Try Whole30

I tend to think that I eat relatively healthy (Obviously, Tito’s Vodka is healthy.)

I stay away from most junk food. Minus those chips and salsa. And guac. And margs. 

I exercise on the reg. 

And I kicked gluten to the curb 1.5 years ago after issues with all-things wheat related. 

But - I've had a feeling that I needed to clean up my food. 

After doing some digging, I found a book called "Whole30". Want to know why I decided upon this one? This is the opening sentence in the book: 

"It is not hard. Don't you dare tell us this is hard. Quitting heroin is hard. Beating cancer is hard. Drinking your coffee black Is. Not. Hard." 

I mean, if someone is going to be sassy about this, then I like them already. 

The basic concept of the plan is to "reset" your body over the course of 30 days. By cutting out certain items in your diet, your body will be restored to the way that it is supposed to function. 

Not to get into the nitty gritty, but these foods we are eating are causing so. many. issues. And we think it's normal. 

What do you have to cut out?? In a way, the "psychologically unhealthy, hormone-unbalancing, gut disrupting inflammatory food groups." 

Of course. Why would you want to eat that?? 

But then you dig in.... and you see, oh snap. Everything I love falls into that group. 

But it's only 30 days. 

The Plan: 

Eat 3 AWESOME, delicious healthy meals a day. 

Each should include: 

• Protein - 1-2 palm-sized protein sources {Eggs, chicken, seafood, red meat, pork, etc}
• Then fill the rest of your plate with veggies {go for it! Leave out corn, lima beans or peas)
• Occasionally add fruit
• Add GOOD fat to each meal

There are SO MANY resources on their website (like a shopping list) so just check it out if you are interested. 

SO... Why? My body is the only one I have... and while I'm young, wild and free (every post needs a Snoop Dogg reference) I might as well take the best care of myself as I can. The more I read, the more I am convinced that processed food is just. plain. bad. for. you. 

No, I don't love spending $$$$ for amazingly fresh organic locally grown produce, but if it is going to keep me healthy, then I might as well try while I can. 

Other reasons:

Better Sleep. Amen

Digestive Distress Be Gone.  

Happiness levels increase. Ok, I'm going to have to revisit this one after the first week when I'm not ready to kill someone / take a nap / drive to TCBY 

More Clear-Headed. There's a few people I can suggest to try this then...

Drink More Water. Well, when you take away everything else, I suppose so

Try new recipes. Like this one. And this one. And this one

Get more organized. Honestly, when you have to think about everything you're going to eat, it forces you to plan ahead 

Slay the sugar dragon. Yeah, look at a few things in your pantry now. Check the ingredients. EVERYTHING IS MADE WITH SOME SORT OF SUGAR

Positively influence others. Holla!
Weight Loss. Drop those lbs!

Flatter Tummy. Who knew that dairy and legumes really did add to that bloat 

Pay Attention to exactly what you are putting in your body. Like mama always said. Garbage in, Garbage out. 

Brighter skin. Lots of sleep and water and veggies 

And so many other reasons that I'm excited to find out!! 

I'm asking myself (and my poor boyfriend who I forced convinced to participate with me) why the heck not? What do I have to lose? Cookies, TITO's, Bean Dip.

There are people that devote their entire life / blogs to creating new Whole30 recipes, tips and life hacks. Don't worry. I don't have the patience for that  intend on posting every single meal - but I will update on how the process is going and any interesting lessons learned. 

But fair warning. I may be grouchy the first few days. And I WILL want a big ol' glass of vino at the end of this. 

Have you tried Whole30? Have any great recipes to try?