The Ides of March Whole 30 Challenge

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  • Hmrjmr1
    Hmrjmr1 Posts: 1,106 Member
    All righty Then Day 1 here is a quick tip from Mellisa and the Whole 30 email for the day.

    Quick Tip of the Day

    Right now, think of three meals you could make in 15 minutes or less, with ingredients you’ll always have on hand. Then, write them down and post them in a prominent place in your kitchen or on your fridge. Bingo! You’ve got a plan for those nights when you arrive home hungry, cranky, and too tired to whip up a gourmet meal—and when your favorite (less healthy) take-out restaurant is likely to be calling your name.

    IT's a great day to start clean and move forward, Let's Roll!
  • carolssalva
    carolssalva Posts: 546 Member
    Day one. Thank goodness we are doing this. I am in such a dark place with food and activity.
    Kevin, email me at Carolsalva1@gmail.com
    I will forward emails but I'm not able to do it this second. When I get your email it will remind me and I'll have the information to start forwarding them to you.

    We got this!
  • TJ_Gauthier
    TJ_Gauthier Posts: 317 Member
    Day 1, meal 1 was almost a bust. We didn't go shopping, so my options were limited. I ended up eating a couple scrambled eggs and some leftover steamed veggies with lemon pepper. Kindof a wierd breakfast, but whatever works!
  • Hmrjmr1
    Hmrjmr1 Posts: 1,106 Member
    From the Day 2 email.

    There is a term in the health-behavior-change world called self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is your belief in your ability to succeed in specific situations. To put it plainly, in order to complete all 30 days of your Whole30 with no slips or off-plan choices, you need to believe that you can complete all 30 days of your Whole30.

    Take a minute today to take stock of yourself. Do you feel like you currently have the self-efficacy you need to be successful in your Whole30? If your answer is a resounding “Yes!” then hooray for you! The information we provide here today is only going to make your journey that much easier. If you answer is “Not really…” or “I’m not sure…” then read on. We are going to help you create a rock-solid belief in your ability to succeed. We will help you find the internal and external support you so desperately want and need. You will finish today’s Whole30 Daily feeling strong and prepared. You are going to have so much self-efficacy that it will launch you into the stratosphere of Whole30 success.

    Have a great Day 2!
  • kilosierra83
    kilosierra83 Posts: 228 Member
    Day 2. Steak and egg for breakfast. Carol, will send an email in a bit, thanks!
  • Hmrjmr1
    Hmrjmr1 Posts: 1,106 Member
    Had Steak, Asparagus, Mushrooms and Onions Sauteed in garlic butter for Dinner last night. Day 3 how's everybody doing?
  • kilosierra83
    kilosierra83 Posts: 228 Member
    Went fishing last night. Hit a gas station on the way home and grabbed the boy some junk food. Got myself a package of nuts and a jerky stick (The good kind not a slim jim). Passing up Gardettos and chips and even pork rinds after a fishing trip. .... just seemed wrong but I did.
  • TJ_Gauthier
    TJ_Gauthier Posts: 317 Member
    Great choice, Kevin!
  • kilosierra83
    kilosierra83 Posts: 228 Member
    Ok, so you can have potatoes on this thing? I see it online that they said you can as long as its not chips or fries. Well tonight I am making grilled potato wedges.
  • Hmrjmr1
    Hmrjmr1 Posts: 1,106 Member
    Day 4 Here's some good info
    Today, we’re tackling a topic that will be with you (off and on) throughout the duration of your Whole30 program—cravings. Namely, what we call the “Sugar Dragon,” tempting you with promises of pleasure, reward, and comfort if you’ll only give in and eat that donut-cookie-cake-dinner roll. Don’t be tempted! The Sugar Dragon lies, offering false promises of comfort when you know there’s only regret and remorse at the end of that particular tunnel.

    Cravings are an inevitable part of your Whole30. Your brain doesn’t like it when you tell it that it can’t have something, and during this first week, the struggles are generally the worst. So today, we’ll give you all of our best Sugar-Dragon-battling tips, and ways you can emerge from this first Whole30 week unscathed and proud of each small win.

