Babsie95

I have found that if it is bad it will have a off smell that is unmistakable. I have eaten mayo that was in the fridge 2 or more weeks (unusual because it does not usually make it that long)

It might be ok since it is an all fruit version and being used just to add a bit of sweet to a savory dish, but why not just puree some apricot and add it in the same amount it calls for preserves then it would still add the sweet apricot flavor and would remove the question of compliance...

maybe posting what he is actually eating including pre and post work out meals iwould help the mods in giving some more specific ideas.

I hate that you are not having the results you want to see. For some people it just takes more time. I could be that in the last 10 days is where the magic will happen for you. However many times when people think they are eating enough (ant the right things) they aren't. If you could post a few days of what you have been eating maybe someone can offer some tweaks that could make the difference for you. Hang in there

I would think maybe that you are trying to find out what is healthier for your body since we are all different. this would also cover when you reintroduce. Kids love experiments so maybe seeing it as a type of experiment that will help you figure out what works for you.

That's the purpose of the whole30 days in between. Typically 2 days but more if needed. Eat whole 30 till you feel as good as you did at the end before trying anything else. This is how I understand it to work.

To me it does not look like your are eating enough overall. Hopefully a moderator will chime in but eggs when eaten as the sole protein are as many as you can hold without breaking usually 3 to 4 minimum. I don't see many veggies at all and no added fat. It really looks like you need more food overall. Especially if you are working out you would also need to add in pre and post workout food in addition to your regular meals. I know for me when I don't eat enough I lose my appetite instead of being hungrier which seems weird but as I understand it that can be a sign that your hormones are off and the only way to get through it is to eat. again hopefully a moderator will chime in and either correct me or at least give a bit more info.

I thought I had burned a batch once but I kept it anyway and when I used it it was probably the best tasting batch I have ever made. Very nutty with a deep flavor. So I say keep it taste it and see. It might just be a happy accident.

also isn't caramel coloring a sneaky sugar? maybe caramel flavoring is different?

I think this would be no. Sugar is listed in the ingredients. That it is a small amount doesn't matter as far as the rules are concerned sugar is sugar

It will depend on the ingredients of the actual pickles. I know that some do use sugar in the brine. So you would have to ask at the deli whats in them or read the ingredient list from the actual product

my go to is always some form of deviled eggs. Always popular and easy to make whole 30

Everyone is different but I know that gluten absolutely effects both my digestion and mood. I bloat immediately and over the next several days I have a severe increase in mood swings and anxiety. Its like my personality changes its so severe. I have tested it multiple times enough to know it is absolutely gluten and not worth it at least in my case. Its not what I expected either but it is real.

I had heard of the mustard thing too. I actually tried it out of pain and desperation one night and it did work and pretty quickly. Pickle juice also helps me with cramping. For me not wives tales but tried and true. I didn't actually believe it until it worked... for me anyway

I don't have research or a super specific answer but as I understand it Ghee is considered a healthy fat. When not on whole 30 I highly prefer ghee or real butter to use rather than the processed spreads out there. It is a natural healthy fat and without the dairy protein it is considered a good fat on whole 30