This weekend I had the most difficult time, thus far, doing the Whole30— I know I’ve said this before, but this time it has to be true! After an abnormally busy and tiring week in the office, J and I traveled to his hometown in NY to help ring in his father’s 50th birthday with a big surprise party!
Unfortunately, the planning was at a minimum and the temptations were at an all time high.
On Friday, J and I both took a “half day”– that is we left work around 2:30– and started our 5 hour trip to NY. Since I had been in a meeting all day that was catered, the best I could do was a piece of grilled chicken and some trail mix for lunch. J hadn’t had a satisfying lunch either, but we were on a mission to get back in time for the surprise and decided not to stop for food along the way. I’ll admit this was a terrible decision.
By the time we got to J’s house in NY we were both famished. Unfortunately there was very little Paleo approved– let alone Whole30 approved food– at the party. J had some shrimp and a few carrots but everywhere I looked I saw temptation and no healthy options. Pretty soon anxiety overtook and I had a moment when I thought there was nothing I could do but cheat. J helped get me through my few moments of delirium as we talked through the pros and cons of eating the potato chips and dip or waiting about an hour and grilling a steak. I pulled myself together and around 8 o’clock, we had a yummy grilled steak. It didn’t hit the spot quite like I imagine the ice cream cake would have, but I was happy that we stayed on track.
Throughout the weekend there were a number of moments quite like this, but J and I stuck together. We went to Whole Foods on Saturday and prepared a delicious Whole30 dinner for his family. In the end everything worked out and I learned some very valuable lessons, including plan in advance! When you are going to a party, or going away for the weekend, bring snacks and/or decide when and what you are going to eat in advance. Second, stick to the rules. It is difficult to chose a glass of water over a glass of wine, but in the end you will be happy you did.
Needless to say, I am excited to get back to our normal routine with a lot less temptation to fall off the Whole30 wagon. Check back later today for a Whole30 addition of Monday Morning Motivation!
Friday, January 11 – Day 9
Sleep
6 hours
Activity
A client meeting and traveling to NY for a surprise party took up most of the day. Is sitting in a car for 5 hours activity?
Food
Breakfast- Coffee with almond milk and a smoothie
Lunch- Grilled chicken
Snack- Handful of dried cranberries, bananas, almonds and cashews
Dinner- Steak
** This was supplemented by about 8 bottles of water
Saturday, January 12 – Day 10
Sleep
9 hours
Activity
Grocery shopping and playing Cards Against Humanity. After all, a psychological workout it just as important as a physical one.
Food
Breakfast- Scrambled eggs and an almond milk latte
Lunch- Sweet potato fries
Dinner- Steak
Sunday, January 13 – Day 11
Sleep
7 hours
Activity
Unpacking the car and carrying all of out bags up to the apartment. This was the closest I cam to real physical activity
Food
Brunch- Coffee with Almond milk, eggs and bacon
Dinner- Steak and sweet potato fries
Snack- Banana with almond butter
From January 3 through February 1, I’m documenting my Whole30 experience, including sleep, activity and food. Although I follow Paleo guidelines most of the time, I’m going all-in for the next 30 days to detox and restart my Paleo habits after an indulgent holiday season.
Interested, but not familiar with the Whole30? Read more here and here.
Not interested in the Whole30? Not to worry! I will still be posting recipes, outfits, crafts and other things, as well.