LyndsayH Posted June 29, 2015 Share Posted June 29, 2015 I'm going to be starting Whole30 on July 20th, and I'm really excited about it. It seems to speak to all of the things I strive for in my diet and life: no more obsessive counting, no more being defined by the number on a scale, eating nutrient-dense foods. I do, however, have an apprehension. Roughly, for the past seven years, I have been on a highly restrictive calorie intake (around 1,200 calories per day), and from what I can tell, this diet seems to have substantially more calories. I know weight gain/loss is not the intended focus of this program, but pragmatically speaking, I still want to fit into my clothes at the end of this, and maybe even drop a few pounds. Has anyone with a similar background gone through the program? If so, what were the results? Any feedback would be much appreciated! Thank you! Best, Lyndsay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators ladyshanny Posted June 29, 2015 Administrators Share Posted June 29, 2015 Hey Lyndsay. I think you might not like what I'm going to say. It is possible, after years of restriction, when you start eating real food in appropriate quantities, that you may gain weight. Temporarily. Some folks experience a temporary regain when their bodies start getting adequate food because the body is so used to a period of heavy restriction coming right behind. On the other hand, you might not. Nutrient dense whole foods with no wrappers/labels are processed a lot differently than packaged foods that have calorie counts on them. Your body can efficiently use 1600 calories (number picked at random) of meat, veggies, fruits and fats in a way that promotes health. That same calorie count of brownies and doritos is going to have a wildly different effect on your body even though the "calorie count" is the same. Follow the meal template (linked below), listen to your body and trust that this is a biologically appropriate way to eat and all the delicious foods you will be eating are what your body was designed to run on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fmr_sailor Posted June 30, 2015 Share Posted June 30, 2015 Hi Lyndsay! I also have the same concerns. I have lost and mostly maintained my weight using "points" for the past 14 years. I'm starting my first Whole30 on July 1 with the hope of breaking some bad habits with cravings and over eating. I'm hoping to get to my goal weight (loss of about 7 pounds) during my Whole30, although, if I don't that's ok too. Breaking the poor eating habits is more important to me. I'd like to see some of my body fat trimmed too, even if the number on the scale doesn't change after the month is over. Hope all goes well for you!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmg4805 Posted June 30, 2015 Share Posted June 30, 2015 Hi Lyndsay and fmr_sailor, I am on day 19 and by no means an expert but I can tell you both that whole30 is a process, not a quick fix. @Lyndsay - I would recommend doing a lot of research on the whole, "all calories are not equal" theory. While the whole30 requires significantly more calories than 1200, you are putting some pretty good things into your system. Thus, your body may relax a little and let some of your weight go because your body doesn't anticipate a shortage any longer. However, as ladyshanny said, it may take a couple weeks for your body to adjust. 1200 calories is the absolute minimum amount recommended for people and if you're active too, your body is going to hang on to each and every one of those 1200 calories for dear life as it wants to keep you alive. Does that make sense? I haven't had my full cup of coffee yet (which I know I'm not supposed to rely on but I already included the caveat that I'm not an expert ). If you haven't already, definitely pick up, "It Starts With Food" as it provides a lot of information on the science behind everything. It helped me make peace with the additional calories. @fmr_sailor - as a person who has turned to food for comfort and celebration in the past, I feel confident saying that the whole30 is helping me to repair my relationship with food. Without food to reward yourself with, you seek out other means (a massage, a manicure/pedicure, etc.) and not because you know you should, but because you don't physically crave the reward anymore and the habits you've formed start to correct themselves. It's not easy at first, I won't lie. But, there will be a day that you wake up and realize that you can go to a party and be happy just socializing or have a bad day without drowning yourself in [iNSERT COMFORT FOOD OF CHOICE]. It's a really liberating feeling! Don't hesitate to reach out for more questions. The forums are great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fmr_sailor Posted June 30, 2015 Share Posted June 30, 2015 Hi Lyndsay and fmr_sailor, I am on day 19 and by no means an expert but I can tell you both that whole30 is