Hi friends! Last we spoke, I was embarking on a Whole 30 adventure and fell short about a week in. Last Sunday, I was sick on the couch with a fever and nausea so I reverted back to my carb loving ways of eating ginger ale, saltines and chicken broth. As a result of this food choice, I revert back to Day 1 of the whole 30. The good news is, my box Crossfit Sine Pari has about 20 members all in the same mindset!
Yesterday while the group learned about Paleo 101, I thought this would be a great topic for a blog post. And now that I am a year into the lifestyle, I can impart my experiences that many of you may share if you decide to begin this journey.
Eating Paleo as I have mentioned before is more than just a way of eating, it’s a way of life. Living a Paleo lifestyle often begins with the food you consumer (no dairy, legumes, grains, sugar- occasional alcohol) but then it transforms into the amount of sleep you get, the type of exercise you embark on and how you balance your life.
It’s been my experience with the Whole 30 that I have successfully gotten over the hump of the initial 1-2 weeks of strict clean
eating, but usually an unplanned event crops up on the calendar totally throwing me off. Whether it’s a glass of wine or a nibble of cheese, the clock stops and I have ruined 2 weeks of hard work. The important thing to remember is PALEO DOES NOT EQUAL PERFECT. Slip ups and set backs will occur. They are in no way failures. They are opportunities to learn from and move forward with.
Yesterday while the group learned about Paleo 101, I thought this would be a great topic for a blog post. And now that I am a year into the lifestyle, I can impart my experiences that many of you may share if you decide to begin this journey.
Eating Paleo as I have mentioned before is more than just a way of eating, it’s a way of life. Living a Paleo lifestyle often begins with the food you consumer (no dairy, legumes, grains, sugar- occasional alcohol) but then it transforms into the amount of sleep you get, the type of exercise you embark on and how you balance your life.
It’s been my experience with the Whole 30 that I have successfully gotten over the hump of the initial 1-2 weeks of strict clean
eating, but usually an unplanned event crops up on the calendar totally throwing me off. Whether it’s a glass of wine or a nibble of cheese, the clock stops and I have ruined 2 weeks of hard work. The important thing to remember is PALEO DOES NOT EQUAL PERFECT. Slip ups and set backs will occur. They are in no way failures. They are opportunities to learn from and move forward with.
Here are my list of “Must Knows” to complete a successful Whole 30. I think had I known then what I do now, I’d have more success stories for you all and less setbacks:
1. Planning is EVERYTHING- As I mentioned above every time I attended an event that I did not originally plan for, I slipped up. I let temptation cloud my judgment. Don’t be unprepared. Make food for the week ahead of time. If you’re coworkers are
having a lunch meeting of pizza pack a lunch you’ll look forward to (mine is usually TJs hotdogs).
2. There is Power in Numbers- Attempting a Whole 30 alone is much harder than with a group of people. You want to talk, commiserate and bounce questions off of others. Join your Paleo challenge at the local Crossfit box, get your coworkers to start a group, talk to your family about it. Its only 30 days and once they feel the effects, they will all thank you for bringing them along for the journey.
3. Knowledge is Power- Read up book worms! The more you know, the more you will be able to handle the cravings, haters and social situations that will draw on your deepest wells of will power. I would rather have an idea of what to expect than to go through blindly. The more you know, the better armed you are.
4. ITS ONLY 30 DAYS!!! – This one is a biggie. When I joined my fellow crossfitters today, a thought crossed my mind. Less than 30 days from now I will be running my way to State College for THON. This is also known as temptation island. Heading back to my alma mater means all-night benders, late night eating and a loss of self-control. This time, instead of spending my night hours at the bar, throwing back $1 beers, I’ll be supporting the dancers at the Bryce Jordan Center and catching up on much needed sleep. I’ll be back again when I will enjoy a Café 210 tea. Let’s keep it in prospective people. The worst case scenario... you eat really healthy for 30 days.
1. Planning is EVERYTHING- As I mentioned above every time I attended an event that I did not originally plan for, I slipped up. I let temptation cloud my judgment. Don’t be unprepared. Make food for the week ahead of time. If you’re coworkers are
having a lunch meeting of pizza pack a lunch you’ll look forward to (mine is usually TJs hotdogs).
2. There is Power in Numbers- Attempting a Whole 30 alone is much harder than with a group of people. You want to talk, commiserate and bounce questions off of others. Join your Paleo challenge at the local Crossfit box, get your coworkers to start a group, talk to your family about it. Its only 30 days and once they feel the effects, they will all thank you for bringing them along for the journey.
3. Knowledge is Power- Read up book worms! The more you know, the more you will be able to handle the cravings, haters and social situations that will draw on your deepest wells of will power. I would rather have an idea of what to expect than to go through blindly. The more you know, the better armed you are.
4. ITS ONLY 30 DAYS!!! – This one is a biggie. When I joined my fellow crossfitters today, a thought crossed my mind. Less than 30 days from now I will be running my way to State College for THON. This is also known as temptation island. Heading back to my alma mater means all-night benders, late night eating and a loss of self-control. This time, instead of spending my night hours at the bar, throwing back $1 beers, I’ll be supporting the dancers at the Bryce Jordan Center and catching up on much needed sleep. I’ll be back again when I will enjoy a Café 210 tea. Let’s keep it in prospective people. The worst case scenario... you eat really healthy for 30 days.
image courtesy of GoingPaleo.blogspot.com
For all my fellow Whole 30 challengers- SEIZE THE DAY! Today you begin a road to a whole new healthier you!
Question of the day: Do you think the whole 30 is crazy? If you have tried it, what was your experience like?
Question of the day: Do you think the whole 30 is crazy? If you have tried it, what was your experience like?
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