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Whole30
I’m on Day 8 of the Whole30!!!
Honestly, I didn’t think I would make it this far. On day 2, I was really questioning my sanity. I didn’t get the “carb flu,” (headache/body aches) which is talked about in the book, The Whole30, but I was starving. All. The. Time. I was also craving sugar, and had no energy. How would I make it through without chocolate, popcorn, and my beloved cheese? Heck, I just wanted a piece of gum.
From what I’ve read in It Starts With Food, this is pretty typical. However, it still doesn’t make it fun. Or easy. But, I pressed on….and now, I’m on Day 8!!!! Day 8 of the Whole30! Woo Hoo!
So, I’m going to walk you my first week, and share my challenges, my food intake, and where I’m at now.
Day 1
I started the day with a cup of warm lemon water, since unsweetened tea didn’t really sound appealing. I don’t normally drink coffee, so caffeine isn’t much of an issue. I had hard-boiled eggs in preparation, so I mashed them up with avocado, and added some mustard. It was a smooth, creamy (and delicious) egg salad. I paired it with some oranges, and was good to go. There was a recipe for Mayo, but you need to use a raw egg, and I’m just not ready for that quite yet.
I’ll admit I really did miss my tea with almond milk. I also usually have steel-cut oats with berries, and I was missing those too. I’m really not used to a savory breakfast, so this will take some getting used to.
I went to the gym, and it is advised that you have a snack before and after working out. They suggest some fat and protein before, and protein and carbs (which you get from veggies like potatoes,) after. This just wasn’t possible for me to prepare and take, so I had an almonds before and an apple after.
Lunch was Tuna mixed with avocado, carrots and salsa, and a few olives. I then decided to mix some home-made salsa in with my tuna. Yum! I purchased Wild Planet Wild Albacore Tuna Six 5oz. Cans because it is just tuna and sea salt in a BPA free can. I’ve always loved tuna, so this was a really good lunch for me. It probably would have been good in a tortilla, but I stuck strong and just ate it out of a bowl.
Dinner was zoodles made from Zucchini, steak I fried up on the stove, topped with homemade pesto and tomatoes. The remaining pesto, I froze into ice cubes for future meals. I was really proud of myself for making home-made pesto. I’ve never made any kind of sauce before, and it turned out really well. The whole meal was pretty good, although, I’m not a huge fan of the coconut oil taste the meat had. Luckily, I also had avocado oil, so that would be used next time.
I was hungry when I went to bed, and also pretty drained. I was hoping to sleep really well, but that didn’t happen. My body was achy, but more from working out than anything else.
Day 2
Breakfast remained the same, as I was in a rush to get Mr. B to school, and the twins ready for the day. I snacked on a Larabar Snack Bar before working out. Only certain flavors are Whole30 compliant, so I had the Cashew Cookie, which only has 2 ingredients: cashews and dates. I had an apple and carrots after my workout, and lots of water. I also started drinking sparkling water. I was never a huge fan before, but I’m loving it now.
Lunch was leftover steak made into tacos with salsa, some apples and tomatoes. I then had my tuna/avocado mix for dinner with a potato.
As I said, I was pretty miserable by the time I went to bed. I was tired, cranky, and wanted something sweet. And something to drink other than water. I was really missing chewing gum. I normally chew it after meals when I don’t have a toothbrush near, and I also chew during workouts to keep my mouth from getting dry. I know it’s a big no-no because of choking, but I risked it.
Day 3
Day 3 of the Whole30 started a little better because it was the weekend. My husband let me sleep in, and then I got to make breakfast for myself without rushing. I had three fried eggs, banana, and sweet potato with cinnamon. I’m not sure if it’s because I had been without added sugar, but the sweet potato tasted super sweet…and yummy. Cinnamon is the way to go.
I had some errands to run, so I brought another Larabar with me just in case I was starving. Obviously, that happened.
Lunch was my egg salad with carrots and tomatoes, and then my husband grilled out for dinner. I made the burgers, and he grilled them. I also prepared sweet and white potatoes in the oven with olive oil, and asparagus with a little lemon and olive oil.
I had another snack of almonds and an apple about an hour after dinner. We did eat early, so I still had a few hours for it to digest before bedtime.
