Hey everyone! Happy 2019!

I hope everyone had a lovely time with their family and friends over the holiday season! We had an exceptional time recouping and NOT checking e-mails etc. We all go back to work and school tomorrow, but despite LOVING the time off, I suppose we can ready ourselves to contribute to society once again!

One thing I debated (for the entire month of October, November, December) was if I was going to do Whole30 in January! I had one successful go back in April of 2016 and really enjoyed how I felt. I’ve tried doing another Whole30 (or three) since, with little to no success… quitting on day 12 back in 2017, and quitting on day 3 in 2018, and I’m pretty sure I started Whole30 in September ’18, but I can’t even keep track.

This time, my family has SHOCKINGLY said they would do it with me! (Or at least start…) I actually couldn’t believe it, so I tried super hard not to overwhelm them while simultaneously buying ALL THREE Whole30 cookbooks, and strategically placing them on the kitchen island.

Husband says, “All this looks good, I’ll eat Whole30… meat.potatoes.vegetables…” and from then on it was, well can I have this on Whole30? Can I have this? What about this?” So far everything he has wanted, he can have! (i.e. salt)

I replaced my wine rack with my paleo/Whole30 cookbooks, and the new Day by Day journal I just picked up at MOA this past weekend. Jason bought me all new Calphalon cookware for Christmas. I feel extra ready.

While I know I’ve failed at several attempts since my first successful go back in April 2016, I am committing 100%, and really want to be successful. No more saying, “I might fail on day 4… “It’s like quitting before I even start.

Kay has picked up on the fact that I jump full in on Whole30, and quit days/a week into it. I want to show her that I/we can do hard things and stick with it. Extra mama motivation.

I asked our daughter if she wanted to do it too. The girl has been having “tummy pain” since she was 2, and we’ve never been “hardcore” enough to eliminate any food groups so I FINALLY want to know what plagues the girl, and she does too… She is pretty sad to give up all the sugar, but I’ve bribed her with this lunch box if she makes it to day 15…

I don’t know if they will both stick with it, but I’ve successfully convinced my family I’m NOT buying any dairy, gluten, added sugar items any longer. We ate up and feasted upon the last of the Western Dressing and shredded cheddar cheese for our salads. Going forward (for the month of January), I WILL NOT buy anything non-Whole30 compliant!

Jason has been dairy free more-or-less for a month or so, and poured a glass of milk and had some tummy pains, so since then he’s stayed away. I picked up one final 1/2 gallon of grass-fed milk last week so the girl could finish her cereal, but with all the eggs we have I’ve declared everyone is eating eggs starting January 1!

We haven’t bought a loaf of bread since Thanksgiving, and I’ve packed away all of our non-compliant spices and put the sugar and flour away so it is out of sight, and out of mind.

Previously while I’ve been fully committed my family has not, and honestly when my husband has come home and cracked a beer, I thought, mmm – a cider or glass of wine sounds so divine, and I’ve just cracked. I seriously have no – self – control.

While I really hope my family sticks with it for the Whole30 days with me, they’ve at least committed to eating Whole30 in front of me. I cleaned out our cupboards, and fridge yesterday, so instead of just one shelf being W30 friendly now everything is.

Kay keeps opening and closing the pantry and fridge expecting pudding cups, and mac and cheese to magically show up.

(Husband has been jokingly saying he’s going to blow his Christmas cash at fast food drive-thru when the going gets tough. so I can’t tell if he’s been cheating… ) 

We have my mom’s birthday at my sisters – which we’ll (or at least I will) embarrassingly bring our own food to, while convincing Kay she doesn’t really need the birthday cake, and my husband’s work party where I will unabashedly bring my own toppings for their taco bash.  (We’ve.drunk.the.koolaide)

Cheers to a healthy start to the new year. I’m excited I have some pals doing this with me (i.e. my family), and excited to see where we all end up!