Why I'm Kinda Pissed About Dr.Oz and the Whole30

First off let me say, I am a supporter of the Whole30. I've tried it several times. Nearly made it all the way through before calling uncle. But it was enough to see the results. And I've done my Paleo dance for a few years. So this is in no way negative against the actual Whole9 program or Paleo lifestyle.

This is about selling out.

I get it. You want to reach millions more people and help them see the error of their ways. Lead them on the path to righteous eating. You've been featured on Good Morning America, Nightline, and many other news outlets and shows. You currently have the # 22 best selling health book on Amazon under Health, Fitness, & Dieting. It's a New York Times bestseller. You are making money and helping people.

But why?

Why Dr. Oz?

The man that touts everything as a miracle. A man that admitted that many of the things he promotes are scams. A man that probably never tries anything he features. A man that cares about nothing but money and success.

You are one step away from being Oprah's personal chefs while she gives this Whole30 thing a go.

I thought you were better than that. I thought you were pure. I thought Paleo and the Whole30 wouldn't be turned into some mass marketing consumerism monster.

I first read It Starts With Food in 2012. That was quite a long time before it was trendy to do a Whole30. And I've noticed recently the creators, Melissa and Dallas,  reprimanding people on social media for Paleofying foods and calling them Whole30 compliant. Well what do you think is going to happen when you take your amazing (yes I do think it is amazing) program to Dr. Oz and the like? No one is going to take you seriously anymore. I sure as heck don't. And allowing white potatoes to be Whole30? What??? I love white potatoes too but I can surely give them up for 30 days.

Don't make it easier on people.

Going on Dr. Oz just made it easier on people. Going on Dr. Oz was total SWYOP (sex with your pants on for those of you who don't know the program).

Remember what you said about drinking your coffee black? It's not that hard.

Well it isn't that hard to not let Dr. Mehmet Oz endorse your program.

Okay. Rant over.

Smoky Smoked Salmon

Breakfast is my favorite meal. I love to put together mouthwatering and sometimes unusual combinations for my everyday breakfasts. And they always include eggs. Breakfast is not breakfast without eggs. If you ask me.

My family has fallen out of love with salmon fillets, so off the dinner rotation menu they went. But me? I still love salmon and am always including it in my breakfast. Smoked salmon is my go to because it keeps beautifully and is ready to go right out of the package. Now I'm pretty sure this is sacrilegious, but one day I decided I wanted my salmon warm, so I threw it in the pan next to the eggs that were happily frying themselves in coconut oil. I only let it set about 45 seconds to a minute per side and then plated it.

Bam.

My tastebuds were blown away. Just that tiny amount of direct heat from a cast iron pan elevated regular old smoked salmon to new levels. Saltier. Smokier. More salmony. Now, if I am including salmon on my breakfast plate it always goes into the pan first.

Blog It!

A warm Fall day last year. Just sitting at the soccer field watching the kids practice and working on my first knitted piece. I can't wait to start knitting again!

Can introverts handle you?

Raising happier homeschool siblings.

Can I have ________ on a Whole30? This makes it easy.

This is why I don't let my kids take goodie bags or get happy meals or buy tiny cheap toys.

Not sure how I feel about this Frankentree. It's interesting but a bit scary.

What I Would Tell Myself About Homeschooling. Yes. Yes. Yes.

Here We Go Again

Yesterday I started another Whole30. It is exactly 30 days until my procedure and I really need this right now. I had let far too much sugar and the occasional grain and dairy slip back into my diet.

I love the way I feel while on a Whole30. It will be a bit tricky this weekend due to a big ol' camping party in the woods, but I know I can do it and I plan on showing you how. I'll have to forgo all the potluck, and the cake, and the loads of alcohol. I'm confident in myself and the fact that I can say no. You don't have to eat anything you don't want to. I came across something the other day from the Whole9 crew that said they were tired of a word used for infidelity (cheating) being used when someone ate a non-approved food. I totally agree. You didn't cheat with that donut (although you probably did make love to it) you decided that it was more important than a promise to yourself or your health.

