Fancy a Whole30 Challenge?

Here we are, about to hit Christmas season full throttle. It’s been 2.5 months since I finished my first ever Whole30. A quick 2.5 months where I have tried hard, but struggled at times to stick to my plan of 80:20.

Here’s what has worked well:

– My kitchen cupboards have remained compliant. I didn’t move back in all the products I cleared out. In fact, the ones I didn’t give away are still in a bag, tied up.

– All of my food shopping has still been compliant. Every now and again though I did dip into the storage cupboard to grab a bit of pasta. I’ve only cooked pasta once in the 2.5 months.

– I baked a pumpkin pie. I cut down the sugar from the recipe and substituted some with agave syrup.

– I am sooooo much more aware of what I put in my mouth and still read labels in the attempt to avoid added sugar (unless blatantly buying something which is made mostly of sugar!)

– I still mostly eat 3 meals per day

– I now know that soya milk actually doesn’t agree with me! My first soya latte post Whole30 made me so bloated and uncomfortable! I’m now solely on unsweetened almond milk.

– I’ve still been collecting recipe inspiration so I will have new things to try second time round. I also picked up a new cook book which sometimes has compliant recipes or at least ones I can adapt!

Whole30 Recipe Inspiration:

And what hasn’t worked so well:

– I still don’t have an off button when it comes to sweet things. I can go a while without any but put 4 cookies in front of me and I will eat 4. I hear you say “just buy one” but it doesn’t make financial sense. It cost £0.80 for 1 cookie or £2 for 4 cookies. …Throw my money down the drain, or get value for money?! That’s how the supermarkets work.

– I’ve become a little less organised and a little lazy when it comes to cooking and organising a menu.

Other

– My skin has improved quite a lot since starting Whole30. I’m not sure if this is down to diet or also to lifestyle such as less stress, getting enough sleep etc

– I weighed myself as a pre Whole30 #2 metric and I’m heavier than when I started #1. This could be down to increased muscle though; all my clothes still fit and feel comfortable.

Whole30 Reading / Recipe List:

So why #2?

The biggest reason behind this has to be the fact I want to slay the sugar dragon…some more. Also, with winter on its way that means the mornings and evenings are dark which makes us all a little less inclined to get out and run / cycle / workout. I want to keep my energy levels high and get the most of out my training.

So this is my November Challenge! Are you in?! Or do you already have a fitness / nutrition challenge planned?! 

Let me know what you’re up to! 

Elle 🙂