My sister, Trish, has finally convinced me to try the “Whole 30” diet. I realize this is the second diet I have referred to on the blog, but believe it or not- I don’t do a lot of diets. I attempt healthy eating when it’s convenient but I’m not good on diets. I like sugar too much.

My sister tried the Whole 30 in 2015. I wasn’t brave enough which is why I did Paleo. This allowed me to indulge in an occasional glass of wine. But Trish found the Whole 30 so helpful to her health that I am attempting it for January 2016. The Whole 30 is basically a diet of non-processed foods. The foods I can eat are fruits, veggies, meats, and nuts (no peanuts which are considered a bean/legume on the diet). Nothing can really come from a box or a mix. It has to be whole, unprocessed foods. And…no alcohol (even wine).

The point of the Whole 30 is not to lose weight, though it may be a great side effect. The point is to eliminate certain things in one’s diet and then slowly introduce those foods back into the diet to determine what may cause various reactions. Apparently there is a book about it and I have avoided reading it so far (this won’t last…I’ve been promised I will be forced to read two books on the Whole 30).

My sister and I have very similar digestive systems and are both allergic to eggs. In addition, I have a sensitivity to oats and who knows what else. Trish is even more sensitive and it’s been a lifelong struggle to track what causes physical reactions and what doesn’t cause them. As is true with most everything in my life, Trish paved the way so it’s easier for me to navigate.

I started with a meal plan that my sister suggested (though strangely enough, she didn’t use it herself…). It can be found at Whole 30 Meal Plan- Week One. I’ve never made so much food in one day in my life (minus holidays). And even though I may never do it again, it’s made the week so much easier in terms of evening cooking.

My biggest obstacle at the beginning of this Whole 30 experience was the lack of coffee creamer. Dairy is not on the diet. I love coffee and I love having it sweet and tan. But alas! Sugar, dairy, and even non dairy creamers are not on the diet. I did some research (aka Pinterest) and found that some people on the diet use canned Coconut Milk as a creamer. I have tried it…and I can’t say I recommend it. It does add a taste to the coffee so I’m not drinking it black. But the milk comes out chunky and isn’t a great consistency. I keep adding it to my coffee and waiting for the moment when I feel satisfied. So far that moment hasn’t happened.

We shall see how I do. So far I stocked the fridge and pantry with more fruits, veggies, meats, and natural coconut products than I know what to do with (yes, I know- I need to eat them). Most of all, I’m doing this to support my sister. If she can do it, I can do it.

I’m still looking to get back into the habit of regular blogging. I’m hoping updating my readers on my progress with the diet gets me back to regularly writing.