I’ve officially completed one week on Whole30. My mom would probably like me to mention that she has too. Honestly, life isn’t much different for me than it was before starting Whole30. Other than eliminating honey, quinoa, GF oatmeal and KIND bars, I’m just doing my regular old thing. Lots of sweet potatoes, avocados, chicken, salmon, fruits and vegetables. First I’ll talk about my meals and then I’ll recap how I’m feeling.
Whole30 Week 1
How I Prepped
I made a few large batches of food at the beginning of the week to have on hand. The rest I made day-of.
-Spaghetti squash (my mom loves it)
-Roasted sweet potatoes
-Roasted carrots
-Chicken tenders
-Crockpot whole chicken
Breakfasts
If you asked me a few months ago I would have told you I don’t like eggs. I just hated the sulfur-like smell for some reason. I also would have said that I couldn’t give up oatmeal if you asked me. Now? I’m on the egg-train. They are filling, easy to make and go with anything. Not to say I don’t miss my oatmeal, but I’ve felt really good after eating these Whole30 breakfasts. They have been the biggest change since starting the program.
Every morning this week I’ve had a fried egg with kale or spinach (sautéed in coconut oil), leftover vegetables and roasted sweet potatoes.
Lunches
Salads DO NOT have to be boring. I’m not sick of them yet only because you can make them so different every day. I add seeds (pumpkin or sunflower), berries, spaa half or full avocado and protein.
Snacks
The Whole30 official program doesn’t exactly promote snacking, but I haven’t been following that rule exactly. However, my meals have been larger (with more fats) so I haven’t been as hungry in between. In general, 90% of my snacks involve nut butter, which is something I’m supposed to limit according to the program (not quite following that rule either, but I am working on portioning). So in an effort to try new foods I experimented and made chia pudding to have as a snack. I used the homemade almond milk I mentioned last week. Full disclosure: it wasn’t my favorite thing in the world. I hate mushy foods in general so I needed the crunch from toppings. I added blueberries, bananas, coconut butter, shredded coconut and cinnamon.
Other snacks: kombucha (not really a snack though), LARA bars, almonds and fruit
Dinners
Zoodles, swoodles and coodles. That’s my lame attempt at abbreviating sweet potato noodles and carrot noodles. It’s so easy to spiralize some vegetables, add a sauce and call it part of dinner. If I don’t have sweet potato noodles I’ll have a full sweet potato on the side, but those are not as pretty to photograph. All meals involve a protein and a vegetable, which is how my family has eaten for 21 years.
Sweet potato + carrot noodles sautéed in coconut oil with spinach and tilapia.
Zoodles with leftover roasted vegetables (cauliflower + sweet potatoes) and salmon
Lemon-dijon zoodles with sunflower seeds and Dijon-rosemary salmon. (I just love Dijon!)
Pork tenderloin, roasted white potatoes, carrots and beets, steamed asparagus. (This was all mom, can you tell? I went back for thirds)
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How I’m Feeling:
Pretty darn good.
-My energy levels have been higher than normal (I don’t need my afternoon nap, although I’ll take it)
-Zero stomach pains (!!!)
-Occasional gas but not nearly as bad as before
-I didn’t mention this but I’ve had a rash on my hand for almost a year (like eczema) and it’s now gone. No evidence.
-I’ve been especially thirsty, but this could also be due to the change in weather here
Overall it’s been a good week and, while the effects haven’t been too drastic, I’m happy with the progress. Three more weeks of this experiment to go!
Your meals look so so so good! And yeah for NUTTZO! I actually have started making chia pudding again as I was bored with my breakfast situation. I love it…topped with all the NUTTZO of course! XOXO
She Rocks Fitness recently posted…What The Single Woman Buys At Costco Part V
I’m going to try making it with coconut milk to see if I like that texture better! ALWAYS NUTTZO :)
Great job this week! Your food all looks amazing. I’m not really a fan of chia pudding because of the texture, but it’s so easy to make for an overnight breakfast that I’ll force myself to eat it!
Gretchen recently posted…Gettysburg Marathon Training : Week 2
I’m glad I posted in the FB group because people had great suggestions!
I feel the same way about eggs! Not a fan at all. I do like chia pudding although I haven’t made it in a long time. Mostly I add chia seeds to my banana bowls or oatmeal because I know it’s good for me and I like the texture. Salads are so versatile! When I make a salad there is hardly any lettuce in it because I pile on the other goodies. My new favorite thing to put on salad is tofu Kahn. It’s marinated tofu that is salty…almost beef jerky tasting but not a tough texture. It’s hard to describe because I’ve only ever seen it in my area.
