Starting September 1 - Who's with me?

[Linda75]

vozelle said:

Dear Crimsann (my Whole30 "exercise-pact" sister!), 

I want to report to you that I stayed almost 100% true to my goals, except for when I was sick and had to stay in bed for a few days mid-month. I learned a few things about myself and my relationship to exercise (and the body), and I hope to maintain at least the 30 minute (minimum) activity schedule 5x/week moving forward. I noticed that I really had to force myself to do the strength training, as I don't love going to the gym, and it's hard to do that at home without equipment. Maybe I'll learn some iometrics or Pilates for the home turf, we'll see. Anyway, "yay us" for having a goal and trying to reach it! Blessings to you my dear, see you on the next thread. : )

 

That is so great, vozelle and Crimsann - and inspiring to read.

 

I so need to get regular with getting exercise. There are days when I easily walk 10,000 steps and more, go dancing, meet with my trainer - and days, way too many of them, where I'm sitting on my butt working at the computer all day and don't even leave the house. The gym is 10 minutes max from my house and I've got exercise DVDs and weights at home, but...

 

It was so great when I had an exercise buddy who lived right across the street from me and we'd meet to walk or go to the gym. I know I need another exercise buddy so that we can motivate each other. Maybe I'll commit to regular exercise on the new forum. Notice I said maybe... gotta take some time to toss that around in my head for a while...

[Linda75]

The biggest benefit I saw from the Whole 30 was my work performance - things that usually took me 90 minutes to finish now take 60 minutes or less...

I hope I can figure out what exactly did the trick so I can keep doing it!

 

And when you figure it out, tell the rest of us!

 

I'm probably more efficient at some things now but I'd love to get more things into that "more efficient now" category. 

[hirondelle]

Hi everyone - just checking in to let you know I completed the 30 day journey, compliant every step of the way.  I have lots 10lbs, dropped a size in clothes and feel better.  No tiger blood or big change... but I feel better.  I still have cravings, but I am no longer a slave to them.

 

I found staying on track quite easy but the food prep / cooking was very tough for me as I work full time.  The only reason I am not staying on this programme indefinitely is because  of this - I basically opted to spend my free time cooking rather than going to the gym, and I miss the gym.  

 

So I am going to do the re-intro just to take this chance to discover how my body responds to things, but long term (I have at least another 50lbs to lose) I will keep off dairy, wheat (except for soy sauce - unless my body has an issue with it) and sugar just to retain the discipline.  I live in Thailand so being unable to eat rice meant that I couldn't take advantage of the cheap (and relatively healthy) local food that makes having a life possible.  So this will be my main exception (though obviously brown / jasberry rice when possible).

 

I have some before and after photos... here if you would like to see.  As you can see, I still need to lose a lot, I have lost a little - but more generally I think I look "better" in a hard to explain why kind of way.

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwuG1jX32BZqMlVhNGtJQlBPZ1U/view?usp=sharing

 

Congrats to all that made it / nearly made it / made it with a few adaptations to suit their life.  It's all good.

 

Luck and love. 

[art-school-girl]

Hi everyone - just checking in to let you know I completed the 30 day journey, compliant every step of the way.  I have lots 10lbs, dropped a size in clothes and feel better.  No tiger blood or big change... but I feel better.  I still have cravings, but I am no longer a slave to them.

 

I found staying on track quite easy but the food prep / cooking was very tough for me as I work full time.  The only reason I am not staying on this programme indefinitely is because  of this - I basically opted to spend my free time cooking rather than going to the gym, and I miss the gym.  

 

So I am going to do the re-intro just to take this chance to discover how my body responds to things, but long term (I have at least another 50lbs to lose) I will keep off dairy, wheat (except for soy sauce - unless my body has an issue with it) and sugar just to retain the discipline.  I live in Thailand so being unable to eat rice meant that I couldn't take advantage of the cheap (and relatively healthy) local food that makes having a life possible.  So this will be my main exception (though obviously brown / jasberry rice when possible).

 

I have some before and after photos... here if you would like to see.  As you can see, I still need to lose a lot, I have lost a little - but more generally I think I look "better" in a hard to explain why kind of way.

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwuG1jX32BZqMlVhNGtJQlBPZ1U/view?usp=sharing

 

Congrats to all that made it / nearly made it / made it with a few adaptations to suit their life.  It's all good.

 

Luck and love.

You look beautiful and strong! Keep it up! You look like you lost more than just 10 lbs. thanks for sharing your pics. Congrats to you too!

