The last time I had “Livin’ on a Prayer” stuck in my head was when I hit my 20 weeks pregnant mark. And just like I felt then, I feel on top of the world. I’m halfway through Whole30. I got past the hardest part, and the end is in sight. #PRAISE
To be honest, I was very nervous about this round of Whole30. In the past I wasn’t as strict about sticking to the rules. I ate things I knew I probably shouldn’t have, and struggled BIG time all 30 days. But this time around things are so different. I’m trying to adhere as closely to the rules and recommendations as possible. It’s hard, but I’m doing it, y’all!
I know a huge part of that is the fact that I’m staying home, so I can cook meals when I’m hungry and not rely solely on meal prep and whatever snack I brought with me to work. However, I’m also breastfeeding, which is an entirely different beast – More on that later.
As I look back at the last fifteen days, I’m so proud of myself. In the past, I’ve never had the willpower to stick to clean eating like I have been the past two weeks. And let me tell ya… Knowing I’m going to post all my meals (and snacks) on Instagram has held me to a whole new level of accountability. I truly have shared EVERYTHING I’ve eaten (well… minus a few nut snacks on the go, and the couple of times I went back for seconds), and even if everyone is sick of seeing my meals, I’m going to keep doing it because it helps me so much!
As for breastfeeding and Whole30… I knew it would be tough because breastfeeding makes me so. hungry. And while it’s not as hard as I thought, it does come with its challenges. Some sweet ladies reached out to me on Instagram about making sure my supply didn’t dry up from cutting too many calories, and I was so thankful for their messages. The last thing I want is for this to affect my ability to feed James, and I’ve gotten really good at reading my hunger cues. I can usually tell if I’m actually hungry or if I’m just thirsty or bored. And when James is nursing more frequently some days, I make sure to eat extra and guzzle the water to help keep up. I’ve had many a late night snack while pumping because my stomach was growling in hunger. And I rarely go a day without having a mid afternoon snack (or two…) to help get me from lunch to dinner.
It’s not perfect. But I don’t care. I’m feeding a tiny human, and still staying Whole30 compliant. That in itself is enough for me!
Now for a little more detailed recap:
How am I feeling?
Y’all. I feel great! Surprisingly this Whole30 has been pretty easy. While yes, I do miss a bunch of the foods I used to eat, I also know how much better I feel when I don’t eat them. I have more energy. Clothes are fitting differently. And I’ve learned how to better advocate for myself when out and about. Knowing that I really can do this gives me so much motivation to finish strong!
What have been some of my favorite meals?
Gosh… there have been so many! But here are some of my current go-tos:
– Burger topped with sautéed mushrooms and onions, and an over easy egg
– Zuppa Toscana from Healthy Little Peach
– Baked sweet potato topped with cacao powder, vanilla bean ghee, cinnamon, pecans and chia seeds (or this sweet potato)
– Chicken meatballs and marinara (both from Costco) with crispy brussel sprouts
– Roasted veggies and scrambled eggs
– Chicken Spaghetti (Squash)
Whole30 and eating out?
Yes, I have eaten out a few times since starting Whole30. Sometimes because that was the plan, but other times because I felt my blood sugar dropping and knew I needed to eat something quick. My favorite places have been Chipotle and Zoes Kitchen.
How is James doing?
I actually stopped eating dairy after Christmas because I had suspicions that it was making his stomach upset. And since starting Whole30 I feel like he’s been doing a lot better. He’s happy, albeit a bit gassy (I blame all the brussles and broccoli I’ve been eating) and loves drinking his milkies!
Cravings?
I get random cravings at random times. Cravings for pizza. Or my favorite paleo chocolate chip banana bread (YUM). And especially cheese. But sadly, cheese and pizza are still no go-s after these thirty days thanks to the little Milkies Monster. Good thing I love him. ;)
I have to say, though. I’m impressed that my cravings aren’t worse!
What has helped me the most so far?
Definitely the meal plan from Healthy Little Peach! I love having something structured like that, and all of her recipes have been ah-ma-zing. I like to take her weekly plan and modify it to fit my needs that week. (*Side note… If you are interested in having a meal plan of your own I’m hosting a giveaway for one soon!! Keep an eye out for it!*)
Oh and Google. I seriously wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my pal Google and all the times I typed in “is ____ Whole30 compliant?” My search history is a joke, y’all.
Well friends… I’m halfway there! Keep up with the journey on Instagram and look forward to a full recap in 15 days. I can do it!
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