Why Whole 30?
At the end of October of this year, I was struggling. I was searching for some stability. There were lots of unknowns in life. I had suffered some personal losses. I was feeling myself slip into a funk. I was feeling lethargic all of the time and truly unhealthy. I was searching….searching for something to give me hope…something to re-set my mind and body….searching for stability.
On my personal IG account, I had been following a few health, nutrition, and positive body image influencers. One of theme was Danika Brysha (@danikabrysha). In learning about her and her story, I learned about how The Whole30 transformed her life. It was not a diet it was a re-set, a cleanse of mind and body. I started following Melissa Hartwig (@melissahartwig), as well as Teri Turner (@nocrumbsleft). I learned so much in such a short amount of time. I bought and read the books. I studied the program. I made lists. I bought products. I committed myself to 30 Days.
It was challenging in the beginning however not as challenging as it is for some others because I was already gluten free with limited dairy. I stuck with it. I planned everything and spent hours meal prepping, cleaning my kitchen, reflecting, journaling. It changed my mind-set. I lost some weight. I saw the benefits.
After the holidays, I decided to commit to the January Whole30. This time I changed a few things. I knew which products to by, and which ones I didn’t need. I knew the best places to get what. I bought an Instant Pot which is now my world and made meal prep a lot easier. I had a plan on how I did meal prep, and how it got me through the week. I basically would make a few basic things each and every week and then try 1-2 new recipes from the Whole30 Fast& Easy Cookbook, which had just been replaced.
In addition I made some other changes this go around I bought the brand new Whole30 Day by Day book which, I feel I benefitted immensely. I could have really used this book the first go around. It answered lots of questions for me and I felt like I was pretty on par with each and every day.
I developed an IG account specific to my new lifestyle. I didn’t tell anyone I was doing this and the only followers I have on it are people I have met and connected with. I do not have anyone from my actual private life on there. I felt so inspired doing this. I followed so many accounts and blogs where I got new ideas, exchanged recipes, and thoughts, and just motivated each other. I had found my tribe! I have to say, the Whole30 community is filled with the absolute nicest people ever. If you have a question, they get back to you. If you leave a comment, most often…you get a reply of some sort. I felt at ease and truly supported.
I also developed a self care checklist (learned from Danika Brysha). I tweaked it to suit my needs and it was something that I did each and every day. I had started it last Whole30 and saw benefits, but this go around…I was more consistent. Improved Self Care was my main goal for this January Whole30. I was going to be better at taking time for me. I implemented a new morning mantra each and every day, did a morning and nighttime meditation, and used essential oils and a diffuser at night to help me sleep. Sleep has always been something that I have struggled with. I do find that although not consistent, my sleep quality is much better when doing a Whole30. I feel better.
So as we approach the end of this January Whole30, I will re-evaluate what worked well and didn’t. I will make changes and set new goals. I feel strongly that Whole30 is the right path for me to get as healthy as I can. Cheers to everyone who helped me along the way! I hope to inspire others and be able to help in turn.
EternalWorkInProgressGal 