While I won't be documenting and blogging every meal for the next thirty days, I will post some of them occasionally on here and Instagram. I also added a new Instagram account. This one is more personal. I've decided to keep the business and farm stuff over on @thetinyfarmco and post family, fitness, eats, and homeschooling on @primalhippie. And if you are on Pinterest I have a dedicated Whole30 board. Please follow along if those kind of things interest you!

Whole30: Day Done

I consciously chose to end my Whole30 on Day 22.

I don't feel bad or guilty or like a failure.

I didn't fall face first into a plate of donuts or a bowl of ice cream or a huge platter of pasta.

I very quietly put a bottle of crisp organic white wine in the fridge, then proceeded to drink it without any fanfare. Although my brain did rejoice a little bit for the numbing break.

Whenever you eat or drink something off plan you don't get to keep on going. You go right back to Day 1. I don't have time for that right now.

While I was on my Whole30 I lost 5lbs and gained some knowledge. I now feel very equipped to give it another shot in August before my surgery.

Whole30: Day 22

I have no pictures of food today. Today was blah. Very very blah. I'm feeling very uninspired and tired of compliant food. But in case you are the least bit interested, here is what I ate.

Breakfast: Sausage, rainbow chard, smoked salmon, and basil scrambled eggs.
Lunch: Leftover buffalo chicken in a lettuce wrap with homemade paleo ranch and a Larabar.
Dinner: Steak and carrots.

Whole30: Day 21

and on Day 21 I wanted to drink.

Really badly.

Wine and homebrew were calling my name. I called a friend and she talked me down off the ledge.

I am definitely feeling some discomfort during this Whole30. But I keep trying to remind myself that the positives outweigh all those yummy and/or comforting foods and drinks I might be missing.

Breakfast: Sausage, eggs, and more zucchini fritters.
Lunch: Larabar

I grabbed a bunch of stuff out of the fridge and started grilling. Dipping drumsticks in homemade pesto and slathering Tessamae's Wing Sauce over chicken breasts. I also threw a few random portobello caps on.

Dinner: Grilled buffalo chicken sandwiched between two grilled portobellos, drizzled with ranch ( I used this recipe), and a big garden fresh salad.

Whole30: Day 20

I can't believe I have made it this far! 10 more days! Craziness. Just craziness.

I got in a nearly 4 mile run with Warren this morning and then I was starving. I scarfed some cashews while breakfast was cooking. I was glad I got to run but to be perfectly honest, it was an awful run. My legs wouldn't loosen up, I was hot and in a bad mood to start with. I'm pretty sure I ruined it for him, but he was sweet and insisted I didn't.

Breakfast: Ham n egg "cupcakes", bacon, zucchini fritters.

Lunch: Larabar

Dinner: Ham wrapped around avocado and sprouts, sliced cucumber, and cherries.

Whole30: Day 19

Whoa nellie this was a rough day.

We were traveling and in a urban area with a million amazing restaurants that I hold near and dear along with breweries and other off limits delights (frozen custard yo!) calling my name.

Luckily I get to go back next month with on a date night with Warren. I'm already planning my indulgences. Also, I want to note that my sugar cravings haven't really abated. I know I can't have it so I haven't even really wanted it but it is the first thing I plan on putting in my mouth when this is over. Sugar! Aaaahhhh!


Breakfast: Leftover cold salmon, avocado, scrambled eggs. Coffee with coconut milk.

Road snack 1: more coffee with coconut milk, Larabar.

Lunch: Bunless burger from Five Guys and water.

Dinner: Chipolte carnitas salad and guac.

I was really hungry and almost forgot to take a picture.

Road snack 2: cashews

Whole30: Day 18

Breakfast: Sausage and eggs.
Lunch: Bison burger with avocado, onion, & Tessamae's Hot Sauce wrapped in romaine.
Dinner: Grilled Ginger Lime Shrimp with Bacon Mushroom Cauli-Rice

The garden is in full swing so there is absolutely no excuse to be skimping on veggies.

