Here are my official results: (I'm using the same measurements I take for my fitness challenge.)
Chest: -1 in
Waist: -3 in
Hips: Smallest Part -1 in, Widest Part -2 in
Thigh: -.5 in
Upper Arm: -.5 in
Weight: -8 lbs
I'm not at all upset with my results! BUT, I was only .3 of a lb away from an entirely new set of numbers I haven't seen in I have no idea how long so that was like an "aw man, bummer"...for just a second. But that just means I'm really close and that's so exciting! I'm below pre-pregnancy weight and well on my way to finishing what I started 2 1/2 years ago!
Thanks again everyone! A few of you have mentioned wanting to try a Whole30 and, if you do, please reach out to me, let me know and if you need any check-ins or motivation boosters! I couldn't have done it without so much positivity and encouragement around me. I'm truly blessed.
Love y'all!
xo,
Meg
Friday, April 18, 2014
Day 30
Well y'all, it's here! It's the closing of my very last day on my Whole30 journey. I can AND can't believe it. I hate I had a few days in there where I couldnt stay fully compliant due to illness, but I feel like I stayed strong and, based on choices within my control, I made good ones. And I still cannot believe I haven't had sugar for 30 days! I never dreamed I'd be able to do that.
Here's where I stand on how my body feels and how my mind feels:
I don't crave sugar anymore. I used to get ansy and uncomfortable in the evenings when I was trying to talk myself out of a bag of cookies. And after all of that, I'd cave anyway. I don't remember the last time I thought about having a dessert while hanging out in the evenings. I think it was probably around day 15 or maybe even earlier. Of course, desserts sound wonderful, but the fact that I don't feel like I HAVE to have them is the accomplishment.
I feel stronger. My workouts are more effective, I'm doing more reps with better form. I'm concentrating on making that effort, but I can physically push through more now.
I don't feel that awful bloated feeling anymore. Even though my stomach didn't flatten out the way I hoped, I don't feel SO poochy anymore. (My husband did kindly reminded me that I had a baby just almost a year ago.)
I also just wanted to take a minute to celebrate a non-scale victory. I was in desperate need of some new shorts because mine were falling off. I took some time this weekend to go shop and I am officially down 3 sizes from where I started in January! I have gone from having a pair of size 14 jeans in my closet (though mostly 12s...so maybe only 2 sizes) to a size 8/Medium! I honestly cannot remember a time when I was in the single digits. Maybe high school?? I am almost certain I have been at least a size 10 since I was a sophomore in college, and it might have been before that. I still have room for improvement in many specific areas, but I know I'm on my way! I'm making real, measurable changes to my body and it feels amazing!
I guess my biggest discovery is what a huge difference there is in a body that's clean eating and strength training paired with cardio as opposed to a body that's "dieting" and only working cardio. I was doing the latter on my first weight loss journey and, though I am at the same weight right now that I was back then, I was a whole dress size bigger. I think there is a lot of merit in the latter. I mean, weight loss is weight loss and if it's needed to make a healthier you, that's all that matters. But the added benefits of adding in strength training and at least some focus on clean eating is absolutely imperative in my mind now. I may add back in things I've been without for the last 30 days, but they will be the best and healthiest versions of those things possible. And I may throw in a cheat day or enjoy a dessert on occasion, but that just means I may focus on stricter and cleaner choices the rest if the week.
I won't weigh in until the morning, and I'll do another post to let you know the results! But the way I feel is the best example of what some cleaning up can do.
Thank you for sticking by me and encouraging me through all of this. I know I didn't always keep it interesting or do as well as I could have, but I managed to get through and abide by the most important guidelines. So much of that success is because I felt someone was holding me accountable and relying on me to pull through.
It's become very apparent to me that I love a challenge and they motivate me unlike anything else. So...onto the next! I'm ready to implement what I've learned into a functional day-to-day routine and keep kickin more butt in my workouts! This body and my mentality are only going to get stronger!
xo,
Megan
Here's where I stand on how my body feels and how my mind feels:
I don't crave sugar anymore. I used to get ansy and uncomfortable in the evenings when I was trying to talk myself out of a bag of cookies. And after all of that, I'd cave anyway. I don't remember the last time I thought about having a dessert while hanging out in the evenings. I think it was probably around day 15 or maybe even earlier. Of course, desserts sound wonderful, but the fact that I don't feel like I HAVE to have them is the accomplishment.
I feel stronger. My workouts are more effective, I'm doing more reps with better form. I'm concentrating on making that effort, but I can physically push through more now.
I don't feel that awful bloated feeling anymore. Even though my stomach didn't flatten out the way I hoped, I don't feel SO poochy anymore. (My husband did kindly reminded me that I had a baby just almost a year ago.)
I also just wanted to take a minute to celebrate a non-scale victory. I was in desperate need of some new shorts because mine were falling off. I took some time this weekend to go shop and I am officially down 3 sizes from where I started in January! I have gone from having a pair of size 14 jeans in my closet (though mostly 12s...so maybe only 2 sizes) to a size 8/Medium! I honestly cannot remember a time when I was in the single digits. Maybe high school?? I am almost certain I have been at least a size 10 since I was a sophomore in college, and it might have been before that. I still have room for improvement in many specific areas, but I know I'm on my way! I'm making real, measurable changes to my body and it feels amazing!
I guess my biggest discovery is what a huge difference there is in a body that's clean eating and strength training paired with cardio as opposed to a body that's "dieting" and only working cardio. I was doing the latter on my first weight loss journey and, though I am at the same weight right now that I was back then, I was a whole dress size bigger. I think there is a lot of merit in the latter. I mean, weight loss is weight loss and if it's needed to make a healthier you, that's all that matters. But the added benefits of adding in strength training and at least some focus on clean eating is absolutely imperative in my mind now. I may add back in things I've been without for the last 30 days, but they will be the best and healthiest versions of those things possible. And I may throw in a cheat day or enjoy a dessert on occasion, but that just means I may focus on stricter and cleaner choices the rest if the week.
I won't weigh in until the morning, and I'll do another post to let you know the results! But the way I feel is the best example of what some cleaning up can do.
Thank you for sticking by me and encouraging me through all of this. I know I didn't always keep it interesting or do as well as I could have, but I managed to get through and abide by the most important guidelines. So much of that success is because I felt someone was holding me accountable and relying on me to pull through.
It's become very apparent to me that I love a challenge and they motivate me unlike anything else. So...onto the next! I'm ready to implement what I've learned into a functional day-to-day routine and keep kickin more butt in my workouts! This body and my mentality are only going to get stronger!
xo,
Megan
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Day 29
Evening! Can't believe I'm headed into my last day! I went to the store today to get some of the things I plan on adding back in to my diet (Greek yogurt, almond milk-I could have had this if I'd made my own, but no...) and it felt strange. I DID find some awesome organic, no nitrates, nothing-but-meat-and-salt turkey and ham at the Commissary though!
I only got to have a Larabar for breakfast. We were on the go.
Lunch was leftover chicken tenders and collards from last night.
I snacked on cashews and a banana in the afternoon.
I made these Crispy Chicken Thighs again for dinner. I added the red pepper this time because I felt like a little spice. Paired it with a steam bag of veggies that had zucchini, carrots and peppers.
Had a great workout today that made me feel strong. I'm sore and I know it'll be worse tomorrow, so gonna make sure to get in plenty of water and stretching.
Have a good day y'all!
xo,
Megan
I only got to have a Larabar for breakfast. We were on the go.
Lunch was leftover chicken tenders and collards from last night.
I snacked on cashews and a banana in the afternoon.
I made these Crispy Chicken Thighs again for dinner. I added the red pepper this time because I felt like a little spice. Paired it with a steam bag of veggies that had zucchini, carrots and peppers.
Had a great workout today that made me feel strong. I'm sore and I know it'll be worse tomorrow, so gonna make sure to get in plenty of water and stretching.
Have a good day y'all!
xo,
Megan
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Day 28
Hi there! Hope everyone had a fantastic Tuesday. I'm super sore today. And it's so much worse at night, right before you want to get comfortable in bed. Why is that? My workout yesterday targeted my weak spots (arms and abs), and I am making it a point to really focus on improving my form so they were much more effective. I actually haven't had any muscle soreness in a long time, so this isn't cool. But I'm glad to know I worked hard.
My food day:
Breakfast-scrambled eggs
Lunch-chicken salad
Snack-Nakd bar and cashews
Dinner-Sautéed chicken tenderloins and collard greens
I truly can't believe I'm only two days away from the finish. I've been pinning Paleo recipes like crazy on Pinterest. I'm really looking forward to trying some clean recipes that aren't SO restricted. What I do love about having taken on this endeavor though is that I no longer question AT ALL if I could go Paleo. I've thought about trying Paleo countless times over the last 8 months or so, but it always seemed so impossible, so hard. Now I know that I definitely can.
I've also been fantasizing about what I'll eat when this is over. I've got to stop that cause crazy things are popping into my head (Jack in the Box tacos??? What???), but it's not like I ate those 28 days ago. I'm not new to watching what I eat. It's like my brain wants my body to go on a free-for-all in 3 days. Just have to remember that Day 31 shouldn't be much different from Days 1-30.
See y'all tomorrow!
xo,
Megan
My food day:
Breakfast-scrambled eggs
Lunch-chicken salad
Snack-Nakd bar and cashews
Dinner-Sautéed chicken tenderloins and collard greens
I truly can't believe I'm only two days away from the finish. I've been pinning Paleo recipes like crazy on Pinterest. I'm really looking forward to trying some clean recipes that aren't SO restricted. What I do love about having taken on this endeavor though is that I no longer question AT ALL if I could go Paleo. I've thought about trying Paleo countless times over the last 8 months or so, but it always seemed so impossible, so hard. Now I know that I definitely can.
I've also been fantasizing about what I'll eat when this is over. I've got to stop that cause crazy things are popping into my head (Jack in the Box tacos??? What???), but it's not like I ate those 28 days ago. I'm not new to watching what I eat. It's like my brain wants my body to go on a free-for-all in 3 days. Just have to remember that Day 31 shouldn't be much different from Days 1-30.
See y'all tomorrow!
xo,
Megan
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Day 27
Evening y'all. It's been a busy day I feel like. The munchkin has decided to protest sleep apparently, so I was running on E this morning, but thankfully got in a nap late this afternoon.
