Happy New Year!
The 30 days are in, and I am here with some thoughts on it all. Let’s start with the highlights and lowlights.
Highlights
* Based on the closet situation (things fit that didn’t used to, other things are looser), I estimate losing about 5 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. That is an accomplishment, if you think about it.
* Belly taming. One thing I love about this anti-inflammatory way of eating is that I notice a flatter belly pretty quickly. Since this is always my main goal in any weight loss attempt, I think that is pretty great.
* More answers from acupuncture. I did a full blood panel. My cholesterol is still elevated, but not enough for a prescription to be recommended. According to my acupuncturist, stress is the leading factor. She has prescribed herbs to balance my hormones. Stress leads to elevated cortisol, which puts hormones out of balance, which can contribute to elevated cholesterol. I also look forward to starting two Young Living products: Cortistop and Endogize. When I came in for my appointment, I was under a very heavy weight of stress from an unpleasant situation. It was enough to put me into a temporary state of depression. Physically, my stomach was achy and bloated. It was the perfect time for a treatment. She focused a lot on my stomach. She also prescribed Echinacea to inhibit tumor growth and keep my fibroids under control.
*Aromatherapy. Between my oils and the acupuncture treatment, all was forgotten pretty quickly. My physical and mental health bounced right back. Tangerine oil, surprisingly, is fantastic for anxiety. Aromatherapy has a powerful effect on the emotions because our smell is connected to the emotional center of our brain (limbic region). Favorite oils for balance are Young Living’s Peace and Calming (contains tangerine), Citrus Fresh, Valor (contains frankincense), and Stress Away (contains lime, vanilla, and copaiba).
*Letting go of cravings. When you jump in with both feet, you will see the cravings go away. Sugar, dairy, and wheat rarely tempt me anymore.
*College daughter is also gluten and dairy free. It is nice to have support from the kids. My husband is also completely on board. He hasn’t taken the plunge personally, but he is happy to eat whatever I cook. Even my 14 year old daughter gave me a budget Paleo cookbook for Christmas. I am thoroughly enjoying it.
*Allergy help. Cedar fever hit me hard, as it did most everyone here in South Texas. Interestingly, I was doing fine until my stressful situation hit. Then the allergies were full blown. I’m convinced there is an emotional component to allergies. As my physical and emotional symptoms got under control, my allergies also went away. When I go off the diet, allergies come back. It is safe to say that inflammation leads to allergies.
Lowlights
*Eggnog. If we have it, I will drink it. My paleo verson was a hit. When it runs out, though…
*Other homemade baked goods. The holidays are a balancing act. I was not as strict this this time around. Feasts have a place, and I am going to do a little feasting this time of year. Thankfully I did enough to get back on track and plan to continue a strict paleo diet now that the holidays are over.
*Cooking for 9. I did this for a week. There were 3 meals I cooked for my immediate family plus 2 grandparents. Add number 10 on Christmas day. We had a friend over too. On Christmas , we went all out with London Broil. If I had been trying to be good that day, it would not have been very hard. The other meals I cooked for the crowd were pizza and pasta. Not paleo in the least. That move was partly to save on cost and partly to save on time.
All in all, the Holiday Whole30 was a success. I still have work to do, particularly with allergies and hormone balancing. I also wouldn’t mind fitting into more of my skinny pants. I’m ready for a healthy, Paleo year. Cheers!
Outside the Cave 
Reblogged this on The Peppermint Party.