[Linda75]

art-school-girl said to hirondelle: You look beautiful and strong! Keep it up! You look like you lost more than just 10 lbs. thanks for sharing your pics. Congrats to you too!

 

I agree!

 

hirondelle, Can you get tamari soy sauce in Thailand? It's made from soy beans with either no or very little wheat in it, depending, I guess, on the brand.

[vozelle]

Way to go, everybody! We did it!

The biggest benefit I saw from the Whole 30 was my work performance - things that usually took me 90 minutes to finish now take 60 minutes or less, and I feel great about that because my boss was not happy with how long I was spending on things. 

I hope I can figure out what exactly did the trick so I can keep doing it!

 

Ok, I have some ideas!! First of all, this way of eating obviously improves energy levels, so that helps get things done. But check this out: The Whole30 style of eating also has a major impact on your BRAIN and the efficiency of your neurobiological systems. Whole foods and healthy fats actually support neurotransmitter function and help boost all kinds of "happy chemicals" in your brain. Eating a clean diet and keeping your stress levels in check will boost your focusing power, performance and cognitive ability... as well as improve and stabilize your moods. The healthy fats in particular build up the myelin sheath, a cholesterol-enriched nerve cell insulator in your brain (which helps your neurons fire efficiently). 

 

Seriously folks, there is hard science on this stuff, and more and more research is coming out all the time on the subject! Try reading the excellent book "The Mood Cure" by Julia Ross, who deftly and skillfully points out the link between good nutrition and a well functioning brain (which equals good MOOD)... a-m-a-z-i-n-g!! Another great book on the subject is "Why Isn't My Brain Working?" by Datis Kharrazian (basically, everyone who owns a brain should read this one!).

[hirondelle]

Thanks guys - I think I lost a lot of water, as I look less puffy - especially my face, but it was definitely only 10lb in a scale sense.  Obviously scales are but one tool for recording our progress - but I am not as anti-scale as many people.  I have always seen my relationship with the scale as a positive /empowering one.  When I am not stepping on the scale regularly is when I am in trouble. ;-)

[hirondelle]

Ok, I have some ideas!! First of all, this way of eating obviously improves energy levels, so that helps get things done. But get this: The Whole30 style of eating also has a major impact on your BRAIN and the efficiency of your neurobiological systems. Whole foods and healthy fats actually support neurotransmitter function and help boost all kinds of "happy chemicals" in your brain. Eating a clean diet and keeping your stress levels in check will boost your focusing power, performance and cognitive ability... as well as improve and stabilize your moods. The healthy fats in particular build up the myelin sheath, a cholesterol-enriched nerve cell insulator in your brain (which helps your neurons fire efficiently). Seriously folks, there is hard science on this stuff, and more and more research is coming out all the time on the subject! Try reading the excellent book "The Mood Cure" or "The Diet Cure" by Julia Ross, who deftly and skillfully points out the link between good nutrition and a well functioning brain (which equals good MOOD)... a-m-a-z-i-n-g!! Another great book on the subject is "Why Isn't My Brain Working?" by Datis Kharrazian (basically, everyone who owns a brain should read this one!).

 

 

agree - also the connection between wheat and brain fog has been written about lots (thinking grain brain / wheat belly)

[vozelle]

agree - also the connection between wheat and brain fog has been written about lots (thinking grain brain / wheat belly)

 

Oh heck yeah! Great books!  : )

[Carolee]

Hi everyone - just checking in to let you know I completed the 30 day journey, compliant every step of the way.  I have lots 10lbs, dropped a size in clothes and feel better.  No tiger blood or big change... but I feel better.  I still have cravings, but I am no longer a slave to them.

 

I found staying on track quite easy but the food prep / cooking was very tough for me as I work full time.  The only reason I am not staying on this programme indefinitely is because  of this - I basically opted to spend my free time cooking rather than going to the gym, and I miss the gym.  

 

So I am going to do the re-intro just to take this chance to discover how my body responds to things, but long term (I have at least another 50lbs to lose) I will keep off dairy, wheat (except for soy sauce - unless my body has an issue with it) and sugar just to retain the discipline.  I live in Thailand so being unable to eat rice meant that I couldn't take advantage of the cheap (and relatively healthy) local food that makes having a life possible.  So this will be my main exception (though obviously brown / jasberry rice when possible).

 

I have some before and after photos... here if you would like to see.  As you can see, I still need to lose a lot, I have lost a little - but more generally I think I look "better" in a hard to explain why kind of way.

