Suzanne-SATx

Thank you, @ladyshanny. With a couple days' distance, I am in a better mind set. It seems as though now that my body is purged of bad foods, my mind is questioning the status of a lot of things in my life. My health & weight aren't the only areas that I've been hiding from, unfortunately. For now, this is one area I can control - and I'm enjoying it. I really appreciate having the support of the forum. Thanks again, guys. Best wishes as we finish week 3 strong!

DAY 19 - Not very good at journaling, but this needs to be released. Please bear with me or move on if you're uncomfortable with rants and emotions. Sorry - So I'm making progress, starting to get a feel for this Tiger Blood idea, feeling pretty good about my accomplishments. But then I had to download the photos from my phone to my computer for something unrelated, and *wham* right in the face - there's my "before" photos, on my 27" monitor. I am totally deflated by the reality of my current condition, and how far I've let myself go, and how far the journey is to get back to my ideal self...ugh. Before Whole30, I would throw my hands up, get rebellious and just eat whatever I wanted tonight to make myself feel better, happy, like I don't care what anyone thinks... blah, blah, and all those other lies we tell ourselves to cope with the hurt. Now, I have goals and hopes and plans that require me to stay the course. But, oh, the shame is like a heavy wet blanket of cold rejection and self-hate. I know this isn't "hard," but sometimes it really is difficult. (I'M NOT CRYING, MY EYEBALLS ARE SWEATING! *sniff*)

@Fit4Me Real Plans is a menu planner app I found in one of our W30 books or social pages, that helps with keeping everything organized and has a big variety of recipes. I think $6 a month is a bargain for the assistance, but learning to use it effectively requires some attention - and new shopping strategies. Here's a link, if you want to explore more: https://app.realplans.com/Settings/GetStartedContent

Thanks, @ShannonM816 - based on the answers in your link, I'm staying the course with #4, and not starting over because 1) it was not a conscious choice and I did ask the right questions - twice - , and 2) when I found out there was added sugar (I was about 1/3 of the way through my portion) I didn't choose to eat anymore and fixed a compliant dinner for myself. Starting over felt unjust, like a punishment for something I didn't do, and that made me angry. I don't want my journey to be a punishment for being over-indulgent in the bounty we are surrounded by daily. There are enough issues for me to work through that I'll probably extend this program anyway, but "starting over" for this? Just no. I will not surrender my progress so easily. This decision needs to stay in a positive stance for it to work for me. I can wait to measure results on the scale and tape measure. I can work on refocusing my attention to how my clothes fit, my sleep quality, my energy/pain levels and even my happiness quotient. I can not look at this additional week as a punishment, and expect a positive influence on my lifestyle moving forward. It's an attitude thing. My choice, my victory.

Panic attack - we started the Real Plans thing, along with a whole bunch of new recipes that we're not familiar with. Long story short, hubby made seafood bisque for dinner with coconut cream that has added sugar. I ate probably a third of the serving before deciding it was too good to be true, and sure enough - we didn't read the label. Now what? Do I have to start over?? I'm so pissed off. And I'm still hungry! This is stupid.

W30 Newbie starting April 1st... *que ominous music - duh, duh, duuuuuuuh!* I'm excited, and to be honest, a little unsure if I can be successful since my immediate family will not be participating. Looking forward to joining a great group for feedback and encouragement. UPDATE: My Reasons - 1. reduction of health related issues: migraines, joint pain, gut health, back pain, excess weight; 2. increased energy, mental clarity and positive self-image. We all have our "extenuating circumstances" because life happens, but there's a lot I can reign in, too. I like the idea of taking control and having more power over my health, appearance, and life in general. I want my current days to be the "good old days" 20 years from now. My weekend of prep went well: menu plan, shopping, "before pics" (ew,) and I've added an Aqua Fitness class 3 days/week to my routine. I don't feel like I know what I'm doing, but I do have a solid grasp of what to avoid putting in my mouth. I just have to figure out the mechanics of my daily routine and walk it out... awkward... it's still a lot of information bouncing around in my processor. Another cup of black coffee maybe? *lol* Day 1: We have begun!

W30 Newbie starting April 1st... *que ominous music - duh, duh, duuuuuuuh!* I'm excited, and to be honest, a little unsure if I can be successful since my immediate family will not be participating. Looking forward to joining a great group for feedback and encouragement.