Muthgirl Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 Hi everyone! I have started and eventually failed every Whole30 I have ever tried. The longest I have been able to do it is nine days, which is just about the time I was noticing some of the benefits. My problem came down to the fact that I wasn't prepared with food. At the end of my last day, Taco Bell just sounded easy since I let stress get the better of me. I also battle with depression, which makes having the energy and motivation to prep food almost impossible at times. Depression is something I've dealt with since my divorce 11 years ago and I'm still single to this day. I was also diagnosed with a malignant melanoma in November which added to that, but I'm so thankful it was removed and I am cancer free. Because of all this, I have managed to gain 40 lbs over the last year. And that is on top of an already 25 pounds I needed to lose. I have zero energy and, due to never being in shape in my life, have a hard time getting out of low chairs or off the floor because I have no strength. And I'm only 48! I just want to feel good about myself, which I really can't remember the last time I was since I was emotionally abused in my marriage. I have hope that this program will work and I'm turning to you guys for support. I don't want to live the rest of my life this way! Help! Debbie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GFChris Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 Welcome, Debbie - glad you're here.There are a couple other threads of folks starting on September 14th. I'd suggest you hop on one of those threads for mutual support and accountability as you go through the process.http://forum.whole9life.com/topic/30977-starting-september-14/http://forum.whole9life.com/topic/30934-starting-september-14th-accountability/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuilterInVA Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 Debbie, welcome to W30. You can do this. Look at the Whole30 Timeline - day 9 is about the time people quit. I have depression, too, since my husband became ill and passed away 10 years ago. Some days I don't feel like cooking and that is when I really gained weight - chips and dips and popcorn - Yum! I turned to the W30 to get some control over what I eat instead of food controlling me. If you go to http://theclothesmakethegirl.com/2013/07/27/whole30-week-1-food-plan/you can get some wonderful ideas for batch cooking one day a week to have food for all week. This isn't menus, but enough food to mix and match so it only takes 10-15 minutes and your meal is ready. She is approve by the W30 and everything is not compliant is noted, but that was only 2 items in her cookbooks "Well Fed" and "Well Fed2". She also gives you a shopping list and it is a short one without weird ingredients or spices and herbs you will never use again. I also highly recommend the daily W30 newsletter. It is $15 and the best money I ever spent. I'm on Day 13 and I feel wonderful. Please keep posting and let us know how you are doing or what we can do to support you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mistyfire Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 I echo what Quilter said. I'm starting my second W30 tomorrow and the batch cooking she mentioned is what got me through the first one. It lets me keep it simple. Come join us! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TCT2015 Posted September 14, 2015 Share Posted September 14, 2015 I started today! We can do this! I'm going to follow you so keep us updated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muthgirl Posted September 14, 2015 Author Share Posted September 14, 2015 Thanks everyone! I looked up the Clothes that Make the Girl blog and got lots of great ideas! I ended up prepping vegetables and fruit last night. I also made taco meat so I could have a salad at lunch today. It's 5:45 a.m. and I'm planning to make some eggs and bacon soon along with a side of veges and a banana. Let's make it a great day. Good luck Mistyfire on your second round and TCT2015 on your first round. Keep me updated on how you are doing too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GFChris Posted September 14, 2015 Share Posted September 14, 2015 It's 5:45 a.m. and I'm planning to make some eggs and bacon soon along with a side of veges and a banana. Just confirm the bacon is compliant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TCT2015 Posted September 14, 2015 Share Posted September 14, 2015 Good morning, Muthgirl. Today is your first day! You've got this. Your words are exploding with enthusiasm and determination, you are not going to quit this time. Struggling today without the Truvia and whole milk in my coffee. Feeling sore from 75 min hot yoga class yesterday. I've had plantar fasciitis in both feet over the past 3 years. I stopped running and completed two rounds of PT. I'm very close to being pain free when I walk now... so I'm doing Whole30 to celebrate my health! This body has done it's part in healing... and now it's my turn to feed it right. I've got some projects waiting for me at home after work tonight, so I'm not tempted to hang out in the kitchen and open a bottle of wine! Good luck today, Muthgirl. Day 2, TCT2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancyrose2015 Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 I just started yesterday and read your post. I can relate big time to the depression and I am sick and tired with my battle with food. I am 53 and have struggled with my ups and down with my weight since I was 11. I feel really positive about this program. I recently lost 40 pounds on a weight loss virtually no carb plan, only to have gained back 30. I just wanted to reach out and say...You can do this! We can do this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mistyfire Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 Hey, Debbie - how did the rest of today go for you? You had a pretty early start to your day so I hope your energy and spirit stayed strong. Tct2015 - I had a nagging tendinitis that dramatically reduced