My Whole30 Recap

Yes, I am horrible at keeping up with my blog and I've been meaning to update... really! However, late is better than never so here's my reap on my Whole30 experience.  

First, I want to apologize for leaving the last 9 days blank, but the last nine days were about the same as all the other days.  I didn't experience anything different from before.  After my Whole30, I did lose weight, but not anything significant.  Honestly, I was a bit disappointed because my experience was not like all the testimony I've read about.  I didn't experience the "tiger blood" nor the crazy cravings for food I haven't had in years.  The only thing I did experience were the headaches at the beginning.  

How Whole30 helped me was learning about how my body works with food.  My cravings for sweets went down dramatically.  I used to have some sort of dessert right when I get home (i.e. ice cream, cakes, etc).  I would even eat sweets that I don't like.  It was bad and I recognized it too.  Now, I am able to pass on the desserts and not want the sugary stuff anymore. 

I am also eating breakfasts every day and that was something I didn't do before.  For most of my life, I went without breakfast (unless I was going out to meet up with friends or have brunch).  I was never really hungry in the mornings and a cup of coffee in the morning was suffice.  

My recovery from my workouts are a lot faster than before.  My soreness usually goes away by mid-day the next day after my work out.  I would wake up sore, but feel great and normal by 11AM.  It's not a bad thing when I'm usually sore all the time. 

So would I continue to do Whole30? I'm not sure.  I've been debating about it for a while.  Currently I am still on Whole30, but I am not sure for how long I'll keep this up. 

Day 21: Paleo Potluck & Zucchini Lasagna

I was invited to a Paleo Potluck and honestly had no idea what to make!  I first thought of the sloppy joes, but knowing how messy that could be I decided to scratch that idea.  I checked the invite to see what other folks were bringing and figured I could make my zucchini lasagna.  I also had some Brussels sprouts and decided to bring a side dish as well (yes, I was really busy in the kitchen that day).  

We had a lot of fun and the food was awesome!  There were salmon, curry meatballs, chicken stir-fry, chicken wings, almond butter, cucumber water, and apple crisps!  The food was so delish that we might have another potluck this weekend.  Anyway, on to a recipe: 

Zucchini Lasagna (adapted from The Food Lovers Kitchen):

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of ground meat (beef or turkey - I've tried both and loved it equally)
• 1 cup of green bell peppers, diced
• 1 cup of onion, diced
• 1 tbsp of basil 
• 1 tbsp of parsley
• 1 tbsp of oregano
• 1 Zucchini, julienne (thinly sliced)
• 1.5 cups of mushroom, sliced
• 15 oz of tomato sauce
• 6 oz of tomato paste 
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt & Pepper, to taste
• Red crushed pepper flakes (optional - if you want it spicy)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Brown the meat over medium heat - breaking it into pieces.
3. Add garlic, onion, and green peppers and continue to cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in tomato paste and tomato sauce.
5. Then add parsley, basil, and oregano.  Bring sauce to a boil, then remove from heat.
6. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper if needed. 
7. Grab a 9" x 13" baking dish and layer the sauce thinly in the baking dish.
8. Then layer the zucchini and mushrooms over the sauce - repeat and alternate the layering of sauce, zucchini and mushrooms. 
9. Bake the lasagna for 15 minutes - covered.  Then, remove the foil and increase the temperature to 350 and bake for another 15 minutes.  
10. Remove and enjoy!

Day 20: Panera Bread Pastries All Around Me...

So I am sitting at the service area waiting on my car. I go to the "early bird" special on Saturday mornings because not only is it super cheap for me to get my oil change, this place also serves you breakfast! I'm not talking about your nasty cheap donuts, etc. I'm talking about your fresh cooked omelet made the way you want with OJ.  However, today they didn't bring in the cooks for the omelets and instead, they're serving Panera Bread's pastries and sandwiches. Major blah because I cannot have anything (and it smells wonderful in here).

Panera Bread bagels

Interestingly, even though it smells great in here, I was not tempted to go over and grab one (well, I did walk over to take a photo, but I wasn't interested in picking it up). My cravings for processed sugar seems to have diminished a lot! Even the paleo-fied desserts aren't as tempting as they used to be. Confession: I really wanted to pig out at this one restaurant that makes amazing paleo desserts, but was not able to.  Before I went on the Whole30 journey, I would drool thinking about those desserts (look at the picture! How could you not?!); however, I haven't really craved it and writing about it haven't made me want to text my girlfriend to have a dessert date. 

Paleo Blueberry Cobbler (w/ paleo ice cream)

Initially when I started the Whole30 journey, I told myself the first thing I'm going to order is one of the paleo desserts from my favorite restaurant.  Now, I am not so sure if that's the first thing I want.  I think I would love some good cheese and a glass of red wine.  It's interesting in how just 20 days, your taste buds/cravings can change.  Hopefully I can see/feel more changes in the next/last 10 days of this challenge. 