Breakfast was eggs. Surprise, surprise. I did try them mug-style today though. They overcooked but I liked the ease. I am so tired of washing the same pan every day.
I had a Larabar while running errands since I wouldn't get lunch until after Gymboree class was over at 1. We actually ran to the mall after that though so I didn't eat my chicken salad wrap until we got home at 2:30.
I made these pork chops on a whim tonight. They were in the fridge and needed to be cooked so I went recipe hunting. They were very good. Not overdone and good flavor. I had a sweet potato on the side.
With my last days on the plan at my door, I'm trying to figure out where to go. I'm not sure if I should go back to calorie counting like I was doing before or just stay focused on what my body is telling me it needs. It's been nice not having to plug foods into an app every day. I know I'm gonna be doing a lot of Paleo recipe searching. I'll be glad to be able to add back in some things like honey and yogurt for cooking purposes.
Have a good Tuesday everyone!
xo,
Megan
Breakfast was eggs. Surprise, surprise. I did try them mug-style today though. They overcooked but I liked the ease. I am so tired of washing the same pan every day.
I had a Larabar while running errands since I wouldn't get lunch until after Gymboree class was over at 1. We actually ran to the mall after that though so I didn't eat my chicken salad wrap until we got home at 2:30.
I made these pork chops on a whim tonight. They were in the fridge and needed to be cooked so I went recipe hunting. They were very good. Not overdone and good flavor. I had a sweet potato on the side.
With my last days on the plan at my door, I'm trying to figure out where to go. I'm not sure if I should go back to calorie counting like I was doing before or just stay focused on what my body is telling me it needs. It's been nice not having to plug foods into an app every day. I know I'm gonna be doing a lot of Paleo recipe searching. I'll be glad to be able to add back in some things like honey and yogurt for cooking purposes.
Have a good Tuesday everyone!
xo,
Megan
Monday, April 14, 2014
Day 26
It was a fairly simple day. When I make food in bulk, it's for convenience, which equals redundancy.
Breakfast: Eggs and coffee (I'm so glad my stomach feels like coffee again!)
Lunch: chicken salad with Paleo wrap
Dinner: last of the Garbage Stirfry
Snacks: Banana, Nakd Bar (Pecan Pie...yum!)
So, as the end approaches, I feel that I should fully disclose the second reason I did this (second to the sugar addiction). I feel awkward talking about it for some reason, I just don't like the word. But I did it cause I felt chronically bloated. Just poochy tummy, felt like a balloon, and I heard that one of the great side effects was a reduction in that. And then as you add things back in post Whole30, you might learn the causes. There's a chance I've figured out mine. I hadn't felt that way in at least 2 weeks from what I can remember. I felt lighter and just better. But I'm back to that blimp feeling. I got the stomach bug and lived off of soup (with noodles) and crackers for two days. I'm wondering if there's a correlation now with grains. I know that I could still just be healing from the bug, but it makes me very interested to see what effects foods have as I add them back in. I'm not going to lie, I'm really disappointed that I'm back to feeling "poochy" again, but at least I know what can help it.
Hopefully my body will catch up soon and I'll feel as great as I was pre-evil-monster-stomach-bug.
xo,
Megan
Breakfast: Eggs and coffee (I'm so glad my stomach feels like coffee again!)
Lunch: chicken salad with Paleo wrap
Dinner: last of the Garbage Stirfry
Snacks: Banana, Nakd Bar (Pecan Pie...yum!)
So, as the end approaches, I feel that I should fully disclose the second reason I did this (second to the sugar addiction). I feel awkward talking about it for some reason, I just don't like the word. But I did it cause I felt chronically bloated. Just poochy tummy, felt like a balloon, and I heard that one of the great side effects was a reduction in that. And then as you add things back in post Whole30, you might learn the causes. There's a chance I've figured out mine. I hadn't felt that way in at least 2 weeks from what I can remember. I felt lighter and just better. But I'm back to that blimp feeling. I got the stomach bug and lived off of soup (with noodles) and crackers for two days. I'm wondering if there's a correlation now with grains. I know that I could still just be healing from the bug, but it makes me very interested to see what effects foods have as I add them back in. I'm not going to lie, I'm really disappointed that I'm back to feeling "poochy" again, but at least I know what can help it.
Hopefully my body will catch up soon and I'll feel as great as I was pre-evil-monster-stomach-bug.
xo,
Megan
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Day 25
Hey hey! Not too shabby of a day. And I got out for an afternoon run! Felt good.
Breakfast was scrambled eggs with bananas, blueberries and raspberries.
Lunch was this recipe for a Garbage Stirfry that was recommended to me. It worked out perfectly because I had a half pound ground lamb and a half pound ground turkey I needed to use. It was really tasty and makes great leftovers.
Dinner was a Paleo wrap of chicken salad I've made before and a little more Stirfry when I got hungry later.
I had a Key Lime Larabar in there too today. Those are super yummy.
Feeling back to 100% and so glad.
It's late though and I need sleep.
xo,
Meg
Breakfast was scrambled eggs with bananas, blueberries and raspberries.
Lunch was this recipe for a Garbage Stirfry that was recommended to me. It worked out perfectly because I had a half pound ground lamb and a half pound ground turkey I needed to use. It was really tasty and makes great leftovers.
Dinner was a Paleo wrap of chicken salad I've made before and a little more Stirfry when I got hungry later.
I had a Key Lime Larabar in there too today. Those are super yummy.
Feeling back to 100% and so glad.
It's late though and I need sleep.
xo,
Meg
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Day 24
So...this could be very short.
My eating was identical to yesterday. Okay, goodnight.
I know...I'm so boring. The husband caught the sickness though and I was trying to limit the smells in the house, so I didn't want to cook anything too crazy. I did make chicken salad though, so you'll get to hear about how I've had that for lunch for the next 6 days.
To recap. Eggs for breakfast, Nakd bar and almonds on the go for lunch, leftover chicken thighs and steam veggies for dinner.
I know I'm not particularly inspiring, but this has just been an all around awful week. I know I hardly ate either, but I haven't been working out since recovering from the yuckiness and I haven't been very hungry. I make sure to listen to the hunger.
I'll be back at it again tomorrow though. I've missed my workouts and I'm recharged a bit now.
Hope everyone enjoys their Saturday!
xo,
Meg
My eating was identical to yesterday. Okay, goodnight.
I know...I'm so boring. The husband caught the sickness though and I was trying to limit the smells in the house, so I didn't want to cook anything too crazy. I did make chicken salad though, so you'll get to hear about how I've had that for lunch for the next 6 days.
To recap. Eggs for breakfast, Nakd bar and almonds on the go for lunch, leftover chicken thighs and steam veggies for dinner.
I know I'm not particularly inspiring, but this has just been an all around awful week. I know I hardly ate either, but I haven't been working out since recovering from the yuckiness and I haven't been very hungry. I make sure to listen to the hunger.
I'll be back at it again tomorrow though. I've missed my workouts and I'm recharged a bit now.
Hope everyone enjoys their Saturday!
xo,
Meg
Friday, April 11, 2014
Day 23
Hey y'all.
Welcome to my last week!
I hate to have taken a little detour, but I seem to be just about back on track.
I still don't have a huge appetite, but I'm sitting here at 10pm waiting for some chicken thighs to finish baking because my tummy said, okay, enough is enough.
I managed to eat almost 2 whole scrambled eggs for breakfast.
I had some almonds and half a Nakd bar for a snack.
I didn't eat "lunch" until 3:45, but it was some veggie soup.
Now, my chicken thighs with some steam bag veggies. I know it's ridiculously late to be eating, but I figure I should listen to my body after these last few days. (Plus, I'll have leftovers.)
I've got a prep day planned for tomorrow. My resolve is weakening a bit so I'm planning on making some things do get me through lunches and blank spots I might need to fill in this last week.
See y'all tomorrow!
xo,
Megan
Welcome to my last week!
I hate to have taken a little detour, but I seem to be just about back on track.
I still don't have a huge appetite, but I'm sitting here at 10pm waiting for some chicken thighs to finish baking because my tummy said, okay, enough is enough.
I managed to eat almost 2 whole scrambled eggs for breakfast.
I had some almonds and half a Nakd bar for a snack.
I didn't eat "lunch" until 3:45, but it was some veggie soup.
Now, my chicken thighs with some steam bag veggies. I know it's ridiculously late to be eating, but I figure I should listen to my body after these last few days. (Plus, I'll have leftovers.)
I've got a prep day planned for tomorrow. My resolve is weakening a bit so I'm planning on making some things do get me through lunches and blank spots I might need to fill in this last week.
See y'all tomorrow!
xo,
Megan
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Day 22
Hey there.
It was another day of just chicken noodle soup and crackers. Sorry.
I'm feeling better, but definitely not 100%. I'm hoping tomorrow I'll feel like a real, and compliant, breakfast.
This thing stinks man. I'm so sorry for any of you who have been hit with the bug this year. It is ROUGH.
Hopefully tomorrow will be the day I can get back on track for these last 8 days. I absolutely hate that I can't honestly say I did a fully compliant 30 days, especially when I was so close and I knew I wasn't going to cave. But I know I can only do what my body allows, and I don't feel guilt over what I've had to eat the last two days. Just some disappointment.
Anyway, hope everyone is well and not suffering through sickness.
xo,
Megan
It was another day of just chicken noodle soup and crackers. Sorry.
I'm feeling better, but definitely not 100%. I'm hoping tomorrow I'll feel like a real, and compliant, breakfast.
This thing stinks man. I'm so sorry for any of you who have been hit with the bug this year. It is ROUGH.
Hopefully tomorrow will be the day I can get back on track for these last 8 days. I absolutely hate that I can't honestly say I did a fully compliant 30 days, especially when I was so close and I knew I wasn't going to cave. But I know I can only do what my body allows, and I don't feel guilt over what I've had to eat the last two days. Just some disappointment.
Anyway, hope everyone is well and not suffering through sickness.
xo,
Megan
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Day 21
This will be short today. I'm in the throws of an awful stomach bug that started in the middle of the night last night.
I hate this happened now. Though I haven't eaten but one thing today (just now), it's the only thing I could stomach...and it's not compliant. I got organic chicken noodle soup and did avoid the noodles, but I had saltine crackers with it. I also had some Vitamin Water this morning cause it was all that sounded good. It didn't stay down though (so did I technically not drink it???).
