After more than 3 weeks on Whole30, I’m really finding my stride. While I’m not going to live Whole30 for the rest of my life (the program is not designed for that anyway), I have found it relatively easy to get into new habits and routines. For example, I am perfectly content with my coffee and warmed coconut milk, and I’m satisfied with a healthy and filling dinner without craving a sweet treat after my meal.
I am beginning to think about the end of the thirty days and what I will do (eat/drink) after. The reintroduction stage of Whole30 is as important as the thirty days. While it’s tempting to binge on treats after completing the challenge, it truly defeats the purpose. I also really want to avoid doing that because of the mental and physical havoc I know it will bring. I’m going to follow the “slow roll” reintroduction plan, since I’m really not in a rush to do much of anything nowadays.
I’ve also decided to continue to eliminate alcohol from my diet until at least Friday, May 15. I always celebrate the end of the school year with champagne, and I would like to save the reintroduction of alcohol for something truly special. While eating or drinking something as a habit is not great, I think the end of this crazy mixed up school year counts as a very special occasion.
Here’s an overview of days 15-21 of my Whole30 challenge:
Day 15: Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Since I’ve developed a Whole30 routine, I’m really not thinking much about what I can’t eat anymore, but more about what I can eat. I haven’t run out of recipes yet, and with so many resources available, I doubt I will.
Dinner: Lemon Rosemary Chicken from Skinnytaste
Day 16: Thursday, April 2, 2020
Today I was filled with energy because I completed two exercise classes and spent time sitting in my backyard catching up with friends and family on the phone. Even though I’d much rather see the people I love in person, it does make me feel happy just to talk with them on the phone.
Dinner: Steak Night for Two with Roasted Asparagus
Side Note: I don’t have a particular recipe for this, but I usually buy a ribeye (boneless or bone-in) and sear it in my cast iron pan for 2 minutes per side and finish it in the oven at 350 degrees for about 5 minutes. This makes a nice medium rare steak for us to split.
Day 17: Friday, April 3, 2020
I was energized in the morning from my yoga practice. Trying on some clothes that were a bit tight and finding them comfortable again also gave me a lift, but my energy waned after a long day of online teaching. Also, my desire to reward myself with a drink after the workweek came back, but I pushed through it with the help of a couple of episodes of Tiger King (I know this is so lame, but I had to see what it was all about!).
Dinner: Red Curry Shrimp Stir Fry with Sweet Potato Noodles from The Defined Dish (cookbook)
Day 18: Saturday, April 4, 2020
As has become our routine, we focused on household chores on Saturday. This week that meant tackling our terribly disorganized garage. While I wasn’t actually that much help with this project, I provided muscle for carrying things to donate to the car and moral support for the person who actually did most of the organizing.
Dinner: 30 Minute Coconut Milk Braised Chicken and Sweet Potatoes from Half Baked Harvest (modified slightly to make Whole30)
Side Note: When you’re not doing Whole30, you should really make this recipe with a side of homemade naan. It’s one of the greatest things ever and very easy to make. I’ve included pictures of the Whole30 version and the not-so-Whole30-version.
Day 19: Sunday, April 5, 2020
I participated in my first live yoga class via Zoom today, and it was a real mood-booster. While I’ve enjoyed watching recordings from my local studio, a big part of yoga is developing a community of people to practice with. Because of this, the practice really isn’t complete without being able to commune with others. I also pushed myself a little harder knowing my teacher could see me.
Dinner: Chicken Enchilada Meatballs from The Defined Dish
Side Note: This is seriously the best enchilada sauce EVER. When you’re not on Whole30, Alex’s Paleo Enchiladas con Carne are To. Die. For. (recipe in her cookbook)
Day 20: Monday, April 6, 2020
Even though I’m home all day, I do stay very busy working. As a result, I’m not always excited about spending time in the kitchen after a full day “at the office” (aka my closet where my desk is located). To combat the cooking blues, I pulled out my slow cooker. It’s a great tool because it allows me to create a Whole30 dinner ahead of time. I especially like recipes where you just throw everything in the slow cooker and turn it on. As Ina Garten would say: “How easy is that?” Ina typically doesn’t dump things into a slow cooker, but you get the idea.
Dinner: Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala from The Defined Dish (cookbook)
Day 21: Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Despite being in the Whole30 groove, day 21 was stressful. While I have noticed lots of positive effects of Whole30, my anxiety continues to be high because of the threat of COVID-19. It’s impossible to avoiding moments of panic and anxiety, and I know everyone is feeling it.
My anxiety typically peaks on Tuesdays because it’s the day I head to the grocery store. While the trip wasn’t much different than usual, I left the store feeling very overwhelmed. Grocery shopping used to be a fun Saturday morning activity we enjoyed as a family, but now it’s a 2 hour exercise in remaining calm outwardly while inwardly wailing in unrelenting panic (wear a mask, dodge all other people, pace nervously while the cashier scans your items, sanitize all surfaces after unpacking groceries). It’s exhausting!
This said, I’m very grateful for the grocery store employees continuing to work. They are risking their health to keep shelves stocked and stores safe and clean for customers. I know everyone is experiencing anxiety and stress now. While I am not by any means an expert in this area, I have been doing what I can to keep calm. I’ve found reading, watching something fun, cooking, and even cleaning (something I typically hate/never do) puts my mind more at ease.
Dinner: Turkey Meatloaf with Roasted Vegetables
Side Note: I didn’t follow any particular recipe, but riffed on a few recipes I know using what I had on hand. The end product was a little dry for my taste, but I will keep working on it.
Final Thoughts
Keep calm and carry on. I know it’s very easy to fall into the abyss of anxiety and depression as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise and the amount of time states are requiring citizens to shelter in place lengthens. I’m doing my best to battle against panic, negativity, and anxiety. Whole30 is definitely helping, but there are still dark moments.
If you’re feeling down, reach out to those you love. Being alone can be hard, but your support system is only a phone call, text, or e-mail away!
On a lighter note, there are also so many feel-good shows and movies at our fingertips through streaming services. I’ve been watching:
- Disney Plus
- Encore!
- Disney’s Fairytale Weddings
- Sister Act
- The Princess Diaries
- The Parent Trap (Lindsay Lohan version, obvi)
- HBO
- Shazam!
- Mrs. Doubtfire
- Hulu
- Superstore
- Top Chef
- Netflix
- The Great British Baking Show
- Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
- The Hundred-Foot Journey
I’ll be back next week with the conclusion of my Whole30, (including a Whole30 Easter celebration) and more about my plans for reintroduction.
Cheers!
**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.