Whole
I’ve been reading up a lot on whole foods lately. What are whole foods? Well, they are foods that haven’t been processed, that don’t have added sugar, and basically, just don’t need a nutritional label. Real foods like eggs, meat, vegetables, and fruits.
Sure, I’ve been on my healthy eating plan since last May, but I still eat processed foods, sugar, and dairy. As I’ve been observing what I eat, I wondered if there was a way to make my body even more healthy, and just feel better. I have lower back pain, and sit with a heating pad almost every night. If a change in my diet could help that, it’s worth a try.
The connection
You’re probably wondering what the connection between food and my back pain is. Well, according to the books I’ve been reading, they are directly connected. Inflammation and joint pain can be increased and even made worse by eating sugary, processed foods. They are tough on our bodies, and especially our guts.
I’ve been reading The Whole30 and It Starts With Food, both by Dallas and Melissa Hartwig. They have a ton of science and research behind their approach to how we should fuel our bodies. The Whole30 is basically 30 days to reset your body and heal your gut.
I will be going for 30 days eating real, whole foods, and I know it’s going to be a huge challenge.
Holding myself back
I’ve been going back and forth so many times on whether I can really do this. Here’s why:
- I have a huge sweet tooth
- I’m not much of a cook
- I’m not good with raw meat
- I love cheese, chocolate, and sweetener in my tea
But, as they say in the book, you’re not fighting a disease, you’re not giving birth, and you’re not performing a death-defying stunt. You are eating real food for 30 days. They do say that it will be hard, but after reading, and re-reading, I’m ready to make the leap. If I don’t do it now, I don’t know that I ever will. My health and my body are worth it.
The Plan
So, in order to start these 30 days of whole food. There are things I need to do. They do a great job of outlining them in the book, but I’m going to break it down for you.
- Pick my starting date. I’m starting this THURSDAY!!!! May 12, 2016.
- Make a meal plan for at least a week, if not longer. As I mentioned, I don’t cook very often, so I need to plan and write out recipes.
- Make a grocery list.
- Get rid of my regular, go-to foods. I eat Zone Bars, whipped berry cream cheese, and 100 calorie flat breads, which won’t be allowed. Oh. And chocolate. And sweetener in my tea.
- Prepare the food as much as possible beforehand. I still have to get Mr. B off to school each morning, and make meals for the family.
- Get my Family’s support. I’ve already told my husband I was thinking of doing this, and also my mom. I just need to let them know when, and how they can help me.
I will be trying to get my family to eat a lot of the things with me, but I don’t want to deprive my kids of certain foods. Mr. B is a really picky eater, and I don’t want to restrict him at this point.
I’m not doing this challenge to lose weight, but to be more healthy, and help my body.
Accountability
I’m going to do a check-in on the blog each Thursday. Even though I am not doing this challenge to lose weight, I do want to see how it impacts my body. I will take a reading from the scale, a few measurements, and some before pictures. I’m not sure if I’ll share any of that info, but I just might…so stay tuned.
I was also starting a group on Facebook, if anyone would like to join me. We can support each other, and cry to each other in our unsweetened coffee and tea. Kidding!
If you’d like to read more about the books that I’ve read, or buy it through my Amazon Affiliate link, there’s no extra charge to you, and I get a few cents to keep this site up and running. This post was not sponsored, nor did I get either of the books. I actually started out by checking them out at the library before purchasing. Just click on the pictures of either book below to read more or purchase.
Think about it, and if you are interested, either leave your email address below, or message me at shanneva@yahoo.com. You can also just request to join the Facebook Group.
Are you ready to change your approach to food? Will you join me?
I am all about whole foods, that is why I cook from scratch or homemade and grow, can, dehydrate as much food as I can for my family.
That is awesome Candy!
I hope you enjoy the challenge! I’ve been eating more sweets than normal recently because my sister came for a visit and brought American candy that I haven’t had access to in 2 years, haha! That’s one way to break a healthy eating habit. But I did feel pretty good about tonight’s healthy dinner of homemade veggie soup with a side of boiled Japanese sweet potatoes.
Yum. That sounds great!
