Whole30 Week 1 Update

I did it, guys! I survived the first week of Whole 30!!!!

Holy smokes this was the longest week ever! If you want time to feel like its going at a snails pace, go on Whole 30. Seriously. Every day was a struggle to the finish line and I’m going to be completely honest here, I had a moment of weakness on day two. Day two, people! But it’s not entirely due to my weak ass will power, it’s because I did not plan properly.

So what happened was, at around 2:30pm, I started craving a snack because that’s the time I usually crave a snack. Most of the time, a salty snack. Any chip lovers out there??! Because I did not plan accordingly (aka. meal prep, get the right snacks, etc…) I reached for a handful of organic veggie chips. I actually tried to justify it with the fact that its organic and its “veggie”.

I felt so guilty and Rowell who caught me, would not let me live it down. Oh yeah, did I mention he is doing this with me too? There is no way I could do this alone. It’s hard enough that I have to make my kids their “normal” food of spaghetti and meatballs while I roast yet another sweet potato.

Anyway, the fact that I lasted an entire week with only one cheating moment is quite an accomplishment for me because as a super foodie, I love to eat! This diet takes a huge amount of discipline and dedication and on my first week, I learned a few things that I want to share with ya’ll if you’re thinking of doing Whole 30 too.

What I learned on my first week of Whole 30

1. Plan, Plan, Plan, Plan!!!
   Make a list of everything you need and head to the grocery store prior to starting. Duh right? But yeah, I didn’t do that.
2. Meal Prep
   Carve out a day and prepare as much food as possible to last you a few days. Cut up veggies and fruit and store them in zip lock bags and defrost meat so you’re not scrambling on the day of when you are literally starving and ready to gnaw at your own arm.
3. Not all Lara Bars are Whole 30 compliant
   I was so happy when I learned that Lara Bars are allowed on Whole 30 because they are yummy. HOWEVER, not all Lara Bars are created equal.  Here is an article that lists compliant vs. non compliant Lara Bars. I stumbled upon this while ironically eating a Salted Caramel Lara Bar.
4. Have ready made snacks available
   Hard boiled eggs, cashews, Whole30 compliant Lara Bars, apples, avocados and cuties are my go-to’s. I also find that drinking hot tea satisfies my hunger.

Also, it’s important to mention the various feelings and emotions I went through each day.

Here’s the low down on how I felt day to day

Day 1 – Awesome! I can do this! OMG, this is so easy! 30 days?! Please, I could do this for 60 days!
Day 2 – I need snacks. I need something salty. I’m hungry.
Day 3 – Okay, today’s a little better. I made some delicious meals that left me satisfied. I’m starting to feel good. Getting pretty gassy though.
Day 4 – I’m getting rid of water retention (I’m peeing A LOT more), my energy levels are up. I don’t feel lethargic after a meal.
Day 5 – Still feeling good but starting to have hunger pangs. Cashews have become my best friend.
Day 6 – Worse day ever! I felt super cranky, was in a constant state of brain fog that ended in a full blown migraine. Confusion as to why I’m doing this to myself set in.
Day 7 – Woke up with more energy! Looked in the mirror and noticed clearer skin and feeling slightly lighter which left me feeling motivated!

I’m in high spirits going into week two. I’m a little more prepared and know what to expect when it comes to my hunger and cravings.

How has your experience with Whole 30 been? Any similarities to mine? Leave me a comment below, I would love to hear from you!