Whole30 Day 20 But these apples are healthsome and good.

I am having a tough time eating all that I need to eat... With the cold, and a bit of food boredom, I just don't have an appetite. I'm considering getting one of those funnels they use to force feed geese for Fois Gras...

Chewing is stupid... I'm so tired... I almost passed out in the shower this morning... I have no idea why, maybe I was overheated, maybe it was lack of sleep... Must keep pretending to be fine, do not want to be sent home! I have too much to do...

I have to keep this one short, sorry...




Lunch-
Meatloaf w/Grilled Zucchini

Dinner-
Pork Chops w/Mashed "Cauli-tatoes" & Carrots



Ramble On...

Whole30 Day 19 … watch how I soar.

Terrible, yet inevitable, news everyone... I finally got hit with the head cold my husband had last week. We didn't get to go to the cookout because we didn't want to get the grandparents or the baby nieces sick. We stayed in and rested up with some soup and a LOT of Walking Dead... I'm almost caught up just in time for the season 6 premier on 10/11!

He's not quite back to normal yet, but I'm in the first day of it and all of my efforts to thwart it's evil plans have been unsuccessful. Cold-Eeze has made me feel sick to my stomach, Day-Quil gives me heartburn and the allergy meds in my kit will just make me sleepy.

All I can do is keep pumping the fluids into my system and getting plenty of rest... luckily I sit most of the day and am relatively isolated in the office so I don't have to miss work (so much to do for month end!)




Lunch-
Beef Stew w/Potatoes & Carrots

Dinner-
Mediterranean Carry Out of some sort...
All I know is I want loads of garlic. I'm not sure if it's all in my head, but my great grandma used to make us eat raw garlic with "no more than half a piece of bread" to fight colds and it always seemed to do the trick.


I know the rules of the Whole30 tell you to stop and start over when you are better, but I'm figuring I'm going to keep eating like this for the most part so I am not counting the ingredients in the meds as a rule break. 

As much as I'd love to curl up in front of the TV with a sleeve of saltine crackers and huge mug of chicken noodle soup, I've got 11 days to go and I will finish...

And that's that.


Ramble On...

Whole30 Days 16-18 I am a leaf on the wind…

Energy has arrived, finally... 

It wasn't all at once, but over the course of the weekend I have been transformed from a lazy bum to a well oiled energy machine. I cleaned out my car, got all the birthday gifts purchased and wrapped, prepped lunches for the week, went shopping with the ladies in my family and got the house in order.

Yet, now that I am at my desk at work, I could fall right asleep on my keyboard.

Maybe it's just from having such a busy weekend, or because I stayed up a little late last night. Or maybe the lack of sugar has taken this long to set in... I don't usually have a sweet tooth, but have been going bonkers for sugar this time around, so much so that I am avoiding fruit and trying my best to keep the Larabars limited to a couple bites at a time only when time is too tight to make a meal... I stared longingly at the sugar bowl at work while my coffee brewed... ssssssugarrrrr... mmmmmm... ugh! Snap out of it!!!

It's not that bad, really... 

I'm sure it will pass by lunchtime... speaking of:


Lunch-
Roasted Chicken w/Potato Wedges & Green Beans

Dinner-
Cookout @ The In-Law's
My MIL always makes an effort to get good ingredients and organic meat and produce, so no worries there... it'll just be rough when they start passing out the desserts. I'll add the details of what I ate later this evening or tomorrow morning.



Ramble On...

Whole30 Day 15 Yeah, but... remember the part where it's a trap?

Going out to eat during this challenge is... well it's a pain in the ass.

With all the errands I have to run for all the birthdays, and finishing touches I need to do for planning our anniversary trip; I can't even think about prepping meals, but going to a restaurant is so much more work than broiling some fish and veggies, so here I go...

I am beat, I think I might be getting sick and all I want to do is sleep... I really hope that Tiger Blood feeling starts to kick in soon...




Lunch-
Ground Beef, Broccoli & Cauliflower Omelet

Dinner-
Broiled Cod w/Summer Squash, Zucchini, & Roasted Potatoes



Ramble On...

Whole30 Day 14 Ah, that's just 'cause I'm goin' down too quick. Likely crash and kill us all.

Sometimes my best intentions get squashed and it's so hard to move past it. 

For example, I get up early so I can get into the office early to take care of some maintenance items before anyone logs in, and the boss' car is in the parking lot when I arrive... and she's logged in...

