Whole30: Week 1

Hey! It’s been one week since Logan and I have started our first round of Whole30 so I thought I’d give a quick update on some of the wins and loses we’ve both experienced. I hope it helps some of you understand a little more how the program works! Here we go!

Overall review

Looking back I can’t even believe it’s been a week since we started the Whole30 challenge. It’s been such a good learning experience for both Logan and I, and I’ve loved having each other to lean on when all we want is a dang cookie. It’s been so surprising and eye opening to me how often I just eat…whatever I can find. For example, the kids sandwich crust, or their left over cracker, or even the last bite of their yogurt. I’ve had to catch myself a few times from not doing that. It was a little more tough towards the beginning of the week, but now that I haven’t had any of that stuff in a week it doesn’t even really phase me. It’s crazy how fast your mind can work and change bad habits into good.

How is our energy?

Logan: Logan reports that so far he has been able to focus a lot better at work, get the things done that he needs to at home and feel rested when he wakes up. There have been mornings however where it’s been harder for him to get out of bed, but that’s more likely due to the fact that we have crazy kids that wake up at the most random times during the night, usually one after the other (with a 30 minute rest period in between of course). Gah! Kids. We love them I promise.

Shanell: Me?! Well, I’m 22 weeks pregnant and fatigue has honestly been the hardest part for me. I’m still doing my regular workout routines of 45 minutes to an hour of cardio and weight training, so I’m sure that could have an effect on my energy level as well, but for the most part, I’m tired. Ha! However, I WILL say that I’ve been able to sleep SOLID! Which means Logan gets the shaft with the kids during the night because I don’t even budge when they make a squeak. Sorry babe. 🙂 Oops!

Have we been bored with the food options?

Logan: It’s been a little more challenging for Logan during the work hours because there are only so many things he can rightfully “snack” on. I think he’s had almonds, and cutie oranges for a week straight. We’ll work on that.

Shanell: I haven’t been bored at all! To be completely honest I feel like before we started the challenge I was basically eating a fruits, veggies, and protein diet with some whole grains thrown into the mix as well. Since I’ve cut out the grains, yeah, I’ve kinda, sorta missed them, but not as much as I thought I would. I’ve been able to create some amazing breakfasts, lunches and dinners that completely satisfy and reward our palates. There are so many delicious and healthy options out there. It just requires a little creativity, or someone else’s creativity (hmm mmm Pinterest) to combine these wonderful foods together to create a masterpiece.

Here are a couple of different things we’ve been able to eat this week.

How has it affected our mood?

Logan: As mentioned before he’s felt like he’s been way more productive over the last week than before starting the challenge.

Shanell: I’ve also been able to get more done it seems. I don’t know if it’s because I bought a new planner so I’m excited to right things down then check them off, or because of the food choices we’ve made it’s literally been helping me focus on what I actually need to get done. I dunno…

Do we still crave certain foods?

Logan: Of course. He wants cereal for a snack every night before he goes to bed. BUT he’s loved the other healthy choices we’ve made as well. An apple with almond butter and coconut flakes has done the trick.

Shanell: Yep! I still want a handful of milk chocolate chips, a bowl of granola, or even a taco, but it honestly hasn’t been that bad. When you don’t have it in the home, it’s not as hard to forget about it. The worst is when I look at all those stinking “Tasty” videos on Facebook…you know the ones with all the yummy desserts and treats people make with complete fake ingredients? Yeah, those look good to me…until I think about what they actually are and would do to my body. When I remember the “why” I’m doing this I’m able to resist and ignore all those silly temptations and cravings.

How’s the budget going?

Logan: He hasn’t had to buy a meal at work ONCE! He’s been doing great.

Shanell: It’s actually going really good. We’ve stuck to our budget and with proper meal planning should be good for the rest of the month! It hasn’t really been much of a stretch for money. We’ve used what we have and we save money on all the other things we really don’t need anyway. It’s a win win.

Has the meal prepping and planning been overwhelming?

Logan: Um…he gives suggestions and ideas which I’m grateful for…but that’s about it. 🙂

Shanell: It’s a little time consuming to sit down and figure out what you’re going to eat for your three meals each day of the week, but it’s WELL worth it! I can honestly say that my kitchen has actually been CLEANER and more organized since we’ve started the program. Is that weird? I think it’s because I know exactly what I’m going to be making for dinner that night and how long it’s going to take me. I’ve learned to prep extra chicken if I know we’re going to be having chicken another night of the week. I’ve learned to wash fruits and veggies so they are ready to eat right out of the fridge, and my kids have learned where to put their plates when they are done withe them…that helps too. PLUS I want it to be a good expereince for both Logan and I so I’ve really tried hard to focus on keeping the kitchen a “happy place.” Haha, it sounds silly, but it’s worked so far!

So far…do we think it’s worth it?

Logan: Yes. It’s hard, but it’s worth it. He reports that he’s already seen changes and looks forward to seeing more.

Shanell: Absolutely. Of course it’s going to be hard. If it were easy it wouldn’t really be changing anything would it? So yes, I think it’s worth it to give it a try…after all it’s only 30 days right?

Making lifestyle changes aren’t easy but we can do this! And we will!

Over and out-

Shanell 🙂