If you haven’t yet, read my previous post first, then come back to this one!

There is one thing that is extremely important to remember when starting a food sensitivity elimination program, like Whole30 or Gut Protocol, that can make or break the success you have: preparation.

I’ll admit I came into this round confidently, cocky even, because it’s not my first experience with these types of programs. I felt prepared. I even went over all the information, for both programs, just in case there was anything I didn’t remember; there wasn’t. I know every last bit, down to how much food Gut Protocol recommends I eat for my weight, how much sugar I’m allowed daily, and the optional foods to give up. I remembered everything! Except…

The actual food prep part of planning ahead. I had some ideas for meals I was going to eat, but I did no real planning ahead for tricky times. I figured since I spend most of my time at home I wouldn’t run into very many obstacles as far as meals go; I usually cook all my meals anyways. But, as you may have guessed from my tone, during this first week I had several days where I had things come up that I wasn’t prepared for, nourishment-wise, so I ended up feeling hungry during the day!

Originally, I was planning to stick with the Gut Protocol version so I know I’m getting just the right amount of nutrients for my body and I can get back to feeling my very best – but I forgot how difficult that can feel when you’re switching from a standard diet – not paying attention to nutrients or anything – to a buttoned up version that your body thrives on. So I found the middle ground, that is – Whole30. Whole30 specifically says in its instructions to not worry about calories in the beginning, just focus on getting in the “right” types of foods for now. This makes it a lot more manageable in my opinion! Instead of counting containers for every meal, I just make sure I’m eating the foods that are “allowed” during this 30 day program, and I’m feeling great already!

Gut Protocol says, “change starts on day one” – and it’s dang true! Yes there is a difference in energy right away, but the thing I always notice first: 💩💩
I know, TMI…but THIS IS IMPORTANT. Imagine – every morning, like clockwork, you know you’re going to go. And you know it’s going to be easy and complete. Think about what that’s like. I know know. You get it. Let’s move on.

I have my food journal entries for each day of the first week, but you’ll see my motivation for journaling fell off towards the end of the week. The first day of something new is always the most motivated, right? It’s the rest of the time you have to focus harder to really stay committed! I’ve always said, motivation is like a bad friend: they are there when it’s convenient for them, but not always when you need them most. That’s when we have to remember we are strong and it will be WORTH IT and we will feel so proud to have accomplished something so tricky. We can do hard things! For the greater good.

Have I mentioned recently that I eat plant based? I’ve been meat-free since 2018 and it was one of the biggest switches for my health to date. It’s not enough to just give up meat though, it’s very important to make sure you replace those nutrients with other foods. That’s why “junk food vegans” or some vegans, in general, feel like garbage – because they are neglecting essential nutrients! When I figured out how to balance nutrients, even on a plant-based diet, that’s when the real changes started to happen. The catapult that pushed me towards eating better and becoming plant-based? My first round of Whole30 in January 2018. When I tell you this kind of program is life changing in all aspects – from energy, to your skin, to digestion – everything can change in a few short weeks.

So how do I feel right now?

I’m about 10 days in and I’m feeling very motivated now to keep going! I’ll admit around day 5 (and the start of my cycle) I was having a lot of big emotions, so I slipped up on my sugar intake. The normal allowance is 10 grams of sugar per day; I ate some microwave popped kettle corn, which didn’t say it had added sugar but there has to be some kind of sweetener added? The ingredient list was unclear, it didn’t mention sugar but it did say in the allergen list there was milk in it – but I didn’t see that on the ingredient list either?? Sometimes things are unclear – do your best.

Both programs say to try to follow the guidelines as closely as you can, but with any major lifestyle changes things are bound to come up. This is why preparing ahead of time is important, so when you run into situations – like social events or when your fam wants to order pizza – you already have a plan! STICK to the plan. You’ll be happy you did. Yes you’re going to want to give in to the pizza or cake or whatever, but during your 30 day elimination – STAY THE COURSE! You’ll have your best results – meaning you’ll FEEL your best if you make it through all four weeks, without getting off track.

Considering a food sensitivity elimination program? Be sure to PLAN AHEAD! I’m not suggesting you plan every single meal, but there is a ton of info out there now for meals and food ideas, making your journey (potentially) much smoother. Keep some breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack ideas handy, and if you can, prep some things ahead of time to make your life easier during your 30 days. A few quick prep ideas:

• Cook grains ahead of time; rice, quinoa, millet, etc. can be cooked then stored in the fridge for a few days. Add to meals, salads, etc to make meals quickly.
• Chop fresh veggies ahead of time. Store in the fridge and grab as needed for snacks or meals; ready to eat raw with hummus or a compliant dip, or they’ll be ready to cook when you’re prepping dinner.
• Keep your water bottle full and nearby at all times! Arguably the most important essential nutrient. Keeping up on your hydration can help keep you feeling full in between meals.
• Wash and cut fruit so it’s ready to grab at any time! Fresh fruit is the savior of food sensitivity elimination. When your body and brain are craving sugar (and it will, especially in the first week) fruit is there to satisfy! I love having grapes on hand, in particular, because once they are washed and put into a big bowl in the fridge all I have to do is open the fridge door and there is a sweet snack waiting for me!
• This one is a bonus but super helpful: Make a plan each evening for the next day of meals/snacks. Prep what you can ahead of time so it’s easy to prepare when you need it. Having a plan is half the battle…but it doesn’t have to feel like battle – just make tiny plans along the way!

This way of shifting how I eat has continually shown me how amazing food can make me feel, inside and out. Are there other environmental factors that affect the way we feel from day to day? Of course. But food, nourishment, is the one thing we are in complete control of every day. Within one week I see positive changes in the way my skin looks and feels, and as someone with an autoimmune issues that I deal with regularly – this is life changing.

Want to learn more? Click the tab at the top of the page that says 4 Weeks to Heal w/ Food for a complete outline of the contents of the program I follow.

I’d love to hear about your journey in autoimmune issues and/or food sensitivity elimination!