It's not even worth it to ask her to log out because in the time it takes to explain why, the purchasing team is here and they are all logging in...

My allergies are acting up pretty bad today, so maybe that has more to do with my sour mood that anything else...

Anyway, I had a lot to do today at work and after. My grandma's birthday party is this weekend and I've still got to get her a gift and complete several errands... so I better get to it.




Lunch-
Random Scraps...
I went to Costco at lunch so I had to eat a little before I went so I wouldn't torture myself with the smells of the samples.
Chicken, Cucumbers, Celery, Paleo Ranch Dressing, Tuna Salad & Shredded Lettuce

Dinner-
Out with work folks to bid farewell to Sara (I hope you love it in Florida!!!)
Oak City Grille: Burger w/o bun with lot's of lettuce, tomato & onion sub fries for the oven roasted potatoes.




Ramble On...

Whole30 Day 13 About 20 seconds from spitting distance.

Day 13 and peachy keen...

I kept pretty busy today with work and little projects.

My husband and I are planning a trip for our 1st Wedding Anniversary and I did a LOT of research into the best places to stay in Michigan (excluding Detroit, since we live 10 minutes from the city)...

So far we've got a night booked in Frankenmuth and one in Traverse City. I'm thinking we might add a night in Grand Rapids and make it a sort of Pure Michigan Brewery Tour... We'd go to Frankenmuth Brewery, Short's Brewery and Founder's Brewery... 

I'm not having nearly as hard of a time with the Whole30 this time around as I have in the past... I'm not craving sweets or cheese or bread physically or mentally. I know that could change overnight, but I am happy with being at peace with it all in this moment...


I need to figure out a better way to do eggs at work though. My tools are microwave or toaster oven (preferred) and so far no amount of oiling the dish is keeping the eggs from sticking really badly. Maybe I need to get a non-stick metal baking dish instead of my Pyrex? Or I need to talk my boss into buying a small electric stove or a hotplate so I can make yummy fried eggs...

That'll happen :) 




Lunch-
Pork Meatloaf w/Mashed Potatoes & Green Beans


Dinner-
Beef Stew w/Potatoes & Carrots




Ramble On...

Whole30 Day 8-12 I miss out on all the fun. And all the food, too, apparently!

Busy, busy bee... I've had a lot on my mind and sorta freaked out over the weekend.... and yesterday... It was a four day freak out, but I stuck to my Whole30 guns and didn't medicate with food... just a whole lot of shopping! 


Here is a breakdown of what I ate. I promise to write more betterer on the next posty type thingy. :)



Day 8:

Lunch-
Steak Salad w/Roasted Potatoes & Asparagus


Dinner-
Mahi Mahi w/Peppers, Onions, & Roasted Cauliflower



Day 9:

Lunch-
Giant Garden Salad with tons of veggies and Chicken


Dinner-
Out - Burger off the bun w.Lettuce, Onions, Pickles & Mustard, Plain baked Sweet Potato



Day 10:

Lunch-
Eggs, Bacon & Roasted Potatoes w/Small Salad


Dinner-

Beef & Broccoli Skillet



Day 11:

Lunch-
In major freak-out mode and running around like crazy, I only ate a Larabar... Oops!


Dinner-
Garlic & Herb Flank Steak with Sweet Potato & Roasted Cauliflower



Day 12:

Lunch-
Tuna Salad (made with Paleo Mayo) on Shredded Lettuce with tons of veggies


Dinner-
Mediterranean carry out - Grilled Chicken w/Squash, Carrots & Onions and Salad



Ramble On...

Whole30 Day 7 Work, work, work.

I'm so tired... No joke... also coffee w/a tablespoon of coconut milk is good... still so very sleepy though.

Ein so tired... LOL

Coffee never really worked for me like it does for most people. Yes I get a jolt, but it's more like a panic heart pace rather than a feeling of being awake.

I'm seriously dragging here... Maybe I'll feel better after lunch...

Speaking of lunch...


Lunch-
Gold & Sweet Potato Asparagus Frittata w/Celery Sticks


Dinner-
Pork Meatloaf w/Mashed Potatoes & Green Beans




Ramble On...

Whole30 Day 6 I could always say that I was flying the ship by accident.

Today I woke up hungry... I did not have time to grab anything from the stash of raw nuts and dried fruit in my cupboard as I also woke up late... so coffee...

Don't even think these are whole sentences...

