Day 31 - Why didn’t it work for me?

[RedOctopusGirl]

 R1D31 I did it. Woot! Unfortunately it didn’t work!! YES, I read the books (all of them). Yes I followed the rules (all of them). I’m a 36yr old female, 4’11” (super short) who works out, mainly weightlifting and strength training with mixed cardio 5-6 days a week. 

 

I finished my first round and did not lose a single pound. I also didn’t lose measurements at all and am still a pant size bigger than my goal. I am exactly the same as I started. 

 

I also had very few NSVs. I was hoping to resolve a mystery histamine-like rash (yes also seeing a doctor about it, who supported trying this), but the rash is still here. My face dermatitis never changed. My digestive issues are exactly the same. In fact some I felt got worse.  Sleep and mood are virtually unchanged. 

 

I couldn’t be more disappointed. I did this to get leaner and resolve above issues. And none NONE of that happened. Perhaps it’s because I already ate SUPER clean? I haven’t eaten junk food or much added sugar in years. No sodas, no processed food (or minimal), so maybe this diet was already too close to my regular one? Maybe it’s because I’m not even five feet tall? And I NEED to count calories because there’s no where for them to go? Maybe it’s because of my fitness level? 

 

I don’t know. But I followed it to a T!! I even used the day-by-day guide! What went wrong???!! 

[ShannonM816]

You might find some of the suggestions here helpful:  https://whole30.com/2018/04/didnt-work/

If you want feedback about your meals, if you're afraid you're eating too much or the wrong mix of things, list a day or two of typical meals, including approximate serving sizes, and we can take a look.

Unfortunately skin issues can take a long time to clear up, and can be caused or worsened by items that are actually whole30 foods. Nightshades cause issues for some people, nuts and seeds can cause issues, high histamine foods can cause issues -- if you are sensitive to something that is whole30 compliant, it might take more time and effort on your part to figure out what's going on. If you want to look into that, I'll link some introductory type articles, if either of them click with you, you could try cutting those foods from your diet, or you could keep a food log and if you notice symptoms increase when you eat certain foods, then you could try reducing or eliminating those particular foods.

Explanation of nightshades:  https://www.thepaleomom.com/what-are-nightshades/

Explanation of histamines:  https://www.stephgaudreau.com/what-is-histamine-intolerance/

Explanation of FODMAPS:  https://www.thepaleomom.com/modifying-paleo-for-fodmap-intolerance/

I am not suggesting cutting all the foods mentioned in all three articles. That would be a lot to deal with. If one stands out to you, just really seems like they were writing about you, try that one. If none of them do, just kind of keep them in mind in case they're useful in the future. 

[RedOctopusGirl]

Thanks so much! I did try to cut out FODMAP stuff and some nightshades about two weeks before I finished. But may not have been long enough. And it was way too much restriction. I didn’t know what to eat/make and I needed energy for my weightlifting. 

After I finish reintroduction, I will try those while I’m able to eat other things.