Older folks joining September Whole30?

[Twig1124]

Hello All:

I'm a 62-year-old woman from Colorado with a long history of running, writing ... and crappy eating. I'm hoping to connect with other older people joining the September Whole30, as at least some of us lack the resilience and optimism of youth, and may feel uniquely discouraged about the possibility of turning around the results of decades of poor nutrition, which express differently for each of us. 

Anyone else out there who feels the same, and who would appreciate age-appropriate camaraderie and support as we go through this experience?   

Chime in, if so.  September 1 is almost here!

 

-Cate

[pearlgirl2017]

I'm 57 years old.  Gotten so out of shape that I get breathless just putting on my socks and shoes.  I have an exercise bike that I plan to start using again.  I don't want to go back to the circuit at the gym until this latest COVID variant passes.  I really miss the workouts, but both my husband and my mother have had minor strokes and I can't afford to take the chance. 

I am planning on a Sept. 1 start but it may be a few days later.  I'm in north Louisiana and there is the possibility of some severe storms over the next few days, depending on the direction of hurricane Ida once it makes landfall.  It does make it hard to prep for a Whole30.  If we lose power again I have no way to cook all the fresh stuff that will be in the fridge.  

Prayers for everyone that is in it's path.

[Vash]

I hope you are okay PearlGirl2017. After the increasing number of severe storms we are getting in my area of Sydney, we bought a small generator. Best investment ever and much cheaper over the long run than replenishing the fridge and freezer. I’m 48 and in lockdown that has just been extended for 2 months. Have spent the last 2 months being a sloth and eating comfort food so I’m definitely in for the September challenge. Pre-COVIC, I used to do a 30day health kick 4 times a year regularly. Haven’t done one for 18mths now so will need all the camaraderie I can join in with.

[Twig1124]

5 hours ago, pearlgirl2017 said:

I'm 57 years old.  Gotten so out of shape that I get breathless just putting on my socks and shoes.  I have an exercise bike that I plan to start using again.  I don't want to go back to the circuit at the gym until this latest COVID variant passes.  I really miss the workouts, but both my husband and my mother have had minor strokes and I can't afford to take the chance. 

I am planning on a Sept. 1 start but it may be a few days later.  I'm in north Louisiana and there is the possibility of some severe storms over the next few days, depending on the direction of hurricane Ida once it makes landfall.  It does make it hard to prep for a Whole30.  If we lose power again I have no way to cook all the fresh stuff that will be in the fridge.  

Prayers for everyone that is in it's path.

So many factors -- inner and outer -- can conspire to thwart our best intentions, and certainly a hurricane/severe storms are a huge consideration.   Yet being in optimum health gives us our best chance to weather the difficulties of later life and still enjoy some happiness. So here's hoping you're able to join us, Pearlgirl!

 

[Twig1124]

25 minutes ago, Vash said:

I hope you are okay PearlGirl2017. After the increasing number of severe storms we are getting in my area of Sydney, we bought a small generator. Best investment ever and much cheaper over the long run than replenishing the fridge and freezer. I’m 48 and in lockdown that has just been extended for 2 months. Have spent the last 2 months being a sloth and eating comfort food so I’m definitely in for the September challenge. Pre-COVIC, I used to do a 30day health kick 4 times a year regularly. Haven’t done one for 18mths now so will need all the camaraderie I can join in with.

Hey, Vash:

Wildfires and smoke here in the Western United States most of the summer, something I know you can relate to all too readily there.   Hard times for the planet and all its inhabitants.   Glad you got that generator and that you're planning to join in the September Whole30 as we head toward Fall in the U.S., and you toward Spring.  Hang in there during lockdown!   You're not the only one who has turned to comfort food (and drink) during the pandemic.  Perhaps we can help each other kickstart the habit of taking better care of ourselves. 

-Cate

[pearlgirl2017]

We were fortunate the storm went further east.  We have some dark clouds but we're not expecting more than a drizzle of rain later today.  

I've made my meal plan for the next week.  One of my favorites to make for lunch to take to work is an easy and quick to make one pan meal.  It's an egg roll bowl, using coconut aminos in place of the soy sauce and adding a drizzle of Sunshine Sauce. 

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/257429/egg-roll-bowl/  -  The Whole30, The 30-Day Guide to Total Health, pg 320

How 'bout y'all?

