I apologize for not getting this up sooner. I am currently on Day 33 and had planned on posting right away, but the stomach flu kind of got in my way over the weekend. So for most people that finish the Whole30 and then have a glass of wine or start reintroducing dairy or eat a whole pizza (not recommended, but whatever!) I was “stuck” eating bone broth, sweet potatoes, and apple with almond butter. Seriously, that’s what I ate yesterday. And Saturday. It was kind of pathetic. Today I am back to feeling almost 100%, got my workout done and now to tell you about how the Whole30 changed my life 
Ok, so I may not have had as many drastic changes as some. I had no “real” issues that I thought I would work out. I knew I have an issue with gluten, so I knew my tummy would feel better once that was gone. I did not have any medical issues that are clearing up, only because I didn’t have medical issues (that I know of) at this time. However, I had some amazing results. I am going to start with the one most everyone is curious about and work my way from there.
- Weight Loss: I lost a total of 14 pounds in 30 days! I have quite a bit of weight to lose, so I was hoping for a nice big number like that. And I will definitely take it. I only wish I had taken measurements at the beginning, because I know I didn’t just lose weight. I know I lost inches too. My body has absolutely leaned out. Today I weight 177.2 (lost some over the weekend) and my body is more fit at this weight than it was when I weight 160 pounds a couple years ago. My belly has shrunk in a way that exercise alone couldn’t accomplish. I am down about 2-3 pant sizes and my shirts have gone from an X-Large to a Large or Medium. I am feeling confident in myself again. Which leads right into my next benefit
- Confidence! I have learned that I really can do what I set my mind to do. This was hard. Ok, so it wasn’t “fighting cancer hard” but it definitely wasn’t easy. Especially at the beginning. And around day 20 or so. There were times I really wanted to eat sweets, or chips, or whatever I could get my hands on. But I have learned that I am capable of deciding my own fate when it comes to food. I am capable of turning down a cookie. Or saying no thanks, I have my own snack. I am strong. I am confident. I can accomplish my goals. For the first time ever I believe that I will accomplish my goal! That is huge, people! I have always thought it might be something I could do, someday. But now I absolutely know I can do.
- Skin: I really didn’t think I had much of a skin issue. I typically only get the occasional pimple around that time of the month. What I have had for my whole adult life is what my doctor called “chicken skin”. It’s on my upper arms leaving them rough, it’s almost like acne on your arms, only they aren’t zits. And I would always scratch at it or keep it covered because, well, it’s embarrassing. I remember being extremely embarrassed when my doctor pointed it out to me. I figured I would just always have it. Lotion makes no difference at all. However, at about Day 24 I noticed that my arms were smooth!! I have never had smooth arms! I made my husband feel them just to make sure I wasn’t crazy! The bumps are gone! You can still see the leftover poc marks and redness but even that is diminishing some. I never expected my diet to affect my skin in such a way. It makes me determined to get my oldest completely off of dairy as I know milk bothers her.
- Nails: Again, not really a problem to fix, but my nails have only ever been this strong during pregnancy. So this is just an extra bonus! I am loving this and it means that I need a manicure
My overall consensus is that I feel amazing. Like, extremely amazing! I have committed to continuing my Whole30 through to the end of February with my good friend DubyaWife so I am excited to see where I am at then as well. I also signed up for another 90 day challenge that starts in March (more details to come on this one), so my guess is I will continue on with this paleo lifestyle then too. As my friend Tara tweeted, if eating this way makes you feel this good, why would you change it? This is so true! I have no real reason to change what I am doing. I know it’s a Whole30, not a Whole365. And I know that I will not be perfect all the way until June. However, this is my base. I will keep coming back to this. I feel amazing. I can’t wait to see where this takes me! My husband and I are excited to be taking this new challenge together. I am healthier right now than I have probably EVER been in my entire life. And I am 30. It makes me sad to know that my 20s are gone and I lived them in such an unhealthy way. But looking forward I am so excited to start my 30s off in such an amazing way.
I do not have great pics for before and after, but what I do have I will post. The first one is at 197.8 lbs, and the second one is from today at 177.2 pounds:
My before and After Whole30
I will have a post up next Monday with progress from my Jillian Michaels Body Revolution. I thought I would do one for this past week, but I wanted to get this one up first. And since the Body Revolution goes in 2 week cycles, it works out pretty well. But for whatever it’s worth, I am LOVING IT!
February 11th, 2013 at 2:35 pm
I still think this whole thing is NOT FAIR. For one, I have more weight to lose than you do, and I lost about 6 pounds on Whole30.
Second, my chicken skin didn’t clear up at all, not did any of my other skin problems.
Those two reasons were/are the main source of frustration with Whole30.
You know I’m super happy that it worked well for you, but reading this just makes me think, “WTF is wrong with me that it didn’t work like it did for everyone else?”
In the end, I think diet is a very individual thing. Whole30 isn’t the answer for me. So I’m going to keep looking. But if it works for you, which it apparently does, then I say keep going.
February 11th, 2013 at 2:42 pm
It makes me sad to hear that you are so frustrated with it. I also wonder how much of it is because I have done something similar before that it didn't take my body long to let go? I know you are going back to whole30 guidelines. Maybe you need longer? Or maybe you need to go to a plant based diet like you said earlier. I agree that diet is very individual. And you will find what works for you. You just have to give yourself time to heal! I am here for you, just as you are for me! If I can help in any way, just let me know!
February 12th, 2013 at 11:38 am
Awesome results all around! You’re right, you can accomplish anything!!! Keep it up!
I will have to check out this Whole30 challenge. I’ve heard about it but don’t know too much. Time to investigate!
February 16th, 2013 at 11:32 am
Thank you! Definitely check into it. I have never felt better! I even took a day off to see how much of a difference it makes, and just one day back to "normal" eating and my face has broken out and I felt horrible that day. I am definitely convinced that what we fuel our bodies with makes an enormous difference.