Guest Annie B Posted July 18, 2013 Share Posted July 18, 2013 Well, even though technically speaking, this is only my forth consecutive day, the benefits of the first attempt (11 days on, three days off and then back on Monday) were not completely lost. My husband has noticed... and even called me skinny??!! I said, what do you mean? He said, you know... you're little pokey belly thing is gone. LOL. Also, I saw a friend at the beach today... and she noticed too! I have been feeling the changes, within my body, and from my clothing... but its nice to hear that others can see it. Oh, and one more thing that kind of surprised me... my wedding band is suddenly loose...Which tells me the inflammation in my body was far greater than I even suspected. If it continues this way, or even stays like it is now, I'll have to get it re-sized! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krista Billows Rodriguez Posted July 18, 2013 Share Posted July 18, 2013 Good luck on your second go round! There can be many starts and stops along this journey, but it's worth it to be healthy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bethany Gingerich Posted July 19, 2013 Share Posted July 19, 2013 Awesome, I'm glad it's going so well this round! I'm excited to stick to it together since there are a few of us who started on the 15th! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Annie B Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 Ok! Day six is underway. I spent three of these six days, out of town... and was able to maintain with out too much trouble. Yes, it takes extra effort, no question, but it is doable and worth it. I felt like I traveled with a half a kitchen in my car! I am pretty low maintenance in other areas ( clothing, toiletries, and entertainment are pretty spare) so... I guess I make up for it with food, eating and cooking items. I am entering pms zone, and am curious to see how things go. I had a really rough episode last round (right before my first whole30 attempt) and it was part of what spurred my desire to change things up. Alcohol in particular has a very negative effect on my cycle. Which leads me to my other musing... that my sugar dragon loves the alcohol costume... the only deviant thoughts I've had are about alcohol. I can usually connect it to a physical sugar craving or hunger, and manage it that way. But I'm also noticing how entrenched it is in our culture. From music, to magazine ads, movies/tv etc... the power of suggestion is everywhere! For me personally, alcohol represents celebration, whereas I have historically used food for comfort, from anxiety, depression, stress, etc. So, when I am feeling good, I am more susceptible to alcohol temptation. And I am feeling really good these days (even before I started the whole30). Not to mention my husband loves his beer, and thats not going to change anytime soon. So, thats that... I am working on self efficacy! Glad to have a place to put these thoughts! Even if nobody reads them... it seems to be helping! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bethany Gingerich Posted July 22, 2013 Share Posted July 22, 2013 I read them! How are you doing by now? Day 8 for both of us! It's always easier for me during the week, so I'm oddly happy it's Monday! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Annie B Posted July 23, 2013 Share Posted July 23, 2013 Day 9: Life these days is a constant cycle of buying, prepping, eating, and cleaning. I love it! Things are rolling right along. I started my menstrual cycle with NO CRAMPS?! My only 'symptom' really is feeling a little bloated and sluggish... which I think is probably natural. And a little mental/emotional stuff, but seriously... no cramps, which compared to my last go round, is a pretty huge deal. So... I'm sold. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Annie B Posted July 24, 2013 Share Posted July 24, 2013 Day 10. This is when I started to go mental last time. And guess what?! Its happening again, so I'm thinking there must be something to 10 days without any simple sugar/alcohol and my body/mind starts doing weird things to connivence me to bail. Its funny because it isn't really all that physical. Not like any 'sugar craving' I've had before. Its about 90% mental 10% physical. And 100% fantasy... I mean I get totally checked out in my head thinking about.... what I should do when this is over.... should I quit now or before the 30 days (those thought btw obviously won out last time, and have much less power this time, but there they are)... is it even possible to have a 'healthy' balance with alcohol? Will I ever be able to just relax and make good food/bev choices without having a 'plan' in place? Will I actually be able to complete this thing? LORD have MERCY! That's just a little glimpse of what my mental environment has been... So, in an effort to keep from having an actual physical sugar craving, I have just been eating more... of everything. Definitely too many nuts! I probably need a week off from nuts all together. The result of which is I'm a wee bit bloated. Anyway... this is a crux time, I WILL NOT QUIT NOW! I can do this. (Self pep talk happening...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bethany Gingerich Posted July 25, 2013 Share Posted July 25, 2013 I hear ya on all of it! That's the worst part of this for me, is the endless thinking I end up doing about food and issues with food and why isn't food simple and on and on. The only thing that works for me is to find a way to quit thinking so much. Seriously. As simple and stupid as it sounds. That's one reason I am grateful for the physical movement challenges I'm doing along with this, because it gives me another focus. That, and the fact that I know I actually CAN do this since I did it before, and trust me, if I of all people can complete 30 days, so can you. I have a very bad record of sticking to stuff that involves food or self control. If it's any consolation, the first 10 days are harder than the days to follow in my experience, I think there really is a click in the brain that happens around this time. For you, maybe it will be when you pass 11 days since that's how long you went last time. Maybe make a short term goal to just get to the morning of day 12? And then see how you feel. That may be all it takes. Especially since that's nearing the halfway! I hope you hang! It's a great feeling when you do! But I know it can be mentally tough! