Whole30 - Review

So, we've been off the Whole30 program officially for a few weeks now.

Here are some definite highlights of our experience:

-We feel awesome.
-We are sleeping better, falling asleep more quickly and waking up happier.
-I have had significantly less 'tummy issues,' as I like to call it.
-We've lost weight. Nothing major, but we weren't trying to lose weight. It just happens.
-We have forged some really good friends and strengthened friendships through this process.
-We tried new things! I cooked things I never thought I would and Ethan tried foods he never thought he would like. And we liked everything!
-We've tried new combinations of foods and vegetables that we love.
-Sugar and soy are in EVERYTHING! It was shocking when we started reading labels more closely. I'm so sad that we ate so much junk before, when we thought we ate healthy.
-I don't miss dairy. At all. And if you know me, you know this is a big deal.
-Ethan and I have spent a lot more time in the kitchen, however, we've had a lot more time to chat while we cook and clean the kitchen.
-I got a lot better at meal planning.
-We broke our habit with eating out and eating sugar.

A few downsides:
-I had to cook all. the. time. Seriously, I felt like I was in the kitchen the whole 30 days. However, Ethan was in there with me, so it wasn't too bad. Although I view this as a bit of a downside, I felt quite proud of all the work put in and all the meals I made. **This is from the standpoint of working a full time job outside the home. It was quite a long day to get up early to cook, then cook for an hour or so after I got home from work. At first I felt like all I ever did was cook, chop veggies, make meal plans, etc. It was totally worth it, though.
-It was slightly more expensive. We were buying organic as much as possible and lot of really high quality meat. Although we were spending about $20-30 more per week, we cannot remember not eating every single thing we bought. So, at least it wasn't getting wasted.

I read the book that accompanies the program (It Starts With Food). If you decide to do Whole30, I highly recommend reading the book. The writers and creators of the program give you all the science behind the program and it was fascinating. I felt encouraged and challenged.

Overall, it was an amazing experience! We don't feel like we were missed out on anything. If you do it, have the attitude of this is a challenge that YOU CAN DO, not a 30 day deprivation of all the things you love. If you are considering, I HIGHLY recommend it. Also, I would love to chat with you and encourage you in your Whole30 journey!

Day 30 - Whole30

Day 30 - November 11, 2014

Breakfast - scrambled eggs with onion, spinach, and breakfast sausage, blueberries, coffee
Snack - cashews
Lunch - leftover sausage and veggies
Snack -
Dinner - Chipotle Meatballs with caramelized onions and strawberry compote  (i didn't make meatballs, but just cooked the meatball ingredients all together in a pan. we prefer it that way) Make this ASAP! :)

I feel a little weird that we're off Whole30. I've made a list of things I want to share about our experience, but I'm still working on that post. I can tell you, it's incredible and if you are on the fence about doing it, just jump on over!

Day 29 - Whole30

Day 29 - November 10, 2014

Breakfast - scrambled eggs with onion, spinach, and breakfast sausage crumbled in, blueberries, coffee
Snack - cashews and a piping hot cup of mint tea
Lunch - leftover stove-top carnitas
Snack -
Dinner - I forgot to defrost meat for dinner, so we had some sausage browned in a skillet with baked sweet potato chunks and sauteed onion, zucchini, brussel sprouts and garlic. It turned out to be delicious!

I can't believe we are almost done! I am still working on a post about the perks and downsides of Whole30. I think I'll put it up on day 31. :)

Day 28 - Whole30

Day 28 - November 9, 2014

Breakfast - the usual
Snack - cashews
Lunch - leftover Autumn Grilled Chicken Salad
Snack - nothing
Dinner - Stovetop Pork Carnitas (Ethan's favorite and our first repeated meal)

Day 27 - Whole30

Day 27 - November 8, 2014

Breakfast - the usual :)
Snack - cashews
Lunch - Autumn Grilled Chicken Salad
Snack - cashews
Dinner - Chicken Cobb Salad from Panera, with no cheese, Balsamic vinaigrette on the side, and no roll

For snacks, we are barely eating anything. Usually it's because our tummies give a little rumble so we eat a small handful to satisfy it. But we aren't usually starving between meals anymore.

And that Autumn Grilled Chicken Salad. Oh. My. It was the best thing we've eaten so far!

Day 26 - Whole30

Day 26 - November 7, 2014

Breakfast - 3 scrambled eggs with onion and spinach, sweet potato hash browns and coffee. Ethan had leftover breakfast casserole from yesterday.
Snack - cashews
Lunch - Meyer Lemon Prosciutto Chicken
Snack -
Dinner - left overs

Day 25 - Whole30

Day 25 - November 6, 2015

Breakfast - casserole (i made it with bacon instead of sausage because that's what i had on hand. it was delicious, but a bit soggy and greasy. probably is MUCH better with sausage. tasted great though!)
Snack - cashews
Lunch - Fridge cleanout! (Stir fry or barbacoa)
Snack - cashews again
Dinner - Fridge cleanout! (Stir fry or barbacoa)

I've been reflecting on my Whole30 experience the past few days and creating a list of things I'd like to share and some encouragement for those who want to try it. it's really not as daunting as you think!