    Steamed fish and broccoli: This next trick is a bit simpler, and brutally effective. The next time you get a hankering for something to eat (and are wondering if it’s just a craving), ask yourself, “Am I hungry enough to eat steamed fish and broccoli right now?” If the answer is no…

    The average craving lasts for only 3-5 minutes, so when cravings come up, take a lesson from the successful 4-year-olds, and learn to distract yourself until the craving passes. Use these two techniques to help you successfully fight off the sugar dragon:

    Physically remove or obscure the temptation in question, placing it out of sight or ignoring it. If you can’t remove the temptation, physically remove yourself from the temptation.
    Make a list of five distraction techniques you can use the next time your craving hits. Really, make a list. Keep it handy. When your cue(s) pop up, refer to your list, and then do one of those things.


    Here are 5 ways to fight food cravings:

    Delay or distract. We’ve already talked about this—tuning out a food craving for just a little while can actually make it go away, as will finding something else to do.
    Chill out. Since cravings are often triggered by stress, boredom, anger, and other emotions, find other ways to calm down. Exercise has been shown to ease stress and release endorphins, so go for a walk, do some office-chair yoga, or drop and give us 10 (push-ups). Other ways to let out the stress are meditating, journaling, or even calling up a friend to vent.
    Eat. If you’re legitimately hungry (use the techniques we described above) and craving something sweet, skip the sweet stuff—no snacking on fruit. Instead, eat a meal or snack focused on protein and fat. These two macronutrients together pack a huge satiety punch, letting your brain know that your body is full, well-nourished, and happy.*
    Drink up. Thirst can easily masquerade as a craving—that feeling of, “I need something…” is often hard to pinpoint. The next time you have a food craving, drink a glass of water first. Then wait about fifteen minutes. If you're still hungry, it's probably legitimate, but this method is a great way to make sure you're not just dehydrated.
    Nap it. Food cravings and sleep deprivation go hand-in-hand. When you're sleep deprived, your body releases a hormone that makes you crave sugars and carbohydrates. If you think you might be reaching for food from sheer exhaustion, go to your room (or out to your car) and take a fifteen minute cat-nap. Giving your body what it really needs will be a more effective way of making yourself feel better.


  • TJ_Gauthier
    TJ_Gauthier Posts: 317 Member
    Kevin, you can have white potatoes, which surprised me! I still tried to not eat them, because I was so used to doing that.

    Delay and distract is a great tactic. I usually grab a bottle of water. That usually does the trick. If it's too far away from one of my normal feeding times, I'll get a cup of coffee (BLACK!!), and that'll usually tide me over for a few hours.
  • kilosierra83
    kilosierra83 Posts: 228 Member
    Kevin, you can have white potatoes, which surprised me! I still tried to not eat them, because I was so used to doing that.

    the potato things was great. To me that feels like a "cheat" because I have been avoiding them for months! I will probably keep them to a bare minimum but need to read up on sweet potatoes vs red vs white. I have never really cooked sweet potatoes, but I love them so really looking forward to trying some things with them, again very sparingly.

    Fruit is another thing I have avoided for months and am really enjoying again.
  • TJ_Gauthier
    TJ_Gauthier Posts: 317 Member
    Sweet potatoes are awesome! They're very versatile. You can make sweet and savory dishes with them. You can cook them just like regular potatoes, too. cut them into fry-like pieces, then bake or shallow fry them. Salt and pepper, and you're good to go.

    I REALLY like to make this breakfast skillet with them. It calls for steak, but I use 1lb of breakfast sausage.

    http://www.paleocupboard.com/breakfast-skillet.html

    ss7zrpidzkr8.png
  • Hmrjmr1
    Hmrjmr1 Posts: 1,106 Member
    Some good stuff from Day 5 email


    Not all of your friends and family are going to eat and live the way you do – but despite your differences, they should be supportive of your efforts to lose weight, improve your medical condition, or better your quality of life, even if they don’t agree with your specific choices. If those closest to you are giving you a hard time about eating Good Food, pressuring you to “just relax” or “have just one,” or downright sabotaging your plans, here are some strategies you can use to save your relationships without sacrificing your healthy lifestyle efforts:

    Directly confront the behavior of you friend or family member. Point out their peer-pressure ways, and let them know it’s not cool. You don’t judge their choices, and you expect them not to judge yours.
    Refuse to engage in the conversation, and change the subject immediately. Be clear that your food choices are not up for discussion at the dinner table, but if they’d like to ask you questions another time, that would be welcomed.
    Socialize with friends outside of food. Go for a hike, hit a fun exercise class, or take a class together – but make the activity time something that doesn’t involve desserts or drinks.
    Invite friends to your house for the next social occasion. Serve them delicious, tasty, decadent meals that all fall within your healthy eating parameters, and show them you still indulge in (and enjoy) tasty foods that are also good for you.

