Whole30 Round 2 - Results are in....

Well yesterday completed my second round of Whole30, I can't believe I made it through another round.  This time around was so much easier to me than the first round and I will admit I was a little nervous as I had read many posts from people that said the second time around is much harder than the first.  I think because I was so focused on stepping up my workouts that I was actually pretty excited to see how this round would go.  Since dealing with my planters fasciitis from my race back in April I took most of May off to get it healed and started slowly getting back into running, by the end of May I was given the green light to go back and start running like normal so I thought it was the perfect time to go back on Whole30.  I really wanted to put my good eating habits along with working out to the test and see what kind of results I would get this time around.  My goal for this time was to do 30 workouts, I didn't have to do one workout each day although that would have been great but I didn't want to over do it and cause my self to stress out so some day's I did double workouts to help with the day's I missed.  I used a different journal that I found at Target (www.getfitbook.com) I had bought it a while ago used it here and there when I was on Paleo but thought it would be perfect to use this second round.  The book has space to set daily goals for personal and fitness, an area to journal which I used to log and tract my meals and then a section for your daily workouts and overall mood.  It was perfect for what I was doing and allowed me to still track my daily progression.  I would do it every morning with my cup of coffee and that would help me get through the day as I had to keep my self accountable.  The front of my book states "No Goal was met without a little sweat" which is perfect for me as I love to sweat it out during my workouts.  After my full 30 day's I managed to get in 22 workouts which I'm so proud of considering I had food poisoning one day, several BBQ's, Memorial Day and Father's day during the last four weeks.  I really got back into swimming, cycling and weight training this past month and absolutely loved it.  I slowly got back into my running too but the other cross training really helped as I'm still recovering from my planters fasciitis which can be a rather long process to fully heal.  

I did prepare my weekly food menu's each week which really helped keep me on track, but I did eat a lot of the same things as I had a very busy last few weeks and didn't have too much time to cook, so I would make lots of chicken for at least 3 or 4 day's and use that for salads, snacks and quick easy dinners.  I was very happy with making it through all the BBQ's we attended and hosted, I would make marinated chicken thighs with Whole30 approved marinade along with mixed green salads with lots of veggies and a big fruit bowl.  That meal was my saving grace for sure and it became very popular with all the events we attended.  The hardest part for me was the alcohol as summer time is here and as much as I love my water, I was so ready for a nice refreshing adult beverage by the pool but I had to wait and count down my days, the nice part is that all my friends were so supportive of me for not cheating or slipping as I was very tempted for sure.  I hung in there and did what I needed to do to get through and the best part is I woke up with no hang overs or dehydrated like many others.  I'm not a huge drinker at all but for some reason I was really craving a summer drink especially by the pool.  I did eat a little more on the day's I worked out as I needed more food, I was starving after most of my workouts but I made sure they were all Whole30 compliment snacks and even got into drinking coconut water with unsweetened passion tea as "natural" electrolytes to help replenish all the sweat coming out of my body during workouts.  I made it through the whole month without any cheats or slips and I'm very proud of my self.  I have learned a lot again through this second journey and because I didn't have too much sugar while doing Paleo I didn't have the same sugar detox like I did the first round which was life saving for me.  It has taught me how much sugar is a drug and how addicting it really is, I realized I didn't miss it and either did my body.  As I transition from my second round back into "normal" life I have decided I want to continue following the Paleo Lifestyle as that has worked the best for me and I love how flexible it is.  I will be bring Maple Syrup, Honey and Coconut Palm Sugar back into my eating plan it wont be everyday but I want to be able to use it when and if I need it.   I'm still going to cut out dairy, legumes, grains, and processed foods.  I'm also going to be very careful with what sugars I'm in taking and how much as I will need "natural" sugars during my long training workouts.  

