I Survived and Thrived Week One!

You guys, I did it!  I made it through the first week of The Whole30©!  To tell you the truth, it was easy and quite enjoyable!  Another truth...I feel fantastic and proud!

Don't get me wrong, it was more work than going through a drive thru, ordering takeout  or eating prepared foods from Trader Joe's, but the extra prep work over the weekend and  the 30-45 minutes I spent fixing dinner every night was totally worth it.  I'm feeling great mentally and physically!

Here is the Pinterest link to the recipes I made this past week:

Week One

Feel free to browse my Whole 30 board for more recipes.  If you decide to complete a Whole 30 round, the work will be done for you.  I've already created Week 2 and am working on Week 3 and 4. 

All the recipes were good, but some stood out as repeatable!  First off, Chia Pudding.  YUM!  Now, I know, there is a big controversy about Chia Pudding being compliant as it is considered a SWYPO (sex with your pants on).  I'm not a big fan of this phrase, but OK, whatever.  Here's the deal, the rules state that you can not use compliant ingredients to make foods that might substitute for food items that shouldn't be eaten, such as cupcakes, pancakes and ice cream.  Sure, I get it, but just because pudding is in the name, I'm not going to fret over eating it.  There's no sugar and I certainly don't have an obsession with pudding to the point it would trigger an unhealthy relationship with food.  If you are a Whole 30 enthusiast, as I have encountered on Facebook, save your comments, because you will not change my mind.  I know my triggers and pudding doesn't fit the bill.  If it is a trigger for you, please feel free to not eat it.  For me, this is a great go too lunch combined with fruit, veggies and protein, to keep me full  until dinner. 

I made the Sweet Potato and Bacon Quiche the day before I started to have a quick breakfast ready for a few days.  It was really delicious and my family really liked it too.  The breakfast sausage was very good and easy.  I'm making it again next week.  I also steamed a few sweet potatoes for the Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl recipe.  Y'all, it was so good!  I topped it with cherries, coconut butter, and toasted pecans. 

The other stand outs of the week were  the Burger in a Bowl, Spaghetti Squash with Beef Ragu  and the Buffalo Wings recipe.  Easy, tasty and very good for left over lunches. 

Impressions so far?  The food tastes good and I don't feel deprived.  I also don't feel hungry because I am eating plenty of fat with each meal.  I'm still having a snack before bed, but I'm usually able to wait 4-5 hours between each meal, feeling satisfied with no cravings.  I also didn't feel the need to take a nap after lunch, as I usually do.  I had plenty of energy and focus.  I was more productive at work than I've been in months!  My sleep quality has been better, but I had a few nightmares where I am accidentally eating non-compliant foods and spitting them out!

The book stated that I should be feeling hung over with a head ache, exhausted, grumpy, emotional and at times angry.  I felt none of these feelings.  Maybe I will next week, but I hope not!  I was happy with my meals and was even able to eat out twice this week.  I'm very thankful that Zoe's Kitchen has a Whole 30 menu and I can always hit up a steak house to get a compliant meal.

As I start Week 2, I feel confident that I will be successful.  Thanks to those of you who have reached out to me with your support and encouragement.  It makes a big difference in my mental strength to feel supported through this journey!  Until next week...