Anyway. I don't intend to start my 30 days over just because of something that's out of my control, but I won't let this keep me from staying strong the next 9 days.
I truly, truly hate this happened, but I've gotta do what I've gotta do too.
Hope it passes soon and the babe and hubby don't get it. I'm so thankful he was able to come home from work this morning to help me. I got some good rest and hopefully will tonight as well.
xo,
Megan
I hate this happened now. Though I haven't eaten but one thing today (just now), it's the only thing I could stomach...and it's not compliant. I got organic chicken noodle soup and did avoid the noodles, but I had saltine crackers with it. I also had some Vitamin Water this morning cause it was all that sounded good. It didn't stay down though (so did I technically not drink it???).
Anyway. I don't intend to start my 30 days over just because of something that's out of my control, but I won't let this keep me from staying strong the next 9 days.
I truly, truly hate this happened, but I've gotta do what I've gotta do too.
Hope it passes soon and the babe and hubby don't get it. I'm so thankful he was able to come home from work this morning to help me. I got some good rest and hopefully will tonight as well.
xo,
Megan
Day 20
Uneventful food day. Breakfast was an an accidental omelet (I.e. I got distracted and forgot to scramble the eggs) and blueberries. Lunch was the last leftover hamburger patty and a spinach salad from the Down to Earth store. Dinner was late and random because I didn't plan ahead. A sweet potato, half an avocado, and bacon. Yup. Surprisingly satisfying though. I got the Nakd bars I ordered, so I was anxious to try one! I had the Gingerbread flavor while sipping some coffee and it was awesome. Y'all should check them out here.
The good news is that I was a winner in my DietBet! I weighed in 2lbs less than my goal so that's great! I had to submit official weigh in photos so as soon as they are authorized, I'll find out how many ways he pot will be split.
I've got some new recipes I'm trying this week. Trying to really plan for these last 10 days.
xo,
Megan
The good news is that I was a winner in my DietBet! I weighed in 2lbs less than my goal so that's great! I had to submit official weigh in photos so as soon as they are authorized, I'll find out how many ways he pot will be split.
I've got some new recipes I'm trying this week. Trying to really plan for these last 10 days.
xo,
Megan
Monday, April 7, 2014
Day 19
Hey y'all :)
Not much to report today. It's my rest day so no exercise, though we did take the girls on a walk this evening. It was cut shirt by some rain though.
I went and got my hair done for the first time in 6 months, so I feel like a new woman.
Breakfast was two fried eggs, bananas and blackberries.
I had a Larabar at the salon because I was star ing. It took way longer than I'd planned for.
Lunch was two leftover hamburger patties and half a steam bag of broccoli, cauliflower and carrots.
Since I didn't get to eat until about 3:45, it's 9pm and I'm not very hungry. I just snacked on some cashews. It's times like this when I wish I could just heat up a quick can of soup or have a Laughing Cow cheese on a Wasa cracker.
Hope everyone had a nice weekend! And hope your Monday isn't too Monday-ish.
xo,
Megan
Not much to report today. It's my rest day so no exercise, though we did take the girls on a walk this evening. It was cut shirt by some rain though.
I went and got my hair done for the first time in 6 months, so I feel like a new woman.
Breakfast was two fried eggs, bananas and blackberries.
I had a Larabar at the salon because I was star ing. It took way longer than I'd planned for.
Lunch was two leftover hamburger patties and half a steam bag of broccoli, cauliflower and carrots.
Since I didn't get to eat until about 3:45, it's 9pm and I'm not very hungry. I just snacked on some cashews. It's times like this when I wish I could just heat up a quick can of soup or have a Laughing Cow cheese on a Wasa cracker.
Hope everyone had a nice weekend! And hope your Monday isn't too Monday-ish.
xo,
Megan
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Day 18-It's a doozie y'all!
It was a big day for me, and it sort of put me in that "Tiger blood" mode they talk about you getting in days 15-27.
Today was the 90th and final day of the fitness challenge I have been a part of since January 6th. I just really can't believe it's over. No, what I can't believe most is that I actually committed to working out 6 days a week for 3 months (minus 4 days I missed if I'm being completely honest).
The program came at a time when I desperately needed motivation and an answer to my biggest problem...I seriously couldn't go to the gym. I won't drag on the explanation but mix husband's work schedule, no gym daycare, not knowing any sitters, and Hawaii traffic, and, as hard I tried to figure out a way, there just wasn't one.
When I was told about this 90 day challenge by some amazing moms who had their babies right around the time I did, and they wanted to do it together, hold each other accountable, I said okay, no excuses. I've got a built in support system but I don't have to tell anyone in my day-to-day life in case I fall off the wagon. I had the weights, I had Amelia's nap times and I could start immediately. They were four days ahead, but I started that hour and I got caught up really quick.
I did suffer in the beginning. I truly thought I might be out after the first week because of such severe knee pain and inflammation. I went to the doctor and met once with a physical therapist, but we couldn't really make a regular appointment work (thanks to military office hours). I thought I was done if I couldn't do the PT because, how would I get any better? After rest, ice, and gentle walking on cardio days, I started to notice the pain decreasing. I wasn't having flare ups anymore, I was getting some of the extra weight and pressure off my joints and I was correcting my form on my strength training exercises. And now, I'm back to running and I have hardly any discomfort, ever.
I am just so grateful that the program existed and to the ladies who pointed me in this direction, who held my hand and struggled with me, who told me to hang in there and who celebrated with me today! (They got to see my before and after pictures.)
Round 2 starts on May 5th and I think she's either got a mini program for the month in between or I'll just start Round 1 over again for the time being. But I'm going into it 12.5" smaller and 20.6lbs lighter. I'm back to my pre-pregnancy weight, back in my pre-pregnancy size and I am so ready to continue where I left off almost 2 years ago. I have been on a weight loss journey since June 2011, losing 40lbs, but with a little hiatus there to have my beautiful daughter, then losing 20 of it again, and I am so pumped to keep it going! I beam on the inside over what I have accomplished, and not out of vanity, but because I have done things I never thought I could do. I have discipline and self-control the 2010, 183lb, classified obese (yep...puttin it all out there) version of me never dreamed possible.
So, I've still got 13 days left of this newest endeavor, my Whole30. As excited as I am to return to a "normal" eating life, I am equally excited to work these clean eating techniques and new habits into my new food life. Like I said, I have no intention of binging or celebrating on Day 31. I intend to keep up what has worked and work in a few of the better, "less Paleo" foods that I know work for me and how my body uses food as fuel. I've got a lot more to learn over the next 13 days too!
Today I didn't do so hot on eating enough. This really is a huge struggle for me. I forget to eat or I just don't get to it until I'm starving. That's no way to treat you body, I know. But here was my day...
Breakfast-Larabar...oops.
Lunch-Andouille sausage with steam bag broccoli
Dinner-hamburger patty, baked (in the microwave) sweet potato with a little coconut oil to smooth it, and the rest of my steam bag broccoli.
Snacks-grapes, cashews
Thanks for hanging in there for this long post. I'm feeling inspired and motivated. Most of all, I just want to be the absolute best version of myself for my daughter, my husband, my family and friends, and being healthy and confident in my abilities helps me do that.
I've still got a ways to go (and I'm not just talking about the number on the scale), but I am more confident than ever that it's just past my fingertips.
Love yall and your tremendous support.
xo,
Megan
Today was the 90th and final day of the fitness challenge I have been a part of since January 6th. I just really can't believe it's over. No, what I can't believe most is that I actually committed to working out 6 days a week for 3 months (minus 4 days I missed if I'm being completely honest).
The program came at a time when I desperately needed motivation and an answer to my biggest problem...I seriously couldn't go to the gym. I won't drag on the explanation but mix husband's work schedule, no gym daycare, not knowing any sitters, and Hawaii traffic, and, as hard I tried to figure out a way, there just wasn't one.
When I was told about this 90 day challenge by some amazing moms who had their babies right around the time I did, and they wanted to do it together, hold each other accountable, I said okay, no excuses. I've got a built in support system but I don't have to tell anyone in my day-to-day life in case I fall off the wagon. I had the weights, I had Amelia's nap times and I could start immediately. They were four days ahead, but I started that hour and I got caught up really quick.
I did suffer in the beginning. I truly thought I might be out after the first week because of such severe knee pain and inflammation. I went to the doctor and met once with a physical therapist, but we couldn't really make a regular appointment work (thanks to military office hours). I thought I was done if I couldn't do the PT because, how would I get any better? After rest, ice, and gentle walking on cardio days, I started to notice the pain decreasing. I wasn't having flare ups anymore, I was getting some of the extra weight and pressure off my joints and I was correcting my form on my strength training exercises. And now, I'm back to running and I have hardly any discomfort, ever.
I am just so grateful that the program existed and to the ladies who pointed me in this direction, who held my hand and struggled with me, who told me to hang in there and who celebrated with me today! (They got to see my before and after pictures.)
Round 2 starts on May 5th and I think she's either got a mini program for the month in between or I'll just start Round 1 over again for the time being. But I'm going into it 12.5" smaller and 20.6lbs lighter. I'm back to my pre-pregnancy weight, back in my pre-pregnancy size and I am so ready to continue where I left off almost 2 years ago. I have been on a weight loss journey since June 2011, losing 40lbs, but with a little hiatus there to have my beautiful daughter, then losing 20 of it again, and I am so pumped to keep it going! I beam on the inside over what I have accomplished, and not out of vanity, but because I have done things I never thought I could do. I have discipline and self-control the 2010, 183lb, classified obese (yep...puttin it all out there) version of me never dreamed possible.
So, I've still got 13 days left of this newest endeavor, my Whole30. As excited as I am to return to a "normal" eating life, I am equally excited to work these clean eating techniques and new habits into my new food life. Like I said, I have no intention of binging or celebrating on Day 31. I intend to keep up what has worked and work in a few of the better, "less Paleo" foods that I know work for me and how my body uses food as fuel. I've got a lot more to learn over the next 13 days too!
Today I didn't do so hot on eating enough. This really is a huge struggle for me. I forget to eat or I just don't get to it until I'm starving. That's no way to treat you body, I know. But here was my day...
Breakfast-Larabar...oops.
