Hi friends!
We’re into Week 2 of the Solcana WholeMe Challenge and things seem to be going according to schedule – managing to successfully add three cups of different vegetables to my diet every day during week one, and will continue to do that for the rest of the challenge. A gallon of water a day has started to feel a little more managable (with less trips to the bathroom, ensuring I now have to spend MORE time at my desk at work…sigh.), and I’ve managed to sleep for 8 hours most nights. That’s been the biggest challenge for me in earning points in this challenge (for a full breakdown of points, check this out). I love sleep so much, but as someone with a full time job, performance schedule, social life, and various other engagements, it can sometimes feel next to impossible to get that 8 hours in. I’m a career 6 hours of sleep kind of gal – bed by midnight, up in the 6am hour only to immediately fantasize about when I can finally sleep again. Funny. Now that I mention that I am realizing that the last week I have been able to get out of bed much easier in the mornings without counting the hours until I’m back in bed. Huh. Interesting! Also of interest is this video I came across from AsapSCIENCE that offers more scientific justification on why we should turn in early – it explains effects of lack of sleep, from decreased brain function to increased risks of heart disease and obesity. In one study, researchers even found that subjects who slept just six hours a night for 14 days had the cognitive wherewithal of someone with a .1% blood alcohol level! Check it out:
Week 2 of the WholeMe Challenge is focused on eliminating grains. I’ve made some serious shifts in my diet in the past year and have done a pretty decent job of lowering my intake but OMG SOMETIMES YOU JUST WANT TO EAT A SANDWICH, AMIRITE? Yesterday, I even ate one but OMG YOU GUYS I USED LETTUCE INSTEAD OF BREAD! I nailed Day 1 grain free! My accountability partner, Hannah P, even gave me 4 out of 4 stars for my day (8 hours sleep, 1 gallon of water, work out at Solcana, and GRAIN FREE while still including 3 c of veggies).
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, this challenge is also helping me make more of my own food. Just last night I made delicious veggie stirfy with white rice and steak. (Don’t judge me but I’ve never been much of a rice eater and had actually never cooked it before last night. I AM 37). Surprisingly, we can eat white rice – especially in our recovery meal since the body needs carbs. As Coach Hannah says, “We don’t fear starch! Our bodies need carbohydrates, and safe starches are a great way to get those carbs in our bodies without including the toxins present in grains!” Since I’m trying to maximize energy and lose a bit of body fat, I have prioritized eating the starchiest foods (like rice, sweet potato, etc.) post-workout as a recovery meal.
Grain free also means eliminating BEER and WHISKEY and BOURBON (amongst others distilled from grain). Here’s the thing: I’m not a huge drinker but when I choose to imbibe, these are usually my go-to beverages. As someone who is out in alcohol serving establishments on the regs (short for regular, my non-abbreviating friends) this might prove to be difficult. I’m kind of one of those people who doesn’t miss something until I can’t have it – eesh…sounds like my dating life. I KID, I KID. I’ve got a date tomorrow night that I will absolutely require an adult beverage so I will opt for red/white wine or a cider beverage before accepting the wedding proposal that no doubt will follow. Did I mention it’s a first date? Minor detail.
So, that’s kind of a wrap with where I’m at as we start week 2 of the WholeME Food Challenge. Overall, I feel myself making more informed and intentional food choices and that’s a pretty darn good way to be, food
challenge or not.
Oh, and:
HANNAH P AND I ARE ONLY 1 PT OUT OF FIRST PLACE AFTER WEEK ONE SO GET READY EVERYONE WE ARE COMIN’ FOR YOU!