Things I Learned in My Whole30 Experiment

So, I am TOTALLY drinking the CrossFit Kool-Aid!  My "box,"(www.crossfitinvoke.com) (see?  I'm even using the lingo!) started a Zone nutrition challenge in January.  After a very festive holiday season, the challenge was perfect timing for my own nutritional overhaul.  Though I didn't follow the Zone challenge, I did complete a Whole30 challenge. 

I did my research by reviewing Dallas and Melissa Hartwig's website and blog (www.whole9life.com).  The components of the Whole30 are modeled after the Paleo way of eating -- another part of the CrossFit lifestyle.  It focuses on eating real food (nothing processed).  Essentially, you can eat meat, vegetables, fruit, healthy fats, and nuts.  You may not eat grains of any description, dairy, legumes, or sugar.  It is described as a "short term nutritional reset" that is supposed to "restore a healthy metabolism, heal your digestive tract, calm systemic inflammation and put an end to unhealthy relationships with food."  I don't really consider myself as one with an unhealthy relationship with food.  However, I did need a nutritional reset after a couple of months of gluttony. 

I also wanted to see if I could really capitalize on the changes I have begun to see with my body through CrossFit.  I have always been pretty active (cheerleading, dance, running, etc.).  However, I've never EVER had a completely flat stomach.  I also eat carbs like they are the only food on earth.  The Whole30 did help me break my addiction to bread.  I do not believe that, until I started the challenge (on January 2, 2013), that I had ever had a meal that did not include a loaf piece of bread.

And guess what!  My stomach flattened!  I am so excited about it.  At 38 years old, with two children, this is a MAJOR accomplishment for me.  So, a brief summary of what the Whole30 taught me. 

• You can do anything for 30 days.  Dallas and Melissa said so, but I wasn't sure I believed them.  But, you can.  Trust me.  I work full time, take care of my babies, work out, and was still able to plan and cook Whole30 compliant meals during the challenge. 
• I am a pretty good cook.  I became very adventurous in the kitchen and learned some great recipes by viewing some great Paleo/Whole30 blogs.  I now love roasted brussel sprouts and kale chips!  The best part?  So do my little boys!

 

• Processed foods suck.  I never paid much attention to labels prior to the challenge.  Now, I am a bit of a food snob.  I will not eat things with more than 3 ingredients. 
• Mushrooms, onions, and peppers make almost anything better.  I frequently saute this combo and add them to eggs, steak, fish -- anything.  See my tilapia and egg muffins below.

• Cooking is often quicker than stopping to grab fast food, and ALWAYS better.  Making homemade, fresh whole foods does not have to take a lot of time.  However, it does take planning.  I had to plan my meals and grocery shopping and spend 1 or 2 days cooking up several things for the week.  I think that is the only way to really be successful on this challenge. 
• I will never eat the way I ate prior to the Whole30 challenge.  I will enjoy breads and pastas on occasion.  I will enjoy desserts on occasion.  But, I will incorporate these healthy changes into my new life.  I love the energy I have.  I love knowing exactly what we are eating.  And, I love my new hobby -- cooking!
• It works. 

So, thanks to blogs like www.nomnompaleo.com and www.theclothesmakethegirl.com for supplying me with ideas, encouragement, and support.  I am a new person! 

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Being Me

So, today is my first real post.  I guess I should do some sort of general introduction so that if anyone ever reads this, they will have some idea of who I am.  I am a thirty-something wife, mommy, lawyer, and wannabe athlete who just needs an outlet for myself.  I spend most of my days doing work for other people -- whether it be my children, employer, or husband -- I rarely have a moment where I can focus my thoughts on myself.  Thus, my blog is born . . .


I hope that this blog can be an outlet for me to express how I cope with the constant Holy Grail of finding the "work/life balance."  Some days, I fare pretty well; some days, I suck.  But, I am in constantly blog-stalking other moms who work and still find time to do some of the things that they enjoy. 


In any event, as a mom of two young boys (ages 2 and 4), I am constantly trying to improve myself.  I want six pack abs, to be debt-free, to have a clean house, and, to be a great mom.  On a more shallow note, as a young-ish mom, I strive to be that mom who people ask, "What?  You have TWO babies?"  I know, vain.  But, another character flaw that I will work on in the future. 


One of my current obsessions (other than my beautiful boys) is gardening.  What I have discovered in my constant quest for self-improvement/discovery, is that gardening is really a metaphor for what we all seek in life.  Results.  Immediate results.   I have found that gardening rewards your efforts and piddling hard work.  My interest in gardening came as a surprise to everyone, most of all me.  I developed an interest in cooking when I was on maternity leave with my youngest son in 2010. My unexpected interest in cooking subsequently developed into a broader goal of trying to be physically fit (through running, CrossFit, and clean eating).  Eventually, I decided to start a little garden. 


If you have young children, I strongly recommend starting a small raised bed garden in your backyard, or on your deck, porch, or whatever extra space you have.  My boys love digging in the dirt and seeing the relatively quick results of their play efforts.  My garden has somehow become an instant (alcohol-free) way to relieve stress.  I love coming home to assess the progress of my tomatoes, green beans, peppers and herbs.  What is even more satisfying, is eating the "fresh from the vine" fruits of our labors! 


Thanks to liberal rain in North Carolina this summer, the garden has been pretty low-maintenance. For working moms, I know that is key to any new hobby or endeavor. The kids and I feel a sense of real accomplishment and we have an activity to enjoy together that everybody loves. See the results of our little slice of nirvana!

The beginning (June 3, 2012)

Progress . . .

The harvest!

Dinner!  (Thanks to the Neelys Fried Green Tomatoes recipe at www.foodnetwork.com).  Thank you, Pat and Gina!  I put my foot in it!!! 

So, this is where it begins.  Yum!