The Obligatory New Year Blog Post

Happy New Year!  I know I'm a few days late, but given the main content of this post, I thought today would be the best day to write it.  How was everyone's NYE?  I, for one, did the most amazing thing ever:  I.  Stayed.  Home. YESSSSSSS.  No bar crowds, no bar tabs, no heels or dresses or sleeping on couches or taking cabs.  I stayed home and hung out with my neighbors in my Lulus, made a big (totes not paleo) Mexican feast, played some cards, had some cocktails, and watched Miley shit the bed on her performance in Times Square.  Did anyone else see that?  The fur and the midget and the tone-deafness, oh my.  Apparently, she also did this:

#awkward

And now here we are, one day away from the Whole 30 challenge.  Since my last post, I've been surprised at how many people have said they want to try it with me.  Ok, let's be honest, I'm surprised that many people are still reading this blog.  But seriously, it's been almost overwhelming.  Everyone has their own reasons for doing these types of challenges or committing to the almighty new years resolution.  Whether it's about getting fit, nailing that promotion, changing your personal style, calling your grandma more often (that reminds me, I need to call my grandma...seriously) or, like me, experimenting with ways to restore calm into your life, the new year gives us a sense of hope of what's to come.

A few tips about the Whole 30 before we start tomorrow:
#1 - We are in complete control over ourselves.  No one can force us to eat non-compliant food.  Will parts of it suck? Maybe.  As I sit here drinking my creamy, hot coffee I am slightly sorrowful that I'm going to be without for the next 30 days.  But it's only 30 days, which brings me to my next point...

#2 - It's only 30 freaking days!  If we can't show a little restraint for 30 days, then there are likely some other issues happening in our lives that we should evaluate.  Just sayin'

#3 - Some days will be harder than others.  The creators of Whole 30 posted this timeline of what to expect during your challenge.  This may not apply to everyone but it's there to let you know that whatever you may feel in the next 30 days is probably very normal.

#4 - Plan ahead.  Have you visited the Whole 30 site?  Browsed their blog?  Searched the forum?  Have you planned ahead for the week, been to the grocery store, cooked some complaint foods so they're on hand for when you're hangry (yes, I said hangry) after your workout?  Do you have some quick foods to grab when you need a snack (think avocados, nuts, seeds, (some) fruit, sliced veggies).  You will not survive the Whole 30 unless you prepare.  This isn't a "quick" program - you need to shop and plan.  There are very few compliant take-out and fast food options.  This may sound scary but...you will have to cook.  ::gasp::

Get over it and get in the kitchen

#4.5 - Use the intraweb to your advantage.  There are a ton of websites that have Whole 30 compliant recipes.  You don't just have to eat chicken and broccoli (yeah Ryan, I'm talking to you).  Get creative, have fun, eat well.  For ideas, start (obviously) on the Whole 30 site and forum.  Also check out Nom Nom Paleo, Chowstalker, The Clothes Make the Girl and other paleo/Whole 30 blogs.  Many of these bloggers have Whole 30 compliant recipes or paleo recipes that you can tweak just a little to make them work.

#5 - Eat.  Yes, eat.  Eat good fats that will keep you full (avocados, nuts, homemade mayo, good oils and animal fats).  Eat lots and lots of veggies.  Have some compliant starches if you're feeling like you're gonna cheat (sweet potatoes (remember: NO white potatoes), plantains, etc.). This will keep you satisfied.

#6 - Continue to work out but listen to your body.  I have no intention of dialing down my CrossFit workouts. I'm also starting a boxing class for the next 8 weeks.  That means I need to feed my body because both of these workouts tend to wipe the floor with you.  You can't be starving or hungry when you go to the gym.   You'll hate your workout, you'll hate the Whole 30 and you'll hate your life.  So....eat fucking food.

Ok, I think that's enough tips.  I always like to end with an f-bomb.  Thanks for reading my blog and for somehow thinking that I'm motivating enough for you to join me on this journey.  That's pretty awesome.  I hope you know that as much as I would like to motivate you, you motivate me too. Knowing people are doing this with me and will be following along on the blog has added an extra level of motivation (and a little bit of healthy anxiety) for me to make it through.  So, if you're planning on joining me, comment on the blog or on Facebook or Twitter. Let me know you're doing this as well so I can be just as motivated by you as you are by me.

I'll see you tomorrow!