Whole 30 - Week 1

 Ah, the first week. Before you realize that it's a second job to stick to the plan and that you will never have an empty sink again. #dishesuptoyoureyeballs Meal planning is key and to help you, here is what I planned for week one.Whole 30 focuses on three, filling, nutritious meals that will keep you full throughout the day. Yup, that means no snacking! Since it was the first week and I knew it would take time to adjust, I did schedule snacks (compliant of course)!

Monday:
Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole
Monkey Salad
Salad (spinach, chicken, apples, cucumbers, raspberry vinagrette dressing)
Epic Bar
Crock Pot Garlic Roast w/Roasted Okra

Day 1: It was okay - definitely felt challenged when a coworker brought in a banana cake, but I stayed strong! I got a headache around lunch time, which became much worse after a quick run in the heat. It lasted all night and I started feeling really, really sick so I had a few bites of compliant applesauce and went to bed.  

Tuesday:
Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole
Veggie Sticks & Guacamole
Salad (again)
Monkey Salad
Greek Meatballs w/Avocado Tzatziki Sauce & Green Bell Peppers

Day 2: Had another headache after breakfast and took medicine to relieve the pain. 

Wednesday:
Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole
Apple &  Almond Butter Sandwiches
Salad from Zoe's Kitchen
Veggie Sticks & Guacamole
Crock Pot Chicken Marinara w/Zoodles & Green Bell Peppers w/Avocado Tzatziki Sauce

Day 3: Once again, I had another headache in the morning and popped another pill. This was also the day I discovered the wonderfulness that is zoodles.

Thursday:
Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole
Eggs, Bacon & Roasted Butternut Squash
Eggs, Bacon & Roasted Sweet Potato

Day 4: I did not have a headache until lunch and passed on the pills this time. Today was also the first day that I felt full and skipped my morning snack. I also wasn't as tired when I sent to bed that night. 

Friday:
Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole
Leftover dinner from Tuesday
Salad (carrots, avocado, cucumbers, raspberry vinaigrette dressing)

Day 5: Finally! No headaches! I also had an easier time waking up in the morning. It was also the day of a true test: Supper Club. J & I joined some friends for a group dinner complete with non compliant items (pasta, bread, cheese tray), wine, more wine, and "not banana pudding" for dessert. I contributed with a homemade salad so I munched on that and drank my La Croix (still not as good as wine), but I survived.

Saturday:
Eggs, Bacon & Veggies
Apple Slices & Almond Butter
Baked Chicken Wings w/Sauteed Onions & Mushrooms

Day 6: I had an early morning meeting and tried some coconut coffee with coconut oil & cinnamon. I finished most of it, but still miss my coffee creamer.

Sunday:
Eggs, Bacon, & Mushrooms
Leftover Wings w/Toasted Coconut Flakes & Raisins
Apple Slices & Almond Butter

Day 7: Has it been a week already? Will it ever end? Today was the day of the cheerio incident. While I was feeding E breakfast, I picked a cheerio off her plate and put it in my mouth. Immediately I realized what I did and spit it out then proceeded to wash my mouth out. I don't even like cheerios, but woah....I guess I have a habit of snacking on E's food. And my actions may seem drastic, but if you follow the Whole 30 rules, if you screw up then you start over.  I tried regular coffee with coconut oil & cinnamon and it was disgusting. It was also my first week volunteering in the nursery at church where I was surrounded by goldfish. I love goldfish! It was one of the few things I could stomach when my morning all day sickness  made it impossible to eat. Happy to report, I did not have one.

1 week down, 3 more (ish) to go!

Whole 30 - May The Odds Be Ever In Your Favor

 After reading "It Starts With Food" or shall I say, after reading halfway through the book, I decided to try and complete my first Whole 30. This was decided back in May, but I wanted to make sure I had a firm grasp on the program before beginning.

When I was pregnant with E, my sister gifted us with Jessica Alba's book called "The Honest Life." This began the journey into the world of organics. I've seen many people joke about eating organic, using organic products, etc. While our family definitely does not eat or use organic products 100% of the time, I try my hardest to use them whenever possible. I swear, E lives better than we do. That's what we should be doing for our Munks, right? Her lotion, soap, shampoo, mattress pads, and diaper ointment are just a few of the ways we try to protect her, but we never used cloth diapers. We try not to be too crunchy!

