We’ve been on a journey the past few years at our house, slowly but surely adding more and more fresh, whole, nutrient-dense foods to our family diet, and removing those food-products that are packaged, processed and nowhere near their natural beginnings (if they ever had a natural beginning).
During this time, I’ve done a lot of reading about nutrition, and by a lot I mean A LOT. As in….I’ve neglected my kids while hopping from blogs to research studies and back again on more than one occasion. One site I keep coming back to is Whole9, a health and wellness community focused on real food. Their no-nonsense approach to nutrition appeals to me, and their new book, It Starts With Food, has the perfect balance of scientific information and real-life application.
At my local CrossFit gym I’ve often recommended Whole9 to other gym members when asked questions about nutrition, Paleo, Zone, supplements, improving strength and performance, etc. However, I’ve never completed a Whole30, their highly successful 30-day nutritional program to re-set your metabolism and relationship with food.
I’ve thought about it. I’ve done a nutrition challenge with my fellow gym members, lasting just 2 weeks before caving. My diet is pretty clean and doesn’t much resemble the SAD (standard American diet) so I never saw a reason to commit to such a strict program. But there are a few strongholds in my eating choices, and in the past month or so I’ve started to experience some of those old nagging symptoms that caused me to clean up my diet in the first place: fatigue, headaches, stomach pain and bloating, irritability, dull and acne-prone skin.
And I’m tired of it. I’m tired of “needing” a Coke each day to ward off a headache and fatigue. I’m tired of relying on caffeine and sugar to feel alert. I’m tired of having to change into my stretchy pants every afternoon because my stomach seems to have puffed up a size or two since I woke up.
I firmly believe that the answer lies with whole, real, nutrient-dense food. I believe this from experience……I know that when I eat clean, sleep well, manage my stress appropriately and hit the gym regularly I feel amazing. And I want that feeling back, and for good.
So, it’s time. Time to do my first Whole30. I start tomorrow, Friday, July 27, 2012.
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