In Case You've Forgotton - Molly

So Worth It - Molly

We have the results from our weigh in and dunk test.

And we are REALLY HAPPY!

We have been doing this whole30 now for 27 days, we first tested on Sept. 7th, so our results show the last 20 days of effort.

I wish you could hear the drumroll.....

On September 7th, I weighed in at 150lbs flat.

My body fat was 25.5%.

Jason weighed in at 190lbs.

His body fat was 20.5%.

Today on September 27th, after only 20 days of whole 30 (still have 3 more days!),

I weighed in at 142lbs (total of 8 lost!).

My body fat went DOWN 5% to 20%.

Jason weighed in at 180lbs (10lbs in 20 days!).

His body fat DECREASED by 2% (now 18%).

So you ask, "Has it been worth it?"

YES!

We are so happy with the whole30. Not only because we lost those nagging pounds, but because we are healthier. We sleep better. Our skin is better. Our digestive systems are WAY better and we feel better. We have energy. We are hungry when we are hungry and not because chemicals are telling us to eat something. Our minds our clear.

Jason also did some health testing for his work and his BP is lower, his Triglycerides are lower, cholesterol is lower and more!

We will do a final weigh in Monday morning for complete results.

We love food.

We still love food.

But we love ourselves, our marriage, our future children (somehow we will have them, stay tuned) more.

30 days.

Whole Foods.

Change your eating.
Change your body.

Change your life!

***Disclaimer: We did work out on top of the change in eating. I attended Crossfit 5 days (sometimes more) a week on top of 3-5 yoga classes a week, plus 3 (or more) spin classes. Jason attended Crossfit 3 days (sometimes more) a week, an occasional yoga class when he could and multiple 5 mile runs. It's how we roll.

But start with the eating. Just start there and see where it can take you!! Remember, IT STARTS WITH FOOD!

what's your excuse now?

Round 2 - Molly

Tomorrow is our Round 2.

Round 2 of the Body Fat Testing.

There better be some improvement.

We will get weighed, then dunked.

I promise to post results. We will also weigh in one more time on Monday morning. That will complete our whole30.

(past results: 
Jason: 20.5%
Molly: 25.5%)

We are both a bit nervous to bring back "food" into our diets. I really don't want to have an upset stomach. But at the same time, I really miss a nice, sweet dessert.

I want just one!

But when this is your breakfast...not too shabby!

Eggs cups will always be in our fridge. Sliced, prepped veggies will always be another option.

When we add dairy back in, according to the Paleo Diet, it must be full fat dairy (which we won't complain too much about). 

But goodbye to grains, sugars and processed foods. 

4, I mean 3 more days!

The Last Week - Molly

Today marks the start of the last week of our whole30.

30 days - no dairy, grains, sugar, legumes, starches or sweetners.

I have not weighed myself and will not until next Monday, but I have clothes that were snug before are comfortable and even loose.

My skin is clear, even while on my period.

My digestive system is even more clear - except for those Louisiana hot links we ate yesterday. They were hot!

As for my husband, he looks 10 years younger. 

He definitely has lost weight and his said today that the suit he was wearing has never felt better.

His skin looks fantastic. 

He did his first muscle up at CrossFit this past week too. So his energy level has increased. He sleeps better and yes, his digestive system has been silent. :)

We are hooked. 

We know we will continue this lifestyle of eating. It serves us better. 

We do miss certain treats.

I miss something sweet like an after dinner treat. Looking at Pinterest is killing me. So many delicious cake and cookie recipes. 

I want just one bite! 

Just one cinnamon bear!

Jason misses Dr. Pepper, especially on game days. And I think pizza is on the top of the list for meals in October.

But we will continue this eating plan. 

A lot of Paleo eaters allow "cheat meals/days". Some of the top CrossFit athletes have 2-4 cheat meals a week. 

Jason and I are planning to go that route. We still love food. We love to go out, celebrate with friends and we love to eat! Keeping up at complete whole30 lifestyle is just not possible, nor is it really fun. 