I firmly believe that what we put in our mouths and use on our bodies is so important and decided to give Whole 30 a try. "It Starts With Food" really goes into the science behind the fuel we consume. It can be a dry read, but very informative. Numerous people with aches and pains who are ill and on multiple medications finds themselves pain free, feeling great and off the meds. Thankfully, I don't have these symptoms as a baseline. However, other benefits include: more energy (no afternoon slump), no snacking, no headaches, clearer skin, no mood swings, better sleep and weight loss is possible. Personally, I just wanted to give it a try to see if I could complete 30 days. Weight loss wouldn't be awful either! After a baby and 2 surgeries all in one year, a smaller clothing size would be refreshing.

You cannot start this plan without being organized, organized, organized! I began purchasing a few items prior to the big kick off. Thanks to amazon, I became the proud owner of a spiralizer, ghee, coconut flakes, and Epic bars. I also wanted to choose a 30 day period with little temptation. That stated, I decided to start the Monday after Independence Day to ensure a finish date prior to kick off at Auburn (Atlanta). Whole 30 is not focused on weight loss. The goal is to change your relationship with food and become aware of the ingredients you are feeding your body. This means no weighing yourself until the thirty days are over. I did weigh prior to starting and took pictures, but no measurements. In hindsight, I wish I had. Prior to each week I wrote out the meal plan with the help of Pinterest. Pinterest has been the best resource for compliant creations, which is why I'll post my meal plans each week for any other Whole 30 crazies looking for approved recipes.

Stich Fix #3

Two blog posts in one year? Shut your mouth.

I'm back with my third review of Stitch Fix. Have you heard of Stitch Fix? You can sign up for it here.

On to my third and favorite (thus far) fix review. I had another stylist named Rachel for this fix. With each fix received, the stylist adds a personal note and gives suggestions for how to wear each item and maybe a reasoning for why she chose it for you. I was totally apprehensive when reading Rachel's note because it indicated that she was excited to create another fix for me. However, I have never had Rachel as a stylist. Skepticism aside, my optimism increased as her note was long and detailed. She also sent the mix of the fix I desired (1 dress/skirt, shorts, pants, 2 tops), which means she did pay attention to what I wanted and checked out my style profile. Cheers to you Rachel!

Stitch Fix #3

 41Hawthorn - Renesme Dress

 I am over dresses from Stitch Fix. This was a cute style and did not look hideous when I tried it on, but the design and color is not really me. Spoiler alert: If I had loved 4/5 of my items I would have kept this for the discount. I'm going to pass on the dresses for my next fix as this is the third attempt. I do give the stylist credit for going out of the box; it just didn't work. #next

Level 99 - Shannie Printed Shorts

 Oh man. I requested shorts for my last fix and this one. When I finally received a pair, it was this. I almost have no words for this. Mainly because these shorts were tagged around $70. #nothanks Created with a thin material, I present a pair of drawstring, denim shorts. I didn't mind the print, but I do not have warm fuzzies for light denim. Nor would I pay that much for a pair of shorts that resembled PJ's. I need to mention that price point on my style profile. #next

Market & Spruce - Mori Top

 What a fun top that I would not have picked out for myself. While updating the blog I realized that I need to take closer pictures next time. This top was tagged as pink, but I think it's closer to red. This tank has a cute, maple leaf (maybe?) print in pink (red?) and blue. The only problem is that it has two buttons at the top. What do I despise? Button ups. This top did not fit as the buttons did not lay flat on my chest. However, I did contact Stitch Fix and requested a different size. I really hope it fits in the chest area because I really liked it! #winning #maybe

Margaret M - Emer Printed Straight Leg Pant

 Since my first stitch, I have continuously requested Margaret M pants. This stylist finally came through and sent this beauty. I love the comfortable fit and am super excited about the colored print. My other Emers have held up well and I hope that trend continues. As of now I think I like the cropped style better, but that may change with these. #winning

41Hawthorn - Angela Quilted Detailed Blouse

 This was a pleasant surprise! I was hoping this wouldn't be a plain blue shirt (see my post about my first fix) and was relieved when it wasn't. Around the shoulders the top has a quilted texture and I like the subtle detail in the center of the top. I like the style as it has a cute cut on each side. Additionally, I really liked the bright blue color and do you know what's even better? It matches the blue on my Emers! #winning

Overall, I am hoping this fix will be a 3/5. When I have the time to shop I mainly stick to the Loft as I feel like I always need clothes for work. What I am loving about SF is that the items I keep are things I would not have picked out myself, but they (usually) are acceptable for work and play. I hover around the cheaper price points and so far, (start crossing those fingers) have had zero issues with the items being damaged after wearing and washing. I have requested to keep Rachel as my stylist for the next fix so see you back here in a month!