Troodledoodle Posted May 6, 2016 Share Posted May 6, 2016 So, this is my second attempt at Whole30, but I am in a much better place this time around. My story: I have spent the last two years rebuilding my health, from chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and long term depression. I am also in recovery from a binge eating disorder. I cleaned up my diet about 18 months ago, did the 100 day challenge of no sugar, no gluten, no processed food, and the improvement in my physical health was so dramatic that I've stuck with that ever since (pretty much). Then in the last six months I've gradually worked my fitness up with a daily exercise programme. I'm the fittest, strongest, and healthiest that I've ever been in my life, I've lost 40lbs, and I've come off all the medication I was on for the CFS / FM. I feel in a really strong position to take it to the next level with Whole30. I'm doing this to see how much better my health can be. I know from past experience with attempts at Paleo that I will not do well if I don't make an effort to keep my carbs up (I get very depressed and insomniac if I do), so I've planned out exactly what kind and quantity of carbs I will need each day, so that I don't run into that roadblock. I work out hard, most days, so I need more carbs than others might (cardio, weight training, and Pilates). I'm psyched, I'm ready for this! But I'll appreciate the moral support from you guys, because IRL, I'm doing this alone, my OH eats a terrible diet and is highly resistance to changing it (which is a crying shame, because he has asthma, high blood pressure, and would definitely benefit from Whole30, but all I can do is set the example). And I've learned that talking to my friends about this sort of thing only backfires, they can't get past the idea of it being a weight loss diet, and that isn't where I want this to be coming from. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scolesy Posted May 6, 2016 Share Posted May 6, 2016 Hi! Wow, what a great story. You've done so well to get this far and it sounds like you're in a good place to do another one. Good luck! I'm starting my second Whole30 on Monday 9th so I'll be a couple of days behind you. My story is similar to yours in some ways - I had real issues with migraines, fatigue and more and last year I decided to lose the weight that had made me self conscious for as long as I can remember. I did Insanity (and I'm still doing it!) and changed my diet which helped me to lose 2.5st (around 17kg). I've had maybe one or two migraines since whereas I used to have 2-3 per month so the change is dramatic for me. I then wanted to see how much better I could feel so I did my first Whole30 in September and I felt even more amazing afterwards (though I wouldn't say I got the Tiger Blood feeling!) My skin was clearer, I wasn't tired in the afternoons anymore, I slept better and so on. I then went back to normal life! I got married at the beginning of April and after our amazing honeymoon that consisted of lots of eating and drinking cocktails I haven't really been able to get back to my healthy eating habits so I'll be using this to kick start that and regain some control. Remembering my first Whole30 I need to make sure I get variety at lunchtimes. I tended to have salad with chicken, boiled eggs and avocados every.single.day and by the end I couldn't even look at an avocado! I also struggle with breakfast and eating 'non-breakfasty' things that early in the morning (I'm usually up at 5:30am) so I need to do some prep and line some things up. Like you, I'm doing it alone. My husband says he is desperate to lose weight and become healthier but he doesn't seem to want to give up or change his diet and habits. I suspect he'll be compliant at home because I do most of the cooking but fully expect him to cheat when he's at work! It's his decision anyway, and at least he'll be getting good meals some of the time I suppose. I'm excited though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troodledoodle Posted May 6, 2016 Author Share Posted May 6, 2016 Cool, we'll do this together! Breakfast is going to be my big challenge too - I'm in a major porridge/oatmeal groove, and that's actually going to be the one thing I really miss. And wine! I'm impressed you've survived Insanity! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scolesy Posted May 7, 2016 Share Posted May 7, 2016 Yay! So how's your first day going? I'm in full on prep mode ready for Monday! Haha thanks. I love Insanity and now I mainly do Insanity Max 30 and run - I've signed up for a half marathon at the end of September so maybe I am insane?! I would definitely recommend it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troodledoodle Posted May 7, 2016 Author Share Posted May 7, 2016 Good! Started off with eggs, spinach, tomato, and potato, and did a Barre workout - now I'm ready for a good big salad for lunch! I'm currently pondering whether I want Mayo enough to actually make it........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troodledoodle Posted May 7, 2016 Author Share Posted May 7, 2016 The only thing I'm really struggling with today is a huge craving for a cup of tea - I really hate back tea! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scolesy Posted May 9, 2016 Share Posted May 9, 2016 Haha did you ever make the mayo? I always have some in the fridge, it's a staple for me! I'm starting today, omelette and black coffee for breakfast so feeling positive. Going to have to try and avoid all the cakes/biscuits in the office! