Question about extending whole30

[Revived]

I wasn't sure where to put this so apologies if I'm in the wrong spot.  

 

I'd like to hear from people who extended their whole30s because they didn't see the results there were looking for during that time but did after continuing on, especially with issues like mood or fatigue.

 

I feel like I've seen a few posts like that but I can't find any. 

 

I feel like maybe I didn't give myself enough time but I got really discouraged with finishing without really experiencing the results I was looking for.  I'm considering giving it another go but i feel like i need some hope that it will get better even if it takes a bit longer.

[cayenne]

I knew from the very start that I would need/benefit from a longer 'stint". I think it really depends on how "damaged" you are and what you want to get out of it. I knew from decades of disordered eating, that 30 days would only scratch the surface. I started in early April and have just added the random 1/2 glass of wine to the regime. Otherwise compliant. So almost 90 days. Doubt it will take that long for you as you look pretty young:)

[Revived]

How likely is it that if you didn't feel the "magic" at day 30, you will at Day 45 or Day 60? I know some people say they never feel the tiger blood and that would be ok with me if I didn't feel sluggish and lethargic all day long or have an emotional breakdown crying jag twice a week.  I want this to work for me so badly!! 

[missmary]

It took me a long long time being consistant before I felt anything I would have called "magic." One thing that I believe stongly, is that the good results of any way of eating only really last as long as you continue to eat that way. Not to say you can't have some off-road moments once in a while, but there is no reason to expect that benefits from one month of eating a certain way would somehow endure through months and months of eating a different way. I know I feel best following the guidelines and template from the whole30. Why would I end this plan just because an arbitrary number of days have passed? That said, obsessively following the plan without ANY deviations might not be the healthiest path. So, be aware of your own context. As long as being whole30 is working for you, keep doing it. Once you feel the need to "ride your own bike" go for that, just don't think that you have to go back to "eating normally". Eat in the way that makes you feel best.

[GFChris]

Another consideration: maybe your fatigue/mood issues cannot be addressed solely by food changes?  If I were you, whether or not you decide to continue with a Whole30, I would investigate other possible causes and remedies for your mood and fatigue issues.  

[Revived]

It took me a long long time being consistant before I felt anything I would have called "magic." One thing that I believe stongly, is that the good results of any way of eating only really last as long as you continue to eat that way. Not to say you can't have some off-road moments once in a while, but there is no reason to expect that benefits from one month of eating a certain way would somehow endure through months and months of eating a different way. I know I feel best following the guidelines and template from the whole30. Why would I end this plan just because an arbitrary number of days have passed? That said, obsessively following the plan without ANY deviations might not be the healthiest path. So, be aware of your own context. As long as being whole30 is working for you, keep doing it. Once you feel the need to "ride your own bike" go for that, just don't think that you have to go back to "eating normally". Eat in the way that makes you feel best.

 

 

What you're saying makes perfect sense but my problem is during my 30 days, I did NOT feel better.  I felt tired all the time and I had some issues with depressive episodes -which is not the norm for me, although unfortunately the fatigue is.  So I'm wondering how many others might have experienced no increase in energy during the first 30 days but did after they continued on?  Is there hope that will improve for me if I give it more time?  Has anyone experienced that?  I liked that during the Whole30 my sugar cravings were completely under control but I just dont understand why I saw no improvement in my mood and energy levels.

 

I'm definitely still investigating other possible reasons besides diets but so far, I'm coming up blank which is incredibly frustrating.  So I keep circling back to this.  But I am actively trying to look for other factors as well.