Whilst I understand that the Whole30 is an extreme version of clean eating, giving up all grains, dairy, beans and legumes which are usually deemed as healthy as well as the not so healthy added sugars, sweeteners, alcohol and other processed foods, it's only for 30 days!
So because of it only being for 30 days, I've had a few people tell me that it's a fad diet, and as with any fad diet weight returns once you start eating normally again. Yes this would be true, if it weren't for the fact that Whole30 isn't a diet, it's an education, a way of testing which foods your body reacts negatively to. Bearing this is mind, over the 30 days, you'll see many changes occur with your attitude to food and physical appearance and mental well being. You will learn that you no longer crave bad foods and enjoy eating healthy.
I'll let you into a secret... I DON'T diet, and I DON'T buy into fad ways of losing weight...
I'm just not sure why people seem to think that eating real food and making conscious choices (being able to say no to foods you don't want) is a diet?? It's what we're meant to eat, it's what should form the majority of our diets to keep our bodies healthy. It's what feeds and repairs our cells and encourages a healthy immune system. Processed foods, whilst OK as occasional treats, do the opposite and feed disease. Maybe W30 isn't a healthy diet, perhaps it's just that an UNHEALTHY diet has become the norm, making real food foodies stick out like a saw thumb!
I have realised that milk bloats me, and I also believe dairy to be the trigger for my skin breakouts. Simply put, I won't be adding back into my diet my two skinny lattes and two bowls of cereal after my 30 days are up.
Everyone will find their W30 different to the next person; that's good. You take from it what you can, even if it's just removing unnecessary sugar from your diet or providing you with a few more healthy recipes. Some people prefer to stick with W30 99% of the time, others turn to paleo (this will be more me), some prefer to return to a more adaptable way or eating, just choosing to omit certain "trigger" foods, others like to repeat the W30 cycle whenever they feel their body needs to "reset".
I certainly don't see my dinner tonight as "diet" food, Chicken Cacciatore from the official Whole30 book.
My Non Scale Victories
I've noted my non scale victories as listed amongst many others in the book (hopping on scales after the challenge has finished), and I'd like to share them with you:
Physical (outside)
Fewer blemishes
Flatter stomach
Leaner appearance
Less bloating (swelling)
More defined muscle tone
Physical (inside)
Less stomach pain
Less constipation
Less bloating (pain)
Improved regularity
Less chronic fatigue
Less muscle stiffness
Mood, emotion and psychology
I'm happier (generally)
I'm more optimistic
Fewer sugar cravings
Feeling in control of my food
Brain function
Improved attention span
Clearer thinking
Sleep
I fall asleep more easily (not often a problem anyway)
I don't need to hit the snooze but as often (although one morning I slept through my alarms)
I generally awaken feeling refreshed
Fewer restless leg and arm symptoms
Energy
Energy levels are higher
More energy to exercise
Sport, exercise and play
I feel more athletic
I can lift heavier things
I recover faster
Food and behaviour
I've started eating meat again and realise it doesn't cause physical problems (as previously thought)
Healthier relationship with food
Practising mindful eating
Making more of an effort with reading labels (I was quite good before)
I know which foods make me more & less healthy
I'm learning how to cook new things
I'm enjoying cooking (and eating)
Fewer cravings
Lifestyle and social
Meal preparation is organised and efficient
Enjoyed sharing this experience with others
I've learnt I can still socialise without wine and cake
I'm a Whole30 convert!
If you still think that Whole30 is just a "diet", check back here in a couple of days when I'll be sharing my 30 days worth of meals with you. All of which are real food, and most of which will be staying with me FOREVER!
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