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwuG1jX32BZqMlVhNGtJQlBPZ1U/view?usp=sharing

 

Congrats to all that made it / nearly made it / made it with a few adaptations to suit their life.  It's all good.

 

Luck and love. 

Heartiest congrats on your very successful month.  Wishing you well as you continue your journey to better health.

[misslindy]

Hi everyone - just checking in to let you know I completed the 30 day journey, compliant every step of the way.  I have lots 10lbs, dropped a size in clothes and feel better.  No tiger blood or big change... but I feel better.  I still have cravings, but I am no longer a slave to them.

 

I found staying on track quite easy but the food prep / cooking was very tough for me as I work full time.  The only reason I am not staying on this programme indefinitely is because  of this - I basically opted to spend my free time cooking rather than going to the gym, and I miss the gym.  

 

So I am going to do the re-intro just to take this chance to discover how my body responds to things, but long term (I have at least another 50lbs to lose) I will keep off dairy, wheat (except for soy sauce - unless my body has an issue with it) and sugar just to retain the discipline.  I live in Thailand so being unable to eat rice meant that I couldn't take advantage of the cheap (and relatively healthy) local food that makes having a life possible.  So this will be my main exception (though obviously brown / jasberry rice when possible).

 

I have some before and after photos... here if you would like to see.  As you can see, I still need to lose a lot, I have lost a little - but more generally I think I look "better" in a hard to explain why kind of way.

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwuG1jX32BZqMlVhNGtJQlBPZ1U/view?usp=sharing

 

Congrats to all that made it / nearly made it / made it with a few adaptations to suit their life.  It's all good.

 

Luck and love. 

Hi Hirondelle

Thanks for telling us about your month and posting your pictures--amazing. You may have lost 10 pounds on the scale but you have lost more fat than that--such a difference--inspiring!

 

See you in Tiger Tots!

[misslindy]

Have been out all day so just now have time to post.

 

Amazing month and not sure if I have lost weight but am not weighing. I put on clothes I haven't worn for years (yes, several sizes waiting to be shown the light of day once more), so I know something is shifting.

 

I have had chronic problems for years and I am sleeping so much better, not wandering the house at night while my husband sleeps. That's a plus. My muscle aches and pains are much less most of the time but still having flare ups so have a way to go. My energy level is much more dependable, and I have sustained energy throughout the day rather than tiger blood--well to me that is tiger blood as I keep going like the energizer bunny!

 

Thank you so much to the moderators and helpful people, the people here are so respectful of everyone's process and supportive--I appreciate it so much and feel blessed to be part of it all.

 

I want to drop a few more sizes (clothing that is) and will continue on the W30 programme and intend to do so. See you in the new forum. xx

[hirondelle]

I agree!

 

hirondelle, Can you get tamari soy sauce in Thailand? It's made from soy beans with either no or very little wheat in it, depending, I guess, on the brand.

 

I have looked round most of the supermarkets and can't find it - but there are a couple of specialist Japanese markets that I haven't checked - and I will do, thanks for the reminder.  I am still hoping I can tolerate soy sauce thought because Thai cooks put it in EVERYTHING!

 

 

Hi Hirondelle

Thanks for telling us about your month and posting your pictures--amazing. You may have lost 10 pounds on the scale but you have lost more fat than that--such a difference--inspiring!

 

See you in Tiger Tots!

 

Thank you! Yes - I'll be there.

 

Heartiest congrats on your very successful month.  Wishing you well as you continue your journey to better health.

 

Thank you, you too Carolee!

[Corinne219]

Well, it's day 31! Congrats and thanks to all of you. For me the benefits have been in my energy level and my mood. I have been struggling with depression since my separation 2 years ago this month. I finally feel like I don't have a cloud hanging over my head. I am a little disappointed that I didn't lose much weight, 3.5lbs, my clothes fit the same and my measurements are identical. I have been power walking at least 3 times a week with hand weights for 90 mins though ! Yay me! which is a lot more exercise than I have done in years...and I hope to continue. Hope everyone has a fabulous day

[GFChris]

Congratulations to this group on making it to Day 31!  You've been a great group to witness: wonderful energy and mutual support!

Be sure to post your successes in the Success Stories section.

