I started writing this blog based on the fact that I love my Whole30 lifestyle. There is no denying the health benefits – they are exactly what the book promises. Still, since I’m human, there might come a day when I start slipping (God forbid!), so I’ve made this list of all of the reasons why I love the Whole30 reset. And if anyone ever reads this blog, maybe I’ll convince someone to give the program a try.
Here’s my list of why I love this new life:
1. It’s not a diet.
On Whole30 I’ve never looked at a nutrition label to see how many fat grams or calories a food had. I’ve never added up every food by calorie count or points in order to keep within a daily limit. My focus was never a number on a scale (in fact, you don’t weigh yourself at all during the 30-day reset).
2. But I did lose weight.
That’s right. I lost weight, as most people do, especially on their first round. Last year, after my first 30 days, I lost 14 pounds! I couldn’t stop looking at myself in the mirror! Truth be told I did gain a few of that back (which other rounds of W30 helped me lose) because in the aftermath, I didn’t focus on what I learned about my body and how food affected it. So when the holidays hit, my sugar dragon came back in full force along with around 4 pounds.
3. It’s easy.
No really. It is. When you read the plan for the first time it sounds hard, and maybe for a few days it seems hard. But when you find your groove, prep your food, and know the rules, you find yourself cooking Whole30 versions of your favorite recipes like you’ve been cooking them that way all your life.
4. It’s delicious.
Turns out, fresh, whole foods just taste good. Plus, I’ve found so many fabulous recipes from the Whole30 book and community.
5. My pain in the neck is gone.
I’ve had some nerve pain that causes neck, shoulder and arm pain, not to mention numb fingers. When I’m doing a Whole30, that pain goes away. I’m in the beginning of the reintroduction so I’m hoping I’ll figure out which food was causing the inflammation so I can avoid it and the pain all together.
6. My energy levels are through the roof.
Before I started, I read that a benefit of the program was an energy boost and was delighted when I experienced higher energy levels. That energy has made it so much easier for my late night roller derby practices and for mid-week workouts. Along with the boost, I’m also thinking clearer which has been great for work and helping with the kids’ homework!
7. My skin is clearer.
My skin looks great! I swear, even my makeup seems to last longer. My skin’s moisture has seemed to balance out so that it’s neither too dry or too oily.
8. It taught me about myself.
Doing four rounds of Whole30 and generally choosing to eat within the guidelines of the program has taught me about myself. I now know I can make big changes to behaviors (like eating and food choices) that I’ve lived with all my life. I can also be pretty creative in the kitchen in order to stay on plan. And of course, the program has done what it was created to do: it has taught me what foods work for my body and what foods don’t.
9. It’s made me more confident.
First off, I already said that it helped me lose weight and made my skin look fabulous. Who doesn’t feel more confident when they know they look great? But here’s the real good stuff: I am more confident because I know I have control over my health.
10. I’ve learned to love myself.
I’m a mom, so I’m not at the point that I’m putting myself first, but I’ve made the conscious decision to think about me. I buy foods that are just for me. I’m making time to work out and attend derby practice. I’m also making time for hobbies – like this blog.
Somehow I’ve become an evangelist for Whole30 and I’m okay with that.
The Whole Bettie 