Whole 30: A Gut Experiment

All disease begins in the gut.
                 -Hippocrates

Starting on Monday, I will engaging in a gut experiment!  Yes, you heard it right, I will be diving (excitedly) head first into the Whole 30 Program. This program is not being used as a weight-loss protocol or to restrict myself of certain foods.  I am using this program as a strategy to clear my body of high inflammatory foods, such as grains, sugar, legumes and dairy, that could be causing health issues in my body.  Chronic inflammation in the body can lead to severe illness and life-threatening diseases.   The food I eat is absolutely in my control and in order to thrive and do the things I love, it's important I am fueling my body with the foods that heal me, not hurt me.  

Is it practical to think I can eat this way for 30 days straight? Hmm, probably not.  But, I am determined and dedicated to take just 30 days out of my entire life to treat my body in the best way possible, so that I can discover if there is something in my diet that has been hurting me without me even knowing it. In order to make these harmful food discoveries I will have to build a strong relationship with my mind and body.  Eating my food slowly without distractions and really paying attention to how my body feels and reacts after eating certain foods will help me recognize what foods are healing me and what foods are literally killing me. 

By the end of these next 30 days I am hoping to...

• clean out my gut of processed and inflammatory foods
• learn new recipes
• try new whole foods my body loves
• build better eating and lifestyle habits
• discover the foods that have been causing my face to break out and cause painful bloating 
• build and connect with a tribe of other health-minded people :)

Will your goals be the same?  Yes and no, because every body is different. We all react differently to certain foods and are bodies are miraculously complicated and individualized machines (it's pretty dang awesome). There is no one "perfect" solution to heal everyone.  It is up to YOU to experiment with foods, listen to your body, and make lifestyle changes that bring you joy and help you to thrive! 

With all of that being said, let's get ready for our GUT EXPERIMENT! 
Check out the program guidelines for WHOLE30 here! 

Some foods I will be using during these 30 fun-filled days are:

BREAKFAST/ LUNCH /DINNER:
My plate will have a balance of protein, carbs + fats.
Cooked in either ghee, coconut oil, bacon fat, or avocado oil.

Proteins: beef, chicken, turkey, sausage without added sugars, bison, tuna, salmon, cod, eggs, etc.

Carbs: white potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash, brussel sprouts, zucchini, kale, spinach, peppers, onions, garlic, etc.

Fats: avocado, extra virgin olive oil, almonds, chia seeds, tahini, olives, and coconut milk

CONDIMENTS:
Tessemae's Creamy Ranch + Mild Buffalo Sauce
Chosen Foods Avocado Mayo
Annie's Horseradish Dijon mustard
Green Mountain Gringo Salsa
Vinegars
Frank's Red Hot Sauce

SNACKS:
RX Bars
Lara Bars (except peanut butter cookie)
Fruit
Almonds + Walnuts
Veggies
Guacamole
Boiled eggs

My daily COFFEE:
Organic coffee with coconut milk

There will be foods I will miss for the next 30 days.  But, we had a long, hard talk and they were very understanding.  They are very proud of my motivation to be my best, healthiest self!

I have made a list of specific foods that I will miss these next 30 days.  Who knows, these foods could not be affecting my body at all and may be back in my diet after my gut experiment :)

So long, but not good-bye forever foods: 

• Any and all kinds of cheese
• Brooklyn Bred Pizza Crust
• Sourdough Bread
• Half-n-half
• ​Gluten-free oats
• Arbonne Protein Powder
• Honey + Maple Syrup

I have some recipes in my BALANCED MEALS that you can use and tweek during this Whole 30 Experiment.  Or you can check out my Whole 3O Meal Plans that I will be developing as I venture through this process.  Find new recipes on Pinterest and Instagram too!  Share the tasty recipes with me please, but only if they are Clean + Simple ;)

                  Happy experimenting for your health!

                                          Jillian