Whole30 - Day33: I DID IT!!!!!!

WOW!  30 days has come and gone!  Technically, I did a Whole32, before breaking my diet when I rewarded myself with an adult beverage (well, two).  But before getting into that, I wanted to reflect on what this last 30 (32) days has done for me.

First of all, pants that did not fit anymore in November now fit me with room to give!  I have not weighed myself yet, but I’m sure I’ve lost at least 2 to 5 pounds.  Aside from the scale, here is a list of items I’ve experienced or feel upon my completion of the 30 days:

1.      Improved attention span, memory, focus, production, and performance at work.

2.      I sleep even more soundly than before (which is crazy since I always slept sound).  I have hardly any trouble falling asleep when it’s time for bed, and even though I still like to hit the snooze button a few times, I wake up really refreshed and ready to tackle the day.

3.      Overall, my energy levels are more consistently high during the day, with no slumps.

4.      I no longer feel like I have to eat every two hours and feel energetic between all meals.

5.      Exercise-wise, I feel stronger than I have in a few years and have hit a few personal bests on different workouts.

6.      My skin is more smooth and clearer.  One thing to note: I still break out with a few deep blemishes if I consume too many nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans… etc).  This I knew before, but this made it more apparent to me.

7.      My clothes fit better, I have a flatter stomach, and I feel more confident about my appearance.

8.      I have less acid reflux/heartburn than before, even though I didn’t have much to start.

9.      I feel a little more patient.

10.  Overall, I feel I have a much healthier relationship with food

·         Fewer sugar cravings

·         In control of my food

·         Practice mindful eating

·         Listen to my body when eating so I don’t overeat

·         I can identify cravings vs hunger

·         I’m not afraid of dietary fat

Although, these are probably just the start of the small victories I’ve had over the 30 days, there have been a few things that haven’t been as great.  Here are some that come to mind:

1.      My caffeine intake has increased.

2.      My stomach has felt unsettled for about 50% of the time I’ve been on this diet.  This may be because of my increase in protein while not increasing my fiber.  I typically take a fiber supplement but couldn’t during the Whole30 as it is made from corn.  Bloating, some stomach pain, and less regularity have all been symptoms I’ve been feeling.  Additionally, I’ve had my typical migraine frequency… however, this may tell me that it probably isn’t food related.

3.      Finally, there have been a few instances (4 times over the diet) where I have felt a sudden depression which is NOT normal for me at all.  The feeling last for a few hours and then clears away.  When this has happened, all the energy gets knocked out of me and I don’t want to do anything.  This makes me more empathetic towards people that deal with clinical depression and I can see how intense it can be (if even just for a few times).  This is definitely a chemical response my body is having and it scared me.  I will have to think a little more about this going forward.

Now I am starting the process of "Reintroduction" and have already started by adding alcohol to my diet (as a celebration)!  Last night I had potato-based vodka and also tequila (blue agave).  I did feel relaxed quickly after the first drink and made sure to drink a lot of water along with my drinks.  I will discuss the effects of it in tomorrow's post!