“New Year, New Me!” blah blah blah…
I don’t really believe that above quote, because people don’t change overnight, but I do think it’s time for a little cleanse. Back in June I blogged of my experience testing Whole 30 with some lovely peeps from my gym and here I am again.
Yep, here comes another challenge of me laying off: the booze, the sugar, the processed foods, legumes, dairy and grains. Sounds pretty terrible, right?
I weighed myself a few weeks ago and yikes!! Twelve pounds up since August. (And oddly enough the same weight I was in December 2015, haha, oh the holidays). I keep track by writing it down in my phone here and there but I wouldn’t say that’s obsessive. (Do you?)
After my vacation (PS have you read my blog on packing, it is pretty awesome)-which was 3wks of on the go food, only walking and lots of wine (Sep), then there was Halloween, then I moved myself, then Thanksgiving and then hit December-just like that. Time flies. I went to an event or party in December almost daily and barely found time to workout as well (ahem not terribly motivated when cold outside or too busy). And naturally topped off December with NYE–a partying weekend in Miami wishing I had worked out more the month prior.
{Above: Barbie and I thoroughly enjoying our Euro vacation (these are from Florence). Wine, gelato, wine and Italian food were the main ingredients oh and wine, did I mention wine?}
So now, it is that time again. I can’t think of a better month than January. And, naturally I will be blogging daily to hold myself accountable (but also show you that if I can do it, so can you). This month will most likely be Whole 27 for me. As I leave for Mexico in the beginning of February for my lovely sister’s wedding (also another motivation for me to de-bloat and trim down for a beach wedding).
Jan 3 Day 1:
Went to HEB. Stocked up on items using this helpful list. Came home, grabbed a garbage back and tossed everything not W30 approps. Then I took all my booze and dumped it down the drain. JUST KIDDING! I am not crazy. I put it in a box and hid it from myself. I pinned a few recipes on Pinterest too (my Whole 30 Board here). I didn’t eat much yesterday due to lack of creativity and being busy but I did meal prep. I totally need to drink more water, I am still dehydrated from traveling and every time I sit up in bed or move too quickly I get dizzy. That can’t be good.
Meal prep: cut up veggies and fruits ready to go. And made a pork loin in crockpot as well as spaghetti squash ready to go.
Jan 4 Day 2:
Breakfast: Kicked off the AM with some of the pulled pork and spinach scrambled and two over-medium eggs on top. Trying to chug some water when I think of it. Also had some fruit as a snack while I worked.
Fruit for a snack, a Lara bar, some plantain chips and guac was kind of my lunch. An apple before dodgeball
Workout: Soul Cycle (it was a scorcher!) then a dodgeball game
Dinner: Two eggs (yes this is a W30 staple) the rest of my avocado from yesterday and some bacon.
(Been snapping my Whole 30 adventures with a few others, and I think it helps).
Feels: Dehydrated still, trying to drink more water and sleepy. I read about what I need to be eating pre and post workout–and that needs to improve fo sho. At times I often run errands after working out when I need to be refueling-protein, little fat and dense veggies. Same goes for pre-workout-eating 15-75min before and protein and a little fat. Where I go wrong: grabbing fruit (let’s face it, it is tasty and easy).
Jan 5 Day 3:
I woke up kind of late today. (I am too embarrassed to say how late, honestly. Working from home is nice and I didn’t set an alarm). Pulled pork, spinach and a few cherry tomatoes in an omelette for breakfast. Chugged a glass of water.
Snacked on some berries again I had prepped and of course my go to guac and plantain chips as I worked. Rushed off to show a house, caught up in traffic, skipped the gym and decided to hit up Whole Foods for some recipes.
Hosted a few friends and made this delish pizza bake from PaleOMG, snacked on sweet potatoes while cooking (in usual fashion). Prepped a dish for my W30 Potluck tomorrow too. Caught up with some of my closest friends so tonight was a success and I don’t feel guilty about skipping a workout.
Jan 6 Day 4 of Whole 30:
This AM I woke up to make myself breakfast and knock out a little cleaning before my air bnb guest checked in. Yep, you guessed it: bacon and eggs and a little bit of avocado (most of it was brown dangit). So disappointing. I say it now, but I may change my mind, but I can’t get tired of bacon and eggs!
Snack at the office: bell peppers and an apple.
Lunch: leftover from the pizza bake last night.
Dinner: I hosted a whole 30 potluck. Success! We had guac x2, dump ranch (pretty amazing considering it is “clean”), veggie tray, bacon wrapped chicken, buffalo cauliflower bites, zucchini noodle avocado salad, chicken meatballs, buffalo chicken chili (my contribution, little spicy but when it is 30 degrees out, it was perfect). Brussel sprouts, plantain chips of course and to feel fancy I bought this flavored la criox and mixed with coconut water and drank them out of wine glasses 
So filling. After everyone left, because I ALWAYS want sweet after I eat, I had a Lara bar-here’s a list of the compliant bars in case you don’t want to read the labels (but they’r literally 2-5 ingredients).