Good luck! I did the Whole30 about a year ago and would offer the advice to try and cook your own meals as much as possible–I was traveling a lot for work during my Whole30 and eating out and staying within the guidelines can be really difficult. Hope all goes well!
Thank you for the advice! I’m really going to try to cook as much as I can.
I’ve wanted to try out whole 30 for a while now. I have such a sweet tooth so Ive been really reluctant. I think you just need to get into the right head space where you can mentally handle the challenge. Good luck!
Yes! I’ve been going back and forth for a while now, and just decided to finally take the plunge.
The Whole 30 is a really really great plan! I know so many people who adore this lifestyle and have been keeping it up even past the 30 days! 🙂 I hope you enjoy it enough to adopt it as your fulltime lifestyle!
Thank you! Me too!
I have a huge sweet tooth too, but I think that’s “habit” you know? I always think the whole family should do something like this with me, but I think your way of just letting them know what you’re doing and asking for their support is best. Thanks for this encouragement!
Yes, my sweet tooth is definitely a habit too. And you’re welcome 🙂 Thanks for the support.
You can do this!!! My parents are hippies so I was raised on whole foods, like my mom would grind her own grain and everything! It does make you feel so much better, but I did alway wish I could have Cheetos in my lunch like “normal” kids. Lol
P.S. Sweet potatoes are amazing. I’d grab a bunch and cook them for snacking!
Ha! Too funny about Cheetos. Love sweet potatoes…great idea!
This looks so awesome, I can’t wait to watch these updates! I’ve been considering doing a whole30 but I’m really struggling with giving up my beans…I’m not a huge meat eater and those are what I live off some days
I’m actually not a big meat eater either, so it will definitely be a real change for me.
You are going to LOVE this! I had lower back pain too and since I cut way down on my sugar and wheat intake it has completely gone away!!! I’m never going back to how I used to eat!!
That is awesome to hear, Lauren. Thank you!
I’ve had a couple of friends complete the Whole30 and love it! Good luck! Let us know how it goes?
Definitely. Thank you!
Having support from family and friends is HUGE and I think the only way to truly be successful. Looking forward to hearing how this goes!!
Thank you Lindsay!
Wow, Shann! I don’t think I’d have enough discipline for this, but I have so much respect for everyone who does the Whole30 plan!
Thank you! I hope I make it 🙂
Good luck! When I did the 21 day fix I tried to eat mostly healthy/clean foods. It was hard to stick to but did make a difference. The only problem is once I finished the 21 days I started eating worse than before I had started it lol. I need to find a good balance.
Oh no! I’m actually not too bad right now, but no sugar at all will be a big challenge for me.
Awesome! Just request to join the FB group, and I will add you. Hooray! 🙂
Thank you!
Thank you so much! The planning is tough for me, but I’m getting it done.
So great to hear that! Thank you Mandi!
Ha! I’m going to try to get over my fear/grossness with it 🙂
Thank you so much Lindsay. I don’t have very much caffeine in my diet now, but sugar is the big one. I’ve taken a cupboard shelf and a shelf in the fridge where I’m keeping everything. I wish I could just throw it all out, but I think it will be OK. Thank you for the support 🙂
Thank you so much Kusum!
Well, if you want to join the group to see what I’m eating, feel free. Maybe it will give you inspiration? 🙂
I will. Thank you so much Charlotte.
So you have to read this book to get started? Is there a list of what you can eat?
www,maretteflora.com
I just started ,mine on Monday! I eat a mostly paleo lifestyle as is, but I like to do the whole30 every once in a while to really reset my system and get me back on track
Good for you Shann! I was able to do it for three weeks… And then it was my birthday haha! Actually, I did it to figure out my headaches and about two and a half weeks in I realized meat is a huge culprit so I realized whole 30 is not for me. At some point I’d like to try a vegetarian diet and see if that helps. Good luck though!
I did a similar plan a few months back and the first few days are the hardest. You learn really quickly to plan and stay ahead of your food. Good luck, once you’re on it for a few days you really start feeling amazing!!
Sarah Wilson’s book I Quit Sugar talks a lot about how inflammation is caused by sugar. It also has some yummy recipes in it.
I’ve heard great things about Whole 30! Great job!
