Here’s the post I’ve been dreading to write.
So, I made it about three days on the Whole30. Then I caved. Here’s what happened.
The first day was tough. I had really bad cravings but I figured it was normal. The second day started out alright, but as the day went on, I had major carb cravings. The third day, same thing, started out strong and by lunch time, I had carb cravings so bad that I was instantly in a bad mood. I got home and sulked on the couch for a little while. I knew that this is what happened during the Whole30, but I don’t think I was prepared for how intense it was going to feel.
As I was sulking, I got to thinking. I didn’t necessarily dislike the way we ate before, I just wished me made some healthier choices sometimes. Also, food and cooking is my hobby.
I’m sure the Whole30 is wonderful for some people. I’m positive it helps get your eating habits and weight back on track to where you want it to be. It wasn’t for me. Do I eat unhealthy things sometimes? Absolutely. But I never eat outrageous proportions of these things (unless it’s McDonald’s, but I’ve quit that cold turkey). We eat portion sizes of everything. We don’t overeat on sweets or ice cream (which we probably eat once a month). We also already consume a lot of vegetables and healthy proteins.
We made a conscious decision to stop the Whole30. I didn’t like the feeling of restricting myself from eating certain food groups as a whole. Would it make me feel a little better? Probably. But in someone who already has severe anxiety and depression, restricting was only make those worse. I also enjoy cooking. I enjoy experimenting with foods and finding healthy alternatives to things, but I also enjoy indulging every once and a while. On a side note, I consider whole grains, rice, and some pasta healthy.
One thing that I did learn in my three days and shopping experience with this is just how many ingredients are in some products. I will be more conscious to check labels and see how much sugar there is in things (like salad dressing, where I only found ONE without sugar!). I was appalled by the ‘health’ foods that had copious amounts of sugar in them, yikes!
To everyone who has completed a Whole30, I give you tremendous kudos. It’s difficult and not for everyone.
To everyone who supported me, thank you. I appreciate it more than you’ll know.
xoxo.
@heart 
I am really glad to read such a honest opinion. I wanted to try it for a little while too, but it seemed so hard. And I had exactly the same, I didn’t mind my regular eating pattern, I just needed to make healthier choices sometimes. To adapt whole30 felt a bit like I would only want to eat unhealthy at a certain point. A lot more than I regularly do.
I too thank you for your honesty. You tried it and now you know. I found that with the paleo way of eating, not for me. At least you have a bunch of healthy groceries now to add to your meals. That’s a plus! 🙂