This is the raw post I was talking about writing. This doesn’t have anything to do with home decor or painted furniture. It has to do with me and a constant struggle I’ve had since middle school. This post is about food, body image, addiction and cravings. It’s going to be real and honest. I’m going to lay it all out there, knowing that a lot of you can relate.
Soooo…this would be a long story, but I’ve told parts of it before. Of course, I gained weight after having two babies 19 months apart. And then I lost 35 lbs. And I put it back on. And I lost some of it again. And I put some of it back on. I’m a classic yo-yoer. I’m an “I’ll start on Monday”er. I have every good excuse in the book as to why I should eat something or shouldn’t exercise at any given time. I’m an optimist when it comes to the latest plan I’m going to try. I declare victory as I slip on a smaller size, only to feel defeated when I start lopping over the waistline again. My mood is often dictated by the number on the scale in the morning. I weigh without my glasses, even though I can’t see the scale, because I am so much lighter without my glasses. I hate clothes shopping, because it feels like the garments are judging everything I’ve decided to eat in my entire life.
It’s just a mess. Does it all sound familiar? I’m sure it does to some of you.
A few weeks ago, a thought occurred to me. I’ve had it before, but I just laughed it off. Here was my thought…
I am addicted to food.
Even saying I’m addicted to food sounds silly. I know the graphic above is a joke, but it does seem really silly to call a craving for chocolate an addiction. I mean, I have to eat. So, I’ve always laughed off that thought and continued the self-destructive cycle of inevitable defeat when facing my struggle with food.
I have finally faced some truths, though, that gave me permission to admit that I am addicted to food (and here’s where it gets embarrassing)…
- I hide food. I don’t have a huge stash or anything, but I tuck stuff at the back of the pantry, so other people won’t see it. Sometimes I’ll put something in my bedside table.
- I get anxious about being out of a food I’m addicted to. What if I want it and it’s not there? (The end of the world, that’s what.)
- I sometimes eat like it’s a race to the second helping or the bottom of the bag and I have to beat whoever might be in competition with me.
- I am a mild mannered person and I will actually get angry at someone for eating something I had planned to eat. I am very territorial about “my” food and will give you the stink eye if I hear a crinkle in the kitchen that sounds remotely like “my” chips.
- I’ve looked at elimination diets, but I have been scared to death at the prospect of not eating cheese, butter, sugar, or any grains at all. Terrified.
I was talking to my sister-in-law about all of this over Thanksgiving and she suggested the book Made to Crave. I am about 3/4 way through it and it is an amazing book that speaks right to my struggles. It’s just what I needed to acknowledge that I don’t need to “try harder” or fire up the My Fitness Pal app and count calories again.
Is anyone else just sick of that? I remember a moment a year or so ago when I was measuring my breakfast and typing in my calories. “Is this what the rest of my life is going to be?” That thought was really depressing to me. And selfish when stacked against my T1D son who will have to count his carbs his entire life. Will I ever have a proper perspective on all of this?! Will I ever eat well just out of habit? Will I ever only eat when I’m hungry and to fuel my body?
So, I don’t need to try harder and start fresh on Monday. It’s got to be about more than just being skinny. There’s got to be a better option than counting calories, making sure I save enough at the end of the day for my double-serving of dark chocolate chips. That always ends in failure.
It has got to be about conquering the hold that food has on me. It has to be overcoming the addiction. Going through the withdrawls and coming out the other side a changed person.
That thought is unbelievable to me. I can’t even imagine not being taunted and tempted by food. I can’t imagine taking one bite of something delicious and having that be enough or to not even be interested in it in the first place. I can’t imagine being able to bake cookies as a treat for my boys without the fear of eating the entire batch. It’s sad that my lack of self-control means I can’t bake cookies and yummy food for my boys. Sad and embarrassing.
Now, I’m going to insert something here, because some of you might look at the pictures of me and think I am just being way too hard on myself. Well, I am too hard on myself and that’s part of the problem. I felt this way even when I was 45 lbs lighter. There’s always more weight to lose, more exercise to be done and some splurge to beat myself up about. Food is always the ultimate treat and my nemesis all at once.
Made to Crave gave me the push to change things. That book really speaks to the heart and the spiritual aspect of the struggle with food. It’s so encouraging. Some of the things Lysa shares about herself…removing her hair tie before she weighs, splurging on Sunday nights before the Monday diet begins…are totally me. Her words were like a hug from a friend and an assurance that I’m not alone. And, the fact that her book is a NYT best seller indicates that it’s not only me and Lysa.
Enter book #2…It Starts with Food. This is the book that lays out the Whole 30 plan – where you eat certain real, whole foods for 30 days. No sugar, no dairy, no grains, no legumes, no alcohol, no cheating, no excuses. Yeah…a little scary. This book deals with the science behind the addictions, cravings, overeating and why traditional calorie-counting diets more often than not end in failure. The Whole30 plan is available for free on their website, so you don’t have to buy the book, but I was interested in the details, so I bought it.
I started reading this book and Melissa Hartwig’s testimonial about conquering her struggle with food just about made me cry. I was reading it aloud to Jeff and he put his hand on my arm. “Can you imagine that for you?” No. Not lasting victory, anyway.
The book gets fairly laborious when it gets into hormones and what’s going on in your gut and all of that, but it’s very eye-opening as well and encouraging. Understanding the science behind what’s going on in my body somehow makes it easier for me to commit to these changes and see it through.
I decided on Whole30, because I need a plan that is black & white. I did very well on P90x, because it had a schedule for a set period of time. I committed to it and I did it and I saw a big change. But I was never really committed in the food area. I allowed myself cheats and “relaxed weekend” and I know I didn’t see the kind of results I could’ve if I had committed 100% to everything. Once the plan was over, I floundered. I kept the weight off for about a year, but then it started creeping up again. Now I’m up 10lbs and my oldest son asked the other day, “Mommy, why don’t you do your exercises anymore?”
So, with food, I need a black & white plan. Whole30 is exactly that. It’s strict and bossy and answers the “buts” with tough love and things we all know are true, anyway.
I think with an elimination diet, it’s important to focus on what you can eat. My mom and I were talking about it and she pointed out that I can eat steamed artichoke dipped in homemade mayo! I’m all over that one! I painted a picture for Jeff of the kind of dinners we could have…roasted chicken, garlic dill potatoes and green beans. (I’ve been a vegetarian for 2 1/2 years, but I have decided to eat certain meat for this plan.) I can snack on pomegranate, cashews, olives…all of which I love. I can eat eggs for breakfast, which I do anyway. When I start looking at it in terms of all of the delicious foods I can have, it makes it easier.
I’ve been working on writing this post for several days. This one took a lot of thought. It feels like I’m sharing a lot and I have waffled over if I should just do this and keep my mouth shut about it on my blog. I mean, some things just don’t need to be shared on a decorating blog. But, I know a lot of you followed my P90x journey and I know some of you struggle with the same thing and might want to take the leap with me. It’s always easier to do this sort of thing when you’re not alone. Jeff, my mom, dad, sister-in-law, Tai, and Allison of The Golden Sycamore will be joining me as well, which is awesome!
I won’t be writing full blog posts about this regularly, but I will give updates and share a post here and there when I have something to report. I’ll share more on my Facebook page and Instagram using #whole30. If I find some amazing recipe or tip, I’ll share that, too.
Now, I don’t know if this shift in thinking, this acknowledgement, these books or this plan will be the key to victory. Maybe a year from now, I’ll be writing another raw post just like this one and I’ll be trying something else. I hope not. Right now, I am all in. I’m going to approach this with a hopeful optimism and give it everything I have and I doubt I’ll regret it.
