Whole30 Thursday
It’s Whole30 Thursday again! If you’ve missed what the heck I’m talking about, you can read about what Whole30 Thursday is all about HERE, and then read my updates HERE and HERE.
I really can’t believe this is the 3rd Whole30 Thursday post that I’ve written. I have officially made it 21 days! Only a little over a week to go.
If you had asked me a couple of days ago how I was doing, the answer was not good. I was actually thinking of how I could explain why I was quitting. I was just so sick of everything I was eating. The thought of doing this for even one more day made me a little nauseous. Plus, I wanted something sweet. Or something to drink other than water. But, I pushed through, and yesterday was so much better. I found a couple new foods, and it really made all the difference.
Not only has the preparing, cooking, dishes, shopping, and eating been a challenge, but I didn’t realize how difficult the social aspects of eating would be.
We had a Memorial Day cookout, and even though I still enjoyed most of the food, I really wanted cheese and ketchup on my burger, and I also wanted to have a beer with everyone. We then had a campfire, and the boys all made S’mores. All I wanted to do was lick my sticky marshmallow fingers after helping them make them…and I don’t even like marshmallows! Don’t worry. I didn’t.
So, I’m glad there aren’t anymore holidays, and our next family get together will be after I’m done….which I’ll talk more about a little later.
First here’s the Whole30 Thursday food re-cap, including my first meal out.
Day 15
Breakfast – I made another pumpkin casserole, along with carrots. I promise the recipe is coming soon.
Snack before workout – Larabar
Lunch – Tunavocado with one hardboiled egg mixed in, along with olives and spinach
Snack – Apple and handful of Almonds
Dinner – I found some compliant spinach and chicken sausage that my husband grilled, and I ate with guacamole. I also baked slices of potato with olive oil and sea salt, and we grilled zucchini and yellow squash. Oh! I made Kale chips for the first time. My husband actually liked them more than me. I thought they were just OK.
Day 16
Breakfast – 3 fried Eggs, Sweet Potato, and an Orange
Snack before workout – Larabar
Lunch – Chicken salad with compliant Mayo, Pecans, and Celery over spinach
Snack – Apple and handful of Almonds
Dinner – I remade the Chicken salad, but this time with Avocado instead of Mayo and added Grapes
Day 17
Breakfast – Pumpkin casserole, Broccoli, Carrots and Guacamole
Lunch – We ate out at Chipotle! I did my research and ate the Carnitas over lettuce with the mild salsa and guacamole. It was OK, but not as great as I remembered. Carnitas (pork) is my go-to whenever we go there, so I was a little disappointed. Plus, it was way too expensive for what you get.
Dinner – I made some really yummy Chicken Tenders. I found a recipe, and I will be sharing it soon. Everyone ate and loved them, along with some Sweet Potato.
Day 18
Breakfast – Pumpkin casserole, tomato, and carrots
Lunch – Our Memorial Day cookout – Burger with Guacamole, Yellow Potatoes baked with Avocado Oil and Sea Salt, Fruit Salad (Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Blueberries) and grilled Yellow Squash and Zucchini
Dinner – Leftover Burger with Tomato, Fruit Salad, and Carrots
I completely forgot pictures…sorry!
Day 19
I finally tried the Ghee that’s been sitting in my cupboard. Ghee is basically clarified butter, which is butter with the milk cooked out and just the fat left. You can make it yourself, but I found a really cheap jar of it at Trader Joe’s.
Breakfast – Pumpkin Casserole, 2 Fried Eggs, and Carrots
Lunch – Leftover Burger and 2 Chicken Tenders cut up and put on top of Spinach with Tomato and Celery. I also used some compliant Mayo with Garlic and Onion Powder added as dressing.
Dinner – Scrambled Eggs, Yellow Potato, and Broccoli drizzled with Ghee
Day 20
Breakfast – Celery w/Almond butter, Apple, and Pumpkin Casserole
Lunch – Tunavocado with Spinach and Olives, Apple, and Carrots
Snack – Apple and a handful of Almonds
Dinner – Eggvocado, Tomato, and Carrots
Day 21
I found compliant deli Turkey!!!! You would think this would be no big deal, but after eating the same food for almost three weeks, it was huge.
Breakfast – 2 eggs fried in Ghee, pumpkin breakfast casserole, tomato, and carrots
Lunch – Eggvocado mixed with spinach, pea pods, and an apple
Snack – 2 slices of Turkey, Pea Pods, Apple, and a handful of Almonds
Dinner – 3 Eggs scrambled in Ghee with Turkey and Spinach, more Pea Pods
After workout snack – 2 slices of Turkey, Apple, Carrots, Pea Pods and some Guacamole
The Last Part
With only one more Whole30 Thursday post to go, I’m starting to think of what’s next for me. I’m not exactly sure how I’ll feel at the very end, so I can’t say for sure. From all the things that I’ve been reading, a lot of changes can happen in the last week, so I’m eager to see what’s in store.
