whole30 challenge

It’s been a week since I completed my first Whole30 challenge. Honestly not much has changed since. I did add full cream to my coffee and we had a date night splurge… but we are continuing eating paleo/primal. Looking to balance life with 80-90% compliance, with a little room for date night and special treats.

I have had a lot of people ask why in the world we would give up sugar and grains and dairy if we don’t medically have a reason to. Well I think it’s because we now know what normal, clean living feels like! Before I didn’t realize that the fog, exhaustion, headaches, bloating, addiction to coffee were not normal. I was used to feeling like crap because I had always eaten crap. Once I allowed my body to be free of all the chemical laden, processed junk and eat clean foods, my body began to work properly. The ailments disappeared and in place came clarity of mind, energy, and a love for real food. We cheated with cheese enchiladas on our date night and instantly I felt bloated, lethargic, and absolutely awful. Learned my lesson… never want to feel like that again. We have decided that we will not be ingesting grains right now, especially gluten. We have also decided to stay away from sugar and carbs, while adding only beneficial dairy (such as raw milk, full fat cream & butter, raw milk kefir, and Greek yogurt) back into our diet.

One entire month of eating whole, real foods. Not once ounce of processed junk. It was quite a stretch for me. I had to learn my kitchen in a whole new way. I emptied my pantry and fridge almost entirely. I learned how to plan meals ahead and prepare foods the day before. I discovered the joy in providing nutritious food to my family. My entire family now enjoys meals around the table instead of chcikfila in the car. I discovered that all I need in the grocery store is located on the outside of the aisles… all the processed junk is in the aisles. Even at Whole Foods.

Our family lifestyle isn’t the only thing that changed… our bodies did too. In one month I lost 16 pounds and my husband lost 12 pounds.from changing food alone! I also lost 3.5 inches around my waist, 3 inches around my hips, .5 inches on my upper arm, and 1.25 inches from each thigh. Amazing how our bodies were built to function properly with real food. Our bodies don’t want to be fat. It will melt the fat off if you give it the right full. God designed our bodies so intricately.

I hope that you are encouraged to try the Whole30 Challenge. I love that it doesn’t hold your hand and give you every step. It gives you boundaries and guidelines… you search out recipes and meals that suit you. You find what works in your lifestyle. It’s about empowering YOU!

I also encourage you to pour over Mark’s Daily Apple. He is the author of The Primal Blueprint and has amazing articles that explain everything in depth. Also lots of great recipes on his site.

Enjoy life!