We will be starting January 1, 2015 (yes, on a Thursday, not on a Monday), so you have a few days if you’re interested.
PS – Let me know if you want to join us (all the way.) If we have a few people, I can start a Facebook group for us to encourage one another. Just leave a comment below or send me an e-mail…
***UPDATE***
The response has been so overwhelming that I did start a Facebook group HERE. It’s called Whole 30 with Miss Mustard Seed. Just request an invite if you’re “in” and want to join for support.
YOU CAN DO IT! I completed my first whole30 in September…to say it was life changing is an understatement! I’m doing my second on Jan. 1, so I’ll be right there with you! My husband LOVES whole30 food…its meat and potatoes…and veggies and fruit…what man wouldn’t?
You will LOVE how you feel! And how clear and amazing your skin will become and how sparkly your eyes will be. I kid you not.
I’m in Marian! I’ve been looking at Whole 30 for quite some time. To have a group of us doing this together is exactly what I need. Thank you.
Awesome! I’ll get your e-mail off of your comment and let you know about the Facebook group. 🙂
I lived most of my life eating what I wanted without much worry about weight…except “baby” weight after four kiddos…then I hit “menopause”…or the beginning of the decade proceeding it…SERIOUSLY…TEN YEARS? Wasn’t decades of periods and child birth enough already? LOL
But the truth is, my biggest struggle was the worst addiction known to man (IMO)…smoking. I quit (or rather stopped) 3 years ago, for the umpteenth time in my life…I quit for all pregnancies and many times in between…only to fail miserably and start again.
When I stopped the last time I flat out told my family…THIS time I MAY start again…I may go buy a pack and just fire one up…so don’t be disappointed or judgmental if I do…I will have enough personal disappointment for us all.
Soooo…share, but make sure everyone around you is supportive but NOT judgmental…and will understand that it is YOUR battle, that you will fight on YOUR terms!
One tiny bit of advice Marian…ALL addictions are “choices.” I know that is not a popular concept, but the fact is, we make a conscience decision to take that bite, light that cigarette, take a drink, pop that pill AFTER the physical addiction is long gone…it is a choice…one we probably shouldn’t beat ourselves up about…but remember…we have a personal choice to get back on track and continue to “do it right” or fall back into destructive “habits” and “addictions.”
Your son has an illness…but he can not wake up tomorrow and say ‘TODAY MY PANCREAS WILL WORK PROPERLY.”
But you and I can wake up tomorrow and say “TODAY I WILL NOT EAT THINGS THAT ARE BAD FOR ME AND I WILL NOT GO BUY A PACK OF CIGARETTES!”
Isn’t it wonderful to know that WE are not victims of a disease beyond our control…we have free will to make good choices about our own well-being!
Thank you for sharing…a reminder that we ALL have little demons we struggle with!
Beck, what a great comment! Oh yes, I totally agree that a choice is made every time I grab a handful of chocolate chips or put the food in my cart and buy it and take it home and eat it in one sitting! All choices.
Both of my grandmothers smoked and I remember how it had to be their battle and their choice when to stop. Both of them did end up stopping and I was really proud of them. I hope you have victory over your struggle!
I’d like to give it a try.
Please, please count me in! Your post spoke straight to my heart-especially the part about being terrified to give up sugar and grains! I am so weary of this addiction to food and I would love to be part of a group on the same path! It’s amazing how things come into your path at the right time and reading your post today is definitely one of them! Thanks for your honesty! Much love!
Tanya, welcome! I’ll get your e-mail from the comment and invite you to the Facebook group. 🙂
Are beans out forever or temporarily? Not being able to eat beans is the main reason I have avoided Whole 30.
Yeah, Jeff had a problem with that, too, because there are some wonderful health benefits to some legumes (like lentils). They nix them for 30 days, because they can cause some digestive issues and inflammation in certain people. Eliminating them addresses those issues. Yes, they can be reintroduced after the 30 days, though.
Beans are welcome in the Slow Carb diet, which may be another option for you, but you can’t have potatoes, rice or bread
i’m in too. Just read about Whole 30 last week and am planning to purchase the book. I feel good about the plan and now with you and others, I’ll have the support to keep it real and successful.
Awesome, Sandy! I’ll send you an e-mail about it.
Best of luck to you Marion. I believe that the typical American diet is( to be very very blunt) mostly poison to our systems and that staying off of processed foods and sugars absolutely will decrease tremendously the cravings for more of the same. Replace them with as many whole foods as you can, concentrating on fruits and veggies for a large portion of your daily intake and it will do wonders for everything from weight to skin and hair. And also, please know that at the end of the day if you didn’t do everything perfect the point is progress, not perfection.
Hi Marian. Thanks for your raw and honest post. I will join you because I really need that change in my eating habits. Over the past 5 or so years I have put on about 40 pounds and I have struggled to lose it. I had success with the South Beach Diet – but after about a year, I put much of the weight back on.
Because of the extra weight, I duck so many pictures with my family (and on my blog – which I am sure people would like to see things other than my “hands”). I also would like to do more face-to-face meetings to promote my business and I have been shirking those marketing attempts because of my extra weight.
So – I am in.
Thanks for your post!
Linda
Linda, I’m so glad! I’ll send you an e-mail about it. Big hugs to you!
I love your openness and honesty! I, too, have given the stink eye to someone when they have messed with a treat I bought for me. I have never admitted to any of these things even though I do them. It took a lot of guts for you to do that and it is very admirable. I wish you nothing but success. I may join at a later time. I am trying to heal my gut with bone broth and other diet changes from many years of digestive upset caused by antibiotics, etc..
Thank-you for sharing!! I would love to hear how things are going for you and anyone who joins you. Healthy eating is a huge part of our life and I always have my head in some new book about food. You said you got a spiralizer for Christmas…you’ll love it!
I have often wondered how you have managed to keep a schedule while working from home. I have decided for January 2015 that I need to “work out” before I get on this computer! Somehow everything else comes first when you work from home.
Best of luck Marian. I eat this way and it is really easier to stick to then most plans. I think it’s because it’s the way our bodies have naturally evolved to consume food. I cant eat grains and gluten. I have a weird blood sugar that spikes when I eat processed carbs then dumps. Eating this way keeps me even and so my body doesn’t hold on to fat. You can eat so many delicious foods you wont feel deprived and if you’re like me you will discover a million uses for cauliflower LOL. Have fun with it. it’s a lot of fun trying new recipes and alternatives to junk food.
Marion, you are speaking to me in my native language. I’ve spent this holiday season with terrible back pain. And I’m convinced that it’s from the huge belly it’s having to support. I’ve decided that after 65 years of yo-yoing I need to DO SOMETHING! Your post couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m checking it out right now.
I am a diabetic (Type 2) and my sugar has been running high after about 20 years of being “okay.” I am mad. I have lived my life on sugar! I now have to watch everything that I eat and check my blood and it is not fun. I was obese and now am just overweight. This holiday is filled with candy and sweet things and I want some of it! Most people in America are headed to becoming a diabetic because of their eating habits. Let’s hope we all can change our eating habits before it is too late– not just to fit into a smaller size of jeans…
I totally agree. My focus needs to be on developing a healthy relationship with food and fueling my body with the nutrients it needs. That will result in a lot of things I want…clearer skin, weight loss, more energy, feeling better, etc. I wish you the best in keeping your T2D under control. It’s such a challenging disease!
