Tag Archives: Whole30

Any Second Now 2014 in Review

Happy New Year’s Eve!

I’ve had a bit of a busy week, so I’ll end 2014 with a “Year in Review” post, courtesy of WordPress.  I want to thank all of my followers for continuing to keep up with me, and any new readers for checking out the wonderful happenings in my hectic little life!

According to the WordPress Annual Report for 2014 (click here to see the complete report), the busiest day on my blog was December 4th 2014, a couple of days after I posted “Lovely Las Vegas: Swingin’ With Matt Goss“!  I definitely have to thank Matt Goss himself, due to the fantastic Tweet he sent to his followers that same day.  The next popular post for 2014 was “TOPSHOP/TOPMAN Grand Opening & Launch Party Recap“.  Another big thank you goes to Fashion Valley for re-Tweeting it and then posting it on their Facebook page.  I’m humbled by the support for my blog!

Matt Goss any2ndnow TweetFashion Valley Topshop Post any2ndnow Facebook

“Some of your most popular posts were written before 2014. Your writing has staying power!” – WordPress

It’s amazing to see that some of my past blog posts are still getting read!  My most viewed post this year was from 2012, “Another Great Whole30 Homemade Treat“, which contains the most popular of the pictures to be “pinned” from my blog on Pinterest!

Picture 003Finally, I became an Event Contributor for San Diego Style Bloggers this year.  These bloggers are amazing and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for this wonderful network next year!

Thanks again to all of you who take the time to read Any Second Now.  Here’s to a spectacular 2015, cheers!

SD Style Bloggers Contributor from site

Whole30: Results & Final Thoughts

I finished my Whole30 month on October 31st!  (For those of you who are unfamiliar with the program and when I started, please see my original post here.)  Through the Whole30 experience, I learned that what I ate directly correlated to why my body was the way it was.  When I cut out all of the desserts that I was snacking on like cookies, donuts, ice-cream sandwiches, danishes and mini-pies, I really did notice a difference by the second week in how much my bloating was a result of simply eating all of that sugar.  Then I realized just how much sugar was in my diet that wasn’t in the form of a dessert, which included drinks like flavoured creams in my coffee, soda, fruit punches, and even in places that you wouldn’t suspect like soups and sauces.

Since the end of my 30 day run, I still find myself eating the same way that I had been during the Whole30, but I added just a bit of what I was missing like dairy and grains.  Even if I feel like I can have a day where I eat a couple of slices of pizza, I still keep my diet fairly the same as I did on the Whole30.  I stopped drinking soda completely because I cannot stand the taste any longer, and I still drink my tea and coffee black, without sugar or cream.  I did have a little chocolate and a couple of cookies because I wanted just a little bit of what I have missed, but I find that I’m now turning to my favorite frozen banana dessert (post with recipe here), fresh fruit and cashews rather than anything sugary.  Part of the program calls for really thinking about why you are eating:  Is it to satisfy a craving, or are you really hungry?  If I was hungry, then I remembered this statement:  If you feel you are truly hungry, can you eat a whole meal that includes fish and broccoli?  If you can eat an entire meal, then you are truly hungry and you should eat a meal.  If you aren’t, then either drink water or have a snack.  It was during these times that I did want to eat that I turned to cashews, dried and fresh fruit or even just a glass of water or fresh juice.  As I post this, I’m reading the section from the site called “Ride Your Own Bike“, which states that you can always hop back on to another Whole30 program to reset yourself if you feel you have really begun to go down that path of eating poorly again.

To show the physical results of being on the Whole30 program, I included two deceptive pictures, which look quite the same at first glance.  The picture on the left is from a previous outfit post.  The secret about the pictures in that outfit post is that I had to retake some of the shots a few times because I needed to reposition myself to avoid an unflattering angle.  I’m also wearing a slip that is similar to Spanks to help smooth out areas of my body that I felt needed a little help and I used the purse to hide bulges in my mid-section.

In the new picture on the right, I am wearing the same dress…and that’s pretty much it.  No help from any special undergarments and no need to stand a certain way, or use an accessory to hide my mid-section.  I lost a total of six pounds on the Whole30, my face looks a lot slimmer and I lost a dress size because I was no longer bloated.  I fit back in things that I still had in my closet prior to my pregnancy four years ago, and even a few things that I had just bought last year!

It may seem very “cult-ish” when talking about the Whole30 as a program and the guidance that it offers.  But really, it all comes down to what you believe you need in our life.  When Vahni from Grit & Glamour mentioned that a group was going to start the Whole30 program at the beginning of October, I felt that I needed it to reset my system.  Later, it actually helped me get through a bit of a setback:  In the middle of my Whole30 challenge, I lost my job.  Usually when I’m faced with adversity, I turn to food for comfort.  Since I was in the midst of the Whole30 program, I used as a way to challenge myself and not turn to food, but rather channel my energy into cleaning my home, spending oodles of time with my son and husband, and search for a new job (hopefully, I will be closer to finding one when this posts).

