Stepford WASP Posted January 1, 2013 Share Posted January 1, 2013 Greetings from the snowbound northeast. Just a (new) fellow traveler tired of being a frostipuff. I am borderline insulin resistant and sick to death of my 135-pound body being trapped in this fat suit. I am so fat, other fat ladies orbit around me. It's fun to pop them and watch then zigzag around the ceiling. I just wish someone would deflate me. I am an expert dieter. I can lose weight like no one's business, but I gain it back, and those pounds always bring a few friends. People think I am cuckoo when I insist that I dieted myself up to this weight, but here's how it goes: Lose 20 pounds in 1-2 months; gain 25 back in 3-6. A decade of that behavior, and ... well, it's not hard to see how a person could end up with crazy buttocks. I grew up in an active family with lots of outdoor and ocean activity. A former athlete, it makes me so sad that I am currently more out of shape than I have ever been in my life. Walking up a flight of stairs winds me; I float in the tub; I can't run because of the unrelenting jolly wiggles; if I attempt a deadlift, my boobs fall over my face. So I need a reset. I've done hard stuff before, and I've even stuck with it. I went to grad school full time while working 60 hours a week (that was pretty hard), I quit smoking a decade ago and never took another puff (I'm a nonsmoker now, not a quitter), and I stopped eating gluten almost 3 years ago, which I am certain cured my Hashimotos Thyroiditis and perhaps prevented full-on celiac and who knows what else. I am already used to being "the different one" in restaurants and at family gatherings. It's really not that hard to eat Paleo style both at home and out of the home. Why the week-in start date, when so many of you started today? I discovered this place only two days ago, and I want to make sure I first create an environment for success. I can't take too long to prep because I'll lost my momentum. My inclination is to dive in without a clue and then get dragged down by a tidal wave of minutiae, or I'll spend countless hours PLANNING so I can avoid DOING. Yeah, I'm like that. I know the first few days will be nasty, but overall, it shouldn't be that hard. Meat, fish, veggies, wee bits of fruit (maybe none to start), coconut, avocados, limited nuts and seeds, ghee, and homemade lard. No food journal requirements, no complicated analysis of macro grams (like counting out my 7 macadamia nuts when I did The Zone), no measuring or weighing food. No distractions. I am in an ideal situation because I have a meat share (CSA) through one of the local farms (the oldest one in MA). All protein, including eggs, comes from pastured, grass-finished critters: beef, pork, lamb, goat, chicken, turkey, and they even have a fish truck in the summer. It's off season for the harvest share, but I have a Whole Foods across the street from my office, where lovely blue-green broccoli crowns are stacked at a sharp 90-degree, artful angle on top of shaved ice. Whenever I gaze upon that gorgeous produce, an angel gets her wings. I have taken other measures to ensure success (or at least make mistake less likely): Ordered the ISWF book (arrives Friday). Downloaded and read all the PDFs from whole9life.com, tacked a couple to the fridge and put copies in my handbag. Wrote my first Whole30 grocery list. Signed up for the Whole30 Daily e-mail. Bought 25 Primal Pacs. Ordered some Pre Made Paleo meals for those *#&@$%! days. Cleared space in my home office for yoga and meditation (and kettlebells). Located my snow shoes, just in case. We even had our first, deep snow right after Christmas. I don't have kiddles, and the Viking and I keep very little junk food in the house (we're both closet/sneak eaters with that carbage) so cupboard cleaning should be easy, and Viking won't hurt my progress. He feels better on lowcarbish eating, so a Paleo lifestyle shouldn't be much of a paradigm shift. NO excuses. I am actually looking forward to this journey, but I feel a bit nervous. Although I have done lowcarb eating, and I've abstained from cereal-grains for a long time, I have never gone completely sugar-dairy free for an appreciable length of time. It's going to be interesting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted January 1, 2013 Share Posted January 1, 2013 I'm starting a Whole30 (my second) on the 7th, too. Sounds like you're doing a good job preparing -- I think the most important thing for me was reading ISWF, because once I wrapped my mind around the tangible reasons "why" I wanted to do it, it was easier to make good choices during weak moments. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derval Posted January 1, 2013 Share Posted January 1, 2013 Another one starting on the 7th you certainly sound in the zone, thankfully not *that* zone! Welcome & good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pedro Sierra Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Glad you are here. It's my first go round with the Whole 30, today being day one. The support, encouragement and suggestions I received from the people on this forum was amazing. It really made a difference for me. I hope you stick it out and get the benefits of your hard work. