This week ends my Whole30 experience while I transition into my new regular diet. This was such a learning experience. I definitely recommend it to anyone but specifically people who suffer from bloating, feeling gassy, upset stomachs, appetite issues, basically anything that you have not been able to find the culprit.

Results

I have found that pork makes my stomach upset, dairy products leave me feeling gassy and bloated, chicken is just not that appetizing to me, carbs make me feel weighed down, I am sensitive to sugar spikes, and I do not crave many of the same foods at all as I did before starting Whole30 (except for burgers and chocolate).

I feel so much better in my body. I have more energy. I feel stronger. I do not have an upset stomach after eating and I no longer feel bloated. I have lost 13 pounds over the 30 days. My clothes fits better. I have been feeling less moody (though not sure my husband will agree) and I can better recognize when I am feeling down or stressed and quickly turn that around.

All About the Food

I took this time to learn some new recipes as well and it has been wonderful.
Here are some of our new favorites:

-Proteins-

Salmon (great source of omega 3s, baked in the oven for a main dish)
Tilapia (for tacos or pan fried for a simple main dish)
Ground Turkey (for tacos, chili, and gumbo)
Eggs (boiled, fried, scrambled)

-Veggies-

Sweet Potato (baked and topped with bacon fat)
Heirloom Tomatoes (great in salads and salsas)
Snap Peas (so good fresh)
Avocado (topped with some garlic, sea salt, and pepper)

-Fruits-

Apples (with a side of cashew butter)
Oranges (great source of healthy, natural fruit juice)
Pineapple (diced and put in a bowl in the fridge for easy snacking)
Watermelon (lots in season right now, yum)
Lemons and Limes (added into my water during the work day)

-Treats-

Banana with Cashew Butter
Mixed Nuts (cashews, hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts, pecans)
Almond Milk Treat (recipe below)

-New Recipes-

Corn Salsa
3 ears of corn, shucked
1 cup sugar
¼ cooking onion, finely chopped
1 cubanelle or green pepper, finely chopped
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (OR some heirlooms diced, sweeter is better)
1 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
⅓ cup fresh lime juice
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

Boil corn in sugar water until cooked through. Let corn cool. Cut corn off of cob and mix with all other ingredients. Feel free to add in a splash of olive oil or some diced avocado.

Sweet and Savory Almond Milk
8 oz. unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2 – 1 T. local honey (orange blossom is my preference)
1/2 – 1 t. cinnamon
1/2 T. raw cocoa powder

Bring milk to a simmer on stove. Remove from heat. Add in other ingredients and whisk until well combined and smooth. Enjoy! Feel free to add in any other favorite spices for a bit of a different take on this alternative to sleepy time tea.