Some of the delicious food we have eaten this month:

We have not gone hungry by any means. I have consumed bacon, sausage, eggs, berries, lamb, steak, chicken, pork chops, burgers, fries (sweet potato) and other delicious veggies. 

Portion control has not been our focus this month either. We have tried to focus on 30% protein each meal and then filling the rest of the plate with veggies and having only a side of fruit. We have only consumed water this month besides an occasional fruit smoothie (coconut water and berries). 

Our dessert of choice has been Caveman Custard (see pic above). Blend 2 bananas, 3 eggs and 1 can of coconut milk. Season with cinnamon and nutmeg. Bake at 350 in a water bath. Top with berries. 

Overall, this has been easy. It is mostly about being prepared, having stuff on hand and going to the grocery store or Costco more then once a week or month. 

We plan to repeat the whole30 after the holidays. It is a great reset of the body and mind. 

If you have wanted to whole30 and just can't seem to get started, take a leap of faith, try it.

If you want anymore info, let me know. 

Otherwise....results in a week!

A Good Life - Molly

Last night the company I work for hosted the first ever "employee summit". We mingled and snacked. We took a very crowded yoga class and heard from the management and corporate teams. All in all, it was a good night and it was fun to see other instructors that I don't come in contact with daily.

As instructors, we were posed with the question of WHY?

Why do we get up everyday and teach? Why do we give so much of ourselves to our students?
Why are we here?

Some people shared their WHYs. I was hoping and praying not to get called on. I knew if I was asked to share I would just be a big ball of tears.

But they did challenge us to share our WHY with someone.
I'd like to share it with you.

I teach because it's what I love to do.

I loved teaching school. I loved teaching kids.
But after my first miscarriage, my heart couldn't do it anymore.

Yoga challenged my mind and my body.
And it provided me with the outlet to teach.

MY WHY: Yoga is the only place where my body doesn't fail me. I want to give others that strength and trust in their own bodies.  

We were also asked to write down and share our WHATS.  A "what" is something that keeps us from fulfilling our WHY. We were asked to list 3.

Once again, I avoided the eyes of the speaker in hopes not to get called on. I was just too tearful.

But in fairness I will share with you, my WHATS are:

1) medical treatments - if we do IVF again, I have to give up my yoga, my teaching and put medical treatments and hopefully a baby, first.
 
2) other people's successes - right now lots of fellow teachers, corporate execs and students are pregnant. It is a constant battle to be genuinely happy and smile at their news. Then you see them stand on their head, twist, sit in the heat etc..and still have successful healthy pregnancies. It can be very disheartening and frustrating.

3) my own head - combine #1 and #2 and you can see where my head is sometimes at. It's hard to give so much of yourself to students when you don't feel good about yourself. Like a school teacher, you give, give and give and sometimes there is just nothing left. 

But if you boil my WHY and WHATs down, I am a pretty lucky girl.
I get a lot back from my job and my job allows me to give so much of myself.

It's a pretty good life.

Update & Transitions...... Haylee

Hi everyone!

We are still over the moon with our news of a boy.  I can say with certainty this milestone has allowed me to find space to finally be excited.  It really is such a fun feeling. 

The Ninja gets stronger and stronger each day, he is kicking, dancing & sword fighting all over the place.  There are times it hurts so bad it is startling.  So now I can say with confidence he is not only kicking my a$$ figuratively but literally as well.  ;)

I go back to see Dr. D'A. on the 27th for measurements.  I am bummed I won't see the Ninja again at this visit, but as long as everything continues to measure right on I am very happy.

Now, on to the transitions part of my post.  I believe at this point it is time for me to sadly leave the STILL blog.  I will be making the transition to my own blog La Vida Loca.  Please follow me here for continued updates and more candid talks on the progression of not only this journey, but my life.  Currently there isn't much to look at, but I am working on that.  Stay tuned, I will be posting on a more regular basis (hold me to that readers)!! 