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stepford WASP Posted January 2, 2013 Author Share Posted January 2, 2013 Thanks for the welcome, everyone. I am looking forward to reading the ISWF book, and I ordered an additional 4 cookbooks (based on some raves here). I have to remind myself that this is a permanent lifestyle change, not a diet. To ensure the best success, I must take the time to make food that looks, smells, and tastes amazing. Going without (grains, dairy, et all) need not be bland and tasteless. I have spent the last couple years involved in time-sucking hobbies isolation tactics that weren't terribly enriching and left me little time, but I have decided to abandon them for the greater good. I'll be adopting a new hobby: becoming a badass cook. It shouldn't be that hard. My mom is brilliant, and my brother is a professional chef/restaurant owner, so crafting something edible should be in my DNA. I'm gonna make a daily taste explosion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melelina Posted January 2, 2013 Share Posted January 2, 2013 Hi there! I am starting on the 7th as well. We have a post-Christmas family function the day before so I picked the next day to start. I look forward to following your journey, especially the bad-ass cook part 'cause my cooking skills aren't that great. I plan on keeping it simple. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara C. Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 I'm so excited to start my Whole30 on 1/7 and I am thrilled to find others starting a week later. My husband turns 30 on 1/6 so I don't want to be super restricted on a day that should be special for him so I have been planning ahead for this trek. Good for you! Good for all of us for going on this journey, and a special "huzzah" right at your honesty. I'll respond to your honesty with my own candor. My downfall is sugar and booze. And white potatoes. And my husband's urge to cheat when I get weak. I regularly maintain an 80/20 primal diet but those are my big weaknesses. My first attempt at the Whole30 lasted only 20 days due to peer pressure, stress while unemployed after a huge move from L.A. to Portland, Oregon (aka "beervana"), and utimately the beer thrown at me be friends trying to cheer me up while unemployed. I enjoy ending a work week with friends and a lovely fermented pint and high-quality chocolate. Missing my best friends in L.A. doesn't help since my local pals harass me when I mention primal, paleo, gluten-/soy-/lechithin-/bean-/legume-/corn-/grain-/sugar-/booze-/pork-free anything (allergy to pork, sensitive to wheat and waiting to be tested for celiac, too much estrogen so I can't have soy). Hence the spiraling downfall on attempt #1. Now that I have been gainfully employed at my dream job for seven (7) months, I am ready to give the Whole30 more than the college try. My husband is also motivated to start the Whole30 since he realized over the holidays that the 20 lbs. he lost last year has returned with a few friends in tow. He had initially been motivated to lose weight and get fit when two uncles passed away within 6 months (!!!) from heart attacks/untreated heart conditions, one from each side of the family. I have also been regularly attending a gym close to work several times a week for the past few months and he has seen the changes in my body with only 20-45 minutes of weights, cardio, stability, etc. two to three times a week and he wants to get fit with me. With both of us on board to start the day after his big 3-0 birthday, I feel that this Whole30 will be a great success. Here's to health and claiming our right to live well with the only body we will ever have! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slync Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 I'm also starting my first Whole30 on 1/7! So glad there are a few others. I thought I'd be alone since so many started Jan 1/2. I've never given any sort of healthy eating a fair chance, and my insides are pretty mad at me about it. I was the one who could eat whatever she wanted and almost not gain any weight. Then I tried to have a baby and my body was like, "whatever, I'm totally not doing that." Hopefully after a Whole30 stint or two my insides will start to forgive me. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara C. Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 Then I tried to have a baby and my body was like, "whatever, I'm totally not doing that." Hopefully after a Whole30 stint or two my insides will start to forgive me. Here's hoping that the Whole30 will help you to resolve some of you issues and move forward with success in your hopeful pregnancy! Nutrition is so, so important for creating the best mini-version of yourself. I recently had a friend conceive after a lengthy process and several failures - she was trying to conceive while on a vegan diet. She started regular acupuncture session (acupuncture increases fertility levels by an average of 60%) and received nutritional counseling during treatments. When she changed her diet to include nutrient dense, grass-fed, organic foods and limited sugar, she conceived. Part of my own motivation for finishing a full Whole30 is my overall goal of prepping my body for conception next year- I only plan for one and I want it to be grrrrrreat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nila Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 So Stepford WASP, are you a writer? Or at least in a creative field? Your posts just have that feel. And floating. Yep. I understand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raerosen Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 Starting 1/7 with my roommate! Glad there will be others doing the same thing and celebrating the same day on February 6! