Day 30 and still no tiger blood :(

[kpeattie]

So, this is the "last" day of my challenge and I'm not where is hoped I'd be. Yes, I lost the 8 pounds! I gained over the holidays so Yay. And, I've quieted the sugar dragon. I have to say I have not really missed dairy, grains, or sugar ( and I LOVE bread and chocolate so that in itself is huge). But, I have not felt an increase in energy at all. And, beyond weight loss that was a big reason for doing this. Maybe it will hit day 35? 40? Never??

[Carlaccini]

Tiger blood - honestly good ol' Tiger blood does not always live up to our expectations.  Meaning it is different things for different people.  Some people feel the WOW of boundless energy - others just overall just feel better and just have overall just better even energy levels.

 

You could give us a rundown of a few days of typical eating for you.  We might be able to help you "tweak" from there.  Please include portion sizes, activity levels and how much sleep you are getting, and how much water you are drinking.

[texasbred]

My first Whole30 turned into Whole72.  It wasn't until about day 50 that I started to feel a lot more energy and healthier overall.  It may just take you a little longer. 

[kpeattie]

Thanks for the replies! Here is a a rundown of

Yesterday, which is pretty typical

Meal#1- two eggs with spinach, garlic, bell peppers, 1/2 avacado

Meal#2- grilled chicken (1 Palm), salad (lettuce, carrots, tomato, cucumber) oil and vinegar dressing, 1 Apple

Meal #3- taco turkey meat (1 Palm), lettuce, tomato, salsa, guacamole, sweet potato with ghee, banana

[QuilterInVA]

You aren't eating nearly enough. If this is how you've been eating, it could be why no tiger blood. One of the moderators will be along to point out how to improve your menu.

[GFChris]

Overall, your food looks decent: I might add another egg at meal 1. (When eggs are your sole protein, the serving size is the number of eggs you can hold in one hand. For most folks, that's 3-4 eggs.)

How big of a salad are you having at meal 2? We generally recommend a large mixing bowl's worth.

Are your meals keeping you satiated for 4-5 hours?  

[kpeattie]

Thanks QuilterInVA and GFChris.  I will add another egg to my morning meal and see if that helps.  I wasn't eating salads as large for Meal 2 until this past week, and that does seem to help.  My meals do keep me pretty satisfied until my next meal.  I find that my most challenging time of day is after dinner.  I continue to crave something sweet at night (like ice cream!).  I've stayed strong, but there have been a few nights that I've given in and had a banana or date before bed.  I know that is not in the spirit of the program, but I figure it's better than a bowl of ice cream!

 

Here is what I love about the program:  

 

After 34 days, it HAS changed my relationship with food.  Before I started this, I didn't feel that I ate horribly.  However, I was constantly battling 10-20 pounds of extra weight.  I've tried multiple diets (Lindora, weight watchers, etc.) and did great while on the programs, but went right back to unhealthy eating habits as soon as I was "finished" and gained all the weight back.  Whole 30 has given me the perspective that food is fuel for my body, and I want to put the best fuel in there.  I feel that it is absolutely sustainable for life, and while I haven't started reintroduction yet (just haven't felt the need, really), I feel that I will be able to do so successfully without "losing it".  Or if I do, I know that I can just go right back on a whole 30, or whole 5, to get back on track. 

 

I have also completely changed the way that I shop for food.  Again, with the idea that food is fuel, there is very little that I want to buy at our local grocery store other than the produce and the meat (and even the meat is a little iffy).  Processed food is absolutely everywhere, and is filled with the nastiest stuff!  This means that because I am not buying that stuff anymore, my whole family is eating better by default.

 

Speaking of family, when I started this last month, my 10 year old, 14 year old, and husband wanted to try it too.  (The 5 year old had no interest!).  My husband and 14 year old made it a few days.  My iron-clad 10 year old stuck with the program for 30 DAYS.  Including a school valentine's day party and a basket of chocolates from his Nana.  He watched his brothers eat valentine candy, cereal, sandwiches, etc. and he held strong.  After 30 days, he decided he REALLY wanted a bowl of ravioli, so he's off plan, but wants to go back after this weekend.  And, my 14 year old wants to give it another try.  This is changing my family's life!

 

So, while my initial concern was that I am not feeling Tiger's Blood, I have definitely felt other benefits.  I have a feeling that I would feel immensely better if I had 9 hours of sleep every night.  I'm an elementary school principal and work 55-80 hours a week and have 3 kids, so I'm pretty sure that has something to do with it. ;-)  

[Doge1117]

^^ I want to give your ten-year-old a standing ovation.

[QuilterInVA]

Wow! Your 10 year old is amazing. You have had wonderful results even if you didn't get the tiger blood you were looking for. It's so important to teach children to eat nutritiously and have treats judiciously at a young age.