This Sugar Addict Tried Whole30 For A Month
By: Michelle Jaqua
Tags: Weight Loss, Whole 30, Food, Nonfiction, Health

Day 1: I’m whole-heartedly into this. I’ve been trying to lose 20 lbs for the last 2 years and failed. No matter what I do (granted, what I do is half-hearted and short-lived), my weight doesn’t budge. I need something extreme. This diet is extreme: no sugar, no carbs, no alcohol, no dairy, no legumes, no corn, no peanuts, no preservatives, no life. I’ve prepared and lined up what I CAN eat (lean protein, veggies, and fruit). My first day is a success!

Day 2: NO! That’s my new word. Or, more politely, no thank you. I can’t believe how many times I have to say no to food. I’m reading labels and pushing away people’s offers of candy, cookies, donuts, and other no-no’s. I had no idea how often I’m accosted by food temptations.

Day 5: This Whole30 thing is going well. I’m not even thinking of giving this up. I’m learning the difference between hunger and cravings. I satisfy my hunger with some protein, instead of sugar and carbs, and I’m good. I’m not even craving sugar.

Day 7: Here’s one thing I didn’t expect. I read labels ALL THE TIME and find that most canned or processed foods are off-limits. This means that I have to make most everything from scratch. I love to cook, so the creativity starts coming out. I am making homemade mayo, dressings, and sauces. They are delicious! My favorite is a homemade coconut curry sauce over shrimp or chicken. I’ve substituted spaghetti squash for real spaghetti.

Day 13: Although there’s not a ton of weight loss (5 lbs), I’ve read to look for the other benefits besides weight loss. I’m sleeping better, I have more energy, without the post-lunch crashes, and my migraines are practically non-existent.

Day 14: It’s Wedding Dress Day! I’m getting married in a few months, and I need a dress. It’s one of the motivating reasons to start this diet. I’ve lost five pounds and I’m praying that it’s enough to push me into a lower size. Not my ideal size, but closer. I’ve avoided clothes shopping for a long time because of my size. Nothing looks good on me. This is the ultimate clothes shopping experience. After trying on only five dresses, I find “The One”! I snugly fit into the lower size that I’m coveting, and I say “Yes” to the Dress!

Day 17: I’ve come down with a major head cold. All I can do is sleep. For three days, I lay around doing nothing. Despite my Whole30 diet rules, I start taking cold medicine to help with the congestion headaches. I have been making a homemade chicken broth and use this as a staple, sipping on this for comfort.

Day 22: I’ve found my staples: eggs, ghee butter, spinach, yams, anything coconut, and a yummy homemade cabbage and meat soup for quick fill-in meals. No more cereal, oatmeal or toast in the morning. My everyday savory breakfast looks like this:

and it’s delicious.

Day 23: I freak out just a little because I have green poop. Then I realize it’s because I’m eating a lot of spinach.

Day 25: I decide to go clothes shopping. I’ve put it off long enough because my clothes are hanging on me and look ridiculous. I’ve only lost 9 lbs, but it seems to make a difference. I end up with $500 worth of new clothes and find a pair of pants that fit me perfectly, so I buy three different colors. For the first time in years, I’m happy after my shopping escapade.

Day 30: It’s my last official day of Whole30. I love this diet. I’m considering adopting this new way of eating as a lifestyle. I’ve been without sugar, alcohol, dairy or carbs for the past month. I’ve found the clean eating agrees with my body. I don’t need a ton of carbs and a more paleo diet is good for me. I’ve officially lost 10 pounds, lost a size in clothes, I’m sleeping better, and my migraines have decreased.