I’m doing a Whole30! (?!) I honestly never thought I’d jump on this bandwagon… but here we are!
I honestly can’t believe I am saying this… But it’s January 2017 and I am doing a Whole30.
It feels weird writing (typing) that. I’ve told some friends and family over the past week which also feels weird to my ears. I get everything from “Oh what’s that?” to “Ugh why?” to “Good for you!”
If you’re not familiar with The Whole30 Program it’s essentially a very “clean” diet free from certain food groups including dairy, grains, and legumes. And zero added sugar. Oh and no alcohol. All for 30 days straight. No cheating, no breaking the rules. The reason for ridding your diet of these types of foods for 30 days is that there are likely certain foods and ingredients affecting your system in a negative way, without truly realizing it. So 30 days without these inflammatory foods is said to help reduce systemic inflammation, get a healthy metabolism back, and give you more energy.
Source: Whole30
No matter what judgement you pass– I don’t blame you. I had that mindset too when it started to become more mainstream. I am an advocate for eating what’s right for you and don’t really follow any particular diet. I like a diet that is a combination of everything in moderation (okay and lots of avocados but I guess those too in moderation…). So for me to jump into the Whole30 realm kind of feels like going against what I normally preach and practice myself. But I’ve thought long and hard about this, and have actually considered doing one for over a year (once I did my research about why one does a Whole30 in the first place). I am finally at a place in my life where I am no longer obsessing over my food, which led to stress and anxiety. Which is why I think I avoided the Whole30 for so long. But I have a much better relationship with food now and know this will not turn into an obsessive behavior. There are so many more reasons behind why I am doing the Whole30 today.
Why I decided to do a whole30
I’m in the mood for a challenge
Is that weird? It is true though. And I can say I’ve never felt like that before–especially when it comes to challenges involving food and diet. I have never been on a strict mainstream diet because most are treated as a quick fix. But I know that is not what the Whole30 is about. And while I know there will be challenges along the way (Uhh 30 days without chocolate?) I am determined to see this through.
I want to break out of my comfort zone
I’ve been eating the same kinds of foods for quite some time now. And while I find different ways to enjoy them, I just want a little more oomph when it comes to my meals. Speaking of meals, you guys know I love love love baking. So when I initially agreed (with myself, ha) that I was going to do a Whole30, almost instantly I thought “Oh my gosh, how am I going to do a Whole30 AND share healthy baked goods on the blog?!” Well… I’m not. For the entire month of January there will not be any baked goods or healthier desserts. (Ugh, that was hard to write.) But my comfort is in baking and I want to get out of the comfort zone with you. I always say I want to share more meals with you and this is the perfect way to hold myself accountable and give you all amazing healthy recipes that mostly anyone can enjoy. I’m actually pretty excited about it!
I’m hoping for clearer skin and better digestive health
I shared with you all last year in the midst of a very stressful time that my psoriasis was flaring up. It’s just something that runs in my family and shows itself when I am under a large amount of stress. Thankfully I haven’t had any flareups since the summer time. However what I have noticed lately is that I’ve been struggling with deep cystic pimples (ugh I hate that word, BTW. “pimples”, bleck) on my chin. The painful kind that take almost 2 weeks to go away. And obviously I am not a doctor, but I do have to wonder if my hormones are out of whack.
And last but not least, for my digestive health. Thankfully I do not have any allergies or intolerance that I am aware of, however I do get the gas and bloating associated with most soy, and legumes, which is just not comfortable. Not to mention I’m sure there are plenty of ingredients in various products that could very well be causing me issues, I just haven’t taken the time to give it much thought to be honest. I love so many kinds of foods! 🙂
Do I have any concerns?
Yeah, totally. No chocolate. No Siggi’s. No feta or goat cheese. No Perfect Bars. No (non-dairy) creamer in my coffee…
Okay, I should stop with the “no’s”.
But actually those are legitimate concerns of mine. I mean I love chocolate and probably have some every day. Not an absurd amount… but I just really love a piece of dark chocolate after dinner. So that is going to be tough. But it’s only 30 days, right? RIGHT. And it’s going to be great! There are a ton of other bloggers doing a Whole30 this month as well. So there will be plenty of recipes going around if you want to jump in!
Over the past few days I’ve realized I actually have several adaptable recipes already here on Fit Mitten Kitchen that is going to make my meal planning a heck of a lot easier too!
Spicy Chicken Cashew Zucchini Noodles
*hold the honey in the sauce and sub sriracha with red pepper flakes or a homemade Whole30 approved sriracha
*use your choice of meat for the filling. For the sauce use coconut aminos, almond butter instead of peanut and leave out the molasses.
Sweet Potato Beet Salad with Balsamic Date Dressing
![Whole30 Approved! Sweet Potato Beet Salad [Fit Mitten Kitchen]](https://www.fitmittenkitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/sweet-potato-beet-salad-01-685x1024.png)
Good as is!
Greek Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Bowls
*hold the feta*
EASY PEASY!
Let’s Chat
- Have you done a Whole30? Any words of wisdom?
- Have you done any other kind of strict diets for a short period of time?
If you make any of these recipes, don’t forget to tag me so I can see! I love seeing what you’ve made!
#fitmittenkitchen #JanuaryWhole30
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Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie says
Can’t wait to see what Whole 30 recipes you create! I have never done a Whole 30 before, but I have heard that planning ahead is key and prepping foods ahead of time.