Good for you! I did the Whole 30 a couple years ago and loved the results! I am with you, I have a huge sweet tooth and it is so hard to get on board with a nutriition plan. I am trying to do the TIU Nutrition Plan but well, I hate fruit and there is a lot of that and seafood!
I have such a sweet tooth and it’s hard for me when I don’t have anything prepared! That’s when I make bad choices! Good luck with this! I might have to try this for myself as well! I will think about it!
I’ve been wanting to do Whole 30 forever and am so excited to follow your progress! It may finally give me the push I need to finally do it, lol. I have a major sweet tooth too, I think that’s what is really holding me back.
xo Brie
http://www.sophistifunkblog.com
I’ve heard so much about this Whole 30, can’t wait to see your update!
xoxo, SS
The Southern Stylista
I’ve thought a lot about doing it and I just don’t know if I can! I’d be giving up too much of what I love (both healthy and unhealthy), but I have been working on cutting out the amount of processed foods I eat. I’m excited to see your journey and I know you’ll crush the Whole 30!
I maybe joining you on June 1st! I’m deciding between Whole 30 and a vegan challenge. You got this!
Awesome! Whole 30 is really healthy for you, my husband and I did something similar. 🙂
You’re doing great!!!
Wow I had no idea there was a connection between back pain and eating! Good luck to you!
I’m doing the Whole30 as well! I’m usually paleo, but i like to give myself a challenge every few months
AMAZING! I love Whole30 and have done it twice before and now I strive to do it once a year. It’s a lot of work and there will be hard days, but it will be so incredibly worth it and I never feel as good as when I’m on days 15-30 of Whole30. Looking forward to hearing how it goes! I’m cheering for you!
I’ve heard so much about Whole 30 but never really investigated. Why is it SO hard to do what should be natural…eating real food. It does take more forethought and preparation, but man…super important. I really need to head that direction too, but it’s difficult when I’m the only one in the family who wants to give it a shot.
Most people don’t think about the physical affects eating all of the junk has on our bodies. Thank you for the reminder too. 🙂
This is great! I look forward to following you on this. I know whole foods are the way to go but just haven’t gotten myself to commit fully. Good for you!
You can do it Shann!!! When I did my first round of Whole30, my psoriasis completely cleared up. It’s crazy. Hoping you have good results too!
Good luck, mama! Looking forward to seeing your posts and progress 🙂
-Linh
I’m just reading the Whole30 book now and might start it in June. It sounds like a really good program. I hope you have success with it!
I truly feel so much better when I am eatting clean. It’s not easy at first but once you get over the initial cravings, it is amazing.
I hope it helps your back pain! Looking forward to hearing about your progress 🙂
I had no idea sugar was linked to back pain. This is opening my eyes to a whole other issue. I am very impressed that you are taking on this intense challenge. Good luck!
You got this!!!!! I really need to stop eating processed foods. It really is so bad for your body!!! I am going to look into this whole 30 and maybe I can start this too! You give me inspiration!
I have been wanting to try this out! I have three other eating habit books and I have yet to open one of them. I stress myself out too much, but I’m looking forward to seeing how this goes for you!
How’s it been going for you? I’ve amazing things about this diet plan.
Good plan and good work! Keep us posted on how you are doing.
Sounds like a great plan! I also have lower back pains often, so this could be beneficial to me as well.
I still think it’s amazing that you did this! I’m reading a book on nutrition for runners right now so I’m hoping to get some healthier eating habits that will also support my marathon training.
I’ll definitely be keeping up with your progress. I hope your readers will help keep you motivated!
Accountability is so key! I’ve been doing it for 5 weeks now. Trying to make it into a lifestyle. I miss cheese most of all, but I feel so much better after cleaning up my diet!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
I keep telling myself I need to do this, now it’s just actually preparing to start!
This still intrigues me! I’ve been thinking about doing it and I just keep saying there is no way I could do this. I know it’s all in your head though and that it is possible. I need to get this book and see if it’s right for me. I love everything you have shared about it so far!
My friend is trying to convince me to try Whole 30. I’m like you…I have a HUGE sweet tooth!
This is great! I’ve seen a few of my friends doing the Whole 30…I am really interested. I will have to check out the books for even more info but this post def sparked my interest even more.