Whole 30 Talk + A Promise That This Won’t Be 30 Days of Whole 30

Hoooooooooooray! It’s Monday again. Oh wait, that can’t be how the expression goes, can it?

Eh, whatever. I’m feeling chipper this morning even despite the Universe trying unabashedly to screw me up, so TAKE THAT. I’m full of vim and vigor (or rather coffee and a delicious breakfast) so my plan is to take this day by the horns. Oh and also, to do Angie. (Yikes! Pray for me!)

Anyway, I wanted to have some Monday Morning Coffee Talk to chat about a few things:

Namely that THE WHOLE 30 STARTS IN TWO DAYS.

OH EM EFF GEE.
Cleaning out the fridge! Bye Bye non #whole30 compliant salad dressing and marginal condiments! (my own taste better ANYWAY!
Actually, I am now officially totally stoked on it. This weekend we cleared the crappy condiments out of the fridge, ate all the cheese (Goodbye cheese, you’ll be missed) made some salad dressings (minus the honey, obvs) bought some new groceries (fridge pics coming this week) and cranked out some homemade mayo and some heavenly frittatas. On top of that, I really thought about the point of this 30 days, the challenges I foresee, and my strategies. Also: WHY THE HELL I DO STUFF LIKE THIS. I’ll tell you about all that in one second. Hold tight.

Before that, it’s worth mentioning that I will not ONLY be talking about the Whole 30 for the next 30 days. I thought a lot about how I could approach documenting this experience for those who are interested while not boring those who aren’t, and I think the only way to do that is to ensure it’s not the only thing on the agenda. It’s going to be a lot of work, but here’s the thing: I’m a blabbermouth. And I have lots of regularly scheduled stuff to say anyway because OHMYGOD CAN’T SOMEONE SHUT HER UP??? So that was your friendly warning that you might be hearing from me QUITE A BIT over the next month. 🙂 I’m a chatty dork like that. Don’t believe my dorkiness? Maybe this can convince you:

I hope my mom didn't actually PAY for me to get this haircut. #dorkcity

Don’t make me pull out the finger guns, okay? They clash with my sweeeeeeet Hobie tank top.

Today, however I’m going to talk a bit about the Whole 30, because HELLO, it is starting right quick!

The Point

Why the heck would you do that? This is the question that has popped up the most on facebook, etc. This makes me so happy though because here’s the thing — this isn’t THAT different from how we usually eat. So people’s shock at the things we are giving up hopefully means that I am not a giant food douche spouting off about my dietary preferences to anyone who will listen all the time. Awesome. I’d like to think I’m serious about what I eat but not preachy. Fingers crossed.

The point (for me) however, is a month of diligence. Really putting my effort into cleanly fueling myself, which means paying attention to some of the things that I let slide regularly: seed oils, options when dining out, dairy products and booze. It’s the A++ version of how we normally eat, and I’m excited to see the results of our efforts — whether they are dramatic or not.

Also: I love the experiment! Every time I do something *dramatic* (and really, by dramatic I just mean something that I am making a real concerted effort at) I learn new things about myself. And I also pick up new efficiencies, solidify some better habits and overall I improve. I like doing things like that. You may have cooler hobbies than me, but experimenting is one of my favorite things to do! Maybe I should have been a scientist. Missed opportunity, man. I probably wouldn’t look very cute in a lab coat though. So boxy!

Understanding The Challenges

Even though this isn’t a dramatic overhaul of our diet, it is not without its challenges. We have 2 social occasions coming up this month that are decidedly un-Whole 30 friendly (aka they mostly revolve around food and booze.) I’m not too worried because you know what — it is two days of my life. I CAN DO ANYTHING FOR TWO DAYS: including abstaining from booze and non-compliant food. I’m looking at it as a challenge — how can I do it without being a wet-blanket? It will be a good exercise in discipline and strategizing and when I think about it that way, I’m almost looking forward to it. War Games: The Food Edition. MUAHAHAHAHAHA.
Scares you?
This may also have to do with that fact that I’ve been watching The Olympics all weekend and am totally walking around the house humming Chariots of Fire and fist pumping all of the Americans Triumphing Over Crazy Odds! (Those human interest pieces have had me weeping all weekend. I’m kind of a mess.)

TGIF!
I also know that I am going to be challenged with the sheer amount of food prep this month is going to require. I definitely rely on things like Post-Workout protein shakes and some pre-made convenience items right now that probably aren’t doing me any favors. Eliminating those will be different, so for me, I have to make it fun. I’ve got a calendar chock full of awesome recipes that I am SO STOKED to make, and post work out options that are fun, fancy and WAY MORE DELICIOUS than a shake. I’ve got to make it fun or I’ll want to quit.

