Autumn's Whole30

[autumnmemory80]

Here I am. I never thought I would be doing this. Not because, "I never thought I would gain weight," or anything like that. In fact, I was raised to think I needed to lose weight, even when I weighted 100 lbs. in junior high, and was told growing up that I would have to fight my weight all my life. It was just expected of me to gain weight or have a weight problem. The unexpected part is that I have agreed to go to such a drastic measure. I have done the Paleo plan for a while and lost almost 30 lbs., but I decided to take it a step further. I ordered my book today and should get it tomorrow hopefully. Monday at the latest since it is coming to work. I am interested in seeing how this works where I do not do a weekly weigh-in. I am one of those people who would weigh myself multiple times a day. Every chance I got. So this is going to be very difficult for me. Changing it up to just once a week was very hard (and usually I cheat and do it twice a day).

 

I am not one who likes a lot of variety and eats lots of different things. I hate mayonnaise and anything that contains it, or the ingredients to make it. (Yes, I read the labels to see if it has that oil, eggs, lemon juice, vinegar base.) I only eat about 5 or 6 vegetables period, and most of them are not allowed. The only ones in the clear are green beans, lettuce, mushrooms, and now potatoes. White. Only white. That is it for me and veggies. So, this is going to be a bit of a challenge. I am going to have to try and do some new things. I am nervous, but I am excited.

 

I have a good bit of weight to lose. I have already lost 27 lbs. with Paleo. Overall, I still want to lose another 133 lbs. But I will settle for 115 lbs. I hope this is going to be a good way to kick start that!
 

Now I am in planning mode. I will see what recipes are out there, what I think I can do, and get ready to start once the book comes in. I am looking forward to seeing what change this brings, and how my weight changes as well. Here goes nothing!

 

[ShannonM816]

Hi, Autumn, welcome to Whole30.

 

Can I offer a suggestion? You say you are "not one who likes a lot of variety and eats lots of different things." Well, the thing is, you can change that. You can be "One who has favorite foods that she loves to fall back on, but is open to trying one or two new recipes or foods each week." You really can. Start with changing what you say about yourself.

 

As for actually trying new foods, you could look for interesting recipes that pair things you know you like with things you've never tried before, or you could go to the store and wander the produce department and pick up one or two of something that looks interesting and bring them home and cook them.

 

Most vegetables are best roasted -- it caramelizes them, changing the texture and bringing out any sweetness they already have. I love roasted broccoli, cooked until some of the edges look almost burnt. Try this recipe. Cauliflower is also best roasted -- try this Cocoa Toasted Cauliflower recipe, or just toss it with oil and salt, pepper, and garlic powder and cook it if you prefer something simple.

 

Exceptions to the "vegetables are better roasted" idea include zucchini or summer squash -- for them, try this Comfort Noodle recipe.