(My dish for the potluck dinner, bit spicy but awesome-PaleOmg.com)
Saturday Jan 7 Day 5:
Despite the thermometer reading 23 degrees out, I went to Crossfit and did the AM workout. Ran 2 errands and then came home and had the usual-bacon, eggs and half a small avocado. Goal: eat sooner after I work out, but working on it.
Feels so far: I keep having dizzy spells. Could be dehydration, but it occurs by sitting up to fast usually or quick movement. I nearly fell over the other day and Molly looked at me like I was crazy.
Cedar fever and cold weather not helping motivation level, it’s snuggle in bed weather fo sho….but plowing through regardless. Motivation: 2.4.17 wedding in Mexico…and my health of course.
Snacking: berries, melon as I prepped my favorite Whole30 soup-Tom Kha (and I am NOT a soup person, but hey it’s 30 degrees here in Tx). I am still bored and have time to kill AND just started West World (PS having your kitchen open/facing TV now makes such a difference!)
Dinner: Made fried cauliflower fried rice with shrimp (confession I added peas…just a little, I already had some in the freezer, I am such a cheater ya’ll), then went bowling with friends (also doing Dryuary-get it dry as in sober + January?!, so that wasn’t too bad!) Packed a Lara bar and bell peppers in my bag for a snack….watched chubby kids eat cake and ice cream around me at a birthday party and was quite jealous.
My tom kha soup was ready when I got home-I spooned it into dishes for the week. Went to bed a little past midnight.
Sunday Jan 8 Day 6:
I swear, the most interesting thing about Whole 30 is I still wake up groggy and feeling slightly hungover, maybe that’s just how I am in the mornings no matter what??
Breakfast: With leftover cauliflower rice I made cauliflower cakes and did a fried egg on top with bacon and half an avocado (nope, still not tired).
I also experimented and did a paleo pancake (banana+egg) for a little something sweet. Molly has been super lucky to get a little here and there while on Whole 30, egg whites mainly.
My cauliflower rice needs work. I should have used a grater and not a food processor, the consistency would have been better, good thing I have 20 something days to perfect it.
Off to show houses, packing snacks and my gym clothes. It is going to be a productive Sunday!
(picking this up where I left off, showed homes from about 12-5ish)
Hit a very short workout at gym (new gym has stupid hours on Sunday). So completed stair master for 20min. big whoop, but better than nothing I guess.
Came home to eat. I was feeling pretty weak this evening. Unsure why-but ravenous. I ate some leftover stir fry. Leftover tom kha soup. Snacked on plantain chips aaaaaand guac. Then I had some bare apple chips, love those things. what else? I got sweet potatoes in the oven now and all I want is a glass of wine, something good on Netflix. BUT…BUT…I will finish typing this blog, do some work, and hopefully get to sleep a little early tonight to get a good start on the week.
Midnight Confession: I found a Whole Foods 365 brand vanilla bean ice cream in my freezer from like a month ago with four bites left. Ok, five, it was five. And I ate it (I did add a few strawberries, does that make it better?) I had to get rid of it–so instead of trashing it, I ate it. Why am I so weak?! Quitting sugar cold turkey is hard. Forgive me.
Monday Jan 9 Day 7:
Woke up and didn’t eat, had to run to my AM meeting. But right after that I had some leftovers (duh) soup, “fried rice” and then on my way to show properties I had some roasted sweet potatoes and a Lara Bar.
I ended up showing for a long time. So what do you do when you are in Cedar Park and your stomach is about to eat itself and you want to cave sooo bad? I had a banana and some almonds from the Valero gas station, fun huh?
Worked out with friends, did the Sauna. Pit stop at Whole Foods, nearly passed out-I NEED more water, why do I do this to myself? (Also, I keep meaning to put total what I spend on groceries). I am still determined I spend less than if I were going out to eat and socializing and drinking, but the bill adds up as you walk around and grab a few more Lara Bars ($1.29 ea at whole foods), an onion for this recipe, some snacks to hold you over, and of course pre-cut fruit when you are on the go at WF is also $8.00. Ugh.
You know those cool videos on Facebook that make cooking look easy? Well that’s what I attempted today-and it was actually really easy and tasty from Goodful, recipe HERE. At the same time I cleared out some stuff in the fridge and did the spaghetti bake for this week’s meals among the other leftovers.
I also decided to start marinating my brussel sprouts in this Tessemae’s balsamic, for maybe something I cook up tonight-will let you know how it goes. If you haven’t tried this line, I hear it is good stuff, but I will let you know.
Tuesday Jan 10 Day 8:
That’s it? It’s only been 8 days?! For some reason I feel weaker on this challenge than my first go round….or maybe I just can’t recall the bad and only remember the good (like when you think of a past ex when you’re sad, right?)
Breakfast: Confession, didn’t eat one, was running late, grabbed a bag of carrots I had in fridge in ziplock.
“Failure to plan. Plan to fail.” That quote comes to mind today as I had a meeting, then worked from office after running errands. Ugh I want cheeseballs (there’s always a huge tub in our office kitchen). I want popcorn. I want ANYTHING bc I am hungry.