[GFChris]

Well, it's day 31! Congrats and thanks to all of you. For me the benefits have been in my energy level and my mood. I have been struggling with depression since my separation 2 years ago this month. I finally feel like I don't have a cloud hanging over my head. I am a little disappointed that I didn't lose much weight, 3.5lbs, my clothes fit the same and my measurements are identical. I have been power walking at least 3 times a week with hand weights for 90 mins though ! Yay me! which is a lot more exercise than I have done in years...and I hope to continue. Hope everyone has a fabulous day

Losing 3.5 lbs is nothing to sneeze at.  That's a nice safe pace of weight loss. FWIW, moderator Tom Denham lost 2 lbs on his first Whole30 and stayed on a Whole30 to lose 2 lbs a month until he lost 30 lbs. 

 

I encourage you to continue nourishing yourself in every possible way.  Glad the cloud has floated away!

[Karli]

Congrats everyone! I'm treating myself to a nice cocktail this evening.

[djoyce]

Hey team...

 

Well I completed day 30 yesterday and today was weigh in day... and the scale was not working... it would not show the weight or BF, etc.  I did get it working but it did not like being put out in the garage (it is down to 5 degrees C here today (41 F).  Maybe it was not being agreeable due to ignoring it for the month again.

 

Well I lost (got rid of) 8 lbs and this has been a typical loss for me on W30 (between 7 and 12 Lbs).  

 

Being (on plan) many times, I take a lot of the good effects of the program now as givens.  

 

They are all the case for me again:

• control over cravings
• food as part of my day not the driver for everything
• clarity of mind
• sleeping well
• down two belt loops
• generally better mood
• Lack of nagging knee or ankle issues (they go away)

 

A lot is written and invested in negative nutrition campaigns against paleo focused on not having enough energy to be active and perform at a high level of intensity.  Looking at the posts in our group and others before, it is clear that energy is not an issue for those who have been following a pretty strict paleo routine for (at least) a thirty-day period.  In my case, before hurting my back Monday) I was doing very high intensity CrossFit workouts 5-6 days a week for the first 28 days of this month.  I never once felt I had a limit on energy or the ability to push myself over this period.  For me, this is important because we can all find an excuse to revert back to our "old ways" but lack of energy on W30 ain't one of them.  

 

I recommend that you all write out a list of the benefits (scale and NSV) you have experienced and turn to them as a balance sheet against negative thoughts, doubts or self-sacrifice that you will likely go through.  It never hurts to remind yourself about the benefits healthy eating provides when you are faced with that social situation, family get together or work function where we are faced with food challenges.  You deserve to feel good, have energy, have a healthy relationship with food. 

 

Congrats to all for the support, achievements and self-learning we have all experienced.  It has been a pleasure and I look forward to more learning and success in our next forum group.  I will post this in Tiger Tots also.

 

Cheers

DJ

[shwillia]

I am so proud that we have made it! This is the first time I have truly stuck to an eating plan for so long - I am happy to say both my husband and I have lost about 16 pounds.  We still have quite a bit more to go but it is a fabulous start. As all of you have said it is not just the weight - it is everything else on how much better we feel. I have lots of food allergies and I don't think I knew how bad I felt until I learned how good I could feel!  We are staying on course for a lot longer - our goal is to keep at it with maybe an additional "cheat" when we are dining out with friends, a glass of wine or maybe a bit of something sweet but for the most part trying to stay compliant.

 

I am also very glad at my new found joy of cooking. For the whole month I only made one meal I really did not like so that is great. I now have some go to easy stables when I don't want to venture into new cooking. We also plan on working on adding more and more vegetables (besides potatoes) to our meals and getting on a regular exercise plan.

 

I will sing the praises of this plan to anyone who wants to know - now off to month 2!!!

[jodmaxfeldt]

Good Morning All!

 

Day 31 for me.  I'm chewing gum.  I love the mint taste in my mouth and am trying to be open to the possibility that it makes me want to snack...and at the same time I hope it doesn't.  We shall see.

 

The scale had me so nervous this morning in a very unhealthy way.  I stepped on it and the best thing happened.  It didn't work!  It's super old and must not have liked the month off.  It spewed a few different numbers that I knew couldn't be right...and they were different.  Into the garbage it goes.  And because of how it was making me feel, I know that I am not ready to buy a new one.  So, I'm going to go with the clothes are fitting so well and I'm happier and less moody and I don't need that damn scale to dictate how I feel on a daily basis!  WOOT!

 

I'm staying compliant today.  It feels good.  I had a strong run this morning and a good PWO meal and meal 1.  Meal 2 is packed beside me and will be delicious too!  I'm grateful for this Whole30.  And today I start Whole30 Connect.  Everyday this month I'm going to connect with someone I should be more in contact with.  Today I'm starting with my Tante Ide in Germany.  She's 85 and I bought her a card and I'm going to write her a nice long note and send it in the mail today.