when I did my first w30 and is now 99% gone ( except in yoga class when we "rest" for a really long time in downward facing dog!). I'm curious to hear how the last of your plantar fasciitis does with your W30. Nancyrose - sounds like you're sick and tired of being sick and tired. I've also eaten low carb. I find this so much more sustainable and I love adding food back after the 30 and not thinking of it as cheating or the enemy. Low carb did not teach me how to eat. I'm learning so much about myself doing this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muthgirl Posted September 15, 2015 Author Share Posted September 15, 2015 Thanks so much for the support and encouragement today! I did do really well and ate only the compliant food I had planned. Thanks for mentioning about the bacon Mistyfire. It sure is hard to find. I ended up with the Pedersons no sugar brand from Whole Foods. Since it's more expensive, I'm rationing it which is probably a good thing since I love bacon. My energy wasn't too bad, but I did end up taking a nap after work and will be going to bed very soon. All in all, I'm happy with the day. TCT2015 - how did the rest of your day go? Did you get to those projects? Hope you're not as sore tonight. Nancyrose - I'm so happy you found my post. Battling with depression is so hard and even more hard to make the right food choices, which leads to weight gain and more depression. It seems like an endless cycle. The cycle needs to end though. We can do it!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TCT2015 Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 Hi all! Things are okay... I hope we can keep this string going with frequent updates from all of you!... A big shout out to Nancyrose! and to Quilter and Mistyfire, and finally to Muthgirl, who started this chain. I am going to need the support. I'm on Day 4. (only!!! ...yikes!). I'm loving all the tips and answers you can find on Whole30.com. I am giving myself a little pat on the back today... because yesterday I dropped one kid off at home and drove another one to practice... i changed from work to yoga attire and grabbed a chicken breast (that i had grilled a day before) along with some olives, and items for my new favorite 'monkey salad'... have you heard, tried? (it's a sliced banana, sprinkled with coconut shavings and cashews). So i have two hours from when i drop my kid off to when i have to pick him up. So i drop my little dude off, drive to yoga, sweat my tail off (and thrilled that I can barely feel my plantar fasciitis), get back in the car, drive to pick up, and eat my dinner while listening to U2. Hey... busy mom's gotta do what you gotta do! And it was so easy ... so I'm adding this to my weekly routine. Everyone wins! I'm still missing my 'sugar' morning coffee.. but (trying to) embrace black coffee.. it's not so bad. I've got a headache that comes and goes.. but very light and manageable. Nancyrose and Muthgirl - Keep rockin' it... don't let depression win! I am high-fiving you right now! Mistyfire - thanks for the well wishes. Quilter - what's it like to be in double digit days....?!?!!? I can't wait! Day 4 and holding on! TCT2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mistyfire Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 Tonight I cooked a big batch of chicken thighs - baked "em with just some salt, pepper, garlic and paprika. Don't know why I like them so much. I call them my protein candy - they just seem to be addictive. I now spread some of my batch cooking across the week so I don't have a weekend marathon. TCT2015, wow, what a pace to keep up! How's everybody else doing? One day at a time..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muthgirl Posted September 17, 2015 Author Share Posted September 17, 2015 I'm still hanging in there...day 3 on the books. I need to prep more to make it thru to the end of the week. Tonight I got a plain vege salad from Panera and then added my own protein and dressing. I have enough left for lunch tomorrow. I may buy a rotisserie chicken after work tomorrow and a bag salad because I need to keep things simple this week. Plan to do more prep this weekend. I've also been taking short walks to get out in the sunshine. Since I am a visual person, I took 30 bright pink heart shaped post its and numbered them 1-30. I then stuck them around the outside edge of my bathroom mirror. At the end of each day, I take the number for whatever day I just finished down. It's a cool feeling to do that each day. Glad you guys are doing well! I like the idea of the big batch of chicken thighs! I love those too Mistyfire. TCT2015 - thanks for the high five! Maybe someday I'll be doing yoga like you! Nancyrose and Quilter - how are things going for you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mistyfire Posted September 18, 2015 Share Posted September 18, 2015 Debbie- hope you took another heart down today! Great visual! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muthgirl Posted September 18, 2015 Author Share Posted September 18, 2015 I did Mistyfire! Best day yet...not tired and much improved mood!! How are you doing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GFChris Posted September 18, 2015 Share Posted September 18, 2015 i changed from work to yoga attire and grabbed a chicken breast (that i had grilled a day before) along with some olives, and items for my new favorite 'monkey salad'... have you heard, tried? (it's a sliced banana, sprinkled with coconut shavings and cashews). Hi there. Just confirming that you're not doing the monkey salad by itself for a meal. That wouldn't be the best choice, as it's made of only fruit and fat (nuts are a fat on a Whole30). For best results, build your meals to fit the recommended meal template of protein, veg and fat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TCT2015 Posted September 18, 2015 Share Posted September 18, 2015 Hi there. Just confirming that you're not doing the monkey salad by itself for a meal. That wouldn't be the best choice, as it's made of only fruit and fat (nuts are a fat on a Whole30). For best results, build