Post W30 Troubles

[Kristyn]

Guys! What is happening to me?

 

I successfully completed my first W30 (turned Whole50!!) and loved the results. Fantastic! I finished reintroductions and learned some new information as well as confirmed some food reactions that I already suspected. Great! And now...I have fallen off the W30 bandwagon. Uh-oh!

 

I had a really bad craving for Mexican food right after my reintros, which I fed, and have been on the struggle bus ever since. For the mexican food, it was about taste, but all of the other things that have followed (i.e. chips, pizza, fried wings) have been more about convenience. Sometimes, I don't even really want to eat those foods but I do out of convenience and lack of preparation on my part. And let me tell you, I am feeling the effects! I've been sleepy, irriatable, emotional, bloated, and experiencing an overall feeling of "blah" ever since I've been eating these foods on a more consistent basis. 

 

I'm very in tuned with my body and how I've been feeling but I'm still having a hard time stopping. I know Melissa, Dallas, and many others out there say that falling back into habits is expected at some point but...I...I just don't understand. I want to feel amazing again but it's getting really difficult to get back into W30.

 

I'm struggling with finding the balance between W30 life and "normal" life. For me, I'm either all in or all out, "moderation" doesn't quite work for me (which is what attracted me to W30 in the first place). I'm not looking for my diet to be completely W30 anymore but I also don't want to fall back into an unhealthy diet. I would like to find a nice balance, if it's even possible.

 

For those of you who have struggled with this, how did you overcome it and find your happy place?

 

[Kristyn]

Confession: I've still been sneaking in some bad foods for the past couple of days.

Accountability check: I'm going back to W30 for 15 days, starting May 30th.

Reason: I need a small reset before this gets out of hand. I don't want to completely reverse the good effects from my W50 and reawaken my craving for sugar. Most importantly, I want to feel my best again!

 

Wish me well!

 

P.S. I'm still open to any advice you may have on finding balance post Whole30 so if you have any, please pass along. OR if you're in the same boat as me, feel free to reach out! We'll get through this together!

[Guest Andria]

Sometimes, I don't even really want to eat those foods but I do out of convenience and lack of preparation on my part. 

 

This is key here.  Planning is key to eating well.  It is almost impossible, in some instances, to find healthful food on the fly.  Now the Whole30 is not intended to be followed forever, so if you get a burger from a burger joint and it is cooked with a non compliant oil that you know you don't have a reaction to, it should not be the end of the world.  You have done the reintro and know what you react to, so those should be the easy things to avoid.  All the other stuff, you need to figure out what is worth it to you.

 

The other issue is that you are coming from a lot of guilt and referring to good food and bad foods.  There are only choices.  Choice you make and they can make you more or less healthy.  Sit down and consider the dietary framework you wish to have.  Do you want all of your meals to be Whole30 and have an occasional dessert or glass of wine that is really worth it?  Can you tolerate rice and a little bit of cheese? Plan to have a Mexican meal out once in a while.  

 

Maybe doing another Whole30 will help you figure out these things.  You can do this! Just take some time to think, plan and prepare.  Maybe this article can help:

 

http://whole30.com/2012/01/ride-your-own-bike-2/

[Kristyn]

Hi Andria,

 

Thanks for your input! I completely agree, planning out meals is so important. I did well with planning during my W50 but got into trouble once I finished reintros. I guess I got a bit jumbled and wasn't sure what things I really wanted to include in my diet again. Even after seeing how different foods affected me, I didn't have a clear game plan as to how I wanted to move forward.

 

I didn't think of myself as feeling guilty about eating non W30 foods but you make a good point about me referring to food as "good" or "bad". I need to watch that! When I say that, what I mean is healthy vs. less healthy foods (things that don't add to my health and don't make me feel my best). When I did eat less healthy food, I was making a conscious decision to do so and tried to make sure that I didn't feel guilty about that decision. I just knew that I would suffer the consequences (i.e. bloating, irritability, tiredness).

 

I've read the "Ride Your Own Bike" article like 20 times. Lol But I do need to sit and really think about what I want my diet to look like from here on out. It just feels hard to find that balance.

 

Thanks for the encouragement!

[Whole30Sue]

I understand what you are going through, I am just a few days out from my first whole30 that turned into about a whole55. I have a fear and could easily envision myself doing exactly what is happening to you. So I have decided that after reintroductions, which I am slowly working on, that my diet will be some version of "regular paleo." I have that all or nothing mindset, so giving it a name has helped me not even consider going all out with non-paleo foods. Wishing you the best getting back to the healthier foods!