What an incredibly courageous post!
Thank you so much for being real and honest. I struggle with food, too…and sometimes I really am too hard on myself….but the big thing is to first see yourself as God sees you…and then find help with learning how to eat real food etc. I have done the elimination diet before and it was hard for me at first because I am addicted to sugar etc….but it was oh, so worth it because I started feeling so much better about myself physically and i noticed that my emotions became more stable when I started eating real food, clean food. You’re amazing and I know that your post is encouraging so many people !!! Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather 🙂 🙂 🙂
Wow! So encouraging. Thanks for sharing, Heather.
good for you! we did our first whole30 a couple of years ago. it was hard, but not impossible by any means. the key is to be prepared … always prepared. that way you don’t give in and eat something not allowed in a moment of hunger. and the other key – keep it simple. choose a few meals that work and you like. don’t try to cook something different every day. at least not in the beginning. so excited for you! my hubs and i are pondering starting on january 5 (that is a monday … i’m just a little ocd and his bday is january 3 – already have a night out planned!) many, many blessings on this new endeavor! 🙂
Yep, I was going to start Jan 5 as well, since that’s when the boys go back to school, but everyone else wanted to start on the 1st and I really am ready, so I’m going for it. Let me know if you want to join the FB group.
You speak what is on my mind. Food and why I can’t stop eating the bad stuff. I am grossly overweight and needed your words today to put on the right track. I will join your journey.
Thank you so much’
Thanks for sharing, Mona. I know it’s not easy to put a comment like that out there. I sent a friend request to you on FB. Once accepted, I’ll invite you to the FB group, if you’d like some support. On a side not, I lived in your town from 6-8th grade. I went to Drainesville Elementary! 🙂
I have been contemplating beginning a whole food movement. I’ve had a difficult time comiting. I’d love to join your FB group. Together maybe we can all be successful.
Good luck and count me in!
If you want to join our Facebook group, I’ve added a link at the bottom of the post. Just follow it and request an invite.
I’m all in!!!
The struggle is real, I know. Reading Whole 30 now and looking forward to the changes ahead.
I don’t use FB but I do use IG. I look forward to your updates.
I’ll see you on IG, then! Send me a message or leave a comment, so I can follow you as well.
Thank you for being so honest and raw!
My husband and I will be joining you on for the Whole30 life style change. My husband who retired from the Navy three years ago after serving for 28 years is looking to getting back in shape. Once he retired he stopped worrying about his weight and performing well on PT tests. He realizes he needs to change and your post could not have come at a better time. I also need to change. Even though I eat gluten free due to a gluten intolerance I have found items to replace my favorite baked goods. I’m looking forward to ending my food disorder once and for all.
We are both looking forward to joining you on this journey!
It’s like you’ve read my mind. With real diseases out there I have always been embarrassed toying with the idea I may have a food addiction. It seemed so selfish. Just say no Lisa! Have some self contol Lisa! But I’m an emotional eater. Some stress has me reaching forcomfort food, something good? Let’s go out to eat and celebrate! So i am in! I want to start 2015 taking back control and leading a healthy life so sign me up Marion!
I know! I had a hard time writing this post for that reason. There are people dealing with bigger battles and it really does feel silly and selfish. BUT, being out of control with food leads to a host of huge health problems that can rob you of all sorts of joys in life. It’s not silly to deal with it.
I did start a Facebook group, if you’d like to join, but I couldn’t find you through you e-mail in the comment. I added a link to the group at the bottom of this post, so just follow the link and request an invite.
Count me in! I was planning on doing another Whole 30 (completed one about 1 1/2 years ago and felt great!). I hope you start a FB support group so we can encourage each other. Also, there are great recipes on Pinterest that are Whole 30 compliant!
Great, Susan! It’ll be nice to have someone who has been there, done that! I couldn’t find you on facebook through you e-mail, so let me know how to find you, so I can invite you to the group.
I will join your journey as well and hopefully with a group will have success. I’ve done Weight Watchers before and lost some of the weight but always seem to quit and think I can do it on my own. Finding that impossible to do so I will get the book and join you along with everyone else. So many of these posts relate to me as if they already know me and my struggle. Thanks for posting about your weight problems and getting me to try something new. I’m off to the book store!
Wow, it’s so funny that I’m reading this today! I’m in the middle of reading Made to Crave, and I just finished reading about the Whole 30 program-even linking to their fb pages! I’m definitely in, I was just trying to think of who I could get to join me. Strength in numbers!!!
I’m in. I’ve been working on a menu plan all morning. I’m so done with the lies the enemy keeps telling me about my outward appearance. Let’s kick its butt, shall we Marian? Much love. You’re such an inspiration in so many ways. Thank you for being honest and transparent with us. It’s very brave- and beautiful.
Yes, lets!
Made to Crave is a wonderful resource to have on this issue we all have with seeking something from food or drink that we can only get from God. During the low times i still hear myself say, “you’ve been going ’round this mountain long enough”! It is a battle, it is a journey and some things I have learned it is better to never eat them than to try to eat only a little. I am on the thinner side, but it takes constant disipline to remain a healthy weight and stay in the clothes hanging in my closet. I totally get the taking off your glasses thing! 😉 and the scale has way too much power over my moods too. Our grown son is a T1 D and our grown daughter really struggles with weight problems so I can honestly say I am GLAD I have to carefully watch what I eat and that I gain weight so easily because I can relate to how they struggle. I will be making some serious changes to our diet this next year in order to be healthy and cook healthy for my husband so I am all in and look forward to walking this walk together with you and your readers.
Pamela, Thanks for sharing! I couldn’t find you on facebook, so let me know if you’re on there and want to be a part of our Facebook group. We’d love to have you there.
I also read Made to Crave then It Starts With Food. I did the Whole 30 and it was life changing! I have let old habits creep back in this past summer and fall(including 15 lbs). I now have a daughter who has been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome who is insulin resistant. Her eating plan is very similar to a Whole 30 so I have decided to get back on it. I would love to be part of a Facebook group! Thank you for your transparency and for sharing your journey with us!
Susan, we would love to have you! Let me know how to find you on Facebook (or you can find me – Marian Parsons) and I’ll invite you to the group we started.
Gah! I’m in. I’ve done a few whole30’s before, but it was the one I did With accountability that I was most successful. If you drink coffee, RUN to Trader Joe’s and grab a few cans of their coconut cream- no carrageenans.
Whole30, here I come! Again. They just put out a whole30 cookbook, which will make this much easier. Thank you for making yourself vulnerable; it make the rest of us take a big sigh of relief and realize that we are not alone in any of this.
Loved “Made to Crave” but didn’t live it.
Loved Fitness Pal, Weight Watchers, South Beach and Nutrisystem but didn’t live it.
I want to live longer, live healthier.
I’m 55 years old and I want to live.
I’m scared to death, but I want in.
I’m scared right there with you! I know we can get through it, though. 🙂 Let me know if you want to be a part of the Facebook group I started and I’ll invite you.
I am in!
Great, Carol! Let me know how to find you on Facebook (or you can find me) and I can invite you to the group I started.
Thanks for doing this!! I had already planned to do another Whole 30 starting January 1st but how much more encouraging it would be to do it as a group! Add me to your list!
I followed the Whole 30 Plan between Thanksgiving and Christmas… (really Whole 28 since there weren’t 30 days). Pounds came off but what was almost better was the arthritis pain that decreased probably 90 percent! Cravings have lessened and I have more energy. I think you are going to be happy with this “challenge”.
And thanks for being vulnerable. Love your honesty.
