Whole 30, Round 2: Week 1

This time last year, I started my first ever Whole 30 (see: Week 1; Week 2; Week 3; Week 4). As annoying as the program can be, I have to admit it really worked for me. While I may not have lost a lot of weight on the scale, I saw a serious change in my body composition (always take before and after photos!). ...And then I went and got pregnant....

Now that I'm 6 weeks postpartum, I decided to do another round to jumpstart operation #babyweight. But this time I'm going to try to stick to 40 days, because to be honest, I have a wedding to go to at that point and I need to fit into a dress...

A quick disclaimer, though. I'm not being as super strict as I was during the first round. For example, the program discourages snacking and having desserts, even if they're healthy. Well, I'm breastfeeding and I need snacks. And desserts. However, my desserts are still Whole 30 complaint. Last night I blended up a frozen banana to make "ice cream" and it was divine. Is it considered cheating on Whole 30? Yes. Do I care? No. No, I do not :-)

So, here's my recap of Week 1.

Monday

Breakfast: Breakfast Salad

Lunch: Bacon Ranch Zucchini Noodle Pasta Salad

Dinner: Crockpot Roast and Veggies

Tuesday

Breakfast: Breakfast Salad

Lunch: Leftover roast

Dinner: Roasted Lemon Chicken with Potatoes and Rosemary

Wednesday

Breakfast: Breakfast Salad

Lunch: A Larabar. Not encouraged by Whole 30, but I just didn't have time for lunch this day.

Dinner: Garlic Mint Pork Loin

Thursday

Breakfast: Paleo Breakfast Casserole

Lunch: Paleo Breakfast Casserole

Dinner: Bacon Garlic Spaghetti Squash

Friday

Breakfast: Paleo Breakfast Casserole

Lunch: Bacon Garlic Spaghetti Squash

Dinner: Sausage and Eggs

Thoughts

This week I simply tried too hard. Whole 30 doesn't have to be all that complicated in terms of recipes. The point is really to eat real, whole food and cut out all the crap. But I made it harder on myself this week by trying out a new recipe almost every day. Look at Thursday. The reason I had that damn casserole for both breakfast and lunch is because it took me FOREVER to make in the morning. By the time I finished it, it was 2:00 pm and I was just getting around to breakfast. Not good. I also had a lot of "miss" recipes, which is really disappointing when you spend the time (1) looking for a recipe; (2) buying all the ingredients you need; and (3) making the actual dish. I think I'm going to try and simply things for Week 2. Because to be honest, I really hate #mealprepping 

In terms of how I'm feeling, as sleep deprived as I am these days (newborn life...), I do feel (somewhat) energized, so it looks like something is working! But I also noticed that my face is breaking out a little. I did start a new facial regimen so it could be that, or it could be my diet. I'll have to wait and see.

Also, you may be wondering why I haven't mentioned my meals on the weekend. Truth be told, I ended up doing some cheating on Saturday. I justified it (in my head) because I'm technically doing 40 days. But no more of that since the actual 30 days start today!

If you're looking for more recipe inspiration, feel free to follow along on my Pinterest Board