Deb725 Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Today I begin the Whole30 Program! I have found, after listening to the audio version of "It Starts With Food", that I have truly found the program (it is so HARD not to say DIET...an awful 4-letter word!) that will put me on the path to better health. Here is my journey (I find writing this very motivational!). My quest to make myself "really healthy" began in January, 2011. A 53-year-old female, 100+ pounds overweight, going through a divorce after 34-years of a very lonely marriage. I decided it was time to make changes everywhere. So, I began a program where I lost 99 pounds in about 7 months. I still felt as though I needed more, exercise or something, to "feel" as healthy as the new person I had become. There where psychological changes happening as well as the physical changes. The problem was...I still FELT fat. Clothes looked great ON me but I didn't (and still don't) like the way I look with them OFF (there isn't a big enough 1-piece swimsuit to cover all I want to hide)! So, I began an intense exercise program which I found I absolutely LOVED in April 2012. Besides working full-time I was also a full-time student in Graduate school finishing up my internship for my new profession. In January, 2013 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Deciding on a lumpectomy only (much to my doctor's dismay) opting not to do chemo or radiation (as it had metastisized to my lymph nodes). In April, 2013 I found I had Kidney cancer...so I had that surgically removed in December, 2013. I spent 2014 bringing myself to a quest of learning about foods and eating healthier. The problem was....and still is...I still feel "fat". Why was I exercising, eating what I thought was a "healthy" diet, but every time I would lose 10 pounds (10 pounds is my "marker" for not letting myself gain the 99 pounds I had lost) I would feel "fatter" than when I took those 10 pounds off? After listening to It Starts With Food I feel like I have hit the jackpot and found the answer!!! I am thrilled (well, a least a little) to begin this new journey and I pray that I see the changes I feel should be. I truly want to make this quest a lifelong one...not just another "diet" but a way of eating that will keep the excess fat off my body by allowing my body to operate the way it is intended to operate. Here goes.... PS) If you read this whole post; thanks for listening! Have an awesome Memorial Day! If you are serving, or have served our great country...a big, heartfelt Thank You! God Bless you!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmcbn Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Well done on making the decision & taking the steps to a healthier you - as the sister of someone living with secondary breast cancer I wish you every success on your journey.... There forums provide a wealth of knowledge and a great deal of support - Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paleoway88 Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Hi Deb, thank you for sharing your story. I can really relate to some of your thoughts. This is also my first day! I'm scared and excited. Good luck on your journey and I look forward to hearing your results. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jmn1962 Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Hi deb725, I to am starting today. My story is pretty close to yours. In 2012 I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I have always been overweight so I finally found the motivation to loose 75 lbs. I love to exercise and was thrilled with my results....taken off of all diabetic medications and have that situation under control. I also still felt fat even though in the mirror my reflection was slim. Fast forward to 2013.... Going along my merry way and found out I needed and left breast lumpectomy. I was fortunate in that they did not find cancer but very suspicious cells. Continuing on in 2013 I had to have another lumpectomy followed by a third one in 2014. The stress of these procedures and the waiting game after each one made me turn back to some of my old eating habits. In the fall of 2014 after a routine colonoscopy they discovered a 4" tumor. I had no symptoms but it was beginning to cause blockage so it had to be removed. I went from feeling perfectly fine to major abdominal surgery that has taken me 6 months to recover from. Again thrilled they did not find cancer but I'm feeling very unsettled because they can't find a cause for the tumor. After going from one doctor to the next and not getting answers has been stressful. I have put on 40lbs and need to get that and my health back under control. Friend told me about whole30....I read the book in 24 hours and feel like a light has turned on. Let's provide support for each other as I know this journey will be difficult at times. Enjoy your day and I hope to see you back here soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jmn1962 Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 It's been a good day.... Meal 1: scrambled eggs, mushrooms, red peppers, broccoli. Used ghee and coconut oil for fat. Meal 2: protein salad (chicken, celery, green grapes, toasted almonds with mayo) served over greens. Meal 3: walnut crusted pork tenderloin, arugula and balsamic vinegarette. Feeling good.....now I just have to make it trough the evening (historically my most difficult time for eating and cravings). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jmn1962 Posted May 26, 2015 Share Posted May 26, 2015 Happy to report that Day 1 was a success! I'm dealing with a slight headache today but nothing that I can't work through. May Day 2 will be as follows…. Meal 1: Leftover Walnut Crusted Pork Tenderloin with mushrooms, red peppers, broccoli, prepared with coconut oil. Meal 2: leftover protein salad served over a bed of green and some strawberries. Meal 3: pulled pork carnitas served with cauliflower rice. Have a great day! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb725 Posted May 30, 2015 Author Share Posted May 30, 2015 Good Morning! 5 Days Gone....and a very successful week on my new journey! I have conquered the "snack" bug...or at least I think so. I have found that easy to do because I am eating well at meal times. Go figure....what a concept! I woke up this morning without feeling groggy and, in fact, I feel great! I have not been journaling my foods however I did do some prep work which helped a lot. My issue now is coming up with easy meal ideas because I am eating the same things over and over to make sure I stay on track. That is my goal this weekend...to find some ideas. I noticed in your posts some great ideas which I am going to see if I can figure out! I hope your week has gone well and that you are feeling better too. :-) Now, off to the beach!! Have an awesome day!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jmn1962 Posted May 30, 2015 Share Posted May 30, 2015 Day 6 for me. Yesterday I had an awful craving attack ( oh how I wanted potato chips ) I had a hard boiled egg with a few olives instead and dove into my jigsaw puzzle. Whew crisis averted and all is well. Our farmers markets are due to open next week....looking forward to them. At one of the markets a guy who sharpens knives is always there...boy do my knifes need sharpening given all the chopping I'm doing these days.Today is pretty low key for me...heading out to a card making class (yes I'm one of those people who hand makes all of my greeting cards) this morning. This evening my husband and I will be cheering on our beloved Chicago Blackhawks hoping they make it into the Stanley Cup Finals.Today...Meal 1: eggs with a medley of veggiesMeal 2: protein chicken salad over a bed of greens Meal 3: compliant Italian sausage on the grill served with compliant marinara sauce and veggiesHave a great day everyone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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