Days 1-5 - Whole30
So I started Whole30 on January 3rd. It's an interesting date for me personally. It's the same date that as a 13 year old, I went "in-house" (term for staying overnight) for a longgg time at MCV to get my stem cell transplant. Perhaps it is the Big Man's way of reminding me when I'm whining about not eating cheese, that it pales in comparison to what I've already been through. Really, it's a joke comparatively. Perspective.
The biggest gripe I had with the Whole30 program was giving up my beloved flavored creamer for my morning coffee. I've tried on numerous occasions to take it black or with almond milk, but drinking it that way literally make me gag. By chance, I saw on social media a person who was using nutpods as their compliant creamer. I checked them out, and was able to get some at my local health food store. When I got home, I made Brett bear witness to my ceremonious pouring of what was left of my Bailey's White Russian Truffle flavored noncompliant creamer down the drain. RIP dutiful creamer. That was the moment I became fully committed. As for the nutpods, I can say that it ain't flavored creamer, but it ain't bad either! Victory is mine.
I'm still finding the need to eat in between meals. Whole30 encourages eating just at meals, but says if you need to have a snack, then do so. Per the suggestion of Jeanne who is leading the Whole30 group I'm in, I am going to try to incorporate more healthy fats within my meals to see if that helps hold me over longer. As snacks I've had Chomps (compliant beef jerky that is de-friggin-licious), compliant flavored Lara/Rx bars, or if my blood sugar is too low, I'll eat one or two dates for a fast pick-me-up.
Now let's talk about the food. People act like Whole30 is some horrible and depriving experience. But I am honestly loving it! I am making the best (as in delicious) meals I've ever made, meals I'd make regardless of being on Whole30 or not. I'm being way more adventurous than I ever have been in the kitchen - this is what is making it so fun for me.
Quick rundown on some of the food I've had:
The Stuffed Peppers - This recipe was from the Whole30 guidebook, and one of the best meals I've ever made, EVER! I subbed the beef out for turkey (I don't eat red meat), and it was outstanding!
Balsamic Pear-Peach Chicken via Crockpot - Brett loved this one. It is such a cozy, savory meal.
Roasted Veggies with Chicken Sausage - An easy but satisfying meal to throw together. Loved the roasted beets in particular.
Orange Chicken with Cauliflower Fried Rice - I liked the "rice" way more than I thought I would. The chicken was very flavorful, despite not nailing the thickening agent for the sauce (arrowroot powder - the Whole30 compliant corn starch).
Breakfast Pumpkin Custard - It tastes just like pumpkin pie sans the sugar and crust! Yum.
