Last December, I began plans to get my nutrition in hand. I have been working out and running over the past several years in an attempt to lose weight, but I have brazenly overlooked the important role that my nutrition has in producing results.
I started by reading It Starts with Food by Duke and Melissa Hartwig. In this book, the two discuss why Americans in particular are dependent on foods high in salt, sugar, and fat. They explain how some types of food facilitate this unhealthy relationship and highlight types of food that have been known to negatively affect the human body. The negative effects can be as simple as bloating but can also include severe allergic reactions and lead to auto-immune issues. Note: I’m not a doctor, and, as what was pointed out to me, the opinions about what is and is not healthy changes ALL. THE. TIME. However, I felt pretty good about the theory of, “Hey, let’s clean out some of these notoriously bad foods for a while, see how we feel, then systematically add a couple back to see if it negatively affect us!” So, I got on the bandwagon. Long story short, I am conducting a science experiment on my body and changing how my brain thinks about food by eliminating added sugar, dairy, legumes, bread, and alcohol.
You don’t have to read any of their books to do the program, but I do like to understand the science and reasoning behind any kind of diet change. Originally, I was going to begin the Mediterranean Diet, but I eat way too much bread, pasta, dairy, and sugar to really “moderate” myself. I can always decide to follow whatever eating regimen after I complete this program, but I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. Yesterday was day seven of my first Whole30 experiment. I was going to wait until I completed my full 30 days to report my findings. After this past week, though, I figured now is a good check point. I have experienced some things that are a little different from the usual and I want to share them and see if anyone else is experiencing the same or if I’m an exception.
To prep for my first day, I dutifully went to the grocery store and checked my labels planned a few meals and figured I’d wing the rest of the week. I joined a support group on Facebook, which is really nice with finding new recipes and encouraging each other. I have to admit, however, that my “Hangover” and “Kill all the things” phases were a little lack luster. I don’t know if it’s because I was extra studious or if I was just determined not to give in to early pressure. Come the last two days, I have felt the uncontrollable need to nap.
I have to admit that I am a little over cooking other day and not being able to eat whatever I want. This feeling goes away when my clothes feel better or I eat a meal that doesn’t upset my stomach within an hour of eating it. I am determined to get through this 30 days, and I want to make this a lifestyle. I don’t intend to have no sugar ever, but I do want the kind of lifestyle that enjoys less frequent indulgences, performs better at the gym, and is set up for a healthier lifetime. In the long run, I don’t want to be told in my fifties or sixties that I have to cut back on this or that because I ate too much junk in my twenties and thirties. I want to enjoy food that is healthy, delicious, and fulfilling.
So, that is where I’m at after one week on Whole30. I’d be interested to read about anyone else’s journey and what worked or didn’t work for people. Feel free to let me know your thoughts in the comments!
So long!
4orty2 