whole food brand, in a can}, but didn’t love the way it seemed oily.}

LUNCH/DINNER

I mix up my proteins and veggies and try to make enough for leftovers.

Turkey meat sauce over spaghetti squash
Fish with turnips and collared greens {Zan made this one night. YUM.}
Beef Stew
Paleo Pad Thai
Marinated chicken and salad {My friend Liz told me about this dressing and it is amazing.}
Mom’s Chicken Soup {from Whole Foods}

Also, always a little side of fruit. Usually berries. Sometimes watermelon. Today mango. YUM. And nuts. I like cashews and pistachios. Mmm.

People swear by avocado, but I got sick on an avocado once {like reeeeeeallly sick} and remember getting stomach pains when previously eating them, so I haven’t been adding any to my meals. I know, I know, HOW CAN YOU NOT LOVE AVOCADO??, everyone always asks. To which I answer, I just don’t like feeling sick. Duh.

Mostly, my meals are simple. Which is fine by me, I was never a terribly fancy meal eater anyway.

Another note: Zan is eating grain-free, dairy-free right now. He’s been traveling a lot for work lately, so hasn’t been able to commit to Whole30 completely {you really do need to have control of a kitchen}, but when he’s here, he eats what I make OR if I’m lucky, he’ll make a delicious clean dinner for me. He is WAAAAAAAY better in the flavor department, so I relish in this.

//

Things I miss:

Egg salad sandwiches on wheat bread
Chocolate chip cookies
Bruegger’s bagels.
Going out to dinner.
GOAT CHEESE.

For the most part, it’s actually surprising how painless this has been for me. When you delve into the internet and read other people’s Whole30 experiences they talk a lot about cravings, and headaches, and weird dreams, and “hating everything”. I never experienced any of that. I really just try to eat until I’m full and make sure to have a snack with me in case of emergencies. Once I’m satisfied, I don’t feel any cravings. Do I still claim to love chocolate? Obviously, forever, but it’s been fine to go without it for the time being.

When I told my friend it wasn’t that hard, she responded with, “It’s your attitude.”

And I completely agree.

It’s 30 D A Y S. Not a lifetime.

I’m sure some people are rolling their eyes at me. I know it’s not so easy for everyone. I know it’s hard to be social when you can’t eat what everyone else is eating or drink what everyone else is drinking {or even at all}. And believe me, I KNOW that dessert is amazing and that grilled cheese is heaven {I remember}, but I  also love the perspective they give on the Whole30 website: “It is not hard. Don’t you dare tell us this is hard. Beating cancer is hard. Birthing a baby is hard. Losing a parent is hard. Drinking your coffee black. Is. Not. Hard. You’ve done harder things than this, and you have no excuse not to complete the program as written. It’s only thirty days, and it’s for the most important health cause on earth – the only physical body you will ever have in this lifetime.”

To which I say, A M E N.

Although, I do plan on eating like this at home indefinitely {probably more Paleo, which is very similar}, I also plan on enjoying the occasional dinner out or indulgence when we’re traveling. Of course! Because, LIVING! But I’m liking the way this food is making me feel, and I like knowing EXACTLY what I’m putting in my body, so why not continue to eat this way as much as I can?

After 21 days, consider me sold.

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A little bit about the results, so far…

I’m not done yet, but as of day 21 I want to write down some of the differences I feel since starting the Whole30.

SLEEP

Best sleep ever.

I put my head on the pillow, and OUT LIKE A LIGHT. I don’t wake up in the night, I don’t toss and turn, and when my alarm goes off in the morning, I don’t feel like I want to cry.

{Also, and this isn’t necessarily Whole30 related, but ever since getting my Fitbit, I feel like I’m in a race with myself to get a good amount of hours in each night. I’m trying for at least 7 hours, which means I have to put some effort into settling in earlier than I’m used to.}

SINUS /ALLERGIES

I used to be ADDICTED to Zyrtek. Not even kidding. I’d take it every day for itchy nose and sneezing, and also itchy skin. I took it every day for probably close to 5 years. Two weeks before I started Whole30, in an experiment to “see if I could do without it”, I stopped taking it. Just up and stopped. My skin itched LIKE CRAZY for maybe three weeks, and now it doesn’t! I can’t say for sure if this is because of the Whole30, but I’d like to think so.

Also, my sinuses are really bad. I can’t smell that well, only really strong scents, and even once had an MRI to look into it. {I’m fine.} Turns out I’m prone to sinus infections, but I don’t get symptoms like other people do {face hurts, headaches} so I could go a long time without even realizing I have one or worse, having it treated. So far, my smell seems to be the same, but I’m hopeful. Another reason why I’m going to keep this way of eating up– I’ve read that people do have improvements in smell, so maybe I just need more time.