[Kristyn]

Hi Sue,

 

Thanks for the well wishes! Yes, figuring out this post Whole30 balance is tricky. Congrats on finding what works for you! I hope that your plan goes well. 

 

I just started a Whole15 this weekend (today is day 3) to help reset my habits again. These past 3 days have been good! I feel at peace again and I know that this Whole15 is the right thing to do. But after this I need to ride my own bike without being afraid of "falling off". I don't want to hold on to Whole30 to the point where I feel like I can't stay healthy without it.

 

I will definitely use what I learned during my W50, reintros, and beyond to reflect and plan how I would like to move forward. I feel confident that with more practice and observation I will be able to give myself what I need and want while maintaining good health.

[Kristyn]

Update: Day 5 and my stomach bloat has finally gone down completely! Granted, it's that time of the month so that's probably been adding to my bloat as well. Needless to say, I'm feeling really good about this!

 

I've been really tired this week though. It's been hard to get up in the morning and I've been drinking coffee every day this week. I'm sure that will change the further I get into these 15 days. I hardly drank any coffee during my Whole50, when I did, it was to experiment with coconut and almond milk to see if they can be permanent replacements for milk/cream/sugar. The answer was a big NO! I don't like either in my coffee.

 

The night of Day 1, I had a dream that I attended two weddings, both with tables full of donuts and cakes. I had to help rearrange some of the desserts and ended up licking frosting off of my hand and eating a donut hole. In my dream, I felt guilty about cheating on my clean eats but chose to do it anyway. The dream was so unexpected.

 

On Monday night (Day 3) I saw a lemon pound cake in the store and had a vision of buying it, going home, plopping down on the couch and eating the whole thing. I know that it was due to stress. I was tired, cranky, and had just left a graduation that ended late. I was at the store in search of something quick to make for dinner (I was in a rush in between work and the graduation and forgot to thaw the fish I had planned to make) and that's when I saw the cake. After that very short lived temptation, I grabbed some burger patties and headed out.

[chezjulie]

That sounds like a crazy dream! I haven't had any food-related dreams... yet. Good for you for walking past the pound cake. It wouldn't have done you any favors in the long run!

 

I'm about to start my post-Whole30 life,

[Kristyn]

Hi chezjulie!

 

Yea, that dream was totally random and unexpected! It was odd. Lol

 

Congrats on finishing your Whole30! Have you done your reintros yet? What are your post Whole30 diet plans? Just curious.

[chezjulie]

You found my Post-Whole30 Log. I'm planning to do the regular reintros of the four food groups, but also break soy out into its own category. My plan is to be wrapped up with reintroduction before I have to go out of town for a week for a work conference. 

 

Since I have seen how easy it can be for people to struggle after the Whole30, I thought I would really try to lay down a specific eating plan, but just have it be my plan that works for me, and allows a greater variety of foods than on the Whole30. I feel like if I don't compose my meals well, I'll just get snacky and sugar-obsessed again.

 

Good luck with your Whole15. You can do it!

[Kristyn]

On Saturday (Day 8) I went to a concert with my boyfriend and what was supposed to be a fun night turned into a not so pleasant one. We had planned to grab something to eat before the show but we had a hard time picking a place. The place I chose was a bit pricier than the standard so my bf didn't want to go there (which was fine) and in the end we weren't able to agree on any other place. He kept mentioning that he wasn't sure where to go because of my food restrictions (eventhough we've been out to eat before during my W50) and said he was ok with not eating. Out of frustration I completely shut down and said forget it. I was in a crappy mood for the rest of the night. It's sad that I let that one thing completely change my mood, I haven't been like that in a good while.

 

During the concert's opening acts, I noticed myself having some very frustrating feelings that I didn't even feel during my Whole50. I looked around and saw all of these people enjoying themselves while drinking alcohol and eating food that was available there. They seemed so happy and free. I felt restricted and beyond annoyed. Here I was at this concert feeling hungry and the only safe thing for me to have was water. I envied them and felt like I was locked in my Whole15 jail. I wanted to be able to grab something to eat and have a drink to loosen up a bit. I was angry that I couldn't do it. Granted, I know that no one is holding me down forcing me to eat the way that I am but I wanted to stay true to my committment. In that moment though, I wanted to go to Chipotle which was near, grab a salad (all W30 compliant except for the meat, carnitas weren't available due to shortage) and a drink to calm my nerves and enjoy the concert....maybe even a cookie or some ice cream which was also near by (I know that was partly stress and hunger talking).

