Whole30 in AZ - Yep, I just jumped in

[AZKatie]

Hi everyone. I recently graduated graduate school and didn't like the feel of how I was treating my body through my diet - and how I have been treating it for the past several years with the stress of school and single-mothering. I began looking around and stumbled upon Whole30. And it felt right for me, so I jumped in.

 

Many years ago after my third baby I followed the Belly Fat Cure and that worked wonderfully! However, when I went to go look it up 

I'm currently on Day 13 (almost halfway!) and I'm doing well. My boyfriend is also doing it with me, by default, I guess is a good way to describe his participation. 

 

The beginning was awful just like most people have experienced. And then then the tired hit, but at least the headaches were gone!

 

I felt like a walking zombie for so many days, it was awful. But I was committed!

 

After only five days I could tell I was losing a lot of water weight.

 

Into week 2 and I could tell my brain felt slower, but with a lot less chatter.  I've noticed my moods are stable throughout the day. And at night, I can feel a clear signal that it's time for bed and I am out like a light for the entire night.

 

Today is Day 13. Yesterday I felt the old sluggishness that I had in the beginning. Today, it seems to be gone. But I feel like I've puffed up again. I want the boundless energy that is supposed to come!

 

 

 

[jmcbn]

... But I feel like I've puffed up again....

Hey there

 

Some bloating mid program isn't unusual - just because it makes an appearance a little earlier on >the timeline< doesn't mean it's not normal now - the timeline is just a guideline & you could just be a few days behind, with that boundless energy is right around the corner....

Of course it could be that you are sensitive to something you are eating (main culprits tend to be nuts, eggs, cruciferous veg, & FODMAPs) so if you'd like us to take at your food log for the past few days please feel free to list out what you've eaten here, giving specifics on portion sizes, veg types, water intake etc -or you could start a new thread in the Troubleshooting section of the forum.

[AZKatie]

Thank you jmcbn! I appreciate your input. The bloatedness seemed to go back down today, so I'm wondering if it was a reaction to something I was eating.

 

Last night I made the Shepherd's Pie from the book, using Cauliflower mash as the topping. I had a large helping because I suspect I'm not eating enough at each meal - although I don't necessarily feel too hungry between meals, my energy is dragging.

 

However, I will add this: I am currently job seeking and with that comes a great deal of stress. I am also studying to take a major licensure exam in a week. [No pressure, right?]

 

This morning I made a veggie frittata. I followed the recipe as is but it was too low on veggies in my opinion, so it consisted of broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, and cherry tomatoes. I had a massive slice along with a half an avocado. And just a couple berries but i couldn't finish them.

 

My energy was OK will lunch and I ate leftover shepherd's pie. Now I'm dragging! But I'm also studying, job hunting, and live in a city where it is currently 105 [hey! we cooled off!]

 

I'm also trying to up my water intake as that was pointed out to me as a possible culprit. 

[jmcbn]

The cauliflower could also be your culprit - it's both cruciferous & high FODMAP. You also don't mention fat alongside the shepherd's pie - fat provides energy so don't short change yourself, and do remember to salt your food too - your sodium intake will have dropped considerably and this can also contribute to fatigue.

And with everything that's on your [non food] plate I'd suggest you try for as much sleep as possible to alleviate some of that stress - many people drastically under-estimate the impact a lack of sleep has on our body, and on our stress levels too.

[AZKatie]

In reading through other journals and moderator comments, I'm wondering if it's a lack of starch.

[AZKatie]

The cauliflower could also be your culprit - it's both cruciferous & high FODMAP. You also don't mention fat alongside the shepherd's pie - fat provides energy so don't short change yourself, and do remember to salt your food too - your sodium intake will have dropped considerably and this can also contribute to fatigue.

And with everything that's on your [non food] plate I'd suggest you try for as much sleep as possible to alleviate some of that stress - many people drastically under-estimate the impact a lack of sleep has on our body, and on our stress levels too.

 

Excellent and helpful observations! Thank you

[jmcbn]

In reading through other journals and moderator comments, I'm wondering if it's a lack of starch.

Starch doesn't really provide energy, fat does.

Pre Whole30 you will most likely have been getting your energy from starch & other types of sugars. We'd like to see you cut back on starch as it can impact blood sugar and feed the whole energy roller-coaster thing - unless you are prone to anxiety/depression, or are particularly active - otherwise a fist sized serving per day should be plenty. And there's plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest that it's best kept until meal three as it will aide sleep.

Hope this helps 

[AZKatie]

A million thank you's!!!!

