July 1 Support Thread

[missmary]

Trust me I WANT to get it! Here is the deal - I eat a big dinner and am full when I am done, couldn't eat anymore. About half an hour later, my stomach starts growling again and that keeps going till I go to bed. That is why it very well may be cravings and not hunger....I have a long and complex relationship with food - I was just hoping after reading the book, that the cravings would diminish. But I will try it - maybe I will try more for lunch and that will help ...

 

Lee-Anne, I'm sorry you are struggling so much. Looking back, I don't see anywhere that we have actually reviewed your meals (we just assumed you were eating too little, because SO MANY PEOPLE don't eat enough on the whole30). Could you post a few days worth of meals in the troubleshooting section for review? Maybe there is something easy to tweak to make things work better for you.

[RCWINKY]

Day 27!!! Love this, I feel great and it's become pretty easy, can't wait to carry on!

[bpxdomino]

Hey there - well I started this journey with this team but after a few wagon falls, I'm far from done!

 

In the meantime - just wondering if anybody knows anything about tree nut sensitivities. I have banned almonds, cashews, and pecans (and corresponding nut butters) from my household because they are all binge triggers for me.

 

Except today I discovered hazelnuts are not a problem.

 

Just wondering if it's possible to be sensitive to some tree nuts and not others? Should I test with walnuts or macadamias?

[channon18]

Well, I'm checking in today with a failure, but also with (what I consider) a success.

 

I broke my Whole30 on Saturday night (Day 26), by having a glass of wine with friends. I didn't crave it or feel peer pressured into it. I feel like I sort of went through the off-roading flow chart in my mind, and I simply decided it was worth it. Now, this is technically a failure. It's a failure to complete the 30 day program certainly, and on one hand, I feel badly about that.

 

The success part is interesting though. When making the decision to have the glass of wine, my mind was in a place of "I don't want this to just be a Whole30 and then back to my old life." Living Whole30 is something I'm committed to, and so a part of me actually felt really successful for having the wine, not eating off plan, and being right back on Whole30 yesterday. So yes, I "off roaded" four days too early. But I also feel like it helped me frame that this is now my life, and there will be wine, but that wine (or whatever food) doesn't mean that I go crazy. With that, I also have a bunch of other successes to report with my "Whole26". I'm going to keep thinking of this in 30 day increments, so I'm on Day 2 now...but from the Whole26:

 

Non-scale: 

MUCH better sleep (still working on this and using Sleep Cycle)

back to Crossfit and training for a half-marathon - so much energy

stabilized mood

$$ saved from eating out

better food sourcing (have been living almost exclusively off of my CSA and farm co-op--all local organic meat and veggies)

Skin looks awesome--people keep telling me I'm glowing

 

Scale:

19.5 lbs lost -- HOLY CRAP! I had just returned from a vacation when I started, so I was likely holding onto some water weight, but WOW. I can feel it in my clothes and can see it in the mirror too. I'm 5'10 and I started with about 75 lbs to lose, so that might be part of why I lost so much. But if that doesn't help me feel committed, I don't know what will.

 

I'm going to stick around here and maybe join another "start date." The wine wasn't that great and didn't make me feel that great, so I'm pretty sure I won't make that choice again. But I will off-road sometimes and that'll be okay. I hope you all don't mind me sharing my failure/success--I feel like I should feel more guilty than I do...but I just mostly feel good and in control of my eating for the first time in my life!

[drtracyb]

Are you going to follow a reintro protocol?  Or are you planning to do another whole30?

 

I hope someone posts an August 1 support thread - I'll start counting again on August 1.

 

I've tried adding white potatoes to my diet but find them too tempting.  I won't pick them out of stews or frittatas anymore, at least, but I don't think I will use them in my own cooking.

[channon18]

Are you going to follow a reintro protocol?  Or are you planning to do another whole30?

 

I hope someone posts an August 1 support thread - I'll start counting again on August 1.

