HappyPlace

Day 16 - 18 After 2 days of travel, and post vacation reality setting in...I've slacked on submitting my entries. I've remained compliant for all meals. I've relied on fruits and nuts a little more over the last couple of days simply because I was traveling, and they were the healthiest compliant options that I could find. I'm a bit jet lagged from the time difference...but, I have good energy, and no fogginess. NSV/Revelation...On the first leg of my flight to LAX on Thursday, I sat next to a lady that was eating processed foods from the time she sat down to the time we landed. It started with snacking crackers...before we took off, she had slumped in her chair, and her head was bobbing because she fell asleep. She woke up, and our meals were being served (I didn't have the meals - I stuck to an epic bar, and a banana) and 20 mins after the pasta meal, baked cookie and ice cream, she was sleeping again. She woke up for the basket of chips and chocolate that was being offered, she took one of each - ate both, and then snoozed again about 40 mins after that. THIS WAS ME! I always attributed my dozing off as soon as I got on a flight... to thats just how my body responded to flying...I'm convinced that is not the case. With my whole food choices...I did not feel the need to sleep, in fact I read my book (which normally helps me fall asleep). But, I read for 3 hours, then watched a movie, and was full of energy at the end of the flight. Today I'll prep my meals for next week. And get ready for returning to reality!

Day 15 Meal 1 - Burger with fried egg, avocado, slice of grilled pineapple and green salad - with O&V Snack- handful of almonds, Nomz energy bites (Half package) - no added sugars, all natural organic ingredients Meal 3- Steak and steam asparagus and carrots Reflection: This morning I woke up and didn't feel hungry. This is pretty typical when Mother Nature visits. I ate my first meal at noon- and felt full halfway through. I wasn't really hungry after that, so instead of a meal - I had a few almonds and half a Nomz energy bite (all natural organic ingredients, W30 compliant). My appetite changed for dinner....I was hungry. I had a big steak, huge steak and veggies.... I don't have any cravings which is positive. My energy is just "meh" - not low, not high. I think I'm getting nervous about going back to reality - work, prep, responsibilities I guess Vacay can't last forever!

Day 14 Meal 1 - 3 Eggs, Fruit, Salad greens, Olive oil Meal 2 - Mahi Mahi lettuce wraps and green salad Meal 3 - Grilled Lobster, clarified butter, steamed vegetables Reflection: My energy wasn't great today, so I skipped the workout and opted for an hour long walk along the beach. I should mention...that I haven't fully flipped over from a time zone perspective...I am awake at 3am almost every day. I go to bed early - 8pm - as I don't want to be too far off and mess with my sleeping when I get back home on Saturday. My meals were all really fulfilling today - I actually wasn't hungry when my 3rd meal rolled around, but I had reservations made, and just decided to go. It was awesome...but I wasn't overly hungry. Reflecting on all of my logs since I've been in Maui...I have not had any starchy carbs at all - it just dawned on me today. I haven't missed them at all. And considering my energy is still good, I'm not overly concerned.

Day 13 Meal 1- 3 eggs, fruits and green salad, + O&V Meal 2 - Epic bar + 10 Almonds Meal 3- Grilled tuna + Green salad with olive oil, Acai bowl - banana's, almond butter, coconut flakes, strawberries, Almonds (I was hungry!) Reflection: I went on a road trip today around Maui and didn't want to eat any of the food at the rest stops...instead, I ate one of the Epic bars that I brought with me, and some Almonds. I didn't feel good about eating the Epic bar. It felt like I was eating processed foods, which made me feel...uhm....icky?! (Best way to describe it). It held me over, and did its job I suppose...but, I am definitely not going to rely on them as an ongoing meal/snack option - only an emergency option. My last log...I mentioned that I felt the beginnings of PMS, and that its usually a week before when I start to feel that way...well Mother Nature struck the next day. Normally...I am well aware, almost a week in advance, because my cravings are out of control, and my motivation tanks. This time around, the signs appeared, and because I'm used to feeling them a week in advance, I was completely caught off guard when she showed up the very next day. This is a good thing! Because I skipped the whole - eat everything, in HUGE volumes, at all hours phase. Its too early to know if the W30 was just a correlation or causation. But, its a win none the less...and I'll take it.

