Operation Fit & Healthy

I want to make real changes in my life, and the best way I know how to make something stick is to talk about it as much as possible. I can be really successful when I focus and commit to rules, and that’s why I’ve done few rounds of Whole30 in the past eight years.

I also know that after those 30 days, I slowly slide back into my previous habits, and at some point a carb and sugar demon possesses my body and I’m back at square one.

Since my second child was born (almost four years ago) I’ve been stuck consistently at the same weight. I can lose ten pounds doing Whole30 or keto and gain it right back.

This time, I’m taking a different approach. I know I’m successful with a 30 day challenge, but Whole30 isn’t sustainable long-term, so I want to focus on a few “rules” that I know I can stick to for a month, but that could also lead into real lifestyle changes and new habits.

So, here’s the plan for the first 30 days of Operation Fit and Healthy:

1. No fast food
2. No added sugar
3. No eating in bed or on the couch
4. Prioritize fiber and protein

My starting weight was 216 lbs. To be fully transparent, I lost 5 lbs in the first 24 hours of my plan. I’m not claiming this as an incredible win, because I know my body and I know that my hormones and water weight had a lot to do with the significant drop, and that the high fiber content of my first day’s meals was… helpful!

My prediction is that Rule 3 will have the biggest impact on my mental/emotional/physical health. It has already been really eye-opening to me to see not only how easy it is to have a great day without late-night snacking after the kids fall asleep, but what an emotional crutch it is, even though it always makes me feel worse.

Stay tuned.