Hello! We finished up our 4th Whole 30 (whoo-hoo!!) last week and we are SO excited that we completed another one! Our FOURTH Whole 30! Can you believe it?! I certainly can’t. If you remember, I also did a “Whole 15” back in November which was exactly the same as a Whole 30, except that I just did it for 15 days instead of 30 (you can read about it here). Tristan and I decided that we wanted/needed to do another complete 30 days, so we did this Whole 30 from February 21st – March 22nd.
I think taking “progress” photos is good to keep track of all of the different stages that I’ve been through. And Tristan bought me this dress, so I wanted to wear it – I love when he buys me clothes:)
Remember my very first post about the Whole 30? Feels like ages ago! This Whole 30 was quite a bit different for us than the other 3. We went through a few days of “detox” in the beginning, and then settled into the routine of it all. We quickly realized though, how many snacks and treats that we had been allowing back into our diets, and we were feeling the effects of not having those things anymore. We grew TIRED of all of the strictness after just a few days, and yes, we may have even whined about it a few times. But then we realized that no one was making us do another one, and that we actually WANTED to do another one, so we just needed to suck it up and DO it, and we did. 100% of the time, 100% of the rules. Was it always easy? NO. Was it worth it again? YES.
Here are my results from my 4th Whole 30:
I lost a total of 5.0 lbs and 1/2″ off my waist in 30 days.
Since starting my Whole 30 and Paleo journey, I’ve lost a total of 66.8 lbs, and 13 1/4″ off my waist in 21.5 months!
So here’s the thing about these numbers: when I did my Whole 15 in November, I was at the lowest weight that I have ever been in my adult life – maybe even before becoming an adult. I was at a whopping 69 lb loss since we first began our Whole 30 journey. After that Whole 15, the holidays hit, and for the next few months, my weight started fluctuating (a nice way of saying, it was going UP and down) and it continued to do that throughout the holidays. I’ll be the first to admit that I wasn’t staying as strict and was allowing tons of snacks and treats (both paleo and not) and also wasn’t keeping up on exercise. The combination of all these things were the main reasons that I knew another Whole 30 was in order. Nip it in the bud before things get out of control right? We set the start date for our 4th Whole 30 for February 21st.
The morning of Day 1, I woke up, stood on the scale, and was shocked to see that I was 7.4 lbs heavier than I had been just 3 months earlier.
I knew that there was going to be a difference, but since I only weigh myself twice a month, I thought that it was would only be 3-4 lbs at the most. I certainly didn’t feel like I had gained over 7. It was not a good feeling. Suddenly, like flipping a switch, I saw my body in a whole new light: FAT? Was I getting fat again?! Yes, I was standing there in my size 3 pants and thinking that I looked fat. I completely realize how crazy this sounds, but it goes to show that no matter what size you are, the number on the scale can make you go crazy. The truth is, even though I preach that “the number doesn’t matter”, I am still letting the scale tell me if I am doing a good job or not. If the number goes down, I’m feeling great, but if it goes up, it makes me start questioning my worth, my ability, and pretty much everything else.
I did my 4th Whole 30. I did it, I was focused, determined, and I powered through with no excuses (and I AM proud of that). In my mind I was hoping to lose at least 7 lbs and be back to where I was in November. But, that didn’t happen – on the 31st day, I weighed myself for the first time, and saw that I lost 5 lbs. So, even though I had great results, all I could think was, I only lost 5 and it was re-losing the 5 that I had already previously lost, and I still need to lose MORE, so I pretty much SUCK. I know. Basket-case lady right here.
I am still 2.4 lbs heavier than I was in November. Now, I know that you’re probably rolling your eyes and thinking, “2.4 lbs?! Shut it! That’s NO big deal!” and I DO agree with that. BUT, ever since we started this journey, I have always had a little (or really really big) fear in my head, that I would one day start slipping back into my old ways and slowly put the weight back on. Even though it’s now only 2.4 lbs, it’s the first time since beginning this whole thing that I have gained weight and that TERRIFIES me.