[NoreenM62]

Hi everyone.  59 yo here gearing up for a September Whole30--woohoo!! This will be my 3rd go round, my most recent one being last September.  September feels like a good time to me to dive into it all as it often sets the tempo for the fall and, sometimes even, the winter.  My first W30 was back in 2018 when I stuck to the guidelines for the whole 30 days, lost over 10 pounds and felt so good, I continued on it for a couple additional months.  My last round, I wasn't as stringent about staying on topic and, well, I got out of it what I put into it   Thanks, Pearlgirl2017, for sharing that recipe.  I like the one pan meals as well.  A couple of my favorites are:     

The Paleo Running Momma - One-Skillet Chicken with Butternut, Pecans, and Dates | Facebook

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage, Apples and Cranberries {Paleo, Whole30} | The Paleo Running Momma

Good luck to everyone!

[Twig1124]

8 hours ago, pearlgirl2017 said:

We were fortunate the storm went further east.  We have some dark clouds but we're not expecting more than a drizzle of rain later today.  

I've made my meal plan for the next week.  One of my favorites to make for lunch to take to work is an easy and quick to make one pan meal.  It's an egg roll bowl, using coconut aminos in place of the soy sauce and adding a drizzle of Sunshine Sauce. 

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/257429/egg-roll-bowl/  -  The Whole30, The 30-Day Guide to Total Health, pg 320

How 'bout y'all?

That looks tasty!  Thanks for sharing.  I'm going to stick pretty close to the one-week meal plan in the main Whole30 book for the first week, then branch out a little. I joined Butcher Box, prompted by the Whole30 bonus, so I've got a freezer full of great meat/salmon.  Brought produce today and will pick up a few last items at Trader Joe's tomorrow.  The recipes from the book I've tried have been really tasty!  I've got cooked chicken and a pound of ground beef thawing in my refrigerator in anticipation of Day 1.

Sure glad to hear the storm didn't land on top of you! 

[Twig1124]

5 hours ago, NoreenM62 said:

Hi everyone.  59 yo here gearing up for a September Whole30--woohoo!! This will be my 3rd go round, my most recent one being last September.  September feels like a good time to me to dive into it all as it often sets the tempo for the fall and, sometimes even, the winter.  My first W30 was back in 2018 when I stuck to the guidelines for the whole 30 days, lost over 10 pounds and felt so good, I continued on it for a couple additional months.  My last round, I wasn't as stringent about staying on topic and, well, I got out of it what I put into it   Thanks, Pearlgirl2017, for sharing that recipe.  I like the one pan meals as well.  A couple of my favorites are:     

The Paleo Running Momma - One-Skillet Chicken with Butternut, Pecans, and Dates | Facebook

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage, Apples and Cranberries {Paleo, Whole30} | The Paleo Running Momma

Good luck to everyone!

Hi, Noreen!  Good to hear from a Whole30 veteran!  I like your observation about the timing of a September Whole30; it feels like a good time to me, too.  The recipes look wonderful;  the dates and squash should help assuage my sweet tooth if it gets unruly.   

Good luck to you, too.  Where are you from? 

[Healthgrab]

Good luck on this! Hoping to see good results.

[pearlgirl2017]

Just a reminder...don't forget to drink plenty of water.  Some recommend six 8 ounce glasses per day, some recommend half your body weight in ounces.  

[NoreenM62]

Thanks, @Twig1124.  I am located outside of Boston, MA.  I like how you shared that the reason(s) for doing this express differently for each of us. For me, sugar is my nemesis and one of the things I love about Whole30 is how I feel without sugar.  Its a bit of a detox feeling the first few days/week but if I can stick it out that long, its so rewarding to gain dominion over a substance that I abuse and that is basically killing me.  And shocking, too, to realize, once I get over the bumps in the beginning, that I don't really miss it.  Thanks, @pearlgirl2017 for the water reminder!  It helps to feel full!  I am going to do my shopping for week 1 later today and my prep.  Prep, I have found, is key to being successful with this.  

[pearlgirl2017]

1 hour ago, NoreenM62 said:

Prep, I have found, is key to being successful with this.

Ain't that the truth!!!  

[Twig1124]

7 hours ago, pearlgirl2017 said:

Just a reminder...don't forget to drink plenty of water.  Some recommend six 8 ounce glasses per day, some recommend half your body weight in ounces.  

Thanks for that!  We're continually reminded to hydrate in Colorado, but I still sometimes get lax.   A good habit is to down a full glass of water first thing, even before your coffee.  It also helps visually to put your daily allotment in a glass pitcher and leave it out on a counter;  that way, you're reminded to drink throughout the day and finish it before you go to bed. 

 

[Twig1124]

4 hours ago, pearlgirl2017 said:

Ain't that the truth!!!  

With you there!  I've just roasted spaghetti squash and made tomato sauce.  I'm sort of glad I'm feeding just me, as I'll always have leftovers on days I don't feel like cooking.