Thank you @CrazyCow ! Good luck as well!

Day 12 Meal 1 - grilled mahi mahi, garden salad, O&V + 6 almonds Meal 2 - Steamed shrimp + mango Meal 3 - Acai Bowl (Acai, banana, almond butter, strawberries, coconut flakes, unsweetened macadamia nut milk) Reflection: Day 2 in paradise, and I had the most amazing fresh grilled mahi that I've ever tasted. I have been worried that my resolve would falter if faced with a ton of great non-compliant foods. But the reality is. The abundance of fresh, whole food is making this so enjoyable. This morning I had an awesome workout - 20 min hiit spin , and 20 min weights. My energy was good! Then I went on an amazing whale sighting tour on a catamaran. The served mimosas, and breakfast sandwiches on croissants... They smelled really good, but I wasn't tempted. Note: I can feel the early beginnings of PMS. This worries me, because my usual cycle is that I lose my appetite, I'm motivated to workout... And then 48 hours before...i lose all motivation, and willpower and want volumes of food. I'm paying close attention so that I don't undo all of my efforts over the last 11 days. Note: For the record - the Acai bowl was compliant, and I know its not recommended. But it looked so good...I had to have one!

Day 11 Meal 1- 3 fried eggs, salad with olive oil, and fruit Meal 2 - hamburger, with fried egg, avocado, and salad with olive oil Snack- almonds + fresh coconut, papaya Meal 3- 6 steamed shrimp with lemon Reflection: Great day at the pool. Sparkling water is more expensive than alcohol! Crazy. Good workout today, and it was easy to find healthy options. I was just a bit lazy for meal 3. I focused on sight seeing, exploring, and did some reading. Pretty relaxing day!

Day 10 Meal 1 - Healthy Earth Paleo friendly meal that I got at LAX - 2 boiled eggs, carrot and celery sticks, blueberries and strawberries, and a Justin's Classic Almond butter package. + Banana Meal 2 - 2 eggs, 1/2 c strawberries and blueberries + banana Meal 3 - Burger patty, Fried egg, Avocado over a green salad with Oliver oil and vinegar Reflection: Today was a travel day...aloha! I'm in Maui, and after 2 days of travel, I was just exhausted. When I landed I stopped at Whole foods, picked up some water, fruit...but surprisingly they didn't have any Almond butter I am pleasantly surprised that the restaurant at the Westin has a healthy menu and they are very willing to accomodate. As well, Leilani's on the beach - will make fresh grilled fish, and steamed veggies for me. Lots of great options! One note...when I walked in to the resort, with the cascading waterfalls in the lobby, a warm welcome with a lei - and the sounds of tropical music...I instinctively thought "oh I'll start again next week" - these thoughts were almost reflexive. They actually scared me, because they reminded me of how all of my trips have gone in the past...I would diet to try to lose a few pounds, tell myself I'm going to stick to it on vacation, and then the first day on vacay, all my resolve was out the window and I would eat and eat...and feel like a failure. NOT. THIS. TIME. My first full day will be tomorrow...it will be great. My focus is on experiences, and not indulging in food.

