Hope the second time is just as good!

[dianka25]

Day 1 

 

Sooo excited to start a second round of Whole30! My last time was about 1 year ago and it went really well- lost weight and felt great afterward!  Unfortunately my reintroduction phase turned into a return to my old eating habits, so I am at it again.  I have been trying WW and other calorie counting type tools, but it was just not enough structure for me.  I need to be completely removed from all temptation right now to reset myself.  My motivation is a cruise in 53 days, so I am planning on staying with Whole30 for the entire time (Whole53?).

 

I did a lot of food prep yesterday and tonite to be ready for this week.  I picked out recipes for the week, did shopping for the next few days, made some quick breakfast and lunch options.  This was definitely the key for me to avoid bad choices last time.  Here we go!

 

Breakfast- Egg frittata with asparagus, green onion, and shallot

Lunch- Salad with leftover grilled salmon

Dinner- Paleo Taco Salad (ground beef with seasonings- not prepackaged-, tomato, salad, olives, avocado, jalapeno

Snack- Apple and about 1 Tbl almond butter

 

 

[dianka25]

Day 2.

 

Can't believe its only day 2... I already feel like I've been at this forever. Feeling sluggish tonight... I don't think I ate enough. Managed to take a quick walk with the hubby after dinner to at least get some activity in. Feeling determined!

 

Breakfast: egg frittata leftovers

Lunch: leftover taco salad, curried broccoli soup

Dinner: grilled pork tenderloin with grilled red and yellow peppers

[jmcbn]

... My motivation is a cruise in 53 days, so I am planning on staying with Whole30 for the entire time (Whole53?).

You said that your previous Whole30 resulted in a return to your old eating habits during the reintro stage - did you complete the reintro? Or just fall head first into a tub of Ben & Jerrys?

 

If it was the latter maybe it would be more sensible to stick to the 30 days & carry out a formal reintro in the days before your cruise so that you will know going in what foods will effect you how. Sometimes it's not just the digestive response that matters, but the emotional one too (gluten for instance makes a lot of people sad) which can lead to more emotion led eating.

[dianka25]

Day 3

M1 frittata with half an avocado

M2 curried broccoli soup and leftover taco salad

M3 grilled chicken thighs and baked sweet potato with veggies

Long and physical day at work today, and felt exhausted when i got home. I hadn't bought groceries yet for tonite's meal so my hubby and I dragged ourselves to the store. Ended up choosing a baked sweet potato for some extra carbs to help fight the lethargy and it helped a lot. It's probably more wise to have that type of meal as m1 to take advantage of the energy boost, so I will be investigating some better breakfast options. Did some yoga but otherwise too tired to workout. Hoping to get some decent exercise tomorrow.

[dianka25]

Day 4

 

M1- Did not have 

M2- Leftover grilled pork and grilled bell peppers, Coffee

M3- Leftover huge taco salad (lettuce, ground beef, tomato, olives)

 

Today did not start well because I overslept (despite sleeping very well last night) and did not get a chance to eat breakfast.  I also didn't have my usual morning coffee until later in the day.  Surprise, surprise, I ended up with a roaring headache around lunchtime.  I could also definitely tell I had skipped a meal because I was STARVING when I got home after work (even though I had lunch).  Luckily I had leftovers ready to go, because I was definitely vulnerable to eating off the plan at that moment.  I was also dreaming of a dessert, even a "healthy" dessert like avocado, coconut milk and cocoa.  I know the Whole30 stance of not making dessert-like substitutes, but I probably would have caved in, but then my husband texted me that he had been out to eat with a friend and stayed pretty Whole30 compliant (chicken pita minus the pita plus an asian slaw of some sort).  That definitely guilted me into behaving myself.  This was my first real break from my recent bad habits... tonite would have definitely been the type of night when I bought myself some sort of treat, or wine, or both, to enjoy a night home alone.  Do I miss it... yes.  Am I proud that I resisted... hell yes!  

[Seafarer]

Hi dianka25! I too am on my second Whole30 so I am certainly cheering for you! I like jmcbn's comment re the reintroduction phase. I didn't do a formal reintroduction... just kind of winged it on my own... so already I have learned something new today, thanks to you.  I am a couple days behind you, so I am looking forward to seeing your progress.

[dianka25]

Hi dianka25! I too am on my second Whole30 so I am certainly cheering for you! I like jmcbn's comment re the reintroduction phase. I didn't do a formal reintroduction... just kind of winged it on my own... so already I have learned something new today, thanks to you.  I am a couple days behind you, so I am looking forward to seeing your progress.

