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
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