Whole30 Day 3! Feeling the Hangover!

They say that there is a general timeline for people as they work their way through the Whole30 process. This is how it typically goes for people:

Day 1: So what's the big deal? You don't understand why anyone thinks this is so hard.

Days 2 - 3: Hangover. Headaches, fatigue, etc. 

Days 4 - 5: Kill all things! Irritation and impatience.

Days 6 - 7: I just want to nap! All you will want is your bed!

Days 8 - 15: Boundless energy! Now give me a darned Twinkie! You'll have a lot of energy, but those cravings will be serious business. 

Days 16 - 28: Tiger blood! You are feeling great, have energy again, things are clear and optimistic.

Day 29: HolyOprahIt’sAlmostOverWhatAmIGoingToEatNow?!?!?!

Day 31: Deep breathing ... and maybe some ice cream.  

To read more details about each phase of the process, read the full article HERE.

I'm feeling it!

I can tell you that I am definitely right on track with the timeline. The first day, and even the second day, were mostly "Eh, this is not such a big deal." Today, Day 3, I've got a headache and I woke up feeling more refreshed, but still feel like I could just go back to bed. Plus, I am so sore today from the two workouts I've done in the last two days. Since we're doing a 2 days on/1 day off routine, however, I can take a rest day today and recover. Also, I've eaten the same thing for breakfast in the last three days. The first two days were fine, I was full, I felt good. Today, I feel like I could eat a huge pile of pancakes after I just ate my Lagniappe Casserole. All of this is normal, apparently, so I am just going to stick it out and see what happens when I get in the "Kill All Things" stage. Luckily, my husband and I are doing this program together, so we'll be entering that phase together. Should be interesting, haha!

My husband and I are doing the Whole30 program, but I also signed up for the Whole30 Daily and I bought their book, "It Starts with Food: Discover the Whole30 and Change Your Life in Unexpected Ways ." I tend to go all out when I'm motivated to do something. I also love to learn about why food affects us the way it does and how to control it so it doesn't control us. I have to say that both of these extra resources, the Daily and the book, have been a great investment so far.

Whole30 Daily:

 The Whole30 Daily is "32 days' worth of information (including a Day 0 and Day 31) written just for you, specific to that particular day of your program".

Credit: whole9life.com

Each day there is an email in my inbox explaining what I can expect for that day and tips for staying on track. And at the end of each email are two links. At the end of the day, and if you managed to stay on task, you click on the link that says, "I did it!" But if you got off track, there is a link that says, "I didn't do it. I need to start over" and it will take you back to the beginning. So it's nice to have that little click at the end of the day to look forward to. And the information in the emails really helps to explain my emotions and everything I'm experiencing and makes it a bit more bearable.

 

Credit: gooogle.com

"It Starts with Food": 

Whole30 describes their book, "It Starts with Food", as a source that "details the "why," the "how," and the "what happens next?" of the Whole30 in an entertaining, accessible manner".

I'm only about 7 chapters into this book so far, but it has proven to be an incredible resource. I bought it for just $10 on my Kindle and I have found myself highlighting something on every page, just because there is so much information that I want to remember! I've done research before on why food makes me feel the way I feel, but there is something about this book that really takes it to the next step. It is scientific, but not so much that you can't understand. And they use a lot of helpful analogies to help you really get a grasp on what is going on in your body. And the best part, it all finally makes sense! I am really looking forward to reading the rest of the book and I'm so happy I ordered it. For just $10, you really can't beat that.


My husband and I are also talking rewards today. We've decided that we are going to reward ourselves (other than the obvious reward of a healthier lifestyle) with a non-food gift. We haven't quite figured out what they'll be yet, but I will let you know when we do. All we know so far is that if he messes up one day, then he doesn't get his reward, but I don't either. And vice versa. We think this will keep us more on task because we are both more likely to be less concerned for our own gifts and would rather not take that away from each other because of something we did. And it will help us really motivate each other. We want our gifts! Haha! Make sense?

