It’s officially the final week of my Whole 30 Challenge.

I can’t believe how quickly this month has gone by!

I have truly enjoyed this challenge and process, and while I have not gotten all the way through It All Starts with Food, I am still enjoying everything I am learning from it and plan to continue to read the book all the way to the end.

While it has been a challenge to go out to dinner and drinks with friends and to throw a birthday dinner for my sister while sticking with the plan it wasn’t impossible.  I was able to stick to the plan, even make foods for my friends and family that were Whole 30 that they enjoyed, AND I had a great time.

Last week, I mentioned that I needed to plan for AFTER the Whole 30.  I did a bit of research this week and found that there is actually a Whole 30 guide to reintroduction. (They have a guide for everything!)

My plan is very much based on the plan they have outlined.

• Day 1 (Post Whole 30):  Legumes

While keeping everything else Whole 30 compliant, I plan to introduce peanut butter, black beans, and possibly hummus this day.  I will pay close attention to how my body feels, my mood, etc, and then the following two days I will go back to eating strict Whole 30.

• Day 4:  Non-Gluten Grains

This means I will get to have my beloved oats for breakfast, and some quinoa with dinner.  I can’t wait!

• Day 8:  Dairy

I will get to try Greek yogurt, maybe some cheese…and I may have to use this as an excuse to get some ice cream (it’s been forever!)

• Day 10:  Alcohol

This is actually the day of Brian’s Dental School Valentine’s Day Dance.  I am so excited to go, and I want to enjoy a glass of wine or prosecco (or two!).  I have gone without alcohol the entire Whole 30, which has been no big deal, but I do believe in moderation and I feel it is ok to enjoy treats such as alcohol for special occasions. I plan to go right back to Whole 30 for two days after this experiment as well.

• Day 13:  Grains Containing Gluten

Not sure what I will eat this day, maybe some whole wheat pita chips?  But I will make sure it is something tasty!

As far as the questions I have received, I will be answering those later this week 🙂

Here is a look at how things went for me last week:

Whole 30 Week 4

Day 20

• Woke up with a slight headache and a strange puffiness in my eyes…not sure what is going on here!
• Felt a little weird through most of the day and my throat started to hurt!! (eek!)
• Felt strong during my workouts.

Day 21

• Woke up before my alarm (woo!)
• Still had a scratchy throat, but other than that felt really good.
• Was hungry before lunch and ate my apple early to tide me over.
• Felt good through the entire day and strong during my workout (in the morning AND in the evening).
• Had NO trouble falling asleep.

Day 22

• Woke up feeling refreshed, and my muscles are sore from my workouts (love this feeling!)
• Still a little scratchy throat…hoping it doesn’t develop into something more.

Day 23

• Hungry upon waking…as usual.
• Felt like I was getting sick today.
• Sore throat, felt a little weak during my workout and started to get a headache in the evening.
• Stomach started to feel upset after dinner.

Day 24

• Woke up feeling kind of weird…nothing tasted good.  It all had kind of a metallic flavor.
• As the day went on that feeling and taste went away.
• Really hoping I am not getting sick!!!!
• Did some cooking in preparation for a little birthday dinner I am hosting for my sister and snacked while cooking.

Day 25

• Woke up feeling stuffy and my throat hurt.
• A slightly weird taste in my mouth but not as bad as yesterday.
• Tummy felt flat despite my later in the evening snacking while cooking.
• Originally planned on running, but my body felt a bit achy so opted for an at home yoga video.
• Really didn’t feel super hungry all day, but ate three meals.

Day 26

• Woke up with no alarm at 7:30.  I wanted to make sure I got enough sleep since it seems a COLD is coming on.
• Felt MUCH better this morning, just blowing my nose a lot today and not a huge appetite.

Whole 30 Week 4 Breakfasts

Mini Crabby Breakfast Muffins

My recent breakfast go-to:  veggie egg scramble (2 egg whites and one egg) with a side of fruit and nut butter.

Crabby breakfast muffins with fruit and cashew butter.

Whole 30 Week 4 Lunches

A delicious salad from Patachou with avocado, hardboiled egg, tomato, and apple over greens.  SO good!

Salad with veggies, black olives, baked cod and a side of more veggies and an apple. (I had this several times this week.)

Whole 30 Week 4 Dinner

Leftovers 🙂

Creamy Curry Slow Cooker Meal

Salmon stuffed pepper and roasted veggies…so good!

Baked eggplant with homemade marinara and birthday appetizers.

There ya have it friends!

Question of the Morning:

• Do you have any food allergies?  
• Have you ever done an “elimination” type diet?  If so, how did you reintroduce foods into your diet?