Lunch-Andouille sausage with steam bag broccoli
Dinner-hamburger patty, baked (in the microwave) sweet potato with a little coconut oil to smooth it, and the rest of my steam bag broccoli.
Snacks-grapes, cashews
Thanks for hanging in there for this long post. I'm feeling inspired and motivated. Most of all, I just want to be the absolute best version of myself for my daughter, my husband, my family and friends, and being healthy and confident in my abilities helps me do that.
I've still got a ways to go (and I'm not just talking about the number on the scale), but I am more confident than ever that it's just past my fingertips.
Love yall and your tremendous support.
xo,
Megan
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Day 17
Whew, busy day I feel like. Managed to eat well despite that though, which I'm proud of.
Breakfast was scrambled eggs(2 eggs, 2 egg whites), kiwi and coffee.
I snacked on almonds on our way to Gymboree.
Lunch was sautéed chicken breast (just salt and pepper) and a veggie steam bag (I had to remove the potatoes from it so it was actually the whole bag this time)
I had a Larabar as a snack.
Dinner was this salmon recipe that I found on a whim when I decided I needed to do something with what I had in the fridge. It was actually really great. Some of the best he's had, according to the hubby. I had some frozen butternut squash that I heated in a pot. Man, did I want some brown sugar and butter on it though.
I had some cashews after dinner.
Still feeling like I'm having cravings. We ran some errands tonight and had to go to the Sears next to Chili's. The smell of fried food about killed me. I don't think I'm feeling as strong a desire for sugar as I did though. Well, I know I'm not, but I'm not sure it's gone entirely. When I saw you could get a blizzard in a waffle cone now...well, I wished it was Day 31. I have no intention of having a "celebration" meal though. That would defeat the purpose of everything I'm trying to accomplish and teach myself through this process. Now, if the next weekend we want to go out to eat, I won't be so strict. And I am really looking forward to adding my Greek yogurt back to my mornings.
Hope everyone has a great Saturday!
xo,
Megan
Breakfast was scrambled eggs(2 eggs, 2 egg whites), kiwi and coffee.
I snacked on almonds on our way to Gymboree.
Lunch was sautéed chicken breast (just salt and pepper) and a veggie steam bag (I had to remove the potatoes from it so it was actually the whole bag this time)
I had a Larabar as a snack.
Dinner was this salmon recipe that I found on a whim when I decided I needed to do something with what I had in the fridge. It was actually really great. Some of the best he's had, according to the hubby. I had some frozen butternut squash that I heated in a pot. Man, did I want some brown sugar and butter on it though.
I had some cashews after dinner.
Still feeling like I'm having cravings. We ran some errands tonight and had to go to the Sears next to Chili's. The smell of fried food about killed me. I don't think I'm feeling as strong a desire for sugar as I did though. Well, I know I'm not, but I'm not sure it's gone entirely. When I saw you could get a blizzard in a waffle cone now...well, I wished it was Day 31. I have no intention of having a "celebration" meal though. That would defeat the purpose of everything I'm trying to accomplish and teach myself through this process. Now, if the next weekend we want to go out to eat, I won't be so strict. And I am really looking forward to adding my Greek yogurt back to my mornings.
Hope everyone has a great Saturday!
xo,
Megan
Friday, April 4, 2014
Day 16
I was starving today. I had a good run and the winds were so strong it became quite the endurance exercise so that could be why.
I had scrambled eggs for breakfast with coffee, hallelujah, because I got more filters. Little Bit had a rough night so I needed it.
I snacked on almonds and a banana before my run.
I didn't get to eat "lunch" until about 2pm but it was good. Corey made some chicken breasts last night with a recipe he found. No idea where he found it, but it consisted of smoked paprika, garlic and basil. He seared it in a skillet and it was quite tasty. I had two of those with a steam bag of broccoli and cauliflower (yep...the whole bag).
It was fend for yourself for dinner so I made kale chips for the first time. Not sure if I used too much oil, but they weren't as "can't eat just one" as I thought they'd be. I think I'd get sick if I ate too many. But I can see the appeal if done right. I had an andouille sausage with them. I snacked on some guacamole, carrots and peppers before dinner.
Since dinner wasn't as fulfilling as I hoped, I had a Larabar when I was still hungry.
It's Friday for all of you on the mainland! Hope it's a nice one :)
xo,
Meg
I had scrambled eggs for breakfast with coffee, hallelujah, because I got more filters. Little Bit had a rough night so I needed it.
I snacked on almonds and a banana before my run.
I didn't get to eat "lunch" until about 2pm but it was good. Corey made some chicken breasts last night with a recipe he found. No idea where he found it, but it consisted of smoked paprika, garlic and basil. He seared it in a skillet and it was quite tasty. I had two of those with a steam bag of broccoli and cauliflower (yep...the whole bag).
It was fend for yourself for dinner so I made kale chips for the first time. Not sure if I used too much oil, but they weren't as "can't eat just one" as I thought they'd be. I think I'd get sick if I ate too many. But I can see the appeal if done right. I had an andouille sausage with them. I snacked on some guacamole, carrots and peppers before dinner.
Since dinner wasn't as fulfilling as I hoped, I had a Larabar when I was still hungry.
It's Friday for all of you on the mainland! Hope it's a nice one :)
xo,
Meg
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Day 15
Halfway there!!!
Just another day. I wasn't great on breakfast (just a Larabar) because we had to hit the road to go to the commissary early.
For lunch and dinner I had leftover Tostados from last night. They were very good again. Not gonna lie, I had another Larabar thrown in there too. I needed a pick me up.
I guess I could take some time to reflect on how I'm feeling so far. I am very happy to have made it without any slip ups or cheats. I don't think I've lived without a cheat day for months.
I am completing more reps in my workouts and I find that I don't put in the half-effort on the last reps like I've done in the past. I push harder through them and enjoy it. My endurance seems a bit better as well.
I've noticed an increase in my flexibility lately and my stretches are deeper and more effective.
One thing I'm not experiencing that they say might be a positive side effect is joint pain relief. My hips still ache by nighttime and, though my knee pain is very minimal now, I still experience the tightness I've had in the backs of my knees. I am really hoping this is a side effect that comes up in this second half.
As far as weight goes, I will have to cheat and weigh in this weekend because my 90 day fitness challenge is coming to an end and I have a DietBet going to weigh in for as well (wish me luck!). I'll let y'all know how much I'm down then.
I'm recharging and trying to come up with new recipes that include more veggies throughout my day. I really need to focus on that.
xo,
Megan
Just another day. I wasn't great on breakfast (just a Larabar) because we had to hit the road to go to the commissary early.
For lunch and dinner I had leftover Tostados from last night. They were very good again. Not gonna lie, I had another Larabar thrown in there too. I needed a pick me up.
I guess I could take some time to reflect on how I'm feeling so far. I am very happy to have made it without any slip ups or cheats. I don't think I've lived without a cheat day for months.
I am completing more reps in my workouts and I find that I don't put in the half-effort on the last reps like I've done in the past. I push harder through them and enjoy it. My endurance seems a bit better as well.
I've noticed an increase in my flexibility lately and my stretches are deeper and more effective.
One thing I'm not experiencing that they say might be a positive side effect is joint pain relief. My hips still ache by nighttime and, though my knee pain is very minimal now, I still experience the tightness I've had in the backs of my knees. I am really hoping this is a side effect that comes up in this second half.
As far as weight goes, I will have to cheat and weigh in this weekend because my 90 day fitness challenge is coming to an end and I have a DietBet going to weigh in for as well (wish me luck!). I'll let y'all know how much I'm down then.
I'm recharging and trying to come up with new recipes that include more veggies throughout my day. I really need to focus on that.
xo,
Megan
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Day 14
Well, I fell off the wagon today...
April Fool's!! ;) Sorry, had to.
It was a fine day. Actually, identical to yesterday up until dinner.
For dinner I made this dish, Plantain Tostados with Cilantro Lime Chicken and Ranchero Sauce. Overall, I'd call this one a success despite some mistakes on my part and some missing/slightly different ingredients. I forgot to sauté the onion and garlic for the ranchero sauce and just put them in to purée raw (you know, distracted by a screaming kid who gets mad when I baby gate her out of the kitchen). In my opinion, the sauce recipe calls for much garlic, but my cloves were rather big. My plantains were not very ripe but after reading the comments on the recipe, it didn't seem as though it would hurt. I really like these as an alternative to tortillas. They had good flavor and resembled a corn tortilla. I'll probably make mine thinner next time and mine didn't brown the way the picture shows. I might make double chicken next time. Since, for right now, I can't have beans which is usually what I have on the side of a taco, I used a whole chicken thigh on my one tostado and it doesn't leave much in the way of leftovers, or enough for all six Tostados. The chicken would taste great over a salad with salsa too. I didn't have any guacamole, but that would have been great on top.
Hope everyone had a good Tuesday. See ya tomorrow.
xo,
Megan
April Fool's!! ;) Sorry, had to.
It was a fine day. Actually, identical to yesterday up until dinner.
For dinner I made this dish, Plantain Tostados with Cilantro Lime Chicken and Ranchero Sauce. Overall, I'd call this one a success despite some mistakes on my part and some missing/slightly different ingredients. I forgot to sauté the onion and garlic for the ranchero sauce and just put them in to purée raw (you know, distracted by a screaming kid who gets mad when I baby gate her out of the kitchen). In my opinion, the sauce recipe calls for much garlic, but my cloves were rather big. My plantains were not very ripe but after reading the comments on the recipe, it didn't seem as though it would hurt. I really like these as an alternative to tortillas. They had good flavor and resembled a corn tortilla. I'll probably make mine thinner next time and mine didn't brown the way the picture shows. I might make double chicken next time. Since, for right now, I can't have beans which is usually what I have on the side of a taco, I used a whole chicken thigh on my one tostado and it doesn't leave much in the way of leftovers, or enough for all six Tostados. The chicken would taste great over a salad with salsa too. I didn't have any guacamole, but that would have been great on top.
Hope everyone had a good Tuesday. See ya tomorrow.
xo,
Megan
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Day 13
Truckin' along over here.
Breakfast was leftover Pumpkin Breakfast Pudding (I'm becoming more of a fan of this as the days go on) and two fried eggs. I can't make coffee right now because I'm out of filters. I could have really used it this morning.