Gotta love that avocado!
Ellie recently posted…Week In Review [When life gives you a bum knee, it also gives you bananas]
I’ve never heard of tofu Kahn! Sounds interesting. You’re so right about salads…the lettuce is just the base :)
Hooray for no stomach pain or rash!
These meals look absolutely DELICIOUS; nothing screams “deprivation” at all.
I would miss oats (& other grains) and occasional dairy, but if I could cook like this for 30 days, I could definitely do this!
Hoping you (& your mom) continue to have positive results.
Catherine @ foodiecology recently posted…Plum Paper 2016 Planner Review
Thanks, Catherine! I don’t feel the least bit deprived. If I had to give up my almond butter that would be a different story. I also remind myself that it’s just for 30 days, not for life.
Emily your pictures/meals look INCREDIBLE! Do you want to come cook for me?! I’m glad that this diet change seems to be working well for you :)
I also don’t like eggs and I never have. I desperately wan’t to like them, but the texture is just awful for me.
Sam @ See Sam Run recently posted…Half Marathon Training 1/11 – 1/17/16
Thanks, Sam! I’m working on plating/photography so that means a lot :) I’m HUGE on texture and prefer poached or fried eggs over scrambled for that reason. Dipping sweet potatoes into the yolk is awesome though.
Cord struck! I get so thirsty too on whole30! Do you think it has anything to do with not getting enough sodium? I know the first time I did it I was getting major charlie horses in the middle of the night regularly and my friend who’s a doctor asked me if I recently changed my diet and if I was getting enough salt and I calculated it in my day and I really wasn’t getting enough at all! Isn’t it funny that when you cut out processed food you actually need to add salt? So backwards, but I love it!
Your meals are gorgeous! We are the same person except I’ve been an egg lover my whole life! I ate oatmeal every single morning of college and soaked oats for the first 8 months of post-grad, but now I prefer a savory breakfast every time. Plus I love starting my day off with a heaping portion of veggies!
Margaret @ youngandrungry recently posted…Life & Running Update + Benefits of Running with Others
You know, I haven’t thought about that. It could definitely be the reason. Going to look into it more!
It feels oddly satisfying to check off a serving or two of vegetables by 8 a.m.!
The dreaded chia pudding…I still do need to give it up and try….one day…one day ;)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Harissa Potato Salad
I just always forget to make it because you have to do it ahead of time!
Your meals look soooo good! I love that they are full meals with everything from protein to carbs to healthy fats and not small servings either. I can definitely see how these meals can fill you up, though I would probably need a snack here and there too. I’ve only had chia pudding a few times and liked it, but I definitely think that the toppings make all the difference.
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…What We Can Learn From “My Diet Is Better Than Yours”
Someone suggested blending the chia pudding the night before, letting it soak and then heating it up in the morning. I might try that to make it more palatable!
Chia pudding is definitely not my thing- eggs on the other hand will be friends for life! I am also in a savoury breakfast phase at the moment and find that it keeps me happily satisfied until lunch.
Everything looks really tasty though and most importantly, the impact on your health seems to be very positive. Hope it continues!
Xx
Charlotte recently posted…TOL…Take two minutes to remember
It really does tie me over until lunch, something that is not normal for me! It doesn’t leave me bogged down and I have tons of energy.
All those spirals!!! Love ’em! Your meals look great! I need to start prepping for the week after reading this!!
Chrissa – Physical Kitchness recently posted…Hearty Midwest Vegetable Stew
Thanks, Chrissa! I think I eat some type of veggie noodle every day.
So happy for you that your stomach pain has gone away!!! That is seriously amazing! It seems like everyone I follow has seen amazing results. I’ve grown up eating a starch, a protein, and a vegetable my entire life at dinner, so I don’t think whole 30 would be that difficult for that meal. And I do love salads, so I’d probably survive lunch too. But I just can’t do the eggs (like you said, it’s the smell). I still think I’d have a hard time with it but I do know a lot of people have seen really positive life changes. When you have results like that, it makes it worth trying.
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…Life Lately
Even my mom keeps saying how this is not much different for her (minus no wine) because it’s how we’ve always eaten. Sometimes the label of “whole 30” adds too much of a dramatic effect. I think I like fried and poached eggs better than scramble…easier on the nose maybe? haha.
Whoever invented zoodles is a genius.. I’m loving them so much. I have yet to make sweet potato noodles though. My favorite salad topping… shrimp. It’s my #1 favorite food and I would eat anything with shrimp in it… like anything, haha. It sounds like you had a great first week of whole30!