Glad to hear you are in the same boat!  Last time I also was lax on the reintro phase.  I didn't "fall head first" into a tub of ice cream, but I didn't systematically reintroduce all of the food groups as recommended.  I think I will stop the Whole30 about 10 days before my cruise and do the reintro.  The last thing I want to is feel miserable and bloated during my entire cruise!  Good luck to you!

[dianka25]

Day 5

 

Late post from yesterday...

 

M1- Lara Bar and apple

M2- Coconut green curry with shrimp, zucchini noodles, and green onions

M3- 1/2 avocado with coconut milk and cocoa powder, topped with coconut flakes and almonds

 

I overslept again today but was determined not to skip eating a morning meal, so I used my emergency Lara Bar and had an apple.  I don't remember which Lara Bar I had, but I know some are not Whole30 compliant, so I always look at the ingredients.  I'm not really a big fan of the bars, so they really just act as a quick food source for me.  Any other suggestions for emergency bars?

 

It felt good to have a "lighter" meal with the shrimp and zucchini noodles.  By the end of this week I am sick of ground beef, chicken, and eggs.  I always struggle to use seafood in my cooking... I just feel like it doesn't work as well for leftovers.  For next week I will see what other more creative recipes I can find.

 

And yes, I know my meal 3 is technically a dessert.  I admit that it was Friday night alone at my house watching movies and unwinding after a long week, and I wanted a "treat", so that was exactly the purpose that this meal served.  Technically a Whole30 fail, but I am not beating myself up about it too much.  I did not add any sweeteners (even honey) to the pudding, so it was not even that tasty to be honest.  But it addressed a week 1 craving and I feel stronger now and more able to resist the truly bad stuff.  The end of week 1 is in sight!!

[dianka25]

Day 6

M1 2eggs, about 2 cups shredded brussel sprouts, 2 bacon, onion yum yum

M2- apple with almond butter

M3- beef tenderloin with white potatoes

So I have mixed feelings about m3 because it really felt like a cheat to have white potatoes. I know they are technically allowed now, but i probably wouldn't have had them if it weren't for my DH requesting them. But I felt great, slept like a rock and was not hungry at all. Almost down a week and overall feeling good!

[jmcbn]

Day 6

M1 2eggs, about 2 cups shredded brussel sprouts, 2 bacon, onion yum yum

M2- apple with almond butter

M3- beef tenderloin with white potatoes

So I have mixed feelings about m3 because it really felt like a cheat to have white potatoes. I know they are technically allowed now, but i probably wouldn't have had them if it weren't for my DH requesting them. But I felt great, slept like a rock and was not hungry at all. Almost down a week and overall feeling good!

If it helps your M3 was WAY better than your M2, although it was lacking fat.

Apple and almond butter is not a meal. It's not even a good snack. Try to build all three of your meals to match the recommended meal template & leave the larabars (compliant or not they are for emergency use only - breakfast not being classed as an emergency...) & the desserty treats until post Whole30 - that way your results might even be better than last time.... 

[Seafarer]

I noticed you said you have trouble with seafood.... Do you like salmon? Have you tried it cold? I like it cold just as well as hot, so will often cook a large piece of it & just keep adding it to salads or serve it cold alongside vegs until it's used up. But then... I like cold meat too.

[dianka25]

Yes I can definitely do salmon... in fact I have a salmon recipe picked out for later this week.  And actually I like pretty much all seafood... for some reason I just don't tend to pick seafood to cook at home.  Cold meat on salads is a good idea thought... and a good way to use up leftovers! 

[dianka25]

DAY  7 (Late post)

 

M1-2 Eggs with brussel sprouts and leftover grilled pork

 

M2- Dried nuts/fruit

 

M3- Shrimp and watermelon kabobs with avocado/peach salad

 

Ugh I have been struggling with having 3 good meals for the last few days.  This was Sunday and the timing of the meals just didn't work very well and I ended up not feeling hungry enough for a M2 and instead had a bad snack instead,  I'm wondering what anyone's thoughts are about meal 3.  Is this an acceptable meal?  The avocado/peach salad was 1 avocado and 2 peaches so I am guessing the consensus would be too much fruit.  I did get some seafood in so I was happy about that.  

