The time is almost here. The start of a Whole30. We want to be prepared for success. Here are some recipes for replacement pantry items and a weeks menu.
One of the things that will take down your Whole30 is the lack of taste in your food. If you did your research and read some labels, by know you will know that EVERYTHING has some sort of sugar in it. The best way to still have some condiments for your food would be to make them yourself.
Mustard is OK. It doesn't usually have sugar in it but check just in case, but Ketchup is loaded with it so here is a quick recipe for homemade.
1 can Tomato paste- there should be no sugar added
2 tbl.sp vinegar or fresh squeezed lemon- I do 1 tbl. of both
1/4 teasp. dry mustard & Cinnamon & salt
1/3 c. Water
1/8 teasp. Cayenne pepper- I try not to have nightshades so I leave this out
a pinch of all spice
This makes 2 cups but I usually double it because if you keep it in the fridge it should keep for awhile.
Also, salad dressings are loaded with sugar. My go to is Ranch so here is a recipe for that. I actually have gotten us to not using dressings. You can just use some Olive oil & lemon.
1 egg
1 c. olive oil
1 tbl.sp lemon juice
2 tbl.sp red wine vinegar
1 teas. salt & pepper
3/4 teas. garlic powder
1/2 C. full fat coconut milk
1/4 C. (handful) herb of your choice- I use parsley
here's the key- blend for a minute
Now don't forget that it is a good idea to go through your cabinets and get rid of all the stuff you will be tempted by. I know that it is hard if you are the only one in the house doing a Whole30 (been there)
If you want more recipes then hit up Pinterest because it is full of them or looking for something in particular, hit up your local whole food store. Trader Joe's is a good place and even Aldi is a good store to shop for a Whole30 just always, ALWAYS read lables.
Now that you have found your WHY for doing a Whole30, the next step is to set yourself up to win. If you go into it unprepared then you will struggle so why do that? You can make this experience so much easier with a little organization.
Let's talk the kitchen! You will be spending more time in there. I'm not going to lie, it won't be easy. If you don't like to cook than meal prep will be your friend. Also if you don't like dishes....well, sorry because you WILL be doing a lot of them.
First things first. I bet you would be surprised what in your cupboard has sugar. When I first did a Whole30 I was shocked that you can find sugar in almost all processed foods and even seasonings have added stuff. So take a few hours to clean out the crap. Now if it's new or barely used, find someone you can give it to so as not to be wasteful.
I understand that if you are the only one in a house doing this then you may want to find a separate location for your condiments and food so you won't make a slip-up and sabotage your Whole30 without even realizing it.
Next:
Let's talk meal prep and menu planning along with shopping.
You are going to want to sit down and plan a menu for at least a week out, if not two. If you are searching around in your fridge trying to figure out what to make at the last minute you will more than likely just grab something that is off plan. With your menu planned then you can make your shopping list.
Meal prep for me is usually on Sunday just because that is my rest days from workouts. Get all you bulk stuff done like cooking your meats and then separating them and putting stuff in the freezer. Cut up all your veggies and make your salads.
Motivation and accountability
Another way to get prepared for a Whole30 would be a way to keep yourself accountable. I myself like to journal and blog but I also have a calendar where I can mark off the days. The website has a timeline that is fun to have. It kind of gives you an idea as to what to expect. I printed one off.
With the new year coming everyone has some resolutions that they want to make and I am no different. Mine is to slay my sugar demon. It has taken over my life again so it's that time.....here I come Whole30!!
Do you have a resolution that involves your health in some way? Do you want to eat healthier or stop drinking pop? Doing a Whole30 would help with that. It's like hitting the reset button on your body.
First things first. You need to have a solid WHY to be doing this because if is flimsy then more than likely you won't be as committed and fail. This is not something to be taken lightly. Giving up stuff you have grown an addiction to is hard so go at it with a strong, positive mind-frame.
My reason for taking on another Whole30 is to get my addiction to sugar under control. I have done 3 other Whole30's and the longer I am post-Whole30, the more I fall back to bad habits. It starts with just a little cookie and piece of pizza, followed by a pop. Then it is 2 monsters a day followed by 3 pieces of pizza twice a week.
I have been having serious issues with inflammation and getting injured when working out and that has become my life so to get rid of the inflammation that comes with bad eating habits would be wonderful. And I am dealing with chronic exhaustion. I try to find a solution with loading up on artificial stimulants but it just is making it worse.
Those would be my NSV to come from this round of Whole30. I don't even care if I lose any weight. I got that covered with my workouts I just want to feel better and I know that after my carb flu the first week or so I should feel better or I guess I should be saying that I HOPE I feel better. There is no way to tell.
I think that if you have had any thoughts like I do, if what I just said sounds like you and want to try to feel better than why not try it. It's only 30 days. You can do it!!