Whole30: Day 17

Today was good. I can see the downhill portion of this race now. I might still be a bit bored with food but I plan on scouting out some new recipes to liven it up in this last leg of the Whole30 journey.

I didn't eat breakfast today. I know. Bad.
I slept in till 10 and had a lunch date at 11:30 so I decided to call that Meal 1. It was a lovely salad from
American Artisans in downtown Mena. (please visit them if you are ever in the area)

Later in the afternoon I munched on a Key Lime Pie Larabar.

Dinner was Breakfast. Meaning it was one of those nights when I wasn't really hungry and certainly didn't want to cook.

Breakfast is the easiest and the best if you ask me!

Physically: I haven't been getting my required amount of sleep but that is totally my fault. Otherwise I feel pretty fantastic.

Mentally: Clear headed, alert, starting to really miss some things. Like wine. And beer. And chocolate. 

Whole30: Day 16

Breakfast:

Lunch: Larabar

Dinner:

Whole30: Day 15

Are we still doing this?

That's kind of how I am feeling at this point. I skimped on the sleep last night and have felt like I was moving in slow mo ever since. I got in a workout but didn't really give it my all. Then I half-assed cleaned and cooked the rest of the day. I spent all of 30 minutes in the garden. I'm going to hit the hay earlier tonight and hope it makes a difference.

Breakfast: Chuck-eye steak and scrambled eggs with spinach
Lunch: A smoothie.
Dinner: Citrus chicken with sauteed greens and an after dinner Larabar

Let's address the smoothie. I had just come in from the garden. I was hot and tired and I wanted no part of cooking. Also, I miss smoothies. I know these are just excuses and that a smoothie isn't really what you're supposed to be partaking in during a Whole30 but I'm gonna make my own rules here and call it good. My smoothie consisted of coconut milk, frozen banana, avocado, and cacao powder.

Also it ended up being so thick I had to eat it with a spoon. Is this totally SWYPO? I'm saying no. It's not my idea of a treat. Paleo pancakes on the other hand....I'm really wanting some of those. 15 more days!!!!

Physically: Besides being tired from lack of sleep, my clothes fit better which is awesome!
Mentally: Good.

Whole30: Days 13 & 14

Whoa. Let's take a breath and attempt to catch up.

 

 

Day 13 eats:

Breakfast- Repeat of the day before. Rainbow chard, smoked salmon, fried eggs.
Lunch- Buffalo Chicken Salad with cherries and pistachios (eaten as a picnic at the river because Summer Solstice y'all!)
Dinner- Hodgepodge of bacon and avocado, banana and almond butter, and a Larabar.


Day 14 eats: TRAVEL DAY

Breakfast- Bacon and eggs and Larabar
Lunch- Larabar
Dinner- Chipolte
Snack - 2 more Larabars

Obviously I have a Larabar problem. I'm working on it. I found a thread that really helped out when deciding what to eat at Chipolte. I went with a carnitas salad with double meat and double guac. So yummy. So much food. I was so full! I really didn't need those Larabars. Nope. Not at all.

I don't need this either but it sure does look good!

Whole30: Day 12

And I feel fantastic!

Seriously. Amazing.

I did have a moment today. But more about that later.

The morning started out bright and early with a bang. Running with a friend at the track in order to get her prepared for her first 5K. 3.1 miles later with no walk breaks and she was victorious!

Breakfast consisted of rainbow chard from the garden, a bit of smoked salmon, and two backyard eggs fried in coconut oil. And coffee. Of course coffee with coconut milk.

 

 

After that I got blonded. My roots were certainly showing. And not my Southern roots. I'm loving this tank I got on sale at Academy. I think it was like $9? Very cute and perfect for my workouts.

Lunch was a leftover lettuce wrap stuffed with pesto chicken and hot sauce. And a Larabar. And then I attacked a bag of pistachios. This was the resulting carnage.

After lunch I had a cup of coffee. I didn't need that cup though. My energy was through the roof. It's just a habit of having an early afternoon pick me up that I need to break.

