Boom! I finished the Whole 30.

I successfully accomplished the Whole30!  It was at times long, however as I look back it seems like it flew by. It was an interesting self-experiment that I am extremely happy that I did.  It came in to my life at a perfect time and I can say it definitely has made me stronger, happier and healthier.  Spoiler alert before I get in to the details: I plan to still follow the eating suggestions but with a little bit more flexibility.  Now that I am at the end of the 30 days, I don't know what I plan to re-introduce first, I am in a strong debate with myself over dairy or wine.

Kelly’s Whole30 Results:

Skin: Completely clear of all eczema and less dry than it has ever been in my life.  This is amazing to me, I know that skin is the largest organ in your body but I didn't think the way I ate had such a link to skin health.  

Weight: I lost 8 pounds during the 30 days.  I weighed myself right before I started and today on the last day in the same outfit on the same scale for precision.  I am happy with the 8 pounds, but I actually think the composition of my body is changing with Crossfit so I am not entirely focused on the scale.

Clothing fit: I think I mentioned this in an earlier post, I am down about 2 sizes in pants, and many of my work dresses and suits are fitting much better.  I did take measurements but didn't take them again today but clothing fit is a good signal.

Energy: I can’t pinpoint whether I had more energy but I will say that I didn’t have ups and downs or afternoon slumps during the 30 days. My energy level was consistent. 

Sleep: This is a huge bucket for me, I am a big fan of the snooze button, waking up before my alarm clock most mornings and actually feeling rested was impressive.

Stomach/Digestive: When people used to say they felt bloated, I just used to nod my head as I never felt bloated pre-Whole30 so couldn't empathize.  Around week 2, I started to realize that, that was because I ALWAYS felt bloated and it was a huge difference to not feel that way. 

Other:  I can say that throughout the 30 days I missed the idea of Alcohol but around the 3^rd week the craving for that and everything else I wasn’t eating just ceased to exist.  I often found myself sitting at a table with baked goods or piping hot French fries and just not having an urge to eat them. It was strange but awesome.

I expanded my cooking skills and knowledge.  I now don’t see grocery shopping or cooking as a chore but something I enjoy.  While the Whole30 limits what you can eat it doesn’t have to be joyless, you just have to get creative with doing research and selecting recipes or new items to try.  I also found that I didn’t waste any food as left overs were eaten at other meals and when you cook in bulk there is no time for veggies to expire in the fridge.  The final thing in regards to food is how delicious fat makes food, from coconut oil, avocado or my personal favorite bacon fat it helps to jazz up your veggies and make you excited to eat them. 

I found that continuing to log my food quantities on Myfitnesspal throughout the Whole30 was helpful and important.  It helps to monitor your macros to make sure you are getting enough Carbs, Proteins and Fats and just overall not eating too little or too much.

I have mentioned this in previous posts throughout the 30 days but having support from friends and family was so helpful.  I happily answered any and all questions and curiosity during the 30 days and will continue to do so.  Knowing that people are rooting for you to succeed makes each choice a bit easier.

Day 31 and Beyond: I enjoyed the challenge of the 30 days; while it was restrictive it makes you mentally stronger.  Each positive food choice propels you to keep the momentum going.  Over the next two weeks I am going to do a slow re-introduction of foods that I am interested in adding back to see how they make me feel.  I plan to maintain whole30 type eating (real food) as I feel amazing right now and don’t want that to end but as I mentioned I will leave room for non-whole30 items depending on my reaction to them during re-introduction.  Eating real food over the last 30 days has had so many positives and very little negatives and I encourage anyone looking to learn about themselves and their relationship to food to try a Whole30.