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slync Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 (acupuncture increases fertility levels by an average of 60%) Whoa, I had no idea, but it's funny you mention it because my husband and I were just talking about it as a possibility yesterday. I'm open to giving it a shot, but I'll probably wait until after a solid Whole30. I also have a yoga instructor friend who has helped a few of her students with thyroid problems (which I also deal with) using targeted asanas. So I feel like there are still several options I can look into before moving on to more expensive paths. Good luck with your Whole30! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stepford WASP Posted January 5, 2013 Author Share Posted January 5, 2013 So Stepford WASP, are you a writer? I am. I'm glad so many of us are starting Monday! I actually think I am going to ease into things tomorrow, actually starting tonight, now. It just occurred to me that I'd rather get the worst of carb flu over with this weekend, when I can sleep through both it and any nutbag cravings. I've got a deadline coming up, and I need to be smart for that. It generally takes 2 days after I stop eating sugar before the lethargy fades, so Monday I will either feel awful or I'll be emerging from the fog. Official day 1 will still be 1/7, but I think I need a bit of a head start. I've already cut back and the excessive peeing has commenced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Contessa Posted January 5, 2013 Share Posted January 5, 2013 Stepford WASP, I look forward to hearing how your transition into your Whole 30 goes. You have an delightful voice as a writer, and I hope you'll check in here as often as you feel led. (And yes, this is a purely selfish request ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tevenie Posted January 5, 2013 Share Posted January 5, 2013 Hi, I am also starting on Monday, I have thyroid problems and also have an eyesight problem which the doctors tell me is 'just one of those things' (and incurable) but I am certain it is inflammation/autoimmune related. Hoping to cure it or at least improve it. I have, in addition to my 'real' job, a market stall at which I sell jams, chuntneys, relishes and mustards. A lot of the recipes have sugar in them and I am not sure how I am going to get round the tasting of the products problem. Best of luck to everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarolineCalcote Posted January 5, 2013 Share Posted January 5, 2013 Another January 7th starter. Good luck to all of us. I'm excited! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoRunsWithDogs Posted January 6, 2013 Share Posted January 6, 2013 Hi, I'm starting mine today Jan6th. I picked that date so we would have a good week to make sure our habits at home were well out of holiday mode. My fridge is remarkably empty at the moment and I'm off to the grocery store now to finish stocking up on fresh veggies for the week. Thankfully my freezer is already on par with the Whole30! I'm 7months pregnant and previously a mostly paleo/primal eater, that is until morning sickness hit! I look forward to reading more on everyone's journey! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derval Posted January 6, 2013 Share Posted January 6, 2013 Another 7th starter here's my log Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 Also part of the jan 7th start group. Just trying to finish all my yogurt by midnight... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 Hah, Geoff! At the moment, I'm polishing off the last bit of cheese/crackers in the house, and am having chicken noodle soup tonight! But I'm stocked up on good groceries, and am ready to dive in 100% tomorrow!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 Ann - sitting here with the last of my kefir, sipping it as if it were single malt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stepford WASP Posted January 7, 2013 Author Share Posted January 7, 2013 I got a chuckle out of our Last Supper. BTDT so many times! Here we go! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acer75 Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 Stepford- as others have mentioned, you definitely have a writing talent. I look forward to reading about your success. You have armed yourself with the right tools and resources and it appears you have taken the mental plunge. If you have given up smoking... than I firmly believe this is totally within your realm. You already know the key.. this is not a diet. this is a lifelong change with your relationship with food. This forum has been really helpful and supportive. Cheers and best of luck to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christine Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 Okay here is mine http://forum.whole9life.com/statuses/all/page__member_id__12303 Is there a way to just link our posts to this group? I'm pretty techy and yet can't seem to navigate this site to easily. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaNative Posted January 7, 2013 Share Posted January 7, 2013 Today is my first day and I already feel like I'm starving! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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