A heartfelt thank you to all of you who read our blog, have supported us & continue to support us.  Being able to share this journey with each and everyone of you has truly been a gift.   Cheers to a new beginning, not an end.  Cheers to 2 friends who continue to stay strong together thanks to this not so easy thing we call "getting pregnant".

Better Than That - Molly

On Friday night I co-hosted a couples baby shower for some dear friends.

Now before you ask me why I would do something like that to myself, you have to know the couple I threw it for.

They are wonderful.

In the past year, we (Jason and I) have become good friends with them and really enjoy the time we all spend together.

So we made an agreement.

I would throw her a baby shower and she would throw mine.

It was a perfect plan.

Until...

I still agreed to throw the shower.

Not because I felt like I had to, but because I truly wanted to.

Over the past few years I have missed some of my most favorite people's baby shower and I have never really forgiven myself for being such a coward. Of course they are good friends who understood the situation, but still, I thought I was better than that.

I wanted to be better than that.

I had to be better than that.

Well, it turned out great. 

It truly was a perfect evening.

And even though the days leading up to it were stressful (and sometimes tearful), seeing their (her and the husband) faces when they walked in, made it totally worth it.

I am so glad I was brave enough to give them the party they truly deserve.

Because they do. 

They were the couple that helped give me a priesthood blessing before our last IUI and before IVF.

They are the couple who made us an amazing dinner after our egg retrieval.

And again, after our transfer.

 They were also the couple Jason called at midnight to come and meet me in the hospital when we lost Grace, even though she was 20 weeks along and had to work the next day.

They are good friends.

And I wanted them to have the best party.

It didn't hit me until late in the evening that I wouldn't be having a baby shower. And there were a few tears. My heart was a bit heavy.

But at the end of the night, my friend pulled me over and said, 

"Thank you. I wish it was me throwing your shower."

And that meant the most.

Because even though it was her day, her time.
She still remembered me.

And I know when that day comes....whenever it will be, 

she will throw me a great shower.

Because they are good friends.

And they are better than that.

On the 12th Day of Paleo - Molly

this is my real game plan!

Day 12. 

Almost halfway there.

How am I feeling?

Good. Really good.

I notice that my body tells me when I am hungry and when I am satisfied. 

The cravings are curbing (but I could really go for something with caramel).

Both Jason and I have realized how much we use to "just eat". 

We ate not because of hunger, but because our mind was telling our bodies "more, more".
There was a lot of mindless eating going on. 

I can really see a difference in Jason's appearance. His face, chest and stomach are noticeably smaller. He says I "feel smaller" across my back, my arms and my belly.

I see and feel a difference in my clothes more than anything - and I like that.

So has this been worth it?

Yes.

I feel more aware of what I am actually using as fuel for my body.

You won't believe what sugar is in!? 

It's in EVERYTHING! 

(lunch meat, condiments, packaged foods - EVERYTHING - it's almost a bit scary)

I have a lot more energy and strength in my workouts. 

(Thank goodness, I have to teach 3 spin classes tomorrow!)

Is it still hard?

Yes.

But so worth it. 

**Many have asked "why no grains/legumes?" - to answer you question - read this page.

Back To My Mat - Molly

I am finally finding some consistent time on my mat again. And it feels nice to have yoga back in my life.

After our miscarriage I took 4 classes and then I fell absent to my mat. It was just too hard and too emotional. I couldn't stand to look in the mirror at myself. All I ever could see were my flaws, my shame, my misery.

But with the start of my whole30, I also challenged myself to get back on my mat at LEAST 3 times a week. It was time to take another step forward in the healing process.

So far, so good.

I finally feel like my mind has slowed down. I finally feel okay with my thoughts and less afraid to be brought to tears. I finally can look at myself again.

How I have missed my mat. 

Not only have I missed my practice,  I have missed the community yoga has brought me and continues to bring me everyday.

