InkblotJo Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 Hi all, So I'm not exactly a Whole 30 adherent, but I wanted to share my story for what little it's worth. A little bit ago, I embarked on a "Whole 14" in attempt to improve my quality of life. I've been suffering from IBS for years now, to the point where it became physically debilitating and became a daily anxiety. So I followed the Whole 30 guidelines strictly for 2 weeks, and then began reintroducing foods in an attempt to find out what upsets my stomach. Now I've adapted to a mostly-paleo lifestyle, but I've reintroduced my protein shakes (I know many people do well without them, but I see better recovery and strength gains with them, and I feel all right with them in my system), and the occasional piece of very processed, nondairy cheese (which I will drop after I finish the quantity I bought prior to my Whole 14). I've also returned to my peanut butter (sorry, folks). Regardless, I've seen a few questions here from individuals on strength gaining programs who want to know if it's "possible" to gain strength/muscle on this program, and I'd like to say that I've successfully achieved 109lbs today (I spent a large majority of my IBS years severely underweight, and only made it above 100lbs in January), and I've PR'd my deadlift and bench in the past week. You can read more about my dietary adjustments here: http://wanderingjomad.wordpress.com/2012/07/16/daily-foodstuffs-and-swole-jo/ But really, the most rewarding part of all of this is not being bloated all the time, being able to hang out with my friends again without debilitating stomach pains... Feeling almost like a normal human being again. I still have some bad IBS days, but really it's a remarkable change from before. Thank you guys so much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Jeanne Penrod Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 Sounds great! Congrats. I think that's what I love about this program is after your Whole 30 ou get to choose what works with your body and how much. A trainer friend of mine told me yesterday that your diet is like your fingerprint, it should be as unique as you are. For some that's 100% paleo, for others it may be 75.9%. I think you've found what works and that's what matters. Congrats! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Strathdee Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 Jo - Excellent takeaways. I remember the isolation that comes from chronic, and especially digestive, pain and bloating. When I was diagnosed with Crohn's I looked 6 months pregnant and was underweight by about 10 lbs (which is a lot on a 5 foot frame). I am so glad to hear that the program - however you've worked it - has given you back some freedom and enjoyment. And things will only get better. Wishing you continued healing and progress (and maybe a couple of pounds, too!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InkblotJo Posted July 17, 2012 Author Share Posted July 17, 2012 Thanks guys! I truly believe everyone should try something like the Whole 30 (or 14, or a significant number of days...) just to acquaint themselves with their bodies. It's remarkable how much better I understand my digest system now. It's such a relief knowing how I respond to different irritants, and being able to choose my foods with confidence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geemoney167 Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 Inkblot, thanks for sharing. I wasn't true to the whole 30 but was most fascinated by how my body reacted when I did have some cheese after several weeks without it! Had lots of congestion all of a sudden. Now I'm really mindful of what I'm hungry for and what my mind tells me I want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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