Days 18 & 19: Where's My "Tiger Blood"?!

I am waiting for this magical "tiger blood" to hit me, but I have yet to experience it. Trust me, I am very sad about it because another reason why I was excited about doing the Whole30 challenge was to experience all the sensations that I've read about in many testimonies. One of them was about "tiger blood."  Tiger Blood is basically where you've gone 'over-the-hill' with the Whole30 program and the cravings are gone, energy is super high, and you just feel freaking awesome!  Unfortunately, I haven't felt the "awesomeness".  I have noticed my cravings are gone and that my energy are about the same.  I think I am stronger with my work-out.  I guess I was expecting to be super energetic like on a runner's high or something. 

What I have noticed is how certain foods affect me.  Just eating Whole30 approved items like plantain chips or kale chips disturbs my tummy.  I initially thought it was just the vegetables (i.e. cauliflower), but then I realized it was the plantain chips that I love so dearly :(  Knowing this and also knowing that the plantain chips can act as my "food without brakes," I decided to stop buying them.  I probably will make my own and see if it's because it's packaged or if I do have an issues with these items.

Day 17: Kung Fu Running Club supports #runforboston

As you may have figured out, I LOVE running. It's actually my first love with CrossFit being my second (okay, it's a toss-up between food and CrossFit, but I'll go with CrossFit for now). So when I heard about Boston, I was really sad. I finally got back to my office and streamed the news coverage that day until I had to leave for CrossFit. It's just ridiculous with what happened and I was glad to see our run clubs getting together to run for Boston.

We made signs and the runners wore green (yes, I know that is not the Boston Marathon colors, but I didn't organize it - just participated). With our run club (Kung Fu Running Club), we asked our runners to wear either green or blue and yellow. Our runs are always on Wednesday nights and through word of mouth and social media advertisement, we had 104 runners show up yesterday for this run. It was amazing! I was disappointed with the fact that my injury caused me to "man the table" and not run with the group. However, I was glad I was part of it :)

Really quick about Day 17: I still have yet to notice the fat melting away, but I did finish "It Starts With Food"!!! I ordered the book on the day I started the Whole30 challenge and it arrived on the 4th or 5th so let's just say I suggest reading the book before starting the Whole30 challenge. It is very resourceful and I enjoyed every bit of it!

I have noticed that my meals do not make me feel yucky or uncomfortably full. I am full and satisfied after each meal and usually am able to go without a snack (unless dinner is 6+ hours since my lunch).

My energy level is still consistent and I haven't had the extra cup of coffee during midday nor evening. I did get a cup of almond milk latte on Monday in between court settings, but that was because I went to a coffeehouse to prepare for my next trial and was too lazy to drive back to my office. 

I also noticed that last week, my tummy was going through some stuff, but I think it was the healing process from the "overcarbsumption" I had from my poor eating days.   I haven't really craved for brownies, cakes, blueberry cobblers, etc.  I have noticed my sweet tooth cravings are more towards fruits now (and Lara bars) and I know I need to not feed into it. 

Days 12 -16: Thai Red Curry with Ground Turkey

As you've all heard by now, something tragic happened at the Boston Marathon.  I am still shocked and have been very disturbed by it.  Before I actually get on my soap box about this topic, let me go ahead and move on to my Whole30 experience so far (and another recipe).

Over the weekend, I was in Austin, TX for a few reasons: to celebrate a friend's birthday, to hang out with a girlfriend of mine, and to run the Austin 10/20.  What's the Austin 10/20? I'm glad you asked! It's a 10 mile race with 20 bands - very similar to the Rock n' Roll half/full marathon series.  This past race was the second race for Austin 10/20 and they are going to try and start a series.  There's a race coming up next year in San Diego, California for their 10/20.  Pretty awesome!

I think being on Whole30 affected my race in a not so pleasant way.  First, I was a good minute slower than usual and second, I injured myself.  Now, I did contribute to the injury by running cold - meaning, I did not warm-up nor did I go out for any runs the week leading up to the race.  However, I did hit a wall and was not able to get out from it.  I was really disappointed with my time.  What I didn't do, and I knew I should have, was go on the Whole30 forum for athletes.  On there, many people have posted about what to eat the day before, day of, and during the race.  I messed up in so many ways...

First, I didn't have a carb-heavy meal the day before.  I actually went to a vegetarian restaurant because my girlfriend wanted to try it out.  I'll be honest, a salad to me is not a meal at all.  I need and want protein with every meal and that didn't happen on this trip (not an issue, I'll mark it as a learning how to eat away from home).  I even bought 2 bags of plantain chips (they're compliant) and that wasn't helpful either.