My fellow teachers, students and colleagues have been so welcoming, so understanding and so supportive of my journey. I feel more connected to them and more exposed to who I really am. I feel embraced and lifted up each time I step into the studio, each time I get on my mat.

um, wouldn't we all want to go?

 So to my yoga peeps (spin/yoga and Ryder included), 

THANK YOU for welcoming me back, for each and every adjustment, for the smiles and the hugs, but most of all, for just letting me be me.

You Are What You Eat - Molly

Ok, I guess I will post the results.

After yesterday's body fat test, both Jason and I were in a funk. Quite humbled actually, as we both feel that we are in pretty good shape.

But the computer does not lie.

The results are in and we were dumbfounded.

I have had my body fat tested 4 times in my life. First in high school with the pinch test, the results are unknown to me. Second time was in college, a hydrostatic test. I lifted weights almost 6 days a week for water polo, and was almost a good 20 pounds heavier than I am now. The result then was 18%. The third time was right after we got married (5 years ago). My days then consisted of a morning swim, afternoon water polo and gym time with an occasional run (if I was training for something). It was another pinch test and the result was about 14%.


Going into this hydrostatic test I was hoping to around that 18% and was maybe okay with swallowing around 20%. Knowing that I was coming off of a 4 month hiatus from my pregnancy, I wasn't expecting outstanding results, but I also wasn't expecting what I got.


Nor was Jason.


Our results only want to make us work harder and eat better.



So here you go.



Jason: 20.5%
Molly: 25.5%


Ouch. That hurts to even type.


To make it worse, Jason is described as average and I am described as UNHEALTHY. For my height and weight, that percentage places me as unhealthy.


I am in shock.
Jason was a bit thrown back as well.
We will be testing again after our whole30. 

We are a full week into our whole30 and I can already see a difference in Jason's physical appearance. My own appearance has changed as well. My skin looks healthier and clearer. I am no longer bloated and struggle with digestive issues. My workouts are more effective. My energy level is up. I sleep better and wake up easier. And we are only ONE week in.


Amazing.


I am looking forward to seeing what 3 more weeks will bring (hopefully a better percentage).



How's your whole30 going?

The Dunk Test - Molly

Tomorrow Jason and I are doing hydrostatic testing of our body composition.

To put it simply, we are having ourselves dunked in a pool of water to measure our body fat.

YIKES!

CrossFit Verve is hosting a dunk tank and we volunteered.

I'm a bit nervous.

I have a number in my head that I hope I am under and a number in my head that I hope I am not over.

There are opinions out there saying that our fertility struggles stem from my exercise routine and/or body fat.

I have to laugh at this assumption.

If Olympic athletes can have babies - than I don't have a problem with the amount I workout nor with the amount of fat on my body.

My new motto for working out. 

Thank you CrossFit Verve.

Three Words - Molly

Last night I got a text from a friend I hadn't heard from for a while. Even though we don't speak often or lately, I was so glad that she felt she could reach out to me. In her text she informed me that someone she worked with was having fertility problems. Sadly, she and her husband had been through IVF and the embryo hadn't implanted. 

My heart broke for this young couple. 

My friend asked that if her friend needed to chat that maybe she contact me. I told her I would help in any way possible and to let me know.

As I drove home last night, I thought about this couple and all of the feelings they were experiencing at this moment. 

Even though our stories are different and are circumstances might be even broader, I felt connected to this woman. I hope she reaches out. Until then, I hope this blog post reaches her in some way.

I stumbles across this story in my Twitter feed.
 
A few weeks ago my husband and I met some if his friends for dinner. One of the wives, who I had only met a few times, had just announced that she was pregnant so there was a lot of baby chit-chat going on as we waited for our table. For some reason, though, I noticed her trying to change the subject every time someone asked her a question about her pregnancy. She almost seemed a little uncomfortable about it. But, I didn’t give it much thought and just let her steer the conversation where she wanted it to go.

