It happens every year; usually right after Halloween.  The colder temperatures make me want to bundle up and eat something sugary and comforting.  Unfortunately, I don’t ever stop at just one treat.  I spend the next two months acting like a gluttonous heathen, enjoying all of the sweets and treats that the holiday season has to offer.  I won’t apologize for it, no sir.  After all, it wouldn’t be Christmas time without eating rum cake, buckeye candies, cookies and coconut pie.   I do love me some sweetnin. [sic] However come January 1st, I am ready to chuck it all out the door and do anything to make myself feel better.  Eating all of that sugar has adverse effects on your body, and  I didn’t truly realize that until last year.

While working at the Farmers Market last summer, I overheard one of the farmers talk about something called the Whole 30.   She talked about it enough to other people that it intrigued me, and one day I asked her about it.   In a nutshell, for 30 days you only eat, vegetables, meats, fruits, and nuts and that’s about it.  No sugars (artificial or real), or any product whatsoever with added sugars like mayonnaise, dressings, etc.  No flour, no dairy or beans.  It is very strict, but it is only for 30 days.  You can do anything for 30 days, right?  The best part is, it is not a gimmick, and you don’t have to subscribe to a monthly club.  All of the information is free on the Whole 30 website or in their book.

I won’t lie.  It was a bit of a challenge at first, but after around day 17, something kicked in and my body responded very well to eating all of that good, clean food.  I honestly felt euphoric.  It was powerful, and I mean this with all my heart- it was life changing.  I realized that what I had been consuming all these years was poisoning my body.

Now, I am a huge advocate of eating the Whole 30 way.    Not all of the time, but definitely right now as a detox from all of the candies and sugars from the holidays, and as just a way to feel great!

I realize that this topic is a bit off my usual subjects, but I am writing this to help you realize that if you are feeling sluggish, tired, have headaches often and just don’t feel good.  Maybe a change in what you eat could be all that you need for a reset.  It worked wonderfully for me; I hope it will for you too!