I’m still waiting for some energy to return so that I can get back to my regular workouts. My hunger has been getting better, but I still can’t get away from that late day snack. It’s still hard work every day, but it’s already paid off. I’ve gone 21 days without refined sugar, I’ve become more comfortable in the kitchen, and I’ve come up with some meals that my family will be eating in regular rotation. My kids are actually eating vegetables!!! That right there is worth it.
So, what are you thinking about the Whole30? Is it something you would consider?
Rachel Ritlop says
I’ve heard this is so tough! way to go for sticking with it! I will need to make some of these for dinner and lunch this week!
Shann Eva says
Thank you! It is definitely a challenge.
Cassandra says
Keep up all the awesome work! The social aspect + the crazy amount of dirty dishes are always the hardest aspects for me. You’re through the hardest part now! Around day 20 is when I start to get more energy. And I used to crave foods that I didn’t like either. Last time I did Whole30 I dreamed about French Toast and I hate French Toast!
Shann Eva says
Ha! I hate French Toast too, but it actually sounds good right about now 😉 Ugh, the dishes are just insane.
Kate Walton says
Your food looks amazing! I am needing inspiration for lunch and supper today- you gave me some great ideas 🙂 as always- come link up! http://www.akreativewhim.com/link-party-32
Anna says
Congratulations you are doing a great job! Your food looks very healthy!
Shann Eva says
Thank you!
Dominique Garcia says
Transitioning to eating no refined sugars is so hard. I do the Paleo way of life, with occasional cheats. When I started the hardest part was cutting the night time eating, but it does really pay off when you not only look better but feel so good!
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Shann Eva says
Yes, it is definitely hard. I’m going to try to keep it to a minimum when I’m done, but I’m sure I’ll have cheats too.
Mistle says
Great job so far Shann!! You are almost done!!! I give you so many props for being able to do this. I seriously would prob want to punch someone for not being able to eat what I want. However, it is a healthier life style, so that’s a positive.
Shann Eva says
Ha ha! I have definitely wanted to punch a few people. Thank you, Mistle.
Becky @Disney in your Day says
Good for you for getting through Memorial Day, that’s gotta be tough. I’ll be looking forward to that pumpkin casserole recipe!
Shann Eva says
Thank you! I’m so glad there aren’t anymore holidays during the rest 🙂
Stephanie says
This post is so informative!! I’ve been toying with the idea of doing a Whole 30 but am overwhelmed with the idea of making so many dishes but you’ve given me plenty of idea.
Shann Eva says
Awesome. If you ever have any questions, let me know.
Dia says
I have loved following your journey. I really need to try this. I keep thinking of reasons why it probably won’t work this summer. Girls weekend in June, birthday and the 4th in July, L.A. in August. Maybe I should start with a whole week challenge. lol
Shann Eva says
Yes, summer is definitely a hard time without missing some holidays/special occasions. Thank you so much for following along!
Lindsay // The Flynnigans says
It definitely gets harder before it gets better but hang in there girl.
Just the fact that your family is eating more veggies, that makes it worthwhile, and you e now got some new dishes to add to your rotation.
Knock em dead in your last week girl! 😉
Shann Eva says
Yes! That is so true. Thank you LIndsay!
Jessica Bradshaw says
Way to go!!! I can’t believe you resisted all that temptation on Memorial Day! High five girl!!
Shann Eva says
Thank you!
Lauren B. says
You are doing so good!!! Do they have recipes on the whole30 website or FB page? Maybe you could find some other foods to help get you through the last week! You should be SO proud of yourself!!
Shann Eva says
Thank you so much Lauren! Yes, they do…I’m just lazy 😉
Marie Wikle says
wow! these look delicious! and very healthy! I do love making my chicken salad with greek yogurt instead of mayo.
Shann Eva says
Thank you!
Tiffany Austin says
You’re doing awesome! I know what it feels like to watch to just give up. Good for you to find a way to keep going. I want the recipe for the pumpkin casserole!
Jenny B says
Wow! Your meals look very delicious! It can be super challenging changing your diet and removing the junk, but eventually you do stop craving it, but it does take time. Kudos for pushing though, it’s not easy changing old habits. <3
modernchicmag says
I feel you on the whole food journey. I’ve recently made the gradual move towards pescatarian then vegetarian and gradually incorporating into a vegan lifestyle. It’s easier in terms of eating meat, but you definitely have to rework the way you eat in a social setting. Best of luck!
Belle Vie A Deux says
DANG!!! this looks absolutely delicious!!!!! Im going to try this out!
Christine Cox says
That is super! Your meals look fabulous but with having 2 kids, it would be so hard to do this. I feel like I’d be making my meal and then a meal for them. Plus the hubby is so freaking picky! What does yours think of it all?
Emma and JW says
You are doing so so well! The Whole30 is seriously tough so good for you for sticking with it through the challenging times. JW really saw great results from it and it has totally changed the way we both eat. Looking forward to seeing you finish strong!
CourtneyLynne Storms says
Oooo everything is looking super tasty!!! I need to give this whole 30 thing a try!
AllThingsBigAndSmall says
Everything looks delicious! I just bought the book and am pondering giving it another go! All of the meal plan and prep was intimidating though!