 

I felt like the Whole15 restrictions were causing my night to be a downer and I let that get to me in the worst way. Am I proud of that? No. But that was the reality of the situation. I know I could have quit but I didn't because I figured it would be one night of stress that I had to deal with but then feel better the next day. I kicked myself after the fact because I should have done whatever I needed to do to stay W15 compliant AND maintain my happiness.

[pjena]

Hi Kristyn - Congrats on your W50!  You absolutely aren't alone in this.  It seems like almost everybody struggles a bit with finding what post W30 looks like for them.  I've been doing this for over 2 years now and haven't perfected it.  But, what works for me, most of the time, is to just aim for calm eating.  I know which foods I can't start eating or I won't be able to stop (sweets, trail mix) and which foods make me feel less that great (any nuts, alcohol, cabbage like veg, ground beef).  I know which breakfast and lunch will always taste good and keep me full and I eat those almost every day just to make life simpler.  So, for the most part, I eat my normal food and avoid the foods that don't make me feel great.  But, with the goal of calm eating, I also don't really worry too much about eating out or when I don't have control over my food.  I just make the best choice I can at the time and don't let it stress me out.  I don't have horrible reactions to anything, so a meal here or there that is off normal isn't worth the stress it would bring to worry about it. Sometimes, I make a poor for me choice and try to not let myself stress about it and just get right back on track with normal for me eating.  Sometimes, a few poor choices add up to a cycle that's hard to get out of and so a W-something might be in order just to get back into the habit of making good choices.  It's a journey or a process or whatever.  Perfection isn't attainable in real life.  So, be patient with yourself.  Figure out what works for you most of the time.  Figure out if there's anything that's never worth it to eat (gluten if you have celiac, for example).  Then, just do the best you can when you can and enjoy feeling good!  Good luck!

[chezjulie]

Hi Kristyn, I'm sorry you had such a frustrating evening! I read another post recently where the person's SO was annoyed at having to work around the poster's food restrictions while they were on the Whole30. So I'm guessing that's not uncommon! Just remember that it's only one more week and then you can allow yourself to off-road (is that what they call it?) from time to time. I think this is an example of why they don't want people to stay on the Whole30 forever!

 

Also, pjena, that is great advice! I like the idea of "calm eating."

[Kristyn]

Hi Pjena, thanks for sharing your experience and advice! You've been doing this for over 2 years? That's awesome!

I like your idea of calm eating. It seems like a really good way to eliminate the stress and the need to strive for "perfection" (whatever that even is). What helps you maintain this balance and not go to one extreme (W30 all the time) or the other (junk food central)? Has it just gotten easier with time?

 

Julie, I completely agree that what happened Saturday is one of the major reasons not to do W30 forever. Of course I understand those who do continue with it for serious health reasons but I personally don't think it would be beneficial for me to stick with it for the long haul. And I know I only have less than a week left but...

 

Today is day 11 and I'm having a hefty internal battle. In all honesty, I'm seriously considering cutting my W15 short. At this point I think the W30 rules are beginning to stress me out and I think I'm relying to heavily on the comfort of the rules to keep me in line. I'm also under some stress right now due to some things I have to deal with (out of my control) which doesn't help. Right now I feel like an antsy kid wanting to learn to ride my own bike. The trouble is, I'm not sure if these feelings are due to normal struggles of the program (W30 time line) or if this is really a sign for me to let go and begin my post W30 life again. It's all so confusing!! Lol

 

Also, I ran across Melissa's post about doing Whole 5's, 7's, etc. http://whole30.com/2014/10/mini-whole30/ and completely forgot that she had warned that one should not do these short term W30s without first doing multiple W30s. I wonder if this is why I've been struggling a bit. Or it could be the fact that I started so soon after ending my Whole50 and I didn't give myself the appropiate amount of time to adjust to post W30 life.

 

Anyway on the upside, benefits I've seen in these 11 days: My stomach bloating has gone completely down, my sleeping habits have gone back to W50 status and I'm feeling good about where I am. These are all things that I was hoping to accomplish.

[ShannonM816]

Today is day 11 and I'm having a hefty internal battle. In all honesty, I'm seriously considering cutting my W15 short. At this point I think the W30 rules are beginning to stress me out and I think I'm relying to heavily on the comfort of the rules to keep me in line. I'm also under some stress right now due to some things I have to deal with (out of my control) which doesn't help. Right now I feel like an antsy kid wanting to learn to ride my own bike. The trouble is, I'm not sure if these feelings are due to normal struggles of the program (W30 time line) or if this is really a sign for me to let go and begin my post W30 life again. It's all so confusing!! Lol

 

 

 

If the rules are becoming stressful for you, or if they're a crutch that you're using to keep from having to make your own choices or set your own rules, it's possible that a strict W30 isn't the healthiest way for you to go right now. (Please note -- I don't mean it's physically unhealthy, it's never going to be physically unhealthy to eat lots of veggies, protein, and healthy fat. But mental health is important too, and while sometimes the rules and tough love and strict adherence required for a W30 is good for you, sometimes it's not.)

