As I write this, I’m more than halfway through my first Whole30. I meant to post earlier, but I’ve been completely exhausted after work each day. The thought of sitting in front of the computer for many additional hours writing and editing a blog post is just too much after my workday.
If you are worried that your tax dollars are supporting teachers “on vacation” at home, your fears should be assuaged. Teaching online is very challenging, time-consuming, and, surprisingly, exhausting. Our school recently put out a new schedule for our days, however, so I’m hoping to detach myself from my computer more in the coming weeks.
I digress…you are interested in how my Whole30 is going! I’m actually finding a real groove with it, especially as I rounded out the second week. There are a few frustrations, but, for the most part, I’m very happy with how I feel, how I look, and how many delicious meals I’ve had while on the program.
Day 8: Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Despite giving up coconut aminos a few days earlier, my allergies persisted. I battled a very thick and scratchy throat for days 8 and 9, which affected my mood. I hate not feeling 100%, and not feeling well while there’s a deadly virus floating around adds a fun layer of anxiety to any unfamiliar twinges (I’m sure you can all relate).
Dinner: Pepperoncini Beef from the No Crumbs Left (cookbook)
Side note: After I posted the picture of my dinner on Instagram, Teri Turner herself messaged me. In her infinite Whole30 wisdom, she offered tomato paste or a small amount of toasted sesame oil as substitutions for coconut aminos. I haven’t tried it yet, but I plan to.
Day 9: Thursday, March 26, 2020
Although you’re not supposed to weigh yourself on Whole30 (and I don’t own a scale to do it anyway), I did try on some clothes today. Like many of you, I’ve been living in yoga pants for the last 3 weeks, so it’s not a bad idea to put on “real clothes” once in a while. The shorts I tried on were tight a few weeks ago, but fit well again when I tried them on. This is due to my flatter stomach. In terms of my body composition, I’ve been most shocked at how “deflated” my stomach has become and how quickly it happened.
Dinner: Indian Skillet Roasted Chicken with Roasted Cauliflower and Carrots from The Defined Dish (cookbook)
Day 10: Friday, March 27, 2020
According to Whole30 aficionados, the tenth day is notoriously difficult and the point where many people quit. I, too, found day 10 challenging for one big reason: It was a Friday. Even though I’m working from home, Friday is still the last day of the work week. Although (before Whole30) I drank alcohol on other days of the week, Friday was traditionally my “treat night.” The night I would come home and “reward” myself with some cocktails. Once I finished work on day 10, however, I felt short-changed.
This started me thinking, of course, about why I feel the need to “treat” myself with food and drinks. I always drink of Friday, so when I reflected on it, I realized it’s more of a habit than a treat. It’s certainly not a need, and, surprise, I was able to have a nice evening without it.
I think this is a very common tactic, using alcohol to “forget” problems or stress for an evening. While it’s important to treat yourself and practice self-care after a long work week, that doesn’t have to include alcohol. Some “treats” I can give myself (while staying at home, of course) are: reading my book in the backyard, watching a show or movie, calling a friend, or taking a walk around my neighborhood.
Dinner: Sheet Pan Salmon (recipe calls for halibut), Asparagus, and Italian Salsa Verde from The Defined Dish (cookbook)
Day 11: Saturday, March 28, 2020
We spent most of day 11 doing chores outside. This was a good way to keep moving and not wallow indoors (as can happen when you’re forced to stay home). I was particularly happy with our dinner, as it reflects the kind of weekend food I typically like to eat and am still able to eat on Whole30.
Dinner: Butter Chicken Wings with Whole Sisters Ranch from No Crumbs Left (cookbook) and Oven Fries
Side Note: The recipe calls for chicken thighs and is pan-roasted, but I used chicken wings and cooked them in the air fryer. I also tried Primal Kitchen ketchup for the first time, and was very impressed.
Day 12: Sunday, March 29, 2020
I kept busy on Sunday with hours of cooking. I have been grocery shopping only once a week, so I wanted to cook a few meals before my produce started turning. Whenever I have things to use up, I turn to 2 recipes: soup or shepherd’s pie. I made both on Sunday, but I developed my own recipe for a Clean out the Fridge Whole30 Shepherd’s Pie, which was a great success.
Dinner: Modified Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup from Skinnytaste (One and Done Cookbook)
Side Note: I replaced ground turkey with chicken sausage, breadcrumbs with almond flour and omitted the cheese.
Day 13: Monday, March 30, 2020
I started my workday early and actually did my hair and put on makeup (something I haven’t done for a few weeks). I had the opportunity to go to my school for half an hour and I even got to see some of my friends (from 6 feet apart, but it was so nice to talk face-to-face).
While I’ve been following Whole30, I’ve been making treats and non-Whole30 approved foods for my husband. I made some banana bread for him today (one of my all-time favorite foods), and I very badly wanted to try it. I resisted, however, but I’m definitely going to make some for myself once I’m finished with this Whole30.
Dinner: Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs from The Defined Dish (cookbook)
Day 14: Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Tuesdays are my most anxiety-ridden day of the week because it’s the day I go shopping for groceries. Truthfully, I start developing “I have to go to the grocery store” anxiety on Sunday just thinking about my trip on Tuesday. My trip this week was very successful, however, and I was able to stock up on Whole30 groceries. Meat has been consistently difficult to find in my area, but I even scored ground beef and ground turkey. Again, a strong stress-induced wine craving hit me while I was at the store, but I tried to remain calm and gather my groceries.
Dinner: Clean out the Fridge Whole30 Shepherd’s Pie
Final Thoughts
Overall, I’ve found the first 2 weeks of this Whole30 an excellent way to bring balance to my life in this turbulent time. Because I am an emotional eater and drinker, being able to have more control over my diet and to avoid drinking alcohol has positively affected my mental health while under the stay-at-home order. I know if I was not committed to Whole30 I would be self-medicating with food and drinks. Instead, I’m nourishing myself with healthy foods.
In addition to eating well, I’ve also been practicing yoga from home every day (sometimes twice a day!). Yoga is one of those magical things that really does calm you, even if you think it won’t. There are times when I’ve started my practice very preoccupied or anxiety-ridden, but, inevitably, by the end of my practice I’m only thinking about my breath and my anxiety is released. I’m so grateful for my amazing local studio, Dancing Dogs, and their repertoire of online and live classes. While the online classes are not free, they do offer a 7-day free trial if you’re interested in trying yoga. Additionally, my friend Emily shared Yoga with Adriene with me, which is also another great resource for at-home yoga.
I think this is actually a great time to start yoga because no one is around to watch you, if you feel embarrassed about your practice. Even though I have experience with yoga, I’ve found the solo practice freeing because I can play around without thinking about what others are thinking (ego is a big problem even for experienced yogis).
I will be back next week with my third installment charting my Whole30 during the Coronavirus pandemic.
**All opinions expressed are my own. Experiences on Whole30 vary. I am not a medical doctor or dietitian, and you should not undertake a new diet without consulting a medical professional.
Cindy says
It sounds like a successful 2 weeks. Your dinner photos are fun to see and have inspired some meals at my house.