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Annie B Posted July 25, 2013 Share Posted July 25, 2013 Thanks Bethany, I really appreciate you support! I historically struggle with endings. Even beyond food, I like beginnings better than endings! I am trying to practice taking it one freaking day at a time, and stoping worrying about what comes next. Why is that so hard? One thing that is different this round, is that I started out with more resolution, and now with those errant thoughts happening, I still have that resolve to see it through... so that's good. And I am going to try and use your advice to distract my mind when I start mentally checking out... movement is also a great tool for me, and this last few months with our move and new life etc, my exercise regimen has been very different! I was a personal trainer in Charleston, and had all the tools (and supportive/inspiring community) I could want at my finger tips! I focused mainly on strength training, barbell and kettlebells as my main tool. I was also a yoga teacher, and enjoyed the benefits of a wonderful yoga community down there. My new life, involves a lot more outdoor activity which I LOVE. More yoga on my own, lots of long walks and a few short runs per week. I also have my personal kettlebell collection, which I have used some... but could do more. And I don't have access to a barbell at the moment. I think a needed a little break... because now I am eager to get back to lifting! I went for a 10-11 mile hike in the mountains yesterday, it felt so great! This next 2/3 of the whole30 is time to step up the exercise. My body has adjusted very well to the dietary changes, and I need a little more physical stimulation, to help keep my mind balanced! Here's to a successful day 11!!!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bethany Gingerich Posted July 25, 2013 Share Posted July 25, 2013 Awesome, sounds like you're feeling better about it already! Glad to hear it! Yeah, I can imagine moving away from your community of support could make some drastic changes happen in your program. Hope you can find it again, I know Greenwood has a few gyms and even a small yoga studio if it's still there, my mom and I used to go to it sometimes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bethany Gingerich Posted July 25, 2013 Share Posted July 25, 2013 Posted before I meant to...go Day 11! We got this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Annie B Posted July 26, 2013 Share Posted July 26, 2013 Day 12. Yesterday was definitely a turning point mentally. And thank goodness, because for the next 4-5 days, my little simple routine will be influenced by a family visit. My mother in law, plus 2 nieces and 1 nephew are here for a visit. I have everything I need and it should not be a problem to maintain. However, in the past, mentally it would have been impossible for me! I historically eat emotionally during these kinds of situations (even the best of them). All sorts of issues around control, and fear, and unknowable weird stuff from down deep in my mind rise to the surface in family situations. Food and drink and escape have always been my resources. I have been mentally preparing for some time now, and am feeling good. Like, I can do this... take care of myself, and be present with these people who are my family. SO! Here's to the next few days of adventure! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Annie B Posted July 27, 2013 Share Posted July 27, 2013 Chicken bone broth, one boiled egg, 1/2 burger, 1/4 avocado and cold sweet potato. A typical lunch meal~ I am trying to figure out how to post a pic, here... not having much success...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Annie B Posted July 28, 2013 Share Posted July 28, 2013 I'll figure the pic thing out eventually! I did take some before pictures... and I will take afters, because, wholy moly, I am definitely losing FAT! Besides my husband noticing... I have always been strong and muscular and embrace that whole heartedly... and I am usually around 19% body fat, with the lowest around 17%. Not that I am trying to get super lean (my main goal with this was to reduce inflammation, heal my guts, and break the sugar chain)... I actually prefer a bit of softness on women! I don't know where I am now, what I do know is I am seeing definition in news places... like my arms!!!!!!!!! My face is always first to change (both ways...) and then my torso (boobs and butt unfortunately), and a little bit all over... my arms and legs are definitely slow to change. And I like some deltoid and quad lines!!!! So, I am pumped for the second half... and already feel successful. Day 14, I am a new woman. woooohoooooo! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melbournegirl Posted July 28, 2013 Share Posted July 28, 2013 Way to go Annie! I am also (usually) strong and muscular and I think I once got down to 17%..... Long way off those three right now but doing the right things at least. Breaking the sugar chain is a wonderful thing! That's what I have been most successful at! Still working on the inflammation.... Have a great third week! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bethany Gingerich Posted July 28, 2013 Share Posted July 28, 2013 Nice Annie! So glad! It's so cool when you can see tangible results like that! And it makes it so much easier to continue. I'm so glad we made it this far....self control is really hard for me, so it really helps to have other people to connect with here. Makes a huge difference, at least for me. And it really is cool when you have those awesome, bright moments on Whole30, where instead of feeling deprived, you suddenly feel taken care of! