Whole 30: Final Thoughts

My Whole 30 Challenge is not officially over yet, but technically I'm not sticking to it anymore, so I thought I would write my wrap-up post.  I ate strictly according to the plan the first two weeks: no dairy, sugar, legumes, grains or alcohol.    I ate three big meals a day of protein and vegetables with few snacks, but lots of water and tea.  A few treats krept in here and there after that.  Looking back at my intentions, here's where I stand after the experience:

1.  Menu planning.  I definitely upped my game in this department.  However, the second week was overkill.  I realized crockpot roasts would be an easy way to cook a lot of meat for several meals, and so I collected a few highly recommended recipes.  Overestimating the amount of meat I'd need in a week's time, I bought two whole chickens and a pork butt all in one day!  Ugh! It was a stressful amount of planning and cooking to get it all consumed before going bad.  In the end, my "easy way out" was harder on myself than I imagined.  As it stands right now, I have a few recipes that I want to keep from this experience, and each week or so I'll try a new one, while keeping some stock favorites.  That sounds more practical and sustainable to me.

2.  Cooking.  Wow, what an improvement!  I actually look forward to chopping my produce and creating palatable masterpieces.   I think the kids have adjusted their expectations of the amount of time it takes in the kitchen to create a meal, too. 

3. Relationship with food:   I appreciate what this challenge was meant to do: help me focus on the most nutrient-dense foods that my body can digest, without distractions of treats, even healthy ones.  I became aware of new flavors and textures that I actually love, because I was looking for joy in real food.  The kids saw me enjoying a wide variety of vegetables, and wanted to try them, especially the twins.  Lincoln is much more stuck in his ways, which is why I feel the need to imprint good eating habits now.  The older they get, the less willing they'll be to experiment.  

4.  Weight:  I am pretty sure this didn't change.  I don't have a scale so I don't know my ending weight, but I don't feel much different.  I did lose about an inch in the waist and hips, though.  My jeans still don't feel comfortable, but hey, I'm 27, it might be time for some new jeans.