ENERGY

I feel so good. So so good. I feel well rested, and energetic. I don’t get that tired feeling after work that I used to get, which is amazing. The first two weeks I didn’t exercise {and maaaaany weeks before that}, but I went to the gym to walk every day last week and today I woke up early and did 30 minutes in the pool. ROCK STAR STATUS. I attribute this change in exercise to both the Whole30 and my fitbit. It all feels so fantastic.

WEIGHT

As far as weight goes, I am curious to see how the Whole30 changes my body. I’ve never been terribly obsessed with my weight, but the months leading up to this, I did feel heavier than usual, and the scale told me the same. Mostly, I want my pants to fit like they’re supposed to and it would be nice for my stomach to be flat. :) Technically, I’m not supposed to weight myself until the 30 days are up. I cheated, obviously, and checked in a few days ago {I’m only human}, and yes, I’ve lost a few LBS, which is awesome– but what’s more awesome is the way I feel, and that, FEELING GOOD AND ALIVE, is the thing I want to remember best– the most important thing of all.

//

Lastly,  some of my favorite resources:

For questions:

The Whole30 website has been my go-to. I basically google ” _______ (food) Whole30″ every single second and I’m brought to the Whole30 forum, where someone, naturally, has had that same question already. Very helpful.

For recipes:

Against All Grain

Eating Whole {and her instagram feed is awesome, too!}

{For true Whole30, Paleo recipes often need to be tweaked a little, but only in the slightest!}

For life:

The Eighty Twenty {I’ve linked to it once or twice before, but it’s a wonderful online space that truly celebrates living a clean, real lifestyle.}

//

And that’s basically it. How I loved and lived Whole30 for 21 days, and how I will happily carry out the next 9 and beyond.

//

Thanks for reading this monster of a post.
I never read posts like this myself,
so if you’ve gotten to this point,
A GOLD MEDAL FOR YOU!

Questions/comments? You know where to find me.

And if you have favorite recipes or blogs, send away!

Comments

  1. Eeeee ok so you’re tempting me to get back on the Whole30 train for the last month before the wedding. IDK. But I do want to get a Fitbit. Also, Nom Nom Paleo for recipes. BEST.

    • You should do it!! You will feel amazing! Remember— NOT THAT HARD!!

      And yes to the fitbit. I know you would LOVE it.

  2. This is awesome, thanks for sharing! I first heard of this from todaysletters.com, and have been curious about it for some time. We haven’t gone completely Whole30 or Paleo, but I’ve been eating cleaner and feeling so much better—about my body and just in general. I was going to suggest Eating Whole but you listed her so it sounds like you’re all set :)

    • I will have to go check it out on todaysletters– even going Paleo makes a difference I think. And yes, love Eating Whole! What great recipe ideas!

  3. Loved this! I also love how I am feeling when I eat clean (more Paleo than Whole 30 but you get it). I feel like I’ve hit a point where eating bad food is less about weight and guilt and more about realizing that putting trash in my body just makes me feel BAD, PHYSICALLY and that’s no bueno.

  4. ooh! You make me want to try this challenge. I would love to hear about your results when you are done with the challenge and to know if you made any more permanent changes because of it.

  5. So proud of you! Such an amazing thing to focus on- yourself! Go Anna! Xoxox

  6. Thank you so much for writing this all out… I devoured it. Seriously considering doing a challenge like this. We eat so much better then we did a year ago but I would love to try something a bit more dedicated for a period of time. If we do, I will heavily rely on this post, so thanks again! Also, you rock for having such a good attitude and just going for it. Cheers to fruits and vegetables!

  7. Yessss Whole30/going paleo has honestly changed my life! So glad you’re trying it!

    Tip for coffee – try blending it with the coconut milk. Incorporates the oily-ness a bit better and kind of feels like a latte. I actually put straight up coconut oil in mine for a “fat bomb” (ew that term).

    Also if you’re looking for awesome cookbooks, both of the Well Fed ones are gorgeous and really really helpful. Her blog is fun too: http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/

  8. while I haven’t followed any particular theme or menu or plan, I did spend February eating WAY better than I have in years past – tons of vegetables, really mostly vegetarian, and lots of kin-oh-ah (I can’t say quinoa with a straight face)and I do feel much better. I’m tempted to try paleo but I’ve got a serious cheese and yogurt habit. my first plan is ditch the evening wine and see how that goes but you are an inspiration. thank you!

    • Oh, cheese and yogurt. Heart those things. But, as I’ve found out– I can live without!

      And the wine– I’m mostly a social drinker, and haven’t been really that social these days, which is why that part hasn’t been hard for me either.

  9. Anna-

    Thank you for sharing! It’s refreshing to hear the take on the whole30 from a “normal” person.. I feel like I’m constantly hearing from experts and it’s nice to hear your honest experience with it.

