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Christmas Whole30


Trina

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Hi everybody.

I'm starting on a second Whole30 the upcoming Monday (25 nov 2013). Here are my reasons:

I want to enter 2014 on a clean bill
I plan on doing an Autoimmune whole30 before spring

I want to look GOOD for New Year's ;-) (Even though I'm spending it with my friend and her kids... hehe)

My first whole30 stumbled a bit

I've completely fallen off the wagon and need to sleep better now that the cold and dark season is well and truly here in Oslo, Norway

The Christmas time is both the best and the worst time to do this:

Worst because there is so much candy lying around. Best because the Norwegian Christmas food contain a lot of animal fat from grass-fed sheep, turnips, fall vegetables and the meat from the same said sheep :-) !!!

I've promised myself that I will start exercising when I've had 4 weeks without any flu symptoms. 

Basically, I want to be the best I can feel!

 

Come and joyfully join a crazy Norwegian!

 

Trinapost-34316-0-12293200-1385025135_thumb.j

 

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Hey there, i'm going to lurk around here too if that's ok - nice to find Whole30-ers this side of the Atlantic  ;) (plus Norway is one of my favourite countries, ever)

I successfully completed a whole30 in January this year, then fell off the wagon (into chocolate) until about June, when i managed a whole27+15ish. I haven't managed more than about 10 days in a row since, though i keep on trying! I don't miss bread, cheese, pasta, or any of those things, it's "only" chocolate  :rolleyes: The rest of my food is always paleo, though i sometimes ignore a bit of sugar in cooked meats or sausage, or i'll cook with honey or wine. 

I still don't know if i can commit to a strict 30 days - it seems to be causing my brain to rebel! - but a good 30 days of clean eating & no junk food would do me the world of good. Recently i have had an almost constant "slight cold" - runny/stuffy nose & tickly cough, since September  :o & i'm becoming more & more convinced that it is an intolerance to chocolate or one of the ingredients. And i love the deep deep sleep that comes with eating well  -_-

Here's to Monday & junk-free living!

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Hi Roz

 

Thank you for join me! I'm having no problem with the grain part. it is the socializing that is my nemisis. So I tell EVERONE what I'm doing so that many witnesses can point the finger at me.

 

If I could make a wild guess, the sugar/sugarfakes are the culprit to your 'slight cold'. The cacao in it self might be a kicker but the end product overwhelm the goodness in it :-) 

 

I'm reading Well Fed 2 in order to boost my confidence.

 

Trine

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OK, I'm in.  I've just signed up for the daily emails again, to start my Whole30 on Monday.  As I think about it, I'm not so worried about Thanksgiving.  The food will actually work well for me the way my family celebrates.  Since I'm gluten intolerant I can't eat the pies anyway and I've asked my sister-in-law (the family's master baker!) not to do a gluten free pie for me.  So I will be safe there.  It's the alcohol that's going to be the challenge.  I do love a nice glass of scotch or wine at a party.  So, Trine, you and I share that challenge of handling social occasions. 

 

I've recently read Gary Taubes book Why We Get Fat and What to Do About It.  Another great discussion of why eating paleo is the way to go.  I don't really need that -- I can see it on my face the next day when I've eaten too much carb and/or refined food.  

 

So, I really want to stick with this and make just a routine part of my life, not a special 30 days that I'm going to try to do.

 

I hope others will join us as we get going but if not, we can support each other just fine!

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Hi Lizzie

 

So glad u decided to join :-)

I've done the emails and saved them. They are good to have for when u need a boost. Keep u aware. Only thing is, I received them SOOO late. Like well after lunch. (because i live in Norway... hehe)

 

I also tell EVERYBODY that I meet that I'm doing 'it' again for 30 days. As we say in Norway 'Ris bak speilet': a silent audit when everybody knows if u fall off... 

 

About the alcohol, don't sweat it, sparkling water with squeezed lime is good!. And a straw in it and nobody will be the wiser.

 

About that book, I'm looking in to it. Think maybe I've enough books on why. Now I need to implement the how :)

 

Day one is halfway through. My goal today is eat good food, and wash some clothes. Tomorrow is the goal to eat good food and wash the shower cabinet etc. My goal is to DO something everyday in addition to eat well. This because I've a notion that if I clean/tidy my living area I tidy my brain and emotions too.

 

Trine

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Good morning! 

