My Whole30 Body Transformation: A Beginner’s Guide to Weight Loss, Energy, and Healthy Living
I’m a little hesitant to share this, but here it goes. Taking photos of yourself, without makeup or flattering clothes, with all your perceived imperfections on display, can be daunting. But here we are!
This post is as personal as it gets. It’s raw and real. While it doesn’t align with my typical home decor and DIY content, I hope it helps you. My goal with this blog is always to offer support, encouragement, and show that we’re all just doing our best. So, let’s dive in.
I have a confession. I haven’t been happy with my body since having my daughter Olivia, four years ago. After giving birth, I gained over 50 pounds. My weight has fluctuated based on stress, vacations, and hectic schedules. I lost most of the baby weight, but those last 10 pounds always seemed to return. Even when the scale showed my pre-baby weight, my body composition was completely different. This proves the scale doesn’t always reflect overall health.
This past summer, I dreaded wearing a bathing suit on the beach. After a vacation filled with ice cream and cheeseburgers, I decided it was time for a change. I needed to take control of my health, not just for myself, but to teach Olivia how to love her own body. I decided to try the Whole30 program.
It was challenging. Really challenging! But the results speak for themselves. The encouragement from many of you, when I initially mentioned it on Instagram, was amazing. (Apologies in advance for this lengthy post, but it’s worth it!)
Honestly, wearing makeup in the “after” photo helps! The “before” picture was taken without any preparation. I just threw my hair in a bun.
I used the photos to track my body’s changes. The transformation was remarkable! Did you see my tummy shrinking?
If you’re unfamiliar with Whole30, it involves a strict 30-day diet, eliminating foods that negatively impact your health: dairy, sugar, grains, legumes, and alcohol. I highly recommend reading the Whole30 book if you want to be successful.
I only made it to Day 25. An unexpected weekend trip made it difficult to continue. Also, I only worked out twice during those 25 days because I was finishing a room and a fall home tour.
But in those 25 days, my health improved in several ways:
- I lost 15 pounds in 25 days!
- I lost several inches. I didn’t measure at the start, but I went from a size 8/10 to a size 6/8 in jeans in under four weeks.
- Boundless energy! Before Whole30, I often felt exhausted. After two weeks, my energy soared. My to-do list became easier to manage because I was productive and clear-headed. I felt like the character in the movie Limitless.
- My mood dramatically improved, and my usual anxiety was nearly gone.
- My skin glowed! I’ve struggled with adult acne, which flared up this summer. Whole30 cleared my breakouts, and my skin felt amazing.
- Headaches disappeared! I usually get a headache weekly, but they vanished during Whole30.
- Seasonal allergies were gone! During August/September, I usually have allergy attacks. But I had no issues this year, likely due to changing my diet.
- My taste buds changed! The unhealthy foods didn’t taste good anymore. I craved vegetables! Before, fruits and vegetables lacked flavor because of the amount of salt and sugar I was eating.
If you want to try Whole30, here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Do Whole30 with a friend or spouse. My husband, Robert, and I did it together, and I couldn’t have done it without him. We made it a friendly competition. It was great motivation.
- Read the Whole30 book. Read a chapter or two at a time instead of aimlessly scrolling through social media. It helped me understand why I needed to avoid certain foods and learn about the science behind it.
- Read the Whole30 timeline. This timeline accurately reflected my moods during the program.
- Drink water constantly. We often mistake thirst for hunger.
- Plan your meals. Write down your weekly menu before grocery shopping.
- Get creative with new recipes. If cooking feels like a chore, it will be harder. Embrace it as a chance to test your kitchen skills. The Whole30 Cookbook is a great place to start.
I didn’t document all my meals, but here are some examples of my breakfasts and lunches. Eggs, avocados, almond butter, and potatoes are your best friends. You won’t go hungry!
Most mornings, I ate veggie scrambled eggs with spinach, diced tomatoes, a piece of fruit, sliced avocado, and bacon (sugar-free). I added coconut milk and coconut cream to my coffee.
For quick lunches, tuna salad in a lettuce wrap was a go-to. I used avocado mayo and topped it with avocado slices.
I often made salads for lunch. I cooked a large batch of grilled chicken to shred into a soup, salad, or lettuce wrap.
Salad dressing was tricky because most have sugar. The Greek vinaigrette was my go-to and completely Whole30 compliant.
When I craved sweets, I had Monkey Salad (unsweetened applesauce with cinnamon), apple slices with almond butter, or a Larabar (without peanut butter or chocolate).
I discovered more about myself as a cook, experimenting with new flavors and spices. I loved it!
Here are some other recipes we enjoyed:
- Grilled Swordfish with Peach Avocado Salsa (omit the honey)
- Crockpot Chili
- Cuban Picadillo (served over cauli-rice)
- Roasted Snapper Fillet (with almond flour instead of breadcrumbs)
- Garlicky Shrimp (with cauli-rice)
- Slow Cooker Pot Roast
- Practical Paleo cookbook (Citrus & Herb Roasted Chicken, Stuffed Grape Leaves, and Mustard Glazed Chicken Thighs)
For sides, I roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts with olive oil at 425 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
The Cons:
- Our grocery bill increased. We spent around $200 per week on fresh meat and produce. However, we ate out less.
- Frequent grocery trips are needed. Fresh food has a short shelf life.
- The first two weeks are the hardest. You might feel irritable. If you can make it past Day 12, you’re mostly through the toughest part.
- It’s time-consuming. I set aside at least half an hour to cook breakfast and dinner.
- It doesn’t travel well. Our only reliable restaurant options while traveling were Chipotle and Chili’s.
- Your kitchen will be messy. Expect to grill chicken, scramble eggs, and chop vegetables. Remember it’s only for 30 days.
Since the program, I’ve gained back two pounds. I follow a Paleo diet now, allowing treats on weekends. I still feel more educated about my health and more in control of my body.
Robert and I are planning another Whole30 round soon. Now that Olivia is back in preschool, I hope to return to the gym. (Or at least use my 30 Day Shred DVD.)
Out of all the “makeovers” on this blog, this was the most challenging but also the most rewarding. For the first time in years, I love my body.
If you’re struggling with a weight plateau, skin issues, low energy, or a host of health problems, you can do this! Every journey starts with a first step. Eating more vegetables and less junk is not difficult. You’ve got this!
Have you done Whole30 or Paleo? Do you have any tips or favorite recipes? Share them in the comments!
