Weekly Update . . .

I've taken a week off of posting while my site got a little face lift.  Did you notice?  What do you think?  I'm trying to keep up and make it easier to navigate.  I'd love to know what you think!So, today I'll just share a few things I've seen, read or tried over the week . . .Two weeks ago I decided to try to embark on the Whole30 journey.  I did not read the book, It Starts with Food, as is recommended.  I did online research into the foods allowed and what is not allowed,  and the philosophy behind the program.  I thought this would be a good time to give it a whirl and also to see how disciplined I could be . . .If you are not familiar with the program you can check it out HERE.  One thing that is important on any program like this is to decide just WHY you are doing it.  I wasn't trying to lose a bunch of weight.  I did want to get rid of some of my carb cravings and do a good "clean up" of my diet.  I've been really wanting to eat carbs lately, especially in the afternoons and I just wasn't feeling my best.  I am also in a very poor sleep pattern and have lost my usual level of energy.  I was hoping that doing a diet overhaul and getting some things out of my diet for a while might help.Well, let me just tell you in all honesty.  I made it a good, solid FIVE days.  Five days of following it to the very T.  For those five days I was hungry, headachy but determined.  I knew it would pass.  I did a great job of planning, preparing, prepping the right foods - then Saturday night happened.  I was handed a glass of wine at an evening event and it sort of went down hill after that.  I definitely fell off of the Whole30 wagon, but did not throw in the towel completely.  I jumped back on again, thinking that something is better than nothing.  Granted, that is not exactly the author's philosophy on the program.  They believe that you need an entire 30 days to get foods out of your system and to reap the benefits of the program.   I am sure they are right, but I am here to be honest and admit that I just was not that disciplined - or organized.  It is a real commitment and very time consuming.  You cannot be caught unaware without having your own food.  So, if you are stuck in a wrestling gym for six hours, you best have packed your food! (I did and must have looked a sight pulling out my hard boiled eggs . . . )   I have been eating some good foods.               Knowing that I was a complete failure at keeping it up for 30 whole days does not prevent me from sharing what I have learned, even from my own five days on, two days off, schedule with Whole30.  I DO feel better now.  I have dropped a couple of pounds that have stayed away.  I am aware of that afternoon carb craving time and am making much better choices.  I have discovered that there is life without cheese.  I do not miss dairy.  I do miss black beans.  My energy level has not changed, but I'm thinking it's just the February blahs and not necessarily my foods. I will continue to eat the Whole30 way as much as possible without completely depriving myself of some of the enjoyment and social aspect of weekend foods and choices.  Maybe I"ll gear up for it again soon . . . I'll let you know.If you want to read someone's experience who did it perfectly without giving in read Jen DeCurtain's post here.  She's an amazing yoga teacher/personal trainer who recapped her experience in a very detailed manner.  I must say I admire her discipline!The other thing that has been going on is my continuous war with the pantry moths.I cannot tell you how often I unload and clean out my pantry only to have them return!  I think the last batch came when I opened a sealed bag of chia seeds and . . . there they were.  Arrrgh!  This is our dog, Eli, hunting down the pesky things flying around.  Gross!  My next line of action is a trap.  If you have your own war going on read HERE and let me know if you tried the traps!Lastly, since we do have a holiday around the corner, I thought I should post something Valentiney.  (although the men in my house swear that Valentine's Day was completely made up by the Hallmark company).  If I WAS going to eat something sweet and decadent on Valentine's Day that is NOT in line with Whole30 I would make this beautiful number:Check out FoodFaithFitness for the recipe.  Decadent, huh?Lastly, I put this on one of my Pinterest boards because of my recent sleep issues (or lack thereof . . . and The Husband's habit of waking me JUST when I'm about to nod off)  So, this is for all  of  you out there that might be having  your own sleep and energy level issues . . .Have you tried Whole3o?  Were you successful?  What did you think?  Any tips for keeping on track?  Does the fact that I have pantry moths gross you out?  Any fun Valentine's Day plans?  What do you think of the facelift?Happy Friday and Happy Weekend! Enjoy!