WHOLE ME | Whole30 Week 1

Lately, I feel like I've been right on the edge of something extraordinary. It's been a slow climb but I feel like I've finally landed on something that feels like home. The Whole 30. Some of you probably know what this is, some of you don't. For thirty days, I am abstaining from grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol, and sugar. 

You're probably thinking..." That sounds horrible! Why would you ever do that??!!" 

Well, I'm doing it because I want to change my relationship with food and finally feel good in my own skin. Ever since I had a baby, a year and a half ago, I have been on a constant struggle with my weight and how I feel about myself. Somedays, I think about it constantly. Other days, I avoid it with everything within me and reach for another cookie and then another. 

I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired. I've set out to change that. I want to feel confident and actually love the person that looks back at me in the mirror. I like that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. In my mind, I can do anything for 30 days. I tried this about a month ago and failed miserably in the process of getting new floors in our home, not having a kitchen for a week, and then going on vacation and eating whatever my heart desired. My head wasn't in the game. It is now. 

I have been taking photos of all of my meals, in an effort to document everything that I am eating. I have scheduled out all of my workouts for the month and it's been really good getting back into the swing of things. I'm doing a combination of the HIIT program, 30 Day Shred, Yoga Inferno, and PIYO. I will probably incorporate in other workouts if I get bored and I want to take a lot of walks with Marin. 

(Side Note: If you are looking for an amazing planner, check out the GetToWork Book. I am so obsessed. I believe this round is sold out, but she will be releasing them again.) 

Here is what I ate in the first week. I totally nerd out when other bloggers post about this stuff, so if you aren't a fan of food photos, quit reading. You've been warned. 

The one thing about this plan is you cook a lot. I'm constantly washing dishes but I feel so much better about what I'm putting in my body. It's worth it. 

B: Aidell's Sausage from Costco, Fried Egg, Melons, Coffee (Black) 

L: Chicken, Steamed Veggies, Melon

S: Apple w/ Almond Butter

D: Turkey, Paleo Avocado Mayo, Bell Peppers, HB eggs, plantains, guacamole, dates for dessert

B: Scrambled eggs (no milk) with Aidell's Sausage, Spinach, Black Coffee

L: Spinach, Cruciferous Crunch from Trader Joe's sautéed in avocado oil and ghee, Chicken, Grapes

S: Plantains, Avocado, Salsa

D: Chicken Wrapped in Prosciutto, HB Eggs, Steamed Veggies

B: Smoothie (mango, berries, spinach, almond milk) 
*I know the rules are all about not having smoothies. My kid drinks these and still plan to make them.

L: Same as Day 2's dinner

S: Iced Tea (unsweetened), Dates

D: Plantains, Avocado, Chicken, Salsa

B: Banana, Blueberries, Almond Butter, HB Eggs, Black Coffee

L: Turkey, Bell Peppers, Spicy Mustard, Guacamole, Plantains, Grapes

D: Watermelon, Ridell's Sausage, Broccoli, Mustard, Berries for Dessert

B: Larabar, Banana, HB Eggs, Iced Coffee. Later on I had an apple. Hungry at work. 

L: Chipotle! Carnitas, Salad, Salsa, Guacamole. So delicious!! Ice Tea. 

D: (Went to the movies and didn't get popcorn and a soda!) Plantains, grapes, Iced Tea

B: Bacon & Eggs (It was really hard trying to find compliant bacon.) 
L: Tuna with paleo avocado mayo, lots of greens, banana peppers, sauerkraut, and sweet potatoes. (The kitchen sink salad) 
S: Coffee & Banana
D: Sweet Potatoes, Shredded Salsa Verde Chicken, Peppers, Guac, Plantains for added crunch, Salsa

B: Larabar, Banana, HB Eggs, Iced Cold Brew from Starbucks
L: Same as dinner last night, minus the plantains. (I behaved myself today.) 
D: Veggies, Chicken Wrapped In Prosciutto, Pineapple

What I'm Learning: 

1. This takes a lot of prep and cooking. 

2. I need to make sure I drink a lot more water.

3. I need to eat even more veggies. 

4. I need to lay off of the plantains so much. Those suckers are good. 

5. Chipotle is amazing.

6. Sugar is in everything. 

7. I always want to step on the scale in the morning and have to remind myself that I can't. 

8. I love how I wake up sore from my workouts the day before. It feels great to work my muscles. 

9. I need to not snack in the afternoon. 

DoTerra 101: My First Class

Last night was my first hosted class with DoTerra. I don't think I could have asked for a better group of people and a better array of products. I am amazed time and time again about how awesome these oils really are and how they have already helped my family's health so much. The company itself is also so supportive and knowledgable. I feel good about sharing my experience so far. For this first class, I didn't teach the course, but the gal who introduced me to the oils did. Another DoTerra advocate opened up her home for us because my living room was too small and couldn't accommodate the amount of people that wanted to come. I think that is a great problem to have. I think this is a company that will be around for a long time. I believe that these oils will be a part of my family's life for a long time. It is so encouraging and inspiring to share these oils with other people that are asking the same questions I am. There is a natural way to approach a lot of healthcare. I find using the oils sets me far more at ease than popping a pill every time I have an ache or pain.

There will be many more classes to come and I will begin teaching them as well. For any of you that were in attendance yesterday evening or if you are looking for another excellent essential oil resource, here is one of the books that you were able to look through, called Essential Oils: HealthCare for Today (A Beginner's Guide.) I will be definitely adding this to my library shortly. Unfortunately, Amazon doesn't have it available at this time, but Aroma Tools does.

This is good. Good things. Good people.