Day 11! I can’t believe it! I’ve actually finished 1/3 of the Whole 30!

So, astonishment aside, a brief update today with things I’ve noticed.

Firstly, I’m definitely smaller. But it’s a bit up and down, because I still get occasional bloat days as my digestion adapts/heals/whatever it’s doing. But I’m wearing a dress size smaller than I was. (It may not be a full dress size, but I’ve crossed the boundary by a clear margin.)

Secondly, I’m starting to very definitely know the difference between being hungry and thirsty. This was one of the things that had got messed up for me, maybe because of too many caffeinated drinks. Now if I’m not hungry, but need a drink, I can tell – I have dry mouth instead of hunger/cravings.

Thirdly, and I really love this one – no scummy morning mouth! You know when you wake up, and your mouth is all fuzzy? Gone. I just love that change!

Fourthly, I’m starting to get some energy back, and I feel like I want to exercise. Also, my body feels much less stiff. Even though I haven’t exercised since I started Whole 30, a load of aches are gone. I don’t grunt as I bend down to tie my shoelaces, or as I stand up from a low chair. I haven’t lost enough weight/size for it to make a significant difference, so I’m assuming that this is either less gas or less inflammation. Whatever it is, I love it.

Now the irritations.

I am starting to get a bit bored with the cooking every meal thing, and the food options. I’m heading for the shops today to buy beets and capers to make this nomato sauce. Also going to go back to “It Starts With Food” and look at their chicken/fish recipes in the appendix. I also saw a great lasagne substitute with zucchini/courgette slices instead of pasta.

At the same time, I’m wondering: where does this cross the line into trying to eat unhealthily with healthy ingredients? Whole 30 has some pungent warnings about trying to recreate your old diet with new ingredients. I am working on the assumption that the key is variety: don’t let things like the “lasagne” become staples, mix it up and have them once in a while.

Time will tell: I have to branch out sometime! Here goes…