It scares me and it throws me into a weird mental place. I’m struggling with finding a balance between “The scale doesn’t matter! Throw it away!” & “The scale CAN tell me where I am and where I should be and it’s good to KNOW “. Which one of these thoughts is correct? I see good and bad with both. When I was very overweight, I would sometimes go months between weighing myself because I didn’t want to face how overweight I was and how badly I was failing. And on the flip side, when I would try to lose weight, I would weigh myself every day, sometimes multiple times a day and be completely obsessed with every ounce and change on the scale. Neither of these scenarios are good. That’s one of the reasons that I love the Whole 30 SO MUCH. You aren’t allowed to weigh yourself for 30 days. It’s freeing and needed, but even though I’ve done it 4 times now, I’m still obviously struggling with THE NUMBER.
This has been an incredibly hard post for me to write. It’s hard because it’s vulnerable and scary to put this out there and allow anyone to read it. But it’s also hard because it’s a problem and I don’t have the answer or solution yet. It’s a work in progress, an unresolved process, an unanswered question.
I completely realize that I don’t have to post this. I can lie about my weight loss numbers or just keep them to myself and no one else will ever know. I can hit the delete button at any time, and be safe from any critisism or judgement. But ultimately I know, that’s not who I am or who I want to be. I’ve shared this journey from the beginning – the good and now the bad – and it’s important to me to keep going and sharing. It’s FREEING for me. I want to constantly remind myself that eating this way and taking care of myself is SO important to me, and that I’m important to me. I never want to lose sight of that. And if I can help or encourage someone else along the way? Even better. Because I know that if I am going through this, chances are, someone else out there is going through it as well.
Kelly NH
Mar 31, 2015 -
Hi Stephanie
I appreciate your honesty, and I understand the fear of the weight creeping back on. I lost a substantial amount a few years ago, and it has slowly crept back until Im now uncomfortable again and avoiding the scales.
You are an inspiration to me and I love seeing your updates. You have come such a long way and you make it seem more achievable to me also.
Thanks!
Stephanie May
Apr 1, 2015 -
Hey Kelly! Thanks so much for your sweet words:) I’m so glad to know that I’m not alone in these fears. You are right that I should focus on how far I’ve come – I need to do that more. Thank you! <3
Yvonne
Mar 31, 2015 -
I have felt the same exact way after my whole 30s. I follow you on Instagram and am so envious of your results. I find myself scrolling Instagram and searching whole 30 results and then knocking myself for not losing at much. I feel like I don’t lose weight anymore on my whole 30s. I feel great and have so much control but no weight loss. It’s a vicious cycle this whole weighing thing.
Stephanie May
Apr 1, 2015 -
The comparison trap is so hard right? I’m so sorry that you have felt disappointed with your weight loss results, but I am SO glad that you are feeling great! Congrats on doing multiple Whole 30s! That is a huge accomplishment. Keep going girl! I will do the same.
Foodmotivatedflower
Apr 1, 2015 -
Great post! I just finished my second whole30 and I gained 4lbs! I wasn’t into it though! I knew it. I was eating tons of nuts and snacking hard within the rules. 8 lbs heavier than last November but I felt good! Last night I ate some birthday cake I squrrieled away from my grandmas birthday and I swear I didn’t sleep a wink after all the sugar. I think the numbers are a good reminder. You know where you can be easily! I’ve got 10 lbs to lose before July. Time to get it going! I hope spring comes to my house soon!
Stephanie May
Apr 1, 2015 -
Congrats on finishing your second Whole 30! That is an incredible accomplishment, and it’s so great that you know the reasons why it didn’t work out how you wanted it to – that’s huge! :)
jess
Apr 1, 2015 -
Thank you so much for posting this. I literally had almost this same discussion with a girlfriend this morning after we finished a whole30 a week and a half ago. It was my second whole 30 and I lost about 5lbs, and then we left on a a trip and when i got back a week later I had gained all of the weight back, and thensome…It was so discouraging.
It was the second whole30 I’ve done and I decided to do it to reset my eating habits again, but also to loose the weight that had crept back on after the holidays.
Whats hard now is that it feels like the only way I know to successfully loose the weight again is to do another whole30, but it just feels so extreme. Its not meant to be a all the time lifestyle, and I’m beginning to feel the pressure of needing to commit to another one to help loose that weight again.
I know myself and I’m much better abstaining from the grains, dairy and alcohol then I am at moderation (which is why the whole30 is so successful for me). But i do know i need to find a better balance.
If you have any advice for transitioning what you have learned in the whole30 into a lifestyle I would love to hear it :)
Stephanie May
Apr 1, 2015 -
Hey Jess!