 

I'm not saying stop now -- but I'm not saying keep going either. I'm just saying, think about it. If you decide that at this point in time it's healthier for you to ride your own bike for a while, that is absolutely okay. If you decide at this point that you committed to 15 days and if you don't finish it you'll feel bad about that -- that's also ok. Whichever way you go, do it mindfully, don't just throw it all out the window for a not-really-worth-it food just because you're stressed or tired, but make your decision, don't second guess it, and go on with your life from there.

 

You can always come back for another W30 (or W7 or W15 or whatever) later if you need to.

[pjena]

Hi Pjena, thanks for sharing your experience and advice! You've been doing this for over 2 years? That's awesome!

I like your idea of calm eating. It seems like a really good way to eliminate the stress and the need to strive for "perfection" (whatever that even is). What helps you maintain this balance and not go to one extreme (W30 all the time) or the other (junk food central)? Has it just gotten easier with time?

 

 

It has gotten easier with time.  I still fall apart occasionally but it seems to be less and farther apart.

 

Before you quit, figure out why you are pushing against the rules.  Is there something you want to eat but can't?  And, why do you want to eat it?  Or, is it certain situations that are causing the restricted feeling?  Is stopping going to make you happier?  It helps me to remember what I eat is a choice.  There's no can or can't, no bad or good.  I can eat whatever I want.  I don't have big reactions to anything.  So, it's a choice.  Sometimes I make a less healthy choice but I try my best to make mostly healthy choices (for me).  Then, when I make a less healthy choice I try to live with that choice calmly and, if necessary, learn from it. 

 

Try to remember why you are doing this.  How great you feel when you eat clean.  What's worth not feeling that great?  For me, being able to not stress about eating out or at friend's is worth maybe not feeling perfect.  So, I don't grill servers and I don't stress about meals when I don't have control over them.  I do my best to eat healthy choices still but even when I make a less healthy choice, I try not to let myself stress over it.  Sweets for me are bad news.  Even after all this time, if I start, I can't stop.  So, that's not worth it for me.  I just avoid sweets all the time.  I try to make exceptions only for something that is really special and is portion controlled.  I'll share a great dessert on date night but at a party when faced with a table full of sweets, I have nothing.  Sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn't.  At Thanksgiving, I had one dessert and was done.  At Christmas, I had one dessert and then mainlined sugar for a week.  It's a learning process.

 

Another thing that helps is just not thinking about it.  Just keep on keepin' on.  I eat my normal food and don't let myself start arguing with myself about other foods.  Once I start arguing with myself, I tend to lose.

 

Good luck.  And don't be too hard on yourself.  We all struggle with finding what post W30 looks like.  If you keep at it and find what works for you, it will get easier. 

[Kristyn]

Hi guys! Happy Friday!

 

I know I've been completely M.I.A all of a sudden but it's been for good reason. My boyfriend and I went out of town last week to visit my family in my home city. I hadn't been home in 9 months so it was a much needed trip! I made it through to Day 14 of my W15 but on day 15 (first day out of town), I ate some off plan food at my brother's graduation party. I didn't really think twice about it and I had no regrets. During the rest of the week, I ate all kinds of off plan foods but I also introduced my family to some on plan foods (Ghee was a big hit). I enjoyed myself a ton and it was great to eat and spend time with my family without overthinking my food choices. For me, that was totally worth it!

 

Since being back home, I've still been eating some off plan foods but I've noticed a huge shift. On Monday I ate some Mega Stuf Oreos and felt so sick afterwards and felt like I had a hangover the next morning. After work, I went home and had the nerve to eat some more. Wednesday morning, I was so mad and disgusted with the Oreos that I threw the rest of them away. Yes, I THREW THEM AWAY with no hesitation. I decided they were not worth me feeling terrible and it felt good to get them out of my life. Today I was beginning to finish off a bag of Funions I bought the other day, I ate one chip, looked at the bag and then threw the rest away. I just didn't want them. Eating all of this less than healthy food, although enjoyable at first, has began to weigh me down. Overall I just feel icky. But the huge upside is that by reintroducing all of these foods for a second time (less systematically), it's gotten much easier for me to recognize which foods and situations are worth it for me and which aren't. Yay for progress! I feel like I'm definitely on my way to finding balance or as Julie would say, my WholeKristyn.