 

peace and good eats!

[goodgirlgonered]

We did it! Congrats to those who completed their first Whole30, like me! And to those who have done some rounds before! Yay!

 

I'm actually stretching mine into a Whole45. I feel pretty good - did a nice lonnnng walk today and am hoping that I'll keep moving and feel the benefits of the program. 

 

I'm afraid to start adding things in, and so I'm hiding with the extra 15 days. To ensure that my changes have really happened and that I can stick w. many of them. I'm also not ready to figure out what to try first, so I'm going to keep at it. 

 

I know I didn't post very often, but I did read on occasion and you all kept me motivated! Wishing you luck as you move forward past this round.

[GFChris]

today I start Whole30 Connect.  Everyday this month I'm going to connect with someone I should be more in contact with.  Today I'm starting with my Tante Ide in Germany.  She's 85 and I bought her a card and I'm going to write her a nice long note and send it in the mail today.

LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea!!!

[art-school-girl]

Good Morning All!

 

Day 31 for me.  I'm chewing gum.  I love the mint taste in my mouth and am trying to be open to the possibility that it makes me want to snack...and at the same time I hope it doesn't.  We shall see.

 

The scale had me so nervous this morning in a very unhealthy way.  I stepped on it and the best thing happened.  It didn't work!  It's super old and must not have liked the month off.  It spewed a few different numbers that I knew couldn't be right...and they were different.  Into the garbage it goes.  And because of how it was making me feel, I know that I am not ready to buy a new one.  So, I'm going to go with the clothes are fitting so well and I'm happier and less moody and I don't need that damn scale to dictate how I feel on a daily basis!  WOOT!

 

I'm staying compliant today.  It feels good.  I had a strong run this morning and a good PWO meal and meal 1.  Meal 2 is packed beside me and will be delicious too!  I'm grateful for this Whole30.  And today I start Whole30 Connect.  Everyday this month I'm going to connect with someone I should be more in contact with.  Today I'm starting with my Tante Ide in Germany.  She's 85 and I bought her a card and I'm going to write her a nice long note and send it in the mail today.

 

peace and good eats!

Such a cool post! The universe was talking to you re: the scale!!! Too funny it wanted you to not worry about the weight. And I love, love, love that you are doing the Connect! The best is the handwritten note to your Aunt! Awesome! Im a great believer in the process of handwriting-- processing lines of text from your Head, through your Heart, to your Hand.

[AshleyM2484]

Hi all!!

 

So happy, relieved and PROUD of everyone!!  I weighed in this morning, took measurements and after pictures.  I respect so many people who are continuing their journey without checking in on the scale.  Honestly, I couldn't wait to jump on that flat piece of dumb plastic, and I'm a little ashamed to admit it lol.  Here's what I ended with:

 

Rid myself of 1.5" on my bust, 2.5" on my waist, and 1.5" on my hips.  Said goodbye to 17lbs!  (I don't know if I'm allowed to post those numbers in this thread so moderator(s) please feel free to edit and accept my apology!!)

 

It feels great to have shed those inches and pounds BUT it just goes to show that I had a MAJOR food addiction and problem.  Thank God for the Whole30 program and helping me develop a proper mindset with food.  I'm confident in my choices now.  I feel like an adult...finally!!

[GFChris]

Hi all!!

 

So happy, relieved and PROUD of everyone!!  I weighed in this morning, took measurements and after pictures.  I respect so many people who are continuing their journey without checking in on the scale.  Honestly, I couldn't wait to jump on that flat piece of dumb plastic, and I'm a little ashamed to admit it lol.  Here's what I ended with:

 

Rid myself of 1.5" on my bust, 2.5" on my waist, and 1.5" on my hips.  Said goodbye to 17lbs!  (I don't know if I'm allowed to post those numbers in this thread so moderator(s) please feel free to edit and accept my apology!!)

 

It feels great to have shed those inches and pounds BUT it just goes to show that I had a MAJOR food addiction and problem.  Thank God for the Whole30 program and helping me develop a proper mindset with food.  I'm confident in my choices now.  I feel like an adult...finally!!

It's totally fine to post your weight/measurements after you've completed your Whole30.   It's during the Whole30 that we'll tend to edit out any posting of weight/measurements along the way. 

Congratulations on your stellar results!