The Strategy

My mental approach over the next month is going to encompass these three things. Mantras, if you will…light up the patchouli sticks, y’all:

# 1: Get through it, Holly it’s only 30 days.
You’re not living out on a life raft punching great white sharks in the nose without water. You are avoiding cheese and saving the wine for September. Get a Grip.

#2: Where there is struggle there is strength.
When you come to something that feels challenging, take the time to sit in it and figure out why. Then figure out how you could have avoided it so you will know for next time. Maybe all of that self-analysis will distract you. 🙂

#3: Be as prepared as possible, but know your strength, girl.
Don’t get it twisted, you can do this. But you know — fail to plan, plan to fail and all that mumbo jumbo. Prioritize your needs and don’t apologize. You are stubborn as hell, remember that when you feel weak. You are going to do this, just by nature of the fact that it is hard and YOU LIKE HARD THINGS.

If you just chuckled like a 12 year old boy, you are my people.

Alright, alright. Pep talk done. Now…who is doing this with me? Do tell so I know who to aggressively high five this month! And if you are interested in Whole 30 food porn, I’ll be posting most of my meals to the Holly Would If She Could FB Page. Come by and say hi!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

19 Responses to Whole 30 Talk + A Promise That This Won’t Be 30 Days of Whole 30

  1. We actually started last Monday but we’re in it for the whole month of August. I turn 30 on August 31st so this is my birthday present to myself.

    If you are at all interested in sharing your planning tips and/or recipes I would be forever grateful. I suck immensely in that area.

    And I am super interested in reading about your experiences.

    BTW I think I’m going to go to that body fat testing place you posted about in the next day or so to have my starting point before this.

    • Holly says:

      Whole 30 for turning 30 — I like it! 🙂

      Definitely to the body composition thing…soooooooo enlightening, especially if you are about to be super diligent for a month. It would HAVE to be motivating! Good luck girl! And I will definitely be posting recipes later this week.

  2. Linda Sand says:

    I’m on board. You just reminded me to take pictures of “before” food for my blog. Thanks.
    Heading to the not-quite-local co-op this afternoon to buy groceries. Never did a major shopping there before so should be fun. I’m hoping they’ll have healthier versions of some of our staples. What do you mean my tuna and canned tomatoes are not Whole 30 compliant?!!

  3. AndreAnna says:

    I’m on a mental break but I am really looking forward to watching you go through this and learning things for when I get my head back on straight.

    I will drink extra for you, no worries.

  4. Beth says:

    I am looking forward to reading about your experience. I was planning to not join for this one, but after reading so many blog posts of people getting ready, I have to jump in! I *might* take the day of my bridal shower off, but otherwise looking forward to it and following along with you.

    • Holly says:

      That’s pretty dedicated to do it during a month where you are having a bridal shower (ooh, also — CONGRATS!) but if you do it — GO YOU!!!

  5. Erica says:

    You can do it!!! Preparation is the key! Do you have the cookbook Well Fed?
    It is literally a life saver when it comes to cooking for the Whole30.
    I’m in it with you! Started last Tuesday and going til August 31st!

    • Holly says:

      I do and I LOOOOOOVE that cookbook. It’s part of the reason that I’m not panicking about the whole thing. So many of our favorite meals come from Melissa and I remind myself — Hey, those are all Whole 30 approved. Woot! 🙂 High Five on the Whole 30!

  6. Erica says:

    I wouldn’t be able to do the Whole30 without her “weekly cookup”!
    And I’m a tiny bit obsessed with her Shepard’s Pie.

  7. Bethanyrx says:

    Add a tally mark for the Jensens… At least this one, anyway; I’m still working on Eric. But we just spent a long weekend in Ohio eating ALLTHETHINGS at his brother’s wedding, so honestly we’re both ready to reset. 😉

  8. YAY, Whole30-ing! I’m pretty sure you know about this post already, but if not… this might help you with your social stuff coming up. Hugs!

    http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2011/07/14/paleo-social-butterfly/

    • Holly says:

      I LOVED that post! I used to get sparkling water all the time when I went out and didn’t feel like drinking and everyone gave me a hard time. But it’s amazing how if you just put something in it (I usually just do lime) NO ONE ASKS ANY QUESTIONS!!!

      love it.

  9. Kerri says:

    Best of luck Holly! I too, am a Whole30 graduate. My favorite surprise was how sweet fruit tasted – like pure sugar. Makes you wonder how much processed sugar we eat on a daily basis.

    • Holly says:

      Yes. Completely avoiding processed sugar is hard even when you are sticking to Paleo because its just IN EVERYTHING. Grrrr.

  10. Erica says:

    Going on vacation this month but maaaaaaaaybe sliiiiiiiightly sort of considering September. Mostly because I’m just finishing up one food project and I want to do something totally different.