I can’t believe I’m almost halfway through the Whole30 challenge!
The second week definitely had its ups and downs. In some ways the challenge got easier, but I did find myself becoming less motivated than I was during week one. Thankfully I didn’t slip up, however I did implement snacking more than I would like to (not that snacks are bad, but Whole30 emphasizes that having full meals are better than snacking throughout the day, which is my natural tendency).
Thankfully I’m back to being super motivated to finish these last two weeks the best I can! Here’s a look at this past week.
{the food}
* Like I said, I snacked a bit more than I would have liked, so I’m going to work on getting back on track with that going into week three.
* I also wasn’t as well-prepared during week two (and ate out a handful of times), but that’s also because I was out of town for a few days. Thankfully even when I ate at restaurants I kept it Whole30!
* I’ll be much more prepared this week – I already have a huge grocery order coming and a meal plan for the week.
(I’m tracking all of my meals over on my Tumblr)
{how I’ve been feeling}
Other than the slight lack of motivation, I really did feel awesome this week. I have a ton of energy and just feel…happier. Before Whole30 I’d hit a slump (energy-wise but also mentally and emotionally) at least every day, but I’ve noticed that hasn’t happened pretty much at all since I’ve been doing the challenge.
I’m also starting to notice my pants fitting a bit looser and my stomach looking flatter. Nothing crazy noticeable, but definitely a welcome change. I still haven’t weighed myself.
{other thoughts/observations}
The longer I eat the Whole30 way, the more I think I’m likely to stick to a Paleo way of eating when the challenge is over, for a few reasons. Not only have I been feeling physically better, but (as I just mentioned) I just have more of a sense of clarity – no more mental/emotional fog. Not to sound cheesy but I feel more…alive! I never realized how my food choices were affecting my overall quality of life until now, and I don’t want to go back to how I felt before.
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I’d love to try some new Whole30/Paleo recipes – any suggestions for recipes or websites I should check out?
I don’t know a ton about Whole30 (off to ze Googles!) but your food pics look delicious — there’s definitely something good about this plan 🙂 I have also been eating way more protein, less wheat, etc. in a paleo-esque way (but not as strict) and I have more energy, less sugar cravings, etc. than ever before. I’m excited to hear your final thoughts!
Yup, that’s how I plan on eating when I’m off Whole30! I didn’t mention that I’ve had the lessened sugar cravings, but that’s definitely been a great result as well!
Glad to hear that the Whole30 is working well for you! As much as I’m against defining any sort of diet for myself, I do find that I function best on a Paleo-ish diet as well. Meat gets such a bad rep sometimes but the reality is that some of us simply thrive on it!
I agree with not defining any sort of diet - even if I continue to eat a Paleo style I’ll still sneak in other foods here and there 🙂 And I always look at it as - if a certain way of eating make someone feel their best - they can define away! 🙂
Paleo eater here! I can definitely tell a difference, especially since this past weekend I had a lot of family and friends in town and went totally off the wagon, and woke up this morning feeling like complete garbage. Check out “stupideasypaleo” for some suggestions. I also look at the paleo hashtag on IG when I need inspiration 🙂
I haven’t tried a Paleo diet myself, but the PaleOMG website is awesome. I drool over all of her recipes all the time…I’ve heard her Paleo Pad Thai is delish!
So awesome to hear you’re feeling so great! I definitely noticed a pick up in my energy when I was doing my Whole30 and I loved it!