Why I Started Whole 30 – An adventure in going gluten free, dairy free sugar free.
I started something new friends. Maybe you’ve heard of it. Maybe you haven’t. I decided to write this post because I want to share my journey. Not daily. Heavens no. And maybe you don’t care and that’s fine too. But for those of you who may, I share with you.
Within the past 2 weeks I’ve been feeling pretty crappy. Very tired to the point where I just feel I need a nap. That is not normal for me. I usually have lots of energy and zeal for life. As matter of fact, I always tell my husband whats the point of sleeping in and missing out on the true joys of morning and quiet. I love my mornings.
I must add that maybe I don’t have the best sleep patterns. I usually wake by 5:30 and head to bed by 10:30. Even though that’s 7 hours I probably don’t fall asleep immediately and I also don’t always turn off the lights exactly on time. But still I’ve doing this for awhile so I didn’t think this could be the reason for my tiredness.
Then I thought maybe thyroid problems. The symptoms of brain fog, weight gain just may be what I’m dealing with. But thyroid problems don’t seem like they have a quick solution. I’m definitely against medications when at all possible and thought it best to try to figure out this on my own before trying other solutions.
What goes into our bodies is what we get out of our bodies. And I probably haven’t been very good lately. We all know how much this girl loves her bread and chocolate! But alas I was tired of feeling crappy and so I jumped ship.
I’m jumping away from all sugar, gluten and dairy. Ack! It’s so scary yet so many others have done that I know I can do it too! Especially because it’s for my greater health.
I’ve always wanted to go sugar free for a few weeks but never got up the nerve so I really can’t believe that now I’m doing it along with no dairy and gluten.
It’s day 4. And I’m missing things for sure but I thought it would be horrible. Sort of like this pin here I found on Pinterest. But I definitely feel good and not as tired. Day #2 I woke up with a headache but it didn’t last long.
The surprising part is I’m doing a-ok without chocolate but I really miss creamer in my coffee and I really miss mid afternoons snacks. I’m having a hard time coming up with breakfasts and lunches that actually fill me up. I’m usually have a grumbly belly within 2 hours. I have a feeling I’m really going be sick of eggs and potatoes soon!
If I’m really inspired by the end of this journey I may even share my before /after pictures and my final thoughts. You never know what you’ll find here.
So for the next 3 weeks you’ll see some regular recipes and as well as ones I’ve created for Whole 30. Go check out my very first. These chips are insanely delicious!
Sharing this with you gives me accountability and I surely need it. And I’m so glad I can be open and honest with you. I also started a Pinterst board to keep track of great recipes and such. So if you have some be sure to share or follow along!
Have you done Whole 30? Have you heard of Whole 30? Do you want to try it? I’d love to have some partners in this! Let me know in comments.
Thanks for being here friends!
Til we meet and eat again,
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Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
Melanie you are a strong lady indeed! I’ve heard of Whole 30 – but the possibility of giving up my cup of Coffee the way I like it and giving up beans -which I happen to eat a ton of- scare me! But, I am willing to live vicariously through you these next 3 weeks! So do you drink your coffee black? Is cashew/almond milk allowed? I cannot wait to read more about your journey…
Melanie says
It’s been a challenge for sure! I had a ‘cheat’ meal yesterday for Easter which is against the rules but it was far to difficult to make a meal with my family and not partake so I enjoyed ham and corn but still stayed away from gluten and dairy.
The coffee thing….I’ve come to find out that I do not like black coffee! I’ve tried serveral times. You are allowed to add almond or coconut milk as long as it’s free of sugar and a bunch of other things. So I’m just doing hot tea for now. That’s a lot easier to do without creamer.
Thanks for being here Shashi!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
I loved when I did Whole 30! I felt so great! And after, I’m pretty much eating Paleo as much as possible. But it’s nice to be able to have honey and maple syrup for sweeteners now. But I sure did miss wine!
Krystal says
Hi Melanie, the Whole 30 is tough but absolutely worth it. I felt amazing afterwards and although I did reintroduce some things back into my diet I remained gluten free and sugar free. Hang in there you’ll get through it!
Melanie says
Thanks for the kind words Krystal! I highly doubt I’ll stick with gluten free when it’s over. I really miss my bread! But I’m glad I’m doing it.
So glad you stopped by!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
You can do it Melanie. I did almost 3 weeks of Whole 30 a few months ago. Having to cook for a family really got hard after a while and I started thinking how much easier it would be to do in the fall when my son has left for college!
Melanie says
Thanks for your kind words Christin! That’s great that you were able to do it for 3 weeks!
I’m trying not to bake at all to help steer clear of temptation but I don’t want to disappoint readers who are looking for my usual recipes. I’m only doing it for 3 weeks also. I have a weekend away planned and don’t want to feel like I can’t enjoy food that weekend.
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Melanie! I am so intrigued by this!!! I haven’t heard of The Whole 30 until reading this blog post! where have I been?! I’ve been reading the site now for the last 30 minutes. . I’m already been contemplating giving up sugar for a while. . thanks for this!!! and you go girl! you can do it!
Melanie says
Awesome Alice! I’d love some more people to do it with. Let me know when you decide to try it. I’ll be cheering you from here!
Definitely get your mind in the right place first. You have to redirect most of your thoughts towards food. I’m on day 11 and things are finally getting a bit easier. I’m planning on doing it for 3 weeks.
Adrienne Turner says
Isn’t Whole 30 great?! I’ve been doing clean eating for a little over a year and I love it! I also recently did a sugar detox and it was a great way to get my sugar cravings back in check. I’m so excited to read more of your Whole 30 posts!