Personal | What happened in 30 days? - White Sparrow Food Company

What happened in 30 days?

February 7, 2023

30 days down.

Let me just tell you. 30 days of changes and I’m still alive. I know, shocker. But let’s chat about all that I did and all that I noticed changed within me.

If you are new around here, I made some changes January 1. I posted in my stories on Instagram and in this blog post about the changes that I was planning to make. The list wasn’t long – 4 things, but honestly I wasn’t too sure I could do it.

With a plan, I past the dreaded 2 week mark…even though I craved a piece of bread…just toast with butter (delish). Then it was really smooth sailing.

What I took a break from + why.

Gluten. Dairy. Soy. Corn. Less Eggs. and Alcohol.

The list seems long. In reality, it’s really just eating Paleo. Think meat and veggies – that’s it!

I really wanted to do this because I needed a reset. I wanted to hit the restart button and shed all the things that I felt were holding me down. Yes, this is food related but honestly…with the other 3 things on my list I knew I could feel better in so many ways. It’s not just physical but totally mental. I was feeling a weight in my head. So much going on with little room for anything else. I basically needed to organize my mind – which lead me to feeling better, changing some simple habits and routines and going with it all.

I noticed so many changes...big and small.

The biggest change that I noticed was my sleep. I actually slept through the night. I’m talking head down by 10pm and sleeping until my alarm went out. Also I have felt completely recharged when I wake up. Not feeling like I just want to crawl back in bed.

Second, I’m drinking so much more water. I joke (not really a joke), that I don’t drink any water. Seriously, it was a problem. It’s not something I craved or went to when I was thirsty. Right after I turn the kitchen light on in the morning, I pour myself a glass of water. With exercise or work on the horizon, I now know that I need to drink water to replenish but also keep my energy up throughout the day.

Third, my eating schedule organically changed. I wasn’t craving that hot cup of coffee right when I woke up…which instantly dehydrated me right when I started my day. I started drinking these amazing smoothies (I’ll write a blog post on them) and then exercise for 30 minutes or work for a couple of hours, then have a protein filled meal. A heavier lunch or one filled with lots of vegetables and protein has been beneficial to me. A good meat and vegetable dinner and then tea (mint is great for digestion). Right after dinner, I start to try to wind down…instead of wind up, like I was doing before.

Mentally – so much changed. I feel like I have room for so much more in my brain. Sounds strange but I was so full of all the things, that I couldn’t prioritize, felt scattered in my thoughts, didn’t know where to begin and felt like I was just along for the ride instead of being in control of my life.

Lastly, not drinking alcohol opened up my awareness completely. I’m not as quick to react, I’m more calm, The biggest take away for me with giving up alcohol was that I wasn’t ready at 5pm for a cocktail. My mouth didn’t water, thinking about what mix I was going to make myself. Now I don’t even think about it – I’m actually grabbing for water to drink with dinner.

One thing I didn’t want to happen was to think about food and what I was going to eat all the time. Well, I did. When your pattern changes, it takes more brain power to think about what you will eat at the next meal.

Naturally, I think about food a lot. Remember I’m a personal chef and I have kids and a husband that always remind me.

A shift in your thinking, can consume you. It did to me. Lunch was the hardest meal for me. Salads are great but not with out cheese. Right? My lettuce, nuts, veggies and homemade dressing weren’t really satisfying me. I did, start to eat more leftovers from our dinners. Which shocked me too.

I made these sweet potatoes, beef stroganoff, paleo cookies and this simple chicken dish…on repeat. They all (even the cookies) are great leftover.

Now what...

I really do believe everything in moderation. I plan to stay gluten free as much as possible and to limit my dairy. Dairy isn’t great on my stomach and I feel sluggish with lots of gluten. I can feel it in my face – slightly puffy.

When incorporating new foods into my stomach after a 30 day break, I want to make sure I’m not taking steps back and starting all over. I’m loving this Gut Support from ION, taking magnesium at night and continuing with collagen in my morning smoothies.

I’ve noticed a huge change in my overall gut health, going to the bathroom more regularly and my hair – let’s just say it’s not falling out as much and the ends aren’t as dry.

I plan to keep alcohol out of my daily routine. I’ve been to a couple social events and I’ve chosen to drink cranberry juice with seltzer instead. I may enjoy a glass or two occasionally but getting past the nightly cocktail, has been good for me.