    Looking good there TJ I like a bit of Sweet Potato in my breakie casseroles too.
  • TJ_Gauthier
    TJ_Gauthier Posts: 317 Member
    I tried making some sweet potato chips. They didn't work out too well. They tasted good, but didn't crisp up, like I wanted them to. I'm going to give them another try.
  • kilosierra83
    kilosierra83 Posts: 228 Member
    My wife has been having a very rough week. She was given some meds for a back issue and that caused some pre term labor issues, that basically put her on bed rest. So last night I ordered a pizza for dinner. I don't know if yall have a papa john's near yall but it is incredibly good pizza.....


    But all I ate was a couple of pork chops and some steamed broccoli. Not looking for a medal or anything but that was hard. Had to handle it making everyones plate. Only thing I ate was a sausage that fell off. I even made sure that didn't have any cheese.
  • TJ_Gauthier
    TJ_Gauthier Posts: 317 Member
    Papa John's is good. I'd have a hard time passing it up, too.
  • beerbikegirl
    beerbikegirl Posts: 342 Member
    Good for you Kevin....big pizza fan myself. I'd gotten to where just eating the toppings off was good enough for me...but even tougher with no dairy. You handled that very well.

    And wishes for quick recovery and back to normal for your wife.
  • kilosierra83
    kilosierra83 Posts: 228 Member
    Thanks! she is doing a little better as long as she stays off her feet. The no dairy is the hardest part, I put cheese on everything.....
  • carolssalva
    carolssalva Posts: 546 Member
    Thanks! she is doing a little better as long as she stays off her feet. The no dairy is the hardest part, I put cheese on everything.....
    The no dairy is killing me too. Still no sucralose either. Sigh
    Waaaay to much almond butter & nuts.

    I'm very hormonal lately so all bets are off. But I'm hanging in there.
  • Hmrjmr1
    Hmrjmr1 Posts: 1,106 Member
    Kevin - Good on ya lad, Pappa John's was a toughie. Hope your Mrs is doing better. No Dairy is the hardest part of Whole 30 for me as well,


    Carol - Cheese and Yogurt are sorely missed every day. I have a jar of Almond Butter in the Cupboard I got a while back but never opened. Looks like I'm gonna leave it there for now. Better not to start on it at this point in the 30.

    Day 6 Tips

    The Whole30 takes you out of sugar-burner mode, and transitions you into being fat adapted—efficiently able to utilize fat as energy. This process starts in just five days, but can take weeks to really kick in to the point that you notice the effects. When it does, however, your body will begin to utilize fat as fuel more readily, helping you avoid between-meal cravings, energy slumps, and brain fog. In addition, once you’re fat-adapted, you’ll be able to start whittling away at your fat stores—something you are unable to do when you’re running on nothing but sugar.

    Fat Adapted = Even energy all throughout the day; no need to eat between meals; stuck without food — no crankiness or raging hunger; reduced cravings for sweets or caffeine; improved body composition and hormonal response to food.

    Yeah, that sounds better to us, too. But remember, while you’ve already started your fat-adaptation process, it can take weeks to fully kick in.* Practice patience and dedication to your new, healthy habits… because this one is worth waiting for!ps

    Magnesium is a powerhouse for good health. It improves muscle function, boosts absorption of vitamin B6, and helps prevent osteoporosis, heart attack, hypertension, migraines, kidney stones, and gallstones. It can also help you enjoy a good night’s sleep, and keep your digestive system running on a regular schedule.


  • kilosierra83
    kilosierra83 Posts: 228 Member
    All is well here so far. The hardest part is not tasting things that are being cooked around me. Tonight the wife made goulash and it smelled great. Usually I would have a bite or two and it's hard to kick that habit. So far so good though!
  • Hmrjmr1
    Hmrjmr1 Posts: 1,106 Member
    Happy Day 7 Folks Here is tip o the day...

    If you’ve experienced bumps or stumbles along your own Whole30 path, now is the time to create your own plan of attack to overcome any obstacles you may be facing in the next three weeks. A few ideas to get you started:
    • Make your own list of reasons to stick to the Whole30 and not give up!
    • Make copies of your Whole30 goals and post them everywhere—the fridge, the bathroom mirror, and your desk at work.
    • Make a list of five things you can do to distract yourself when cravings hit.
    • Enlist three friends you can call at any time, day or night, when you need a little extra encouragement.
    • Commit to posting in the Whole30 Forum every day, for accountability.
    • Make a list of challenging social obligations you’ll have in the coming weeks, and how you’ll handle them.
  • carolssalva
    carolssalva Posts: 546 Member
    All is well here so far. The hardest part is not tasting things that are being cooked around me. Tonight the wife made goulash and it smelled great. Usually I would have a bite or two and it's hard to kick that habit. So far so good though!