Lunch.was.just.awesome. I used this recipe for Chicken Salad, with a few modifications. I only used about 1lb of chicken (just boiled boneless, skinless breast), I left out the pecans (not on purpose), the red onion (on purpose), I used less of everything to remain proportionate to the chicken, and the only seasonings I used were salt and pepper (and significantly less than she recommends). I put it in one of these Paleo Wraps that I found at out local whole foods store. It's essentially just coconut meat made into a sort of square tortilla. I am a wrap fiend. If there's one on a menu at a restaurant, you can almost bet on me ordering it. So, it was really nice having that option. It didn't taste too coconut-y and gave it an extra texture that I miss not having breads. I had my wrap with Brussel sprouts, almonds and a mix of cantaloupe and honeydew.
It was so good I had it for dinner too...
I'm excited for the dinner I'm planning tomorrow (so long as I find a whole roasted pepper).
xo,
Megan
p.s. I'm well aware that the chicken salad isn't "healthy" per se. I mean mayo is mayo, Paleo or not. The difference in Paleo mayo and real mayo is the use of olive oil instead of vegetable oil and no added sugar. I'm sure it's not terribly lighter as far as fat and calories go (though I haven't looked into it). I used as little light mayo as possible on a sandwich or wrap before starting my Whole30 and only used regular if I felt a recipe deserved the full flavor. So, why am I even bothering making it now and adding it in to my diet more frequently...it seems? Well the majority of the Paleo mayo went to the ranch dressing I made, which I ate a lot of (light versions), before going clean. It also just helps me have some semblance of normality. So, I felt I needed a type of comfort food to keep up my positivity about this endeavor and the chicken salad helped. As I was standing over the bowl with a fork in my hand at 9:30pm, I realized I need to watch myself with it. One of the points of this journey is to come to terms with the fact that food shouldn't be used as a reward or to make me feel better just because I'm tired, irritable, sad, happy...whatever emotion. I just wanted everyone to know that I'm keeping my emotional relationship with food in check as well.
p.s. I'm well aware that the chicken salad isn't "healthy" per se. I mean mayo is mayo, Paleo or not. The difference in Paleo mayo and real mayo is the use of olive oil instead of vegetable oil and no added sugar. I'm sure it's not terribly lighter as far as fat and calories go (though I haven't looked into it). I used as little light mayo as possible on a sandwich or wrap before starting my Whole30 and only used regular if I felt a recipe deserved the full flavor. So, why am I even bothering making it now and adding it in to my diet more frequently...it seems? Well the majority of the Paleo mayo went to the ranch dressing I made, which I ate a lot of (light versions), before going clean. It also just helps me have some semblance of normality. So, I felt I needed a type of comfort food to keep up my positivity about this endeavor and the chicken salad helped. As I was standing over the bowl with a fork in my hand at 9:30pm, I realized I need to watch myself with it. One of the points of this journey is to come to terms with the fact that food shouldn't be used as a reward or to make me feel better just because I'm tired, irritable, sad, happy...whatever emotion. I just wanted everyone to know that I'm keeping my emotional relationship with food in check as well.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Day 12
Today was my rest day and much needed. I even got to sleep in!
I didn't eat the way I should i.e. I missed breakfast. We were running errands and time slipped away.
For lunch, I had the leftover curry chicken legs from last night and a salad. They are seriously so good. Y'all need to try that one.
Dinner didn't happen until after the girl was in bed, but it was a good throw together meal. I had a chicken andouille sausage, sautéed some yellow squash with onion (this always makes me think of my Grandmamma), and some Brussel sprouts.
Snacked on some raisins, cashews, grapes, half an apple and a banana in there as well. (I'm probably eating too much fruit, huh?)
I made some chicken salad that's coming together in the fridge overnight. I'm excited to have it for lunch tomorrow.
Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Our Wildcats won big so there was a lot of celebrating going on in the Hendrick house.
Have a happy Monday!
xo.
Megan
I didn't eat the way I should i.e. I missed breakfast. We were running errands and time slipped away.
For lunch, I had the leftover curry chicken legs from last night and a salad. They are seriously so good. Y'all need to try that one.
Dinner didn't happen until after the girl was in bed, but it was a good throw together meal. I had a chicken andouille sausage, sautéed some yellow squash with onion (this always makes me think of my Grandmamma), and some Brussel sprouts.
Snacked on some raisins, cashews, grapes, half an apple and a banana in there as well. (I'm probably eating too much fruit, huh?)
I made some chicken salad that's coming together in the fridge overnight. I'm excited to have it for lunch tomorrow.
Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Our Wildcats won big so there was a lot of celebrating going on in the Hendrick house.
Have a happy Monday!
xo.
Megan
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Day 11
I'm a bit under the weather, as is the little one, and I am up entirely too late watching a movie but...
Good news. Made it through the second "quittin" day.
Breakfast was leftover Pumpkin Breakfast Pudding from yesterday and a cup of black coffee.
Lunch was a nitrate free, organic andouille sausage with a bit of homemade,compliant Paleo mayo and leftover coconut shrimp and veggies from dinner last night.
After my run I was starving so I ate a banana and pack of raisins.
For dinner we made these Curried Chicken Drumsticks with Carrots and it was very easy and quite good. We couldn't believe you baked them at 475 for 40 minutes, but they came out really tender and the skin was perfect. We mixed the seasoning together in a bowl and rolled the chicken in it, then the carrots. I will say, don't drench the carrots in it because they can get a little spicy if you do. I'm a wimp though, so go for it if you're stronger than me. I had a side salad with mine which my husband had brown rice as it suggests.
For a movie snack, I had a bowl of cantaloupe, honeydew and blackberries. Now, melon and blackberries are Whole30 best choice options for fruit which is great. What I failed at, if I'm being super strict, is that I ate them not out of real hunger, but just because. Maybe I was having a sugar craving, maybe it's just because I'm used to having a snack during a movie. Either way, it doesn't help me mentally get past that "addiction". This is just in interest of full disclosure. Now, I am all for anyone trying this plan in any capacity and level of commitment to the rules they like. Any clean eating is better than none. I don't feel guilt because I know I was putting something worthwhile into my body. But I just need to acknowledge and accept why I ate it and how that affects one of my goals of getting rid of the hold sugar has on me.
Have a wonderful Sunday! More basketball to enjoy. I will be forcing my husband to eat the cheese dip he's planning on making in the kitchen. ;) Go Wildcats!
xo,
Megan
Good news. Made it through the second "quittin" day.
Breakfast was leftover Pumpkin Breakfast Pudding from yesterday and a cup of black coffee.
Lunch was a nitrate free, organic andouille sausage with a bit of homemade,compliant Paleo mayo and leftover coconut shrimp and veggies from dinner last night.
After my run I was starving so I ate a banana and pack of raisins.
For dinner we made these Curried Chicken Drumsticks with Carrots and it was very easy and quite good. We couldn't believe you baked them at 475 for 40 minutes, but they came out really tender and the skin was perfect. We mixed the seasoning together in a bowl and rolled the chicken in it, then the carrots. I will say, don't drench the carrots in it because they can get a little spicy if you do. I'm a wimp though, so go for it if you're stronger than me. I had a side salad with mine which my husband had brown rice as it suggests.
For a movie snack, I had a bowl of cantaloupe, honeydew and blackberries. Now, melon and blackberries are Whole30 best choice options for fruit which is great. What I failed at, if I'm being super strict, is that I ate them not out of real hunger, but just because. Maybe I was having a sugar craving, maybe it's just because I'm used to having a snack during a movie. Either way, it doesn't help me mentally get past that "addiction". This is just in interest of full disclosure. Now, I am all for anyone trying this plan in any capacity and level of commitment to the rules they like. Any clean eating is better than none. I don't feel guilt because I know I was putting something worthwhile into my body. But I just need to acknowledge and accept why I ate it and how that affects one of my goals of getting rid of the hold sugar has on me.
Have a wonderful Sunday! More basketball to enjoy. I will be forcing my husband to eat the cheese dip he's planning on making in the kitchen. ;) Go Wildcats!
xo,
Megan
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Day 10
Held it together for day 10. According to the timeline, day 10 and 11 are the days you are most likely to give up, so I powered through it by focusing on making all new recipes and reasserting myself to my goals.
For breakfast, I made this Pumpkin Breakfast Pudding. I could only make a half batch because I didn't have as much coconut milk as I thought I did, but I still used a whole banana. I also had to add a lot more almond meal to the oil for the topping for it to even resemble the photo. It still never browned or baked up as I expected it to. The overall flavor was good though and I welcomed the change. I still had an egg with it though. I'm desperately trying to figure out ways to get more veggies into my day.
For a late lunch I just did some chicken tenderloins over coconut oil in the skillet. I had a salad and carrots with that. It was really easy and tasty.
For dinner, I used this Coconut Shrimp recipe. I also made the mango-pineapple sauce she recommends at the end. It was really good, but we made way too much and probably didn't purée it as smooth as she did...which equals baby food for the girl. I also made my own sweet potato fries, and ...let's pretend I didn't forget about them in the oven and burn them terribly. So, with a sad heart, I had a bag of steamed veggies on the side. They are so handy, and as long as you get the ones without the sauces, they are compliant.
Corey asked me this evening if I was feeling any different and the answer is no. I feel exactly the same. Still the same symptoms I'm trying to fix with this plan and I feel like I'm still at the same measurements. But honestly, that doesn't bother me. I'm just amazed that I've been 10 days without sugar, without putting a single processed food in my body, and I also know that my body is still adjusting and figuring out the changes I'm making.
Gonna gear up to stay on plan for the weekend. Hope everyone has a great one!
xo,
Megan
For breakfast, I made this Pumpkin Breakfast Pudding. I could only make a half batch because I didn't have as much coconut milk as I thought I did, but I still used a whole banana. I also had to add a lot more almond meal to the oil for the topping for it to even resemble the photo. It still never browned or baked up as I expected it to. The overall flavor was good though and I welcomed the change. I still had an egg with it though. I'm desperately trying to figure out ways to get more veggies into my day.
For a late lunch I just did some chicken tenderloins over coconut oil in the skillet. I had a salad and carrots with that. It was really easy and tasty.
