Help! Question about picking a start date.

[bellamama810]

I've read the Whole 30 and am really anxious to get started. I read everything about picking a start date that will work with your schedule and projecting out 30 days to see what's happening. My issue/ question is: I very much want to start tomorrow (my daughter's birthday, which is meaningful to me) but because I have an extended work trip coming up immediately after the 30 days (I'll be in Chicago at a trade show for 12 days with lots of group dinners), I feel like I won't be able to do the reintroduction properly. Between working long hours at a show with catered sandwiches and group dinners out, I know that the challenge might be too great for that long of a time period. However, I really want to feel the benefits of increased energy as I gear up for the show which is why I want to get started now. So here's my question: do I start it knowing I won't be able to do the reintroduction properly, and then do another immediately following, or should I simply wait until everything is done? I know there's never a "perfect" time.

For reference, I'm generally a pretty healthy eater and completed a similar challenge last year (14 Four)... however bad habits of sugar and grains have crept back into my diet and my body is not happy. But I get the basics of it and have done well when I strive to eat meals in compliance.

Thoughts???

[bellamama810]

Hello,

Hoping for some advice from seasoned Whole 30'ers. I've been contemplating starting my whole 30 tomorrow but the 30 day mark will put me at day 3 in Chicago for a work trip. The first 3 days, I know I can swing because I'll mostly be on my own (setting up for a trade show) so I'll have lots of control over my meals. However, once the show starts on Sept. 12 (through Sept. 17), it will be very difficult to be compliant. There will be catered sandwiches to our booth (and nearly impossible to leave for breaks) and most nights there will be team meeting dinners at a designated restaurant which I won't be able to control. 

Two questions: 1) from those familiar with the location, are there options there that could help me keep compliance? And 2) should I not worry about reintroduction phase, do the Whole 30 anyway, and then take a 2 week break and complete another right after, with the proper reintroduction that time? I'm anxious to start because of the other benefits I'll receive such as increased energy, which would greatly help me get through this trip.

For reference, I've done a similar challenge before so it's not completely foreign to me and I'm not dealing with any serious illnesses. Most of my meals are pretty healthy – I just fall off the wagon with snacks / desserts, especially when I get "too busy to cook." Would appreciate any advice on my start date!

Jennifer

[Staggolee41]

That's a tough one - you don't want to mess up reintroductions. While the added energy would be great to have during that time, your energy could nosedive when you inadvertently go off-plan. I wanted to add - most hotels will be very accommodating if you call ahead to let them know that you  have diet restrictions - you can request to have a minifridge in your room to store meals.

Most standard restaurants will be willing to accommodate requests too - like simply grilled meats, subbing olive oil and lemon juice/balsamic vinegar for dressings, etc. One fairly common restaurant that serves a quick compliant meal is Chipotle - order carnitas, with pico de gallo, medium salsa, guacamole, and extra lettuce. It's delicious.

[ladyshanny]

Hi bellamamma, I have merged both of your threads and deleted the third one that was a duplication. These two are basically the same discussion of the same situation.  Per forum rules, please do not cross post across categories.

[bellamama810]

@ladyshanny: Sorry about that! I'm not sure how it duplicated... I couldn't figure out how to delete. Thanks!