There’s no better time than the new year to take a step back, refresh, and re-excite. Over the past few months I have been indulging in every waist growing item from hot cocoa, to cookies, to way too much takeout. I decided that I would embark on the January whole30 to help detox and reset my body. I’ve done whole30 before (well, let’s be honest, it was more like whole14) so I know what I’m getting myself into. What will make January especially difficult is my birthday is on the 17th. I’m still on the fence as to whether or not I will allow myself to cheat and indulge in a glass of champagne.. we’ll see..

For anyone unfamiliar, whole30 is basically a 30 day program where you eliminate certain foods that could potentially be harming your body, like alcohol(duh), sugar, grains, dairy(fml), and legumes. It’s used to help not only reset your body but also to aid with any aches/pains, trouble sleeping, skin issues, or low energy levels. What I intend to get out of the program is to generally feel better about myself, I’m pretty happy with my body, however there’s a difference between being skinny and being healthy and feeling good. The past few weeks I’ve just felt a little gross and sluggish. I’m hoping this will help reset my body and mind and help change the way I see food and my relationship with it. I’m also hoping this will help with any low energy levels and clear my cloudy holiday head. 

WHAT I BOUGHT:

VEGGIES

cauliflower: great for cauliflower rice or roasted

sweet potatoes: great as a side, use as toast, or hash browns

cherry tomatoes: roasted or as a snack

cucumber: add to salads or slice and have with vinegar and a little salt for the perfect snack

spaghetti squash

zucchini: another great spaghetti sub

mushrooms: to fry as a side or to have with scrambled eggs

bell peppers: to roast, add to salads, or have with eggs

white onions: to roast or have with eggs

iceberg lettuce

cabbage: great for healthy slaws and asian salads

carrots

baby carrots

PROTEINS

eggs

egg whites

chicken breasts

salmon

sliced turkey

FRUITS

 apples

asian pears

bananas

oranges

pineapple

EXTRAS

marinera sauce (no added sugar)

dijon mustard

balsamic vinegar

franks hot sauce

lara bars: only cashew and apple are compliant     

This is everything I’ve purchased to start and will add to as the days go on. There are SO many amazing recipes on pinterest to help you get creative and excited.

The program started yesterday and so far I’ve had scrambled eggs with veggies and avocado topped with hot sauce for breakfast, some green tea, and some turkey slices and baby carrots with mustard for lunch (sounds gross but it was good!). Last night we had steak with roasted veggies. My biggest struggle has always been sweets – I have the BIGGEST sweet tooth. The last time I did whole30 I found microwaving a banana with some almond butter was the best quick fix – it smells sort of like cake batter or cookie dough and tastes amazing. I’ve also decided to kick coffee for the month because I’m not a huge fan of having it with almond milk and I think I will be much more satisfied with green tea or other herbal teas. I’m also going to try to get my butt to the gym 2-3 times a week but no guarantees..

I will be posting on IG stories as much as I can with my daily meals and any updates so be sure to follow along! @Tessalindsaygarcia

For more info visit the whole30 website HERE