Dinner was classic and perfect. Grilled ribeye, sautéed portabellas and salad with homemade dressing. After dinner I had a moment. I really really really wanted to fix up a treat. Something made with Whole30 compliant ingredients to satisfy that after dinner urge. I talked myself out of it. I wasn't hungry I just wanted that sweet hit. I did end up scarfing two bananas. I know that's not what I needed to do but it was better than giving in to the alternative.

Physically: Not bloated, not tired, skin is looking great. Workouts are improving. Sleep is improving. Aaaahhhh! And happy! Very very happy!

Mentally: Happy!

Whole30: Day 11

This week has been crazy! So crazy that I haven't really been paying this blog the proper attention it deserves. Where are the shiny pictures you ask?

I haven't had time to take hardly any!

Breakfast: Larabar
Lunch: Pesto chicken in a lettuce wrap with Tessamae's Hot Sauce
Snack: Bananas and a handful of almonds
Dinner: Chocolate Chili with shredded cabbage

Tomorrow is my last day of having to be somewhere early. Thank goodness because I am ready to go back to a big breakfast. I miss eggs!

Mentally: I'm on top of it!
Physically: My energy has returned fully. Yay! I've been getting my workouts in regularly.

This truly feels like an accomplishment. My last Whole30 attempt ended on Day 11. I'm not quitting this time.

Whole30: Day 10

Woohooo! I can feel the fog lifting. I actually don't feel like crawling under the covers and not moving for days. I got up early. Had a lovely humid hot as balls run. Came home and whipped up a quick breakfast for the kids and I. Spent a good chunk of the day with them at the pool and not even the sun and water could wipe me out.

Breakfast- Quickie scrambled eggs with fish sauce and some sliced avocado on the side plus a Larabar.

Lunch- A salad from a local place. It was super yummy and totally compliant.

Dinner- Burger wrapped in romaine with two Bubbies pickles and some pistachios.

Physically- I'm still bloated but my energy is returning. My skin is clearing up.
Mentally- Feeling sharper and much more awake than the past few days. The cravings aren't horrendous so I'm dealing.

Whole30: Day 9

And I was still exhausted on this day. I got up early and worked out. Took an afternoon nap and was in bed asleep by 9:45. Total and utter worthlessness.

So here is what I ate.

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Scrambed eggs with fish sauce and basil and a few cherries.

Leftovers- Creamy Basil Beef with Portabellas and Sweet Potato Home Fries

Buffalo Chicken Salad made with Tessamae's Hot Sauce, avocado, sprouts, and Paleo Ranch.

I also had a plum and a Larabar.

Hoping the fatigue is gone by tomorrow.

Whole30: Day 8

I was at work a few days ago and was really tired of drinking water. Like done with it. I spotted a bottle of kombucha and was like....SCORE! I hadn't had any 'booch in forever and immediately grabbed it. Then I paused. Is this magical elixir Whole30 approved?

I scanned the web briefly and came across this excellent post.

Can I Have _______?


On to the day's eats.

Breakfast: Chocolate Coconut Chew Larabar
Lunch: Leftovers from dinner- Pesto Chicken and Salad
Snack: Applegate Farms Wieners and Sauerkraut
Dinner: Creamy Basil Beef & Portabellos with Sweet Potato Home Fries

Physically....I'm freakin exhausted. Straight up wore out. So tired I don't want to do anything but sleep. Much less blog.

The end.

Whole30: Day 6

Have you ever seen the Whole30 Timeline?

Last night and today I am very certainly in KILL ALL THE THINGS MODE!

I tried to funnel all that rage into something productive. Like say, tear apart my boys room and put it back together. 6 hours later it was rearranged, purged, cleaned, and ready for some putty to fix all the things that boys do to walls. I have a few other spots in the house that need it so might as well get it all done at once. All that focused output of energy seemed to calm me down a bit.

Breakfast: One scrambled egg and one banana.
Lunch: One Key Lime Pie Larabar and two slices of ham.
Dinner: Steak, broccoli, red bell peppers, onions, garlic, coconut aminos.
Snack: Macadamia nuts.