A Whole30 Days?

I am a friend of Stephanie's and asked her if I could share about a challenge I accepted!  Thank goodness for a friend like her!!!

Here is a bit about me first.  I'm overweight.  I have two children and an amazing husband.  I'm exhausted.  I hurt. I am constantly, disgustingly hot.  I sweat just getting ready in the morning.  I have swollen feet and achy muscles all the time.  I am addicted to food.  I love pasta, desserts, soda and anything with peanut butter on it.  I do not excersise.  I know all of the right things to do, and usually choose not to do them.  Its so much easier to drive thru, and cheaper to buy pre-packaged. 

I'm just being real here.  I dont want to pretend any more or hide.  I want to feel alive and free!

I hate looking in the mirror, and wear clothes that are usually too big for me because I am embarassed to show any of my fat or rolls.  I have to ask my husband to rub my back daily.  I hate shopping because I can't fit in anything.  I never dress up because I have no self confidence. 

I recently looked at my daughter and realized all of this could soon evolve in her.  My negative self image could cause her to do things or make choices that I would totally regret.  My habits could lead her down a self destructive path, or my cooking could make her sick some how.  I started worrying about how she would feel about herself, and what she would think of me when she starts to understand what "fat" is.  She is only three, so thankfully I have some time.

I was standing in the mirror the other day wondering why in the world my husband is still around.  I didn't look this way when he married me, dated me, or fell in love with me. 

I realized right then and there that I had to make a change.  Not start a diet and fail.  Not say something and do another.  But find a healthy and smart way to change my life and the lives of my children and husband.

My younger sister offered me a challenge.  It's called Whole30.  Thirty days of  NO sugar, NO dairy, NO grains, NO beans, NO alcohol, and NO cheating.  It's cleaning my body out, resetting my metabolism, and bringing my brain back to reality.  I dont need all that dirty, unhealthy, gross processed food.  My body needs to be cleaned and refreshed and I need to learn how to keep it that way.   Omitting all of these foods and beverages will help me regain my healthy metabolism, reduce systemic inflammation, and help me discover how these foods are truly impacting my health, fitness and quality of life.  See more at www.whole30.com

 

This wont just be a diet.  It will be a challenge.  I will want to quit and cry and cheat.  I will need help.  I am not a creative cook.  I admit right now, this will be a miracle for me to endure.  But, Ive carried two children, endured two c-sections, lost loved ones, carried burdens that hurt me deeply, and struggled in much more difficult circumstances.  So, 30 days should be a breeze right?  Ha!!  If it works, and I am doing well, I will probably do longer than 30 days, and after, I will have learned how to live this way, and shouldn't need to hop on and off the wagon!

I will post an update half way thru and at the end of the 30 days (if I live).  And would love your support and prayers!  I'm so thankful for family and friends who love me enough to be honest with me and support me!

 Here's to some kale and almond butter!

Oh, and if you want to join me, leave a comment and I'll contact you!!