When we finally sat down, I found myself sitting next to the pregnant girl, who was still pretty quiet. As the conversation started around us, she put her hand on my arm and proceeded to let me know that she didn’t want to bring up a sore subject, but she had heard from her husband about our recent failed IVF attempts and she just wanted to let me know she was always thinking about us and that she was sorry we were struggling. I’m very open person so it didn’t bother me at all to talk about it, but I couldn’t help notice my eyes starting to well up a little because she was genuinely so concerned. And then she said something I will never forget: “it just sucks.” Never have 3 words summed up an entire situation so perfectly. 

What really struck me about this exchange is how honest and refreshing it was to have someone just tell it like it is. She didn’t stay silent or try to make me feel better with the usual “comforting” comments like “it’s just not the right time for you” or “maybe you just need to stop thinking about it and it will happen” or (my personal favorite) “you can always adopt” (yes, we “infertile myrtles” are all well aware that adoption is an option and some of us will adopt, but many women really want to experience having a child or two of their own. And there is nothing wrong with that!). I completely understand that sometimes people are trying their best to be sympathetic and their intentions are good. But, this girl just made me realize that in this situation, as well as other tough situations people are dealing with, sometimes you just want someone to acknowledge a situation for what it really is, instead of trying to explain it away or pretending it’s not there. 

So the next time you are talking to someone who is struggling with infertility or some other tough issue, acknowledge it, whether you understand it or not. Do them a favor and give them a pat on the arm (or even better, a hug) and let them know you are thinking about them and are sorry they have to struggle. Don’t try to explain it (chances are you can’t!). Simply admit that it just sucks. They will thank you.

 I can't sum it up any better. 

IT JUST SUCKS.

It's hard to be in any position when dealing with infertility- whether you are the friend or the one struggling. There are never the right words to express - but IT JUST SUCKS works perfectly fine in my book.

We can't begin to UNDERSTAND why some people experience pregnancy and why others must suffer infertility and loss. All I know that is Heavenly Father's Plan is a perfect one and we cannot continue to drag ourselves through the muck of the past, but we must start to try to ACCEPT what could and will be ahead of us. 

 

from three words find four - IT WILL WORK OUT!

Temptations - Molly

Day 5. Feeling pretty good, but I am a little tired today (compared to the burst of energy I had yesterday). Don't think that's food related, but probably related to my exercise schedule. Teaching late in the evenings can make for a tired morning - especially after you add CrossFit and yoga into the mix. Still adjusting....

Another fabulous meal tonight.

Flank steak marinated in red wine vinegar and garlic. Grilled and served with a zucchini, pepper, onion, bacon and tomato hash, grilled asparagus drizzled with balsamic vinegar as the final touch. A bowl of blueberries topped me off in the end.

Balsamic vinegar is my life source at this point. It is perfect on everything!

But don't get me wrong - temptations are everywhere.

What I wouldn't give for a ball of cookie dough or maybe some cinnamon bears (they are the way to my heart). YUM!

So I am guessing I have hit the "craving" stage. My body is finally flushing out all the bad.....and now it wants more of it. This must be what it's like to detox :).

I went to a party yesterday. A birthday party at that. Temptations were everywhere - but they mostly hit hard when she started serving ice cream with hot fudge, sprinkles and a cherry to boot!

I LOVE A GOOD ICE CREAM SUNDAE!!!

But like the good friend she is, she made sure to have other options for me. So I noshed on grilled burgers with avocado and fresh tomato and LOTS of watermelon. Good thing she knows how to pick them!

resisting the chips was hard!!!

I have a feeling the excitement of the whole30 is starting to wear off and the real work is beginning. How are my whole30-ers holding up? Any temptations? Any tricks to warding them off? Are you in the "craving" stage too?

Stay strong!

Stay off the scale and sit down and enjoy your meals. Making a connection with the food will make this experience all the better.

I'll be back tomorrow!

Today I Was Me - Molly

Today I loved myself. Today I was proud of my body.

It has been a long time since I have been able to really say or feel those words. 

