I Dropped Off the Bandwagon...

So, I dropped off the Whole 30 bandwagon :( It wasn't because I didn't want to keep going, but because we financially could not swing it this month. Whole 30 can be pricey when you are used to supplementing a lot of your meals with rice and beans. So, I went to the store and bought a big thing of rice and beans, and we have a lot of fresh fruits and veggies. Our freezer had quite a bit of meat (ground venison, chicken breasts, a small roast, and a whole turkey). So we are continuing our journey with just being aware of what we are eating and how much. There's no need for us to gorge or eat a ton of sugar. 

Here is where I should update you that are middle child has been diagnosed with Celiac disease. We have been living gluten free with him for just under a year. It is amazing how much has changed with him since his diagnosis. He gained weight and started speaking more. His gut started healing, and he was no longer in pain. We love that little guy, and are so grateful that we can help him understand everyday how to make good decisions that won't hurt his body. Now, it hasn't all been easy. Each and every day is new and hard sometimes, but he is now to the point where he asks if he can eat whatever is there. Our house is a sanctuary. Everything (except for the parental's hidden stash) is available and safe. 

This past year we also welcomed a new little boy to our folds. Meet baby C!

He is a chunk. He really is just such a sweet little boy who loves to cuddle, eat, and laugh at his brothers. He joined us May 25 very quickly, and he has just been along for the ride ever since. I will share his birth story at another time, but let's leave it with the word empowering. 

Back to food. I love it, and I love throwing things together for dinner. The other night I had some chicken thighs that needed to be cooked up. I sprinkled some salt, pepper, and garlic powder on them and seared them in some coconut oil. Once they were browned on both sides I poured some organic salsa that I got from Sam's on the top of each one and then squeezed half of a lime on top. Next I turned down the heat and let them simmer and finish cooking the meat the rest of the way. While they were cooking, I made some sweet potatoes and a batch of rice. We also had a nice salad with homemade dressing.

So, there it is. I've talked health, diets, babies, and food. Next post I'll breach the topic of BIRTH! So exciting!

A Nursing Mom's Whole 30 Journey: Days 1 & 2

Whole 30. What is it? What is it for? Why? How come? So many questions. Here is a quick summary from the Whole 30 site:

Cut out all the psychologically unhealthy, hormone-unbalancing, gut-disrupting, inflammatory food groups for a full 30 days. Let your body heal and recover from whatever effects those foods may be causing. Push the “reset” button with your metabolism, systemic inflammation, and the downstream effects of the food choices you’ve been making. Learn once and for all how the foods you’ve been eating are actually affecting your day to day life, and your long term health. The most important reason to keep reading? - See more at: http://whole30.com/whole30-program-rules/#sthash.Gz9t3Euy.dpuf

I need this. I need it desperately. I am currently overweight, nursing a 7 month old, and chasing a two year old and a five year old around. I have low energy, low self-esteem, and my gut has not been the same since I had my last child. Each pregnancy has taken its toll on my body, and now it's time to change things. So, here it is. My daily struggles, accomplishments, stumbles, meals, frustrations. 

If you would like to learn more about Whole 30 I highly encourage you to buy the book and visit their website: www.whole30.com

DAY 1: 

    To be perfectly honest, day 1 was amazing. I drank a ton of water, ate great, worked out, and accomplished homeschooling. Some of my favorite things to eat for breakfast is sauteed veggies (onion, mushroom, greens), scrambled eggs, and to top it with avocado. It's very filling, and has been a great way to start my day. Lunch was leftover sweet potato chili. For dinner I made beef stew, and ate a large green salad with it. Along with my Whole 30 I've started the Bikini Body Mommy challenge. Throughout all of this I have an excellent group of women who are also going through Whole 30. It is amazing to have support and to be able to lend support. 

DAY 2:

     No cheating today! Yay! I so, so, so wanted to cheat. I left the house for the first time today in about three days, and it would have been so nice to stop at Starbucks and get a sugary drink. Today was a day of having a slight headache and not enough water at first. They say these days are normal, and to soldier on. I pressed play on my workout. Today and yesterday I noticed that the baby has been nursing more and getting frustrated, especially at night. I'm not sure if it's just my body detoxing and trying to get used to the difference in carbs or because it is especially dry in my house (probably both). Coconut oil has definitely been a must during this time to make sure I'm getting enough fat to help keep me full and keep up milk production.