If you have tried everything you could to diet or eat healthier but just coudn’t figure a way to do it, you should try the Whole30.  Who knows?  You may even turn it into a Whole60, Whole90 or your whole life.  It truly is a great way to start understanding why you eat the way you do, and how it directly affects your body.  After the Whole30, you can either choose to continue, or go back to your former ways.  Either way, it will change your life.  It changed mine.

Another Great Whole30 Homemade Treat

Samantha, one of the gals in my Whole30 Facebook page group, came up with a great snack that actually satisfied my craving for a frozen treat.  I couldn’t believe how simple and easy it was, and it really tastes just like ice cream.  The ingredients: a frozen banana, coconut milk and cinnamon.  I blended them together and added fresh strawberries.  I then placed the whole bowl in the freezer for about 15 more minutes and out came a delicious Whole30 approved dessert!

Whole30 Home Cooking & Thoughts So Far

I have been referring to my Whole30 group on Facebook each day for recipe ideas in addition to support, and I tried my first Whole30 approved recipe at home while I was in Las Vegas.  I apologize for the appearance of my pancakes.  I was in my mother-in-law’s kitchen and did not have all of my utensils at my disposal.  The recipe came from the blog, With A Ch (post seen here), and Christin’s pictures are far and away more appetizing looking than what I created.  I made the same basic recipe (eggs and banana blended with cinnamon for the batter) and cooked them with a light brush of extra virgin olive oil on my pan.  The only change was that I added fresh strawberries rather than try to make warm fruit syrup.  I really enjoyed these pancakes, and I promise to post better pictures at my next attempt (believe me, adding the cinnamon really made these taste like french toast).  I feel that it’s something that I can have often because it’s easy to vary the taste by changing the fruit that will accompany the pancakes. 

As this posts, this will be day 17 of the Whole30 program, and all in all I’m feeling pretty good.  I can definitely say that the most difficult part was the first five days, and then trying eat with a group of friends during a late night excursion in Las Vegas.  Other than that, it’s been fun to challenge myself to eat a greater variety of foods.  For instance, I have never tried spaghetti squash before, and I had it for the first time last week because I wanted to have “pasta” with my son and husband.  So while they had the regular spaghetti, I had the squash as my alternative and it was quite good and surprisingly easy to make (I’ll post pictures when I make it again).  My husband says he’s proud of my committment and I’ll have to say, so am I.  Once you take that deep dive, the rest is actually smooth sailing! 

What I’ve discovered

As far as how I feel mentally and physically, I feel great.  I was tired at first, but I’ve read it’s because my body is getting used to functioning without all of the processed foods and preservatives.   I’ve read some reactions of others who have gone through this program, but I’ve discovered a few things about myself that I wanted to share.

Less bloating

I noticed immediately that I am far less bloated.  I thought bloating was specific to my time of the month, but I realize now that it could be that the bloating was being caused by what I’ve been eating.  My dresses seem to fit better and so to my jeans.  I don’t excercise much, but I do feel my belly getting flatter and flatter.

*Gulp* You mean I don’t really need coffee?!

Oh my, I hate to admit this because I have lauded my coffee praises for so long now, but I haven’t needed coffee in the mornings like I used to!  I have been a double espresso kinda girl for years now, knowing that my headaches would arrive quickly if I didn’t have my fix, but I have found that the only time I needed any coffee was to ensure that I stayed awake during our drive to and from Las Vegas earlier this month.  Other than that, I nurse my morning cup-o-Joe to the point where I take a couple sips and I’m fine.  So was I really addicted to the caffeine or the cream and sugar that I put in it?  I think I’ll be able to solidify my findings at the end of the month.

I miss bread & pasta more than sweets

I thought I would miss chessecake, cupcakes, pies, ice cream, candy, and chocolate, but not as much as I thought.  I will admit here and now that I miss croissants, bread, rolls, tortillas, and any baked good.  I also miss any and all pastas.  I think I was more a carb person than a sweets person, which goes against everything I understood about my “sweet tooth” growing up.  Is there such a thing as a “carb tooth”?  If so, I think I have it.

Just do it!

Despite what kind of cravings you have and what your eating habits are, if you’ve heard about this program and want to try it, just do it.  Knowing my own eating habits, I was also worried, but this program will alter your way of thinking about food completely.  If anything, I think I’ve gained a greater appreciation for the large variety of foods that are out there other than the processed and easy alternatives.  It’s really so much easier than you think it will be and the results are worth it!

My First Whole30 Restaurant Experience at True Food Kitchen

Last week, I went out to eat with my good friend, Angi.  We planned to go to a Vodka tasting dinner prior to my committing to the Whole30 challenge.  As the day came closer to the dinner, I explained what I was doing and she suggested going to the True Food Kitchen at the Fashion Valley mall in Mission Valley.  She said that they have a lot of gluten-free meals and all of the food is completely fresh and has no additives.  The reason I was excited about eating there was that I knew they would understand if I asked to have something prepared a certain way.