I did a lot of cooking over the weekend -- salmon cakes, chicken & vegetable soup, prepared my veggies, defrosted a W30 stew I made a while ago.  And made some W30 cranberry sauce.  I feel ready to face the week.  Just had a lovely and filling breakfast.  So here we go!

 

I'm starting with small goals: 

1) Take my lunch to work at least 3x/wk

2) I will spend a minimum of 7.5 hrs in bed.  This means going to sleep earlier, turning off the TV and computer earlier.

3) I will eat dinner at the table at least 4x/wk.

These feel do-able and like they will make a difference to my overall well-being. Especially the sleep!

 

I'm a little apprehensive about how tired I expect to be over the next few days but at least I know it will pass.

 

Have a great day!

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I know myself enough to know that I can not meet this challenge. My goal this next 6 weeks or so is to do the best I can and make deliberate food choices that allow me to enjoy the treats that I know will be tempting me often during the holidays and that I do choose to partake. But I plan to keep track of you brave whole30ers who are taking up this challenge! I applaud your courage and iron will to do this this time of year! When you are still going strong come the 30th of December, then I will hop on the wagon too! Best of luck!!!

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My greatest challenge is alone-time. When I'm alone I feel like a glass of wine and a cigarette. I can feel it sneaking up on me now. on day 1!!!!

 

So I plan to have no 'relax' time. Or feeling a need to escape. Because, folks, that's what it is. I escape into a book with some alcohol, smoke and a kitchen fan to hide the smell. This is what brought me down the last W30 i did.

 

But this time of year there are so many things, which is why if fits PERFECTLY for this kind of malfunction. For me it is not about the food, it is about emotional escape. So Dfroehlich, not so hardy :-)

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I decided i had been letting too much chocolate back into my life also!!  the sugar doesnt agree with me at all.  In the main i am much more selective about what I eat since my 1st Whole30 back in July but chocolate and bread had begun to creep up towards daily occurances.  Am on Day 3 of my seasonal Whole 30. I know I can do Whole30 for at least 2 weeks before the holiday stuff kicks in, then when socialising i shall choose as best I can, and not beat myself up about it.  I tend to be the designated driver to avoid alcohol and the following attack of the 'anything goes munchies' :)

 

Keep up the good work, I feel better already for good food, although I need a pointy stick to keep the sugar cravings at bay!!!

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Hi Roz

Just read an article about how to do a w30 in the X-mas holidays:

 

http://www.whole9life.com/2013/11/thinking-holiday-whole30-think/

 

Where it is discurreged to sign up for w30.

 

But since I know that I can´t control myself if I first start eating the things I like, I have to control ALL that goes through my mouth :)

Besides, Norwegian dining is all about the meat!

 

Trine

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Yes, i think we have fewer sweet dishes in the UK than in the States - no sweet potato & marshmallow casserole for example! I did a paleo Christmas dinner last year, i made a venison tagine with lots of vegetables, i made mashed swede for me & mashed potatoes for everyone else :) I'm thinking I'll offer to do the same again this year, i might make the Well Fed cinnamon beef stew...

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Trine, I read the same article and it made me hesitate. But I decide there's no rule that says we have to over-indulge at this time of year. Yes, there may be a few special treats around, but isn't it really supposed to be about family and friends and fun? The thing that gets to me is walking into every store and seeing displays of sweets. I try to remind myself it's just a marketing ploy and I don't have to respond.

Roz, is love your venison stew recipe! I used to live in the UK and did learn to love a traditional Christmas dinner, but it's hard to find mince pies and Christmas pud here anyway! Our Thanksgiving table (that's my family's big holiday, not Christmas) always features lots of lovely roast sweet potatoes, parsnips and squash along with lots of other veggies, so I don't miss the mash. And we aren't a marshmallow family! Last night I made the W30 cranberry sauce; I'm worried it might be a bit too tart for most people so I thought I might add some organic unsweetened applesauce. Tat will keep it compliant!

We have a big party Thursday morning as well as dinner that day. I bought 12 boxes of donuts. When I read the ingredients I was totally turned off. No conflict for me there.

And for everybody who isn't up for taking the plunge right now, just being mindful will probably help you get brought the holidays in a healthier way. Good luck!

