ladyhoward Posted September 28, 2012 Share Posted September 28, 2012 I'm not quite done with my Whole30 - on Day 24 now, but I just had to post my success so far - the fact that I made it this far is a huge accomplishment for this sugar addict. Yesterday I put on a sweater that was always somewhat tight on me before - especially through the arms and tummy area. Well, not anymore! It was loose in the arms and it draped so nicely by my waist and stomach. My waist actually showed up for the party - I haven't seen her in a LONG time - she was always covered with a couple of inches of flab! And my stomach was almost flat! That too was something I haven't seen in a while. One other thing that showed up when I looked in the mirror? A smile. I felt beautiful. It's been almost 15 years since I've been able to say something like that. To say this Whole30 has been a life changing experience is almost an understatement. It's more like a life giving experience. And I'm not even nervous about ending my Whole30 next week. Because I have come to understand how I need to approach that. I think back to how I felt when my son was born. He was so small and delicate and new - and I wanted to keep him all to myself to protect him and keep him safe. Of course, there were lots of friends and family members who wanted to hold him, so I knew I needed to "share" him. I knew they would be careful with him though so I wasn't too worried. However, we also had friends who wanted to hold him that I didn't trust as much - I knew they wouldn't hurt him on purpose, but still, I had to be careful. So I gave them the chance to hold him, but I was right there monitoring the situation the whole time in case something bad happened. It's the same now with my health. My restored health is new, fragile, and needs protection. I will share it happily with the foods that I know will take good care of it - all the foods that I've eaten during this Whole30. However, I know there are other foods as well that might not be as careful with my health but they still want to be part of my life. So, I will give them the chance, but I will carefully monitor that situation so I will know if my health is in any danger (examples: bread, anything with sugar in it, etc.). Mr. Dairy can't touch my health with a ten-foot pole though so he's not even invited to the party! This perspective makes it all make sense, and I know I can continue to enjoy my life while still protecting something as precious as my newly restored health. Thank you to all of you whose posts and advice have been so extremely helpful! And to Dallas and Melissa for writing ISWF and creating this site - you have truly saved my life and that of my family as well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sydneyjn Posted September 28, 2012 Share Posted September 28, 2012 Congratulations! I think the best thing in the entire post is the smile! Good for you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susanm Posted September 28, 2012 Share Posted September 28, 2012 Thanks for sharing ladyhoward! You are an inspiration for someone on day 19 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladyhoward Posted September 28, 2012 Author Share Posted September 28, 2012 Thanks guys! I'll be shouting from the rooftops next week about how awesome this program is!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlaccini Posted September 28, 2012 Share Posted September 28, 2012 Lady Howard, Good for you! It feels good doesn't it? C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gatork Posted September 28, 2012 Share Posted September 28, 2012 I love your post and the analogy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrea D. Posted September 28, 2012 Share Posted September 28, 2012 What a beautiful analogy! Congratulations! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colleen Roy Posted September 28, 2012 Share Posted September 28, 2012 Really nice analogy! Love it! I had a similar conversation with a co-worker yesterday when she complimented me and asked "is it hard?". I just said "no, I'm happier than I've ever been with myself and my resolve to take care of myself now. I know how powerful food can be and I like it. I can choose to eat something for the immediate gratification and pay for it later, and that's ok sometimes-the beauty of it is that I have the knowledge and the power to make that choice now-and I didn't before my whole30 because I JUST DIDN'T KNOW!" And welcome back to your waist! My sister-in-law (who happens to also be my massage therapist) met my hip bones the last time I saw her and said "You are too skinny. If I needed to have work done on my psoas muscles, I'd have to send out the search and rescue to find them, but yours are right here!" I like that she can find them easily now-way less painful than having to bring in the search and rescue! So, enjoy all the beautiful things you are feeling now. Well done! You deserve it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Misschriss Posted September 29, 2012 Share Posted September 29, 2012 I love the way you said Whole30 is a life-giving experience, I feel the exact same way! I look at all the great foods I GET to have and not the things I shouldn't have. Great job! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derval Posted September 29, 2012 Share Posted September 29, 2012 Great post and great job! Well done you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladyhoward Posted September 29, 2012 Author Share Posted September 29, 2012 Thanks everyone for your nice comments. Funny how this forum has become like a second family . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara M Clark Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 Awesome Job Loved your post!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(m)eat to live Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 Congrats on a job well done! You should be proud of yourself Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bridget Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 Congratulations !!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snicci Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 Awesome post!!!! "life giving"... that's a great way to put it. I might use that next time someone asks me about "that whole30 thing I'm doing" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YogaMomNYC Posted October 3, 2012 Share Posted October 3, 2012 Fantastic story, congratulations! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hollywynne Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 I just began mine, and I'll probably return to this lovely post for inspiration as I continue. Thanks, and congrats! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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