January 31, 2017
Join Coach Kaleena as she goes through the Whole30 Program.
Holy Toledo! Day 14?! Already?! I can’t really believe that we are already at the halfway point. Week 1 was a real doozey, while I felt like Week 2 was more like finding a good groove. No mood swings, no food rage, and not really complaining that I couldn’t have cheese! The weekdays are so busy that I don’t really have time to stop and ponder over sandwiches and French fries. I’m really just happy that I have a packed lunch and something to eat. Not saying that it’s been easy, but it has certainly gotten easier as the days go on. I’ve found a rhythm to dance to, so to speak. However, when Friday afternoon starts to roll around…I start into a panic. Alcohol. How am I supposed to avoid alcohol?!
I have thought of every single possible way that I could have alcohol and be able to justify that it is indeed Whole30 approved.
Life without alcohol feels like a break-up. I told Alcohol (we’ll call him Al) that we needed to “take a break.” He didn’t take it very well, but because he loves me, he let me go hoping that I’ll come back one day. Only now, I’m totally regretting breaking up with Al, but I can’t have him back until February 8th (who’s counting though?). Going into social situations is an absolute nightmare because he is ALWAYS THERE. Here’s what our conversation goes like:
Al: HEY! Kaleena, oh my gosh, how are you? You look great!
K: Hi Al! I’m doing alright, and thank you. How are you?
Al: I’m great, thanks. It’s so great running into you. Are you here with anyone?
K: Oh, uh yes. Sorry, this is awkward. This is La Croix *introduces new bae* He’s a Sparkling Water. We’re leaving now. Great seeing you!
K and La Croix exit social setting at stage right
I mean, we always have a reason to grab a drink. Rough day at work? Beer! Great day at work? Wine. Long day or just because it’s after 4pm? Cocktail! Can’t fall asleep? Nightcap. There’s always be a reason to have just one. But, I do have to say that I am enjoying not feeling guilty after the weekend. We tend to make poor food choices while drinking or after drinking, and I’ll tell you that I’ve never wanted a grande carne asada burrito at 1am when I’m sober. It feels pretty good when Monday rolls around and I don’t feel like I have to work anything off because there isn’t anything to work off! I’ve definitely felt like I am making progress, physically, and that is my biggest motivator to stay on track.
Week 2 opened my eyes to a lot of food habits that I have/had. I really need to pay more attention to food labels. I, honestly, could not believe how many products have added sugar in them! It’s crazy, and it’s totally freaked me out. While looking for a chicken broth, I found multiple brands that had added sugar. What the heck?! Chicken broth? Why do you need to add sugar to chicken broth? I’ve realized that I am a very talented snacker. Just little bits here and there, but at the end of the day it adds up. Cheese platter in the fridge? Just a few pieces. Chips? Just a handful. Free samples? I’ll take two. When you tally it all together, I’ve probably eaten an extra meal that I did not need. At the end of the week, that’s 5-7 extra meals of empty calories. No wonder I couldn’t slim down! On the positive side, I’ve found that my meals are more satisfying, and I’m becoming full faster. I can actually stop eating when I feel like I’m full! Comedian Louis C.K. has one of my favorite and most relatable lines, “The meal isn’t over when I’m full. The meal is over when I hate myself.” I am proud to announce that I haven’t hated myself after one meal thus far, and we’ve cooked up some tasty plates this week.
Favorite meals of the week:
Thai Pineapple Fried “Rice”- cauliflower rice with cashews, raisins, pineapple, green onion, chicken, and shrimp. Seasoned with coconut aminos, lime juice, and approved chili sauce.
Cajun seasoned “popcorn” chicken. Cubed chicken breast given an egg wash, rolled in a ground almond and Cajun seasoning, then baked. The perfect little weekend party snack! Sorry, I forgot to take pictures because I was too busy eating.
There has been a very noticeable change in my quality of sleep since starting the diet. I’m usually a “Toss and Turn” type of sleeper, where I wake up a few times to readjust or get up to use the restroom, and I have a hard time falling back asleep. But, man oh man, I have been sleeping like a log! It’s been magical. Phil admitted to head butting me “on accident” twice in one night. You read that correctly. Twice. I don’t know how that even happens, but and I had no idea he had even nudged me, let alone smacked me in the middle of my face. Getting a restful night’s sleep is something that we don’t always get enough of, and it can truly impact our moods and energy levels. I’ve been very thankful for restful nights of sleep, but it did make me wonder what on earth is in my diet that could keep me up at night?
All in all, Week 2 was a success. Every day gets a little bit easier. I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything, and I’ve been extra motivated by how my body is reacting. I’ve had no stomach aches, I’m slimming down little by little, my clothes are fitting better, I’m eating less because I’m full and not because I’m starving myself, and I’m feeling pretty good about it all. Looking forward to seeing my, and your, continued progress through Week 3. Happy eating!
Day 1 vs Day 14. I really don’t think I look that different. In fact, I feel like I look worse, but photos can’t compare to how I feel, and I feel much better than I look! I am aware that I look like Nick Nolte’s mugshot on the right.
AB WATCH 2017
So far, there have been no abdominal sightings over the last 14 days. I’ve checked promptly every morning at around 0500 (that’s 5:00am if you don’t know military time). It is prime ab spotting time since it’s sure to be my slimmest hour. No food or water and post bathroom break. While significant slimming down has occurred, there are still no signs of a 6 pack. I will check back in on Day 21.
Stay tuned and track with Kaleena as she releases the following blogs:
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