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Yes, i think we have fewer sweet dishes in the UK than in the States - no sweet potato & marshmallow casserole for example! I did a paleo Christmas dinner last year, i made a venison tagine with lots of vegetables, i made mashed swede for me & mashed potatoes for everyone else :) I'm thinking I'll offer to do the same again this year, i might make the Well Fed cinnamon beef stew...

 

My Norwegian christmas dinner (pinnekjøtt) is explained here:

 

http://mylittlenorway.com/2009/12/pinnekjott/

 

In my family we serve it with rutabaga mash. Some families cook the mash with potatoes, cream, carrots. In my house it is cooked, added some 'pinnekjøtt' stock and mashed by hand. The reason I feel this is whole30 for me is i've always skipped the potatoes anyhow !! hehe

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OK, now I've officially added Norway to my "must visit in this lifetime" list!

 

Made it through Day 1 with no major hassles.  Not so easy since my work day was 10-8.  Today it's 9-8.  Man was I hungry by the time I got home! Need more snacks today.

 

I did turn off the TV and get into bed on time last night but sadly, slept badly.   :( Woke up hungry  :) Ready for the day :D

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OK, now I've officially added Norway to my "must visit in this lifetime" list!

 

Made it through Day 1 with no major hassles.  Not so easy since my work day was 10-8.  Today it's 9-8.  Man was I hungry by the time I got home! Need more snacks today.

 

I did turn off the TV and get into bed on time last night but sadly, slept badly.   :( Woke up hungry  :) Ready for the day :D

Hi Lizzie

 

Seems to me that planning and preparing is something you could benefit from. Like, if u know u're gonna work long hours and late, why are u so hungry? And snacking (It starts with food) is to be avoided during W30. Just saying...

 

t

 

PS

norway is great and less confusing... hehehe

 

ps2

slept bad too. My eczema is on the rise

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You are right, my lunch was not substantial enough.  I am planning better today.

 

If I remember correctly, your eczema flared up at the beginning of your last W30.  Probably your body trying to expel all the bad stuff it's been carrying around.  Hope you're not too uncomfortable.

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You are right, my lunch was not substantial enough.  I am planning better today.

 

If I remember correctly, your eczema flared up at the beginning of your last W30.  Probably your body trying to expel all the bad stuff it's been carrying around.  Hope you're not too uncomfortable.

u're right. it flared up the last time too. hopefully it will calm down quicker

 

good luck on the preparing bigger meals. On Friday I'm packing breakfast, lunch and dinner since I'm doing some social thing (Christmas rock concert) with my work buddies. AND they'll be drinking. Good thing I'm almost broke. Good excuse heheh

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My Norwegian christmas dinner (pinnekjøtt) is explained here:

 

http://mylittlenorway.com/2009/12/pinnekjott/

 

In my family we serve it with rutabaga mash. Some families cook the mash with potatoes, cream, carrots. In my house it is cooked, added some 'pinnekjøtt' stock and mashed by hand. The reason I feel this is whole30 for me is i've always skipped the potatoes anyhow !! hehe

 

that looks yummy.  I love swede and carrot mashed together.  I have been adding blackpepper and a little ghee (W30 compliant!!) and have been eating it a lot.

 

I go to my family for chrimbo and we book a restaurant, everyone pays for themselves instead of christmas gifts, and we have a relaxed meal where everyone gets what they weant and no one has to cook or wash up!!

 

preparation is important.  I put the slow cooker on for late days so food is ready when i get in, or batch cook at the weekend so i can heat a portion later in the week.

 

Lizzie - maybe you need to be taking two meals to work for lunch and dinner!!!  also check portion sizes are big enough and is the snacking a real need or is it a habit? it takes a few days to get in the swing but getting thru day one is a great acheivement :)

 

I also didnt sleep great, hoping it settles down from cutting out all the rubbish!

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I didn't sleep well either! -_-

Day 1 drawing to a close here, with all good food, & a trip to the gym under my belt. Just getting our evening meal ready - West African chicken stew & cauliflower rice - before heading out to kickboxing later.

Definitely on the "so what's the big deal?" section of the timeline :lol:

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Yesterday went much better for me.  I had a mini meal late in my work day and then a smaller dinner when I got home.  I remember now that I was very hungry for the first few days on my previous W30 as it took a while to adjust my portion sizes and menus to stay full enough. slept much better last night too!

Have a great day (or evening for those in a different time zone!).

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