Post Whole30: Results and Final Thoughts

When I first started the Whole30, I expected a big change in how I felt.  I wanted there to be some tangible difference in my sleep, my energy, my skin, my mental clarity, in something.  At first I was disappointed when after two weeks, there still wasn’t.  But then I realized that had there been a big change, it would have meant I had a much tougher decision to make at the end regarding how to handle whatever food had been negatively affecting me.  It’s counterintuitive, but the way the Whole30 is built almost makes you hope to discover some intolerance.  Instead, the only allergy I’ve discovered is that drinking makes me fat and stupid.

I’ve also discovered that snacking and “grazing” make me feel really awful, both physically and emotionally, while eating a large protein-dense meal packed with a starchy vegetable and plenty of healthy fats makes me feel really good.  And it seem as if it’s not just me.  Numerous times throughout my Whole30 Courtney would say, unprompted, as we were finishing dinner “eating like this feels good.”  And when my mom came over and I cooked for her, she said the exact same thing.  It’s not something specific that people can pinpoint.  Eaing paleo food just feels good.  So, moving forward I expect we will continue cooking and eating a paleo diet at home, but with much more flexibility when eating out.

All said and done, I definitely have my qualms about the Whole30 program.  Let’s just say, I don’t drink the Kool Aid.  But apparently Kool Aid is compliant, because the vast majority of people on the forum seem to be drinking it.  It was definitely a great big red flag for me when I came across a thread where more than just one person was asking the moderators to weigh in on whether communion was Whole30 compliant (on another note, I think the GF movement is taking over the world!  Even the body of Christ now comes in a gluten-free variety!).  I have real concerns about how seriously people are taking the opinion of the folks moderating those forums, as well as the tendency of the Whole30 program to vilify certain foods.  Why should I give my body days and days and days to acclimate to an increased intake of meat and vegetables at the start of the program, but immediately determine that soy, gluten and dairy are bad if my body doesn’t react well after not having had them for a month?  Some of it just doesn’t add up.  But there are other parts I really like.  As I mentioned, the food is awesome.  But I also  felt really good about how I was treating my body and very empowered by the sense of control that comes with knowing that I can say “no, I’m not going to have any of that.”

Okay, let’s talk about physical results.  I’m not compulsive weigher, but I have to admit that I was excited to step on the scale on day 31 and see exactly where I was at.  My clothes fit better and I just feel better in my skin.  After thirty days, I’ve lost 6.8 pounds, putting be back around my happy weight.  I also dropped 1.6% body fat and lost .5″ on the waist, .5″ on the hips and 1″ on each thigh.

The crazy thing is, I didn’t count calories throughout the Whole30, but I would guess that I was eating 1,700-2,000 per day (usually toward the higher end when I ate at home, but when I ate out I had a harder time getting enough to eat).  That is not a restrictive diet for a small female, even an active one.  My exercise habits have stayed the same (5-7 times per week, usually 3-4 cardio and 2-3 resistance or strength training).  Honestly, the big take away here is how much weight I put on from drinking and the mindless eating that comes along with it!

When I took made Courtney take these before photos, I was quite certain I would never show them to anyone.  But I think they help paint the complete picture.  I know the changes are subtle; it looks as if maybe I’m just pushing out in the picture on the left… but I’m not.  I was horribly bloated from weeks and weeks of eating a horrible diet and drinking way too much.  I think it’s especially noticeable in my face.

I’ve also discovered that my abs really are under there somewhere!  I haven’t changed a single thing about my exercise routine, yet this is the closest to a six pack I’ve come in my life.  It proves that it’s true what they say: abs are made in the kitchen not the gym.  (Also, for the record, yes, I’m flexing like a mofo in the third pic!)

 

Counter Clockwise from Top: 16 days, 20 days and 26 days into the Whole30

But the thing is, as much as I like the almost six pack on the bottom right, I also really like this kind of six pack:

Like, a lot.  And I like being able to kick back and enjoy the latter with friends.  Honestly, it’s just not something I’m willing to give up in exchange for abs.  My goal is balance, not perfection.  I will be perfectly happy to have day 16 abs, day 20 abs or day 26 abs if it means I can relax and have a good time every now and then!  So now it’s time to move forward and attempt to maintain some of the healthy habits I’ve developed, but in a balanced, sustainable way without the strict rules!  The real challenge starts now.

Johanna