Ok, well that's my check in for today. Gonna go get some lunch around. Hope you're all having a great Wednesday! And if anyone else is currently doing a Whole30 challenge, or maybe you've finished one, I would love to hear about your experiences!

I'm 1/4 done and injured!

Me and the bunny, Gus.

I have done exactly 11 of the 44 Fitness Blender 8 Week Challenge workouts, so that means that I am 1/4 of the way done! I was supposed to do two more workouts in the last two days, but somehow managed to hurt my foot, so I was taking a little break. It is feeling better today, so I think I'm going to jump back in and get started on that second quarter.

Anyone else have random injuries with no explanation? I am not the most graceful of people. In fact, my dad used to call me "Grace" because of how uncoordinated I was as a child, lol. I did notice that the heavier I became, the less graceful I became. Since I've lost a lot of weight, I am a bit more agile, but I guess everyone has their limit! : )

I am pretty sure that I hurt my foot getting the mail the other day. I picked up the mail and was

reading some of it while walking back to the bedroom. Well, we have a rabbit and he was out, so the bunny/baby gate was up. I completely forgot about it and walked right into the thing and almost somersaulted over it.

I also have to admit that I don't like shoes. I'm from the country. I never wore shoes growing up. I didn't wear them when I was inside, didn't wear them when I was playing outside, didn't have a problem walking across the stone driveway either. But, I grew up and moved away and started living in apartments in the city and I knew I couldn't go walking around the sidewalks without risking glass or whatever else people decide to toss out for Mother Nature to clean up. So I've become a bit more of a tender foot lately. But that's beside the point.

My main point is that I don't like shoes, don't like socks, don't like things on my feet. So, I tend to do some most of the workouts without shoes. That's bad, I know! I really should wear the shoes for support with the workouts that I do. And since I don't enjoy being injured or not working out, I think I might just have to start doing that.

Livestrong, one of my favorite resources, says, "Whether your workout involves running, walking, sports or gym equipment, a decent sport shoe is a must. Injury caused by inappropriate shoes can needlessly derail your fitness or weight loss attempt. Investing in a quality shoe can help you to prevent foot and ankle damage, and make your workout a more pleasant and comfortable experience."

Credit: c4players.com

There are so many different types of shoes to choose from to make sure you get the best fit for you and your lifestyle.

Running : inbuilt shock absorbers, good traction
Walking: lightweight
Aerobic : lightweight and shock absorbing
Tennis : flexible soles to protect your feet from the quick side-to-side movements of tennis
High-top basketball: extra protection against ankle and foot injuries caused by jumping
Cross-training : suitable for doing a wide range of activity

Wearing the proper shoes will help keep you from getting injured. Injuries can include ankle strains, fractures, bunions, and corns among many other less heard about injuries which can keep you from workout out, running, losing weight until the injury heals.

How Do You Choose The Proper Shoes?

According to The McKinley Health Center, you should:

• Try on shoes in the afternoon or evening, or after your workout (feet are largest at these times)
• Try the shoes on with sports socks to ensure a good fit
• Stand up when trying the shoes to make sure they fit
• Leave a half inch between your big toe and the tip of the shoe
• Make sure you can easily wiggle your toes
• Bend the shoe to make sure it is not overly flexible (can indicate a lack of support)

Michigan State University's Olin Health Center recommends replacing running shoes after every 350 to 500 miles, which would be every 20 to 25 weeks if you run 20 miles/week.

Netwellness recommends checking out the wear of your shoes from the mid-sole of the shoe, which shoes damage sooner than the treads.

Health.howstuffworks.com advises buying new athletic shoes every four to six months if you exercise regularly. Click the link to read more on choosing the proper walking shoe.

Credit: newbalancetrailrunningshoes.tumblir.com

So don't wait for injury, get out there and pick up some shoes. The part that I like best about the shoes nowadays is that there are a ton of colors and styles to choose from. Some websites even let you design your own shoes. I also would highly recommend going and getting fitted for shoes too. There are a bunch of athletic shoe stores that will fit them for you and some even evaluate your walking/running style to choose the proper shoe for you, for free! So take them up on that because it doesn't get much better than that!