But I do this thing where I get in the zone and just keep working. Left office at 3pm.
Snack: Found some almonds in my car from yesterday-finished those.
Late Lunch: My leftover spaghetti bake I made last night for the next few days.
Dinner: After showing houses and yoga, yes I did yoga. What the hell is happening to me, right? I had leftover spaghetti again, on top of baby arugula for some greens and a coconut cream pie Lara bar for “dessert.” I also snacked on berries for about 5min with the fridge door open deciding what to eat. And now I am back on the blog and laptop and back to work for a busy day manana (Which I plan on prepping for tonight so I don’t eat my arm. Is my arm whole 30 approved? I think so).
Feels: My current feels/mood…hmm I bought some new pots for the kitchen, because I am a f’n paleo chef now and should have my own blog. Kidding of course. I have been cooking quite a bit but still looking forward to when I am done with Whole 30. Lifts up shirt in bathroom mirror and ask myself “did I lose 10lbs yet?” I feel like I should come up with some tasty salad creations, I am craving more “fresh and cold and crunchy” than these casseroles I keep making. Maybe that’s the weather going from 30 to 70. Who knows. This blog is like every man’s worst nightmare: What a female ate daily and her random inner thoughts.
Wednesday Jan 11 W30 day 9:
Happy Birthday Bethany! (in case you are reading)
Breakfast: At home-bacon strips (too crispy dangit), 2 eggs, and an avocado. Mmm.
Lunch: Kombucha, salad bar from whole foods with roasted turkey and a lara bar to top it off.
Then I took some potential clients to lunch. They hadn’t eaten yet and ya’ll….
I, Ashley Brinkman took them to Torture Tacos.. I mean Torchy’s but it was a bit of Torture. I sat there and watched them eat chips and queso as we discussed houses and hoods. They also had the baja, the trailer park, the wrangler (trashy style) and fried avocado, tried them all and shared. I sat there. And commented on the salsas. They also had a margarita and a beer….mmm margarita.
Showed homes until about 7:30pm where I came home and ate everything in site (leftover spaghetti bake, leftover tom kha, berries, and plantain chips), then ran to dodgeball (not literally).
(the things I find in pantries when showing houses).
Post dodgeball I was near an HEB and decided I need prosciutto for some egg cups I am going to make soon. Oh I also want to make this frittata some time soon!
Wanted cake. Had a banana. Success!
Told myself I would be in bed by 11pm.
It’s midnight now.
And tomorrow I have another full day…here we go. Keep you posted on if I cave, but the sugar craving has been very strong. You don’t realize how much temptation is out there and readily available until you tell yourself you can’t have it (don’t need it and “don’t blow it now Ashley”) Night night!
Thursday Jan 12 Whole 30 day 10:
Breakfast: made egg cups this am, had a few of those as I got my stuff ready for appts.
During day: Had an appt, packed snacks. Made a pit stop and bought a Kombucha (the GT’s brand is really tasty and doesn’t have any added sugar, satisfies my sweet tooth a bit and fills me up because it is fizzy) had some fruit, a Lara bar and almonds to hold me over a bit.
Later I wrapped up appts, went for a quick jog and then got ready for an event. I hadn’t really eaten much but snack food.
Dinner: Food at the party was actually really good, I made myself two plates of veggies, they had beets, cauliflower, asparagus, Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes, all roasted and cold, but I thought it was great. I had topo chico with lime (made them serve it like I was drinking vodka sodas hehe) and they also had some salmon and these delicious avocado cups with fish and a pico like salsa served in it. Can’t complain! I ate a few strawberries off the dessert bar and resisted dessert!
Later at home: I heated up the rest of the chicken chili I had from a few days ago (my dietician bestie would not approve of how long it was in the fridge) added avocado (half of a small one) and a few plantain chips. A little late to be eating, but I don’t really care. It was a good night and I stuck to my plan so I am proud of myself.
Feels: Today was good, despite not eating too much, my snacks held me over. Bloating less. weighed in, scale said 4lbs down…but I know they are just numbers on a scale, that can change over night…still was nice to read. Still getting dizzy-ish if I get up to fast, flip my hair over when blow drying etc. What the hell is wrong with me?!
Friday Jan 13, Day 11 Whole 30:
Let’s see, my day started with a phone call that went like “Oh did you not see my last email I wanted to meet at 10, not 10:30” and me scrambling to get down south on time. So, I grabbed an apple.
Breakfast: Apple.
Had another appt after that (long story short, after a wal mart trip for keys to get made I was famished and bought a banana and more water there, then rushed to my 1:30.
So, around 2ish when I got home, all I had was an apple and a banana and maybe a Lara bar from my console I had handy.
Late Lunch: heated up the last of some leftovers, then went mountain biking! (first time solo, was pretty proud of myself as I am a newb).
Side note: Allergies are kickin’ my A$$…I am miserable. I can breathe through my nose, however can barely see out my eyes. In fact I want to scratch out my eyeballs. Can you relate?
As I have mentioned before, at times I get going on projects and then find myself at Home Goods alone on a Friday at 7pm like “Oh, I should eat, it’s been a while and I just saw a chocolate bar in line that I could totally just cheat and eat right now.” mode.