Over the past 4 years and 4 miscarriages, loving myself and my body has been a difficult thing. And since we lost Grace, having confidence in my body has been a trial for me. 

No matter what anyone says, when you lose a baby - it's hard not to blame yourself. It's in your body after all. It's hard to believe you didn't do something to cause the miscarriage, that it's not your fault.

It's in your body. It is your job.

But when it happens...

You don't feel strong. You don't feel capable. You don't feel worthy.

You just feel broken. 

You feel like you've failed your body and your body has failed you.

My whole life I have relied on my body (my physical ability) to get me places. I have always been healthy and strong. I have always been able and successful. Being a college athlete, I never felt stronger and more on top of the world. I was rarely with injury. I took care of myself - ate right, hydrated. My body (health and fitness) has always been of primary concern.

And then it let me down. 

Then it took from me, what I wanted more than anything.

And it did it again and again.

It has been hard to find that trust again. It's been hard to feel confident in the body I was given because it can't give me what I want most, what I feel I was made for. 

But today.....today I loved my body. 

Today I loved myself.

Today I was strong. I was capable and I was confident in my body.

Today, I was me again.

(And not that girl with fertility problems.)

I was just me.

Full of Energy - Molly

Happy Labor Day Everyone! I hope you had a great 3 day weekend. We relaxed this weekend, prepped and shopped for food and did a little retail therapy while we were at it as well.

I am not allowing myself to buy anything pant wise because I want to see where I will end up after this whole30 journey. In just the few weeks of working out and eating right during the week, I can already feel that my clothes are different. I cannot wait to see what Oct 1st has in store for the both of us!

For those on the journey with me - how are you doing? Have you noticed anything in the few days since we started?

I noticed that I woke up this Monday morning and was full of energy. I taught a spin and yoga class and just felt alive! I also took an evening yoga class and felt strong throughout the whole class, even though I was starving for dinner! I am not 100% that my energy is from the eating, but it has been many moons since I have been so alive on a Monday, so I am attributing it to my new lifestyle diet.

I am hoping this is all a good sign. Many people say that the first week to 10 days is the hardest. 

So don't give up! 

Jason and I had a really good day of eating. Having those egg cups in the fridge really help, especially as I was rushing to make my 930 spin/yoga class.

Breakfast: 1 egg cup (sun-dried tomato and ham) and 1 slice of bacon and some grapes

Lunch: roast beef wraps with cucumber and peppers and a cup of fresh berries

Dinner: Chili marinated chicken drumsticks with grilled romaine (bacon and onions) and aged balsamic, top it off with a heirloom tomato courtesy of our neighbors

my roast beef wraps with guac!

look how pretty

jason hates pepper so extra cukes

bacon and onions - yum!

mini romaine cut in half and throw on grill!

our dinner!

day 3 and still a happy man

 Not a bad day at all. I am getting ready to have some berries with cinnamon before I hit the shower.

Another momentous thing occurred today, my period started. It has sort of been wacky since we lost Grace, but finally I think we are on track. Best part - no cramps! I think the extra working out (crossfit) has tamed my cramps. Here's to a short and sweet cycle! 

Does this mean we are trying again? 

Peeps, we are always trying! 

But for now, we are just having fun - like newlyweds. I am not tracking anything nor am I taking any sort of medications - not even my thyroid meds. I am just done with it all for now. A break is warranted and I am taking it.

So no counting my days people........there are a few that like to do that and you know who you are.

 

Fast Sunday - Molly

Today is the first Sunday of the month or better known as Fast Sunday in my faith. Yes, you heard me right - fast as in fasting, no food, no drink, nothing for at least 2 meals.

So on top of no dairy, grains, sugar, legumes etc....yes, I did not eat or drink for two meals today.

Why may you ask we do this every first Sunday (and many other times in the month)?

We fast to help gain spiritual insight and grow closer to our Heavenly Father. We fast in times of need, want and weakness. We fast so that we may understand and remember the sacrifice our Father in Heaven and our Savior made for us. You can fast for anything, just like you can pray for anything. The purpose behind the fast, the heart of it, is what matters.

