Whole30 Update - Week 1 - YouLookFab Forum

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Whole30 Update - Week 1

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

As I posted earlier http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ne-done-it, I've undertaken the Whole30 challenge. I have completed my first week and here are my thoughts for anyone who is interested:

I have not cheated. Not once. I committed to completing the challenge in its "pure" state and am not deviating from that. I figure I honestly won't clean out my body if I don't do it correctly.
Day 4 has been the hardest so far. I had a complete "carb crash". I was tired, had a headache, and could have eaten a cardboard box if it was sugary or bread-like.
Day 6 - the digestive issues of a body cleanse began (as predicted by the program). Won't go into any details - I'm sure you get the idea.
Day 7 (today) - I woke up feeling energized and slept through the night last night. I haven't slept through the night in years.
Sinus issues have almost completely disappeared. I had been sleeping with a nasal Breathe Right strip for months in order to breathe through my nose while sleeping. Haven't needed that for the last two nights. The puffiness under my eyes is gone (where my sinus mucus gathers). Dairy is known to be a mucus producer so this might be the issue.
My eczema is also improving although slowly. I suspect the eczema is related to wheat but not sure yet.
My clothes are fitting better - less bloat after a meal. True to the Whole30 program, I have not weighed myself nor will I until the 30 days is up.
Significantly less gas and bloating overall (sorry for the gross details but this might be important to someone).

I'm thrilled with the results so far and it's only a week in. I have an appointment for follow up blood tests on Friday, May 1st and will be very interested to see if my insulin, leptin, and LH have decreased.

I'm already considering not going back to my old way of eating based on how I feel right now. I may add back in a glass of red wine on the weekend but otherwise am over the cravings and withdrawal and not looking to add wheat or dairy back in.

Will check back in after completion of Week 2.

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21 replies

Latest reply was from

jackiec

Veteran

Congratulations! I missed your first post but this sounds great! I haven't completed a real whole30 but I do subscribe to that way of eating in general (whoops I'm guilty of Easter eggs, cookies, and the like). I've done whole15's as a body reset and can vouch for the health improvement. Oh isn't day 4 the worst?! Good for you and keep it up

carter

Veteran

Awesome! By the end of week 2, you'll feel 10 years younger. Love hearing your progress. You can tell others about the benefits of eating this way, but until they actually do it they still believe that whole grains and low fat dairy are good for a body. Ha! As I mentioned before, I eat a Primal diet (w/o eggs and dairy for allergy reasons). There is definitely red wine involved and sometimes a piece of really good dark chocolate!

Continued success to you!

Belladogga

I'm so glad to hear this is working for you! Have you noticed any improvements with your joint pains? I'm hoping to do a Whole 30 sometime soon. I've cut added sugar and grains (except rice) for 9 days so far and have noticed reductions in gas and bloating but, sadly, no change on the joint pains. Please keep us updated for the whole month.

Thistle

Veteran

I am so glad this is working for you!! I look forward to hearing how this progresses.

Have you found any issues with the social side of things? or maybe its just my area where everyone gets together over food The food restrictions I have for DD2 right now are killing me only because I can't go to dinner with family or friends because I have to be so careful.

Alassë

Veteran

Wow, that's great!

carter

Veteran

To Thistle's point, I wouldn't try to navigate a restaurant during the first 30 days (or until you have a good handle on what to avoid). Once you're over those hurdles though, many restaurants are really good about accommodating "allergies" (much more so than preferences).

I don't eat at our local beer and pizza joint anymore, and I've never frequented fast food places, but I do manage to eat out with minimal issues. Many of the chain restaurants have full ingredient/allergy lists online (Panera, Zoe's Kitchen, Cheesecake Factory, Jason's Deli, Chipotle, etc) Using these, I made a list for my husband of what he could have at the various places he may go for lunch. I find that if you're going out to a locally-owned or nicer restaurant that "allergy" is the key word, whether you're actually allergic or not.

Belladogga, I'll PM you about joint pain in a bit.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

WELL DONE. It's hard but you are going like a Boeing, Shannon. Nice to see and feel the positive effect of your efforts.