Add me in please!!add
Your post has resonated with a lot of people today. When I saw you at the Chapel Market I thought your were as cute and petite as could be. I do understand that struggle with food, though. I am so short, if I gain five pounds it looks like twenty!
I was going to suggest a nutritionist — I have seen people who really and truly have to watch their food intake for health reasons, and not only are they healthier (I am talking cancer patients and people with chronic diseases), but they are trim and fit, too.
Hi Marian,
I have been following your blog for years now. I never have much to say though I love reading what everyone else has to say. I am no different from you when it comes to diet and food and weight loss and weight gain and yo-yo. I read something today that made me think. You are a vegetarian. In my attempts for the answer to my weight problems I thought that if I could become a vegetarian I would find my answers. I have done weight watchers on and off for years and have been sucessful, until I stop counting points. Well just imagine what your finances would be like if you handled your checkbook like you handle your food journal and counting points/calories. It really is that simple or that hard. It depends how you look at it. 1+1 will always equal 2 and too many pluses and not enought minuses will alway equal fat. I hate this fact, but it is a fact. Treat you diet like your checkbook. That my New Years Resolution. May God Bless Us All with Success! Mary Lou
I agree with you that calorie counting works…no doubt! I have found that it’s not healthy for me mentally and emotionally, though. I get obsessive about it and will be running next to my bed before getting in at night, so I can burn enough calories to balance things out. I hoard calories to “spend” on treats and I obsess about it all day. It starts to feel like a prison. I’m losing weight, but it’s really not changing the real problems.
I think that’s sound advise, though, and I’m sure will be very helpful to some. 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing.
Do you know the book Burn the fat feed the muscle by Tom Venuto? I bought the ebook a few years ago and printed it, it now it is available in book stores. It will CHANGE your eating! His website is terrible, it is like a used car salesman did it. BUT HIS BOOK IS AWESOME. It is NOT a diet book it is understanding food. go check it out! you wont regret it!
LOL…I love the website warning. I hate that when great products, books, locations, etc. have stinky websites. 🙂 Anyway, I have not heard of it, but it sounds like a good book! Thanks so much for sharing.
I did the Whole30 last summer and it was a great learning experience. I’ve never been a sugar person (more chips and salt person–and definitely bread) and don’t struggle with weight, but I think this way of eating is really the healthiest way to eat. I still follow it 85/15 without much trouble. Breakfast is always some veggies like sauteed garlic greens or coleslaw and a crispy fried egg (check out smitten kitchen’s crispy fried egg “recipe”–so good!) or a piece of meat. No more bagels or muffins or oatmeal. I no longer have sandwiches for lunch. Pasta is replaced with spiralized vegetables. Rice replaced with cauliflower rice. And I really don’t miss the real stuff at all. It was always about the sauces and toppings anyway, right? And homemade mayo? The bomb! It takes about 20 seconds to make with an immersion blender.
So best of luck to you. My skin has never been better, I had mild rosacea that nothing cleared up and funny enough, it was caused by my diet and it went away. I definitely experienced the “carb flu” which was no fun and never really had the huge tiger energy burst they talk about. But I sleep great and feel even throughout the day.
Thank you for the encouragement, Kari! I have checked out some of the recipes on Smitten Kitchen and a crispy egg sounds divine. 🙂
Count me in! Hopefully after this we all will be able to count less of ourselves!
I sent you a friend request via Facebook and I’ll invite you when you accept. 🙂
I’m guessing that there are more people with, than without an addiction of some type. It was generous of you to share about yours, since most look at you as though you’re fast approaching sainthood! 🙂 We all have a challenge of some sort…at least at some point in our lives. I’ve always been challenged with alcohol. Fortunately, I keep it in check most of the time, thanks to a husband that doesn’t drink.
The best investment I made in my health, was to sign up with a fitness trainer. I am expected at the gym, three days a week. If I don’t show, I pay anyway. I’ve been working out with her for over a year and a half. It’s expensive, but I am at an age, where I no longer take my fitness for granted. Best to you on your journey! We’re all cheering or you!
Barbara
Thanks, Barbara! Yes, working with a trainer is great motivation!
Your post was raw and powerful. I honestly think it is the reality many of us live and battle. Many of the comments the others wrote are encouraging and demonstrate a desire to be held accountable through love, kindness, and honesty. Often my drive for perfection and inability to keep the many plates of my life spinning contribute to a negative emotional and eating cycle of destruction. I focus on the burdens and the things not accomplished instead of my blessings and my accomplishments. Working with others who are willing to cheer on the successes, support through the challenges, and share information for the common good are a few reasons I am interested. Better yet, when God is at the center of anything, great things will come! Thanks for opening an opportunity for all of us!
Interesting. Have not heard of this.
I do not follow a diet because everyone I know has gained the weight back on a diet.
Then one day I decided to just quit eating sugar. And artificial sugar. It takes work because they are in just about every single thing out there in one form or another.
Then, for some reason, I didn’t crave food. It wasn’t on my mind all day long, or even into the evening. Now the biggest challenge is to make sure I have dinner on the table at night! LOL
More power to you ~ and everyone that does this with you! Hooray!
I’m in!
We’d love to have you! I can’t locate you on Facebook through your e-mail, so send me a friend request (Marian Parsons) or send me an e-mail.
I’m in! This is just what I need 🙂
I am in! After a recalled hip replacement in May, I have just been too unmotivated to exercise or eat right. Stress, hormones and complacency have sure taken a toll in the last 7 months. A motivational group with likeminded people sounds just like what the doctor ordered! I can’t wait!
Oh man, I can’t imagine how difficult it is to recover from something like that and then gain the motivation to eat right and exercise. I’d love to have you join our FB group. I couldn’t find you through the e-mail address on your comment, so you can send me a friend request (marian Parsons, not Miss Mustard Seed) and then I can invite you to the group.
My daughter has had a similar struggle over the past 8-10 years and she is only 25. I pray for victory over the food for her every day. I pray that God will enable her to see food as He intended – fuel for her body, but in the background of her life, not on center stage. She has read the book you mentioned, but has also read “Addictions, A Banquet in the Grave.” It has been very moving and enlightening and addresses underlying spiritual issues. I still think she could use practical instruction as well and will pass on the eating plan you are starting. If you create a Facebook group, I will let her know that as well. God really does desire to heal us from all the many addictions that steal our joy in Him and contentment. Blessings on you as you join God in this journey of healing. I hope you can read the book I have mentioned as well.
I did create a Facebook group, so we’d love to have her if she wants to join. Just let me know. 🙂
I’m in!
Great, Suzanne! I can’t find you on Facebook, but if you’d like to join our group, just send me a friend request (Marian Parsons, not Miss Mustard Seed) and I can invite you.
Ouch…..so close to home! I’ll add one that I did not see in your post…..I am constantly thinking about my next meal….even as I am eating my current meal. I get so disgusted with myself….which only causes me to eat more….
Please count me in!
Thanks,
Nanci
Oh yes. I do the same thing, especially when I know it’s something really good. I friended you on FB and I can invite you to the group when you accept.
I’m in! I’ve seen it before. I’ve struggled for years with the up and down. Between working my 40 hours at the first job, running my shop and writing my blog (none of which I’m doing well these days) I’m eating worse than I ever have. I fell and tore my ACL and MCL a couple weeks ago so most exercise is out for now. I don’t make new year’s resolutions except to say, I want to be better than I was the year before. However, this is one I need to proclaim and work hard for. We can do this!