I refrained, had a HEB trip, then Home Depot trip, then I cut some stuff for the week and made a steak and roasted those brussels sprouts I had been marinating. It was awesome. Then I organized my garage.
Overall you could classify my day as: Being a man (with the exception of the trip to Home Goods).
Fun fact: Only today did I notice that it is, in fact “Brussels sprouts not brussel sprouts” (cue the more you know shooting star) Derived from Brussels, go fig.
Saturday Jan 14, Day 12 of Whole 30:
Like the first round of Whole 30, (and overall my weaknesses in wellness) are:
- Drinking plenty of water.
- Going to bed at a reasonable time.
So in bed at 2am I went on Friday. Only to be awakened around 4am, then again 6am with the worst allergies, inability to breathe and constant sneezing. Finally at 7am I woke up to do Neti Pot and steam, more Zyrtec and Flo-nase…which ended up me just saying f it and taking a hot bath, then falling back asleep until it was time to hit the gym. Did the AM workout, then brunch!
Sidenote: I was at the gym and the wellness challenge meeting was happening, I got a recap and decided to do it. What’s another 45 days of eating Paleo and stuff?! hahahah (I’ve gone mad).
Holy shit, what am I thinking?
In all actuality, it will be good for me. If there’s one thing I think helped me achieve my goals last year, it was the accountability groups I was involved in. So perhaps journaling (this is on a point/honor system as well as results) and the accountability group/# of people from my gym involved, will be good for me! But seriously, who am I??
I did a Whole 30 brunch with a few other ladies also on Whole 30 (see, there’s that accountability again) and it was nice to bond, fill up on good stuff and chat. Thanks for hosting Whit!
(pretty little se up too, huh?)
My breakfast casserole recipe: I actually didn’t find it, I was inspired, and did my own thing. Took onion, mushrooms, artichokes in skillet with a little olive oil, then added some chopped asparagus, last spinach and cooked it all up, added some onion and garlic powder for taste. Took about 6ish eggs and egg whites and whisked those in a bowl. Placed the veggies in a casserole dish, then added the shredded prosciutto pieces, mixed it up, Added a few more slices on top, then added in the egg. Baked at 350 degrees for about 20-30min.
However, I liked this dish much better! Check it out here!
After that was a little work. Then bridal Extravagnza with a friend (and resisted so many cake and appetizer samples it wasn’t even funny). Straight to steroid shot for allergies…which lead me to passing out, having to lay down and get an ice pack and them asking me how long it had been since I ate.
My response “It’s been a while, but it’s not the lack of food, I am just a big wuss when it comes to needles.” That thing hurts too! But boy does it work, already immediately feeling better.
Dinner: I had leftover chicken from a dish the other night, I heated that up with onions and some green bell pepper and tossed that over greens with some guac I whipped up and cherry tomatoes and a few plantain chips for crunch, dash of lime. BOOM-that was my on the fly “Mexican food” dinner.
Then shower and dinner with a friend at Maudie’s. I snuck in a flavored La Croix and ate a piece of grilled Mahi from the “salad add ons” on the menu.
And here I am. Exciting Saturday night, huh folks? For some reason, even though I have more “time” from not drinking, I am still not maximizing it. That quote–“If you want to get something done, give it to a busy person.” Perhaps the more I have on my plate (including drinking on the weekends) the more I squeeze in and get done, I dunno? I am not hungover, and definitely productive… (as I glance around my room that looks like a bomb went off…hmmm…maybe productive isn’t the right word).
Feels: Aside from passing out, I am starting to feel less bloated. I STILL must drink more water. I may buy something that has the ounces listed to attempt to keep track. (any ideas?) And I gotta lay off them plantain chips-very addicting, and salty. Night night!
Sunday January 15, Whole 30 day 13.
So today was not a good day, but it wasn’t a bad day.
The good: I stayed compliant even during a one year old Fiesta themed Birthday party! Cake, dips, chips, tacos, brownies, it all looked so good, but I ate the chicken over lettuce and snacked on the carrots in guac.
The bad: I didn’t eat breakfast, then I had a meeting, then I rushed off to the Birthday party–therefore, I had a fruit cup and some nuts that I picked up from the hours of 9ish to 3pm, I know that is not good, I tell ya, I get in work mode….and I am terrible. There was some good football on today and plenty of distractions.
Later, after that I picked up the girl I volunteer with and we cooked a healthy meal at home, egg scramble for her with veggies and my go to-BE&A (bacon, eggs and avocado).
We then went to a movie. No snacks! Just water (and I had a kombucha).
Because I am also doing the wellness challenge now (started today with my gym) I get points for the things I avoid eating (ie staying paleo, no sugar, no grains etc) in addition to drinking enough water and getting at least 7hrs of sleep. This, I already know will be my struggle: water and sleep. Almost hit all my ounces, in fact I may have if you could the sparkling water I had.
I am trying to get off to bed now, so I get my seven hours of sleep. Water I am barely going to hit (but I had to go pee so many times today-so annoying!)
