Whole 30: Grocery Shopping

The nice thing about the Whole 30 program is that they set you up for success from the get-go.  They even provide a printable grocery list to take with you to the store.  If you missed it, you can see why I've decided to do Whole 30 in this post.

My first trip to the grocery store was a little nerve racking.  I've always made an effort to purchase from the perimeter, but making sure to look at all the labels and check for added sugar took time and I really wanted to grab my hummus and pretzels, but I'm sticking with it!  By golly.

Here is what I got at the store (minus the things I got hubby since he isn't partaking):

• sausage
• ham
• asparagus
• fruit galore (strawberries, pears, tangelos, grapefruit, apples, bananas, and pineapple)
• mushrooms
• cucumber
• romaine
• shrimp
• sweet potatoes
• red&green peppers
• eggs

I have to admit, purchasing the groceries made this a lot less scary than I had originally thought it would be.  My biggest concern is that I typically crave something sweet in the evenings after dinner.  I purchased some LARA bars that have, so far, curbed that craving for me.  LARA bars taste phenomenal and all the flavors I've tried have been three ingredients or less.  

Now, I know that the first few days I'm going to have willpower out the wahzoo and then I'm going to hit day 5 or so and I'm going to start second guessing myself.  So, in an effort to avoid failure, I've gotten a few things to replace my typical daily snacks.  I am a huuuuuge lover of cheese and unfortunately, no dairy.  So, I'm going to try to keep cheese totally out of the house.  I also love me some flavored creamer for my coffee.  I purchased a few different flavors of hot tea so that I'm not tempted to add sweetener/cream to my coffee.  I'm not too worried about the fact that I can't eat grains other than quinoa and oatmeal.  

I can do it!  Have any of you done this?  Can't wait to share more!

As part of our Fitness Friday link-up, we are also participating in a 50 miles in April challenge.  Kelly (whom I got to meet - can't wait to tell you about that) and I are challenging ourselves and all of you to complete 50 miles in April.  Your miles can be calculated by biking, walking, running, swimming, etc.  Just get them in!  Can't wait to cheer each other on.

Use either or both buttons below in your post and link up with us!

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March CARA

This CARA box was so exciting for me because it connected me (by total coincidence) with someone who spends half the year in my home town!  Growing up in upstate NY, I lived right on Lake Champlain in an adorable town by the name of Essex.  I attended Willsboro Central Highschool and spent the majority of my time in Willsboro as it was more populated than my area.

Since Willsboro is right on the lake and close to the mountains, ski resorts, etc. many people own summer homes.  It just so happens Rebecca, of Caravan Sonnet, is one of those summer people!  I realized it instantly upon looking through her pictures.

This month's theme was based around the letter of our name and she sent me lots of "L" goodies:

It came in a beautiful lavender box with an L stamp, L stationary, a notebook, lavender bath salts, a "little" scrapbook album, popcorn, Skittles, and a gossip magazine!  I absolutely loved it - not to mention, it was waiting on me when I got back from vacation.  (which explains my tardy link-up)

Thank you so much, Rebecca!  I really enjoyed my gifts.

P.S. She made my little scrapbook - you should definitely stop by and see what else she makes!

From the Inside Out

Source: louisianabrideblog.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

I'm doing it guys.  For the month of April, I'm doing Whole 30.  I've decided to do it for a few reasons: 1.  I've been battling extremely dry/chapped lips for almost two years now with very little relief.  I've been to several doctors and none of them have been able to figure out what is wrong - I have no deficiencies or allergies that are known, and 2.  I'm on a journey to treat my body better - cleaner eating, healthier lifestyle, sustainable exercise routine.

Each week I will post (at least once) about my experiences throughout the week.  I know this is not going to be easy, but I can do it.  My body needs me to do it.

Here is a breakdown of why I decided this is right for me:

1. I already stick to mostly whole foods and clean eating.
2. A juice cleanse is not appealing to me at all.
3. I am curious to find out what certain foods are doing to my body.
4. After watching "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead" I am interested in find out if my body really can heal itself from the inside out.
5. I need to reevaluate my habits and turn bad ones into good ones.

Other bloggers have done it as well and I know I'm not a "fitness blog" per se, but I do blog about fitness and co-host Fitness Friday.  And fitness is something really significant to me so I find it only appropriate that I share my journey with all of you.  If any of you have done this before or are currently partaking in the challenge, please, feel free to share your perspective/recipes/etc. with me as well.  

I'm not gonna lie, yesterday was the first day and going out to eat from staff development was tough.  I had to be careful what I ordered and then even what salad dressing I chose.  I'm up for the challenge.  Are you?!