Whole30 FTW!

And we're off!!! After about 2 weeks of being 80-90% Paleo today marks the beginning of my Whole30 to official begin our new lifestyle. I am the only one in the family doing the Whole30 since I am the only one in need of shedding a little of my excess body weight. I took pictures and measurements this morning and will not step on the scale again until July 12th, a full 30 days from now. I have to say, I am very excited! All stats and pics will be posted at the end of the 30 days.

So far, after our pseudo-paleo start, I have to say that this is the best 'diet' I have ever tried. I never have been one to jump on any one diet bandwagon. In the past I have just cut back portions and lowered my fat and sugar. (which left me feeling HUNGRY!!) Well, count me in with the crowd on this one, cause I heart REAL food!! This my friends is no 'diet' in the usual use of the word.

For those who are curious, here is a sampling of some of our meals as of late.

Scrambled eggs, pork chops, and berries

fajita salad topped with guac, cheese, and sour cream

Stuffed portabella mushrooms with broccoli on the side

Just a side note: the dairy products are not strict paleo. They are referred to as 'lacto-paleo' which is what we will lean towards. I will not have any for the next 30 days, but as long as it doesn't affect me after that, there is no reason to take it out of my diet. Paleo is all about what works best for your body, so if it ain't broke, don't fix it! :o)

The hardest part of this diet isn't going to be focusing on what we can't have. It is going to be the cost. We just went to the store today and spent about $180 for maybe 5 days worth of food for our family of 6. That is the best trip so far! I have also learned already that it is best to cook big batches with leftovers in order to keep from feeling like all I do is cook. Having the leftovers makes for quick lunches (and sometimes breakfast!). As I type this I have a crockpot full of carnitas cooking away and some kale drip drying so I can make it into kale chips. It's all about the prep-work. You have to put some effort in early to make it easier later. This is definitely going to get me more organized with my meal planning, shopping, and prep.

I am eager to get settled in Hawaii. I am positive that we will be able to bring that cost down to a manageable amount. Not only will we have two large refrigerators to work with instead of one tiny one, we will also be setting up a garden, looking into a CSA for our other produce, and possibly some of our meat as well. With a larger family it does make it more difficult. I am not going to let it get me down. I am stepping up to the challenge and am going to make this work. After all, it's for the good of my family's health!