The Plan

30 DAYS TO BETTER HEALTH!

Take the challenge! The hardest part is giving up sugar but it is well worth it! Heard of the caveman diet? The Whole30 challenge is essentially a strict version of the Paleo/omnivorous way of eating. And regardless if it becomes a way of life after 30 days, its a great way to figure out what works with your body and what may hinder it. Give it a go and find out for yourself.

So here’s what can be eaten:
- Fish, Chicken (try pasture raised), Beef (grass fed), limited Pork (farm raised if possible)
- Eggs, veggies (no corn or white potatoes), veggies, oh and – veggies!
- Fruits in moderation, nuts (no peanuts), tea, black coffee, and healthy oils

In other words, no soy, dairy, alcohol, grains (no rice, oats, wheat, barley, etc), no legumes, sugar, processed or packaged foods. I’m also opting out of caffeine for 30 *sniffles*. I have found caffeine to be my friend and haven’t experienced the negatives as described, but we’ll see when I re-introduce it.

Here’s a good shopping list from the robbwolf site. On a side note, stick to whole, natural foods during the first 30 days even though things like pretend noodles and stevia are listed.

You can make the next 30 days multi-purposed if your goals include losing weight in addition to discovering the best foods to fuel your body. Moderate dressings, nuts and oil intake. Not necessarily count calories, just eat consciously.

Because the desired outcome is to listen to your body, you cannot weight yourself for 30 days. If you feel like you’re eating too much, eat less. If you feel light headed or like you’re losing too fast, eat more. Simple. Find your balance naturally.

As difficult as it sounds it gets easier, especially after the sugar cravings pass. Try to limit fruit to one per day during the 30 day elimination period. It helps with understanding your body’s reaction when various forms of sugar are re-introduced.

Last year I followed the above except I ate rice and beans and eliminated gluten and all animal products for 30 days. The item I missed the most took me by surprise. As the 30 days came to a close, I couldn’t stop thinking about cheese! Introducing it back to my diet only made me feel better! (phfew!) I felt pretty rundown the 30 days I didn’t eat animal products.

Likely, the most difficult instances are going to be eating with others. Once you learn how to say, no thank you, without guilt when offered eliminated food or drinks at social occasions, you’ll be on your way to reap the rewards of success. Remember, you’re in control! Its only for 30 days. Get tough!

Ordering out will be easier than you think if you prepare, especially during this time of year when everyone is trying something to better their health. Most restaurants can accommodate special dietary requests. You can call ahead, google the menu, or advise the waiter you need a meal that’s dairy, gluten and sugar free. Preferably meat and veggies prepared in olive oil. If getting a salad, ask for olive oil and flavored vinegar and/or lemons on the side and mix yourself. Just one slip will undo everything eliminated to date.

After 30 days the education really begins. Introduce one food back into your diet every 7 days and pay attention to changes… sluggish, wired, achy, bloated? Most likely a food sensitivity, although sugar and processed foods should be nonexistent from what I’ve read even if no side effect is noticed.

For more information, visit Whole30 at the link above. If you’d rather try a vegan type elimination, I can forward links to great resources. Remember, not any one plan works for everyone and it’s important to do what works for you. And understand no matter how many positive things you read about an item, you’ll find just as many negative. It’s about trial and error, listening to what your body tells you and self-discovery. You know your body better than anyone!

Cheers!! Here’s to a successful 30 days! We can do it!!