So, I did a thing. I joined Weight Watchers. Amy was talking about doing a mini-reset this month, and I decided I was going to join her. And then in the back of my mind I was thinking that I will probably just undo everything I do on the reset within a week of it being over. That is pretty much what always ends up happening after I do a round of Whole 30.
I want to point out that I love Whole 30. And when I am trying to break a sugar addiction, need to get back on track, or if I am having skin or stomach issues….it is my go to! I have done it every January the past three years, and I plan to do it again this January. I am actually following some of it now, and making whole 30 meals most of the time…it is just that I don’t want to restrict myself 100% of the time. Amy is an amazing Whole 30 inspiration, and I have done all my rounds with her. She is actually a certified coach now, so if you are looking to get started with it….I highly recommend her!!! I am constantly stealing meal ideas from her. Follow her on Instagram if you aren’t already. The amount of food porn she posts is incredible. I feel like everyone should do a round of Whole 30 at least once.
The thing is, right now I am trying to make a lifestyle change. That isn’t a sustainable lifestyle for me. I like cheese burgers and beer and I want to indulge in a macaroon or cookie from time to time. It is summer and I want to take Zoe to get frozen yogurt and popsicles. I don’t want to miss out on any of those things that make life more enjoyable. I had seen variations of this quote floating around a few places lately…
And it clicked in my mind. What the fuck am I doing wasting away this precious time?!?! Logically, I know that there are only 18 years of childhood. Duh. But when you put it like this, it makes all the difference. And Zoe might not notice this year that I am not indulging in the ice cream with her, but eventually she will. And I don’t want her going through life thinking that she cant have this or that. Or that something she really enjoys is “bad.”
That is my problem with Whole 30, paleo, keto, whatever else is out there that cuts out food groups. Everything is ok in moderation. So when you want to enjoy a cheeseburger on a Saturday, you should be able to do it without the guilt. Without you “breaking” your diet. Or eating an “off limits” food. Or at least, that is how I feel. That is what I love about Weight Watchers. I am given a set amount of points each day. I can spread those points out how I would like. I can hit or stay under them all week long and plan accordingly if I want to have fun on a Saturday and have that burger and beer. Or take my daughter for cookies at the mall. Because that is what life is about. Living!
I signed up for three months online because they were running a deal where there was no membership fee and I could get a month free, spread over the three months. I figured that was enough time to see if I like the program and if I am actually going to track my food. I am closing in on the end of my second week, and so far I am really liking it. Seeing how many points some things are that I was consuming daily was eye opening!!! Like the peanut butter coconut perfect bar is 13 points. My daily allowance is 23. Are you kidding me?!?! It has really changed the way I think about certain foods. Also, it is making me control my portions. That is something I struggle with. On Whole 30, as long as something was approved…I would eat however much I wanted. That doesn’t work for me long term. I really need to keep myself in check!
The Freestyle plan that they offer now has 200 free foods. Meaning, they are zero points towards your daily allowance. So if you are hungry in the evening, you can grab a veggie or fruit and not go over your points. That has really helped me as well! I find myself snacking on cucumbers and frozen cherries, not chips and salsa. I am also not eating whatever Zoe leaves behind on her plate, or snacking while I cook dinner.
Here is my referral link if you want to play along! If you sign up with my link and do it for two weeks, we can each get a free month! I have already seen the scale drop a few pounds, so it has been encouraging. I have also been showing up for my workout every weekday since I have joined. Dare I say my mojo is back??