I have now been through four cycles of Whole30 since February of 2015 #whole30alumni (and many months of being off the wagon) and I have learned several important lessons! One of the biggest things I have learned through my Whole30 journey is about the sneaky epidemic of inflammation and how it can mess with your body in ways you never imagined. I know for me, eliminating dairy and other inflammatory foods have been life altering! I never realized that just a little butter with my steak could make me stuffy the next morning or a little ranch dressing could make my acne flare up. I know that know that I mostly follow a Whole30 template and add in "Worth it" cheats here and there. Now my idea of worth it is changing!
I also feel as though a little wine is NOT just a little wine. I know now that alcohol is a toxin, no matter how many carbohydrates or sugars, or if it's just Gluten Free Hard Cider. It still affects your body the same way and it is still bad for you. Now that's not to say that I won't have a drink of wine here or there, but I am very aware of what it is doing to my body and how I need to care for it before and after. And what I can expect from my body the next day.
Soy is another sneaky enemy I know will be out of my life. I used to drink a Soy Cinnomon Dolce Latte from Starbucks every day. Every day! I used to work at Starbucks when we lived in Jacksonville and I thought it was a 'healthy' dairy free option. Then I learned that it made my body produce more estrogen and it also made my cycle hell! That summer I literally thought I was going to die by period. No joke. Nooooo joooookkkeee. I don't even touch the tofu in the miso soup when we go out for sushi. I don't put soy sauce on NOTHIN' and nobody can make me. It is that instantly painful for me.
Gluten and grains in general. Don't miss ya. I never realized how jacked gluten can make your tummy. Why would I want to constantly feel stomach pain? And all the carbs in bread and chips mess with your blood sugar and makes you crash. Wah wah... no thank you.
Sugar, don't crave ya!! When I even taste artificial sweeteners it's just too much. I have discovered the name for what I crave thanks to Melissa Joulwan's blog. She says it is called "Umami" and it is a meaty savory flavor. That's me to a T!
Now a days, I follow a pretty close Whole30 template, I constantly shop the staples such as protein and veggies, I prep sweet potatoes, Chili, whole chicken, bone broth, Whole30 Mayo, Sunshine Sauce, some sugar free bacon, and I've added a Vegan Protein shake to my regimen. I also take Chromium, Magnesium, Fish Oil, NAC, and Myo-Inositol. I drink my warm lemon water every morning. I feel better but I feel the need for a pure Whole30 coming on! My husband and I also bought a treadmill and elliptical machine last week. He's doing a low carb approach right now and has lost a few pounds. He's getting a lot of veggies and protein in so I am proud of him!
I love looking at everyone's photos on Instagram! They are so inspiring! They help me keep up this Whole30 lifestyle.
Bethany
