Food is Fuel. I’m sure we’ve all hear that expression from our textbooks in our high school health classes to every nutritionist ever and it’s true Food is fuel. The food we choose to put in our bodies has a direct link in how we preform in our daily lives. As much as I love macaroni and cheese and chocolate everything, I do notice a difference in how I feel when I eat certain foods more regularly. There is nothing wrong with these foods…in moderation.

This is my third whole 30 and I thought I would share my week by week experience with you. First, I originally started Whole 30 because of my friend, Sam, who tried it and she looked amazing; her skin was glowing, slimming down and seemed so much more focused . She motivated me to start and shared with me great tips and delicious recipes that challenged me to explore so many ways to prepare sweet potatoes and the exterior of the supermarket.

My first Whole 30, I was so excited, I ate my last piece of chocolate (my favorite) for 30 days and dove  in head first. The results were amazing, skin was clear, my clothes fit so much better that I was even able to expand my wardrobe options with outfits I hadn’t been able to wear in long time. Energy levels increased, I was thinking more clearly and the best night zzzzs I had in a long time.

Whole 30 round 2, was a little more challenging to start. I was facing a lot of challenges personally, professionally and my mind wasn’t focused. In retrospect, whole 30 is what I should’ve been doing. There was always a celebration of some kind that involved a birthday, family vacations, free lunches at work etc. that I fully wanted to take part of. When I finally decided to go all in with the second Whole 30, I had a co-worker doing the program with me. Having the accountability and support of another person was a great help because there were many times I wanted to give into all of my cravings.

Week 1 of round 3 of Whole 30. I’m excited and focused; I have planned for my meals and snacks. Round 3 is motivated by my lab numbers from my visit with my doctor; the acid reflex was getting to be unbearable and my lack of energy was robbing me of  peaceful nights of zzzz’s and  pursing personal projects and goals. I hand to make a change (again).

week 1: I’m excited and pumped, I went grocery shopping and I’m prepared for my clean eating. The headaches and sugar withdrawals seem to hit harder this time; maybe it’s because I’m expecting them. I’m apologizing in advance to family and co-workers: “if I snap, please know that it is not personal; I’m going through withdrawals; the sugar monster is real.” My acid reflux is gone already and I’m falling asleep easier.. oh and I don’t feel so bloated.

I’m trying new recipes; the kale and ground turkey stuffed butter-nut squash is amazing!

It’s easier to turn away from my temptations. We had happy hour this week and I felt ready to face the menu and decided on a bun-less burger with avocado instead of mayo.

If this your first time around, you’ve got this! And stay posted for week 2