cindytree Posted September 28, 2015 Share Posted September 28, 2015 I completed the first 30 days and decided to continue and commit for 100 days. The positive changes after day 30 included lower fasting blood sugar levels, some weight loss and inches lost in my waist, less swelling in my feet and ankles, less joint pain although it still does flare up some days, and I'm now able to go 4-5 hours between meals without snacking. But as far as feeling so much better than before and having more energy, I'm just not feeling it yet. Does it sometimes take longer for some than others to really feel the positive effects? And if so what should the expectation be? When I read about how others have had a complete turn-around with how they feel and how much energy they have just days into their Whole30, it makes me wonder what is wrong with me that I'm still not feeling it 42 days in. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlaccini Posted September 28, 2015 Share Posted September 28, 2015 The short answer is: Yes. Everybody is different and therefore everyone may have varied results. But if we dive into that a little bit more it will totally make a difference because of the following: What you feel now - is your version of "Tiger Blood". Some people never get to see this elusive creature - instead they just feel better overall slowly over a period of time. Boundless energy - just may not happen. What is your medical background? Do you have issues with hypothyroidism? or possibly chronic fatigue syndrome? Or have IBS? The context of your medical history will play a huge role. What was your eating patterns previously? Were you a chronic dieter? Did you constantly count calories and under nourish yourself? Did you eat SAD diet - again all of this matters and will play a role. Your age will play a factor as well - you will react differently at the age of 20 then at the age of 50 to the age of 70. Our bodies change over time. What you could do is let us know the above, along with your meals for the last few days. We might be able to help you troubleshoot in order to help you achieve higher energy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindytree Posted September 28, 2015 Author Share Posted September 28, 2015 Carlaccini, I'm 58, very overweight, pre-diabetic/insulin resistant, possible IBS, probably under nourished due to many dieting attempts. I'm also post-menopause. I'm doing Whole30 at the recommendation of a naturopathic doctor I'm seeing. Monday: B - 3 eggs, 1 avocado, organic vegetable juice, 1small banana Sunday: B - 3 eggs, 1/2 avocado, 1c. organic vegetable juice L - baked chicken, small red potato, green beans, olives D - large salad with canned tuna, 1/2 avocado, vinegar and olive oil, 1 hard boiled egg, 1 apple Saturday: B - spinach omelet with 2 eggs plus 2 whites, 1/2 avocado, organic vegetable juice L - large salad with turkey, vinegar and olive oil, olives, red grapes D - homemade chili with ground turkey (no beans), 1/2 avocado Friday: B - 2 eggs with zucchini and mushrooms, organic vegetable juice, olives L - pan fried talapia, roasted brussels sprouts, 1 apple D - large salad with turkey, vinegar and olive oil, avocado Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators ladyshanny Posted September 28, 2015 Administrators Share Posted September 28, 2015 "...very overweight, pre-diabetic/insulin resistant, possible IBS, probably under nourished..." This (^^) is very, very significant. First, congratulations on choosing change and coming to Whole30 to do it. It's not easy coming from a dieting background and especially not easy when it can feel like you have a lot of hurdles to overcome. So before anything else, give yourself a pat on the back, you deserve it! Know that whatever you do for yourself in our framework is going to be the best you possibly can. But you have quite the background here and 42 days, while laudable, is not probably going to be enough to see dramatic change in any of these conditions (all of which will contribute to not feeling well). Second, throw that veggie juice down the drain and eat actual vegetables. Cooked ones and preferably at least one serving per day of a starchy veggie like potato, sweet potato, carrot, beet, turnip etc. Energy is directly linked to starchy veggies and the micronutrients that you will get when you eat a wide assortment of vegetables. Juice is not going to cut it and can lead to you feeling lethargic and hungry sooner after consuming. It's hard to tell your quantities in some cases but review the template (linked below) and make sure that you are eating enough at each meal. Eat whole eggs, not egg whites (the protein and most of the nutrition is in the yolk). Greens when used as a veggie are not going to be enough unless you are eating a mixing bowl full of them. Think of how wilted down spinach and lettuce can get once heated or chewed. You need a wagon full to get enough to eat. Add other veggies like cooked beats, sweet potatoes, steamed carrots, artichoke hearts