[AZKatie]

Day 16 - nothing major to report. Proud that I am now on the downslope, but willing to acknowledge a few tiny moments of cravings pop up here and there.

 

Becoming more comfortable with the meal template and different options for fat - a key ingredient I need to pay more attention to!

 

For breakfast this morning I had a large slice of a veggie frittata with mashed avocado on top. I also have almost three cups of Earl Grey tea with coconut cream (would like to lie and say it was less, but I'm not going to). Along with a few berries.

 

Lunch I had 2 poached eggs over a roasted sweet potato with salt, pepper, and, paprika. And a handful of walnuts for the fat. (I think I need to make myself start liking olives (from what I'm reading elsewhere)

 

Dinner I made a roasted spaghetti squash mixed with sauteed garlic and onions, and baked salmon with coconut oil and spices.

 

Could start to feel my energy levels raise a little today, although I'm still waking up too early (barely stay asleep till 5) but I know it's regarding stress currently, so that makes me drop in the afternoon but I still refrain from taking a nap - although that sounds lovely.

 

I'm not measuring my water but I'm drinking water all day - I will measure tomorrow so I have a better idea. Maybe I can figure out a way to NOT have to wake up and pee so early.

[AZKatie]

Yesterday I attempted to keep track of my water intake. I knew almost immediately that I am consuming a lot more than the amount suggested based on 1/2 oz per lb. And I am not active or overheated enough to justify that. So I tried to lower my water consumption hoping it would alleviate that 4-5AM bladder wake up call. No such luck. So bummed as I longingly look back at the end of the second week when I did something completely unheard of for me: I slept till 6!

 

I made three amazing meals yesterday, lunch involved leftovers, which is awesome. Dinner tasted so good but was so simple to make: A massive pan full of sauteed vegetables - mostly broccoli and mushrooms. And in another pan I sauteed bell peppers, diced tomatoes, and ground turkey. Again, I think my favorite part is playing mad scientist with spices. I'm loving sprinkling everything with Coconut Aminos even though I don't taste them, just helps me think I am adding a little boost of more healthy. Made a bowl combining the meat and the vegetables along with walnuts and half and avocado.

 

For breakfast this morning I made a breakfast bowl of sweet potato, leftover vegetables from last night, and 3 poached eggs. Nothing make me feel more like a culinary genius than poaching eggs! And Earl Grey tea with coconut milk.

 

I'm on Day 18 today. Still not feeling any major changes as far as crazy energy levels. BUT, I can say without a doubt that my anxiety has decreased tons! Now, that could also be because I'm not in graduate school, but my brain *feels* less noisy, if that's a good way to explain it. 

 

 My clothes are fitting better and I *feel* thinner. I was stepping on the scale in the beginning - mostly because I never weighed myself before I started, I tend to stay away from scales and never look at them when I go to doctors - so I weighed myself somewhere at the beginning of week 2. Then I was compelled to do it again but the number was higher and I was depressed so I refuse to step back on a scale till I'm done - if I even bother at all. 

 

I'm truly loving how I feel after I eat. Cooking is becoming easier. My boyfriend is doing to same thing and he is seeing improvements in his digestive system. Before he started this every single meal went straight through him. Now, he eats and that is no longer the case. As a martial arts and fitness instructor I make sure to prepare more food for him - although he argues with me about eating so much. But he had horrible eating habits before this which is why he went through much more uncomfortable and painful bodily adjustments to this way of eating.

 

He misses his bread with meals though. And I've been super nostalgic for a glass of wine while I'm happily cooking. But we are both committed and accountable to each other.

 

Was thrilled to see compliant almond butter at Costco yesterday!!! Excellent price relative to anything else I can find compliant. (although I didn't get it because I'm not even halfway done with the small jar I bought in the beginning)

[AZKatie]

Woke up today at 4:30 - again  - and with a slight headache and muscle tension that reminds me of the first couple weeks. I feel lethargic and impatient too.

 

Was so proud of myself for making mayo yesterday and so for lunch I made a "salad" that consisted of leftover shredded chicken, eggs, cucumbers, and celery. Then for dinner ate some more of it on a bed of spinach and kale. Followed by some berries. 

 

Also different about yesterday was I found the La Croix drinks on sale at the store and so I tried the Cran-raspberry one. It was pretty refreshing considering, I've drank nothing but Earl Grey and water from the beginning.

 

I'm on Day 19 and I'm getting tired of this. Although I can't imagine going back to eating cereal or oatmeal for breakfast.