I understand how you feel - I'm not looking forward to potential plans with friends this month where I have to say I can't eat or drink something. Because a few friends have said "let's get together" and I know I will have to tell them something. I figure I will play it by ear because nothing definite has been planned so far. Luckily, your boyfriend is supportive and if you slip, don't beat yourself up about it.

I don't want to make it easy for you to not follow the plan as designed - but I also don't believe in being a nut-job about it. You have to enjoy your life and if you don't end up doing this Whole 30 as strict as others, you still stand to benefit with each time you try. Don't feel like a failure before you begin. There is no point is making a harsh judgement aout yourself, imo. Personally, I'd still want you in the group, even if you have to start "all over again" after your mini-vacation, etc. Or even if you eliminate a few of the food types but can't do it all. Your participation on whatever level you can do is still important. And if you still don't feel comfortable with that, then there's no obligation for you to do this right now. Myself and other group members are not going to make you wrong for any of it!!

I feel that each time you make an attempt it improves your health so just give it your best shot and let go of the fear. Last time I stuck with it but I had hidden carageen in some of my organic cold cuts so *officially* I failed from a purist standpoint but I still felt great.

I know how you feel. I'm not looking forward to having to navigate the social part. THere's so much social interaction created around around food and drink in our culture, it's a lot of pressure. I'd say "one day at a time" and who knows, maybe what tempted you last time won't be as big a deal when you get to it this time. And of course, there's no obligation at all so please don't feel pressured by me or anyone else!! I think that's a big part of the philosophy/inner strength you get through doing this. If you bend, it's because you wanted to, not because you wanted to please someone else. That sort of thing. Anyway, hope this helps!

Take care,
Liza

I agree here too. Although you appear to have better zen about this whole thing since you appear to be able to resist Hershey kisses while I ate three cookies yesterday >.

Zen is a good word for it. Actually, the mind always comes first when choice is made to eat or not to eat. I highly recommend Susan Albers books - she might not be on board with what healthy means exactly (I just substitute 'high fat' for 'high carb', lol), but she knoeth the workings of a woman's mind, I tell ya! And just gives you the skinny on how to think about food so it doesn't call you, trap you, overpower you... it's not the food, it's your own mind, and it is not that hard to figure it out once you know WHY. ANd she gives you the WHY! The 50 Most Common Diet Derailing Excuses & How to Outwit Them and How to Soothe Yourself Without Food - I recommend these books to ABSOLUTELY EVERYONE!

Wishing you all Nutritional Nirvana!

I am such a perfectionist, I think the only way I will grt through this without giving up is to be easy on myself. HOWEVER, I do intend to follow it strictly, but if I do mess up once, I won't scrap the whole thing. Kind of like with anything.

I'm going to map out a plan this morning, and I will make sure I have plenty of emergency foods around.

I'm scared that I'm just not gonna do it right. That probably sounds stupid, but I've been to tons of different paleo/primal websites and some of them have conflicting info about some things. Like almond milk...some say it's fine to have, others say no. But I'm drinking it so hopefully that's ok. I know I'll be fine with the meats and veggies but I'm worried about the seasonings I use and all that too. Guess I'm just gonna go for it and see what the results are!