SERIOUSLY. I owe some big thanks to that person. Oh shrimp is awesome, I don’t think of eating it often!
I’m feeling way better with my stomach on my elimination as well (no grains, dairy or soy) and you’re right – swapping my GF oatmeal bakes or even breakfast quinoa for eggs and veggies, even on very early mornings, makes a world of difference with energy levels. I’m also learning to love sunflower butter!
Alyssa @ Renaissancerunnergirl recently posted…Weekly Workouts and Updates 1/11-1/18
Have you tried Maranatha sunflower butter? The one with a “hint of sea salt.” Addicting!
Verdict is still out on chia puddings! They seem to leave me hungry but then I’m not sure if that’s a mind over body thing. Glad to hear the stomach pains are going away. I’ve been enjoying the whole30 so far :)
Kaitlin recently posted…Find Your Tribe
If only I could get over the texture then I can decide if it’s filling enough for a snack! Yay- glad it’s going well for you!!
wow, Emily, these meals look awesome!! so impressed with all the variety you got in there as well. I’m the same, i have recently gotten on the eggs for breakfast train and i’m obsessed. you can eat them in so many different ways too!
Beverley @ sweaty&fit recently posted…Resistance Training: Chest Day Workout
Thank you, Beverley! I can’t believe I’ve dismissed eggs for so long. They are good at every meal.
Amazing. I’ve been mostly eating whole 30 the last couple weeks too and I feel really great!
Your photos are gorgeous!
Glad to hear it’s been working for you! Thanks!
All of your meals look amazing! I also had trouble with the snacking and nut butters on Whole30 so instead of eliminating both (which I knew would make me resentful and then just give up), I did the same thing as you and just worked on portions. Good work, girl!
It would have made me resentful too. Plus they are just too damn good to give up completely ;)
My favorite salad topping is either feta or berries!
And I love following your Whole 30 journey. So glad it seems to be working well for ya!
I wish I’d tried Whole 30 when I was at home instead of when I was doing dorm cooking and traveling two of the weekends I was doing it…yeah, not the best timing. There were some days I lived off of fruit, nuts, and Larabars, which isn’t exactly filling or really even healthy! If I give it a try again, it’ll definitely be when I have better kitchen/fresh produce access :)
Liv @ Healthy Liv recently posted…Let’s Catch Up
I give you MAJOR props for doing Whole 30 while in a dorm. It doesn’t feel much different than normal because I have access to a kitchen and tons of fresh produce.
This just makes me want to do the whole 30 now because all of your meals look delicious! I’m not usually an egg person for breakfast and I think the hardest thing for me would be giving up oatmeal but besides that I love giant salads filled with EVERYTHING for lunch and I am obsessed with making all the veggie noodles.
rachel @ athleticavocado recently posted…Jelly Donut Mug Cake {Paleo, GF + Vegan option}
Thanks, Rachel! I never thought I could give up oatmeal but I didn’t know what I was missing out on with the savory breakfasts.
Oh gosh, I tried to make chia pudding once, and it was so gross I nearly threw up when I tried eating it! I had optimistically made this giant batch, and I ended up getting rid of all of it. I am also very fussy about my eggs like you, I find mixing it with something helps overcome it, like putting it on a sandwich or topping a sweet potato.
Rebecca @ Vitamin OH! recently posted…Deer Lick Cave Trail
I only made a single serving for that exact reason! Hopefully my next time making it yields a better result :)
Your meals look so yummy, and so beautiful! I like your meal prepping tips too, thanks for sharing! I never get bored of salads because there are so many different directions you can take as far as flavor goes.
sarah recently posted…5 Tips For Staying Fit in College
I should do a more thorough post on meal prepping because what I do is so simple and saves a bunch of time. I agree- salads can take any direction!
I’ve never tried chia pudding before. It doesn’t sound like something I would like lol.
Sounds like you had a great start to Whole 30!
Kristin recently posted…Valpo Basketball vs. Green Bay & Weekend Fun
I’m very picky with texture (can’t be too mushy) and this just didn’t pass my test.
Congratulations! All of your meals and snacks look amazing. So bright and beautiful! You really got me wanting to do the Whole 30! …I love dark chocolate so much though and it’d be hard for me to imagine not eating it for a whole month! But I love your eats! Also, so happy that your tummy is feeling so good!! That’s awesome!
We just haven’t kept chocolate in the house for the past week (or it’s been very out of eyesight!). It doesn’t make it better, but at least easier. Thanks, Cailee!
I have been LOVING WHOLE30!!! And almond butter and dates will forever be my favorite snack!!!!