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troodledoodle Posted May 9, 2016 Author Share Posted May 9, 2016 I'm going to have a go today - although only if I get more eggs in - this way of eating is making me think seriously of getting chickens! Because good eggs are not cheap in the UK, and we're going through 6-7 just at breakfast time. I had a battle last night, it had been a tough day and I reeeeeally wanted a glass of wine. My husband said, "just have it and start again tomorrow!" But I know from experience, you hit cravings on Day 2-5, and so even if I'd given in and started fresh today, I'd have gone through exactly the same battle in a few days time, so far better to be strong and get through it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scolesy Posted May 9, 2016 Share Posted May 9, 2016 Which recipe are you using? The one I do calls for a cup of light olive oil, an egg and lemon juice (plus salt and pepper) but I usually use lime juice and add a close of garlic too. Delicious! My husband prefers to to 'real' mayo too which is no mean feat. WELL DONE! I find the first few days the hardest because you can 'always start again tomorrow' without losing too much progress so I am totally there with you. Sounds like you're doing great! In the same regard, one of my colleagues just offered me lemon cake which he had bought in because he knows it's my favourite and I had to turn him down. He did the whole 'can you start tomorrow?' thing too but I resisted. The world isn't going to run out of lemon cake in the next 30 days, right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators SugarcubeOD Posted May 9, 2016 Moderators Share Posted May 9, 2016 I'm going to have a go today - although only if I get more eggs in - this way of eating is making me think seriously of getting chickens! Because good eggs are not cheap in the UK, and we're going through 6-7 just at breakfast time. I had a battle last night, it had been a tough day and I reeeeeally wanted a glass of wine. My husband said, "just have it and start again tomorrow!" But I know from experience, you hit cravings on Day 2-5, and so even if I'd given in and started fresh today, I'd have gone through exactly the same battle in a few days time, so far better to be strong and get through it. Good for you! If you find you're going through so many eggs and its hard on the budget, try having leftovers for breakfast... anything you eat at any other time of the day can be eaten for M1... That might ease the egg burden a bit! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troodledoodle Posted May 9, 2016 Author Share Posted May 9, 2016 Good suggestion! But I LOVE eggs, so I'm just going to make friends with my local free range farm, I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troodledoodle Posted May 9, 2016 Author Share Posted May 9, 2016 Yeah, lemon cake will still be there next month! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troodledoodle Posted May 9, 2016 Author Share Posted May 9, 2016 No kidding that you might not be able to workout to the same intensity in the first couple of weeks: I battled my way through my workout today! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmhampton1 Posted May 9, 2016 Share Posted May 9, 2016 So proud of both of you for facing and defeating some of your challenges. I find it so interesting when people are willing to derail someone's progress. I'm very lucky because I work from home and don't have to deal with that. My family, for the most part, knows not to even tempt me with non-compliant food because I won't be eating it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scolesy Posted May 9, 2016 Share Posted May 9, 2016 No kidding that you might not be able to workout to the same intensity in the first couple of weeks: I battled my way through my workout today! Was it a tough one? I'm in training for a half marathon so I have to keep going! I'm going to get up earlier tomorrow to go for a short run because I think I'll be too tired by the time I get home! How did the mayo go? Yeah I don't understand why people try and talk you out of it, some kind of subconscious sabotage maybe because of our healthier decisions? I don't know but I do feel a little bit smug if I turn something down, like each thing I refuse takes me a little closer to my goals! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troodledoodle Posted May 9, 2016 Author Share Posted May 9, 2016 It shouldn't have been, but it was! But to be fair, I am also tweaking some of my meds, so that may have something to do with it. I also tend to drive myself pretty hard. I never got the eggs! So the mayo will have to wait. Now, this is one of my hobby horses, the way people try to sabotage healthy resolves, when they should be the first to offer support and encouragement. I have experienced this so much over the years that I try not to tell people what I'm doing, any more (apart from my husband, and that's only because I have to!). I don't know if it's jealousy, fear of you changing, or what, but even when people can see that what you are doing is having a profound effect on your health and wellbeing, they still don't seem to like it. I hear that it can be similar when people try to give up smoking, from their smoker friends, at any rate. I am longing to tell my sick, exhausted, overweight, depressed friends and family about this, but I know there's little point. It instantly gets reduced to the level of a weight loss diet, and I can't be doing with that. Sad, but true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators SugarcubeOD Posted May 9, 2016 Moderators Share Posted May 9, 2016 It shouldn't have been, but it was! But to be fair, I am also tweaking some of my meds, so that may have something to do with it. I also tend to drive myself pretty hard. I never got the eggs! So the mayo will have to wait. Now, this is one of my hobby horses, the way people try to sabotage healthy resolves, when they should be the first to offer support and encouragement. I have experienced this so much over the years that I try not to tell people what I'm doing, any more (apart from my