[Twig1124]

6 hours ago, NoreenM62 said:

Thanks, @Twig1124.  I am located outside of Boston, MA.  I like how you shared that the reason(s) for doing this express differently for each of us. For me, sugar is my nemesis and one of the things I love about Whole30 is how I feel without sugar.  Its a bit of a detox feeling the first few days/week but if I can stick it out that long, its so rewarding to gain dominion over a substance that I abuse and that is basically killing me.  And shocking, too, to realize, once I get over the bumps in the beginning, that I don't really miss it.  Thanks, @pearlgirl2017 for the water reminder!  It helps to feel full!  I am going to do my shopping for week 1 later today and my prep.  Prep, I have found, is key to being successful with this.  

Sugar is the big bad for me, too, Noreen.  Has been for decades.  I'm one of those skinny fat people, so it doesn't necessary show up in weight gain, but I know my body has aged prematurely partly because of it,  and it really messes with my mood.    I'm encouraged by hearing your "over the hump" experience.   I confess I will miss beer, too.  Sigh.  But ... 30 days, and so much (not weight) to gain! 

[Twig1124]

22 hours ago, Healthgrab said:

Good luck on this! Hoping to see good results.

Back to you, Healthgrab!

[pearlgirl2017]

Day 1 is finally underway.  How is everyone  feeling this morning?  I didn't sleep worth a darn last night.  Better sleep is the number 1 thing I am looking to get out of this Whole30.  If I can sleep at night I know my day will be better.  

[Twig1124]

6 hours ago, pearlgirl2017 said:

Day 1 is finally underway.  How is everyone  feeling this morning?  I didn't sleep worth a darn last night.  Better sleep is the number 1 thing I am looking to get out of this Whole30.  If I can sleep at night I know my day will be better.  

Good sleep is SO important, so I can really relate.   I've been having an awful time lately, with a torn rotator cuff that tends to hurt at night, and heat and smoke.   Last night was pretty bad,  and I had breakfast really late for me, 9:30.  So I made a lighter lunch of the breakfast frittata I didn't finish,  with a side of celery with almond butter.   I think I will make the full dinner tonight, but eat only small portions.  It's from the book -- ground meat with homemade tomato sauce and roasted spaghetti squash.  (The frittata was really good -- eggs from my hens and tomatoes from my garden!)  

What's been on your plate today?

[pearlgirl2017]

Day 1

Meal 1:  2 hard-boiled eggs and Dole 100% juice grapefruit

Meal 2:  Egg Roll Bowl

Meal 3:  BLT salad

Day 2

Meal 1:  https://www.stephgaudreau.com/sweet-and-savory-blueberry-omelet/

Meal 2:  Egg Roll Bowl

Meal 3:  my man is grilling some ribeye steaks for dinner and I'll fix a salad to go with it

[pearlgirl2017]

Wow - start of Day 3.  Everyone hanging in there?

[Rebecca001]

I’m on day 5 but I am going to restart tomorrow as I’ve not had a brilliant five days, and today found that my almond milk was not compliant. Plus I also weighed myself which as we all Know is not allowed so that’s the final nail in the coffin. Day 1 will resume tomorrow! 
I have  written my shopping/menu/workout schedule though which is a good start, and will go shopping first thing tomorrow after my bootcamp class. 
Your menu sounds good Pearl girl! I love ribeye steak, my favourite cut. 

[pearlgirl2017]

I can not find ANY compliant almond milk in my area so I try to find the time to make my own.  It's one of those stupid-easy recipes anyone like me can do.  Just 2 ingredients and time.

https://www.livingchirpy.com/easy-unsweetened-almond-milk/#wprm-recipe-container-6884

I find that if you take the time to pinch off the skin after the soaking and before the blending the milk will be creamier and whiter.

[Rebecca001]

I’m in uk and we have a couple of compliant brands, eg  alpro unsweetened. This was a stores own brand, and I stupidly didn’t check. 

[pearlgirl2017]

Day 4 - and the start of the long Labor Day weekend.  These are the times I have the most difficulty staying compliant.  Since I am off work for two and a half days there is no structure, no regular routine to adhere to.  I plan on doing some batch cooking, putting pre-made meals into the freezer.  What is it they say about "The best laid plans..."?

A few things I'm going to try are https://meljoulwan.com/2018/10/31/sweet-spicy-shrimp-stir-fry/

a sheet pan of roasted brussels sprouts and potatoes

https://whole30.com/whole30-salsa-chicken-stew/

and a breakfast casserole of eggs and veggies

Wish me luck.............