I start my Whole30 Sunday. There! I've said it publicly, so I'm committed.

If anyone is interested in trying it out, it's really helpful to have an accountability buddy. Please let me know if you would be mine!

As mentioned, the Whole30 is a strict 30-day elimination diet designed to help you discover how certain food groups, especially problem food groups, affect your body. I have done this successfully once before, but I didn't do my reintroduction properly, which defeats the whole purpose. This time I'm going to do it right!

I've also done this unsuccessfully a few times. The last couple of times I've tried it, I've gotten really sick right off the bat. Since I just got over being really sick, I really hope that I can avoid that this time. I've been trying to wean myself off pepsis ahead of time too. That will help. I didn't realize my start date had creeped up so quickly, so I'd better drink a whole lot more water today...

I still have to pick up a few items. I'll need fresh lettuce (for salads and wraps), more EVOO, compliant almond milk, avocados, ghee, etc. I do not like coconut, which is a huge source of healthy fat on the plan. I substitute almond milk for anything requiring coconut milk (unsweetened Silk almond milk is compliant!), and I have to bulk up on olives and avocados as my healthy fats instead. I do use coconut oil since it doesn't taste like coconut. It's super-healthy for the body inside and out.

I splurged and ordered some items from the Whole30 compliant section at Barefoot Provisions. I don't like making my own mayo, so I ordered some of that, and I got some biltong, pilli nuts, and a venison bar. They sent me a 5OFF40 coupon code to get $5 off my order, too. I was only a dollar away from $40, so I threw in a meatstick and got it all a bit cheaper. Shipping was a bit much. I might get more with my check next month if I like this stuff, but I wish they offered free shipping at way less than $100. I'll spend that much all together most likely, but I can't afford to do it all at once.

I'm attempting to meal plan again both for Whole30 and for my budget – especially since Whole30 can get pricey when you're accustomed to not eating &/or not eating properly. I'm trying to make up some staples and emergency food for the freezer. I've got individual frittata pieces put up since breakfast is often a grab-and-go-or-don't-eat-at-all situation for me. I've got a huge pot of bone broth simmering on the stove. I still plan to make mashed potato, shepherd's pie, chicken salad, and a soup to freeze for emergency food. I also want to make some scotch eggs as a pre-workout meal and roast up some squash for post-WO.

I'm very excited! I really want to succeed and do this right this time around.