I did it! On August 15th, I completed 30 days on the whole30 program. Whole30 is a strict paleo lifestyle. I hate calling it a diet. I began by reading the book "It Starts with Food" by Melissa and Dallas Hartwig. Then I cleaned out the cabinets and fridge of most of the junk foods I ate. I didn't get rid of everything because I was/am the only person in the house going strict paleo. Strict paleo consist of no grains, dairy, and added sugar. Not even pure forms of sugar, such as honey and maple syrup. The only things I consumed for 30 days were lean meats, fish, vegetables, healthy fats, a bit of fruit, some nuts and dry fruit, occasionally. I kept my eating simple and clean.
I decided to give the whole30 program a try because I was having stomach issues. Mainly bloating, cramps and pain. After reading the book, I thought... "maybe this way of eating will help my systemic inflammation, too." Hence, I could maybe gain some control over the tendonitis and pain in my right ankle. Any other benefits from committing to and completing the whole30 program would be a bonus.
The first thing I noticed after just 3 days on the whole30 program was that the bloating in my stomach was gone. My gut was feeling pretty good. And no more cramps or pain. Second, the pain from the tendonitis and calcium deposits in my right ankle/heel area were subsiding. YES! Finally, I felt like the food I was eating was starting to make me feel better.
So after 30 days on the program, I feel Fabulous! I wake up every morning energized. Ready to start my day with a hearty breakfast and then a run or a workout. Did I mention that I gave up coffee? Yup, I have not had coffee for 30 days. I gave up coffee because I gave up sugar and I realized that I didn't need it to wake me up. My gut feels healthy. I have no pain in my ankle or heel. I can actually run back to back days and feel no pain. My recovery time after my long runs on the weekend is short. Basically, after 24 hours, I am ready for a hard hill or speed interval workout. I ran two 16-milers and one 20 miler without fueling during the runs. My body is slowly learning how to burn fat for fuel. Still, I listen to my body and if it needs fuel, I do bring it and have it available. My runs have not suffered from not eating grains. I get enough carbs from vegetables and fruits.
I am so happy that I stuck with the whole30 program and it gave me the results I was looking for. As a bonus, my skin is more clear. And, I lost three pounds. I know three pounds doesn't seem like a lot but it's three pounds more than I've lost in about a year. I will take losing three pounds of FAT in four weeks versus losing five pounds of water weight in a week. My waist is smaller and my abs look tighter. My legs look leaner. I can actually start to see the shape of my quads and hamstring muscles.
After 30 days, I will continue to follow the whole30 program with an occasional cheat day. But I won't stray too far because not having stomach issues and pain in my ankle are far more important than eating junk food. Funny thing is I don't miss one specific food or foods. I do miss chewing gum the most. One of the many things that I love about this lifestyle is that I don't have to count calories. When I'm hungry, I eat until I'm satisfied. I'm absolutely hooked and love it. I am hopeful that this way of eating will continue to have a positive affect on my body.
Please feel to message me with any questions. I would love to help you change your life. But first, I have to recommend you read "It Starts with Food" by Melissa and Dallas Hartwig.
Thank you for stopping by,
Sheila
