I Survived Weekend 1

That is right ladies and gents...I survived my first official full weekend on The Whole 30 (W30). And let me tell you, it was no easy feat. I had a baby shower to attend and there was NO shortage of food. I pretended there wasn't any food there that I like. No hot, bubbly, delightfully cheese dip. Definitely no hot artichoke dip. Absolutely no cheese tray, and certainly no crackers. In fact, the only thing to eat at the party was fruits and veggies. Actually, there was all of that. Notice how I said, "I pretended there wasn't...." - that's key. I did okay with only the few pieces of fruit and two platefuls of veggies. No dip. At the end of the party, I watched the hostess with the mostess clean up and clean up the artichoke dip. I swear to you, I was THISCLOSE to licking the woman's spoon (in a non-creeper sort of way, of course). That was my breaking point so I said the goodbyes and left. And then made a mad dash for home where there was a bounty of fresh, W30 approved food.

Upon arriving home, I realized while there was no shortage of W30 food I craved, I made a burger. Did I mention it was the size of a dinner plate? Okay, so it might not have been that big, but it definitely isn't much of a stretch from the truth. It was probably the biggest burger I've had in a long time. After waiting 16 stressful minutes, I realized one very sad, sad thing. No ketchup. Oh, we have ketchup, don't get me wrong. There just wasn't any ketchup without sugar. I did the next best thing (in a pinch, with a dozen feeding type frenzy hungry sharks circling in my stomach) - I mixed Frank's Red Hot with French's and went to town. Hershey sat at my feet, switching up different positions every few minutes. If I hadn't known any better, I'd have thought he was a fuzzy clock telling me the time. This is one of the few times I didn't share with him. It's probably for the best. I was so hungry I could have eaten him. (No dogs were harmed in the telling of this story. Or, in reality.)

After the burger settled and I took Hersh for a walk, I created a shopping list and went to pick up some groceries. While moseying around Harris Teeter, I started to get annoyed. I was thinking about all the money being spent on fresh, nutritious food and actually got a little frustrated. And then it hit me. I might be spending more at the grocery store buying healthy food, but guess what? I'm not out spending money at restaurants, buying delicious tasting at the moment, but devoid of all nutrition food! Holy cow! Let me tell you, that really made me stop and think. (I also made time for a moment of gratitude to be able to afford the cartful of healthy food, because not everyone has that ability.)

After shopping, made a quick stop at another gathering. There were FAR fewer temptations so that was easy-peasy compared to earlier in the day. Fast forward to Sunday. No apple fritters and coffee. That is the standard breakfast for me and the BF each Sunday. This Sunday it was coffee (black), with a side of super yummy onion sausage with eggs. The onion sausage gave just the right amount of kick to make me feel satisfied. BF woke up just in time to get Part 2 of the breakfast that I hadn't yet gotten to.

Later that day, Hershey and I planned meals for the week. I figured it best to try and get as much prepping / cooking done Sunday so there are fewer chances of 'Hangry' spells during the week. Really, it's safer for everyone that way (win-win!). There were a couple of ribeyes that had to be eaten so those were marked for dinner. Most of the meat purchased Friday was divided and put into the freezer. I took some shrimp out of the freezer to make Tuesday, and left drumsticks out to eat Monday (they were really tasty). I also made Lara Bars. And 8 hard boiled eggs. And, a crockpot meal I found the recipe for on a paleo website....balsamic chicken and sausage. Holy balls does that stuff taste amazing! Perhaps I tried a bite or two when I pulled the crockpot out to let it cool down. BF agreed - it's amazing. You might be asking "Did she eat only steak for dinner? That's not a well rounded meal." You'd be right, it's not. I also grilled up cut up potatoes with minced garlic and evoo. I could have eaten the entire thing. I didn't, but I seriously contemplated it.

Today was good. I had packaged everything last night so this morning was a grab and go. I'm talking food, remember that. I actually even made time to cook the rest of the sausage with leftover potatoes and added egg at the end. After it was cooked, into the Pyrex and then lunch bag, and off to work it went. I practically inhaled that stuff due to the pure awesomeness. And then I realized....I have to train someone in an hour. Ah crap. I had another cup of coffee hoping it'd cover my garlic / onion breath, knowing gum and mints are not W30 compliant. After a couple cups of water, I felt confident the dragon breath had been slayed. That's right. I'm my own Excalibur! ha

I'm feeling confident about tomorrow, and the remaining days of this challenge. I seem to have more energy and am feeling more alert. Things are going well and I'm looking forward to the next couple weeks. Challenges? I'm sure there will be some. I can't wait to stomp 'em and keeping moving forward.