 

I've tried adding white potatoes to my diet but find them too tempting.  I won't pick them out of stews or frittatas anymore, at least, but I don't think I will use them in my own cooking.

 Hey drtracyb-- I'm not going to do reintroduction protocol right now, because I'd rather just stay whole30 compliant. I have dabbled enough in paleo to know what grains/gluten do to me, and I know I'm okay with limited dairy. Sugar is a big problem for me, so I need to avoid it as much as I can. For now, I'm basically just continuing to follow whole30 protocol. I might reach a point where I want to experiment with reintro, but right now it doesn't even sound appealing to me, because I've been through it before, ya know? I haven't delved into white potatoes either--with fat loss being a major part of my goals, I don't think it's smart for me to go there when I know they'll generally make me want more carbs. I might have them once in a while, but for now, I'm sticking with sweet potatoes (which I like but don't feel an "addiction" to). I think I saw an August 1 thread? I'm joining in on the July 28 one to see how far I get in another month. I realize I'm "breaking the rules" but its working so well for me that I feel like I should run with it...

[nwhites]

Hi my name is Becky. I started July 1st for my first time and failed. I imagine that is rather common. It wasnt because I fell of the wagon but because I ate foods I thought were ok and found out later they were not. ie smoked oysters in cottonseed oil, bratwurst. I decided to continue however with the full 30 days, not because I thought a little slip couldnt hurt but because I felt it was important to continue learning through the experience and also not to quit or give up. Also because there were many things I did give up and that could only be a benefit. I will of course try again. I dont really plan on reintroducing any foods as I didnt succeed but I think I need to prepare a little more for the next 30 day. I need to finish It Starts With Food. I need to be more informed about what is in food. I will also take this time to better supply myself with allowable pantry food. Hopefully my next run will be more successful. I would like to succeed in resetting my body. I really learned a lot, am eating much healthier, have completely omitted dairy, grains, sugar(with the exception of the bratwurst) and all processed foods. Did I really fail? Perhaps but I definitely improved and am well on my way!

[MeadowLily]

Heck-a-toot, I don't think you "failed".    Did I really fail?

[bwr]

Failing is such a harsh word! The fact that everyone is on here trying to make a difference and picking themselves back up again is a strong sign of success. How many times have we all given up on something and used that failure to justify not trying again?

 

There are no doubt moments in my last 29 days where I have not been 100% compliant because I haven't asked enough questions or done enough research about the food I put in my mouth, but everytime I do something where I almost or possibly went off-track, I use that to learn for next time. Overall, I feel so much stronger in the choices that I make and get a sense of empowerment when I realise I can do something that I couldn't before.

 

My successes are small so far but make me ridiculously happy. I've had chronic back pain for 8 years after an accident and the other day I walked into the kitchen and noticed something on the ground, bent down to pick it up and then kept walking. It wasn't until I took another five steps that I realised I did all of that without even thinking. I didn't have to struggle to get down and reach it, I didn't have to struggle back up again, and I didn't walk past it because it was too much of a hassle to pick it up. I literally did a fist pump in excitement!

 

Every win is still a win, whether that be the change that we make to ourselves, the way we influence others, or the way that we understand something new we didn't know before.

 

Good luck to everyone still on their path xx

[Lulubelle]

I am day 29 and have done really well on my While30! I am also a little nervous about ending it, I love being on a "plan". I would like an "ok" or "not ok" on what I have decided to add back in on Thursday.

All I was going to add is Organic heavy cream in my 1 cup of coffee in the morning, blue cheese or gorgonzola on my afternoon salad, and grated Parmesan as a topper on dinners occasionally. I would like to also add "occasionally" a few squares of dk chocolate and wine with my meal!? I don't have to worry about wakening any sugar dragon, never was a sweet eater (yeah) - if I did sweeten my coffee, is it best to use organic honey? The Whole30 was fantastic, I feel so much better and can definitely follow through more days - maybe with adding these few things back in????? Can't wait to hear back from someone!

Thank you!!!! 

