Whole30 - completed :)

Last night marked the end of the 30th day that I rigorously followed the rules of the Whole30 program.

I lost 16.6 pounds in those 30 days.

I ran a half marathon to completion on day 29, which isn't really related to the Whole30, but worth noting, since I totally had the energy, stamina and strength to do that without any carbo-loading, or sugary gels or recovery drinks, all of which are verboten on the Whole30.

My only minor issue with getting through the Whole30 was lack of variety - I pretty much ate the same things the whole month. Lots of eggs, lots of roasted chicken, lots of steak, lots of bulletproof coffee made with ghee and coconut oil. Lots of ghee and coconut oil in general, which I used to cook my veggies and protein in.

Aside from the boredom from lack of variety, it really wasn't that hard. Sure, I missed my dark chocolate (especially during my TOM), and I missed bacon and my protein powder shakes and pancakes, and my occasional dairy... But I never felt like I was really struggling with missing that stuff... I knew that it was a finite period of time, and that when it was over, I could add those things back again. I knew that once I got through day 30, that going back to Primal eating would seem downright permissive!

And yes, I've already had some bacon this morning, and a chocolate protein shake. What's weird is that - while they were yummy - they weren't SO YUMMY THAT I COULD DIE - which is an interesting lesson to learn. So much of the joy of our "favorite" foods come from the anticipation and emotional attachment, and maybe are not always all about the taste.

Truly, the feeling of accomplishment that I have from sticking to the program for 30 days without a single lapse is way better than the taste of that bacon. I needed to refresh that lesson for myself - that I get more joy from being hardcore healthy than I do when I allow myself indulgences. I'll enjoy processing that, and I know it will keep me motivated to continue my happy, healthy lifestyle.

Amy