Okay I have talked enough about my workouts and nutrition now it's time to get into my overall results which I'm so excited to share.  Since I wasn't sure how this round would go I didn't have very high expectations with my results especially that I was disappointed with my first round results but I made sure to take measurements this time around. Unfortunately I didn't do measurements the first round which was a huge bummer so I didn't want to make the same mistake this time.  I took my beginning weight, chest, arms, waist, hips and thigh measurements and of course before pictures, I did the same yesterday after my program was complete.  Here is a picture of my measurement tracker that I used

I had a total weight lose of 7 lbs this round which was two pounds more than I had my first round, I also lost a total of 9 inches all over my whole body which is amazing.  In looking at my numbers I noticed that I had lost inches in my arms, waist, hips and thighs, my chest remained the same which was totally fine.  Weight training I think really helped with that, along with swimming and the extra cardio I got it.  I am extremely happy with my overall results, since starting my weight loss journey I started at a weight of 230 lbs and now down to 203 lbs, 27 lbs down with lots of inches gone.  I started my first Whole30 journey in March and have not looked back since, doing this second round has really boosted my confidence and showed me how hard work and dedication can really pay off.  I still have a long way to go but I'm on such a high right now that I need to ride this and keep going in the right direction.  Here are pictures of my before and after for round two and then here are pictures of me from when I was my heaviest to today.  Wow what a difference in my face and whole body, I'm so proud of what I have accomplished so far and can't wait for this journey to continue.  

Thank you to all those who have followed me on Facebook, Instagram and my blog and who has cheered me on along the way.  I have been very lucky to have such a supportive family and group of friends to help me through this crazy journey, I could not have gotten through it without all of you.  I really want to put a special shout out to my wonderful and amazing husband who has been by my side the whole way.  He has kept me in check and focused but also very supportive with my workouts and daily nutritional choices.  He is my rock and someone I look up too, he pushes me out of my comfort zone to be a better person for our family.  I'm a very lucky women to have such an amazing family who is my side each and every day!  Until my next round which I'm hoping will be in the fall, please continue to read my blog and posts and see my up coming challenges, training schedules and races that I have coming up in the next few months as this is my journey worth sharing!

WHOLE30 ROUND 2 COMPLETE!

I'M A WHOLE30ER ONCE AGAIN!!!

Whole30 Round 2 Week 2 - Daily Journal

Wednesday 5/30/18 - Day 8 
Day 8 is here and I’m going strong so far I have done 8 workouts in 8 days...yay...go me!  It’s not easy but I’m doing my best to fit them in as much as possible.  Today was hot and muggy out but I knew I had to get my run in this morning or it wasn’t going to get done today.  I dropped the girls off at school came home and out the door I went, my goal was do about 45 to 50 mins for 3.5 to 4 miles well that didn’t happen as I was dead exhausted just over a mile in my run, my legs were killing me from yesterdays workout and I could not get my breathing down at all.  What was suppose to be a run turned into a walk/jog workout and although it wasn’t fun I did my best to push my self and complete at least 3 miles which I did.  I was sad I didn’t reach my original goal but I was happy to be done and at least got in the miles I did.  I know not every workout is going to great and that’s what training and working out is all about, the up and down struggles of trying to get my self healthy it’s all part of the process and journey.  This time I didn’t cry and get down on my self instead I gave my self a pat on the back and congratulated myself of getting it done no matter how hot and humid it was.  As my husband tells me “It will only make you stronger.”

Non-Scale Victories

1. Not being as sore as I though I would be from yesterday’s workout.
2. Getting my run in even through I was tired and hot.
3. Getting laundry done as I was behind...that’s always important!

Thursday 5/31/18 - Day 9
Woke up feeling okay this morning and was excited for a new day I was pumped and ready to hit the pool for my swim but after eating breakfast I had really bad stomach pains which was so weird.  I didn’t eat anything different as I have been pretty consistent with my food but even after using the bathroom several times I could not get this thing out of my system and it hung me up for the whole day.  My mid morning it was still bothering me and I was afraid to go swimming at that point in case I needed to use the bathroom I wanted to be close by.  I ended up drinking lots of water and was very careful what I ate for the rest of the day, I didn’t want to make it worse or trigger it again.  That definitely put a damper on my whole day so I decided to take today as my rest day and just take it easy, I was bummed I couldn’t workout but I also knew it was the right thing to do and not to push my self in case I really needed to the bathroom.  So it was a very low key day with lots of rest and fluids most of the day.  I was able to eat later on in the afternoon and my stomach seemed to be okay still making funny sounds but nothing else came out.  I’m hoping to feeling better tomorrow and start off right with a new day.