[missmary]

Lulubelle, generally for reintroduction we suggest having a larger portion of a single suspect food three times a day, then two days strict whole30 afterwards to see if you react. SO in your case I would do dairy (maybe more than a sprinkling, like a full serving of yogurt or a glass of milk each meal) and after a couple days "clean" try adding sugar. I subscribe to the "sugar is sugar, so use what you like" philosophy, but if you enjoy the taste of honey or maple syrup it does have some additional vitamins and minerals compared to regular sugar, and it is a little less processed, so those are points in favor, just don't trick yourself into thinking because it is "natural" you can have as much as you want   . Congrats on making it to day 30!

[djoyce]

Well... good news.  I got to my Toronto home last night and my RX bars were there waiting for me!  Coffee and Apple Cinnamon.  These too can be an issue for me leading me down the lazy trail (right after lazy comes complacent, and then cheats) but I am feeling pretty much in control. 

 

This past weekend in Kingston, I was a little lazy and it resulted in my first non-complaint addition to my nutrition over the 28 days.  We were at a local farmers market and one vendor was selling lots of Ukrainean food (pierogies, meat patty, cabbage rolls, beet salad, borshch) and in the past (between W30s) I have had some of her food, all excellent.  I read and re-read the beet salad ingredients and there was no sugar or wheat products but I missed (somehow) the kidney beans.  I also got a meat patty (like a piece of meatloaf - W30 compliant).  After starting to eat and happy to find a W30 meal while out with the family, I noticed the beans in the salad (3-4 bites in).  I had a few more bites (eating around the beans) and put down the salad.  I was not too upset but I was very happy that I did not take this "mess up" as an excuse to end up with me elbow deep into my wife's plate of pierogies and sour cream!!! (win). 

 

We were at the market where my 9 year old daughter declared that she was making our anniversary dinner that night (Married 18 years yesterday) and we picked up local, organic lettuce, carrots and mini potatoes.  We added some chicken and pork Kababs and we had a pretty great dinner (she also made a no-bake chocolate moose pie with marshmellow fluff topping on a graham cracker crust - but I did not have any of that).  We have a chef in our midst.

 

I am not counting my miss-step on Sunday as a "failure" or restarting my W30.  I am simply continuing on with this WOL / WOE for as long as the spirit and my lack of temptation allows.  I am on vaction starting August 2nd for two weeks and I may allow myself to deviate from the strict W30 while on the road.  This has been my 6th W30+ and I am very happy with how this has all turned out.  I will weigh this weekend when back in Kingston but weight is not the immediate reason I am doing this again.

 

I did legs again last night at the gym (after cardio in the AM - Yeah T25 Cardio) and I am feeling it today but not as bad as I thought I would (another win).

 

Cheers

DJ

[Lulubelle]

Missmary -

So, I'm supposed to be looking for a reaction of some kind, like stomach cramps, or energy level change? If so - that means no dairy ever, or just occasionally, what ever my body can handle, right? If I don't see any changes then it's ok? (same with the sugar?)

[missmary]

Missmary -

So, I'm supposed to be looking for a reaction of some kind, like stomach cramps, or energy level change? If so - that means no dairy ever, or just occasionally, what ever my body can handle, right? If I don't see any changes then it's ok? (same with the sugar?)

Yes, look for reactions of any kind (I get stuffy/sniffles/sneezing) and then use that knowledge to decide if dairy is "worth it" to you, and how often you have it. It may be that you decide your grandmother's pudding is "worth it" even WITH diarrhea afterwards (or whatever), but you might decide it is not worth it to have milk on less special occasions. 

 

If you don't have any noticeable reactions, great!, you can be more liberal, although it is worth noting that some reactions take a very long time to develop, so, over time you may find that while you can have dairy, say, on a special occasion without reactions, if you have it every day you might feel gradually more fatigued or stuffy or achey or whatever. same with sugar. same with gluten, etc.

 

Does that make sense?