So still with ya Whole 30!! Somehow…still with ya.
Monday January 16 Day 14 of Whole 30. Half way-ish through! Yay!
Breakfast: apple, banana, some blackberries (I was in a training and grabbed whatever I could from fridge this AM
Lunch: Scottish Salmon from Snap Kitchen
Workout: Soul Cycle (Rachel’s class was fun, killer and Rihanna v Beyonce-so no complaints!)
Dinner after: Leftover casserole (one with veggies, eggs and prosciutto) and some egg cups and WATER! Ample water. Getting some work done and trying to head to bed to get enough sleep, another packed day tomorrow.
Meal prep tonight: Super easy pork carnitas. Just bought a few spices after workout to rub on pork and left in crockpot with lots of lime juice, also bought some romaine lettuce leaves to wrap like a taco with tomatoes and avocados and maybe mango (I might make a salsa) keep ya posted.
Tuesday Jan 17, Whole 30 Day 15
Haaaalffff waaayyyy theeeeerrrree!!!
For a funny take on Whole30 you can read this guy here.
Today’s Brekky: Bacon, eggs, half an avocado (late for meeting at office, per usual)
Lunch: light salad at whole foods, with a few strawberries and a kombucha.
Trying to get my 1pt for drinking enough ounces of water and nearly peed my pants 3x today. It’s rough when you ride in dirty Austin traffic, folks.
Showed a bunch of homes, then hit the gym around 6:30pm. The dizzy/light headed feels came on again while working today and post workout. I hear it is because I am not snacking enough and going too long between meals. (I really think it’s because my body could use a piece of cake).
But it’s TACO TUESDAY! I am so pleased with my dinner–last night’s pork came out awesome.
Shredded pork carnitas lettuce wraps, topped with a dash of plantain chips, avocado and diced tomato. So tasty. So fresh, I really enjoyed it and the pork wasn’t as spicy as I thought it was going to be! Winning. That’s all I got today folks.
Must get my 1pt for 7hrs of sleep, I can do this! Night night.
January 18, Whole 30 day 16!
I got enough sleep-just enough (and I keep peeing in the middle of the night dammit).
Brekkie: Leftover pulled pork and spinach with a fried egg on top.
Showed houses, came home and worked some more and kept really busy so honestly lunch went a little like this.
Lunch: a handful of pecans, some cantelope, some berries, and can’t really think of anything else.
Then Soul Cycle (90’s hip hop class, what what?!) Followed by dodgeball.
Dinner: Bacon, eggs and avocado. And I made a spaghetti bake for the week. As I cooked (bc I was starving) I snacked on pomegranate seeds, berries and a few pecans.
January 19, 2017, Whole 30 day 17…
Breakfast: Half an avocado, 2 pcs bacon, 2 sunny side up eggs (I know, I know—how do I keep eating this? I am not sure, but the yolk with the piece of bacon with a little avocado on top is my jam ya’ll, so good).
Lunch: Went to celebrate a wedding dress purchase (not mine, duh) and catch up with friends lunch. Had the Allandale at Cover 3-with no cheese, no candied pecans and no dressing. To be honest it was tasty and I am still full (4pm as I write this). Was my chicken organic? Probably not, but I am not going to split hairs-that was impressive for me to eat a dry salad.
Gym today: I did the “wellness challenge” and our benchmark workout.
So 50 box jumps (which took me way too long) 2:48. And 7 minutes of burpees. Aka hell (which I also wasn’t too impressed with myself) I got 82, was shooting for 90. But this will be good to see how I do at the end of the challenge and if any improvement.
I then did yard work, which I count as a light workout (and FINALLY took down my front Christmas lights).
Dinner: Leftover spaghetti bake. I then ran to the store because I was feeling inspired (and had to make a return at Target anyway ha) to try Coach Kelly of Eat the gain’s chicken tender recipe. I will let you know how it turns out.
It’s Fridaaaaayyy also Inauguration Day and most importantly-my dog’s 2nd Birthday.
Breakfast: An apple, some pomegranate seeds on the way out the door. Took #goodGollyMissMollyMaltipoo to the fantastic groomers and doggy day care, ran some errands, worked some at Whole foods…this was my semi
Lunch: From the salad bars (honestly at Whole Foods there isn’t much bc their salad bar is loaded with carbs, grains or sauces with sugar. So I had turkey cubed, some blueberries, and a hard boiled egg. Not the most wonderful lunch I had, but did the trick after my small breakfast.
Worked at the East Austin office a bit, then headed home in fantastic rush hour (starving).
Tonight I hosted friends for dinner. Friends who are trying to eat healthy and they loved the spaghetti bake from PaleOMG! Yay! I also made the chicken tenders from Eat the Grains, and I put some chicken in the crockpot for later this week (Got the New Whole 30 cook book, what what?!) and made guac for us to snack on. They had wine. I had some flavored la croix with a dash of coconut water (in a wine glass to feel fancy of course).
Workout: I consider us playing Just Dance 3 a little bit as one.. and they left by 11. I may have stayed up and danced by myself a few songs after they left.