I did miss out on the buns with the burgers, and the cookies the boys had after dinner. But, I drank my sparkling water and read a book to distract myself. It worked pretty well.
Day 4
The morning was also much easier, since it was a Sunday. I scrambled my 3 eggs, added a little salsa, had a sweet potato, and a banana.
My mid morning snack was an apple and a handful of almonds, and lunch was a leftover burger. I made some guacamole to go with it, and also ate a piece of chicken that I had my husband grill the night before.
Dinner was my eggvocado mash with 2 tomatoes, carrots, a sweet potato with cinnamon, and an apple.
I’m really loving the avocados, but I’m not loving the feeling I was getting the first few days. It felt a little like heartburn, and I think it’s because my body is not used to so much fat. I still have to take pills for my acid reflux, so hoping this will all calm down.
Day 5
Back to the work/school day, so it was a repeat of many of the meals for Day 5 of the Whole30. I had 3 fried eggs, sweet potato and banana for breakfast, and then went to workout. I then ate an orange and a Larabar as my post workout snack. Lunch was tuna with avocado and salsa mixed in. I then ate some more salsa and carrots. I made the salsa myself…tomato, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, onion, and salt.
I then hard-boiled some more eggs, and did some more shopping for things I ran out of…avocados, eggs, tomatoes, carrots. Can you see a pattern here?
For dinner, I scrambled some eggs and added salsa on top. I paired it with potato and broccoli because I felt like I wasn’t getting enough green vegetable in.
My energy is still low, and sleeping has not improved. I checked with the Whole30 forum, and found out I could take Melatonin (which I took before I started.) They actually recommend a Magnesium supplement, but I only had the Melatonin, so that’s what I went with, and finally got some sleep.
Another thing that is making it hard to sleep? Getting up to go to the bathroom all the time. I guess I’m drinking a lot more water (which is good,) but interrupting my sleep to get up at least 3 or 4 times is not. I’m going to try to limit my intake a couple of hours before bed.
Day 6
Besides adding blueberries, my breakfast was the same…avocado mash, sweet potato, banana.
Lunch I made my tunavocado mash, but added green olives and spinach. Yum! Yum! Yum!
Finally, dinner was really satisfying and the whole family ate it. It was pork cutlets, potatoes, and I ate the leftover broccoli. They ate the leftover blueberries. I cooked the pork in avocado oil, and my husband said it tasted like steak. They all cleaned their plates. Hooray. Plus, I wasn’t hungry and didn’t have a snack in the evening. Woo hoo! Is there a light at the end of the hunger tunnel?
Day 7
Eggvocado mash and tunavocado mash for breakfast and lunch respectively for Day 7 of the Whole30.
I’m actually a creature of habit when it comes to eating, so I really don’t mind eating the same things over and over. Don’t worry. I won’t keep posting pictures of those two. Sometimes they can look pretty gross. But, trust me, they are super creamy and delicious.
I had an apple before working out, and another Larabar after. I have to say the Cherry Pie is my favorite flavor. I really know we aren’t supposed to eat them as snacks, but the day before I brought a hard-boiled egg to the gym, and it just stunk up my bag. Sure, it was wrapped up and in an insulated lunch bag, but yuck. I also can’t bring myself to eat any kind of starchy vegetable after. It’s something I have to work on.
Dinner was a little bit of a weird combo. I browned some ground beef, then put it on top of potatoes. I also added some tomatoes. Looked and sounded weird, but tasted pretty good.
My boys have been intrigued at what I’m eating, and have even tried a lot of it. It’s fun to introduce them to new combinations.
What I’m learning from the Whole30
- I’m getting more comfortable cooking meat, and in the kitchen in general, but it’s a process.
- There are so many darn dishes to wash. And so much preparing of food. And so many more dishes to wash.
- I’m not craving sugar as much as I thought I would, but it doesn’t mean I wouldn’t like a chocolate right now.
- I’m still hungry a lot of the time, but hoping my body will figure out how to use all the fats I’m eating instead of the sugars it was used to.
- I need to figure out more creative ways to fit green vegetables into my meals because I don’t feel like I’m eating enough.
- Although, I am trying new vegetables, and new combinations that I never thought I would. Broadening my food horizons.
- Since I have no gum, I’ve been caring a toothbrush around, so I think my teeth will be getting much better care through these 30 days.