I TOTALLY understand what you are saying. I feel the same way about Whole 30s being the only way that I know HOW to drop the weight. It can be an overwhelming feeling because it IS so strict and takes so much effort to do 100%. My husband and I were both wishing that we had extended this one by a few more days – maybe we will do a Whole 45 next time:)
Keep going girl! I would love to write more about what we eat and do between our Whole 30s. I will try to make time for that soon.
Brenda
Apr 1, 2015 -
Stephanie,
Always encouraging. Thanks for sharing. I understand the struggle with the scale, been there my whole life. But I am learning to eat healthy and be forgiving when I mess up. Trying to eat Paleo most of the time. I had gained 13 pounds through February and March, I added to many sugary snacks and bread. But I am back on track and only 3 pounds from where I need to be. It’s a vicious cycle most women fight, thanks for sharing and being encouraging!
Brenda Rolling and you look fabulous in that dress!!
kyley ann
Apr 17, 2015 -
Hi Stephanie! Isn’t it funny how easy it is for us to see the negative, the places where we think we’re falling down, but the 1% of “less than ideal”? And how hard it is to see all the positives first and foremost. Thanks for sharing!
Also I am so in love with your hair and this dress in these pictures!!
Beth
May 5, 2015 -
Your story is so inspiring! I am doing a Whole30+… I lost 8lbs the first 30 days and then… nothing since. I’m almost to Day 60. It’s really disappointing, and I’d love to have your results! I can stay committed now that the “sugar dragon” is gone, but it’s hard to be so strict (even if I was just paleo), yet see I’m as fat as ever. Do you have a post here where you outline what you ate and how long it took to get where you want to be? I’m fine with eating this way indefinitely (despite really missing chocolate, sweetness in my coffee, and the ability to eat out sometimes… okay and rice and corn tortillas lol), but only if I see my body changing!
I do feel pretty good though otherwise… I just struggle with either not having an appetite sometimes or apparently having too much of one and not losing anything. I’m not sure what to do short of counting calories again and weighing at least bi-monthly. :-\
Meg
May 12, 2015 -
Thank you so much for sharing these W30 posts. I am embarking on my first one tomorrow and am so motivated and encouraged by your pictures (particularly from the first time you and your husband did it)! Here’s to health!
Candace
Jun 10, 2015 -
Hi Stephanie. I just wanted to thank you for your Whole30 posts. Actually, I stumbled upon your blog in May of last year when I was researching Whole30. I was impressed by your weight loss but even more by how much happier, more radiant, you looked and seemed to feel. You literally glow! (#nofilter?! :D) I kept referring back to them. It really motivated me to give it a try.
One year later and 190 days of Whole30 compliancy, I’m down 50+ lbs, my bacne, heartburn, stomach problems, foggy head, headaches, fatigue, hormonal breakouts are gone. Even my PMS is so much better now that I know how to combat it and even prevent it if I’m paying attention. ;) Much of my issues are psychological in nature and Whole30 has certainly helped with that and is continuing to help with.
So thank you so much for giving me the motivation to give it a shot. It really changed my life. :)
Much love (in a non creepy way!),
Candace
Kimmy
Jun 24, 2015 -
Hi Stephanie,
I’m going to echo a lot of the sentiments from other posts. I found your blog while researching Whole30 recipes and blogs because I just began my third stint on June 21. Did you have a favorite Whole30-approved recipe that you discovered?
I completely understand the obsession with the number on the scale, and the fear that the number represents loss of control, or that NOT knowing the number represents loss of control. Congratulations on all of your weight loss and making you a healthier you! It’s inspiring to me to read your thoughts on the journey, and your struggles. It’s good to know that it’s not something that only I’m going through.
I just began blogging about my Whole30 journey as well as trying out new activities to help me stay motivated and focused on me! You can check it out my journey at http://www.novelattitudes.com/summer-solstice-reflections.
Thank you!!
Kimmy
http://www.novelattitudes.com
Loves the Find
Nov 24, 2015 -
Thank you for sharing. My first Whole30 I only lost 4lbs and I was really discouraged when my other friends lost about 10lbs. I did snack and rely heavily on nuts and nut butters. I want to try again at the New Year and see what happens. http://www.lovesthefind.com/