For dinner, I used this Coconut Shrimp recipe. I also made the mango-pineapple sauce she recommends at the end. It was really good, but we made way too much and probably didn't purée it as smooth as she did...which equals baby food for the girl. I also made my own sweet potato fries, and ...let's pretend I didn't forget about them in the oven and burn them terribly. So, with a sad heart, I had a bag of steamed veggies on the side. They are so handy, and as long as you get the ones without the sauces, they are compliant.
Corey asked me this evening if I was feeling any different and the answer is no. I feel exactly the same. Still the same symptoms I'm trying to fix with this plan and I feel like I'm still at the same measurements. But honestly, that doesn't bother me. I'm just amazed that I've been 10 days without sugar, without putting a single processed food in my body, and I also know that my body is still adjusting and figuring out the changes I'm making.
Gonna gear up to stay on plan for the weekend. Hope everyone has a great one!
xo,
Megan
Friday, March 28, 2014
Day 9
Just so y'all know, I was just doing my stretches before bed and I was fixated on a turkey club sandwich. My mind is so mean. And obviously still working on supressing those nasty cravings.
Today was fine. Ate three solid meals and a snack. Nothing to write home about...yet I'm still writing.
I had two fried eggs with bananas and blackberries for breakfast. p.s. Have y'all ever eaten a blackberry with a slice of banana. delicious.
I did make Paleo Mayo and with it I made a Paleo Ranch Dressing. These made me feel slightly more "normal". I had the ranch on a romaine and tomato salad with a leftover hamburger patty from last night for lunch.
I didn't know what I wanted to make for dinner so it ended up just being leftovers after we ran an errand and got munchkin ready for bed. I ate the last burger patty and the left over asparagus.
I've got three new recipes I'm PLANNING on making tomorrow. Hopefully I'll follow through.
I wish I could figure out if there's anything I could eat at restaurants. I just don't see anything that would be completely compliant. It would be nice to pick up something quick from time to time.
Hope everyone has a wonderful Friday! UK basketball is tomorrow. Wish I could have a beer to take the edge off ;)
Go Wildcats!
xo,
Megan
Today was fine. Ate three solid meals and a snack. Nothing to write home about...yet I'm still writing.
I had two fried eggs with bananas and blackberries for breakfast. p.s. Have y'all ever eaten a blackberry with a slice of banana. delicious.
I did make Paleo Mayo and with it I made a Paleo Ranch Dressing. These made me feel slightly more "normal". I had the ranch on a romaine and tomato salad with a leftover hamburger patty from last night for lunch.
I didn't know what I wanted to make for dinner so it ended up just being leftovers after we ran an errand and got munchkin ready for bed. I ate the last burger patty and the left over asparagus.
I've got three new recipes I'm PLANNING on making tomorrow. Hopefully I'll follow through.
I wish I could figure out if there's anything I could eat at restaurants. I just don't see anything that would be completely compliant. It would be nice to pick up something quick from time to time.
Hope everyone has a wonderful Friday! UK basketball is tomorrow. Wish I could have a beer to take the edge off ;)
Go Wildcats!
xo,
Megan
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Day 8
Hey y'all. This is gonna be a quick one cause I am in bed as I type and ready for my head to hit the pillow.
Today wasn't anything special, and actually I made the mistake of basically skipping lunch all together. I know, shame on me. I had a late breakfast and had a workout, shower, getting ready to do while A took her nap. Then she needed to be fed and we had errands to run. Excuses, excuses. I know, I've got to get more consistent with my mealtimes.
Breakfast was scrambled eggs with a side of raspberries and blueberries. I snacked on a Larabar in the car, and cashews after I got home. Dinner was good though. I fried up a hamburger patty in the skillet with coconut oil, roasted some asparagus and had a yummy spinach salad that I picked up at the Down to Earth whole foods store when we were getting a few things. It was all easy which is great.
Hope everyone had a good day! Thanks again to everyone who reads this. Getting great feedback on Facebook and helpful advice and tips! I'm really lucky to have a great support system :)
xo,
Megan
Today wasn't anything special, and actually I made the mistake of basically skipping lunch all together. I know, shame on me. I had a late breakfast and had a workout, shower, getting ready to do while A took her nap. Then she needed to be fed and we had errands to run. Excuses, excuses. I know, I've got to get more consistent with my mealtimes.
Breakfast was scrambled eggs with a side of raspberries and blueberries. I snacked on a Larabar in the car, and cashews after I got home. Dinner was good though. I fried up a hamburger patty in the skillet with coconut oil, roasted some asparagus and had a yummy spinach salad that I picked up at the Down to Earth whole foods store when we were getting a few things. It was all easy which is great.
Hope everyone had a good day! Thanks again to everyone who reads this. Getting great feedback on Facebook and helpful advice and tips! I'm really lucky to have a great support system :)
xo,
Megan
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Day 7
One week in the books! And it wasn't a bad day at that.
For breakfast, I knew I needed to be eating more colors, so I went outside my comfort zone. Don't worry, it was still eggs...but what was supposed to be a veggie omelet turned in to an accidental frittata for like 10 people. No, but seriously, it ended up waaay bigger than I intended. I could only eat half. I chopped up some orange and yellow bell pepper, broccoli and mushrooms and had two pieces of bacon on the side. Yummy protein pre-run.
Little Bit and I went to the grocery store so lunch was a little late and, as always, thrown together. (I don't disappoint.) It did the trick though. I had a can of sustainable salmon (a brand called Wild Planet recommended by the Whole30 following because it doesn't contain soy like many canned fishes do) with a squeeze of lemon, a sliced tomato, hard boiled egg and half an avocado. I've been eating lunches like this a lot in the last couple of months. They offer a lot of bang for your buck.
I found a bar that's Whole30 compliant, and at the Commissary no less. Cue the Angel choir! The Larabar uses dates as a binder for nuts and fruit. Of course, I can't have any of the chocolate or peanut butter flavored (and definitely not the cookies and cream), but just having an option of a little grab and go snack is wonderful. I will have to concentrate on not using them to curb a sweet craving though and only use them as an energy boost or hunger squasher. Someone also recommended the brand Nakd to me. They are based in the UK so I will have to order them, but I'd like to try it.
Dinner didn't come together until late again, but it was actually quite successful! Husband approved even. I made these Crispy Italian Chicken Thighs. They were cooked perfectly, held in their moisture and the skin was crispy and really flavorful. (I didn't even mind the garlic.) I might go a little easy on the seasoning next time, but that's just personal preference. They were still super tasty and really easy. I had them with a side of steam bag veggies. (Sorry there's a bite missing. Oops.)
They say day 6 and 7 are the "I need a nap days". I would agree. Then again, I always feel like I need a nap. But I actually fell asleep on the couch during the girl's afternoon siesta. I don't normally do that except on the weekends sometimes.
I'm feeling a little better overall about the process. I still have my cravings (right now for instance, I just want a cupcake), but I'm extremely susceptible to advertising and things around me, and currently we have cupcakes in the house for a friend's birthday. I've really got to get some ideas for different breakfasts and lunches. I've found a couple I'll be trying in the next several days. Hopefully they'll be hits!
Thanks for reading and staying interested, even if only slightly. Just knowing that anyone is reading this helps me to stay motivated. I used to be a hardcore quitter, but I'm different now. The last two years, with my first weight loss journey, then being pregnant and having Amelia, and now my second go round with weight loss and consistent exercise, they've all played a huge part in who I am today and my outlook on my health and my life and everything I want out of them. This is just another stepping stone in figuring out what works for me.
xo,
Megan
Little Bit and I went to the grocery store so lunch was a little late and, as always, thrown together. (I don't disappoint.) It did the trick though. I had a can of sustainable salmon (a brand called Wild Planet recommended by the Whole30 following because it doesn't contain soy like many canned fishes do) with a squeeze of lemon, a sliced tomato, hard boiled egg and half an avocado. I've been eating lunches like this a lot in the last couple of months. They offer a lot of bang for your buck.
I found a bar that's Whole30 compliant, and at the Commissary no less. Cue the Angel choir! The Larabar uses dates as a binder for nuts and fruit. Of course, I can't have any of the chocolate or peanut butter flavored (and definitely not the cookies and cream), but just having an option of a little grab and go snack is wonderful. I will have to concentrate on not using them to curb a sweet craving though and only use them as an energy boost or hunger squasher. Someone also recommended the brand Nakd to me. They are based in the UK so I will have to order them, but I'd like to try it.
Dinner didn't come together until late again, but it was actually quite successful! Husband approved even. I made these Crispy Italian Chicken Thighs. They were cooked perfectly, held in their moisture and the skin was crispy and really flavorful. (I didn't even mind the garlic.) I might go a little easy on the seasoning next time, but that's just personal preference. They were still super tasty and really easy. I had them with a side of steam bag veggies. (Sorry there's a bite missing. Oops.)
They say day 6 and 7 are the "I need a nap days". I would agree. Then again, I always feel like I need a nap. But I actually fell asleep on the couch during the girl's afternoon siesta. I don't normally do that except on the weekends sometimes.
I'm feeling a little better overall about the process. I still have my cravings (right now for instance, I just want a cupcake), but I'm extremely susceptible to advertising and things around me, and currently we have cupcakes in the house for a friend's birthday. I've really got to get some ideas for different breakfasts and lunches. I've found a couple I'll be trying in the next several days. Hopefully they'll be hits!
Thanks for reading and staying interested, even if only slightly. Just knowing that anyone is reading this helps me to stay motivated. I used to be a hardcore quitter, but I'm different now. The last two years, with my first weight loss journey, then being pregnant and having Amelia, and now my second go round with weight loss and consistent exercise, they've all played a huge part in who I am today and my outlook on my health and my life and everything I want out of them. This is just another stepping stone in figuring out what works for me.
xo,
Megan
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Day 6-I'm sorry for the words I spoke out of hanger...
Today, a little better. Not so mad. Not so sad. Not thinking of how I can get out of this crazy mess.
Though I still only had meals based on convenience, I felt more satisfied and content. Maybe it was because I was more active today than yesterday (my rest day for the week), with taking the girl to Gymboree and doing my workout. (She also only took one nap so that kept me busy.)
My meals:
Breakfast was scrambled eggs and whites and I browned up some nitrate free turkey in the pan. I had a side of blueberries and raspberries.
Lunch was the leftover taco meat from Saturday night and a bed of romaine with salsa.
