Starting again. And again. And again ...

[missmunchie]

I did my first Whole30 two years ago, and had an awesome experience. I didn't lose a ton of weight, but my attitude on food totally changed for the better. I was even one of those super annoying people that was the "paleo expert" and told everyone they should be eating this way.

Fast forward to now, and I have tried over and over again to do another Whole30 and I can never make it past the first few days. I just had baby #2 four months ago, and pitched head-first into Processed Carb Land during my pregnancy, partially for the convenience but mostly because it's deliciously addictive. So I really want to get back into the habit of feeding myself right again. But with a long commute to a full-time job, two young kids, and a husband that's supportive but not on board beside me (In a "whatever makes you happy, darling" kind of support, which is great but also enabling sometimes), I feel like I'm already trying to cram 30 hours into a 24 hour day, and now I've got to food prep on top of it?!?

It's only 30 days. And I've done it before, so I know (kinda) what to expect. But before I had one less kid and a 5 block walk to my job, so it felt way easier to squeeze it all in.

I know there's people on this forum way busier than me who make it happen. Students working two jobs and nurses pulling 24 hour shifts and parents of more than just two children. Maybe all three of these examples. Any of you busy, committed people have any tips for fitting in food and sleep and work and family and maybe a little fun time or exercise while you're at it?

[candree]

I am a mom of 3 (3, 6 and 8) work full time, commute 3 hrs a day, and i am just shy of my Whole100.  The only way i make it work and continue to make it work is to spend approx. 3hrs every Sunday performing all the food prep for the work.  My husband keeps an eye on the kids and i cook like a madwoman prepping all my protein and breakfasts for this week.  This is the only way i can maintain this as there just isn't enough time on a daily basis to prepare full dinners and lunches without eating at 8pm every evening.

[BJS12345]

I work full time and have two teenagers. I also do the Sunday food prep. I also sometimes roast a pan of Brussels sprouts or cook some chicken with vegatables in the morning at around 6:00 am (after my 5:30 workout). It's definitely easier coming home from work to prepared food!!

[CarolineatMyCasaCaoba]

Get an InstaPot!  I freakin' love mine! It's an electric pressure cooker, so much easier to use than a slow cooker, because whenever I think of something to eat, it's usually something I shoud have started 3 hours ago on the stove, or 8 hours ago in a slow cooker.  But with a pressure cooker, you can have a whole chicken in about 10 minutes.  Sweet potatoes in about 4.  It just makes cooking so much faster.  You won't regret it!  And since it's electric, you just set it up and hit on, so you dont have to watch in on the stovetop and fiddle with the heat when it comes up to full pressure like the old-fashioned kind.  Seriously a greeaat investment, especially for moms!

[WholeChristina]

Get an InstaPot!  I freakin' love mine! It's an electric pressure cooker, so much easier to use than a slow cooker, because whenever I think of something to eat, it's usually something I shoud have started 3 hours ago on the stove, or 8 hours ago in a slow cooker.  But with a pressure cooker, you can have a whole chicken in about 10 minutes.  Sweet potatoes in about 4.  It just makes cooking so much faster.  You won't regret it!  And since it's electric, you just set it up and hit on, so you dont have to watch in on the stovetop and fiddle with the heat when it comes up to full pressure like the old-fashioned kind.  Seriously a greeaat investment, especially for moms!

 

I am really intrigued with this idea!  I'm sitting here waiting for my sweet potatoes to finish in the oven and they are taking extra long today!!  I just checked out the reviews on Amazon and they are awesome.

 

Do you use it for "recipes" as well?  It says it browns and does it all in one pot.  I love my slow cooker, but of course it takes prep on the stove before moving to the cooker.  I'd love to get a pressure cooker, but if I only make sweet potatoes it's not worth the price (and storage room) for me.  I guess I just can't image what else I'd make in it? Soups and stews, but do I have to prep on the stove before?  Do you ever make meatballs?

 

Sorry for the 20 questions, but I didn't see a lot of specifics in the reviews I read.  Since you use it, love it and eat Whole30, I thought I might pick your brain for some info.

 

Thanks!!  

[ShannonM816]

I am really intrigued with this idea! I'm sitting here waiting for my sweet potatoes to finish in the oven and they are taking extra long today!! I just checked out the reviews on Amazon and they are awesome.

Do you use it for "recipes" as well? It says it browns and does it all in one pot. I love my slow cooker, but of course it takes prep on the stove before moving to the cooker. I'd love to get a pressure cooker, but if I only make sweet potatoes it's not worth the price (and storage room) for me. I guess I just can't image what else I'd make in it? Soups and stews, but do I have to prep on the stove before? Do you ever make meatballs?

Sorry for the 20 questions, but I didn't see a lot of specifics in the reviews I read. Since you use it, love it and eat Whole30, I thought I might pick your brain for some info.

Thanks!!

Google nomnompaleo instant pot -- she uses hers for a bunch of recipes, you should be able to get a lot of ideas there.

[missmunchie]

Thank you all for the ideas and encouragement. Happy to report that I'm on Day 9 and have been doing great! I'm keeping it very simple and Groundhog Day-like, and am at the point where I feel like this is sustainable. I make my weekly plan on Sunday and follow through, no matter what!