Second, 2 hours before the race I had a burger patty with an egg and mixed fruits.  For some reason, I felt my burger at about mile 7 and it was not comfortable.  Honestly, I wouldn't have had a burger patty before a race, but I was away from home and didn't want to be bothersome to my friend so I brought that patty from home (it was easy to nuke in the morning!).  Anyway, it was a mistake and now I think I know better and will be testing  out some pre-race breakfast items.

Third, (and I've mentioned this earlier)... I did not run at all the week leading up to the race.   Not the best idea when you're suppose to be training properly (and I obviously did not).  No worries, I am seeing a physical therapist this Friday and hopefully it's nothing bad.

Okay, I promised ya'll a recipe and here it is:

Thai Red Curry with Ground Turkey:

• 1 lb of ground turkey (or your preferred choice of protein)
• 1 tsp of coconut oil
• 1 cup of carrots, diced
• 1/2 an onion, sliced 
• 1 - 2 tbsp of red curry paste (I use Thai Kitchen)
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 1 tsp of ground ginger 
• 1 tsp of fish sauce (I use Red Boat)
• 1 tsp of coconut amino 
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp of red crushed peppers (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat a large sauce pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add oil and brown the ground meat (add salt and pepper for more flavors to your meat).  Remove the meat once it's browned.
3. In the same pan, add the coconut milk and curry paste and stir together.  Throw in the onions and carrots.  Cook for about 5 minutes and stir occasionally. 
4. Then add the ground ginger, coconut amino, fish sauce, and meat.
5. Serve over cauliflower rice (with red pepper flakes if you like it spicy) and enjoy!

Days 8-11: Cravings???

First off, I have to tell the world that the 3 question marks on the title of my post is done on purpose to annoy my sister - haha! She really dislike improper grammar, especially punctuations, so I just had to do that.

Second, I knew I sucked at keeping up a daily blog! I admire other bloggers who are able to write every day because I am not able to do it.  However, I don't have much to write about since every day has basically been the same: get up, make coffee, eat breakfast, go to work, eat lunch, work-out, go home and have dinner.  See? Pretty boring! So I've saved you from my boredom! 

But, let me recap you on how my Whole30 is going so far. 

I'm actually enjoying it.  I knew it was going to be difficult because while on "normal paleo" I had a difficult time being on track and my cravings were off the charts! I would be really good during the weekday and destroy myself over the weekend.  Needless to say, I wasn't really letting my body heal and I was not doing my health any favors at all! What I have noticed is, my cravings have curbed by a LOT.  It's pretty crazy, but after about 11 days I am not craving for sugar like how I was a month ago.  Just to give you an idea on how much I used to crave sugar... I would be okay for most of the day, but once I get home or finish dinner I would be very full, but still want something sweet.  Since I've denied myself with sweets all day, I find myself getting ice cream out from the freezer and having that with brownies or madelines, or I'll have something with Nutella (fruit or pastry).  It was horrible! And it was usually at night, after a good workout and all.  I would wake up the next day feeling super disappointed at myself because I did not have any self-control over myself.  I would be good for a few days, but give into my sugar cravings and totally undo all the hard work.  So! This have been good for me because I don't even feel the sugar monster pushing me for any sweets.

My sleep has also improved.  I naturally get up between 5:30 - 6AM and I get between 7-8 hours of sleep every night (so far).  I don't have interrupted sleep and my energy level have increased.  For those of you who know me, you know how much I LOVE coffee/caffeine.  I normally start my day with at least 2 cups of coffee (one cup at home and another on the road), then by noon I would have another cup (or two) of coffee at the office (or I would have gone to Starbucks by then and ordered my 'non-fat, 1 sweet & lo, cappuccino - grande).  Well folks, I've basically eliminated my afternoon and evening coffee consumption.  I only have one maybe 2 cups of coffee at breakfast and that is it.  I am not tired during the afternoon nor have I hit a slump to where I need a "pick me up".  I am just going through my day and it dawned on me just the other day how I haven't really had any mid-day coffee.  

These are the two things I've noticed so far.  I haven't noticed any fat being melted away, but today is only Day 11 so we shall see.  On the other hand, Whole30/Whole9 have a timeline of what to expect while on the Whole30 and from Days 8-15 I am suppose to have all these weird cravings (like for food that I haven't had in years).  Interestingly, I haven't really had any cravings.  It's actually annoying because I was wondering what it is that I would crave and I haven't had any!  Although last night, I did dream of eating chocolate chip ice cream and then feeling bad as I was finishing it up because I thought to myself that I just cheated and need to start over.  Luckily, that was not true! (What's odd is chocolate chip ice cream is not my favorite so I was surprised it even occurred in my dream).  Anyway, I am still waiting to experience this weird craving.  Once I do, I will definitely update you guys!