Taking away from my experience

[Angelina G]

So I'm currently on day 11 of my second whole30 - definitely feeling the tiger blood and so cleansed. But today, an emotion hit me straight in the face that I've been suppressing since my first whole30: I really miss coffee! A LOT! And I'm not talking about my black coffee, because I've learned to love that, too - but I'm talking about the sugary off-plan white chocolate mocha from Starbucks. To the point where it's making me SAD.

 

To explain, I moved to Lansing, MI 2 years ago, originally by myself. When I wasn't working in the ER (AKA the dark cave with no windows), I loved to be outside at a coffee shop around people, reading my book with my cinnamon dolce latte. Since my husband and I got married, heading off to read at a local coffee shop by myself is the most soothing and enjoyable "me" time - especially in the summer. I'm sadly realizing that one of my favorite parts about these moments is the sugar-bomb treat I had when I got there. 

 

I really struggled with food (and fancy-drink latte!) cravings when I did my first whole30. Thankfully, one of the lasting skills I have because of W30 is the ability to stifle a craving in 30 seconds flat. (Thanks, Melissa!) I do not believe my desire for a latte at the coffee shop is a craving; I feel my brain has associated cozy cute coffee shop with my inner sugar dragon, and it's ruining what I thought to be one of my favorite hobbies. I currently drink black coffee or tea (and I've just recently invested in the yummy NutPods) but it's just not cutting it. Help? Help me find freedom from the latte when I'm off my whole30. Thank you in advance!!

 

[J9er]

You are doing so much right. You've cut the cravings, you've learned to like other coffees. You're taking the time to realize how much of a problem that sugar bomb was/is/could be. You need to sit down with your book, take a look around, take a big deep breath, and think about your new health, how happy your liver is without the sugar. Then drink your yummy Americano with your added nutpods and stick your nose back in your book.

If you really can't do this with out longing for the sugary drink, then I suggest starting something new for your 'me time'. Put your head phones in, listen to a audio book or some good music and learn to run. Or just walk in nature. Find a bench in a park with a thermos of tea and read there. Go find a corner in the library and read books about new hobbies - you could teach yourself to knit. There are infinite possibilities, just pick something that matches your interests.