Is this words?

I am back in sync with the Whole 30 Timeline and Day 6 is kicking my ass. 
I'm tired... so tir... 

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz


Lunch-
Grilled Chicken Salad w/oil & vinegar
(work took us out for Sara's going away party and I did my best with the limited menu...)


Dinner-
Grilled Chicken w/Broccoli & Salad

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz




Ramble On...

Whole30 Meal Plan Lunches & Dinners

Utilizing the power of leftovers, I created a meal plan for lunches and dinners for my own "personla, perfect" Whole30:

You will see that I planned ahead to go out for dinner on Saturdays, this is because we almost always get an invite to go to a restaurant or over someone's house for dinner. On these days I keep my lunch light and save my protein and most fats for dinner since I'm not able to completely control the quality of the ingredients. When dining out I do ask about prep methods to an extent, but I don't like making it a big deal... I still want to live my life during this challenge, you know?

	Lunch	Dinner
1	Guacamole Omelet w/Shredded Lettuce & Carrot Sticks	Blackened Salmon w/Green Beans & Mashed Sweet Potatoes
2	Garden Salad	Out
3	Grilled Chicken Salad w/Vinegar & Oil	Asparagus & Potato Frittata w/Celery Sticks
4	Blackened Salmon w/Green Beans & Mashed Sweet Potatoes	Steak w/Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Salad
5	Pork Tenderloin w/Asparagus & Salad	Mediterranean Carry Out
6	Strawberry Chicken Salad w/Pecans & "Creamy" Vinaigrette	Grilled Chicken w/Baked Sweet Potato & Green Beans
7	Espresso Rubbed Skirt Steak w/Roasted Potatoes & Broccoli	Pork Meatloaf w/Broccoli & Salad
8	Asparagus & Potato Frittata w/Celery Sticks	Mahi Mahi w/Peppers, Onions, & Roasted Cauliflower
9	Garden Salad	Out
10	Grilled Chicken Salad w/Vinegar & Oil	Broccoli & Cauliflower Omelet w/Celery Sticks
11	Mahi Mahi w/Peppers, Onions, & Roasted Cauliflower	Athena's Chicken & Roasted Carrots & Cauliflower
12	Chop Steak w/Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Salad	Mediterranean Carry Out
13	Greek Style Grilled Chicken Salad	Lamb Stew w/Sweet Potato & Spinach
14	Pork Meatloaf w/Broccoli & Salad	Carne Asada w/Broccoli & Salad
15	Broccoli & Cauliflower Omelet w/Celery Sticks	Cod Parchment Pack w/Summer Squash, Zucchini, & Lemon
16	Garden Salad	Out
17	Grilled Chicken Salad w/Vinegar & Oil	Summer Squash & Onion Quiche w/Cucumber Slices
18	Cod Parchment Pack w/Summer Squash, Zucchini, & Lemon	Fajita Chicken w/Salsa & Guacamole
19	Carne Asada w/Broccoli & Salad	Mediterranean Carry Out
20	Fajita Chicken Salad	Pork Chops w/Roasted Cauliflower & Carrots
21	Lamb Stew w/Sweet Potato & Spinach	Garlic Pepper Flank Steak w/Roasted Potatoes & Salad
22	Summer Squash & Onion "Quiche" w/Cucumber Slices	Blackened Salmon w/Green Beans, Sweet Potatoes & Orange
23	Garden Salad	Out
24	Grilled Chicken Salad w/Vinegar & Oil	Onion Lettuce & Tomato Omelet w/Potatoes & Carrot Sticks
25	Blackened Salmon w/Green Beans, Sweet Potatoes & Orange	Grilled Chicken w/Broccoli & Roasted Cauliflower
26	Garlic Pepper Flank Steak w/Roasted Potatoes & Salad	Mediterranean Carry Out
27	Michigan Salad w/Grilled Chicken	Roasted Turkey Legs w/Smashed Potatoes & Green Beans
28	Pork Chops w/Roasted Cauliflower & Carrots	Beef Stew w/Carrots & Potatoes and Small Salad
29	Onion Lettuce & Tomato Omelet w/Potatoes & Carrot Sticks	Mahi Mahi w/Peppers, Onions, Potatoes & Roasted Cauliflower
30	Garden Salad	Out

Whole30 Day 5 We will blow a new crater in this little moon.

Day 5... 

I'm not feeling super cranky today, though I was a bit pissy toward my husband last night.

