LRM

About two weeks into my first W30+, I began having nightly dreams about eating an entire bag of some type of Hershey's chocolate. I always woke in a panic and would get up to check my kitchen to make sure I didn't have any candy, or candy remnants floating around - the dreams were that real. This too shall pass. :-)

I'm on day 36 of a Whole 60+. I also have a slew of W30's under my belt, and I can tell you that every time I start one, I have bloating around th same time, and it lasts up to a week. Water with a T of apple cider vinegar (organic) and some digestive enzymes always help. You may find your system getting a little whonkey during the 30 days but things usually resolve themselves. If not, there's plenty of great advice on the forums. Good luck and hang in there.

Your personal trainer works for you. You dictate the terms of that arrangement. I would either find another trainer, or agree that the nutrition counseling is not a component of your agreement. I worked with a trainer who was only semi-aligned with W30, but kept her mouth shut. When she saw my results, she asked me to send her the link to the W9 website. I also knew another trainer who was guarded about paleo because he believed in the "calories in, calories out" theory and felt paleo was too high calorie. Both offered their opinions but were supportive of my decision. Any trainer/gym who insists I eat according to their plan, and attempts to monitor me throughout the day, would not be the right fit for me. Having a trainer should be a positive experience, not another source of stress. Good luck.

When it comes to veggies, I keep my freezer stocked with veggies in the steamer bags. I get the store brand on sale, and just pop them in the microwave for 5 or so minutes. Easy peasy. Also, things like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, roasted beets, can all be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. The same with roasted carrots & parsnips, and cauliflower rice. I'm on my own too, so if I don't do it, it doesn't get done. I had a hard time in the beginning, but now it's pretty easy. Any time that I am cooking something, I cook a lot of it. Hang in there, it will get easier.

Woo-hoo! That's great. I'm sorry for your loss, but applaud you for taking care of yourself during such a difficult time. Wishing you all good things going forward. :-)

I'm going to chime in with one small suggestion. I notice your 8:30 am meal is only egg whites. Please consider eating the yoke as well. They have so many nutrients. Maybe 2-3 hard boiled eggs at that time? Eggs really give me an energy boost and sustain me for a long time. And Tom's advice about eating more in the morning is spot on. I have more energy, am less hungry, and actually sleep better when I have a much bigger meal in the morning (3 eggs, 1/2 avocado, veggies). And I never crash during workouts. Good luck.

Hi Lisawhip - Welcome to W30 and the forums. I don't have any experience with bipolar disorder and would never recommend you make any changes without first consulting your doctor. That being said, I think it's different for everyone. I had issues with IBS-C, Acid Reflux, lots of pain, hypothyroidism as a result of thyroid cancer, severe allergy and sinus issues, and chronic lingering depression, etc. I didn't just suddenly decide to stop taking any medications. As I noticed improvement in symptoms, I began to experiment. When I noticed I didn't have acid churning in my stomach every day, I was able to finally take my AR meds 'as needed.' After about two months, I didn't need it any more. The same with my Advil addiction. I was taking 4 at a time, 3 or 4 times a day for pain. As my pain decreased, I just didn't need as many meds. When the fall allergy season ended, I noticed improvement in my symptoms, and never went back to using all my meds. I was able to reduce my allergy meds from 4 meds to 1 (2 at the height of the season). My thyroid levels are the most stable they have ever been, and the amount I need is less than what I needed a year ago. In fact, my endocrinologist was most impressed at my last visit two weeks ago. She could not believe the list of meds that I no longer needed and was very happy to see me looking and feeling so well. Also, I no longer need to worry about adding blood pressure or cholesterol meds to my repertoire, and type 2 diabetes is no longer an imminent threat. I am very upfront with my docs. I have been working with them for a while, and I know there are situations where I can use my own discretion, and times where I need to discuss any changes. Some of my docs are not impressed with my paleo diet, and some are amazed. Regardless, I am very honest with them, and they all agree I should not take medication that I don't need. I think it's important to be your own advocate and work with a doctor that you trust to find the treatment that is right for you. W30 may not cause you to reduce any BP meds, but it may result in you feeling much better through a healthier way of eating. You may also discover some foods that trigger you in some way, and you will know to avoid them. The overall sense of wellness and an improved relationship with food are just two good reasons to give it a try. Good luck.

I'll chime in with my opinion. And this is only my opinion based on my own experience. I don't believe there is anything technically wrong with Whole 30 forever. I just don't think it's realistic. Last year, my first W30 was actually a W100. I've also done a number of successful Whole 30's since then. To stay on plan, I had to withdraw from a number of social events, or exhibit an iron will when I chose to show up. Knowing it was temporary made it much easier, but I don't want to do it on a permanent basis. It was hard, and wasn't always fun. Besides there are work events, travel opportunities, weddings, parties, etc, and it may be impossible to stay on plan all the time. In between official W30's, I stay compliant about 90% of the time. There are times when I am 100% compliant for a couple of weeks, but there are other times when I'm compliant only a few days in one week. I avoid things like bread and pasta for the most part, but enjoy small amounts once in a blue moon. I have completely given up diet soda and artificial sweeteners. My health is better without those things and I don't miss them. However, I've had pizza once or twice and I really enjoy my ice cream in the summer months. I like a little honey in my tea when I have a cold, and I want to treat myself a little bit during the holidays or other celebrations. True, there are consequences to my decisions, and I decide in that moment if an indulgence is worth it, but to W30 100% of the time would just not be enjoyable for me. Every now and then a girl just needs a cappuccino with a lot of delicious foamy milk. Ultimately the decision is yours, but the program was never designed to be a Whole 365. Life is meant to be enjoyed. Food and celebrations are part of that enjoyment. W30 has given me the skills I need to be more in tune with how food affects me, and it keeps me from going off the reservation during dessert time. I don't recall seeing Melissa's post that you are referencing, but if my memory serves me correctly, she recently posted about indulging in a cupcake she purchased. I remember in the post she indicated that she didn't really want it, but it was there, and she ate it (paraphrased). I think it's great to incorporate the Whole 9/Whole 30 into your life, but unless my life depends on it, I would never stay on the program full time. I hope this is helpful. All the best to you. :-)

I almost went broke buying GT's Kombucha last year, so "heck YES!" I do believe there is one (maybe two) with chia seeds that I'm not sure is compliant, but no big deal. I don't remember any ingredients including added evaporated cane sugar, but I would avoid those too. Plenty of other flavors to choose. If you ever get ambitious enough to make your own Kombucha, you can use GT's plain version as a starter.

