Well, I really ought to call it The Whole38 because I'm going to be doing this for 38 days and not 30 days... details details. Anyhow, let me tell y'all why I decided to take on this challenge.
As many of you know, I went through a pretty tough experience in my most recent full time ministry position. Throughout my last year-ish of seminary I worked hard taking care of my whole self, including my physical self. I was in great shape, ate anything I wanted (in moderation and with the help of Weight Watchers), and felt comfortable in my body for the first time. For any woman, that's a huge statement. We're constantly critiquing ourselves and one another, and for what? Just to pack on the extra pounds of shame and self loathing for sport? Those are things I'm no longer interested in doing to others or to myself. My experience with that job was not anything out of the ordinary for so many people, I worked too much, neglected my needs as a person, ate whatever was convenient, tried to work out when I felt like it (but let's be honest, when you're stressed out and over worked and sleep deprived... when do you EVER feeeeeel like working out... NEVER), and slowly gained back everything I had worked so hard to lose (and I'm not just talking pounds, I'm talking about feeling uncomfortable in my body again, not feeling content, feeling crappy because I was eating crap, being out of shape, and so mad at myself because all of my amazingly wonderful clothes didn't fit anymore and I had become the subject of a yoga pants and t-shirt only wardrobe).
So, when a friend from work (holla Kim!) suggested trying a boxing class I listened to her experience with it and thought "maybe". A few weeks later I just so happened to be in the mood where I was totally down to try something new and outside of my comfort zone. I went to my first boxing class at Title Boxing in Lexington (which if you are in the Lexington area and haven't been, you need to check it out!). It was an amazing workout, the staff and other people taking the class were unbelievably friendly and were super excited about it being my first time there. I left feeling strong and confident, two things I hadn't experienced in awhile. They happened to be running a special for people who wanted to join and I took the night to "sleep on it" and the next day went back for my second class, bought a pair of boxing gloves, a few extra hand wraps, and began my membership at Title Boxing.
The following week I went four times and felt on fire, I left each class drenched in sweat (which I love), but not at all feeling like I'd been hit by an 18 wheeler. I had more energy and couldn't wait to get back in the gym and go to work on those 100 pound bags! During this week I had my path crossed with a retired Navy Chaplain at work. We visited and long story made short, I gave him my information to get in contact with a current Navy Chaplain and also with a recruiter. The more I learned about what it means to be a Chaplain in the Navy, the more excited I got. It felt like so many of my gifts, things I am passionate about, and my desire to be in full time Christian ministry were all intersecting in this one place.
Like every branch of the military there are certain ranges that based on gender, height/weight, and measurements that each person must meet within. I knew I wouldn't be within the range I needed to be in, and had spoken with my recruiter about that. We set a goal of losing 20 pounds in around 45 days. I'm going back in on June 1st to be re-weighed and measured to see if I will then fit within the range I need to be in in order to move on to the next phase of my application: a four hour physical by Naval doctors and nurses.
I knew weight watchers and boxing would get me where I wanted to be, but I was looking to make a bigger commitment to myself in order to get back to taking care of my body. So, I started putting some action around the things I wanted, I quit drinking Diet Coke, and all other Coke's and drinks with lots of sugar (especially artificial) in them, I cut out a lot of the bread and sweets I was eating (like Oprah, i LOVE bread), and kept up with boxing four times a week.
A few days ago I ran across the Whole30 and loved everything it stands for and what the goal of it is.
Google it if you're interested in learning more.
I already felt great from the modifications I had already made to what I was putting in my body, and was encouraged by all of the stories I read online about people's experience with it. So, last night I went grocery shopping, which is not something I'm very good at, good thing Whole30 gives you shopping lists! I walked around and bought a good amount of food, more than usual, but wanted to give myself the freedom to spend more than usual to ensure I had a strong start.
Here's what I bought:
-2 green bell peppers
-1 red bell pepper
-2 limes
-2 avocados
-3 honey crisp apples
-1 bundle of asparagus
-1 container of blackberries
-1 container of spring lettuce mix
-2 pounds of strawberries
-1 large container of pineapple spears
-1 container of almond butter
-1 container of halved walnuts
-1 container of mixed nuts
-3 lemons
-1 bundle of cilantro
-1 container of honey dew melon
-1 container of cantaloupe
-1 small bag of baby carrots
-1 steak kabob (it included steak, mushrooms, onions, squash & zucchini)
-1/2 pound of atlantic salmon
-1 package of perrier lime flavored sparkling water
-1 package of S. Pellegrino
-1 package of spindrift natural seltzer water with real raspberry and lime juice
I spend $104.01
Like I said, I doubt I'll spend this much again, and I know eating well is more expensive, but I wanted to give myself the wiggle room to figure out what eating will look like while doing the Whole30.
So, today is the end of Day 1 and so far, I'm feeling pretty confident. I'll be honest and say that there were a few times I wish I could have eaten a pancake at work, but I reminded myself that meeting the requirements for the Navy so I can give myself the best shot at an amazing career, taking care of my body, finding out how some of the foods I had been eating negatively effect my mood, skin, emotions, thoughts, weight, etc... was way more important that the fleeting moment of shoving a pancake down my throat.
Curious about what I ate today?
For breakfast I had two eggs cooked with clarified butter and added in bell peppers, spinach, and alfalfa sprouts. NEVER, I repeat, NEVER, put alfalfa sprouts in your eggs people. It. Will. Taste. Like. Grass.
I made myself eat the grass eggs because I felt horrible for throwing out perfectly good food.
I also had a cup of fresh fruit.
For lunch I had a honey crisp apple with lots of almond butter (freaking fantastic!), several handfuls of mixed nuts and a few walnuts.
I went to boxing class from 430-530p.m. after I got off of work.
And for dinner I cooked the steak kabob and had some blackberries, cantaloupe, honey dew melon, and half of an avocado.
I feel full, strong, and content tonight.
Here's hoping for an even greater Day #2.