Day 8 & 9 Meal 1 - Butternut squash, ground chicken, with mixed vegetables + 1/2 banana Snack - handful of Cashews, 1/2 banana Meal 3 - 4oz steak, butternut squash Reflection: No cravings, but didn't eat all 3 meals. One was a snack...was running around before I leave for Maui on Thursday. Day 9 Meal 1 - 3 scrambled eggs in ghee, 1/2 banana, avocado Meal 2 - (at the airport) - grilled steak (salt and pepper only) and garden salad with olive oil Snack (in flight to Lax - over night stop) - handful of Almonds + fresh fruit Reflection: I was pleasantly surprised when I got to the airport that the restaurant (Hearth) was so accomodating. When I asked for a dry grilled steak with only salt and pepper, and a garden salad with o&v on the side, there were zero issues - and they got it exactly right. I was a little worried, that "airport food" would be an issue. But what has become apparent to me - now that I'm looking - is that there are actually a large number of healthy food, whole30 compliant snacks, and options available at airports nowadays. In other words...I have no excuse to not make healthy choices. Travel is not an excuse. To prep for my trip - I bought a few Whole30 compliant bars - just in case. When I land in Maui I'll stop at Whole Foods, pick up a case of water, some veggie sticks, and some almond butter. I'll wait to stock up until I actually check in to my hotel, to see whats available nearby. The whole foods is located almost an hour from my hotel in West Maui. Sleep...a quick update on my sleeping. I tried the Natural Calm - unflavoured Magnesium supplement that is Whole30 compliant - the first night was magical - wow. I fell asleep and stayed asleep all night. It was the most restful night that I've had since starting the Whole30. Note: Side effects - it does have a laxative effect. The second night is when I really discovered that. Overall, I am really finding the whole30 program so refreshing and inspiring. I had given up hope on the myriad of diets that I had tried and failed. Whole30 is different. I am redefining my relationship with food, and it is refreshing, and is giving me so much hope for the future.

Day 6 & 7 Day 6 - NYE Meal 1 - w30 Shepherds pie Meal 2 - handful of Cashews Reflection: Yesterday was a travel day returning from the US. I packed my Shepherds pie and brought it with me on the flight. As soon as I got home, the family was ready and waiting! And it was NYE festivities/prep work that took priority. The bad news...I didn't eat nearly enough Today. The good news...I didn't go off plan, or cheat with any of the NYE food and drink. Day 7 Meal 1 - 3 scrambled eggs cooked in Ghee, 1/2 banana, Small avocado Meal 2 - handful of cashews + 1/2 banana Meal 3 - Butternut Squash with ground chicken, Ghee, carrots, celery, and onions Reflection: Today was a return to reality. After being away on a solo trip for a week, and being able to kick off my w30 journey without any other responsibilities or distractions - I didn't realize how good I had it. Now that I'm back and everyone is asking me if they can have some of the meals that I've prepped, which puts me a bit behind, its a bit overwhelming. I feel a bit selfish, but I need to do this for myself, and they don't want to do the w30 now - they just want whatever is available to eat. (I should mention my son is 24 and lives in the city, but is home a lot, with his friends...which I love, its just a bit overwhelming right now). I didn't sleep well last night for obvious reasons, I'm hoping tonight is a good night. I'm going to try a natural calm magnesium supplement and see if it helps. In terms of how I'm feeling...I don't have any cravings, I don't really feel hungry, and I definitely feel the positive changes in my body happening. Tomorrow's plan is to complete a great 60 minute workout and cardio session, follow my meals that I have planned...and gear up for Hawaii. I leave on Thursday...and I'm nervous. I have a stopover in LAX. I'll spend the night, then I'll head out to Maui. Total flight time is ~ 12 hours! I'm going to load up on boiled eggs, Salad, fruits, and almonds. Happy New Year!