- My workouts have suffered big time. I was feeling really great in my classes, but now I just don’t have the energy. However, I keep going to the gym as often as I can, and hope it comes back.
- Even though I want to quit at least 2 times a day, I’m determined to be strong and keep going. If this hunger subsides, it will get easier. I hope.
- I get more excited about little things. I found a compliant Turkey Bacon and Almond Milk, and I had to call my husband because I was so giddy.
Sorry for such a long, in-depth update, but for the first week, I wanted to be totally transparent. Next week, I’ll focus more on my challenges and benefits, as I’ll be further along. I hope you’ll join me! Or come join my Whole30 Facebook Group.
Kate says
You go girl. The energy will come back! People say it gets easier after a week, but it was more day 21 for me and at that point I was ready to be done! You can do it!!!
Shann Eva says
Oh boy. Day 21?! I really hope it happens sooner than that!
Kelsie Kleinmeyer says
I just don’t know that I could do it- mad props to you! I would be fine with the veggies and lean meat…but carbs! It would be hard for sure!
Shann Eva says
It’s a struggle for sure. 🙂
Laina Turner says
Good for you and your stick to it ness…..I have been trying to cut down on carbs and sugar and man is it hard BUT I feel so much better. Keep up the great work.
Shann Eva says
It IS really hard. I’ve never attempted it before, but I’m happy I’m sticking with it so far.
Nique85 says
I’m apart of a Facebook group for moms who love to cook. There were a lot of members that were doing the Whole30 and they loved it! I can’t wait to follow your journey!
Shann Eva says
That’s awesome!
sheismelrose says
I hate tuna but everything else seems doable.Kudos to you and avocado is babe lol and I love how you mixed it in between meals. http://sheismelrose.net/ @sheismelrose
Shann Eva says
Thank you!
Jenny says
I have heard lots of things about Whole30 and I am interested in trying it at some point. For now, I am just trying to shed a few pounds before the wedding so I hope I am able to do that.
xoxo, Jenny
Shann Eva says
Totally understandable. I was the same way before my wedding. Best of luck!
Rachel @ STCL says
Wow, so great! Keep up the great work 🙂 These meals actually look delicious!
Shann Eva says
Thank you!
Jos A says
Wow, you’re doing great! We only made it halfway through Whole30 but I think it’s because we didn’t go into it with the right mindset. At least you’re not craving sweets, which is all I craved!
Shann Eva says
Thank you! I hope I can make it all the way. 🙂
Chrissy Z. says
Kudos to you for doing this! I don’t know if I could do it. I don’t think I am that strong right now! But I love hearing about your experiences with it and maybe it will inspire me to do it too some time!
Shann Eva says
Thank you Chrissy!
Lauren B. says
This so sounds like me when I first started! Though I didnt do the whole30, after my detox this is basically how I was eating. You will find other options and I will tell you that Tessemae’s (sp?) mayo is whole 30 compliant and very delish in my tuna/salmon salad I eat daily for lunch. If you want more greens, try putting that on top of a bed of spinach or lettuce with a sprinkle of garlic powder and lots of red wine vinegar and its amazing!! (I should know, I eat it daily.. ha) 😉
Shann Eva says
Great idea Lauren! I’ve been looking for Tessemae’s, but they only have it at one location of Whole Foods, so I have to make a special trip…maybe this weekend. 🙂
JeeYoung says
You’re doing so so great!!! I still need to get a spiralizer. And eggs were my BFF during Paleo months… good luck the rest of the way!!
Shann Eva says
Thank you! Love my spiralizer.
Lindsay // The Flynnigans says
You are AWESOME, girl!! Keep at it! 🙂 So proud of you.
One of my biggest beefs is that I’m always in the kitchen, I hardly ever sit down. The amount of lettuce we go through and eggs a month is staggering. A food processor has made my life exponentially easier but I have to agree on the dishes – there are always endless upon endless amounts of dishes.
Glad you’re doing well, hun. Keep it up. 🙂
Shann Eva says
Yes! I’m in the kitchen almost all the time now. Thank you so much for your support Lindsay 🙂
Lindsay // The Flynnigans says
Happy to. 🙂
Chelsea Ann says
You go girl! I’ve always wanted to do a challenge like this. I’m curious to see if your energy comes back, and what other combos of food you try 🙂
Shann Eva says
I’m hoping it comes back soon! Thank you!
