Despite contrary evidence, I have not fallen of the face of the planet (feels like I’ve been saying that a lot recently eh?) My mini absence is due to traveling to Boston to see my sister, seeing an Ellie Goulding concert, then spending the entire week finishing my senior capstone course. I counted, from Monday-Friday last week I slept a total of 10 hours… I know… not great. I felt a bit like a zombie, but at the same time I have never had more focus or determination on one single project. Now that it’s over, I’m not exactly sure what to do with myself (think about graduation? no.)
But I’ll stop rambling and get to the good stuff! This whole, Whole30 thing! I’ve been trying to take as many photos as possible to help you get a good idea what a typical day is like, but last week I slacked a bit (I also sometimes I forgot to eat as I was designing and editing for hours and hours… and hours and hours… and hours, ok I’ll stop)
Whole30 Week 1 & 2 Recap:
At first it was difficult to figure out how to plan my meals. A lot of what I ate before was mostly vegetables, sweet potatoes, squash, nuts, yogurt and oats and it has made me realize I was seriously lacking in the protein department, which is why I think I was hungry all the time. I’ve always eaten fish, but I’ve never made it for myself at school, so this has been a really great way to get me cooking fish for myself. It’s not the easiest being a pescatarian on the Whole30, but it’s not the hardest either. There are a lot of eggs, but I love it!
On the Whole30 it’s encouraged to eat 3 meals a day rather than snacking, in order to help regulate blood sugar and keep energy consistent and strong. While I still struggle with this, mostly because my snacking habits are strong, I’ve been getting a lot better and I feel like I’m able to eat less overall but I’m much more satisfied with what I do eat. I’ve been drinking a lot less coffee, but I still feel like I have a lot of energy. Another huge perk is my skin has been clearing up a lot.
One of the biggest things I’ve noticed has been my sugar cravings have gone WAY down. I still eat probably more fruit than I should but I’m trying to eat it in moderation and not use it as a crutch. While I’d love to say it’s easy and I’m the perfect cave woman, I’m focusing on one day at a time and listening to what my body needs. One of my biggest goals is to reduce overall sugar consumption, so far so good. I feel like I definitely have a better handle on meal planning now that everything is in full swing. I can’t wait to see how the last two weeks go. I’ll definitely incorporate a lot of aspects of the Whole30 into my life even after it’s done.
A final note before I give you a peek into the delicious meals I’ve been cooking and eating, is that it’s been amazing to have a friend doing it with me. My best friend, Fran who blogs over at Frantipasto is a total rockstar and being able to share this experience with her (as well as our crazy capstone course and so many other adventures) has made it so much more do-able.
Just a note: this isn’t everything I’ve eaten, but it gives you a good idea
Breakfasts
Scrambled Eggs & Avocado
Omelette with tomatoes, avocado, onions & spinach with berries
2 spinach egg muffins, 1/2 sweet potato with almond butter, butternut squash & raspberries
2-egg omelette with spinach, avocado & paleo pesto with berries
Egg “pancake” with cinnamon and cherries
Lunches & Dinners
Salmon with brussels sprouts and spinach
Egg with larabar and mango
Butternut squash soup with a side of avocado
Smoothie & Salad from Life Alive in Boston: Strawberry, banana, ginger, dates
Beats, Kale, Avocado, Mushrooms, Carrots with GF dressing
Cashews, carrots, avocado & eggs – saved my larabar for one of my many long drives (this was made in the parking lot of a trader joes- also bought a bowl and knife at the Christmas Tree Shop next door, you have to be a little resourceful)
Tea, apple & almond butter
Pistachio encrusted salmon with broccolini and sweet potato, veggie mix
Raww Barr
Rosemary, paleo pesto salmon with butternut squash and spinach
Salmon with brussels sprouts, cashews and almonds
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So that’s the first two weeks! I hope you’re having a lovely Spring!
Question Time:
- What are you looking forward to most about Spring?
- What’s your favorite way to eat eggs?
My fave way of eating eggs is in an omelet! I always put avocado in it, and maybe a handful or spinach, mushrooms, or sun dried tomatoes.
Sounds like I would definitely share an omelet with you! Yumm
Wow, congrats on sticking with it! Seriously – kudos. I’m thinking that whole30 will probably have to be a summer ‘project’, if you will – it’s tough to balance it with school and temptation!
Question – what about alcohol? do you still go out and have a drink or two on the weekend with friends?
I haven’t had any alcohol, which has been harder than I thought, but the biggest help has been having my best friend doing the Whole30 with me so we can go through things together. You should definitely try it, but plan it for when you don’t see yourself traveling a lot because it’s so much easier when you can do all the food prep and cooking yourself.
Oh my … the pistachio crusted salmon looks absolutely to die for. I rarely “crust” any of my fish due to laziness but I should try. Did you make it yourself?
I did not, but I definitely want to do some experimenting because it was so delicious.
So interesting to read that we are really similar in this journey! Skin, snacking, etc. I definitely find myself eating more fruit than is ideal but I don’t think an apple and banana a day is something to get upset about at alllll. Congrats on doing so well! Need to try that pistachio encrusted salmon. Did you make it?! Recipe?
Definitely! I’ve loved reading your recaps and all the research you’ve done about paleo diets. I feel like we’re on the same page! I had the salmon at an amazing seafood restaurant on the Cape, but I will try forever to recreate it!
Awesom job, girl! I was wondering, did you find yourself laying off the running and workouts a little bit/ all together so that you could better commited to the whole30? Thanks for all your posts! keep up the good work
That’s a great question. The first week I had off from school, so I had more time to cook and plan which really helped me set myself up. I also laid low on the exercise because I was traveling quite a bit the first two weeks. But now I’m reincorporating a lot more running now my body is used to it.
Oh wow! That two weeks was loaded! You really had a blast. Wish to be in Boston now!
They certainly were, now I can’t wait to move!