    I can’t believe about your skin.. that’s amazing.. (And I feel so terrible you’ve had these issues for such a long time)

    I love that Zan is able to jump in on parts of it with you too! the support is super important to life changes (even if it’s 30 days and you decide not to continue on after)

  10. WTG! Whole30 is amazing.
    Advice on the coconut milk coffee, blend it! I blend mine and the oils break up a bit so it’s not “oily”. And it tastes amazing!

    Best of luck on your continued journey!
    Lacey

  11. This post was awesome – it is your attitude! You have a great one – with everything you do, so I’m not surprised you’re killing it, Anna.

    Thanks for linking to the site. We <3 You!

    XO Jenna

  12. I am SOOOOO happy to read this! While I’ve transitioned to more Paleo, I have definitely been taking the 20% way more often than I should {hello, Girl Scout cookies}. But this is inspiring me to stay focused and make good, whole choices. I am so proud of and happy for you! Thanks for sharing too!

  13. Shannon says:

    Rock star! I eat as clean as possible (a slow carb diet, very similar to paleo) most of the time. But love to indulge at wine night and when going out to dinner!

    A few things I love- I found that making eggs every morning makes me late, so I make a frittata in a non stick pan at the beginning of the week and take slices for breakfast or lunch- I usually add caramelized onions, mushrooms, tomatoes and spinach..or whatever veggies I have on hand.
    And for coffee- I drink it black with cinnamon but sometimes use coconut milk from a carton, I found that its not oily like the can. Or I add almond extract (which as far as I know, doesn’t work for whole30). Lastly- bulletproof coffee, with butter(!!) doesn’t sound good, but it’s delish!

    There really is nothing better than feeling your best! The shiny hair is a nice perk of clean eating!

    • Thank you for the advice on breakfast! Last night I made a frittata for the rest of the week! {I made mine “taco inspired” and it was SO SO GOOD.

      here’s the link should you ever want to try it yourself! http://everydaypaleo.com/southwestern-frittata/ For mine I added bell peppers because I didn’t have jalepenos, and medium whole foods salsa {which has no sugar and is compliant!}

      Also, I have a friend who recently posted about bullet proof coffee– going to have to go back and find it now!

  14. So awesome! I went gluten free last May (not by choice) and have had similar results. I was also surprised how NOT HARD it was (and I’m obsessed with bread..). I think once you start seeing a difference and feeling better everything you give up just feels worth it. I’ve considered trying the Whole30, I’m sure I’d feel even better..

  15. You are an inspiration, Anna! This all sounds so amazing, and I’m kind of in that same boat that you were in before. “That sounds nice, but I don’t think I can do it.” I can’t believe you would say it is easy. My biggest thing is the meal planning… I just don’t know if I could be that disciplined to always plan out my meals ahead of time! However, you make a good point about doing it in winter when there’s not much going on… I will have to keep this in my back pocket (like you did) for the time that feels like I really just need to go for it! Thanks for sharing all the juicy details – it is so helpful to hear all of that! I’m SO glad you are feeling amazing!

    • Meal planning is the hard part– but again, not that hard! I hope you do it someday! I’ll be glad to read about it if you do!

  16. So glad I stumbled upon this post via your Instagram. I have been contemplating trying it out forever and this honest account was exactly what I needed to (almost) convince me to go for it ;)

  17. Anna I’m so glad this is working so well for you! It was nice to hear details of what you’re eating for meals, how you are feeling, etc., so that I can gain a little more insight on Whole30. I also loved the quote you shared about it not being hard. So often I think discipline in the realms of exercise + healthy eating are hard. I have it ingrained into my head that it’s hard, but there are so many other things in life that truly are hard! This was an inspiration to me, so thank you! Also, it’s wonderful that you are feeling well, having more energy, and sleeping well!

    • I’ve always thought it would be hard, too. And of course, it’s easier to eat the way I used to, but there are so many pluses to eating this way, too. :)

  18. YAY ANNA. this is so encouraging to hear, and of course you make it sound great. i TRY during the week to eat mostly veggies and protein. some weeks are better than others. breakfast is hardest for me as I have to wake up at 5 AM and get to work. i’ve been making an effort to get a smoothie at the gym, but obviously a bowl of cereal is an easy way to go. my other meals can work out a lot better for me, and i love carbs but find them pretty easy to avoid during the week. on the weekends i eat whatever, but i also work out pretty hard on the weekends so i try to load up on protein. eating better always makes you feel better and lighter and fitter and makes you go – ah, yes! this is why it’s worth it to avoid my cravings! i’m so happy to hear about your new habits and experience and that this helped you learn more about your body and all that jazz. sometimes we forget how important that is. thanks for the reminder. xoxo

    • You should try this frittata! http://everydaypaleo.com/southwestern-frittata/

      I made it last night and had it this morning and IT IS AMAZING.