your meals to fit the recommended meal template of protein, veg and fat. Thanks GFChris/Moderator - I did have a chicken breast for protein, in addition to the monkey salad. And went back and re-read the PWO plan, and it looks like I should not have had the monkey salad... Thanks for chiming in ... you guys are the best. I was seriously touched to get direct feedback. WOW! Thank you. In other news, I've started on Day 6... There's going to be one of those 'tempting' events this weekend... and I'm ready!!! Not going to cave in... I'm committed! MistyFire - I absolutely love your 'take down a heart' idea! That is awesome. I may have to borrow that idea. Hope everyone else is doing well. TCT2015 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mistyfire Posted September 18, 2015 Share Posted September 18, 2015 Had myself a good day despite forgetting my lunch at home and having to make do with a salad with hard boiled eggs. I just have never found salads satisfying, no matter how big they are. I like my vegs less on the leafy and more on the solid size. So I consoled myself with getting a small spiral cutter to make zucchini noodles. Melissa Joulwan ( the-clothes-make-the-girl) has some great things to do with them. I want to branch out a bit but still keep things simple! Hope everyone had a good day! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muthgirl Posted September 19, 2015 Author Share Posted September 19, 2015 Salads don't fill me up either Mistyfire. Plus I have a hard time creating a dressing I like. Glad things are still going well for you and even though you forgot your lunch, you didn't give up! High five!! I had a good day yesterday as well except for a couple of headaches. Today may be a little harder since we're going to be out shopping and exploring a new area. I'm planning to pack my meals in a cooler but have a harder time packing something for my picky daughter. She is 18 so she's going to be helping me, but she loves to eat out. I just need to be strong! Plus part of our shopping will be Trader Joes so we may pick out part of our meal there. With me luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mistyfire Posted September 19, 2015 Share Posted September 19, 2015 Try the cruciferous veg mix in the salad section of Trader Joe's. I don't like it as a salad but it's very good sautéed and makes for putting together a quick meal. They also have compliant unsweetened vanilla almond milk - Trader Jo's brand - if you like that. Good luck on your travels today. I'm hitting the farmers market. Sad they will close in a few weeks..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muthgirl Posted September 20, 2015 Author Share Posted September 20, 2015 I wish I would have seen your post before I went to TJs. I'll have to grab those items next time. I ended up with some tea and grass fed burger patties, but majority was some quick frozen meals for my daughter who is in college. So fun to spend the day shopping with her. We ate our packed lunch and snacks and we were home in time to make dinner. It was nice not having to spend money in a restaurant. Now it is day 7...can't believe I almost have an entire week done! I'm going to be prepping my food a little later. What kind of things did you get at the farmers market? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mistyfire Posted September 21, 2015 Share Posted September 21, 2015 Trader Joe's will still be there when you're ready for another jaunt. Mine is about 45 minutes away so I go only once a month. Sadly, the farm crops are slowing down here and the markets will mostly shut down in 2 weeks. This week I got a whole chicken, eggs, grass fed ground beef and lamb, tomatoes, squash, garlic, onion, beets, peaches, fingerling potatoes - really a pretty good haul! Made the "Belly Dance Beet Salad" from Well Fed - it is amazing!!!! On to week 2! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muthgirl Posted September 21, 2015 Author Share Posted September 21, 2015 Yay...week 2!! This should be easy now, right? I live an hour away from TJs, so my trips don't happen that often either. So when I go, I like to stock up. Same with Costco. Sounds like you got a really good haul at the farmers market! I'm always sad to see them close for the season too. I'm going to have to look up that recipe although I've never been a big fan of beets. So, Mistyfire, how did you do in your first round of the Whole 30? Weight loss? NSV? Also did you start round 2 right away or wait a while in between and what made you do another one? I'm thinking I'm going to do back to back Whole 30s since I'm already feeling so much better. Hope everyone had had a great day!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mistyfire Posted September 21, 2015 Share Posted September 21, 2015 When I did my first W30 back in June, I did it to support a friend. I'd already lost some weight on a calorie restriction diet but thought if I could lose more AND help my friend, well that was a bonus. I went in with no other expectations. Imagine my surprise when a few weeks in I noticed that the tendinitis that had awakened me at night for 6 months, no longer did. And that the chronic swelling from an old knee injury over 5 years ago was greatly reduced and I had a lot more bend in my knee. And that my skin cleared up from rosacea. And I no longer needed medication for my heartburn. I did reintro at the end of June and dairy almost immediately brought back joint pain and rosacea. I got scared of finishing the reintro and did a hit or miss kind of thing but didn't learn any more. I also found I moved back into wine in the evening as a regular event and that awoke the sugar dragon. So I'm back to reset again and learn more about me and food. I didn't use the forums on the first one so thought doing so could help my learning curve. I haven't weighed myself since the beginning of June as I've been trying to break that dependence but I've had to buy clothes 2 sizes smaller since then. What feels better for you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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