[dianka25]

Day 8

 

M1- Pumpkin pudding (http://www.preppypaleo.com/2012/05/whole30-breakfast-recipes.html)

M2- Leftover grilled pork and grilled red/yellow peppers

M3- Whole30 compliant Buffalo Chicken Salad, apple, small handful cashews

 

Pretty good day today.  I was very hungry around dinner time, and I forgot to bring my curried broccoli soup to work to add to the lunch, which I think would have helped add a little but to that meal.  But I was actually very satiated after the breakfast pudding so we will see how that goes for the rest of the week.  For the past week I always feel very groggy waking up, which was the same today, but overall my energy level throughout the day was really good today.  

[jmcbn]

DAY  7 (Late post)

 

M1-2 Eggs with brussel sprouts and leftover grilled pork

 

M2- Dried nuts/fruit

 

M3- Shrimp and watermelon kabobs with avocado/peach salad

 

Ugh I have been struggling with having 3 good meals for the last few days.  This was Sunday and the timing of the meals just didn't work very well and I ended up not feeling hungry enough for a M2 and instead had a bad snack instead,  I'm wondering what anyone's thoughts are about meal 3.  Is this an acceptable meal?  The avocado/peach salad was 1 avocado and 2 peaches so I am guessing the consensus would be too much fruit.  I did get some seafood in so I was happy about that.  

Avocadi is a fat, so you did get in some protein & fat, but no vegetables at all so yep, it's fruit heavy - especially considering your M2 was fruit & nuts. Dtied fruits are VERY high in sugar so this type of meal will not help in regulating blood sugar/hormones, help you to become fat adapted or let you see the real benefits of the program as it's nutrient deficient.

If you find you can't eat full template meals plate them up as usual, eat evenly around the plate (ie. a little of each macro-nutrient) then pack up the remainder to eat as soon as you are able. You'll soon see your appetite increasing as your hormones settle.

 

Day 8

 

M1- Pumpkin pudding (http://www.preppypaleo.com/2012/05/whole30-breakfast-recipes.html)

M2- Leftover grilled pork and grilled red/yellow peppers

M3- Whole30 compliant Buffalo Chicken Salad, apple, small handful cashews

 

Pretty good day today.  I was very hungry around dinner time, and I forgot to bring my curried broccoli soup to work to add to the lunch, which I think would have helped add a little but to that meal.  But I was actually very satiated after the breakfast pudding so we will see how that goes for the rest of the week.  For the past week I always feel very groggy waking up, which was the same today, but overall my energy level throughout the day was really good today.  

M2 M3 are much better here, but any kind of pudding or dessert is off limts during your Whole30. This pudding contains no protein, it is basically fruit & fat, and with the fruit content will again spike your blood sugar when eaten first thing in the morning having fasted overnight.

When you waken groggy the best thing you can eat is fat and protein.

Hope this helps.

[dianka25]

Day 9

M1 pumpkin pudding ... coffee with dollop of coconut cream from can

M2 leftover sweet potato with broccoli bacon onion

M3 crackling chicken from nom nom paleo (1 large chicken thigh) and cauliflower rice

Ok I don't know how I made it thru one whole30 round without realizing that coconut milk has pretty much no protein?! I guess I was thinking it's milk, so it has plenty of protein right? Wrong. And I'm really bummed about the pumpkin pudding but I will have to figure something else out. I have 3 more servings of it too. Darn it.

Despite the meal template fails I feel pretty good. Very groggy in the morning lately, hard to get up. I have only been getting about 6-7 hours of sleep though so I'm sure that's contributing. I have been having very vivid dream though, sleeping like a rock. Noticing some early muscle fatigue, which could be not enough protein? All I had the energy for was a walk today before dinner. I have to find some quicker or crockpot dinner recipes because getting home and cooking dinner every night really cuts into my workout time, especially when I had homework on top of it (in school for my masters). On the plus... I stared down a 24 count box of enormous cupcakes in the break room at work today and did not even flinch.

[jmcbn]

I'm really sorry to dog your log, but if you're working out then you should also be including pre & postWO meals along with your three meals - this could be contributing to you muscle fatigue & your difficulty getting going in the mornings.

The recommendationfor preWO is for a lean protein & fat - a hard boiled egg will work her, or some chicken with mayo/olives/guac.

For post aim for lean protein & a starchy carb - not fruit - the most popular choice here is chicken & sweet potato.

Hope this helps.