Non-Scale Victories

1. Ready for the weekend!
2. Didn’t let this strange day throw me off, just rested with fluids.
3. Not everyday will go as planned but learning not to stress my self out about it.  Just need to make modifications and adjustments to my schedule.

Friday 6/1/18 - Day 10

I can't believe I'm 10 day's in already on my second round, this time around feels like it's flying.  I guess keeping busy daily really helps, the best part is that it's a new month which means it's time to set new goals for June.  I started off with a swim at the pool reaching my first longest meters of 2225 since training for my Half Ironman and what a great feeling it was, my goal was to only swim for about 30 to 40 mins but once I got close to the 40 min mark and saw my total meters I decided to keep going as I was feeling good.  I was so proud of my self for pushing my self and not giving up, since I felt good I didn’t want to stop and I figured if I could make it to an hour that was huge for me. That was the only workout I got in but I have to say it wiped me out after that, swimming does that to me so it was no surprise I wanted to nap after I was done..lol.  I was put to the test again tonight as we went over to a friends house for a birthday party and once again I was tempted with lots of yummy none Whole30 foods along with summer adult beverages by the pool, I didn’t cheat or slip at all I stuck with my raw veggies, marinated W30 compliant grilled chicken, mixed green salad and fresh fruit which was amazing by the way and of course drinking my water all evening.  That was not easy by any means normally food bothers me more than having a drink as I’m a none drinker normally but the sound of a nice cold beverage by the pool other than water sounded pretty amazing to say the least.  I kept telling my friends I couldn’t drink I had 20 more day’s to go...gosh that sounded like a lot of time still.  These tests are hard but this is what makes my will power stronger, the best part is I won’t wake up dehydrated or hung over and that is a good feeling.

Non-Scale Vicotries

1. Very tired after a long day and long night staying up late, so I’m happy to pass out and sleep.
2. A new day, a new month, ready for new goals.
3. Awesome swim workout at the gym new personal record in over 2 years!

Saturday 6/2/18 - Day 11

Had a late night at a friends house so woke up feeling tired and sluggish today.  It was a pretty chill day as we just ran a few errands, took my little one to a birthday party earlier this morning and then watched the hockey game later that night.  It was a very hot day, I did not want to be outside after sweating it out at the splash pad for the birthday party.  I wanted to be in a cool air conditioned place which ended up being Costco...hahaha.  The family and I had a return something and then pick up a few things for the house and pool, the only down fall is that I hate going to Costco on the weekends it's so busy and crowded I rather shop during the week when everyone is at work and the lines aren't down the aisles.  I was ready to leave when we did as I was going crazy, then my husband decided to stop at Wendy's on the way home to get the kids ice cream, he asked if he could have one as well how could I say no but I will be honest it was really hard to have everyone eating it around me.  I stuck to my guns no licks or cheats at all.  I knew I was having my famous Buffalo Wings later and that was worth it way more than ice cream as it had no sugar in the recipe.  No workout for me today as the day got away I'm okay with that as rest day's are valuable too.  Tomorrow I will need to get in a workout and hopefully kill it!

Non-Scale Victories

1. My family who I love with all my heart.
2. Staying tough by not having any ice cream.
3. Having fun eating W30 wings and watching the Stanley Cup Finals hockey game.