[simiko]

I've been silent since my very first post, but I'm happy to report that I've stuck with the W30 so far (only 1 more day to go!).  Of course, like many others whose posts I've read, there have been a few minor mishaps along the way, but I'm proud to say I haven't beaten myself up about it -- just kept going.  I have been 100% gluten-free, 100% soy-free, 100% dairy-free, 99% added-sugar free (that salad at the restaurant must have had some sugar in it; happened two different times), and 99% legume-free (pretty sure the veggie patty had some beans in it).  I call that success!  And I have learned so much about what my stomach can handle and cannot handle.  I hope to do another Whole30 soon, and try not to have as much fruit -- I don't think I've quite broken my sugar cravings.  In the meantime, I'll remain 100% gluten-free and 100% soy-free and legume-free (most of the time), added-sugar free (with infrequent exceptions) and plan to have a little organic/grass-fed dairy now and then.  May follow the re-intro protocol as Missmary suggested to Lulubelle.  I have to figure out the nut situation: i discovered a tremendous sensitivity to cashews.  Coconut is okay, but I am wondering which other nuts might be causing me a subtler problem.  Ideas?

[bwr]

Very excited that today is the last day of this round of the Whole30. I've joined the 1 August group as well to keep going but these first 30 days have been really interesting. I am finding it easier to organise my life in a way that allows me to cook ahead of time which has definitely helped at work. Even with the kitchen renos I was still able to make things work.

My next round will be focusing on reducing my intake of fruit as I relied heavily on this when we didn't have access to cooking facilities and also mixing up my choice of vegetables a lot more. I've been eating a lot of potatoes and sometimes end up feeling quite heavy afterwards - I need some colours!

That being said, I do have more energy than before, I feel much more alert, I've been able to fit into clothes that I couldn't for the last six months or so and I am happier

Congratulations to everyone who has made it and good luck to those that are continuing on xx

[avondarcye]

Day 29- Tommorow is Day 30!!! Yippee I did it!!!- almost officially

[BethanyR]

Day 30 and totally feeling the thrill of victory!  I think a big group fist-pump is in order.    How are you all doing?

 

I feel so good, I think the only thing I will do a planned reintroduction of is legumes.  I don't miss milk, or grains, or even sugar, although I do still have the vague longing to snack in the evenings.  Old habits, they do die hard!

 

Victories:

-  Wearing clothes TWO SIZES smaller than 30 days ago

-  Sleeping very deeply, and waking up cheerful

-  More energy, and better mood with no high/low swings

-  Losing zero hair in the shower.  Zero.

-  Skin looks great - even-toned with tiny pores, no blotches

-  Bursitis pain in shoulders about 1/3 of what it was

-  Weird pain in right foot gone

-  No congestion/post nasal drip waking me up at night

-  Eczema in left ear canal gone, and much improved in right ear canal.

 

I never got the strange food dreams, and only some isolated flashes of that "I am so over this" feeling the  timeline described.  I did have one intense and out-of-the-blue craving for a vanilla milkshake that totally took over my consciousness for about 15 minutes one day, but that was really it.

 

I'm so looking forward to hearing how the rest of the July people did!

[RCWINKY]

My last day and I've loved it!  I took before and after measurements and I'm liking what I see.  I'll hop on the scale tomorrow but I don't crave anything I've missed.  I'm off to the beach for a week this weekend and I plan on sticking with whole 30 with the exception of the occasional glass of wine while there and then work on reintro after I get back of a few things.  All I really want to add are some legumes, yogurt, blue cheese, feta and parmesan, honey and maybe some grains like oats or brown rice if I can handle them.  I've had NO ALLERGIES and I love that, so it's figuring out what that I've removed that triggers them.

[bwr]

Day 31!

Ran through a few successes with myself this morning and I am enjoying eating this way - in fact it's become second nature! I don't own a set of scales so haven't weighed but I've lost 2 inches off my waist, 2 inches off my hips and an inch off each thigh so I'm stoked. My skin is also clearer, each day I have a clear head throughout and I've got a lot more energy to do more physical activity.