Charlotte says
OMG, you’re really doing it momma–and you’re totally kicking a**! I’m sure that some days are going to be easier than others, but I love your perseverance and determination. AND your avo/egg salad sounds totally delicious.
i’m sure the energy will come back as you get into a groove and gym workouts will be easier. YOU ARE AWESOME!
Shann Eva says
Awe. Thank you so much Charlotte! Your support is encouraging, so thank you.
CourtneyLynne Storms says
Omg yay!!!! Glad to see you kicking butt doing this!!! The food in this diet doesn’t look that bad either! I might have to read up some more on this.
Shann Eva says
Yeah. It’s all pretty good, but I could probably eat all the time 😉
Mistle says
Keep up the great work! I know it is taking a lot of discipline which I don’t think I could ever have. Though I don’t eat a lot of sweet things, so I might be able to do this. Maybe I will try it one day. I also feel you on the feeling extremely tired. This week I have had no motivation or energy. I can’t wait to hear more about your journey with the Whole30.
Shann Eva says
Thank you so much, Mistle 🙂
Joanna says
I loved reading about this! Can’t wait to hear more from the rest of your 30 days:)
Shann Eva says
Thank you Joanna!
Rica Lewis says
Wow! You are super committed! Congrats on taking that challenge and following through. I’m anxious to see how things work out for you. Keep us posted!
Shann Eva says
Thank you! I will!
Erin @ A Welder's Wife says
Congrats for making it this long! I have recently decided to become gluten-free, and it is by no means easy! My weaknesses are bread and cheese. I found a bread substitute about a month ago, but hated it until this week! I finally figured out a way to eat it and actually like it. The struggle is real to stay on track, but I love the energy that came from this change in my diet around week two! Keep at it and I know the energy will come back. Your body just has to realize what is going on and get with the program. Keep up the great work!
Shann Eva says
Thank you so much! My body definitely needs to figure out what is going on. It is confused!
Rebecca | Happily the Hicks says
Awesome job!! I know it must be tough, but you have done so well. I am having a Cherry Pie Larabar for my afternoon snack today and am excited to try it 🙂 Keep pushing!
Shann Eva says
So good! Thank you!
Lottie Moor says
I don’t think I could deal with having as little food as you are having, nor having to deal with the other side effects you mentioned! Good luck with your journey, I hope you achieve what you want to achieve 🙂
Lottie xx
http://lottielamour.co.uk
Shann Eva says
Thank you! It’s hard for sure.
Bethany Magnie says
How inspiring Shann!! Changing eating habits can be so hard!! I need to be eating more veg for sure. We’ve been slacking on eating food whole food and eating out a lot lately.
Shann Eva says
Thank you!
Maggie Unzueta says
Carb flu. LOL. That would be me. Congrats! Keep going.
Lauren says
Everything really is so good…it’s just rough getting past the sugar withdrawal for me…after that, I feel so much better! Congrats!
Shann Eva says
I think I’m past that, but still needing more energy.
The Stay-at-Home Life says
You are doing great! The food looks yummy. I’d struggle, too, this doesn’t look easy at all.
Shann Eva says
Thank you. It is really tough.
Sophia says
This is something that I need to try.
Heather Gullett Denniston says
Your food looks great. The Whole Thirty is such a journey physically and emotionally. When you are done check out my “Three Day Reset”. It is a great way to continue the changes you have made. xoxo Good luck on the rest of it!
Shann Eva says
I definitely will. Thank you!
Linda | Brunch-n-Bites says
Oh wow! Congrats! And thanks for inspiring us. I’ve been trying to do it but always came back from work way too tired to prep food, so yeah… I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to see the final result.
Shann Eva says
Thank you!
Angelle Marix says
Everything does look and sound amazing. Breaking away from sugar and processed foods has been my best decision. I also love sparkling water now!! It’s an acquired taste for sure. Congrats on doing so well. Keep it up!!
Xoxo,
Angelle
http://www.dashingdarlin.com
Shann Eva says
Yes, it is. Thank you so much!
shelah moss says
All the food looks delicious to me. I need to give this a try.