Starting my first whole 30 today, April 26

[Desperatete2bhealthy]

Greetings!

I am committed- and I will be honest nervous- and committing to 30 days starting today. 30 days seems like a long time but I am looking forward to the support in this forum. If anyone has just started or is on their journey, I would love to hear any suggestions or advice.

[tahoecorgilover]

Hi Desperatetobehealthy!  Welcome to the Whole30.  I started 20 days ago.  My first Whole30.  I'm so glad I did.  I'm on this eating plan for health reasons too and have seen improvement.  My GERD/LPR are much improved.  My sinuses are clearer.  My skin feels softer.  My digestion is better.  I couldn't be more surprised.  I didn't really expect much but was willing to give it a go.  I found out about the Whole30 on a health forum.  Someone said they were on it and I was curious.  So I wasn't eating Paleo, didn't know anything about Paleo beforehand.  I have been on other eating plans for acid reflux (Jaime Koufman's Dropping Acid diet, Norman Robilliard's Fast Tract diet).  Both helped.  But I've seen more progress with this one.  

 

I've kept it pretty simple.  Build my meals around protein, fill the rest of the plate with vegetables and add some fat.  I don't eat much fruit.  I definitely have sugar issues and I believe I have candida too.  That would certainly explain in part why I feel so much better on this eating plan!  I don't need to lose weight.  In fact, it wouldn't hurt me to gain some weight.  I haven't weighed myself (of course) but I don't feel like I've lost - a good thing.  I lost about 55 pounds over the last 3 years because of my health issues so didn't want to lose any more.  That was a concern when I started this diet.  I haven't weighed because I was probably worrying about my weight as much as someone who wants to lose weight.  At one point I was closing in on 100 pounds!

 

So advice?  I've kept my Whole30 simple.  I did buy a recipe book (Well Fed 2).  But I haven't used it much. It's a fun recipe book though and there are recipes I will eventually try. Because of the acid reflux I'm very careful what spices and foods I eat.  I don't eat the nightshades and stay away from onions and garlic.  I keep lots of vegetables on hand (fresh and frozen).  I eat a substantial breakfast and that sets me up for my day.  I don't feel the need to snack.

 

I would say relax and enjoy it.  If you haven't signed up for the Daily newsletter, I would recommend doing that.  It is very helpful in staying on track.  Don't worry if there are a few days where you don't feel good.  It passes.  I had a headache and upset stomach on the first few days.  It helped to read that others felt the same.  The last 20 days have gone by so quickly.  I only have 10 more days!  I might stay on it longer because I would like to resolve as many of my health issues as I can.  Then I can use it as an elimination diet to see what foods are my worst enemies.  

 

Good health to you.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised and I'll bet the time passes quickly!  I'm interested to see what your journey is like.

 

Laurie

[nwhla]

I am starting mine today too.  We can help each other.  I've done the Whole 30 before, but it's never too late to get back on track.  Here's to getting healthier!

[Desperatete2bhealthy]

Thanks for the great advice and feedback. Day two was not that hard other thank I was extremely tired. I had 2 eggs poached over sautéed carrots for breakfast and a slice of bacon. It was a late breakfast and I had to take my daughters to a few birthday parties so i didn't have time for lunch and there were no healthy snacks at the mall.in the past I would have had something sweet or a pretzel but I was surprised at my determination to not eat anything. At dinner we had friends over and I had 2 pieces of grilled chicken, roasted Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, fruit salad and 14 cashews. I think it was too much food and I was compensating for not eating lunch. I think that nuts are a trigger food for me. Anyways, even though i am tired and a little bloated, I feel good.