Whole30 Update - Week 2 - YouLookFab Forum

Here's some background info if you're interested:

Initial Whole30 post http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ne-done-it

Whole30 - Week One Update http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....e---week-1

Today is Day 14 and the end of week 2. My findings/thoughts are

PROS

Digestive issues I experienced between days 7 - 12 are over with and my stomach has settled down.
No longer craving any carbs or sugar, nor needing snacks or wanting to eat just for the sake of eating. Have become very in tune with my body signals for hunger.
Drinking a TON more water and really loving it. This is new for me as I normally am not a big water drinker.
My facial skin and hair feel amazing - no more dry patches on my face.
I am sleeping better than I have in YEARS. Seriously. I can't get over it. I go to bed and am asleep within 5-10 minutes and I don't wake up once until it's time to get up. And I wake up feeling very rested.
My energy level as of yesterday is off the charts. I feel AMAZING.
My sinus allergies have completely dissipated and I am no longer taking any antihistamines.
I haven't had a single headache or migraine since day 4.
Joint pain is starting to subside - hoping this continues.
This program has completely re-ignited my love of cooking. I have always enjoyed cooking and do a lot of it. But I'm really liking finding new ways to cook these items in a "clean" fashion and am trying many new combinations and all sorts of different spices and herbs.
Ok...I know you're not supposed to step on the scale until the end of the 30 days...but I noticed my pants/jeans were fitting quite differently so stepped on the scale yesterday and could not believe it. I have lost 8 pounds in 13 days without starving myself! I mean, my meals are substantial and I'm eating a lot of food. But clearly I am eating the RIGHT food. I also took my measurements before I started and as of yesterday have lost 1.5 inches off my waist and 1 inch off my hips. So I pulled out two pairs of pants that have languished in my closet the last 8 months because I was unable to do them up and voila - no problem now.

CONS

From days 8-12 I developed an odd and extremely itchy rash on my legs from upper thighs to ankles, plus a few spots on my arms. Working through whether this is a reaction to an increase in eggs, an allergic reaction to coconut (which was not in my diet previously) or what is termed the "ketosis rash" - which can be alleviated by adding in a bit more carbs. So as of yesterday I eliminated the coconut and am eating either sweet potato, banana or peas each day as a starchy but healthy carb. It is significantly better today.

Onward...

9 years ago

Sara L.

Veteran

Congratulations! It sounds like you're having a lot of success with the program. It's great to hear that you're feeling so much better.

carter

YES! Fantastic job, Shannon. Feeling 10 years younger??

Keep us posted. Continued success to you!

jackiec

Great work!! Interesting about the rash. Hope that gets sorted out. I seem to react to coconut too (at least I think I do...still working on it) with chest congestion. It's something that's taken me quite some time to figure out - and I rarely touched it or it's related products (oil, etc) before. Keep it up!

JayS

Glad to hear that the positives far outweigh the negatives. Freedom from cravings was the major reason that I completely changed my eating habits 5 years ago. So freeing...and feeling real hunger vs. just wanting to eat. I welcome hunger pangs..means my body is working as it should.
Have you noticed a change in the way you taste foods? I found that flavors became much more pronounced once I gave up the junk food. Who knew that an apple could taste so sweet?
Recently, I have started adding lemon or lime slices to my water to try to up my water consumption. I do seem to drink more that way...might give it a try.
Keep up the good work!

Belladogga

Active Member

I'm glad this continues to go well for you. It's heartening to hear that your cravings have disappeared already. A friend told me the same thing. I gave in to the week 1 cravings when I tried to do Whole30 before so this is information that will help me when I try again. I'm also excited to hear that you've noticed some improvement in your joint pain. As you say - onwards!

catgirl

Wow, Shannon! Sounds like almost all positives! How hard are you finding it to do? I am not good at shopping and eating in any organized way with my schedule and social life. YGG!

Transcona Shannon

Carter - I'm not so sure I'd say I feel 10 years younger...and least not yet. But I'll say I feel 5 years younger! I can't believe the surge in energy.

Jackie - interesting about the coconut oil. I guess not everyone tolerates it.

Jay - I am definitely noticing my food tasting much better. I mean simple sauteed mix greens with a little olive oil is suddenly crazy delicious. And yes, I've just started adding both a slice of lemon and ice to my drinking water and am enjoying it much more. Makes it feel like a "fancy" drink, you know?

Una - I'll be honest. I'm not finding the shopping and organization part difficult at all. But I've always been organized in that way. Pre Whole30, I would get up Saturday morning before the guys, make my coffee, and prepare my menu for the week - stuff I like for breakfast and to take in my lunch, and then pick the recipes for what I will be making for dinner each evening. Based on that menu, I now create my grocery list. So really, it's no different - it's just different products and recipes. Pinterest has been key for finding a TON of fabulous Whole30 recipes using the basic ingredients so no food boredom to worry about. Breakfast has been a little bit of a switch because I'm not just pouring a bowl of cereal. So if I'm doing a veggie saute with eggs or something like that, I cut up the veggies the night before I go to bed and pop them into a zip lock baggie. Then all I have to do is dump the bag into the pan in the morning...easy peasy. But I can see the program would be difficult if a) you didn't like to cook and b) if you had no time at home for prep.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Darn. I commented here from work but must have navigated away too soon. Its good to hear you are doing so well. I find that the joints feel much better too when I am off carbs. It must be the inflammation factor at play. I caved and ate a bunch of frozen cherries and am trying to get back on track.

You must be thrilled to be feeling rested and energized. Way to go Shannon.