Living a healthy lifestyle is something that I have really been trying to improve in my own life lately. I recently came across the Whole30 program, did some research, and decided to give it a shot. I have never been one for diets, but this one seemed worth a try. For those of you who don’t know what Whole30 is, it’s a strict paleo diet for 30 days; meaning, no sugar, no grain (bread, pasta cereal, etc.), no dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese, etc.), no legumes (all beans and peanuts), and no sauces with the exception of olive oil. I am basically limited to fruit, veggies, meat, and eggs. The whole purpose of the Whole30 is to encourage clean eating by resetting your metabolism and cleansing your body with completely cutting out the food groups that hurt it the most.
I love Cookout and Bojangles as much as the next person and I admittedly don’t go to the gym as much as I should. So, needless to say, something needed to change. I decided to participate in the Whole30 program to get healthy and to hopefully lose a few pounds in the process (it is almost bikini season). If you’re thinking about joining the Whole30 program, here is how my journey is going so far!
I am only on the seventh day of the program, but I already feel so much better, I feel more energized during the day and I don’t get nearly as tired as I used to. However, I won’t lie to you; it is pretty difficult at times, especially if you live on-campus like myself. But it becomes easier day after day. Breakfast is becoming my favorite meal of the day because I can have egg omelets with vegetables inside, as well as endless amounts of bacon and sausage with coffee (black, of course). Then I usually have a grilled chicken salad of some sort for lunch, and then stir-fry with chicken or meatballs for dinner. I have learned to keep blueberries or baby carrots in the refrigerator for a late night snack.
As strange as this sounds it has actually started to become sort of fun to go in a place and figure out what I can and can’t eat. I have started to make a game out of it. There is always something you can get at any restaurant. For example, at Comeback Shack, you can get a burger or grilled chicken (with no cheese) on a lettuce wrap instead of bread; you can also order a side of sweet potato chips instead of French fries. You can also go to Chili’s and order the fajitas and just not eat the tortillas, cheese, or sour cream that comes with it! There are also several recipes online that follow the guidelines of paleo, but are also delicious and filling. I will link a couple of my favorites at the bottom!
If you are still considering participating in the Whole30, know that is takes some self-discipline, but it gets easier every day. If you go into it with a positive attitude you will surely become healthier and see great results!
Recipes and Ideas:
http://whole30.com/2014/10/best-whole30-recipes-no-forks/
http://www.primallyinspired.com/whole-30-dinner-recipes-quick-easy/
http://goodcheapeats.com/my-whole-30-eating-plan/