husband, and that's only because I have to!). I don't know if it's jealousy, fear of you changing, or what, but even when people can see that what you are doing is having a profound effect on your health and wellbeing, they still don't seem to like it. I hear that it can be similar when people try to give up smoking, from their smoker friends, at any rate. I am longing to tell my sick, exhausted, overweight, depressed friends and family about this, but I know there's little point. It instantly gets reduced to the level of a weight loss diet, and I can't be doing with that. Sad, but true. People don't like to see their own poor behavior/eating habits/addictions reflected back at them... when you give up wine or cheese or smokes, that creates a very real reflection to the person who hasn't given it up... before, we were buddies in arms with them... smoking, drinking, making merry with food with nary a care in the world to how it affected our health... when we make the change and leave those bad habits behind, it can feel (not is... can feel) to the person still with those habits like judgement... that's on them, not you, but like your brain, which wants to go back to comfort and try and get you to eat cookies, these same friends want that same comfortable norm back so they don't have to look at their own behaviors... if we're BOTH doing harmful behaviors, then it's easy to ignore... Don't tell them about this... be this... do it... be successful... radiate your energy and your glow and your great skin/hair/nails... when they ask you about it because they see you slimming down, tell them weightloss is a side effect of getting your health back... if it isn't about weightloss to you and never was, then talk about how it affected you in other ways...it's really hard to miss the non scale benefits of a whole30 on someone who rocks the program... there's a glow and a calmness that we pick up and THAT is the selling point of the program! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troodledoodle Posted May 10, 2016 Author Share Posted May 10, 2016 Absolutely! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troodledoodle Posted May 10, 2016 Author Share Posted May 10, 2016 How are you getting on, scolesy? I'm having a tough time, I find it hard to believe it's the W30, since I was already off gluten/sugar/dairy, but I don't know what else it could be, so I guess so. I have gone from having lots of energy to being barely able to stay awake, I'm aching all over, and I have a nasty cluster of mouth ulcers, which I haven't had for years. No matter! I'm seeing this through, regardless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators SugarcubeOD Posted May 10, 2016 Moderators Share Posted May 10, 2016 Re: the mouth ulcers, are you eating a lot of acidic food? Raw tomatoes give me blisters within moments of eating them... I never knew that until I started Whole30... I thought that was normal... Give us a run down of portions, specific veg, protein, fat, meal timing and fluid intake if you like and we can see if there's anything that stands out? Are you drinking water and salting your food? Do you follow the meal template? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troodledoodle Posted May 10, 2016 Author Share Posted May 10, 2016 No more than usual, no. Let's see, this was today: M1: 3 large eggs, scrambled, spinach, baby potatoes, extra ghee, and black coffee M2: tuna (4oz), big Greek salad including lots of leaves, beets, homemade salad dressing M3: 2 baked chicken thighs, skin on, broccoli, peppers, onion, sweet potato wedges I also had a mid afternoon snack, an apple with coconut manna (flesh, puréed), because our M3 was running late. Lots of water, sea salt with every meal. I haven't eaten any ingredient that I'm not used to eating. I suffered terribly with mouth ulcers for many years, but they stopped about age 30. I'm wondering if this can be a healing crisis, perhaps, or is that expecting too much too soon?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators SugarcubeOD Posted May 10, 2016 Moderators Share Posted May 10, 2016 Hmm... I can't see much that would cause the problem... you could probably do with more veggies of the non starchy variety at breakfast (when it's leafy greens, you need a LOT more than 1-3 cups) The snack tells me you're not eating enough at breakfast (the more veggies would help) but otherwise I can't see anything that stands out except maybe onions and peppers... It could be healing... what caused the mouth ulcers when you had them years ago? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troodledoodle Posted May 11, 2016 Author Share Posted May 11, 2016 I never did find out! They were dreadful, I'd get clusters of them every couple of weeks, from a child right up until I was about 30, and then they just abruptly stopped. Weird! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scolesy Posted May 11, 2016 Share Posted May 11, 2016 I'm doing okay actually - like you I'm really tired and decided to take a day off exercise totally today. The mouth ulcers you're having could be because you're tired? That's when I get them. I realised today that my good friend's wedding is going to fall right in the middle of my Whole30 so that could be a tricky situation - having just got married and knowing all the pressures I'm not sure I can demand a different meal. Perhaps I should do another 30 days afterwards?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troodledoodle Posted May 11, 2016 Author Share Posted May 11, 2016 I haven't been able to exercise since Monday, I'm just too exhausted, which is really worrying me, since I've worked really hard to build up my fitness over the last few months. I've totally lost the will to live today! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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