I love your comment, Anita! Good for you! I have started a Facebook group and you’re welcome to join. I couldn’t find you through your e-mail on Facebook, so send me a friend request (Marian Parsons, not Miss Mustard Seed), and I can invite you.
Hi Marian!
I can relate to all the feelings of disgust & shame that you are feeling. I have never felt “okay” even when I was 90lbs, which I was for most of my life. I still felt less than and gross and not worthy of anything good in my life. I am now a much bigger size due to my Lexipro & 3 babies. I tried to go off of it last year, but it was not worth the trade off. I am now trying to accept my new body and image. My thearpist tells me that I am now the critic of myself than I have always felt from others. I’m actually trying to protect myself from being shamed or made fun of or feel less than. Brene Brown has some wonderful things to say on the subject.
Wishing you peace on your road to some more self-love.
xo,
Christen
Christen, Thanks so much for sharing! Yes, I agree that so much of this is tied to our own criticism of ourselves. It can be so destructive! I wish you the best as well, my friend. 🙂
I’m in!! Thank you so much for sharing.
Great, Debbie! I sent you a friend request on FB. Once you accept, I can invite you to the group.
The Whole 30 is wonderful! My husband and I did this back in the summer, but stopped a few days shy of 30 due to vacation. I could tell a big difference in the way my clothes fit and just my overall well being. And, it was easy to keep the commitment. I didn’t miss the grains at all and only missed my milk on the dairy, so it was very doable. We have not gone back on it, but have said we want to. So I think I’ll join you and I would love a FB group to encourage one another. I need to lose a lot of weight, but more importantly, I need to feel better and gain more energy. Thanks for sharing your story – I know I can relate.
Teresa, It’s so great to hear from someone who has completed the program (almost!) 🙂 I have started a Facebook group and we would love to have you be a part of it. I couldn’t find you through your e-mail address (left in the comment), so you can friend me, Marian Parsons or send me an e-mail and we can figure it out!
Thank you for being so honest and expressing what so many of us are feeling. Please count me in!
I added you to the group, Sarah! I’m so glad you’re joining us. 🙂
Hey, Marian, I read Made to Crave, and found it extremely helpful. Let me recommend the Made to Crave Devotional book. I have been through it several times, and find it extremely encouraging and convicting with practical, honest words from Lysa. Good for you for taking this by the horns and going for it. I can so relate to many of the things you shared. Haven’t done the “30” thing, but you’ve encouraged me to read up on it. Happy New Year, and wishing you all the best personally, as well as with MMS!
Hi Marian!
What a real kick in the behind & in your face blog this has been! Thank you for sharing (kudos to the other posters too). I’ m going to invest in this book. Yes, we all have our struggles. This is a great time of year to reflect & do better in the next upcoming year. Btw, I’ve always believed a diabetic diet was a great one to follow as long as you don’t have cholesterol problems (because you can eat meats). A physician I used to work for told me this as well. So, here we go. Good luck to us all!!! 😉
Bless your heart… Count me in too please
Great! I just sent you a friend request on FB, so you can join our “support group”! 🙂 I’m looking forward to getting to know you through this journey.
Your pain is evident and your honesty commendable. Lysa is an incredible communicator and writer, I’ve been to a Prov 31 Women convention and it was wonderful. I read Made to Crave and just didn’t get it but rejoice it helps others. Whatever you decide, make sure you pray…keep God first and His plans for you will come to fruition.
I’d like to be included as well. It’s time to start making better choices.
I’m so glad, Emily! The more the merrier. I just sent you a friend request on FB, so I can invite you to the group.
Hi, I’m a fellow yoyo-er (is there such a word) I was sooo fit two years ago. I was exercising, which is key for me. It affects my mind and sense of wellbeing. January 1st it is to set goals that help me Feel better as a healthy, happier human being. Thanks for your, truths, so helpful.
i am not familiar with Whole30. Going to read about it before I commit. I would like to recommend a book I read a couple of years ago – Women, Food and God by Geneen Roth. I learned a lot about myself while reading that book. Unfortunately, I still have much to learn!
Oh, that sounds like a good book just based on the title. I imagine it touches on a lot of the same things that Made to Crave does. Yes, definitely look into the plan and let me know if you want to join. 🙂
Thank you for sharing so openly! Please count me in!
Awesome, Betsy! Let me know if you’re on Facebook and I can friend you and invite you to be a part of our group.
I needed to read this post today. Thank you Marion. I’ve had It Starts With Food sitting on my bookshelf for several months and been putting off reading it because I know I don’t want to give up eating my grains and refined sugars. A friend has recently gotten on my husband’s case about his health too and I know we have to do more than work out consistently. Anyway, count me in! It’s time and the excuses have to stop. Would love to join a Facebook group if you start one.
I’m so glad you’re joining us! Reading the book is very eye-opening, so I suggest it if you can squeeze it in. I send a friend request to you on FB and will invite you to the group when you accept.
I’m in too! I gave up sugar for lent last year and then went on to clean eating and lost almost 50 pounds. Well, with Holiday baking, I’ve blown it! I’d love to be part of a somewhat smallish group that encourages each other!!
Oh my goodness! Good for you, Kim. 🙂 We’d love to have you join. I added a link to a Facebook group at the bottom of the post. Just follow the link and request an invite.
It’s like you’ve been peeking into my window and possibly my soul. I to am a food hoarder of those select few things also. I know exactly how many I have of a select treat or indulgence and get a little cranky when someone polishes off the last one especially if they leave the empty package to tease me. LOL. We have a big, busy family full of teenagers, kids, babies and pets and I am always so busy but I finally decided to make “Me” a priority. I WILL be doing this also starting on the first. Please add my address to your list and let me know if you get a FB page going. Thanks for sharing and it’s nice to know that someone else is a lot like me. 🙂
Sounds good, Jenni! I tried to find you on FB through the e-mail address in your comment, but couldn’t find you. I added a link to the Facebook group at the bottom of the post, so click there and request an invite. We’d love to have you join.
I’m in Marian! Would love to join you on this journey. You spoke exactly how I feel!
YOUR words felt like a hug. Talk about understanding and relating. Oh my goodmess Marian! In some form or another I feel like we can ALL relate to you. Food just has that hold on people. A love-hate relationship, more than anything I can think of. How lovely for you to just put it out there and trust us with that kind of private stuff.. Makes you all the more human to me.
Thank you, Patricia. 🙂
Marian : I too can totally relate to your words. I lost 38 lbs. 5 years ago on an expensive supplement , food counselor 3 times a week, shaming plan. Of course I gained it back. I hate the way I look in the mirror & the bigger size of clothes I am forced to buy. I look back at the pictures 10, 15, 20, 25 years ago , when I thought I was fat then & how I so wish I was that weight now. love food. I love cooking . I look forward to each meal & I can tell u what I ate past vacations & holidays.However, in the last 5-6 years I have had some medical challenges , surgery’s & inflammation in my whole body. Never has a doctor tried to help me look into why when I mentioned this, until my foot doctor ( neuroma & hammer toes) suggested I try going GLUTEN FREE last month . my first reaction was yea yea yea. Another one of those people claiming gluten problems . Just another FAD. However I got a book by the Mayo Clinic & have been reading up on Gluten causing inflammation. I applaud you for being dedicated to being healthy and searching for answers & keep trying. I not only want to loose weight & LOOK good but I want to be PAIN FREE!!!!!!
Giving up creamer for my coffee is/will be the hardest thing for me to give up.