I may just go to bed on a Friday night before 1am (who am I??)
Saturday Jan 21, Whole 30 Day 19…stayin’ strong
Workout: CFCL, was a good one today! Sprint type workout, with lots of cardio (my fav, in a really weird way, I know). Confession…I had a spark today. Most drink coffee, I never have and it was going to be a long day-so I had a Spark for my caffeine (which has added sugar). So no points for me on the wellness challenge in the “no sugar” category.
Breakfast: Attempted these soft boiled egg in an avocado bacon wrapped ball thingies. It was not as good as my usual, but at least I attempted something new-ish. Fail.
Lunch: Well I showed houses for the rest of the day (so proud of my water intake) Come 5pm when I got home, my stomach was eating itself, so held off with sparkling water and fruit until dinner. I am going out tonight with an old co-worker/friend and super pumped.
Dinner: I tried Flower Child today. It is a counter-service type of place, the line was out the door, but didn’t stop me from eating healthy with my friend and catching up. Because I had already had sugar, I decided to go with the “mix and match” I had Brussels sprouts, butternut squash and chicken–naturally there was a little sugar in the sauce they do the veggies in, so I still stuck with everything else but syrup she said was in the Brussels sprouts. Can’t win em all, and so worth it. I will say it was basically like a better snap kitchen on my plate in a super cute atmosphere.
When I got home I had some more water and a few pecans, finished up some work, blogged this and called it a night. Here’s to getting at least 7hrs for tomorrow-wish me luck. #nightowlprobs
In sum, been sticking with it. Water is a struggle for the wellness challenge, but I manage to barely get by, or chug at night as I finish up my blog for the day..
Sunday Jan 22 Whole 30 Day 20
Sunday was Gym (squats, AB bike) then I did hot yoga, picked up some stuff from Whole Foods to complete a few recipes and dinner with a girlfriend to discuss trip planning. She showed me a lil sesame oil, a little rice vinegar and salt and pepper go a long way on my asian chicken salad–so it’s my new fav thing.
Monday Whole 30 Day 21 (3 week mark, woohoo!)
Feels: I don’t feel all that different like I did the first time, but I also think I may be too f’n busy to pay any attention. I definitely don’t feel bloated so that’s nice, but I do think I am eating too many fats. Mmm…bacon eggs and avocado. So my goal this week is to get in more greens.
Breakfast: No time to cook, had an apple and carrots during a presentation
Lunch and dinner were at home: The spaghetti bake I made the night before and that’s where the need for greens come in–I am snacking on plantain chips and avocados or salsa when I should be eating something more satisfying, like veggies.
Gym: 2min of rowing, 2min of resting, 12 rounds.
Then I stopped at HEB for the sesame oil and vinegar and to grab some more greens for the salad I am going to make. Prep’d those for the week and cut fruits and veggies to grab when on go.
Tuesday Jan 24 Whole 30 Day 22
Happy Birthday Kent! (My mentor, second dad, cheerleader, advisor, therapist and overall awesome guy I am happy to have in my life).
Breakfast: Heated up the spaghetti bake and ate while getting ready.
Lunch: I packed a lunch but since I wanted to take my new assistant (woohoo! Yes, I have an asst now helping me out with stuff) to lunch I ordered a salad. I was so proud of myself.
Galaxy cafe-Ahi Tuna salad, no dressing, add avocado and in my bag was my home made dressing! So I did that! hehe.
Pre-workout-few plantain chips as I worked and spaghetti bake again.
Workout: A free/new workout. Strength and a little bit of cardio, I tried out Atomic Athlete because it’s f*ck your friends week. Yes, they call it that, and I think it is brilliant from a marketing standpoint. Good workout overall, will re-try it Friday when there is a more cardio intense workout too.
Post workout: Asian chicken salad, some lasagna bake, a hand full of pecans, some berries, and a Lara bar…oh and my left arm…seriously?! I guess it was a good workout-It’s like I couldn’t stop. My water goal is still hard. I have three-ish Camelbaks per day and nearly piss myself when stuck in traffic, but I know my body is now getting used to the intake bc I think it craves it more, as odd as that may sound. For example I feel thirstier more often than I used to-or maybe I notice it more. Anyway, I am trying my hardest!
Time for me to get them 7hrs of zzzz’s… will have to skip my book tonight. Have you read the Slight Edge? If not I recommend it. Talks about why you shouldn’t do stuff like Whole 30 (haha, not really, but kinda) The premiss is doing little stuff to stay the course vs. trying to change everything all at once. Will keep you posted on that read. Speaking of, thanks for tuning in.
Wednesday Jan. 25, Whole 30 Day 23…
Breakfast: Time for bacon, eggs and a small avocado (besides the lil brown spots in it, dammit)
Lunch: Lara bar (I was busy today but had this mid day)
Then showings, a meeting, more showings, dodgeball, a few little pop by’s of clients and finally home for dinner.
Din din: Shredded chicken in romaine lettuce hearts with a few plantain chips, avocado, salsa, diced tomatoes (so hungry I forgot to take a pic first, but it was pretty). Basically tacos without the diary and tortillas.. followed by a kombucha, a little “This is Us” and now bed.