Day 5 Meal 1 - 3 eggs fried in Ghee, Chia pudding with home made almond milk, cinnamon, 1/2 banana Meal 2 - w30 shepherds pie + large arugula salad with pears, cucumber, strawberries, tsp walnuts and O&V Snack - 15 almonds + 5 pieces of dried mango Meal 3 - Sweet potato bowl - 1/2 SP, 1/2 banana, home made almond milk, raisins, tbsp almond butter, coconut flakes. Reflections: Something funny is going on with my sleeping! I am completely wired at night. I have never had a problem with sleep in the past, but I do now. I'm so happy that I decided to embark on this while I am on vacation and don't have to go to work in the morning. I don't know if I would be able to stick to it. I did some reading on the forum and it looks like this may be a common occurrence. With that said...I'm going to heed the advice and review my sleep hygiene and add some magnesium to my routine. The day by day guide today was a bit of a mixed bag..yesterday (Day 4) indicated that I might want to Kill and Eat everything. I didn't and kind of smiled thinking I got past that hurdle...boy was I wrong. That smug smile left my face pretty darn fast. At about 3pm today, if my arm wasn't bolted on....I might have eaten it. Melissa's motivation tip was timely - she said don't worry about the "Perfect W30" focus on following the rules 100% - recognizing that your plate template may not always be picture perfect. That was helpful to hear today! When my EATT kicked in, I had 500ml of water...still felt a bit anxious and hungry, then I had 15 almonds and some dried mango - about 6 pieces. More than usual. My stomach didn't feel to good. I waited an hour, and discovered I was still hungry. I didn't have the protein, but I had a sweet potato bowl. I wanted something filling. Checking this one off, and hoping for a great tomorrow!

Day 4 Meal 1 - 3 scrambled eggs in Ghee, 3 strawberries, and chia pudding (3 tbsp chia seeds, 1/2 banana, cinnamon, home made almond milk) Meal 2 - w30 Shepherds pie Meal 3 - Baked Kale with coconut oil, 5 oz Steak, Roasted Butternut squash (olive oil & ghee) Reflections Great day today! My energy was good, my cravings were under control, and I had a really productive day. I got an hour workout in - cardio and weights, and felt pretty good. I know the Day by day guide says I might want to Kill all things and eat all things...but that didn't happen. Yay! I didn't snack today either. I prepped my meals for tomorrow. I'm still feeling like my meals may be too calorie dense. I'm going to keep an eye on this, and look for ways to lighten it up next week. Looking forward to Day 5!

That's great @rhonda0219! I'm doing it solo as well. This past week I've been in Florida (I'm from Toronto) on my own...its helped me get a jump on things before I return to Toronto on Monday. I'm a bit nervous about when I get back to T.O. And the entire family is there.... But, to your point - the recipes are really good. The Sweet potato Shepherds pie has lasted me several meals! And, so far...I don't feel like I'm missing anything. Good luck with Day 5 tomorrow!

Day 3 Meal 1 - Scrambled eggs, with 1/2 tsp Ghee, Chia seed breakfast bowl (3 tbsp chia seads, home made almond milk, 1/2 mashed banana, cinnamon, salt) Meal 2 - w30 Shepherd pie Snack: 12 Almonds, 3 pieces dried Mango Meal 3 - w30 Shepherd pie, and sautéed Kale in EVOO, and Garlic Reflection: Let's start with the positive...I definitely feel like my water retention and bloating is reducing. My stomach is already feeling flatter. My skin doesn't look as ashy as well. Yay! On to the not so positive.... Last night my sleep was terrible. My lymph nodes swelled up, my back was hurting, and my body was aching. A combination of slowing down after the mad rush just before Xmas, and starting the new program may have taken its toll on me (causation vs corellation???). My neck was so sore, that the skin hurt to touch. I woke up at 3:30am in pain, and couldn't get comfortable. I fell back asleep for a couple of hours, and when I woke up I debated just staying in bed, and pouting Instead, I got up and walked to the gym, did about 40 mins of weights and cardio. And it made a world of difference. I drank a ton of water, and by 2pm I felt a LOT better. My swelling went down on my neck, and my energy perked up. No cravings today, but my calories were higher. I'm going to get through my first week, and then start to tighten up the calories. Oh yeah almost forgot....I have an incredible husband...he just booked me on a surprise trip to Hawaii, leaving Jan 3rd. I'm super excited, but timing isn't great. I plan to stick to the Whole 30 program while I'm there. I've been doing some research, and have already planned a quick shopping trip when I land at the nearby Whole Foods.

Good luck @CathyMurphy1