Oh wow I have never heard of Big Oven, I will be checking that out! I will be making food list of items that are 100% compliant so I don't mess things up AGAIN! I am taking my list to Trader Joes this weekend and stocking up.

Thanks so much for sharing resources like Big Oven, etc., we'll definitely have to create a topic for fave recipes, etc. Another person mentioned NomNom Paleo which is another great website for recipes.

I definitely will want to get more creative with recipes this time around - I did get bored last time because I was too busy to do anything but salad and protein with veggies. It was still good and worked but with the cooler weather I know I'll want more comfort food style stuff to eat. Luckily one of my good friend who lives near me is in this group and she's a great cook. So, I'll be getting some tips from her lol... (hi Em!)

Basically, I plan to stock up on some natural meats at my local price club (BJ's). They have great deals on organic eggs, natural pork loin, ribs, organic chicken with skin and the boneless kind. They also carry bison, which I heard is grass fed due to USDA standards. There's also a pole caught/sustainable canned tuna and salmon sold at my local asian grocer that I may try. (I will get some and post the brand name.) My local farmer's market sells ground beef that is grass fed but the steaks are so pricey! I'm close to NYC and there's Chelsea market that sells grass fed meats, but again, maybe as a treat once or twice during the program but I may need to stick to cheaper options. I know there are websites you can order grass fed meat from, etc.

So, my plan is to buy the meat at the price club that I can to at least start next week and then find some recipes over the weekend. I have a few veggie markets a few blocks away since I live in an urban envionment, so that makes it easier for me to pick up things when I drop off/pick up my daughter off at daycare, etc.

I definitely agree that the more you prepare the easier it is to follow, especially in the first week or two when temptation to slip is high. You also have to have something you regard as a treat. Not to whole30-ify desserts (because the book does mention not to do that as a matter of principle) but some people in the last group made (what I felt) totally reasonable stuff like "banana ice cream" with banana, coconut milk and vanilla extract and chilled it, that sort of thing. And fresh blueberries and cherries were around in August and I went through a ton of those!

Anyway, best of luck to everyone during your prep period and thanks for starting this topic Merci!

~Liza

well... maybe this is silly of me but I'm kind of trying to clear out any temptation foods/non-Whole30 foods before I start. And by clear out, I mean consume >.<

Aside from some frozen cookie dough and red potatoes I'm pretty sure eveything is a-okay, after yesterday.

I'm also scouring recipes like it's my job so I can keep some creative things stocked up. My biggest downfall to eating well is lack of convenience, so I'm trying to see if there are things I can make & store in the freezer for quick prep later on!

I have been tapering down on my carbs and dairy so that it is not such of a huge change when I start. I have also been trying to finish some of the foods that I wont be able to eat, that will probably go bad before my 30 days is up. I also am trying to recruit some friends to do this with me so it is easier.

OMG, I survived Day 16 of my 100 Days of Savory Life. That was the first time I was seriously challenged. HUGE apple craving right during this unsettled time when you just can't go to bed when you should.

I'm prepping this weekend by buying some bones from my local butcher for bone broths, stocking up on coconut milk, cleaning out the fridge so I have enough room for more veggies, and reading through a bunch of cookbooks for recipes that are friendly for me and my family so that I'm well prepared and don't cave this time.

I don't have a lot to buy or to avoid since I just came off a Whole30 for September (lasting only 16 days). I've been trying to finish all of it this week (dark chocolate is going to the kids and my hubby). I can honestly say I'm not as attached to cheese as I once was. I got indigestion from it the other day and it threw me for a loop when, after a few weeks no breakouts, I suddenly had two new pimples on my face. I'm rather vain so I was irritated with that. So now I prefer coconut milk to half & half, and it's so strange to say that because it has always been half & half in my coffee.

I went to Trader Joes and Earth Fare today and stocked up on some things - I am going to work on my menu for the rest of the month and hopefully go back next weekend to get the things I missed. The closest ones are an hour and a half away so will need to make sure I get it all next week.

I've planned almost the whole month out already. 12 recipes, most which can be made ahead of time and frozen. Like burgers, sliders, and big batch meals. The last things i have to plan out are lunches and snacks and a few breakfast idea's. I hate eating the same thing every day. Grocery day tomorrow !!