Thursday Jan 26 (whole 30 day 24)
Happy Birthday to my sweet, darling, talkative, happy little nephew, Blaine!
(so precious right…photo cred..me, duh).
Breakfast: Made time for bacon and eggs (in the skillet today–I usually like my bacon in oven for crispness) and one small avocado.
Lunch: Was delayed but so proud I stuck with it–Asian chicken salad I had prepped this week w/ sesame oil/vinegar dressing, a lemon lara bar, some fruit. I delivered a bunch of Girl Scout cookies. Basically torture.
You know how hard it is to drive around with Girl Scout cookies in your car when you can’t have any?!? Thinking of stashing away one box for March, but can’t even decide which one. Mmm so many good choices. Carmel delights…tag-a-longs…s’mores, thin mints…ok must stop thinking about cookies
Workout: Today I tried Fly-Wheel at Domain, Hmm tough call between this and Soul Cycle. Soul has more of a beat and you let the music guide you (and push of instructors) and this one was more of me focusing on RPM’s and torque and winning the sprint races. You can see your score on the board, so this is good for competitive people like myself who need to be on the leader board (I was first place for the record). Ok but also, there was only three femaled who partook in the “torque board.”
My friend Brooke and I did the class, then I introduced her to some delish spaghetti bake leftovers and the frittata I whipped up earlier in day for the week. Such a good idea when you are running out of veggies or want something easy to make…
I took asparagus and onion mix from whole foods, spinach, tomatoes and sweet potatoes, then I sautéed that up, added prosciutto in this mix. Then whipped up about 6 eggs and some egg whites and poured in to the cast iron skillet where all the veggies were. Baked about 30ish minutes for 350 degree. Also had a little plantain chip and guac snack and some fruit. When I get home I am like the hulk and just start blasting through cabinets and fridge until I hunger satisfied basically. My Frittata below (before egg and after when all done).
Falling asleep while writing so time to get some rest! Eeeek next week this time I will be in Mexico-woohoo!
Friday Jan 28…so close yet so far…
I started off this morning with a speeding ticket. Ugh. Which also made me late for first appt, then that appt ran more behind, then behind all day. By my last appt I spilled water on myself getting out of my car and had gum on my shoes. But it is what it is. (such a hard life I lead).
Breakfast: Last night’s frittata with small avocado.
Lunch: Ate on the way to my appt and in my appt-my asian salad, an apple, lara bar and bell peppers.
At this point, when we wrapped up I was in lovely 4pm-ish Austin traffic heading to the gym-and nearly turned off three times to go home. Was NOT feelin’ it today.
Workout: I did our weekly challenge of 100 calories for time on the assault bike. Joined Allie for a few wall balls and then did some abs, nothing too demanding, but better than nothing, I guess?
Dinner: Shredded chicken with salsa and guac in a romaine leaf like a taco. Sad I am out of plantain chips! And a piece of my frittata. Snacked on some bare apple crisps. I am CRAVING wine. It is Friday, I had a long day and it makes me realize how automatic (and good) it feels to have a glass of wine to chill.
Feels Today are STRONG: “I am so over Whole 30,” “not even seeing or feeling any different, so what’s the use?” “What’s one glass of wine once I get home?” “mmm brownies, f-it, I want it, I came far enough.”
**sees Culver’s and wants to turn off for ice cream.
**sees sign to my gym– wants to drive past and not pull in.
Also when I got home today I had a little package. Uh oh. I knew exactly what it was. As a realtor, some lenders I work with send us treats (and I just bought a house from my lender so naturally…I get the gifts). Today was brownies. Delicious f’n brownies I know all to well. I opened the box to assure myself..YEP! It’s the tasty brownies from Fairytale. What’s a gal to do?
I started to justify all the reasons I don’t need to be on Whole 30. I DESERVE a break. What is one glass of wine? I even reached out to a few friends on my moments of weakness–I really thought one would help me with weakness, Nope! They all said the same thing–“Don’t do it Ashley! You are in the final home stretch! You can do it!” Ugh. no fun. I hate you all.
Then I started to think of how far I had come. And how crappy I will feel, and how I am going to be in Mexico next week, which will feel so much better than eating a brownie all alone in my pajamas on a Friday night, ha.
So alas, here I am…watching a new show on Amazon, papers for work scattered about as I brainstorm for 2018 and wrapping up my blog as my new nightly ritual/accountability.
Thanks for reading! Wish me a stronger Saturday.
Saturday Jan. 28 2017-Day 26 of Whole 30…
Today was my asst first day. Which was interesting for me–I actually had time to do stuff around my house in the AM–dishes, laundry, some work and breakfast!
Mornin’!: Shredded chicken and salsa in skillet, warmed up, then took sunny side up egg on top with some avocado slices (how creative I know, but still love it).
Went on a bike ride with my friend, Barbie. Good times-we biked hills, trails, roads for about 1.5 hours. Came home and polished off a few leftover items in fridge as snacks, some La Croix and coconut water mixed, then got ready and showed homes until about 6, so I went about 5ish hours without eating–No bueno, I realize.
