Whole30 Challenge Completed!

So, I DID IT! I completed the whole30 challenge! It was not an easy feat at all. I think that this was, hands down, the hardest thing I've had to do in the mear 27 years on this earth. I didn't realize that everything basically had sugar in it. I mean, wow...ketchup, chicken broth, sauces, etc. I became somewhat of a detective when I was purchasing all my foods. Not such a bad thing, but definitely something that I had to get used to. I also didn't ever realize how many additives were in foods as well. This was an eye opener.

First off, I did this whole "project" for something that I could say I accomplished on my own. As a military wife and mother, "my" accomplishments are muddled with my husband's or my children's. It is now really nice to say that me, myself and I did this without cheating and stuck to this!

After finishing this, I can say I have noticed quite a bit of changes in myself:

• First off, I started this challenged weighing in a 163 (I am being very honest...can't believe I am putting this on here). I will add here beforehand, that I didn't do this lose weight. Today, I weighed myself at 156...something I haven't been in awhile. That in itself is a major boost for my ego.
• Clearer skin! I have always had acne since I was 12. Its something that I have just gotten used to this since its been a long time. However, since doing this challenge, I have had clearer and smoother skin. That is awesome for me!
• I now sleep like a rock! I know that's probably due to me exercising 6 days a week, but still...
• Strengthened immunity!! My husband and 2 kids had that awful norovirus 10 days ago and I somehow managed to bypass that AWFUL bug!
• NO headaches. I can say that with the utmost confidence that I haven't had a headache in 20 days. This is coming from someone who suffers from debilitating migraines and is decommissioned for hours to suffer this awful things. I love this part so much.
• Better digestion...do I really need to explain this one?
• Energy! Something that I desperately need with 2 kids. I feel energized from my foods now. I rarely need an afternoon pick me up or nap.
• Cravings for sweets (if you know me, thats a love of mine) pretty much gone. I now crave cashew butter (yes you see that right...I am obsessed with that), carrots and yummy almonds!!

I made some delicious meals such as Sweet Potato Latkes, Flank Steak and Pineapple Salsa, Grilled Chicken with "rice" and veggies & Stir fry with veggies. These are simple and easy and very healthy!


Like I have said before, this is not for everyone, however, why wouldn't you want to try this out even just given my small results?! I've read other peoples amazing transformations of diseases cured like fibromyalgia, arthritis and allergies. Stand up and change your life!

I will say, I am quite nervous about introducing some foods back into my diet. I will say, some may never return. I am certain that grains along with larger amounts of dairy were causing my headaches. I am ok never munching on grains again, if I don't have to deal with headaches. Slow and steady will be how I am approaching this...no need to rush. In fact, I am pretty sure I will be eating what I had for lunch today, tomorrow.

With that being said, I WILL be cracking open a celebratory bottle of wine tomorrow. I deserve it. Over a month without any alcohol and I am sure I will be a cheap date. Hubs wont mind my celebration either...Also, planning on making some Paleo cookies for my friend who did this with me too. Maybe a square of dark chocolate too...mmmmm