Hearing one of the other dance moms first mention those food cleansing programs, I literally pictured a hospital looking straight jacket, khaki, with straps hanging at my sides, and a succulent red apple propped in my mouth. The metaphoric, and symbolic image of being in food Hell was what I pictured. Like being placed in the panic room, where no sugary temptations can see, smell, or find you. I thought that’s just too unnecessary of a regime for me or my normal habits of life. I was content to work out fairly regularly, eat pretty good, maybe battle tight clothes from time to time. The sound of completely ridding sugar, grains, legumes, alcohol, dairy and lets not forget yummy pastries! I literally couldn’t imagine doing it for a week, much less 30 days. My reaction was a little coy laughter and poking fun at why that couldn’t possibly be for me.  After all I followed a fairly good and normal diet, I thought, and would take the weekends off to enjoy something sweet, processed, or fluffy and pastry-like! I was just fine. Leave me be cleansers! I thought.

However, sitting here writing about my 41st day in and how I have drenched myself wholeheartedly into the freedom of “detachment”. Detachment from all foods, beverages, additives that do so much more to my body and mind than I ever realized. Who knew I had this in me? Setting my launch day became the biggest decision I would squabble over in my mind. And another small detail that was embarrassing enough to almost leave out, was the hives and food sensitivities I would experience and just ignore. It all started to sink in a little more. And then a little more. I would pay attention at the grocery store. Think about  those dance mom conversations. I began browsing cleansing topics on Pinterest more and more. Programs talking about complete organic eating.  Then I fully submersed into the rabbit hole. I began Pinteresting more and more, specifically about topics of Paleo and Whole30. This lead to what I call my official exodus into the Whole30 program (created by  the inspirational Dallas & Melissa Hartwig). The complex concept of breaking it down scientifically was already done by them, in their book titled, It Starts with Food. The challenge for me was turning myself into the human experiment they talked about.

The hands down best “take-aways” I have been forever transformed by after completing the Whole30 were game changers for me. For one, I had the will power and refreshed some confidence in what I could do “without”. Secondly, it really got me preparing healthy meals that I could incorporate into my family’s meal experiences. Thirdly, I will never read a food label the same way again. Ever. It’s about so much more than a calorie count.

The image pictured above is a Whole30 compliant, heart shaped, omelet creation by my adorable and comedic husband Mike.

To those who think detachments are tough, all I can say is that you are tougher.

Trust in yourself.

~ thank you for reading ~