      When I’m done, I’m going to for sure go back to taking myself out to dinner once in awhile, but I’m going to try to eat this way when I’m at home. Because why not!

      I’ll have wine with you any day, though. Obvi.

  19. Ali Herter says:

    OH BOY. You. Are. Awesome. I didn’t even know you were doing this friend but it has totally inspired me. I always seem to have excuse…traveling; work events; too busy to cook. But this post and your will power and hard work shows me I can try and attempt something like this too. I think it would be so good for me and Shan…both physically and mentally. Thank you friend for writing this and teaching us.

    Now… back to my brownie.
    SHOOT. I’ll let you know when I actually start the challenge. LOVE YOU MEAN IT ;-) xxx

    • LOVE BROWNINES.

      But I think they must have a paleo version you can devour after the 30 days! I’m looking into it. :)

      YOU SHOULD DO IT!

  20. Send that gold metal my way! ;)

    We’ve been making an effort to eat better too and had Eating Whole’s Eggs in Purgatory last night. So. Good.

  21. Between you and my friend who just finished her Whole 30 challenge, I am feeling very persuaded! It’s the lack-of-a-good kitchen thing that gets me unfortunately, as I just physically cannot make three meals a day (so guilty). BUT I swear I am going to try something like this as soon as I have the cooking + physical capabilities to do so!

  22. Christy says:

    Hey Anna, I linked to this from your Pinterest page. I have been feeling so blah/sick/tired/uncomfortable recently. I like the idea of 30 days. I think to get me started I would need to know there was an ending. I have to get through the food from my latest grocery trip, but am considering starting after that. Good luck on finishing up the 30!

    • Hi, Christy! That’s exactly the way I felt. And agreed! We can do anything for 30 days. Also, I am contemplating going further! Or at least now, after all this time, I know I could definitely eat like this for the long term. I’m going to eat a mostly Paleo diet from now on. Good luck if you decide to go for it. YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!

  23. I know I’m a week late to this, but I had to comment! I’ve given up sugar for a month and I’m always amazed at how easy it gets after just a few days. I’m more likely to go vegan than paleo but I think eating clean whole foods is at the core of any healthy lifestyle. My dad gained his smell back after going vegetarian/almost vegan. And his sinus problems have been cured with drinking lots of water. I have not been so lucky with the sinus issues no matter how much water I drink! You are such an inspiration with this post!

  24. Great post! I am on day 6 of my Whole30 experience and MAN is it HARD. I had a really horrible diet before I started, and I just switched cold turkey. I used to go to Chickfila almost every day and get fried chicken, go to Papa Johns and eat a ton of pizza, and pound ice cream at night. No more!

    I’ve heard that if you make it past the first two weeks you feel great. It’s hard so far but I’m sticking with it. I also started a blog to keep me accountable… http://www.fattydoeswhole30.com. Nothing like the threat of public humiliation to motivate you!

    Thanks again for the extra boost of motivation. Nice to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

  25. I’m late to the party! I came across your blog when I was researching Whole30 blogs and recipes for inspiration. I started my third Whole30 stint two days ago. I’ve struggled with my weight and general wellbeing for quite a few years now, and Whole30 was the first lifestyle change I tried that I was able to commit to for 30 days and actually enjoy! That’s awesome that you’re feeling so much energy now after it! I’m hoping that kicks in because I also was not working out very often before the Whole30, and now I’ve been trying out new activities in an effort to find a fitness routine that I like! (Hot Yoga rocks!!)

    You can check out my Whole30 and wellness journey here: http://www.novelattitudes.com/summer-solstice-reflections/

    Thanks for sharing your journey and being an inspiration!

    Kimmy
    http://www.novelattitudes.com

  26. Nice post. I have put doing this off for years…I had access to the info long before the general public did….sort of cut most sugar….but one day, at 44, I decided that feeling sick constantly and the beginnings of rheumatoid arthritis was simply UNACCEPTABLE. PERIOD. i ran across the Whole30 on some blog whilst looking for okra recipes, read more about it, ordered the book the next day and am now at about day 18. Second week was atrocious fatigue. But I have not found this all that hard to do! I have a large garden and a mamma that is a good cook that lives with me, though. Mama…..need me some clarified butter in three days when i start this! Here are the no-nos when you cook!!! I don’t plan meals much, just eat what works and fits. Starting to feel good….and left the cravings for all manner of things I felt i had no control over in the first few days!!

  27. Thank you so much for this post! I need to start this. http://www.lovesthefind.com/

  28. This blog about every last detail // my whole30 experience.

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