I completed the Whole30 challenge! March 30th came and I made it through the whole challenge! I am over the moon about this accomplishment! I didn’t and still don’t have any cravings that I thought I would have. I am VERY surprised to say that but it’s true. What does completing the Whole30 mean? What’s next?
Now What?
So you would think that I would want to eat things I used to eat. You would think that the chocoholic in me would be ready and willing to enjoy some chocolate and celebrate my accomplishment. But that’s not the case, I feel content just eating healthy. There’s a chapter in the Whole30 book just for the next step and it’s called the “Reintroduction”. In the reintroduction process you evaluate your non-scale victories and that’s exactly what I did!
Non-Scale Victories
So, the Whole30 is not about the scale. To prove this point the non-scale victory list is a way to see what you have accomplished during this 30 day reset. Some of my accomplishments on the list are little personal but what the hell! Here’s my list of non-scale victories:
Physical Outside
- Stronger Nails
- Thicker Hair
- Flatter Stomach
- Fresher Breath
- Leaner Appearance
- Less Bloating
- Feeling More Confident About My Appearance
Physical Inside
- Healthier Gums
- Less Stiff Joints
- Less Painful Joints
- Less Stomach Pains
- Less Diarrhea
- Less Constipation
- Less Gas
- Less Bloating
- Improved Reqularity
- No Acid Reflux
- No Heart Burn
- Less Knee & Back Pain
Mood, Emotion, & Psychology
- I’m Happier
- More Outgoing
- More Patient
- I’m Optimistic
- Less Stressed
- Fewer Mood Swings
- Fewer Sugar Cravings
- Fewer Carb Cravings
- Improved Body Image
- Improved Self Esteem
- Improved Self Confidence
- Feelin In Control Of My Food
Brain Function
- Clearer Thinking
Sleep
- Sleeping More
- Fall Asleep Easier
Energy
- Energy Levels Higher
- No More Midday Slump
- No Longer Need To Eat Every 2 Hours
- Feel Energetic Between Meals
- Don’t Need Sugar Or Caffiene To Pop Up Energy Levels
Food & Behaviors
- Healthier Relationship With Food
- Practicing Mindful Eating
- Learned How To Read Labels
- Eat To Satiety
- Don’t Use Food As A Reward
- Don’t Use Food As A Stress Management
- No Longer A Slave To Sugar & Carbs
- No Unhealthy Cravings
- More Variety, Color, Vitamins & Minerals In Diet
- No Food Guilt Or Shame
Lifestyle & Social
- More Knowledgeable About Nutrition
- New Cooking Skills
- New Recipes
- I Am Whole30
Whew, that’s quite a list! I am amazed at how good I feel! I have learned so much and I am sure there is plenty more for me to learn!
What About The Scale?
So, how much weight did I lose? It’s a valid question and I know that the expectation would be that I would know the answer to that question. The funny thing is that I don’t know. I did not weigh myself before the 30 day challenge and I have not weighed myself after.
I know I did lose weight because I did take before and after pictures and I am looking pretty good! I also went through my closet and tried on ALL of my business clothes from 4 – 6 years ago and the results are amazing! I can fit into dresses, pants, and a suit I have never worn! I can almost fit into my business skirts that I have missed and love! My summer skirts that have zippers all fit except for one!
This is how I know I have lost weight and I am onto a healthier and happier path. It’s exciting to be able to wear the clothes that have been collecting dust!
I don’t need to know the number and I am not a slave to the scale!
Reintroduction Of Non-Compliant Food
I am not in any real hurry to start the reintroduction but I am interested in seeing what happens. It will be good to know and identify what foods cause problems for me. So, I am still deciding what the first introduction is going to be. I am thinking peanut butter but I a not sure yet. I do plan on going through the introduction but I think I will take my time doing it.
What Have I Learned So Far?
I have learned so much already and I know there is still so much more to learn! Here’s a list that comes to mind of what I have learned so far:
- I can eat healthy food and feel satisfied
- Sugar is in everything that is processed
- I can pan sear a chicken & steak that’s juicy and delicious
- Read the labels
- Know what you are putting into your body
- I can go out to eat and choose to eat healthier options by asking to alter the options on the menu
- New recipes
- I can cook non-compliant food for my husband not have the temptation to eat it
Will I Stick To The Whole30 All The Time?
I am not in a hurry to go off plan but I know that when I choose to have food that is not Whole30 compliant that it’s ok to do so. If I start to crave foods like chocolate, pizza, or pasta that I should go back to Whole30 only food choices. It will be a balancing act to figure out works and what doesn’t but I am looking forward to keep trying new recipes and figuring out what is good for me!
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