I'm jumping over to an August group to keep this going but good luck to everyone else who is starting their re-introductions

[avondarcye]

Done!! Woo Hoo Tomorrow we weigh and measure

[Lulubelle]

YEAH!!!! Made it through the 30 days! Feel fantastic! I have added organic cream to my coffee this morning and looking forward to a glass of wine tonight - we'll see how my body reacts, may just go right back on Whole30 tomorrow for another round!

Congratulations to all the July 1st-ers who made it through! We did it! I am going to stay connected to the forum as it really motivates me to read everyone's posts. Thank you!

[cortner1195]

Day 30 complete.  I am not planning to make any changes at this time.  My skin has not improved.  I lost 16#, and one jean size.  The difference for me is just how good I feel on this food.  Never hungry.  I notice that I get cranky if I have gone too long without eating.  There was no change to my pain level, but a first visit with the arthritis specialist during July told me not to expect any.  My arthritis is not auto immune.  It will just be a slow progression. 

 

I was planning to stay up to midnight last night and celebrate with a 4 oz glass of wine.  I turned the lights off at 11:05 and gave up.  Tonight after I eat dinner I will enjoy that glass of wine. 

 

This was my second whole30.  Much more successful than my first.  Much calmer about it all.  I feel proud and successful. 

 

I will pop over to the August thread and follow along!

 

Big congrats to everyone that tried this, and a big high 5 to everyone that completed it.  This is such a personal journey, I hope everyone got the most from it possible

[shmee26]

Wooho is right...today we measure. I cannot begin to tell you how disappointed I am. I have followed all the threads and seen how people have had little mishaps and slipped up and carried on. I have read all the posts and seen all the pictures of before and afters...have posted before that there have been very little changes in how I feel..perhaps a few changes in my skin..but no loss of cravings. However I persevered through the entire 30 days. Have drunk water every day and occasionally some approved coconut water, I have worked out 4-5 times a week. the only slip up that I am aware of, was week 1 I had about 3 handfuls of roasted cashews instead of raw cashews. Some meals, when I was close to the end of the week - I had maybe too much protein. About three larabars over the course of the week and one of every 4 nights..I had half a piece of fruit at night- because I couldn't handle the cravings. Sure I probably could have tried harder and fixed all those mistakes. My grocery bill was higher than it has ever been and I wasn't feeling very different..but I kept telling myself : this is worth it, you will eventually feel better, your cravings will go away and you will lose some extra weight. I am about 5.2 and started off weighing 132...well thanks to whole30, I weighed in today at 131. All of that month for the sake of 1 pound...cannot see any noticeable change in my body either although I didn't take measurements. I am sorry if I sound bitter, and I am really happy for those who it worked for. But I almost feel like warning people, hey you can stick to this almost to the letter - and it might make zero difference. Just be warned that it doesn't work for everyone. Sorry again for my tone, I am just so disappointed. If any of the  moderators want to respond and offer me anything at all...I tracked my exact foods for the last 4 days...but can tell you, as far as 'we' could tell, we were compliant. I read the whole book. took notes, stayed on the forum and the instagram. My husband and I ate almost exactly the same food and he had lost 7 pounds within the first 10 days. He had to stop because he didn't want to lose any more.

Such is life, ces la vie. Congrats to all who stuck it out ..I do admire you as I know that it took some hard work.

[drtracyb]

Did you do a body fat analysis?  Working out as hard as you did, perhaps you put on some muscle which is why you did not drop weight?  Did any of the other parameters show improvement - chronic pain, GI signs, emotional well-being?

 

I haven't lost much weight on my most recent whole30s - my body settled into  a comfortable weight after I lost some excess during my first two whole30s.  The next time I want to lose weight during a whole30, I will have to limit starchy carbs, as I don't think my body handles them except to make me hold weight.

 

BTW, I hopped over to August, also.  I really would like to be part of the August group and stay compliant.  It is going to be hard because the insurance company moved us into a hotel while our house is renovated after some fireplace smoke damage.