Ashley says
Yes I have all my meals prepped for this week as well as “emergency snacks” 😉 Which I am a big snacker so my goal is to eat enough at each meal that will hold me over and reduce my snack time to just once a day.
Erin @ The Almond Eater says
Good luck friend! I’ve never done one because I’m also a huge advocate of everything on moderation, but I feel like it would prooooobably do me good. Still not doing one (yet), but it’s always a possibility and I’ll be anxious to hear your thoughts when you’re done.
Ashley says
Yeah I totally feel you about moderation! I think overall I am looking to see if some foods trigger certain issues I’ve been having. And I’ve been contemplating one for so long so why not? 🙂
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
Many of these reasons are why I’m going back to a whole30 too – it’s been 3 years – wow!! I feel like I’ve been way too dependent on all the baked goods and desserts that seem to be overflowing at my house – Paleo or not, it’s a whole lot of sugar. I’ve gotten very cozy with baking too! Since Adam wanted to do it too, I figured might as well just go for it! Happy to follow along and see what you create!
Ashley says
Wow that’s awesome Michele! Can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeve as well. Everything you make looks AMAZING.
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday says
These are a lot of the reasons I’m doing it, too! I learned last summer that I feel best eating Paleo, and since then have expanded it to “Paleo-ish”… which has turned into a whole lot of “ish” that doesn’t make me feel so great. So, I’m ready to feel better! And I totally hear you on wanting a challenge. That’s (oddly?) a big one for me!
Ashley says
Yeah the “ish” leaves a lot of wiggle room! But even though I am all about balance and moderation, sometimes it’s easy to justify all the sweets. So I like that the Whole30 is strict in that sense. But so glad we’re in this together!
Jennifer @ Fit Nana says
I decided to give it a try again even though it didn’t work out very well for me the last time (back in July). But, I ate ENTIRELY too many cookies and drank ENTIRELY too much wine in the month of December (and maybe October and November, too. stress responses) and I just need to do it to break that cycle. And, I’m impatient so I’m actually on Day 5 already. Haha. It’s been …. okay. I think I’m snacking a little more than I should be or maybe I’m just not eating enough at meal time? IDK, but every day I think I’m crazy and then I read about other people doing it and I figure I should just stick with it. Guess that’s normal too. The evenings get to me a little – thank goodness for herbal tea!
Andrea Shome says
It was a lot easier for me to have bigger meals instead of thinking about snacking. Made it more of a routine! Also, crockpot because I had to cook a lot!! I also felt exhausted most of the month…but much better at the end!
Jess @hellotofit says
Sending you good vibes for the next 30 days (and um….always). I can definitely understand why you’d be ready to be challenged and step out of your comfort zone!!
Erin @ Erin's Inside Job says
You got this girl. And look at this fancy website!! I’ll eat all the things that you can’t. I think that’s called friendship.
Ashley says
THANKS! And lol yes that is friendship… I’ll have to quickly scroll past your IG for the next 30 days :-p
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness says
Whoo hoo!!! We got this girlfriend!!
Emily says
I love the look of your new site Ashley! And I love your reasons for doing a Whole 30. At least you can still have so many yummy foods…. Even nut butter (certain kinds.) I hope it really helps your skin and digestion too!
Christine | thyme & toast says
Good luck! I’ve never done one because I hate eliminating any foods, but totally not opposed to it – in fact, I’m pretty sure cutting out dairy might not be a bad idea for me haha Side note: I just noticed the blog redesign and just wanted to let you know how gorgeous it is! Love the new logo!!
Allie @ Miss Allie's Kitchen says
My reasons are soooo similar to yours! My skin has drastically cleared up over the past few years, but I’m interested to see what it looks like sans dairy. I also get uncomfortable bloating and I want to find the triggers! I’m also in there for some inflammation reduction in my joints, but I totally want to see if I can actually do it, too. After a month of over eating/drinking it kind of feels like a relief to have a challenge/ boundaries.
Maria says
I, too, have been wanting to do the Whole30 for over a year but just finally made the commitment. So my husband, toddler, and I are doing the Whole30 this month for the first time. Eeeek!! We are on day 5 so far, and so far, so good (although, I have been craving the junkiest food; last night I dreamt that I ate a bite of Little Caesar’s pizza, and it was delicious! lol). Good luck to you on your Whole30 journey! Stay strong! :-p
P.S. This may sound a bit creepy, but I found your blog through reading the comments on Jay’s Baking Me Crazy blog. I read your comment that said you’re both from Michigan, which sparked my interest since I live in Michigan (U.P.).
Ashley says
Gosh how brave of your husband to join in! That is awesome. My husband has said multiple times he would probably die if he couldn’t eat cookies… lol SO I don’t think ever in our lifetime will he be joining in on one 😉 But that is SO funny you had a dream because after the first day I dreamt I “accidentally” drank a bottle of chocolate milk. LOL I am pretty sure each night I have dreamt I fell off the bandwagon. Goodness!
But not crazy at all you found me on Jay’s Baking Me Crazy–I love that and love hearing from readers! My husband and little sister and I went up to the U.P. for the first time in YEARS. It was so nice to be back up that way 🙂 Hope you’re staying warm up there!