peak

One of the more difficult task of the W30 for me is taking in enough water. My starting weight indicated a daily intake of 130 ounces... I was nowhere close to that. I was waking up at night with pangs. My mind was telling me I was hungry when my body was actually thirsty. I regular keep a couple of liters of coconut water in the fridge and take couple of large swigs if nighttime cravings come up. Coconut water instead of plain water is a little treat in the wee hours to feed the mind and body to sidetrack the interpreted hunger for me.

Succeeded, stumbled and fell, getting right with myself again... A few months have passed since dropping by the forums. In following up directly to my posted topic here, I did not do another W30 over the holidays. Not exclusively because of the ever-present sugary treats and everything associated with it but moreover the stress of work heading towards year’s end and the winter season in general. Yes, It might have been tough to do. And the advice of doing it righteously within The Rules would need to be the requirement for the full intent of what I was setting for myself- I took that advice seriously. It has been just a little over a year since first attempt of the Whole 30. I feel that I experienced dramatic and positive results as noted in previous posts. Since that success, I have stumbled and fell, but am getting back up on that “Whole" horse saddle again. In terms of work, winter months are some of the most demanding. Projects that are on-the-boards need to be mostly completed before winter’s end in time for spring ground-breakings. It makes for long-hour, six-day weeks. Add to this the extended winter season in my region, the short days and cold temperatures tend to keep me indoors more than normal. Even though we are half-way into April there are minimal signs of spring in my location, I still see temperatures at or below zero over night. Technically I guess it is still winter here as I have not seen any bears waking from hibernation yet- too much snow to allow for foraging; there still are several feet in my yard. In spite of all that I am feeling "spring" inside me and I think that is due to longer and earlier sunshine days. I indulged and enjoyed the verboten vices. I chose to dabble in the delectable deliciousness of decadent deserts in the Holiday duration. I did not notice much ill effects of consciously consuming contraband confections. But the indulgences did ad to my waistline. I managed to return 20 of the almost 45 pounds that I dropped last year. But I was OK with that because it was a real wake-up call of how letting go too much can have an impact- I especially felt it when cinching the belt. I will take the over-enjoyment as a learning experience. I do not want to yo-yo the weight and nutrition as a rule or habit, but experiencing what stepping-out can do is acknowledged! I need to be more sensible with my caloric intake. About 6 weeks ago I began again to consciously be selective. While not strictly doing W30, sugars are no longer considered. Grains and breads are reduced down to 1 or 2 time a week. Alcohol is down to weekend moderation in lieu of regular enjoyment. Without any extreme extraneous deprivation, the minimal “semi-better” choices has shed 10 pounds. Even though this is encouraging, it is not an excuse to not eat better. The up/ down cycle of the past year was a great self-learning experience with perhaps the best take-away being the need for being more aware of approaching winters in conjunction a respectable diet. I know I have willpower to say no to treats. I chose not to exercise that option and experienced the effects. I can and need to be better so as to live up to my self-imposed username

Completed my first W30 earlier this year with great results which actually stretched into a W45-ish period. Have only reintroduced a few no-no's since then with little side effects. Am staying away from sugar and limiting my grains as the new regular eating plan. Have shed 45 pounds and several inches from just diet alone in a little over 6 months. I know that weight loss is not the primary goal of the Plan, but I still have a bit of a gut that really needs to go. Whole 30 is one of the easiest things I have ever done. If eating good food is all it takes, then it really is no effort at all. Right now I do dabble in good wines and whiskeys (no more beer.) Any bread that I eat is gluten-free and I have had pizza only once and now consider it a treat. I do miss my pasta dishes, but it is easy to get over it with a rib eye. I have cut out all deserts and processed sugar and do not miss those calories. I do tend to eat more fruit than what is recommended but my diet now maintains my weight fairly consistent. If (and when I do my next W30) it will be for weight loss reasons. Holidays bring on all the various parties and gatherings. Saying no to alcohol is easy, but I do not want to impose on any hosts by requesting special dishes, so I think the most difficult part would be the selective eating of what might be available. I am thinking that going into a W30 program during the holidays on purpose would be a good test of will-power and good choices. Has anyone done anything similar or should I adjust my thinking and schedule? -frank.

It is not strange to feel good! Feeling good is one of the biggest advantages of eating healthy. I was totally compliant for the first 35 days with the exception of perhaps enjoying too much fruit during the time. I am some 5 months or so into my new lifestyle of eating better and with very little exercise I have shed 40 pounds... and quite honestly, it was one of the easiest things I have ever done, but I had the girth to give up. And I have had absolutely no bad side effects. For me, post W30, I have reintroduced alcohol and dairy only in the form of plain yogurt ... the former I have been enjoying perhaps a little but too much. But, my attitude towards food is so much better and I am avoiding any added sugar (as an ingredient) at all costs. I am, however, enjoying too much fruit especially with all the fresh farm stuff that is rolling in at this time of year. I realize that I am overdoing it, but for now I am OK with as long as it is me who is understanding how I react to it. As long as whether one needs "longer or more sever detox" my opinion would be to not go too harsh on one's self. For me, I have learned so much from following the W30 concept. After the 30 I let myself enjoy wine, spirits and fresh fruit to a bit of excess which is not following The Rules. But, I know how easy that eating is for me and I am within the early days on a new Mini 30 where I will try to reduce the fruit intake but eliminate alcohol. I do have another 20 pounds that I could drop... but my attitude is to treat myself well. And what I mean by that is: enjoy the compliments from folks who have noticed my weight loss, enjoy the better attitude and well being, enjoy fitting into clothes that were at the limits of the thread stitching. I indulged on some items and now it is time to step back into a regime again. Baby steps, baby. Only the individual can make the best judgments for themselves. For me it was following The Rules for 30 days and then assess. For me it meant enjoying the Whole process of the initial strictness, enjoying and being proud, reassessment and then adjusting my reintroduction and how to implement it for my next phases... I did not want to burn out and lose momentum and attitude. By someone asking if longer or more severe detox might be a positive mental thought but the implementation might cause one to burn out. JMOO... congrats on your success thus far frank.

My biggest focus now is being a slave to the "ingredient list." If the food that I am buying is not fresh, non-processed single items then my reading glasses go on and my eyes right to that packaging label! Most of the time the item is returned to the shelf because it has some sort of sugar in it. Since I started a W30 eating plan as my basis for nutrition, I have only reintroduced dairy and alcohol. Thus far, I do not feel the need to reintroduce the other no-no's, but I do long for the day when I can sensibly enjoy a plate of good 'ol spaghetti. I am being careful on the grains because I did notice some discomfort after having wheat toast with breakfast a few weeks ago... I hope gluten is nit an issue. ..BUT I do not plan on ingesting sugar if I can help it! Because of my self-moto of "no sugar" it forces me to spend more time in the produce section of the supermarket... and, I do not need my reading glasses there in order to know if I am selecting compliant foods.