For the next 30+ days, I will be eating meat, vegetables, healthy fats, fruits and nuts. I will not be eating processed food, sugar, dairy, grains or legumes, and I won’t be consuming any alcohol.

I’ve done a few Whole30 challenges before, but this time I’m looking for something a little different. I lost touch with my Paleo choices last year and I would like to reconnect with what it means to feel healthy, vibrant, and in tune with my whole self.

If you’re doing a Whole30 or other challenge, if you are living/exploring the Paleo lifestyle, or if you are simply looking for some tasty recipes to add to your repertoire, be sure to leave a comment to let me know you’re out there! I am so glad you stopped by!

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Day 29 is done!

Quote of the Day: “The most effective way to do it is to do it.” – Amelia Earhart

I like this quote because fundamentally, I’m a doer. With a few procrastinating tendencies. Generally I like to get stuff done. I think that’s why I like lists so much. I have the plan, write it down, check it off, and with that comes a sense of accomplishment. When I am procrastinating, it’s generally an uncomfortable place for me to be because I know in my head that something needs to get done. Often it wears on me until I do it.

I know that sometimes we can deliberate and think about something for so long that we talk ourselves out of achieving our goals. I think about how I could have waited until I had a month ahead that was less stressful, more stable, without a tasting in the middle, before starting my Whole30, but I’m so glad that I just did it anyway. It hasn’t been at all as I envisioned it, and I’m a little disappointed that my eating wasn’t as on point as I would have liked it to be, but really in life sometimes we just need to move forward.

As I near the final days of my Whole30, I have been thinking about what comes next. Before I give a few tips for those who are attempting their first challenge or who are interested in a little guidance, I’ll share briefly what I see happening for my transition. I have reintroduced foods before and I know that sugar gives me a headache. Dairy sometimes does too. But dairy and I can play nicely together, particularly in the forms of grass-fed yogurt and kefir, grass-fed cream and butter, and high quality, artisan cheese. Rice is fine for me, but I keep it limited because of the carb levels. That, and I’m truly happy with cauliflower rice so why trade out a veggie? Gluten is a bad idea so I try to avoid it but it makes an appearance from time to time when out or visiting friends.

There is, however, an actual process to follow and the Whole30 website does an excellent job of laying it out here. It’s really about taking your time to introduce food groups and deciding if it’s okay for your body and your life. You might try adding rice, and if it goes fine, then decide how often you’d like to incorporate it. And you get to decide. Every time. Wine is not that great for me and I notice this every time I reintroduce it. But guess what? I reintroduce it every time because the pleasure that I derive is greater than the discomfort. And the discomfort (generally a headache and a little less self-control…) is not that great when I indulge consciously rather than over-indulge.

When looking at reintroduction, I think it’s really important to understand how dairy, sugar, and gluten affect you. Funnily, before going Paleo I was a big whole grains and legumes eater. That was my staple diet and I even toyed with being vegetarian for a bit – but I didn’t feel great eating like that. Once I stopped eating them, I didn’t really miss them. And I was certain I would. I have never officially reintroduced legumes, but on occasion when I eat time, there is quite a bit of digestive distress so I generally steer clear.

The reason I think it’s important to focus on dairy, sugar and gluten is because A) some people really miss dairy and knowing how it affects you can help you make a decision, B) sugar is in everything, and C) gluten can wreak a lot of havoc on our bodies. It’s worth it for me to know just how my body responds and what my limits are so that I can find the balance that works best for my life.

I hope that helps and that you find the balance that works for you. I’d love to know how it goes so please don’t hesitate to share!

Day 29 – The Details

4:30am – Black coffee

6:00am – 2 eggs, mushrooms, 1/2 tsp. ghee, 1/4 avocado

9:15am – Banana

12:30pm – Slaw, salsa, 3 chipotle meatballs, 1/4 avocado, 1/2 c. butternut squash soup, small handful of nuts

3:30pm – Truffle roasted cauliflower

6:00pm – Asian pork stir-fry, orange

Food: I felt a bit hungry today, which I’m not bothered by. Just noticed it. I ate more at dinner and am now beginning to wonder if the problem has been not enough at the actual meals, which led me to snack, and over-snack.

Mood: Pretty stable today. I can always tell I’m feeling more balanced when my kiddo argues with everything and I am able to handle it calmly.

Sleep: 7 1/2 hours – yay! Finally! Only took me nearly a month. It felt great.

Activity: Weights / Dog walk – maybe my mood is better because I finally got to work out.

Focus – No food at the computer: Still doing this one. I think it’s an important one long-term for me because I will be working out of my house even more starting in February. I need to break the snacking habit.