So. I’m on Day 13 of Whole 30.

 

No one is more surprised by this than me.

 

If you haven’t heard of this program, it is a 30-Day Elimination Diet. No sugar, dairy, or grains of any kind for the 30 days. These are products that can affect digestion, the immune system, unhealthy addictions, skin issues, hormone and energy levels.

 

Unfortunately, they are also things I adore.

The first few days weren’t great. I backed off a bit on the coffee as well, which was part of the detox. But by day 4 it was getting easier.

 

Truly, I used to be jealous/annoyed at people who didn’t eat much sugar and talked about how an orange tastes like candy. I was all, no, candy tastes like candy. But I’m starting to understand. Lately an apple has been tasting like sweet goodness, completely refreshing.

 

And that’s been the hardest part for me. Not wanting to be that person. Perceived as too high maintenance or healthy.

 

But I’m learning good stuff and leaning into pride issues like that. First, this is just temporary and I am not endorsing it for everyone. It’s taking me on an obedience step and I’m having to rely on Him in it. Especially (so far) when I realize I want to comfort eat. But that’s another blog post.

 

Second, it really is true that you crave what you consume. If you’re consuming healthy, nourishing food, your body craves more. If you feed it junk, it demands more of the bad stuff.

 

I do not like this. But it’s how our Creator designed it.

 

And like most things, it’s worth the effort.

Other things I’m learning:

1. I was worried about that panicky, deprived feeling. But healthy fats and protein are things that make you feel full. And fruits and veggies take a while to break down. Plus this has nothing to do with restricting calories; it’s simply making healthy food choices. I really don’t feel deprived.
2. If you cook a Sweet Potato correctly, you don’t need extra condiments. But if you add a bit of coconut oil and cinnamon, it tastes like dessert. (I know, I heard it.)
3. Almost all condiments and seasonings have sugar in them. But sea salt, fresh-ground pepper, and cayenne pepper can flavor most anything.
4. Eggs for breakfast day after day can get old.

I made my own mayo. So that’s new.

5. More consistent energy levels reduce the need for caffeine in the afternoon (reduce – I’m not giving up coffee at this point.)

6. We’ve eaten out twice since I started. Each time I had a salad with grilled chicken & tomatoes, no dressing. And the next morning both times? I woke up with a headache. The oil your food is cooked with does matter.

7. I don’t feel bloated. That’s been the best part for me: realizing that feeling satisfied after a meal is so much better than uncomfortably full. So that’s happy.

8. Food is so, so social. I already knew this, but I’ve been experiencing it.

9. There are tons of resources online for this. I personally watched two of my close friends do their Whole 30s before I took the plunge. Reading MMD’s posts on it were very helpful as well. At the recommendation of a friend, I also followed an Instagram board with recipe ideas.

10. Herbal tea can help in an I-want-sugar pinch. Especially if you buy the good stuff.

 

I’ll be sharing a bit more of the “why” and some nitty-gritty details of making this work in real life in upcoming posts.

 

But what about you? Ever tried this? Any New Year plans to take a baby step toward better health? Any thoughts or questions? (I may not know the answer, but we’ll see.)

 

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{Another step of obedience for me this year is to take writing more seriously career-wise. One way is by joining the Amazon Associates Affiliate Program. What you need to know is if you click through on a product link and buy it, I’d get 5 cents. Just kidding, I’m not sure what I’d get, but I need you to know it would be something. Please know I will only promote things with which we are truly satisfied or someone I respect has reviewed well. I don’t take your trust lightly. Thanks!}