[dianka25]

I'm really sorry to dog your log, but if you're working out then you should also be including pre & postWO meals along with your three meals - this could be contributing to you muscle fatigue & your difficulty getting going in the mornings.

The recommendationfor preWO is for a lean protein & fat - a hard boiled egg will work her, or some chicken with mayo/olives/guac.

For post aim for lean protein & a starchy carb - not fruit - the most popular choice here is chicken & sweet potato.

Hope this helps.

I am totally on board with this,except that I just don't consider a 30 min brisk walk a true workout. I probably burned 100 calories... maybe.

[jmcbn]

I am totally on board with this,except that I just don't consider a 30 min brisk walk a true workout. I probably burned 100 calories... maybe.

No, this is true - it's not a true workout, but in your post you mentioned that all the cooking was eating into your work out time so I assumed you may have been working out on other days.

That said on day 9 you had protein only in meal 3 - as you are now aware coconut milk/cream is a fat, as is bacon. Try adding more protein to each meal as previously suggested and you should see some huge improvements.

[JenX]

Glad to hear you are in the same boat!  Last time I also was lax on the reintro phase.  I didn't "fall head first" into a tub of ice cream, but I didn't systematically reintroduce all of the food groups as recommended.  I think I will stop the Whole30 about 10 days before my cruise and do the reintro.  The last thing I want to is feel miserable and bloated during my entire cruise!  Good luck to you!

 

I didn't do formal reintroductions either after my first whole 30 and I noticed my slide into old habits was picking up steam rather quickly. I finished my 2nd Whole 30 at the end of july and this time did a very structured reintroduction - what a difference! I am doing my last food group today (gluten) and now have a very good idea of what needs to be outright excluded going forward (either for physical or for psychological reasons), what I can include rarely on special occasions (ice cream, I'm looking at you!) , and what I can opt for on a more regular basis (hello, tortillas).  You may want more than 10 days, btw. If you have something that really messes with your system it can set back your whole schedule. Hence me being 20 days into reintroductions and just now finishing up.

[dianka25]

I didn't do formal reintroductions either after my first whole 30 and I noticed my slide into old habits was picking up steam rather quickly. I finished my 2nd Whole 30 at the end of july and this time did a very structured reintroduction - what a difference! I am doing my last food group today (gluten) and now have a very good idea of what needs to be outright excluded going forward (either for physical or for psychological reasons), what I can include rarely on special occasions (ice cream, I'm looking at you!) , and what I can opt for on a more regular basis (hello, tortillas).  You may want more than 10 days, btw. If you have something that really messes with your system it can set back your whole schedule. Hence me being 20 days into reintroductions and just now finishing up.

 

I am completely on board with the idea of having a longer reintro period- I feel the more time you give yourself to see how your body reacts to things the better.  The Whole30 suggestion to add in the reintro food group (ie dairy) into every meal is something I struggle with because I wouldn't normally eat that way, and I can easily see why I wouldn't feel well after so drastically changing what I eat for a day.  Having said that, a reintro period of 7-10 days seems more manageable then telling someone they should do another 30 days just for a reintro

[dianka25]

Day 10

 

M1- Chia Pudding with Blackberries, Coconut and Pistachios http://www.buzzfeed.com/christinebyrne/whole30-and-flirty-and-thriving#.px0X3Ryo3J

(I already know, it's pudding... but I had already bought all the ingredients!!)

Coffee with coconut milk

Pre WO- handful of cashews

M2- Leftover buffalo chicken salad (also served as my post WO meal)

Coffee with almond milk (from cafe- not sure of almond milk source)

M3- Leftover cracklin chicken (1 large thigh), cauliflower rice, sauteed spinach (about 1 cup loose), plus leftover pumpkin pudding that I had been eating for breakfast

 

So my M1 was not great.  Granted there is protein, fat, and fruit, but no veg.  Plus it was not very good so I will not be making that again.  Overall today I felt meh.  I ended up having an unexpected day off of work, but I did not sleep in like I wanted to so I was pretty groggy. I tried to do half caf coffee in the morning, but then I had a raging headache and was yawning all day, so I added in another full strength coffee later.  On the plus side, I did more of a workout (hour long brisk walk), so I added in the preWO nuts... but I did my M2 as a combo M2/post WO so I know that's a no-no.... there are just not enough hours in the day to eat so much! Not enough protein seems to be the theme for me lately.  I figured it wouldn't hurt to add my pumpkin pudding as the fat with M3, to use it up, basically.

