If you’re considering trying whole30, be sure to read through to find out five of my non-weight related benefits from whole30!

Having seen the whole30 pop up on some blogs I follow regularly and seeing multiple spreads in bullet journals across the internet, I decided I should check it out and see why it was so popular. I read a bunch of information on their website, and after reading a testimonial about a lady who had her trichotillomania cured, I was sold. I ordered my book and one for my mom, too!

For good measure, I made sure to put it on my 26×27 list as well as extra motivation to try it out.

A different approach: the psychology of food.

What appealed to me about the whole30 was that it wasn’t a “diet”. It was about understanding the psychology of food and the relationship you have with it. It tackles sugar addictions and the bad habits that come with comfort food.

With a start date of August 7th, my mom and I read through all the program rules. She was upset she couldn’t have gum anymore. I was offended the book suggested I didn’t actually like coffee ’cause I added a bit of milk.

Despite the intense rules, we somehow convinced my sister and brother-in-law to join, too.

The first two weeks we were all feeling pretty great. We didn’t have many cravings and were actually enjoying the food we were eating. The third week was definitely the hardest for all of us.

We were grumpy.

Angry.

Craving sugar like nothing else.

One day I sat and thought of every chocolate bar I’d love to consume all at once, right that moment. Because the program focuses on your mindset and food, it was a very interesting experience to be able to tell myself I didn’t need those chocolate bars. There were about 7 times I can remember distinctly when I would be sitting on the couch working late at night, and despite the fact my tummy was full, I wanted snacks. I didn’t give it though and it felt great – focusing on the thought process is one of the many benefits of whole30!

We finished the program on September 6th and I’ve never felt better! I’m pretty proud of myself for accomplishing this and not quitting halfway through. I love the way my body is looking, but even more so I love the way I’m feeling.

Here are the top 5 benefits of whole30 that are non-weight related:

1. I saved SO much money by not eating fast food or buying alcohol. I’m so motivated to get my cash budget started and keep the savings going.
2. My go-to snack is now oranges. I love that I’m in the habit of reaching for fruits or veggies rather than sweets.
3. The motivation for life that this program has given me is kind of unbelievable. I feel like I can tackle anything since I stuck with this for 30 days.
4. I am so much more aware of what is in the food we eat. Pretty much everything has added sugars or additives in it. No wonder people are so unhealthy.
5. Guacamole. I love it! Ask anybody, I hated avocados. I wouldn’t go near them if my life depended on it. Now guacamole is one of my favourite foods. I’ll make some and put it on grilled chicken rather than slathering the chicken in sugary unhealthy sauce.

A few of my staple food items throughout this past month were:

1. Black coffee, which I now officially love
2. Potato salad, made with homemade mayo
3. Frank’s hot sauce for the days where I just needed to dip in something
4. Grilled steak, veggies, and cayenne sweet potatoes
5. Cauliflower rice
6. Lettuce wraps

Now that the program is done, I don’t think I’ll go back to any of the foods I’ve eliminated. I feel so much better and to be honest, I’m a little worried to re-introduce anything. At this point, I don’t really feel like I’m missing out on anything. I love feeling in control of my food and eating habits, and I would much rather make my own food and sauces and know that what I’m eating is actual food without a bunch of unnecessary sugar and chemicals.

Overall, the whole30 was a 100% success. I’d recommend it to every single one of you beautiful people!