Such a wonderful space, even with temptation in the background (in the form of cheesecake)…

We first started off with a couple of drinks.  Angi had the Kale Aid, which seemed a little too intense for my first experience there (kale, apple, cucumber, celery, lemon and ginger).  I opted for the Hangover Rx, which consisted of coconut water, pineapple and fresh squeezed orange juice.  This drink was so refreshing and actually tasted like ice cream (almost like a 50/50 bar).  It was a nice complement to the meal I was about to have.

A Hangover Rx and a Kale Aid

Angi was torn between a salad or an entrée, but decided to get the Ricotta Cheese Ravioli.  Knowing I had to be a bit more picky for my meal, it also took me a bit to make my choice.  I finally settled down on the Panang Curry, not only because it had been awhile since I had a good curry, but because it seemed the easiest to alter to fit my Whole30 needs.  When I mentioned to our server that I was doing a Paleo style diet and needed to have my dish altered, he knew instantly what I meant and that they most definitely would be able to remove the brown rice and potatoes.  This left ginger, carrot, mushroom, broccoli in a coconut shellfish broth, and I had chicken added for my protein source.  This dish was so delicious, but with just enough of a kick to make the dish quite flavorful (my Hangover Rx drink actually helped to quell the slight heat of the broth).  I was so pleased that my appetite was satisfied without being overly full.

Without a doubt, I will be visiting True Food Kitchen a few more times during my Whole30 experience, and will return again afterwards to take full advantage of their menu.  I feel confident that my husband and son would also enjoy it because the meals are quite tasty, but also incredibly healthy to boot.  Cheers!

 Panang Curry (sans brown rice & potato).  Whole30 approved, no?

New Life: Taking the Whole30 Challenge

I first heard about Whole30 through Vahni of Grit & Glamour (see her initial post here).  Vahni has a great explanation of why she did it, which is why I decided to read a bit more about it.  I have been looking to focus on something new, especially regarding my health and diet, so this challenge seemed like a great place to start.  If you’re not familiar with the Whole30 program, it’s very similar to the Paleo or “Caveman” diet of bringing your food intake back to its basics.  The good part is that it’s only for 30 days, and I feel that this is something that I can accomplish to see if this is how I want to adjust my eating style on a regular basis. 

I actually began this program on Monday October 1st with Vahni and several other bloggers, and we have a support group of sorts on Facebook.  I’m so glad that I joined the group because in this first week, I have a wedding to attend in Las Vegas (we’re on the road today).   As the days grew closer to this first week and weekend, I wondered if I could pull this off, especially with the wedding looming ahead.  As I started to have doubts, I referred to this part of the Whole30 program section, specifically the “It is not hard” portion:

It’s for your own good.

Here comes the tough love. This is for those of you who are considering taking on this life-changing month, but aren’t sure you can actually pull it off, cheat free, for a full 30 days. This is for the people who have tried this before, but who “slipped” or “fell off the wagon” or “just HAD to eat (fill in food here) because of this (fill in event here).” This is for you.

It is not hard. Don’t you dare tell us this is hard. Quitting heroin is hard. Beating cancer is hard. Drinking your coffee black. Is. Not. Hard. You won’t get any coddling, and you won’t get any sympathy for your “struggles”. YOU HAVE NO EXCUSE not to complete the program as written. It’s only thirty days, and it’s for the most important health cause on earth – the only physical body you will ever have in this lifetime.

Don’t even consider the possibility of a “slip”. Unless you physically tripped and your face landed in a box of doughnuts, there is no “slip”. You make a choice to eat something unhealthy. It is always a choice, so do not phrase it as if you had an accident. Commit to the program 100% for the full 30 days. Don’t give yourself an excuse to fail before you’ve even started.

I did drink my coffee black for the first time ever in my life this week, and it wasn’t hard at all.  I don’t think I will physically trip and fall into a plate of wedding cake, so I assure you all that I will make the healthy choice this weekend.  Vahni gave some great alternatives to drinking alcohol in our Facebook group, so that I again make a better choice when the wedding toast happens.  I will post about my progress here on the blog.  In the meantime, I’ve included their approved shopping list and a couple of pictures of meals and snacks that I have had this week (posted initially on Instagram with hashtag #Whole30).  I’ve only stepped on the scale at the beginning of this week to check my initial weight (136 lbs), just to see the outward effects as well as the internal effects.  Just in this first week alone, I’ve felt the effects, so I’m excited to view food differently, make better choices and to change my life!

Dried fruit & cashews:  The program states to limit dried fruit, so I just use it as part of my own “trail mix”, especially for the drive up to Las Vegas.  I have not had organic soup yet, so I’m excited to try it!

One of my lunches, made with romaine lettuce, spinach, tomatoes and ham. I used a balsamic vinegar for dressing (allowed under the section called “The Fine Print” in the program guidelines).