My sister-in-law said the same thing. You can use some almond/coconut milk if you can handle that! I’m not a coffee drinker, but I’ll definitely have other struggles.
im so glad you shared your story of struggles. It’s always reassuring to hear you’re not alone. I’m ordering these books NOW! Jan 1st! Yes I’m in…Whole 30!
I started a Facebook group and put the link at the bottom of the post, so just request an invoice if you want to be a part of that. Looking forward to “seeing” you there!
Bra. Vo. You are a leader and an example in so many ways, and I am just so grateful to know where to find your influence. I am on the fence… going “without” is very scary to me, as I grew up hungry. The emotional attachment that I have to food is something I have always wanted to face, but I lack the tools to really conquer it. I will be following your journey via Facebook and cheering you on every step of the way! Win or lose, try again or fail again, I hope that you find the strength and power to overcome this challenge, that your spirit will have dominion over your body, and that you will find freedom in self mastery. Best wishes for a new year!
Thanks so much for your cheers, Gabrielle! 🙂
I completed my first whole30 in October and it was as rewarding as it was difficult! I went into it solely doing it to lose weight (I lost 12 pounds) but in the end I was more impressed with how much I learned and how good I felt. It really needs to be more than just a number on a scale. I was actually planning on doing it again starting the first as well! I would love to be a part of a Facebook group. Support is NECESSARY on this diet! Good luck! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Yes I want to do this! I *NEED* to do this!!
This sounds amazing! I am learning to be more content with the body I have…but I want to be healthy and have energy and make good food choices…that sounds like this might be a good starting point. Please add me to your FB page 🙂 you are a beautiful woman inside and out!
I added you, Traer!
Your honesty is always so refreshing. You are not alone though. I hope you know it. FYI – I hide gummi bears and Swedish fish in our dining room buffet – Pretzel rods and chocolate on the top shelf of the pantry where the kids can’t reach. I just finished off a 1 lb bag of Swedish fish I got from Santa (me!) — It’s shameful and embarrassing and makes me sick to admit it. Thank you for sharing.
Lol Jennifer! I once his a pound of Swedish Fish and my border collie found them! It wasn’t pretty.,,
Ha! I love that you’re sharing your hiding places. I hid gummy cherries (the German kind) in my bedside table and with the “good china” in the kitchen. I just didn’t want to share them with my kids!!
Hi Marion!
I’m one of your lurking fans that never comment!
I too am starting the Whole30, but on January 5, Monday. I am having my own private Facebook Page to encourage my friends and family along the way. Wishing you the best of God’s love knowing you will do this for the sake of your health and to learn what your body needs and likes.
Warm blessings,
Maria
Thanks, Maria! Best to you as well!
Marian, I and many women can identify with your struggle. I found food freedom through “Trim Healthy Mama”. It is not a diet but a food plan for life. It does not eliminate any of the food groups. Please check out their Facebook page or website. My husband has also done well on it because it is low glycemic index and he is T1D. It’s not just about the weight loss but getting healthy. Best of luck to you whatever you choose to do.
I did the Whole30 for the month of September, lost 23 lbs, and can truly say I have never felt better in my entire life. More energy (and I’m 54), clearer thinking, slept better, and everyone said I looked great. Your body will definitely thank you. I will be starting a Whole30 for January, kinda of a body reset. I follow a paleo diet, but around the holidays, there has been dairy and gluten here and there, only gained 2 lbs. Good luck and have fun with it.
I’m in!
Thanks for much for this post. I’ve sent a request to join the FB group and I’m ready to get started!!! Talk about timely. And not because of it being the New Year, but because I NEED IT!!! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your feelings. It takes a lot of courage – but I needed it! – Dori –
Well after seeing Lysa’s Instagram post I went to the library and checked out the DVD, they didn’t have the book, and now your post. I think this book and subject matter is a nugget from God at this very moment in my life. Thanks for being son candid and saying what I am living.
A couple of years ago I had Perioral Dermatitis (POD) and went on an elimination diet similar to Whole 30. The difference was that I would also not eat anything that I had been eating on a regular basis as well. Instead of beef (which I regularly ate) I ate grass fed bison, instead of chicken I ate cornish game hen or salmon, etc. My POD cleared up in a couple of month (after many agonizing month of trying everything to get rid of it!)and I ate that way for about a year and kinda skipped the part about adding in food to see what might or might not be a problem. I lost the 10 lbs that I could never get rid of and felt great, but I think my immune system strengthened and I find only very few things will cause a bump or two now so I slowly went back to old habits of sugar and processed grains.
All this to say, with the motivation of having a clear face I was very good about staying with a whole 30 diet, but once that cleared up for good I have slipped until I found Trim Healthy Mama (THM). After you go through the Whole 30, if you feel like you are tempted to go off the diet you may want to follow up with THM which allows for healthy treats that don’t cause weight gain or cravings. Just an idea!
Your journey is in my prayers! You can do it!!!
aw, you are NOT along! I did the whole30 and LOVED it. But for me it has also been about the radical shift and change in how I view myself and my body that has made ALL of the difference. While the whole30 reformulated my gut I used affirmations and even aromatherapy to change my heart. It sounds CRAZY but standing in front of the mirror butt naked and telling each body part, and my body as a whole how much I love it and am grateful for it!!!!!!! no more crazy diets and restrictions and my cravings are gone, but more importantly my self destructive behaviors are no more! (hugs) to you! You totally got this. But remember….. you are beautiful EXACTLY AS YOU ARE NOW. The trick is say it and don’t stop (wether you believe it initially or not.)
Best of luck on your journey!! One suggestion-have you thought about therapy in conjunction with everything else?
Hi..loved this honest post. I was 2 months with no sugar, no soda and feeling great. Decided (a conscious decision) to eat sweets on Christmas eve and christmas day. Now 4 days of to many sweets and I feel terrible…going out for the book you mention in the morning. Will join your group with hope for succesd
Wow, I could have written the first part of your post. Those 5 bullet points you listed…ditto for me. I checked out Made to Crave from the Library two days ago and am reading every opportunity I get. Now I will check on Whole30. I want to be a part of the group. I need help and support. I’m In!!
I’ve lost 67 pounds just by trying to eat right but since Thanksgiving I’ve gained 7 back, sometimes eating pie twice a day. I feel awful and that just lends itself to eating more and feeling worse. I’m definitely a “I will start on Monday” girl so your post today was just what I needed to see! I’d love to see updates on your blog, I try to avoid Facebook because of the fakeness that seems to go on, it just adds to my already low self esteem. Thanks so much for this very timely post, it helps to see that even on the internet people have the same issues I have and it’s not all perfect!
Oh my goodness, Sara, 67 pounds is AMAZING!! You should be SO very proud of yourself!! DO NOT beat yourself up for the few pounds you have gained over the holidays!! Give yourself a break! Thanksgiving and Christmas are times of celebration and food is just a part of that!! (My philosophy is eat that pie up till its gone and then start over!!!) I, too, avoid Facebook/aka: Bragbook!! It makes me feel so inadequate…like everyone else has an amazing life I’m missing out on! Please know that there are more women out there like you than not like you!!
Beautifully written.. This is EXACTLY where I am right now! I’m so glad you were so raw and honest in this post. ;). I’m in. (Yikes … But, it’s time!) I’m all in! Here’s to the journey! 🙂
Oh, wow, Marian, look what you started!! You have over 200 on your Whole30 Facebook page!! That is awesome! What a little soul baring confession can do…you have ignited a bonfire, girlfriend!! Thanks so much for your honesty!! BTW, I bought myself “Made to Crave” and look forward to reading it in January!