Dinner wasn't thrown together until 830 after little bit was in bed. And thanks to my cousin Emily who posted this awesome recipe for roasted broccoli, I had something to work with. I didn't add any garlic because, well, the thought of anymore garlic in my diet makes me queasy. It's like the thing everyone just throws into any potentially bland dish to make it acceptable. (Okay, maybe I'm still a wee bit cranky.) The little crunch and crispness of this side was exactly what I was craving. And I had yet another chicken apple sausage with the broccoli. My husband pointed out to me though that it's not so bad to have the redundancy of a meal you know is easy, within the rules, and ready to go when you just don't have the time or any idea of what to come up with, especially in these early stages. I'm just about over the chicken/apple flavor, but it's kept me in line when it would have been so easy to cave and run out to get something I shouldn't have.
I had some cashews and a kiwi thrown in there somewhere today.
I'm on a mission to find new recipes to try this week. I've got a list going right now and a trip to the store planned for tomorrow. Hopefully I'll prove to some of you who are reading this as a way to determine if you want to try it that it's not always going to be this hard and you can try new and good foods!
xo,
Megan
Though I still only had meals based on convenience, I felt more satisfied and content. Maybe it was because I was more active today than yesterday (my rest day for the week), with taking the girl to Gymboree and doing my workout. (She also only took one nap so that kept me busy.)
My meals:
Breakfast was scrambled eggs and whites and I browned up some nitrate free turkey in the pan. I had a side of blueberries and raspberries.
Lunch was the leftover taco meat from Saturday night and a bed of romaine with salsa.
Dinner wasn't thrown together until 830 after little bit was in bed. And thanks to my cousin Emily who posted this awesome recipe for roasted broccoli, I had something to work with. I didn't add any garlic because, well, the thought of anymore garlic in my diet makes me queasy. It's like the thing everyone just throws into any potentially bland dish to make it acceptable. (Okay, maybe I'm still a wee bit cranky.) The little crunch and crispness of this side was exactly what I was craving. And I had yet another chicken apple sausage with the broccoli. My husband pointed out to me though that it's not so bad to have the redundancy of a meal you know is easy, within the rules, and ready to go when you just don't have the time or any idea of what to come up with, especially in these early stages. I'm just about over the chicken/apple flavor, but it's kept me in line when it would have been so easy to cave and run out to get something I shouldn't have.
I had some cashews and a kiwi thrown in there somewhere today.
I'm on a mission to find new recipes to try this week. I've got a list going right now and a trip to the store planned for tomorrow. Hopefully I'll prove to some of you who are reading this as a way to determine if you want to try it that it's not always going to be this hard and you can try new and good foods!
xo,
Megan
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Day 5-Kill ALL the things
Not going lie, I didn't eat the way I am supposed to today. I didn't deter from the rules, I just hardly ate. I guess I just felt unmotivated and didn't feel like preparing. Fail on my part. I had eggs and my bacon for breakfast, cashews around 2pm and then we threw together some Mahi Mahi we needed to use. We seared it in a pan with some lemon zest, thyme, garlic, and salt and pepper. I had a baked sweet potato on the side.
I reference the "kill all the things" because that's what they say most feel on days 4 and 5. Yep, that's fairly accurate today. Just not feeling like I've got a hang on preparation and making the most of the foods I can use. I'm going to do better!
xo,
Megan
I reference the "kill all the things" because that's what they say most feel on days 4 and 5. Yep, that's fairly accurate today. Just not feeling like I've got a hang on preparation and making the most of the foods I can use. I'm going to do better!
xo,
Megan
Day 4
Howdy everybody.
So, Day 4. According to my husband, I'm grouchy. I don't feel grouchy, but apparently my lack of enthusiasm for conversing makes me grouchy. I do feel a bit sluggish and tired today. That accompanied with my never-prepared-weekend-self makes for potential grouchiness.
I didn't take a picture of breakfast well, because it was eggs. Y'all know what eggs look like. The child was particularly temperamental this morning so it wasn't giving me much time to focus on making breakfast. I needed some quick protein before my run.
Lunch was a concoction. I just threw together some things during nap time. It was a Chicken Apple Sausage, some guacamole and veggies and a hard boiled egg.
I had a banana for a snack. Super yummy...again.
Dinner was grass-fed beef with homemade taco seasoning. I put it on top of romaine and topped with organic salsa and a side of guacamole. Here's the recipe where I got the idea. It has the recipe for the taco seasoning. I left out the red pepper flakes and for 1lb of beef, I only used half the seasoning. I also added salt.
Sorry the pictures won't load today for some reason.
I know this isn't very interesting, but like I said, I'm mostly just using it to stay accountable for what I eat. When I start to feel some results, I'm sure these will become more interesting.
Hope everyone has a great rest of your weekend!
xo,
Meg
So, Day 4. According to my husband, I'm grouchy. I don't feel grouchy, but apparently my lack of enthusiasm for conversing makes me grouchy. I do feel a bit sluggish and tired today. That accompanied with my never-prepared-weekend-self makes for potential grouchiness.
I didn't take a picture of breakfast well, because it was eggs. Y'all know what eggs look like. The child was particularly temperamental this morning so it wasn't giving me much time to focus on making breakfast. I needed some quick protein before my run.
Lunch was a concoction. I just threw together some things during nap time. It was a Chicken Apple Sausage, some guacamole and veggies and a hard boiled egg.
I had a banana for a snack. Super yummy...again.
Dinner was grass-fed beef with homemade taco seasoning. I put it on top of romaine and topped with organic salsa and a side of guacamole. Here's the recipe where I got the idea. It has the recipe for the taco seasoning. I left out the red pepper flakes and for 1lb of beef, I only used half the seasoning. I also added salt.
Sorry the pictures won't load today for some reason.
I know this isn't very interesting, but like I said, I'm mostly just using it to stay accountable for what I eat. When I start to feel some results, I'm sure these will become more interesting.
Hope everyone has a great rest of your weekend!
xo,
Meg
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Day 3
Hey y'all!
Had a decent day. I got to go in to work so I was pretty preoccupied and kept my cravings to a minimum. I had a cute lunch date too (okay, two cute dates). I didn't eat while they were there though, but managed to hold my composure while the husband ate an awesome looking and smelling Quiznos sandwich. Here were my meals:
Breakfast: I scrambled one whole egg and two egg whites and had a side of nitrate free, organic bacon. It was delish. I also had a banana when I got to the office, and it may have been the best tasting banana I've ever had in my life. I think it did something for my sweet tooth.
Lunch: Well this...just not great. I baked a thin cut, boneless skinless chicken breast last night with a little salt, onion powder and smoked paprika. It just wasn't very tasty warmed up. I ate it though. If nothing else, I needed the protein. I had it with a side of arugula, red bell pepper, the lemon vinaigrette I made, tomatoes, blueberries and raspberries.
I snacked on a combo of cashews, almonds and macadamia nuts in the afternoon. I took a hard boiled egg but didn't get to it.
Dinner: I made this eggplant dish tonight and it turned out great! I was really wanting a "stick to the ribs" kind of meal and it hit the spot. I didn't use any cayenne pepper (I just don't like things too
spicy) and I used half of the black pepper the recipe calls for, for the same reason. I didn't have anything on the side, but boy did I want some pasta, Parmesan cheese on top and a big side salad with ranch dressing. But again, it was satisfying without any of that too.
Had a decent day. I got to go in to work so I was pretty preoccupied and kept my cravings to a minimum. I had a cute lunch date too (okay, two cute dates). I didn't eat while they were there though, but managed to hold my composure while the husband ate an awesome looking and smelling Quiznos sandwich. Here were my meals:
Breakfast: I scrambled one whole egg and two egg whites and had a side of nitrate free, organic bacon. It was delish. I also had a banana when I got to the office, and it may have been the best tasting banana I've ever had in my life. I think it did something for my sweet tooth.
Lunch: Well this...just not great. I baked a thin cut, boneless skinless chicken breast last night with a little salt, onion powder and smoked paprika. It just wasn't very tasty warmed up. I ate it though. If nothing else, I needed the protein. I had it with a side of arugula, red bell pepper, the lemon vinaigrette I made, tomatoes, blueberries and raspberries.
I snacked on a combo of cashews, almonds and macadamia nuts in the afternoon. I took a hard boiled egg but didn't get to it.
Dinner: I made this eggplant dish tonight and it turned out great! I was really wanting a "stick to the ribs" kind of meal and it hit the spot. I didn't use any cayenne pepper (I just don't like things too
spicy) and I used half of the black pepper the recipe calls for, for the same reason. I didn't have anything on the side, but boy did I want some pasta, Parmesan cheese on top and a big side salad with ranch dressing. But again, it was satisfying without any of that too.
It's the weekend and they always spell trouble for me. My planning just usually goes out the window since the hubs is home and we go run around. Gonna stay on track though! I'm determined to see what can really happen when you're fully committed to the plan!
Friday, March 21, 2014
Day 2
Two things to be proud of:
I drank coffee black today and didn't hate it. It's amazing what we will do out of desperation. I've been going to green tea for an afternoon pick me up these last couple of months, but that wasn't going to cut it today.
And my husband. He's been eating everything I make at dinner. He's had zucchini two nights in a row and that's amazing for him! Helps me feel supported as well.
So here were my meals for the day:
Breakfast: Two eggs fried with just a little coconut oil and an apple. (Sorry, I break my yolks and don't like em pretty. Also, I was feeding Amelia at the same time.)
Snack: I was really loving the Special K Protein cereal with almond milk before I started this plan and have been craving it. I saw a little mixture like this on Pinterest and thought it might curb the craving. It was a perfect post-run snack. Strawberries, blueberries, cashews, and coconut flakes. I then poured a little coconut milk over it.
Lunch: I threw this one together too. (Like I said, it was a rough day.) I rolled Nitrate free turkey around avocado then added just a little salt and pepper. I had some kiwi and leftover hash from yesterday's breakfast on the side.
Dinner: Nothing about this one came out as planned. These were supposed to be Apple Cider Vinegar Porkchops, but I forgot the chicken broth so they are just seared and finished off in the oven. I made these Zucchini Fritters, but either I failed epically or we should just stop trying to make "bad" things (like a fried fritter) healthier. The flavor was there but they were falling apart and just didn't cook right. Then I just added some leftover green beans from last night.
So there you have it, Day 2. Hoping I get into a groove by next week. I think I'm feeling some of the funkiness they say the first week can bring.
