CrossFit South Bend

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][image type=”none” float=”none” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” src=”12599″][image type=”none” float=”none” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” src=”12600″][image type=”none” float=”none” link=”true” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” src=”12737″ href=”http://crossfitsouthbend.com/nutrition-prices/”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][text_output]I decided to give the Whole 30 a shot after trying to exercise and diet on my own and not getting the results I wanted.  I had my fourth child and the weight wasn’t coming off as easily as with the first 3. I was starting to get very frustrated.  I was skeptical that the Whole30 would work because I was limiting my calories and exercising regularly and it wasn’t working, why should something that allows me to eat as much as I needed to be full as well as eat potatoes, and bacon give me the results I so desperately wanted.  Boy was I wrong!

Although implementing parts of the Whole30 were more difficult than I had anticipated, others were not.  I thought I could never live without my flavored creamer in my coffee but I do not need it anymore.  It took some doing but I found a coffee that I enjoyed without it and haven’t looked back.  Even my husband didn’t think I could give the creamer up! Finding Whole30 approved condiments was something I thought would be difficult but it was really easy. If I couldn’t find it, I either tried to make it or we did without. I did struggle with giving up sugar entirely because I have a major sweet tooth.  I came up with ways around it and am finding I don’t miss sugar so much anymore. The cooking is another thing I struggled with at first.  I was so used to using prepped and processed foods that I stayed away from a lot of recipes that required a lot of ingredients.  I broke down and tried many of them and found they were worth the work involved.  I still know that if I am short on time, I need to have easy prep recipes and there are plenty of them!  I also found myself being more willing to use herbs and spices I haven’t used in the past and enjoying them.

The Whole30 has given more energy, a better mood, and less stomach upset. I am able to button the jeans I wore before getting pregnant with my fourth child, I can’t wear them comfortably yet but I am pleased! I wasn’t able to even pull them on before the Whole30. I am getting into a routine with meal planning and prepping as well as being more informed about what really is healthy food and what I thought was healthy food.  I am slowly transitioning my children to a Whole30 way of eating and they are coming around and starting to ask for fruits and veggies as snacks instead of candy, cookies, and chips.

After the Whole30 is complete, I am hoping to continue to eat healthy, natural foods the majority of the time.  I want to continue to lose the baby weight and get stronger.  I really, really want to be able to have a dessert at a special occasion and say, “that was tasty but I don’t like the way I feel, I think I will wait until the next birthday, wedding, or holiday to eat something similar.” I want to instill in my family what healthy eating really looks like and when it is okay to deviate from that.

Through the Whole30, I have realized that I am a very emotional eater and what I choose to eat is very much causing me to struggle not only with weight but mood issues, and fatigue. Through participating in the Whole30 I learned to recognize this about myself and I found some other way to handle the stress; crossfit (my newfound passion!), going for a walk, playing with my kids or dogs, reading, and maybe even eating a piece of fruit. I am feeling happier, healthier and more energetic than I have for a long time! And my family is noticing it!

Katie Braaksma[/text_output][/vc_column][/vc_row]