NSV: Non-scale victories

Today is Day 25.  It has been crazy busy around the homelife the past couple of weeks.  We are preparing for a pig roast for our daughter's 16th birthday this Saturday.  The weather is going to be cool, so we had to clean out the family room in the basement, in addition to other Fall chores.  Closing the pool, cleaning out the garden, final grass mowing, have all been on the list.  So, I haven't had much time to sit and write.

So, this morning, I am taking the time.  I am motivated by simply putting encouraging experiences on paper.  So, here is a list of my Non-scale Victories I am experiencing with Whole30.

• Sleep-I fall asleep quickly, stay asleep, and wake up alert. I also do not feel drowsy half the day.
• I did not have a major migraine before my period this month. Also, fewer cramps.
• I love the food. I admit I get sick of cooking, but I do love the food.
• I am satisfied by my eating.  Sometimes at work, I just wish I could grab the candy and junk that is sitting around.  But, then I eat what food I have brought with me. I am no longer hungry, and then I can easily say no to sugar.
• My clothes are fitting better.  I don't know how many pounds, if any, I have lost.  I don't know how many inches I have lost.  But, I don't feel as bloated and stuffed into my clothes.
• I am noticing subtle changes... my double chin seems a little smaller.  The sides of my waist seem flatter.  It will be months before I can say that about my front.  lol.
• I have energy.  I find myself walking faster.  I find myself just getting up and doing stuff because I can't stand sitting around.  Like I have to get rid of this energy.
• I get through night shift WITHOUT soda.  Sometimes it is hard about 4-5am.  But, I can do it.  I make sure that I have food to eat to keep up my energy, and I drink water, water, water.
• My anxiety is controlled.  I do not take meds.  So, with the upcoming busy weekend, I would typically be very anxious and want to cancel the whole thing.  I would be curled in bed, trying to forget about everything.  So, to be motivated and energetic about it, is nothing short of amazing.

So many of these victories are definite reasons to be careful with my nutrition.  I am very motivated right now, if you couldn't tell that already.

Now, on to a very busy weekend...

One week down!

I survived a week on whole30.  Well, "survived" really only applies to the first 3 days.  After that, it was leaning more towards thriving on that spectrum. 

My energy has increased.  I don't feel sluggish all the time.  Even at work when I am tired because of lack of sleep, I still feel good, just tired.  I didn't slip up at all at work, which is a miracle.  That is usually where I have problems.  Being tired, stressed, and hungry, makes for a horrible trifecta against healthy eating.  But, I took food with me, and resisted temptation to indulge in the junk laying around.

I feel happier.  I don't feel like my moods shifted as rapidly as they have been.  It seems that in recent months that I would go from happy/content, to angry/upset with very little prodding.  I have hated that about myself but felt powerless to do anything about it.  It feels much better.  I hope it improves even more.

Along with that is my anxiety issues.  With the approaching winter, I have gotten concerned.  The last 2 winters I have battled anxiety and depression.  Last year was worse than the year before.  So, I have been worrying about how it was going to go.  I feel more in control with those issues, just in my daily life, and it gives me hope for this coming season.

Physical changes.  yep, those.  I feel my body changing.  I feel healthy.  I look in the mirror and think... really...all that excess is still there??  I don't feel like a busted can of biscuits anymore.  Even though most of it is still there, I'm at least not busting the seams!  I did weigh and measure myself, even though whole30 does not want you to do that.  There are some losses, which is encouraging.

So, now we see what the next week will bring.

Day 3 of whole30.

So, in the past I have done paleo several times.  I always had maple syrup and honey when I did paleo.  Well, on whole30, there are no sweeteners at all.  So... whew!  Talk about withdrawal.  Yesterday afternoon it hit me like a brick wall.  I laid down on the couch last evening because I had a headache, and could NOT stay awake.  I think my hubby got mad at me because he wanted to chat.  I really was not that bored with talking to him.  really.  Anyway, I fell asleep and slept for an hour or so, then got up, put the 4 year old to bed...and went to bed myself.  I slept pretty restless until about 3:30 this morning.  Technically, I had 8 hours of sleep, but it was really early to wake up. I will definitely be ready for my nap this afternoon before work tonight. 

Otherwise, I am feeling ok, I guess.  General aches, pains and a nagging headache.  I think maybe I haven't been eating enough, so I am going to increase my food volume today.  Plus I am going to work tonight, so I will need to keep my hunger at bay so I don't eat junk there!!    I am having trouble concentrating and remembering things.  For example, I think of something to do, and then when I go to do it, I can't remember what it was!  I will be glad when I am clear headed again.  I can't seem to focus on getting any chores done.  My poor brain is shorting out and running all over the place.  That should make for an interesting shift at work.  Thankfully it is only 8 hours, 11pm-7am. 

I feel like I can't even corral my thoughts to write this post.  Ah well, maybe in a few days I can explain things better.

Starting the whole30 challenge

Over 2 1/2 years since my last post.  What happened?  Life.  Life seems to keep derailing my best intentions.  Well, in that time frame, my health is nearly back to square one; not being a good thing, I mean.  I am nearly at my max weight, only 7 more pounds to go!  I have mysterious aches and pains, headaches, mood swings, the gamut.  So, my dear sister-in-law asked if I would try the Whole30 Challenge.  So, here we go.

How is day One going?  Well, I have the urge to munch on anything and everything.  Do I really eat like that?  Evidently I do.  I am also dealing with caffeine withdrawal.  I don't care for the taste of coffee or tea, so I have been drinking coke zero for that fix.  Well, can't have that, now.  So... today has been difficult with a nagging headache.  I also am not able to focus very well.  I had planned to work on a quilt that has been on the board for awhile, but I'm not able to stay on it for very long.  I have an underlying feeling of anxiety.

I started with cashews and strawberries for breakfast; smashed potatoes, roast beef, and green beans for lunch.   My afternoon snack was apples and homemade cashew butter.  I am finally feeling full, but still have the urge to munch.

I know that if I keep going it will get better.  I've gone through these feelings before. I just keep thinking about how I have to just pace myself through the first few days or week, and then I will start feeling better.  That time will pass either way.  Do I want to end them feeling better or worse?  That is what I need to keep my focus on.