Dinner: Sushi! I wanted a roll soooo bad, but held strong with pieces of sashimi and seaweed salad and an “avocado bomb” of some sort-crab in an avocado basically.
Remember how last night I wanted to just say f it and cave? Well tonight, I did…kinda. Ok now it was a full on cheat, though if you were cheating, you probably would’t have chosen this…
I went to HEB for a re-stock on avocados and plantain chips (thinking I would just make some guac and call it a night, but noooo)
I tried the nada-moo coconut ice cream. When I got home I diced up bananas and was just going to have a few bites. Nope, ate the whole pint. #stillgotit
I don’t understand how I went two weeks ago thinking: I could do this until the end of February-no problem, I will win my gym wellness challenge, I am so on it and motivated and cooking up a storm. Call me Melissa Hartwig…
To now: I want ice cream, I want wine. I am never going to change, this sucks, I suck. Why do I have no willpower?! Why can’t I lose weight. I need to just be happy being fat. Why can’t I do just do something for 30 days, it’s not that hard…wah.
Frustrated with myself.
Sunday Jan 29…(continuing from yesterday’s post my feels):
That’s the ONE thing I hate about whole 30. The end of it. {You see, I am hard on myself, so when I mess up–I think about it–a lot. I dwell, I say mean things to myself–I wasn’t beaten as a child or anything, I don’t know why I am like this, but I hold myself to high expectations– and I know I shouldn’t}. And hopefully you can relate to wanting something really bad–something you can easily control–and then only being disappointed when you cannot achieve it.
The end of Whole 30 is coming and I can’t even make it to then. I also leave for Mexico for my sister’s wedding in a few days…which falls in the introductory phases. Do I think I can do this easily and successfully while in Mexico at a resort? No. (Though I have looked up some of the restaurants and thought about sustainable airplane snacks, don’t get me wrong). So I already have this guilt of “Ok, I will only drink xyz on this day, and I will eat fresh fruit and run and… and..and…” Because what’s the point of doing all this hard work just to throw it away on vacation? Of course, every normal person says “It’s Mexico, you better have fun and enjoy yourself!”
So if Whole 30 has taught me anything. It’s that I need to love myself more. It’s exhausting. The guilt I feel for adding items back into my normal diet and the comparisons I do to myself are exhausting. Yes, it’s for my health, and yes it’s about changing habits and understanding how food effects my body, but let’s be honest… I did it this year because
- December was terrible and I needed a “black and white re-set”
- I did it before and knew I could do it again (plus I am not slammed with work)
- I had an accountability group
- I wanted to lose 10lbs like last time before sister’s wedding
But alas, I am not getting those same results as I did the first go round. I only start to feel very isolated (and I am a social being, so this can be hard for me–turning down things bc I know they are tempting, or hosting things solely W30 focused–but I know that’s my goal and it’s what I had to do) and guilty.
I could vent some more, but I had a pity party for one already.
Side note relating back to sugar/mood etc: I also realized in the chapter about sugar that I was reading today that this go-round on Whole 30 I haven’t really kicked my sugar cravings. As the book says, when you want something sweet-don’t cave to fruit or a dried fruit/nut bar–your brain doesn’t know the difference–it still gets its fructose, thus you are still training your brain to have something sweet after you eat (your brain doesn’t know the difference between cake and berries). Though I will argue my guilty conscious sure does…though it doesn’t always stop me.
But honestly, if you asked me how I have felt on Whole 30–Besides the dizzy spells (yep, still get them, today it was in Yoga). I haven’t felt terribly full/bloated (I did last night at sushi actually) and after I eat way too many plantain chips, but this time around I think I am eating enough fat for fuel throughout the day (if not too much). Last June I was SO TIRED, but I haven’t felt that AS MUCH this time around–besides BS allergies, those always bring me down, however. (On a scale of 1 to miserable today was a 7).
Today’s food:
Breakfast: Nothing but water, had a nutritional talk at my gym, then I did yoga after.
Lunch: Mad Greens-did a build my own salad, no dressing-chicken, spinach, avo, tom, cucumbers and mango.
In between showing homes, I saw a Baskin Robbins. I pulled through the drive thru. I read the menu–saw the calories. Then I thought-do you really want to throw in the towel to this?? And I apologized to the guy for wasting his time ha, off to work. FOCUS ASHLEY! FOCUS!
Second lunch/early dinner: After showing more homes for a few hours, I came home to cook something before I caved to some other crap. This time I took my shredded chicken, some sweet potatoes and scrambled that up, then ate to SSU eggs on top with a few avocado slices.
Packed some snacks for a picnic and books, picked up the girl I volunteered with and we hung out for a few hours. (I laid off the fruit though as we hung out and listened to my body-I was thirsty, not hungry). *pats self on back*
Dinner: Sweet potato wedges, a handful of plantain chips, handful of pecans as I cleaned up a bit. I know, I know, not the most satisfying, but wasn’t really hungry.
Sigh, few more days of this stuff, and lots of thinking to do…some of which includes not being so hard on myself.