etc to bulk up that salad. Are you eating within an hour of waking? How's your sleep? Are you getting at least 8 hours in a cool, dark and quiet environment? Are you getting some mild exercise (walking, yoga etc)? All of these will factor into your overall feeling of wellbeing as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindytree Posted September 28, 2015 Author Share Posted September 28, 2015 ladyshanny, I like the veggie juice but wondered if it was ok even though it's organic. So, ok on getting rid of it. I do eat within an hour of waking but am not very hungry so I have to force myself to do breakfast. I think that's why I had the juice because was easy and not as much food. Sleep isn't that great either. I just started using the powdered magnesium recommended before bedtime so maybe that will help. I don't exercise as I should. No excuses, just in that cycle of not feeling well and being tired that doesn't motivate me to exercise, and when I do it doesn't energize me. But like other disciplines, it is something I'm making myself do whether I feel like it or not, whether it makes me feel better or not. It's my focus during this second 30 days to make it part of my daily routine. Thanks for the other food advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators ladyshanny Posted September 28, 2015 Administrators Share Posted September 28, 2015 Maybe don't think of it as exercise so much as a meditative way to treat yourself right. You don't need to speed walk, try just going for a stroll outside for 10 or 20 minutes. Get some Vitamin D, some fresh air, some peaceful time. Late day outdoor light will also help regulate your sleep patterns. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlaccini Posted September 28, 2015 Share Posted September 28, 2015 Cindy - also another note. Try also eating a starchy carb later on in the day - think meal 3. A lot of people report better sleep after eating a starchy veg later in the day rather than earlier. You are doing a very good thing for your body. Really. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindytree Posted September 28, 2015 Author Share Posted September 28, 2015 Carlaccini, thank you for the tip. I'll try it. I have seen enough positive changes to keep me going despite not feeling great and energized yet. They include 12.5 lbs. lost and 2.5 inches off my waist in the first 30 days, no more swelling in my feet and ankles at the end of the day, and less joint pain over all even though I still do have days when it flares up. And more importantly, my fasting blood sugar is almost normal, going from the 110's-120's when I began to the low 100's and 90's most days now (normal is below 100). Those are good results so I don't want to dwell on negatives, but despite those victories I thought I would feel better physically by now. But, I do understand that given my age and general health issues going into this that took decades to develop, it will likewise take time to reverse them. I appreciate the advice from you and ladyshanny and will implement those changes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpunkyBug Posted September 28, 2015 Share Posted September 28, 2015 Those results are GREAT! Congratulations. I keep bags and bags of frozen veggies on hand and eat those every morning with my protein -- cook them in the microwave, and it's a snap. If I have some leftover, I stick them in the fridge and add them to whatever veggies I make later, or to soups or stews. Sometimes, I will keep adding the leftovers to the same container in the fridge until I have a couple more full servings. It ain't fancy, but it gets the job done for meal 1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindytree Posted September 28, 2015 Author Share Posted September 28, 2015 Thanks SpunkyBug. I do like soups, stews, and one dish meals so that's a great idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texasbred Posted September 28, 2015 Share Posted September 28, 2015 Cindytree, This is just the very beginning of your wise decision to improve your health naturally. It happens very slowly for some, but if you are consistent and stick to the plan things will happen. My first Whole30 lasted 72 days. During that time I never had the tiger blood, but I had more energy than normal after about 50 days in. My joints felt better, headaches were much less frequent and intestinal issues improved. During that 72 day period I lost 9lbs. It had taken years to get into my unhealthy state before I stumbled onto It Starts With Food. That was two years ago. Just don't give up. It took awhile to get where you are and it will take some time to get where you want to be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindytree Posted September 28, 2015 Author Share Posted September 28, 2015 Thank you for sharing, texasbred. That helps to know this will take time but is worth sticking with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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