I'm going for it.

At the beginning of this month, I mentioned that D and I wanted to kickstart some better health after our California road trip.  We went for it, and started the Whole 30 on July 5.  Basically, we cut out all the fun stuff...alcohol, sugar, grains, dairy, and legumes.  We're on day 12 as of today.  Here is a lot of what we've been eating:

 [Our last pack of venison with homemade spaghetti sauce, zucchini, over spaghetti squash with steamed broccoli]

 [Breakfast finger foods :: farmers market cucumber, tomatoes, & peach + boiled eggs + homemade creamy avocado dressing]

[Kale, radish, cucumber, tomato, & avocado salad topped with homemade tuna salad made with homemade mayo]

Did you read all those "homemades?"  Yeah, the Whole 30 has required more prep, cooking, and dishes than I feel like I've ever done in even an entire month.  Luckily, my new job is located less than a mile from Whole Foods, and I pass it every day.  Not so luckily, I've stopped there all but one day after work last week.  It seems like we're flying through food (or not buying enough...but it's certainly costing enough?).  I was worried that the heavy focus on meat would be difficult for me.  Truth?  I am eating tons and tons of eggs, but I definitely need to get fish in a bit more.  D did make some kick ass talapia tacos with lettuce "shells!"

What I do like?  I've visited the farmers market two weekends in a row (and am hoping to make that a tradition).  I'm also loving fresh summer fruits: watermelon, cantaloupe, and peaches.  I feel like I am getting more of a "taste" for vegetables that I normally would not eat.

In combination with Whole 30 and starting my new job (which I had such a great first week!), I've also rededicated myself to fitness.  With my new hours, I've gotten back into the gym routine by going in the mornings three days a week.  I've been loving it!  Two days I run; one day I yoga.  I like to save my Mondays and Fridays for enjoying my coffee, making breakfast at home, and reading blogs before work.

Gymming in the am has added an additional complication to Whole 30.  My nights involve cooking dinner as well as a pre-work out meal, post-work out breakfast, and lunch for the following day.  While Whole 30 does not recommend smoothies, I do not feel I have much of an option.  

[May favorite combination :: mango, carrot, pumpkin, spinach & coconut milk]

Instead of loading smoothies with fruit (too much sugar at once), I try to include only about 1 cup worth of fruit and load the rest with veggies.  "Carby" veggies are recommended post work out, so I included pumpkin last week (I had a can in our pantry).  This week I boiled up some sweet potatoes to include this week.  

So how do I feel?  Honestly not too different.  I feel like I've been sleeping really hard.  I'm not dreaming of bread and cheese either.  I'm actually enjoying this new way of eating (even though I am eating a lot of the same...but I've never much minded that).  When I really think about it, I do miss black beans and rice.  I'm still looking forward to seeing what other changes the next 18 days will bring.

Oh and, I do really want a beer though.