For more information on fasting and my faith, click here.

Jason and I have been fasting for many reasons. But the big reason is for faith, enlightenment and understanding of what we should do next. We need guidance to know that the decision we make is the right decision. Whether we try or not to have another child IVF is not an easy decision to make, there are so many factors involved. So now the work begins - fasting, prayer and temple attendance. We hope that these things will clear our mind of our own desires and help lead us to what the Lord has in store for us. By doing these things, we will be blessed. We will know the decision we make, whether it works out or not, is the best decision for us.



After church, I got together with my good friend Erica to swap some recipes and food. Thanks to her, I now have a completely stocked fridge, meals for the week and plenty of things ready and on hand for Jason - at any time.

I prepped and cooked marinated chicken wings, flank steak with sauteed peppers, bacon and onions (the roulade did not roulade well so we are just grilling it), asparagus wrapped in prosciutto and grilled romaine with shallots and ham.

She in return made cilantro-lime crock pot chicken (in her very own salsa!), cauliflower rice, and all the fixings for taco salad. YUM!

Jason and I ate the cilantro-lime chicken with the cauliflower rice tonight. It was my first time eating cauliflower EVER and we loved it!

cauliflower rice with cilantro

final meal with a nice dollop of guac! we didn't even miss the chips!

If you are whole30-ing with me this month, REMEMBER to not step on the scale until the month is over. This is not a weight loss competition. Weight loss will happen, but we want to stay focused on the overall picture - your health!

Have a happy holiday tomorrow!

1 down, 29 to go! - Molly

Today is Day 1 of our whole30.

So far, so good.

We started the day out right with a CrossFit partner WOD (workout of the day) in the park downtown. The WOD consisted of warm-up (mile run, stairs, squats, pushups, stretching and wall climbs). 

We then got into the heart of the WOD. 

10 rounds of 20 meter partner carry (yes, I piggy-backed Jason for a total of 200 meters), 8 med ball squat cleans and 8 burpees (8 each).

It took us 25:35 seconds to complete the WOD. I was pretty proud of us!

Jason first inclination was to go out to breakfast.

Oh no I thought. We are already going to break our whole30 on the first meal of the first day. 

But we were smart and chose a local breakfast place that does all organic, local meats and veggies. With a little bit of customization, we were able to make it very paleo and very whole30.

YUM!

sausage, yams, chiles, zucchini, slice of ham, 2 strips of bacon and some scrambled eggs - perfection!

I then spent the day grocery shopping and prepping food.

I noticed that Costco has the best meat options on the weekend. The seafood guys are there, fresh meat is being cut and put out and they have a bigger selection. For under $200, I pretty much got everything I needed for the next week and more to use throughout the month.

the goods! Veggies, meat, eggs, coconut water, spices. Lots of stuff for the freezer!

With a small stop at Whole Foods for a knob of ginger and some fruit, I was ready to go. I am in need of more storage containers though.

For dinner Jason grilled some pork chops and I sauteed some green beans with a little coconut oil and spices.

tomatoes from the garden complete the meal!

Jason and I then prepared egg cups for the week.

before

after

The whole30 is all about preparation. Tomorrow I am meeting up with my good friend Erica to cook and prep a few meals for the week. We are preparing 2 dinners with sides each. That will give us dinners and leftovers for lunches for the week.

On my menu:

1) flank steak roulade - stuffed with zucchini, bacon and peppers with asparagus wrapped in proscuitto
2) marinated chicken wings/drumsticks with grilled romaine dressed with bacon, shallots and balsamic vinegar

CAN YOU SAY YUM!

The first week is the hardest. The cravings set in. You feel like you should be eating more, but really it is just your mind messing with you.

Jason claims he needs a Dr. Pepper (while watching football) and I will admit I was craving a bit of candy.

Mind over matter to get through at this point. We are in this together.

For those who are joining me on this journey, how was Day 1? What's on your menu?