I'm working tomorrow, so I'm packing up my lunch and snacks right now. I'm pretty excited about how it's looking. Gotta stay prepared!
xo,
Megan
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Day 1
Day 1 in the books. Not going to lie, my 8pm sugar craving came and all I could think about were cookies or a piece of chocolate and a Diet Coke. Thankfully, all of that is out of the house! I wouldn't have caved, not this soon.
It's small habitual things you just don't notice. I had to really watch myself from not doing things like eating the other half of my daughter's string cheese or taking my vitamins with my husband's Gatorade. Things I just do.
Anyway, no giant changes of course, but just knowing I did not put a single processed thing in my body today makes me smile a little. I also really enjoyed cooking three completely new meals today. And here they are.
Breakfast: Sweet Potato, Apple, and Pancetta Hash. Recipe Here
Lunch: Applegate Nitrate Free Organic Chicken and Apple Sausage, an arugula salad with avocado, red pepper and homemade lemon vinaigrette and a half a grapefruit
Dinner: Lemon Dill Salmon and zucchini baked in parchment with Garlic a Roasted Green Beans. Recipe for Salmon Here and Green Beans Here
Snacks: Natural cashews and macadamia nuts, strawberries
I have pictures but can't seem to get them on here. If I figure it out I'll add them later.
xo,
Megan
It's small habitual things you just don't notice. I had to really watch myself from not doing things like eating the other half of my daughter's string cheese or taking my vitamins with my husband's Gatorade. Things I just do.
Anyway, no giant changes of course, but just knowing I did not put a single processed thing in my body today makes me smile a little. I also really enjoyed cooking three completely new meals today. And here they are.
Breakfast: Sweet Potato, Apple, and Pancetta Hash. Recipe Here
Lunch: Applegate Nitrate Free Organic Chicken and Apple Sausage, an arugula salad with avocado, red pepper and homemade lemon vinaigrette and a half a grapefruit
Dinner: Lemon Dill Salmon and zucchini baked in parchment with Garlic a Roasted Green Beans. Recipe for Salmon Here and Green Beans Here
Snacks: Natural cashews and macadamia nuts, strawberries
I have pictures but can't seem to get them on here. If I figure it out I'll add them later.
xo,
Megan
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
T-10 Hours...
...until breakfast, and the start of my very first day on my Whole30 journey. For those that haven't heard of the Whole30 program, it's 30 days of strict clean eating meant to be utilized as a "nutritional reset". Though, for me, it's the beginning of what I hope will be an entirely new relationship with food. Now, don't think this means I won't touch the things I love again (see you in April Chic-fil-a), but I hope it will teach me how to incorporate these better choices into realistic, day-to-day eating habits.
I'm here because I have a problem. I am a sugar addict. It's real. Cravings, withdrawals, denial. What brought me here was when I opened my pantry 5 days ago and realized I had 7 boxes of cookies. No one person should be able to claim 7 boxes of cookies as their own (and I can't pin them on my husband or my 10 month old who has 2.5 teeth ). And I don't binge on cookies, but 2-3 a night, because of a relentless craving, adds up.
Aside from the cookies, I took a look at where else in my day I was consuming sugar. Peanut butter on my toast with a side of fruit flavored yogurt for breakfast (or a chocolatey granola bar when I didn't have time for anything else), sweet vinaigrettes on salads for lunch, sugar added into foods I never would have imagined...and, I mean, I've been actively making healthier choices for the last two and a half months. After reading the ingredient labels on so many things in my cupboards (and not to mention considering the "better" choices I've been making at drive thrus and restaurants), I started to realize just exactly how I've been wasting the precious calories I've been counting since January. I've only focused on how many of these "addiction" foods I can cram into my calorie allotment for the day and not what it takes to fuel my body. I've been active 6 days a week, either strength training or cardio, for the last two and a half months (except for 4 days for a bit of a "stay-cation" with the hubs), and yet I wasn't really modifying the quality of foods I was putting in to this new, more active body.
As part of the program, they suggest you tell people what you're doing, mostly as a form of accountability. So this is my way of going public. I'll post what I'm eating, how I'm feeling, but I'm not supposed to weigh myself or measure during the next 30 days, so no number talk. If you read it, let me know! It'll motivate me to hang in there! Aside from weight loss, some of the other benefits can be more energy, better sleep, less joint pain, improved focus and just overall happiness.
So here I am. Ready to see what it feels like when you start treating your body with just a little more respect and kindness. It's just 30 days, right???
xo,
Megan
For reference, here are the basic "No" foods on the program:
Do not consume added sugar of any kind, real or artificial. No maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, coconut sugar, Splenda, Equal, Nutrasweet, xylitol, stevia, etc. Read your labels, because companies sneak sugar into products in ways you might not recognize.
Do not consume alcohol in any form, not even for cooking. (And it should go without saying, but no tobacco products of any sort, either.)
Do not eat grains. This includes (but is not limited to) wheat, rye, barley, oats, corn, rice, millet, bulgur, sorghum, amaranth, buckwheat, sprouted grains and all of those gluten-free pseudo-grains like quinoa. This also includes all the ways we add wheat, corn and rice into our foods in the form of bran, germ, starch and so on. Again, read your labels.
Do not eat legumes. This includes beans of all kinds (black, red, pinto, navy, white, kidney, lima, fava, etc.), peas, chickpeas, lentils, and peanuts. No peanut butter, either. This also includes all forms of soy – soy sauce, miso, tofu, tempeh, edamame, and all the ways we sneak soy into foods (like lecithin).
Do not eat dairy. This includes cow, goat or sheep’s milk products such as cream, cheese (hard or soft), kefir, yogurt (even Greek), and sour cream… with the exception of clarified butter or ghee. (See below for details.)
Do not eat white potatoes. This is somewhat arbitrary, but if we are trying to change your habits (chips and fries) and improve the hormonal impact of your food choices, it’s best to leave white, red, purple, Yukon gold, and fingerling potatoes off your plate. Do not consume carrageenan, MSG or sulfites. If these ingredients appear in any form on the label of your processed food or beverage, it’s out for the Whole30. No Paleo-ifying baked goods, desserts, or junk foods. Trying to shove your old, unhealthy diet into a shiny new Whole30 mold will ruin your program faster than you can say “Paleo Pop-Tarts.” This means no desserts or junk food made with “approved” ingredients—no banana-egg pancakes, almond-flour muffins, flourless brownies, or coconut milk ice cream. Don’t try to replicate junk food during your 30 days! That misses the point of the Whole30 entirely.
I'm here because I have a problem. I am a sugar addict. It's real. Cravings, withdrawals, denial. What brought me here was when I opened my pantry 5 days ago and realized I had 7 boxes of cookies. No one person should be able to claim 7 boxes of cookies as their own (and I can't pin them on my husband or my 10 month old who has 2.5 teeth ). And I don't binge on cookies, but 2-3 a night, because of a relentless craving, adds up.
Aside from the cookies, I took a look at where else in my day I was consuming sugar. Peanut butter on my toast with a side of fruit flavored yogurt for breakfast (or a chocolatey granola bar when I didn't have time for anything else), sweet vinaigrettes on salads for lunch, sugar added into foods I never would have imagined...and, I mean, I've been actively making healthier choices for the last two and a half months. After reading the ingredient labels on so many things in my cupboards (and not to mention considering the "better" choices I've been making at drive thrus and restaurants), I started to realize just exactly how I've been wasting the precious calories I've been counting since January. I've only focused on how many of these "addiction" foods I can cram into my calorie allotment for the day and not what it takes to fuel my body. I've been active 6 days a week, either strength training or cardio, for the last two and a half months (except for 4 days for a bit of a "stay-cation" with the hubs), and yet I wasn't really modifying the quality of foods I was putting in to this new, more active body.
As part of the program, they suggest you tell people what you're doing, mostly as a form of accountability. So this is my way of going public. I'll post what I'm eating, how I'm feeling, but I'm not supposed to weigh myself or measure during the next 30 days, so no number talk. If you read it, let me know! It'll motivate me to hang in there! Aside from weight loss, some of the other benefits can be more energy, better sleep, less joint pain, improved focus and just overall happiness.
So here I am. Ready to see what it feels like when you start treating your body with just a little more respect and kindness. It's just 30 days, right???
xo,
Megan
For reference, here are the basic "No" foods on the program:
Do not consume added sugar of any kind, real or artificial. No maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, coconut sugar, Splenda, Equal, Nutrasweet, xylitol, stevia, etc. Read your labels, because companies sneak sugar into products in ways you might not recognize.
Do not consume alcohol in any form, not even for cooking. (And it should go without saying, but no tobacco products of any sort, either.)
Do not eat grains. This includes (but is not limited to) wheat, rye, barley, oats, corn, rice, millet, bulgur, sorghum, amaranth, buckwheat, sprouted grains and all of those gluten-free pseudo-grains like quinoa. This also includes all the ways we add wheat, corn and rice into our foods in the form of bran, germ, starch and so on. Again, read your labels.
Do not eat legumes. This includes beans of all kinds (black, red, pinto, navy, white, kidney, lima, fava, etc.), peas, chickpeas, lentils, and peanuts. No peanut butter, either. This also includes all forms of soy – soy sauce, miso, tofu, tempeh, edamame, and all the ways we sneak soy into foods (like lecithin).
Do not eat dairy. This includes cow, goat or sheep’s milk products such as cream, cheese (hard or soft), kefir, yogurt (even Greek), and sour cream… with the exception of clarified butter or ghee. (See below for details.)
Do not eat white potatoes. This is somewhat arbitrary, but if we are trying to change your habits (chips and fries) and improve the hormonal impact of your food choices, it’s best to leave white, red, purple, Yukon gold, and fingerling potatoes off your plate. Do not consume carrageenan, MSG or sulfites. If these ingredients appear in any form on the label of your processed food or beverage, it’s out for the Whole30. No Paleo-ifying baked goods, desserts, or junk foods. Trying to shove your old, unhealthy diet into a shiny new Whole30 mold will ruin your program faster than you can say “Paleo Pop-Tarts.” This means no desserts or junk food made with “approved” ingredients—no banana-egg pancakes, almond-flour muffins, flourless brownies, or coconut milk ice cream. Don’t try to replicate junk food during your 30 days! That misses the point of the Whole30 entirely.
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