Whole 30: Why I’m starting a new round

I successfully completed my first Whole 30 last February. I was on such a high afterward. I felt good. I was sleeping well. I lost 15lbs. I maintained that feeling and loss for several months. It was awesome.

…then life happened as it often does, and I lost sight of my goals. We bought our first home. I got busy with blogging, work, and side events. The holidays came….the excuses continued to add up (so did my weight. again).

I have tried two other times to start a new round of the Whole 30, and never made it passed a few days. So much of it is mental. But you guys, it’s just time to grow the eff up and be an adult as to how I take care of myself. I’m tired of crying wolf, only to continue to start over, and over, and over again.

*the pictures below are clearly unedited. Sometimes as a food blogger, it’s easy to hide behind styled photos of beautiful food. This is the real me, as of today, however.

WHY I’M STARTING ANOTHER WHOLE 30 CHALLENGE:

+ This way of eating may not be for everyone. I truly believe all things should be done in moderation. Right now however, nothing in my life is balanced. I feel like I am constantly going, going, going. With work, this blog, my social life, and my eating habits.

May 2015

+ As busy as I am, I’m not living my life to its full potential. I may be busy, but I haven’t felt like me in a long time. I think it affects my marriage, my own goals…everything. I am not happy with how I look or feel. When I am uncomfortable, the first person to see the real, and miserable feeling me, is Jason. That isn’t fair to him at all. He can’t change me. Only I can. My close friends and family are the next to see me in the uncomfortable state I feel like I am always in these days.

A few months ago, we had the whole family over for dinner. My niece, who was about eight months at the time was scooting and grooving to music. I started dancing with her (as her crazy auntie should!) and realized I was wearing short sleeves, and stopped dancing. Because I didn’t want anyone to see my arms jiggling. Is that not insane? I mean it was my family, and truth be told no one was watching me! Everyone was watching sweet baby. I love to dance! Like so white girl, but I love it. And I realized then I haven’t danced in ages because of how I feel. That’s only one small example. I am clearly not living my life to its fullest if I don’t even feel comfortable around my own fam.

July 4, 2015 (not comfortable at all in my own skin no matter how happy my sweet niece makes me)

+ I do not have a good relationship with food. I know how to eat well. I can do it. I don’t (lately) because I am busy and I just sort of stopped making myself a priority. You tell yourself you deserve this shit food like it’s a reward. Don’t get me wrong, rarely am I hitting up fast food or anything. I have just sort of stopped cooking this summer with Jason home. What I deserve is good food to nourish my body and mind. I know it. Again, so much of how you treat yourself, and the discipline is mental. For all of us.

+ I want to improve my running game. I start and stop running so much. I signed up for another 5k on Halloween. When I eat well, I sleep better, and can preform better. When I eat crap, my joints are inflamed and running is a royal pain. Running also is like free therapy, and who can’t use that?!

Food and Wine Conf 7/20/15

Why I am choosing another round of the Whole 3o instead of just practicing moderation: For me, this makes me slow my life down. As much as I enjoy being busy, it made me sick several weeks ago. Because I have a real issue declining invites. I have known for a long time, I don’t like being alone (especially when Jason is in school), but I need to focus on me and figure out why I have an issue with being by myself. Like, why can’t I find peace in it? I know ultimately spending some alone time will help recharge so I am a better wife, friend, sister, aunt, etc…but it doesn’t make it easy. If I am forced to mainly eat in and focus on me again, I have to find a way to work through my ish…right?

So that’s where I am at, my friends. I’m excited to start again! I plan for the entire month of August to share W30 compliant recipes, and tips. Just because it may be a Whole 30 recipe, doesn’t mean anyone who isn’t eating this way can’t also enjoy my recipes! Look at my Salt and Vinegar Chicken Wings for example…I mean, they’re WINGS!

Thanks for your continued support! I always appreciate your feedback on these personal posts, my friends. xo

[bctt tweet=”Why I’m doing another round of the #whole30 @whole9life”]