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Annie B Posted July 29, 2013 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Day 15. Happy. Feeling good tired from a several days nonstop with nieces and nephew. AND I stayed on track without much effort really. Husband is saying cool things like 'keep doing what you're doing babe' (he likes how good I feel)... and weird things like 'maybe I should do something like that' !!??! Of course he eats what I serve him, and he loves the good food, he just also looooooooves his beer and icecream and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. So, I'm not holding my breath on that one! BUT he seems to be more aware of his own body's signals interestingly... I know from other time framed challenges, 1/2 way there ain't all the way there... so it remains a one day at a time adventure. Ok, I am ready for bed and its not even dark yet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melbournegirl Posted July 30, 2013 Share Posted July 30, 2013 The second half goes quicker though.... Except for the last few days LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen Roy Posted July 30, 2013 Share Posted July 30, 2013 I'm on day 13 of my second whole 30 and I'm feeling REALLY frustrated right now...I'm eating compliantly and have found round 2 so much easier than the first go round. I lost 25 pounds and A LOT of inches during my first whole30 last summer. I continued to eat whole30 style afterwards, only reintroducing alcohol on a somewhat regular basis-I found that dairy in the form of ice cream kills me! I seem to be ok with cheese, but only had it occasionally, with pasta. Bread and pasta were eaten occasionally-maybe 1-2 times a month post whole30. I started CrossFit last January and I know I've gained muscle mass, so that, along with less and less control of the sugar demon in the form of alcohol put about 10 pounds back on...I'm not weighing myself, but I just know I haven't lost much, if any of that weight after 13 days...still feeling puffy! My clothes aren't looser....Intellectually, I know I am in better shape and don't have as much inflammation and weight to get rid of as I did last year, but I was hoping to feel less bloated and get rid of that puffy feeling quickly. But...I will soldier on. Almost to the half way point! Test number one tonight-dinner out with two friends. They know I'm not drinking and I know I can find compliant food at the restaurant we are going to. Test number two tomorrow night-Red Sox game with my sister and friend....I will miss my sausage with peppers and onions , but it's all good. Ridiculously over-priced warm beer makes skipping that a no brainer! I'm also already planning what to bring when I head to a conference next week...two nights in a hotel and two days of carbohydrate buffet hell...I will make sure I have a cooler full of compliant protein and veggies!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Annie B Posted July 30, 2013 Share Posted July 30, 2013 @Colleen, After such a dramatic experience last summer, I can imagine it would be easy to have expectations. Only now, your body is a more finely tuned machine, and changes are going to be more subtle...Of course, I'm not saying anything you don't already know I am sure! In my work as a personal trainer (and in my personal experiments!), I've found the devil in the details for clients who had already made the big changes (food quality, general exercise, etc)... it was then that they needed more specific experiments with food: the macronutrient ratios, and meal timing, digestive and gut healing supplements, and of course calorie volume almost always needed to be more! And strength training always accelerated fat loss, while the # on the scale usually plateaued. Its a journey, and even for those of us who are one a similar path, we have to make it our own! Best to you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Annie B Posted July 30, 2013 Share Posted July 30, 2013 Day 16: I am anxiously anticipating the arrival of some very important additions to our family........... COWS! That's right, my hub and I are in the beginning stages of starting a farm. Pasture based, beef, pork, poultry and lamb. It will be a process, starting small and building... but our first herbivores are arriving shortly. WOOOOHOOOOOOO! or should I cay MOOOOOOMOOOOOOOOOO! To celebrate for supper tonight, we'll be eating some T-Bone steaks given to us by the farmer that we are buying these starter cows from. Living the LIFE yall! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melbournegirl Posted July 30, 2013 Share Posted July 30, 2013 I've found that alcohol and coffee take me at least two weeks to detox from and while my liver is busy doing this I don't lose weight. Day 9 now and just starting to feel a bit thinner but clothes aren't any loser yet so hang in there Coleen. Try and up your walking if you can to rev that furnace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melbournegirl Posted July 30, 2013 Share Posted July 30, 2013 Annie I'm moooooo happy for you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Annie B Posted July 30, 2013 Share Posted July 30, 2013 moooo tooooo! Its been a very exciting day. I'm so glad I am where I am in the whole30 process... to feel so good, for such a meaningful chapter in my life! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Annie B Posted July 31, 2013 Share Posted July 31, 2013 Day 17: first time in a restaurant since I started. Success. Yes, I could have made a better meal at home, but this was a place my husband wanted to go and I checked online to see what the options would be, and figured I could make it work. The beef was grass-fed, so that was the main deal. It was harder to say no to the dairy options... well I guess I should re-phrase that, it wasn't really hard at all, but the meals that included dairy, seemed a little 'lacking' without that key ingredient. At home, I am making such delicious stuff I don't miss it much. What was hard, was the lack of fat. When you take out the dairy, and you aren't having dressings or butter etc, suddenly you're looking at a straight protein meal! I was able to get some olive oil to fill in a bit, and had some fruit for my carbs. I felt pretty good! And we'll be back to the good home cooking with a pork tenderloin, sauteed apples in ghee (from our own tree), and brussels sprouts for supper. Seriously, my husband and I have been eating like kings... I don't feel deprived in the least. Yes, I feel like I have to exert some much needed Discipline, but my physical satisfaction couldn't be better. I think its because I am eating as much fat as I feel like, and that as it turns out, is a lot! It reminds me of when I was a kid... I would eat butter plain off the stick. My mom would basically let me, and said, it was good for me! THANKS MOM! So even though it ghee and coconut oil mostly for me with the whole30... I'm tearing it up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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