JayS

Veteran

Glad to hear you're feeling better and kudos to you for not cheating. You're passed the hardest part. Also, doing something for 3 weeks makes it a habit, so when you're finished, you'll be in the habit of healthful eating.
Btw, the Whole 30 does affect your blood work. My HDL was so high that the lab retested it to verify that it was correct.

AM

Veteran

Congrats on the first week. Well done! And thanks for the update. Very inspiring as I am trying to make some healthy changes. I feel like we are all in this together when we are talking about healthier living.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Thank you all sooooooo much for the wonderful encouragement! It's always helpful to have "someone in your corner", you know?

Carter - can't thank you enough for being such a cheerleader and resource for me. I really appreciate your knowledge in this area.

Belladogga - I haven't noticed any improvement in the joint pain yet but from my reading and understanding, that will come a little later as the inflammation takes some time to resolve itself - if it's going to resolve itself with dietary changes at all. So time will tell. But I'm definitely hopeful based on how I'm feeling so far.

Thistle - I've been reading about your struggles with DD2 and the eczema. I'm so sorry. I can only imagine how frustrating and tiring that must be. I'm definitely not navigating any restaurants just yet as I still feel quite vulnerable regarding cravings and willpower at this stage - too new yet to put myself into that situation. But I'm an incredibly stubborn person when I set my mind to something and if after my 30 days, I feel really healthy, I won't mind saying no to french fries or donuts in order to feel better.

JayS - so you've done the Whole30 before? Would love to hear your thoughts on it if you have time.

AM - that's exactly how I'm looking at this..."healthier living"....not diet or restrictions. I just want to be healthy.

Thanks again everyone Will keep you posted.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Great job Shannon! I think I need to try this. I eat a pretty clean diet but I have not given up wheat or dairy altogether (just reduced it). Love reading your progress reports - thanks for sharing.

Dottie

Congratulations on your progress! If someone hasn't suggested it already, my favorite recipe books are "Well Fed" and "Well Fed 2" by Melissa Joulwan. They are AWESOME. Her recipes really make me appreciate how tastefully you can eat this way. The sauces and seasonings section offer creative ways to give your dishes pizzazz (smile).

Summer

Veteran

I'm glad you are finding this beneficial, Snannon. I've heard rave reviews for this type of eating regime. Do keep us updated on your progress.

Mona

Veteran

So good to know that your first week went well. Keep it up, Shannon and keep us posted.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Sounds like you are proceeding very well. That first few days can be tough to get through but once you do, it is SO much easier. I had the same issue at the end of the first week of no carb eating but do think I feel much better too. It is worth it. Keep up the good work. It will be very interesting to see how much impact the plan has had on your lab results. I suspect a lot.

Deborah

Veteran

Fantastic Shannon. How good is it that you are seeing positive changes so soon. Admire your resolute approach, I see only good things ahead;)

Beth Ann

Veteran

So glad you're feeling well and taking charge of your health! Keep us posted!

abc

Veteran

Thanks for the update! Eagerly awaiting week2 report. I take it you did bloodwork before starting? Do you mind to share what tests? I am debating doing some pretesting on my own to monitor my results from doing whole30 or an AIP plan.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

abc - I have my blood tested every 3-6 months as part of monitoring my endocrine imbalance. I do a fasting blood sugar to test my insulin level. Then regular blood test for leptin, LH (leutinizing hormone) and testosterone. I have PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) which is an incurable endocrine condition that affects the above for me.

abc

Veteran

Thanks for the reply. I am looking into tests now. Looking forward to the next update.

Anonymous

Good for you! Do keep us posted on how it's going. I'm keeping track of calories and nutrition through My Fitness Pal, and am eating as healthy as I can, although I do not embrace a strict Paleo diet. I've read up on it, and it's just not for me. I'm into whole foods and minimally processed foods; no frozen dinners or anything like that. I've always felt that was the healthiest way to eat unless you have known allergies or sensitivities. I've done without dairy, except for yogurt, for a few years now. Soy seems to bother me now. I can't eat edamame without severe stomach cramps afterwards.