Sunday 6/3/18 - Day 12

Perfect Sunday morning to sleep in, my husband is so wonderful to allowing me to rest and get some extra morning sleep.  After getting up and enjoying part of my cup of coffee my husband got home from his run and told me it was the perfect overcast morning for a run and encouragement me to go and get my workout done.  I wasn't sure as tomorrow is suppose to be my run day but why put it off I would just need to change my workout for tomorrow and since I'm not actually training yet for a race I was flexible in doing that.  I went and got dressed and out the door I went, my run started off great I felt awesome and the weather was really nice at that point.  I through my first mile looked down at my watch and saw my pace of 11:10 which I have not done in a long time, I couldn't believe it I was so happy.  The sun came out just over 2.5 miles but that good part was that I was almost done and was still hanging on to a good pace, I only ran 3 miles but it was one of the best runs I have had since training for my half Ironman a few years ago.  I completed my 3 miles in 35 mins averaging 11:45 pace...under 12 min mile is a huge victory for me.  This really showed me that this time around on my Whole30 journey was really helping with my workouts and speed, I haven't done speed work this round but I shows that I should be doing it and really pushing my self. I was extremely happy with my overall results from today's run and so glad I didn't wait to do it tomorrow.  After my awesome run I made a nice breakfast for the family and we all ate the by pool and enjoyed the nice summer breeze and cooler weather it was wonderful.  I really enjoy these kind of mornings with my family!  Had an okay nutritional day as I was pressed for time again today, I didn't eat as much as I should but I made sure I had a few extra snacks stayed away from the food I couldn't eat and make good choices with the foods I could eat.  Even having friends over again I didn't have any adult beverages and ate healthy, this is all still a learning process and every meal is a choice, I choose what I put in my body and how it makes me feel.

Non-Scale Victories

1. Had a killer morning run under 12 min miles is a big milestone for me.
2. Not being lazy and getting my workout in even though it was not my day to run.
3. Having a breakfast by the pool with my family was very special and meaningful. 

Monday 6/4/18 - Day 13 

It was a late night last night with having friends over but we had so much fun so today I'm definitely dragging, it's going to be a very long day for sure.  Woke up to a nice rainy morning which makes it even worse as I wish I could be home all day cuddled up on the couch with coffee and my fur baby Kona but that was not the case as my older one had her 4th grade end of the year school party so I had to have a quick breakfast and coffee and then picked up my friend and we headed to the party as it was at an indoor skating rink.  My poor baby was still fighting a cold or allergies as she was so congested but I have to say she was a trooper and really wanted to participate and be apart of all the activities.  The party was for about 3 hours but we only stayed for half of it as I really wanted her to enjoy the time with her classmates and friends.  I just wanted to go and hang out for a little bit to say hi and enjoy some one on one time with her.  It was nice to carpool with another mom as we got to catch up and have some mom time as well.  After I got home I had a quick lunch and then I was suppose to go over to a friends house to workout but I was so tired that I ended up passing out by accident on the couch and by the time I woke up my girls were home from school, that means I did not get a workout in today but I was okay with that as it was a very very long day.  I did have some awesome meals today, really enjoyed dinner as it was a new recipe and it was very tasty.

Non-Scale Victories

1. Spending time with Lindsey at her end of the school party.
2. Being able to take a nap after being very tired today.
3. Waking up to a nice rainy day. 

Tuesday 6/5/18 - Day 14

Yay...it's that time of year again to get my year physical again.  Woke up this morning and was not able to have any coffee or breakfast as I had to fast for my blood work after my doctors appointment.  I was excited to see how I did compared to last year and I'm even more excited to see my numbers after my blood is taken.  I have worked really hard these past few months and I'm hoping my overall physical will show that.  My doctor was very proud to see I had lost 20 lbs since last year and my over all body checked out to be normal and healthy.  She couldn't believe all the changes I had made in just 3 months, she told me to keep up the great work and to continue staying on this path as it was working for me.  That's always a nice feeling when someone who hasn't seen you in a while can see the changes and then to have numbers back you up is even more amazing.  After my appointment I headed over to the lab to get my blood taken and now I have to wait about a week or so to get those results in, so I will be anxiously waiting for those results so I can compare my numbers from last year.  I was able to get in a bike ride on my indoor training this afternoon before the kids got home from school, I rode for 46 mins and completed 10 miles another daily goal achieved!  My food was today stayed on track with a few extra snacks as I was hungry but they were compliant to the W30 program.

Non-Scale Victory

1. Getting my physical done today!
2. Squeezing my workout in
3. Making great food choices 

WHOLE30 ROUND 2 WEEK 2 COMPLETED!!!