Introducing Teena, on her own Whole30 path

While starting the journey of my first Whole30 in March of this year, I counted days and posted pictures of some meals on Facebook. A week in I got a message from my cousin, Teena. She asked what I was doing, and knowing she has struggled with weight and health much of her life, I encouraged her to look at the program as outlined on the Whole9 page. After reviewing the program she decided she had nothing to lose (and maybe everything to gain?), so why not give it a try. I was so excited and proud of her for deciding to take the plunge. What followed was the first step in her journey back to health and a positive relationship with food. I find her story and continuing adventure so inspiring and real, I asked her to share with you. So without further ado, here's Teena.

Tips and Resources

Just a quick note today to share with you some awesome resources that you can find right here in St. John's, along with a few tips and tricks that I discovered last time around.

Come out swinging - Prep Tips

We are just a day away from the next Whole30! Excited? I hope you are. I know I am, I'm super pumped and prepared. We've already had one guest post from Sandra the Skeptic, Nicole has some links to yummy recipes in her post, and I've given a few tips on preparedness. Onward and upward from here! I decided to pull the rest of my tips into a single post. Especially since Nicole has recruited just about everyone she knows for this Whole30 and I won't have to worry about struggling for blog topics. Enjoy the few ideas I have below.

More "Trick" than "Treat"

Today is All Hallows' Eve and Whole30 eve, interesting timing. It's another candy and treat filled season for most, and I am no exception. I've been good with refraining from the mini chocolate bars and the like (total count so far: one mini Snickers and and one Mars - both left me with a waxy, sugar taste in my mouth, 3 pkgs. of Rockets), but I have been "treating" myself more lately to foods I am not usually tempted by other times, knowing I'll be going thirty days without as of tomorrow. The psychological impact that has on me is really interesting and explains (but doesn't excuse) the Mexican restaurant dinner I had last night, the tortilla chips, dip and cheezies I have been indulging in since Saturday's Halloween party. It's not that I no longer enjoy those foods, but I am so much more aware of how they impact me. It's helping me decide what's worth it and what isn't  - and what constitutes a special occasion (leading me to ponder how all special occasions are wrapped up in less than healthy foods.)

Round 2: Fight!

Here we are, just over a week to go until Round 2 of the Whole30. And this time, there's a whole pack of us! So keep your eyes open for some guest posts this month. Anyone interested in joining, just let us know! It's always easier with support and when you've declared your intentions to the world! In watching Nicole's Facebook wall, I've been truly inspired by all the friends that are joining us this time around. I open my heart and arms to you all. We may not be nutritionists or dietitians, nor are we even related to any doctors, but with our combined knowledge and passion for food and positive change, we can totally make a difference in our lives. And it was while reviewing these posts that I encountered a really good question that I would like to address in my next few posts. Someone said:

"I have little time for food prep... will that matter?"

Let's get this party started!

Ok, so here we are, days away from Whole30 round two. I am pretty excited about this next part of the journey, a number of people have indicated they are going to be Whole30ing along with us for the first time and we even have some guest bloggers lined up. It will be fun to see the Whole30 through their eyes and sharing the blogging load will mean less posts from us - a richer perspective for our readers. If there is anyone out there who is joining us for November and would be willing to write a post or two about it, please let me know. Those stories are always eye-opening and inspiring for sure!