    Way to go Kevin! It must be hard to kick a habit like that. You are doing great!

    Well... I'm out for now. I fell off the Whole30 Friday night. Hosting Caroline's family & we were out of town at out Galveston condo. I used that excuse to have wine & non-whole 30 foods. I'm happy to have shared the spirits with them but the food was very disappointing.

    Right then Caroline & Brad agreed to start over with me. JT & his wife are in as well. We will be about 10 days behind you guys.

    Take my word for it: none of that stuff is all that great. I'd much rather be on day 7 right now.
  • Hmrjmr1
    Hmrjmr1 Posts: 1,106 Member
    edited March 2015
    All Righty Then Carol

    Roll the Video.... The Fighter plane has been hit! Pilot tries and tries to get it under control but slam! Shrapnel from a pizza Box puts her in a death spin,,, nothing to do but Punch Out "My Day! May Day! May Day! Gun Runner6" was all she could get out before she pulled the eject handle. can't save the Airframe time to save the pilot. So we see our valiant warrior trudging through the desert the crash of her downed W30 F 100 Super Saber rising in the column of smoke, She doesn't look back, gathers her parachute in hand but chin up, Chest out! Ready to get back in the cockpit, when she hears the beating blades of the Rescue Copter There it is TJ and Kilo Sierra Coming to pick up this downed warrior. As the chopper settles in to land and pick her up she thinks, I've got to get back in there. Get me a plane and get back in the fight! Wellness Ridge is too heavily defended to do it by myself, got to get some help. Hammer Jammer and the Ground Troops need us clearing some of those targets and ambushes, Flying above it she could see the carnage the SAD troops were doing to her fellow warriors, and even more so to the general population, The thought of what she'd seen in that last run would haunt her in the nights to come but it would give her resolve to fight the battle once again.
    When they get back to HQ she is told that her Bombing Runs a were an inspiration to those around her, her broadcast of the battle has begun to inspire folks to join the battle. Now she has it! This time she's got her wing-men! This time when Gun Runner 6 takes off the SAD troops on Wellness Ridge haven't got a chance! Gun Runners are gonna hit those carb and gluten troops from directions they didn't know they had! She tell's her troops "We are gonna knock industrial foods in to yesterday and 'em bounce of tomorrow! We're gonna help clear and mark a trail up wellness ridge that anyone can follow! Are you Ready! But (her tone drops a notch) and more important than the legions to come we will be ready to cover each others six when the battle get's close, WE leave NO ONE behind. We Gonna JAM!
  • Hmrjmr1
    Hmrjmr1 Posts: 1,106 Member
    All Righty Then Day 9! Congrats to Those still on Board, Reset underway for some and some new folks joining the challenge on FB, maybe here as well. We be Jammin Folks.
  • kilosierra83
    kilosierra83 Posts: 228 Member
    edited March 2015
    Well Saturday I ended up on a boat in the middle of a lake and with no snacks I could eat.... you can guess how this story ends.... I at some crap I shouldn't have and feel like you would expect me to after. So yeah... Made worse on Sunday since I had already messed up I had a bagel for breakfast and another as a snack at church.

    Saturday was just bad planning, Sunday was me not caring.

    Today, I care and am planning ahead.
  • AngelaLastname
    AngelaLastname Posts: 41 Member
    Okay I'm jumping aboard! After a loonnngggg absence from here (and you can guess how that has gone) I listened to the whole 30ish episode Friday night followed by seeing Carol's FB post yesterday.

    So I'm in! I have failed on making mayo many times so far but if that's my only problem I'll be rocking. Hubby isn't on board but is supportive:)
  • Hmrjmr1
    Hmrjmr1 Posts: 1,106 Member
    Ok so anybody else here still on Day 10? Looks like as a leader I've managed to let you all down in this. So all righty then. Pick your selves up and get rollin' Carol has a great close support plan now. IF you're not on our FB group now would be a good time to join it.

    https://facebook.com/groups/Hmrjmr20Dnail/
  • TJ_Gauthier
    TJ_Gauthier Posts: 317 Member
    edited March 2015
    John, I'm still on Day 10.

    Well... I forgot about my rice accident, so I guess I'm on Day 5.