Getting ready.

[Momcat]

I lost over 50 lbs. on a famous diet plan ( where you attend weekly meetings and weigh in) and gained half back.  My own fault:  lost my mojo, started stress eating, and found it hard to maintain my once very full gym schedule.  I feel sluggish and also suffer from bilateral knee pain, hip and back pain and constant fatigue.  I'm quite upset with myself because I was in such a great spot for a while! I'm fascinated by nutrition and fitness, so I do a lot of reading on the subjects. I came across Whole30 on line and am trying to educate myself by reading the books and website.  I feel a little overwhelmed, because i feel there is so much to know.  Also, I am pescetarian and struggling with the thought of doing it that way, or adding again some humanely raised organic meat and poultry. We eat a mostly  healthy diet at home, but there are some treats that my husband and kids enjoy. I'm not afraid of them, but like many people in the Whole30 community, I enjoy my daily cups of coffee with milk, and a glass or 2 of wine each week. I need to get through the books because I would like to start next week. I've been gradually accumulating grocery items that are recommended.  I want to get my energy back, lose the joint pain and feel better in my clothes.  From all the testimonials I've read here, I believe this is the way to go. Looking forward to the support form this forum!

[GFChris]

While the books are certainly helpful, everything you need to do a Whole30 is online.

Start with the rules:http://whole30.com/whole30-program-rules/

Then the Can I Have Guide (know it's there and use for additional reference during your journey):http://whole30.com/2013/06/the-official-can-i-have-guide-to-the-whole30/

The meal template is the recommendation for the optimal way to compose your meals:http://whole30.com/downloads/whole30-meal-planning.pdf

The books, other webpages on the Whole30 site, and this forum will fill in the rest of the blanks.

[Seafarer]

The rules, the recommendations, and the template... it's all you need. You don't really need to know the science, although I admit it's nice to figure it all out. Post a log just so you can watch patterns & help will be readily available for you on the forums. Try to stay a day or two ahead on your meal prep & planning, so you don't get caught out staring in the fridge thinking "Hungry. Hungry now!" and you'll be just fine. The rest is just details. Good to know, but just details.

 

Have fun & good luck!