I think I may have chosen the perfect timing to begin this as this is also the... how should I say it... the week during the month that a woman... well... hm...

I'll just say, I was going to be cranky and crave junk food this week anyway and rather than go through this twice in a month, scheduling the first week of the Whole30 to coincide with the... week... of... lady time...  well, it's working out to my advantage. :)
I have been loving the food I planned out this time and am almost never feeling major hunger pangs. 

I'm so grateful for resources like nom nom paleo and Pinterest for endless, delicious Whole30 approved recipes so I get to avoid the food boredom that has killed my previous efforts to get healthy.

While I'm not cranky, I am very tired... my neck/shoulder injury took a lot out of me and I'm feeling fatigue from having very little sleep for the past couple weeks. I'm going to take the next few days taking it easy and making simple meals so I don't end up having a meltdown. :)

Lunch-

Blackened Salmon w/Green Beans & Mashed Sweet Potatoes


Dinner-

Mediterranean Carry Out - Lamb Kabobs w/Village Salad & Roasted Squash



Ramble On...

Whole30 Day 2-4 How would you feel about pullin' a Crazy Ivan?

Weekend recap! plus Monday!

Saturday and Sunday, or days 2-3; what the Whole30 timeline indicates is "The Hangover" period of the program, I spent most of my time propped up on pillows trying ice, heat, anti-inflammatory drugs and magnesium supplements trying to get the spasm in my neck to release... 

I was a pretty miserable site to behold. There is still major tightness in my neck, shoulder and upper back, but I am at least mobile now... just in time to return to work! Yay!!!

Last night around 6 I had enough of sitting and trying to hold still so I wouldn't be in pain; I got up and started working on meal prep for the weak and made myself dinner.

Though it took a lot longer and wore me out a lot more than if I had no pain, I got through a big chunk of the veggie chopping for the week and made myself a delicious meal... and some fantastic mayonnaise from scratch (thanks to my hand blender!)

Today was day 4 which is supposed to be a cranky "Kill all of the things" day, and my perfect timing puts day 4 and 5 right at the beginning of my period... I assumed this to be a deadly combo, but so far I am in much higher spirits and holding.

Meal recaps:

Saturday (day 2):

Lunch-
Shredded Lettuce Salad w/Grilled Chicken and Avocado Oil Dressing

Dinner-
11oz Ribeye with Baked Sweet Potato & Green Salad


Sunday (day 3):

Lunch-
3 Fried Eggs, Carrot Sticks, & a handful of Raw Pecan Halves

Dinner-
Skillet Meal - Peppers, Onions & Potatoes w/2 Eggs & Celery Sticks


Monday (day 4):

Lunch-
Pork Tenderloin w/Asparagus & Salad

Dinner- 
Steak w/Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Salad




Ramble On...

Whole30 Day 1 I've been sane a long while now, and change is good.

9/11/2015

I am whole again... Well, Whole30 again...

Inspired by my friend Paige... again and a recent home clutter purge; I decided to get on the Whole30 plan to give a big kick start to my health goals. 

If I can bring myself to put away of all of the excess stuff on my kitchen counters, I should be able to let go of the junk crowding my guts for so long... I've been full of excuses and bad food choices so I am really feeling the need to get my act together and cut the crap.

This time around, I made a plan for the protocol when Day 31 shows up... unlike last time when I treated it like free for all and re-gained most of the weight and all of the back pain, migraines, and fatigue in the span of about two weeks.

How can I guarantee it will be different this time? I can't, but I also can't stop starting over... giving up is not an option... If I am not actively trying to better my health I am slowly sliding further into a pit that only gets harder to escape. 

So, today was Day 1... again... 
and I feel hopeful... again... 
and I'll check in with you all tomorrow... again...


Stats:

Starting Line-

254 lbs
Size 20 jeans 
Constant back pain
Regular heartburn and belching
Pressure headaches nearly everyday
Always tired
Knees clicking going up stairs
Exercise induced asthma

For reference, I am 5'2" tall... No strict food overhaul or workout plan can change that, sadly. 



Food:


Breakfast-
Coffee (because I practice Intermittent Fasting - really... read about it here Nerd Fitness - Intermittent Fasting)




Lunch-
Baked Eggs w/Avocado, Shredded Lettuce & Carrot Sticks



Dinner-
Cedar Plank Salmon w/Green Beans & Mashed Sweet Potato




Ramble On...