My sin is gluttony! I eat way more than I need cuz it tastes good! I don’t hide food– my husband hides it from me!! I can eat a carton of ice-cream in 2 days! I eat at night when everyone else is asleep. It is shameful and I hate it! But I never give up hope- I have started the Slow Carb diet (lose 20 lbs of fat in 30 days) and it works! It’s all about foods that are low on the glycemic index– lean meat, greens, no fruit, no dairy, except cottage cheese (which I have every day with Trader Joes bruschetta and avocado (ok)- my fav lunch anyway! Beans are ok too. And you get a glass of wine each night!! I let myself have dairy with my coffee and you get one day off a week- eat what you want. This is a great option for those readers who can’t be quite as disciplined as the Whole30 requires.
I am excited to join your FB group with other women sharing similar struggles. It will be fun to see women empowering each other to succeed in this difficult area!!
Bravo to you, Marion! You rock!
Liz M
I read Made to Crave about a year and half ago and pulled it back out to reread a few weeks ago (its still on the coffee table, untouched). I loved it bc she is so honest and so “normal.” She (and you, and I) didn’t have 100s of lbs to lose and therefore she goes to the heart issues without focusing on how to lose a million pounds. I also did Whole 30 right after reading the book (and also read It Starts with Food) and felt amazing. We kept a 85-90% paleo eating routine for quite a while until, as always for me, the sugar crept back in and took over. I had already decided to start whole 30 again Jan 1 so I’m so glad to know that “I’m not alone.” Thanks for this brave post. I’ll pray for your journey as I pray for mine!
Hi there-
Oh, convicted. I have had this “show up” in front of me so many times in the last few weeks, and yes. I would love to join the group- which I just “asked to join” on FB. Thank you for being honesty and REAL. You showed up being real to yourself and others and I so appreciate you for just that, showing up. Thank you. Looking forward to healthier living. xo
My husband and I are feeling the exact same way. 🙁 Last year we lost a bit of weight and have put it back on. It is our goal to get fit and feel healthy for the summer. I want to be happy in a swimsuit. Thank you for writing this post. I hadn’t really heard of the whole 30 BUT we might want to join you. Let me think about it for today.
Appreciate your honesty, Marian. Thanks for keeping it real for us your fans. I’m struggling with losing 20 pounds…just 20 pounds. That’s what my doctor is recommending & what I want to lose to get me back to my normal weight, but for the past few years I’ve been battling an overgrowth of yeast in my body, which is no surprise, as sugar is my nemesis. Now in my 50’s, I’m dealing with menopausal hormone problems, adrenal gland fatigue, hypothyroidism & gluten intolerance in addition to the yeast problem. I’m always tired and frequently sick. So frustrating to exercise regularly, eat “relatively” healthy and still not be able to lose those 20 pounds. The food regimen you’re talking about sounds alot like the anti-fungal diet regimen that my chiropractor has recommended to me for years. I’ve done it quite a few times and things go well until I splurge at holidays or special occasions & in an instant the cravings & backsliding return. I’m tired of being sick & tired, so I would like to join up with your group.
I am tempted to try but am afraid it is a fad.
That is my gremlin talking. I know it is a good thing to do.
I am going to try to do it because I really want to get into shape.
I am not on FB but will follow along here.
Another suggestion – check out overeaters anonymous.
Good Luck to everyone.
I also need to lose weight, but for me my journey here has been a lot different. I was that woman who could eat anything and never gain an ounce. Until I reached 40 and quit smoking at the same time. I had two kids and had lost all of that weight. The real issue for me was my IBS. I can’t eat many of the foods that make up most diets.
My question is: If this is an addiction, then shouldn’t counselling or therapy be a major part of it?
Marian, I lost 12 pounds right away when I cut out soft drinks. Even though I still needed to lose more, it really felt good. However, I gradually gained it back and then some when I started going through menopause 4 years ago. I know many other women who have gone through menopause and have also struggled with weight gain issues.
I am going to look into the Whole30 plan as others have posted they had success with it. We laugh but sugar is a real addiction and the brain craves it just like a drug.
Hubby and I have talked several times over the last few months about doing this (not Whole30 specifically but starting a meat, veg, and fruit based diet). Starting it with the support of others would be amazing! I’d love to join you guys over on Facebook to share recipes and support!
Marian, Two summers ago, I was told about the book, It Starts With Food. I then went on to do a Whole 30, which turned into a Whole 90. Last Christmas, I allowed myself some room to “indulge” and gained 10+ lbs…I was at my heaviest adult weight besides pregnancy. Since then I have gone back to eating Paleo…….I am now at the smallest in my adult life. I have learned that my weight will always be a yo-yo if I am not eating REAL food. I am also a hider and sneaker of food. I buy reeses cups or toblerones or whatever at the checkout line and eat it before I get home and hide the wrappers, hoping I have no chocolate on my face. If I plan on baking and I have a can of sweetened condensed milk in the house….I will EAT. THE. WHOLE. CAN. No, I’m not kidding. I will cheer you on as you embark on this journey! Thank you for your honesty and bravery!
You are not alone. Everything you struggle with I struggle with. I think we have been “fed” bad information about the way we should eat for so long that we no longer have any idea how we should eat. The low fat garbage that has been touted our whole life is baloney. It doesn’t work. I have found that sugar triggers binges for me. I can’t stop even as I KNOW I am overeating and will feel ill. It is a constant struggle. I have found that giving up sugar and wheat and eating more fat actually allows me to control my appetite and feel full before I overeat. Do I fall off the wagon sometimes? Yup. Christmas blew me away, but I’m hopping right back on. That’s all we can do, keep trying. I pray that all of us that struggle with food will find a way to enjoy it reasonably and healthfully. Good luck in your journey and thank you for sharing.
What is the facebook page? I am crying reading your post. This is me.
Marian, I have not read ‘Made to Crave’ but I have read ‘It Starts With Food’ and did my first whole 30 in November which included Thanksgiving; (read: no pie). I thought I was just a pig for how I craved and stashed sweets but reading the book and learning about the hormonal shifts in your body when sugar is consumed made so much sense to me and helped me to see that part of it wasn’t my fault: I’d become addicted and my body was responding to the effects of sugar. I read all the testimonials with a bit of skepticism. “Whole30 changed my life!”. Really?!!! There were hard parts of whole 30 especially day 5-10 when my cravings were BAD but on day 11 my wedding rings started spinning loosely on my finger and on day 13 or 14 my pant legs had more space in them. Something was happening. Whole 30 is satisfying. There’s so much you CAN eat. I was never truly hungry but I did have cravings. I craved a muffin for about 30 days. After about day 20 it went by fast. I lost 15 pounds! I followed the reintroduction plan exactly by the book which meant a muffin was still 10 days off and when the much anticipated day 40 finally arrived I found my muffin a disappointment. Momentarily good but over so fast. Not worth 40 days of cravings! I am now eating about 80/20 clean and there have been several non-scale victories, sleeping better, less chronic back pain, more energy, clothes fitting better, etc. I truly believe that sugar is a dangerous and highly addictive substance. I am going to be as Paleo as possible long term with occasional indulgences. I no longer crave muffins and I do eat occasional chocolate and wine. Whole30 is doable and taught me so much. I will say it’s requires thought & planning. Eating a bowl of yogurt or cereal for breakfast is way easier than a sweet potato, sausage & eggs. Cooking extra veggies at dinner time & saving them for breakfast is a good tip. I highly recommend it though & will be joining the fb group. Good Luck!