I don't think they had bows and arrows back then. I believed they hunted their mastodons with hand-made spears. What a jerk! No wonder your blood pressure spiked. I've had similar experiences and it's so frustrating. I still struggle with explaining the "science" behind this to my docs. Some are very skeptical and some are very open, but as my health improves I see them less and less, so clearly it's working. Have you had any blood work done? How does it compare with past bw? Can you get copies of your last 3 or 4 CBC's for comparison? That might be the only way to prove to him that this is working - the numbers don't lie. And if possible, find yourself another doc. Why should you be forced to take medication that you no longer need? I'm sorry you had a bad experience but I hope tomorrow is a better day. :-)

Oh, Rose, I completely understand where you are coming from. Wouldn't it be great if everyone around us ate the way we do, or at least chose a healthier path? It would make it so much easier. I sometimes feel that the road to health is paved with nails and thumbtacks. It seems like temptation is everywhere and someone is always trying peer pressure to get us to eat or drink something we don't want. I avoid talking about my way of eating as much as possible, and avoid offering any explanations as to why I'm not indulging with everyone else. I usually just say I'm not hungry, in the mood, etc. I'm learning that people who pressure me are often those that are uncomfortable with my will power. It's their issue, not mine. I've also noticed over the last year, that people do consider my food preferences when planning a meal or event, and make sure I have choices. As a result, meals with family and friends have become much healthier for everyone. You just never know who you might be inspiring in this journey. As someone who has had an eating disorder, and a disordered way of eating most of my life, I know how challenging food/food issues can be. W30 and Paleo have really helped with this in a way that no other plan ever has. I hope you find a way that works for you. But remember: in the end, it's just food, and you can have anything you want, anytime you want. You are just choosing, in this moment, not to have something. Maybe later, but not now. Then you take it one day, one hour, or one minute at a time. BIG HUGS!!!!!

Hi Rose, First of all - Breathe! Second, remember you opted to do a Whole 30, not a Whole 365. None of this is permanent, unless of course, you make that choice. It sounds like you are seeing many benefits so far, others may take a little longer. I can totally relate to your restaurant experience. Recently I went with friends to a Japanese restaurant and the only compliant option for me was the avocado salad: avocado on a bed of iceburg lettuce with some lemon wedges. I wasn't impressed, lol. Once your W30 is finished, it is your choice to continue eating this way for a little longer, or for a portion of the time, or not at all. Personally, I follow the program a good 90-95% of the time, when I'm not on an official W30. I could never be 100% compliant every single day of my life. Occasionally, I drink wine, knowing it might make me feel tired or blah the next day. Between the dairy and sugar, ice cream leaves me bloated and congested for a good week, and anything with grains causes lethargy, joint pain, and bloating. I don't off-road often, but when I do, it's my choice, and I'm fully aware of the consequences. I can't control how food affects me, but I can decide if it's worth it. Sometimes it is and sometimes it isn't. And if I find myself indulging a little too much, I immediately do another W30, W15, W7, etc to re-set myself and get back on track. W30 is not about punishing yourself. It's about being healthy and figuring out what works for you. I will admit in the beginning, I experienced a mourning period where I thought I had to say goodbye to all of the things I loved, but that isn't true. Some foods I don't miss at all, and some I just know the side effects are not worth the indulgence. It's always a choice. Knowing this is something I choose, and not something that's required has helped me adjust much more easily. Please don't stress so much. Life is meant to be enjoyed. Food and socializing are a part of that. There is no need to isolate yourself or be afraid. Just remember that food either makes you more healthy or less healthy. The choice is yours and you are in control. All the best to you in the last few days of your W30. Lisa

I've been at this for a little over a year, and my sugar dragon refuses to die. He dozes off from time-to-time, but is easily awakened. I've been addicted for so long that I don't know if I will ever slay him, but I will keep trying. Eventually, I hope he goes away. Keep fighting the fight - don't give up. Good luck.

Honestly, if you follow the meal template, and the cues from your body, the weight will take care of itself. W30 isn't necessarily a weight loss program, though lots of people do lose weight. It sounds like your body is telling you that it needs a lot more food. If you are hungry, eat. There are mornings when I need 3-4 eggs, and some when I only need two. I always include 1/2 avocado, veggies, a sweet potato/banana and coffee with coconut milk in the morning. I have about 3-4 servings of fat at meal one alone. It fills me up and gives me a lot of energy. Meal 2 is sometimes a salad with chicken, EVO, avocado and other veggies, or it might be a steak with veggies, etc. I focus more on what I need that day, then I do specific portions. I get into trouble when I start indulging in nuts and too much fruit, or get too snacky. However, if I follow the meal plan, and eat lots of protein, veggies, and fat, my weight and energy really take care of themselves. Don't be afraid to eat. Do the right thing for your health, and let your hormones and your weight adjust naturally. Good luck! :-)

Congratulations! You look beautiful and happy. Thanks for sharing. :-)