Im not totally comfortable with my body.
I used to bethatgirl whod down a large pizza without gaining a pound.
That’s when I decided to do something a little different.
Getty / Trinette Reed
I started eating a mix of whole grains, rice, fruits, vegetables, and protein.
I thought my diet was balanced, but my body said otherwise.
I felt out of control, and my digestive system was an absolute wreck.
One-way ticket to Yumtown, amirite?
In short: I didn’t feel great.
These include: no dairy, no grains, no added sugar, no alcohol, and no legumes.
For 30 days straight.
This is what it looks like when I try to remain resilient in the face of free … everything.
Think:Paleomeets anelimination dietbut just for 30 days.
The truth is more complicated, though.
Elimination diets, when done correctly under medical supervision, are diagnostic tools that can help pinpoint specific irritants.
TFW there’s a food- and alcohol-filled happy hour for your office and you can’t eat or drink any of it.
Food rules can help some people, but can be really harmful to others.
To be clear: This isn’t a weight-loss plan.
To be honest, that’s what attracted me to Whole30 in the first place.
It wasn’t one of those three-day magical solutions to weight loss.
That’s gotta be worth itright?
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This is a photo of me in my natural state shoving a bunch of food in my mouth.
I started the program with determination in my heart.
This turned out to be key, because let me tell you: Getting Whole30-ready is hard AF.
I hit the grocery store the night before starting the program.
Dinner presented more of an issue.
I like to treat myself to a meal out here and there, as I said before.
Oh, and I totally failed the first night.
I embraced my failure and ate some beans too.
At that point, I kind of figured,why not?
While I hadn’t cookedthatmuch before, I felt inspired by my limitations.
For breakfast, I threw eggs into a pan with whatever vegetablesinspiredme that day.
A kale and fruit smoothie served as the perfect mid-afternoon snack.
And I finished off my day with whatever combination of protein, fruit, and/or vegetables I wanted.
Dessert was a no, but I had enough fruit to go around.
Luckily for me, they usually did.
A few things I learned: Salsa is a great way to spice up your chicken.
Your coffee doesn’treallyneed the milk you’re putting in it, and it definitely doesn’t need the sugar.
(Plus, tea is always there for you if you need it.)
Squash is an amazing addition to any dish.
My budget was limited, which proved to be both great and terrible for this experience.
I kid you not.
TBH, I don’t think my dad replied.
I reluctantly took my second friend’s advice.
(These are real things that happened.
I get offered a surprising amount of free dessert.)
I committed to 30 days sans exceptions, and 30 days sans exceptions is what I would do.
Regardless of how painful and sugar-less it was.
Added sugar is ineverything, guys.
I was pretty much killing the game until Day 18.
I was full of energy, alert at work, and exercising with ease.
To put it simply: I felt like a badass.
And Im not sure what happened, but once that fateful 18th day rolled around, somethingchangedin me.
), Id hit a wall.
And I decided to cheathard.
I treated myself to a soda as well, because why the eff not?
I’d never hated sugaror my lack of self-controlmore in my life.)
Oh, and just so you know, you’re supposed to reset your 30 days once you cheat.
We can’t all beGisele and Tom.)
Let’s talk results.
First of all, Whole30 did end up challenging my relationship with food.
My pre-Whole30 food mentality was: “Eat now.
But thank yourself later.”
I didn’t eat the pizza.
I ate the roasted vegetables.
And guess what: It did make a difference.
I’ve never had more energyor fewer digestive issues.
Whole30 has a guide to the 10 days following the program, as well.
That said, I see indulgences totally differently than I did before.
Now that Whole30 is over, I can ~treat myself~ again.
Or do you just want to eat it because it’s near you?"
Still, it’s important to find a program that works for you.
Adiana Castro, founder ofCompass Nutrition, weighed in on potential negative aspects of the program.
I believe adding general healthy habits to your daily routine is more impactful."
Most importantly, I walked away from Whole30 with a newfound sense of love for my body.
And knowing me, I probably did.
I’ve been sustaining this usually-healthy-but-treat-yourself lifestyle for a while now, and guess what: I look fine.
That was just something I had to come to terms with, and thanks to Whole30, I have.
Now, if you’ll excuse methere are some bagels that need consuming.
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