a process, not a quick fix. @fmr_sailor - as a person who has turned to food for comfort and celebration in the past, I feel confident saying that the whole30 is helping me to repair my relationship with food. Without food to reward yourself with, you seek out other means (a massage, a manicure/pedicure, etc.) and not because you know you should, but because you don't physically crave the reward anymore and the habits you've formed start to correct themselves. It's not easy at first, I won't lie. But, there will be a day that you wake up and realize that you can go to a party and be happy just socializing or have a bad day without drowning yourself in [iNSERT COMFORT FOOD OF CHOICE]. It's a really liberating feeling! Don't hesitate to reach out for more questions. The forums are great! Thank you so much for the words of encouragement! Chicken is baking for the week, hard boiled eggs just finished, few more things to pick up at the store..... Ready for tomorrow!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LyndsayH Posted July 2, 2015 Author Share Posted July 2, 2015 Thank you all so much for the advice! I'm really looking forward to this, and I'm so excited about how supportive and responsive this community is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sgarney Posted July 5, 2015 Share Posted July 5, 2015 I'm on Day 7. I'm discouraged that my body will not respond. I don't feel any smaller, even woke up in the middle of the night to take off my wedding ring, cause it was too tight. What if I'm one of those exceptions to the rule? I've loved not watching everything I eat. I've loved having more flavor and satiety with the added fats. But If this month ends, and I'm not significantly smaller... I'll be at my wits end. I'm feeling victimized and cursed here... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kakiosorio Posted July 5, 2015 Share Posted July 5, 2015 Hi @sgarney dont let your mind to play with you. This is a plan which weight loss isnt the main reason, and if you are doing this just to lose those extra pounds you are doing in the wrong way. You should see this plan to make a better you and change your relationship with food. Your body will thank you because you are taking care of him, dont let those negative thoughts ruin your plan, your weight doesnt define you! Live happy, your body will thank you after all! Fill your mind with positive thoughts and it will help you a lot in every aspect of your life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenX Posted July 5, 2015 Share Posted July 5, 2015 I'm on Day 7. I'm discouraged that my body will not respond. I don't feel any smaller, even woke up in the middle of the night to take off my wedding ring, cause it was too tight. What if I'm one of those exceptions to the rule? I've loved not watching everything I eat. I've loved having more flavor and satiety with the added fats. But If this month ends, and I'm not significantly smaller... I'll be at my wits end. I'm feeling victimized and cursed here... Keep in mind this is the Whole 30. Not the Whole 7. You may not see any significant changes the first 2 or 3 weeks. Some don't see changes until day 27 or 28. Some need more than 30 days to get their body hormonally balanced and happy so it cooperates. Try to let go of all that stress and worry. It creates cortisol which will hinder loss of fat and you don't want that to happen, right . Swelling and bloating are common from what I've read, particularly during the first couple of weeks as your body adapts. Things will be okay. Take a deep breath and continue on. You'll be happy you did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Britishgal Posted July 5, 2015 Share Posted July 5, 2015 In every whole30 I've done I've been bloated terribly by week 2 so if you are anything like me it's just the process...by day 30 I've always lost inches though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LyndsayH Posted September 3, 2015 Author Share Posted September 3, 2015 Just an update: I finished my whole 30, lost 4 pounds, changed my body composition (a lot less fat), and have never felt better! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators ultrarunnergirl Posted September 3, 2015 Moderators Share Posted September 3, 2015 Congrats, Lyndsay!! Any other findings? Hair, nails, skin, mood? Tell us more! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LyndsayH Posted September 9, 2015 Author Share Posted September 9, 2015 My skin has never felt more smooth, and I don't have any blemishes anymore. Also, my mood has been really stable. Normally, I get pretty severe mood swings, but I haven't cried in like a month. Mostly, though, I just feel happy with myself, which is something I haven't felt in a while. I'm well past my thirty days, but I'll definitely be continuing with the diet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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