As a person of faith, I know that God has created within us a perfect system to maintain an ideal weight based on the simple concept of eating only when hungry and stopping when satisfied (NOT the same thing as stuffed, by the way!). Knowing this, though, and obeying it can be two entirely different things! I have struggled mightily with not eating past the point of being comfortably full, with terrible cravings, particularly for cheese and bread. One day last month after a particularly bad day, I decided to check out a new "system" being offered by a doctor who promises significant weight loss in a short period of time. The program sounded interesting and he said he could help me lose 20 pounds in two months (a bit more than I actually want to lose, but hey, why not, right??). Then he told me the cost--almost $1600!!! I do not think I need to tell you how my dear hubby reacted to that sales pitch! As fate would have it, a dear neighbor had invited me to come over that same evening, at which time she and her daughter told me about Whole30.
But you know how these things go, right? The next day I was Googling Whole30 (and yes, it is as simple as Whole30.com). The following day I was seriously considering it. Two more days and I had ordered the book. That was over a month ago, and now I am 3 days away from embarking on this journey. By the way, my decision NOT to start a Whole30 during December is something that is supported by the Hartwigs, the creators of the program, because starting such a strict plan during the holidays is a recipe for disaster. Therefore, I have enjoyed all of the holiday goodies (perhaps even more than usual because of what is coming up), and now I am READY for this! At least, I think I'm ready. Okay, I'm mostly ready ...
I'll admit, this is a bit daunting. The Whole30 program calls for lean meats, healthy fats and LOTS of veggies (fruits are allowed, too). The problem? Vegetables are not exactly top on my list of favorite things. Well, to be honest, they do not make the list at all. Oh sure, I'll eat salad greens, but primarily just to have a place to put the "good stuff"--you know, cheese, rich dressings, croutons ... My taste buds just never grew up; I mean, seriously, how many middle-aged women do you know who still hide their peas in their mashed potatoes?
So for me to even think twice about a program like this speaks volumes about where I find myself right now. The testimonials on the Whole30 website of the many people who have successfully completed the program have made me want what they have found: freedom from cravings, more energy, greater mental clarity, better sleep, clearer skin--the list of positives is amazing. The negatives? No sugar, no dairy, no grains, no legumes, no alcohol. So for someone whose four basic food groups are bread, cheese, chocolate and wine, this promises to be very interesting!
The Whole30 book outlines what most of the participants experience as they go through these 30 days, and I know the first couple of weeks are going to be rough--sugar cravings, fatigue, crankiness. In fact, I thought about getting the kids flak jackets for Christmas, and they may wish I had before this is all over. Those first 14 or 15 days promise to challenge me in ways that I probably cannot even comprehend right now. But you know something? I can do this. I owe it to myself.
Check back in January, see how it's going!