For the first time in forever I’m starting a new year without the defeat of the previous year literally weighing me down. At 58 years old I recently lost 55 pounds with maybe 7 to 10 to go. I told my children and my husband they deserved this wife/mother all along, and it makes me sad I didn’t accomplish this before for me and them . This is NOT about what size jeans I wore, but every day feeling dissatisfied and ashamed. Another woman could have carried this excess weight and stayed positve and not moody- but I did not do that- I let it affect me in every way.
My method was Ideal Protein- low carb, low fat, lower calorie, higher protein. It worked amazingly well. My good friend just lost 50 pounds with MediFast, another friend is down 35 with Trim Healthly Mama. If you know yourself, your must haves and shouldn’t haves, then you can figure out the method that is most compatable with your body and your habits.
Marian , I think your blog was the perfect place to wtite about this because with the faith of a mustard seed, mountains in our Lives truly can move!
God bless us all as we strive to take care of the body He gave us.
Hi Marian, I also have struggled with losing weight and sticking to a food program long term. I had already decided to cut out wheat and sugar, but am now going to order this book on my kindle and start with all of you on January 1st. I have about 50-60 pounds to lose.
I feel like you shared part of my journal with the world. After reading your post yesterday I read up on Whole 30 and downloaded Made to Crave, wow she gets me. I also ordered a new cookbook and I am starting the year off with Whole 30. I would love to be a part of your facebook group. Thank you so much for being vulnerable and sharing, God is using you in my life and I know I’m not alone.
Hi Marian-
I have been wanting to share my own personal experience with you since you mentioned the food struggle. I recently watched the documentary Fork over Knives on Netflix. One of the most amazing things I heard on the film was from one guy who struggled for years before finally succeeding. I am paraphrasing but he said, he understood logically in words but our brains don’t understand words. He finally succeeded by using visionalization. He said he figured out he had to see success in pictures. I mention this because this could have a profound influence for all of us who are visual people, who have the talent of imagination.
I have had my own struggles (addiction) mine was smoking. I finally quit after 24 years. I learned a lot about not only addiction but the steps to modify behaviors. I still struggle everyday to be a healthier person in mind, body and soul. I was even a weight loss counselor after losing weight.
It is no coincidence that so many readers of your blog have food struggles. I have found that sensitive, caring, artistic, crafty people and the professions like nursing and teaching (creative souls) are the ones who struggle with addiction. I believe it is becaue of that sensitive nature we seek love and acceptance (sugar in my case) or some other pleasure (we are hard wired for that but in todays world of easy attainable processed foods) we don’t have to work as hard to get it. I am one of those types and for years have struggled to accept myself. I am saying look at the source and not the effect. At least we can value our talents and use our gifts (visualization, imagination and perception) to heal ourselves.
I have identified with your european influences (I am an Army brat and was born in Germany, too) I have been a furniture dealer for four years now. I support myself from my business.
I will be changing my Diet to be the Fork over Knives way with Whole Foods, Plant Based in January. Here’s wishing us all success.
being a nurse I found your comment fascinating!
Brave post that I think so many of us can identify with in part or in whole. I completed a Whole 30 in June 2014 and will be starting agin January 1 as well. I learned quite a bit about myself and about what foods are real triggers for me (ahem…sugar). I remained mostly paleo until Thanksgiving and have noticed old habits creeping back in slowly but surely. Thus, round 2. I can say, I never felt better. I was sleeping so soundly but waking up without an alarm clock completely rested. My skin was so clear. My mental clarity was on target. From my first Whole 30 I gave up all diet soda (something not allowed during Whole 30 but also something I wanted to give up anyway. That was just my thing…), I also managed to kick that sugar dragon’s backside! Food tasted so good.
I think you are wise to concentrate on what you can have, not on what you can’t. There is a huge Instagram community that will provide numerous ideas. Personally, it was challenging but not crazy hard. I will say, prepare, prepare, prepare. Don’t obsess about your meals but have what you need for meals and a snack if needed. I kept apples, carrots and peppers ready in the fridge. Enjoy the process and what you learn about yourself.
As a side note…you are a lovely lady with more talent in your little finger than I have in my whole being. I love the part in Made to Crave that encouraged me to crave Him above all else. You are His princess and I am certain He delights in you!
I subscribe to Michelle Tams blog, Nom Nom Paleo and starting Jan 1 she is going to have a recipe a day that is Whole 30 compliant . Great timing ! She’s even holding up the It Starts with Food book. I thought those of you in the FB group would especially enjoy this ( I couldn’t seem to join ) .
I thought I was addicted to food, too, Marian, but when I stopped eating processed foods that contained added ingredients the sole purpose of which are to make food taste better, make us eat more, and to be addicting, I found out it wasn’t food I was addicted to at all, just those ingredients! It really is incredible, but cravings and “hunger” will go away in just a week or two after eating food that doesn’t contain those ingredients. You will feel free (and maybe, like me, resentful that these unhealthy ingredients were ever allowed to be added to our food.) Best of luck; I know you can do it!
I know how hard it is to let it all out there for the world Marion, but you have us all here to support you and each other which is so wonderful! I too have an addiction with sugar and salt, 2 of the worst things to have, and getting older, it seems to get worse. I do well for awhile, then I find myself hurrying to eat the whole bag so I won’t have it in the house to tempt me anymore. I was always think growing up and could eat whatever I wanted and never gain an ounce. Then post menopause set in and I don’t recognize “me” any more and belly fat was something I always heard about and was foreign, now am plagued with and can’t seem to get rid of. I too would love to join you all on this quest together for better health and better choices going forward!
I have felt the same way – but never said it out loud. You are so courageous and brave! The biggest thing that helped me was PowerfullFitness – all about planning/prep of clean foods for me AND the whole family, fitness and accountability on FB. It also talks about Made to Crave. Good luck-your going to do great!
Miss Mustard Seed,
I loved your post! I can soo relate. I read the book and did the dvd study of Made to Crave and loved it! It made so much sense to me. My problem is that I DO lose weight when I eat clean, but my problem was “sticking” to it long term. Cravings would drive me crazy and let’s not talk about my soda addiction! I switched to diet, tricking myself into believing it would be better. NOT! I was morbidly obese and recently diagnosed with a heart condition that I have to take medication for that can cause weight gain (I did), and depletes your energy. UGH! I crawled out of bed to take my kids to school to then go back to bed and got up in time to pick them up. I felt 90 years old and I was only 40. Through a God ordained meeting I was introduced to Plexus Slim! It was NOT magic bullet, but it balanced my blood sugar (cravings), burned fat cells(inches), and gave me natural energy( no stimulants) that helped me “stick” to eating clean and overcome my soda addiction. I am a work in progress, but I see light at the end of the tunnel. I can’t imagine not having it as a tool in my arsenal of losing weight and gaining health! Made to Crave gave me insight as to why I am the way I am, but Plexus gave me the edge to overcome it! God Bless and I wish you the best on your journey.
Your story sounds exactly like mine. 35-40 pounds up and down up and down for the last 15 years. It’s awful. I’m starting a whole30 monday. I’m excited for you because I think you’ll find so much freedom in this plan. It’s more of a way of life and although it does take some planning ahead…it is so easy because it is SO black and white. Cheering you on!!!
I think we must be long lost sisters, because you pretty much described my life! I start my 30 tomorrow along with my daughter. I’m really dreading the first week because I’m so addicted to Splenda and Sugar, but I know that I can take away their power by just giving them up. Thanks so much for the inspiration. I look forward to following along on FB too because I know I’m going to need to encouragement!