Whole30. Hell30. Call it whatever you want. I’m starting day 5, and quite honestly? The thing that’s bothering me the most is how this program consumes your life. Yes, I understand it’s about changing the way we think about food, cook food, consume food, and relate to food. My relationship with food? It’s pretty much like my dating life. We won’t get into that though.
My history with food has not been a good one. As a teen, I was very overweight. My relationship with food back then was psychological. Early 20s, I was still overweight, working for a fast food restaurant, and my relationship with food was accessibility. I ate what was available, meaning all fast food. For many years. Most people don’t believe me when I tell them this, and they want to know just how overweight I was. I’m a size 6 or 8 now, then I was around a 16. Maybe I’ll try and find a photo, although I don’t think many exist.
I really hate to cook. Yes, hate is a strong word, but you’re reading this with the word “hate” in the title twice. I grew up in a home where meals were made, but not some sort of great family experience, sitting around a table and spending time together. It was more a means of survival. You must eat, so let’s do it and be done with it. Add on the fact that we were not allowed to “live” in the house, as it had to be spotless clean and picture perfect at all times. You can’t cook and have a clean kitchen while cooking.
Fast forward to my 30s. I took off most of the extra weight. I’ll never be thin, but then again, I really have no desire to look like a Barbie doll. The weight just came off. I didn’t diet or try to lose the weight, it just happened. I’ve been about the same weight for 20+ years because I don’t focus on food. I make somewhat healthy choices, but when I want chips with 12 pounds of sour cream or a bucket of ice cream, I’ll eat it.
As for exercise, I’ve never been a fan of that either. I’m very active, but going to the gym everyday would kill me. About two years ago, I started cycling. Six months ago, I added kayaking. Exercise is a must, so find something you love to do. What does exercise have to do with food? If we’re talking relationships, I believe this is one that matters. When I exercise a lot, I eat a lot more, but for some reason I crave healthier foods. Maybe that’s psychological, maybe not, but it’s a thing.
So what’s my point? I need simplicity. Challenges are good for everyone. This is the first challenge I’ve done with apprehension and reluctance, therefore, it’s time-consuming and annoying. I’m tired of seeing the Pinterest-worthy photos of everyone’s meals, as I will never have those. I’ll survive this, I’ll learn a few things, and I know I’ll make some positive changes out of it. Hopefully I’ll get my 20 miles of cycling in today as weak as I feel.
Here are three things I’ve learned so far that will change my relationship (yes, rolling my eyes here) with food, while keeping it simple:
1. Read the labels. I know chemicals and preservatives are not healthy and I can make better choices for the things I do want to eat. There are options. This is an easy thing to do.
2. Cooking with a cast iron skillet. I love my new skillet! And there wasn’t much of a learning curve since I’ve been cooking with my enamel-coated cast iron Le Creuset. And, it’s easy to clean. Scrape and go!
3. Meal prep. I do not like planning meals, grocery shopping, or cooking, however I do need to eat and I like to save money. I can throw a couple of hours at this effort, as it does make a huge difference for the rest of the week. Those two hours or so will probably save me twice that during the week.
I need to go eat now so I don’t bonk on my bike ride. Are you really enjoying this or is there some hate-hate for you too? Haters gonna hate, but at least it’s for a good challenge that will make all of us a little healthier and aware of what we’re eating. 25 days, 9 hours, 40 minutes, and 9 seconds to go!
Photo by Taylor Kiser on Unsplash