 

I already made a Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole for tomorrow (http://www.fromthiskitchentable.com/sweet-potato-breakfast-casserole/) so I think this will be a lot better way to start the day.  I'm back to eggs, but a few days off was enough to get me ok with them again.

 

Really frustrated by the amount of recipes that advertise as "Whole30" but really aren't, at least in terms of following the meal template.  It would be nice if they at least added a blurb that to make the recipe a whole meal, you need to add a fat or whatever.  I am determined to start looking at that more carefully because I guess that's my fault for not using my brain and just relying on the tag line "whole30". 

 

Today I feel more bloated than I have since I started this, and I blame how lax I have been on following the template.  Also maybe all that almond milk was not good, especially from the cafe because it was probably not compliant.  Also of note, I am on day 3 of my period so I'm sure that has affected my bloat status, emotion/energy level, and hunger level.  I did not really feel hungry today, although that may be more because I feel like I need a laxative!

 

Ugh, on to day 11.  PS I read the Whole30 Timeline (http://whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/) daily, and it really gives me comfort to know my experiences are typical.  

[dianka25]

Day 11

 

M1- Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole, coffee with coconut milk

M2-Salad with chicken (1 broiled chicken breast, lettuce, olives, red peppers, beets, carrots, drizzled with oliveoil)

M3- Paleo Chili ( http://m.allrecipes.com/recipe/235014/paleo-chili/?mxt=t06rda) and1/2 cup blackberries with a small handful cashews 

 

Felt really good today!  Not sure if it was the new breakfast or what, but felt energetic and no headache!  I didn't even sleep that much last night, and the cats were waking me up this morning, but still felt good!  Also made some AMAZING chili for dinner and definitely will use that recipe in the future.  I tried to make the chili a better meal by adding the fruit/cashews, and I think it worked because I am not hungry at ALL.  Now off to bed to actually try to get 8 hours of sleep tonight.

[dianka25]

Day 12

 

M1- Sweet Potato Hash

M2- Paleo Chili and a handful of nuts

M3- Salmon Avocado Salsa (almost 1/2 lb salmon) on top of greens with olive oil dressing, 1/2 tomato

 

Slept like a rock last night.  I had great energy at work all day, but as soon as I got home I felt the energy tank.  I'm guessing I need more food at lunch to maintain my energy level.  We were going to do leftovers for dinner too, but I was determined to get some fish in this week, and I found this amazing recipe for salmon with avocado salsa.  We grilled the salmon instead of baking and it turned out amazing.  Definitely recommend this recipe.Since it was Friday night, I had my seltzer water spritzer with lime and didn't really miss the alcohol (much).  Only thing is that we haven't gone out to eat yet since starting this diet, and I miss that social aspect of food.  I know it's possible to eat Whole30 in restaurants, or at least very close, but eating those types of foods at restaurants just doesn't appeal.  If it's grilled veggies and meat I could just as easily make at home (and would probably taste even better), what's the point? Dreaming of a splurge day... 

I have been really wanting to quit this diet over the last couple days.  I think it's that common mid-Whole30 slump.  I feel bloated and not at all leaner.  This whole thing feels like a waste of time!  Maybe calorie counting and eating more foods that I actually want would work just as well!  These are thoughts that run through my mind, but I know the benefits will be there in the end.  I have also weighed myself twice, which I know is a no-no, and that was pretty discouraging.  I do feel some changes happening, but I guess I'm impatient!  

My goal for this upcoming week is to make sure I'm drinking enough water and to work out more.  I'm hoping my energy stays consistent so that can go for a run or bike ride more often after work.  

[dianka25]

Day13

M1 sweet potato casserole again with coffee and coconut milk

M2 leftover chili and Apple.

M3 sirloin burger with guacamole on a bed of greens plus baked sweet potato fries tossed in ghee

Good day today. Went on 5 mile bike ride, did some laundry and enjoyed a beautiful summer day. I did get a headache about halfway thru the day... not sure if it's from the sun or what. Also taking psyllium husks today to try to help things get going. I have taken laxatives a couple times but I don't want to keep doing that. I'm jealous because of course my husband said he tightened his belt another notch today. Ugh why do men lose weight so much easier?! He doesn't even need to lose weight!! Tomorrow I have my sisters birthday party but I'm not really too concerned. My mom said dinner will be whole30 acceptable so all I have to do is about the cake. Can't wait to get to the halfway point!!