This post could also be called, “why I do the Whole30”. Kinda the same, right? 🙂 Isn’t that really what an elimination diet or a reset is? A form of depriving ourselves for a time to reach a goal? We take away an immediate desire to gain a long term change or goal. We give up some things that we want right now in order to get what we really want.
I do the Whole30 diet for lots of reasons…I’ll share a few here.
First, I do it for my health. I am a wife and a mom. I am a daughter, a sister, a friend. I need my body to work. Over the past few years I have learned a lot about how certain foods affect my body. I have learned about inflammation being at the root of so many diseases and disorders. I have learned what foods can contribute to this inflammation. And, frankly, I also wanted to lose weight and found it very difficult. Now I know that it has been related to my gut health. Totally makes so much sense.
That is probably what kept me focused on my health for so long…the chasing after that goal. I have learned so much more and see a bigger picture now.
Through this health journey a friend introduced me to Whole30 and after awhile, I decided to try it and I am so glad I did! As I write this post, I am 10 days into my fourth round and so excited for the outcomes.
For those who are not familiar with the Whole30 plan, for thirty days, you eliminate all Dairy, Grains, Legumes, Sugar and Alcohol. All. Really, All. You CAN eat any meat, any veggies, any fruit, and most nuts (minus peanuts!). And, you agree not to weigh yourself the WHOLE time! I have failed at that one point in the first three rounds, but I am determined to make it this time! Read more here about the plan.
So, why do I deprive myself?
While eating both strictly Whole30 and then mostly Paleo when I am not doing a round of Whole30, I feel SO good! I am 47 years old and I feel better than I did at 30. Really. I am not bloated, my joints don’t ache at all, my thinking is clearer, and my skin feels better. I sleep better. I digest better. And, while this is no longer my main goal, my clothes fit better because I am down 54lbs over the last year. And, have I mentioned, I feel SO good!
Second, I really enjoy the food I CAN have. I have found that when I think about all of the foods I can eat while on Whole30, the list is endless. And, I can recreate so much of what I enjoy. Take a look at this Beef and Broccoli, and Mexican Chicken Soup, and Turkey Meatballs…do I really look like I am missing out? Not at all! It’s only when I want something sweet or a piece of toast or something like that when it becomes hard. So I try to keep my eye on the goal. We can do anything for 30 days, right?
Third, my husband. (And, before it sounds like my priorities are a little out of order, these are in no particular order!) My husband has joined with me on this round and also did on the last one. He is insulin dependent and when he eats Whole30 style, he needs NO insulin during the day. NONE. Let that sink in. I am not promising those results to anyone else who is reading this, but let it sink in that food can have that much effect on how your body produces insulin and on how much insulin your body needs to produce. So, I do this for my husband. So I will be healthy for him, but also so he will be healthy. So he will enjoy life too. So we can enjoy life together instead of dealing with the aches and pains that certain foods bring on for us.
Finally, I want to honor God by taking care of the one body He has given me. (Again, these are not in order.) It is my desire to live this life to honor and glorify Him. And, I am convinced that as much as possible, I should strive to be healthy in order to have more energy to do so. Don’t mistake my meaning. I believe that I can glorify God by serving Him in whatever state I am in. If I am sick, I can glorify God. If I am disabled, I can glorify God. If I am bed ridden, I can glorify God. We can glorify Him in whatever station in life we find ourselves.
But, with that said, I believe I have a responsibility to take care of the body He has given me to the best of my ability. And, since my body responds so well to this eating plan, it is a joy to train my body to live this way. Not always in the moment, but as the results keep coming, it is truly a joyful experience!
So, depriving ourselves, while not popular, can truly be a tool that is for our good. But, will I ever have sugar again? For sure. Will I ever eat gluten? Occasionally. How about dairy? For sure. But, will I have them regularly? No. Will I have them while on the Whole30? Nope.
If you find yourself dealing with any of the issues I talked about in this post, comment or email me. We will be continuing this journey over 2018 and would love to support you as you make changes in your life along with us. I will be providing recipes and encouragement throughout 2018 that will be helpful as you march forward.
Blessings,
