Here are some ways in which you may have noticed improvements during the Whole30… and how you can make your continually improving health go from good to great.
GOOD: You are falling asleep more easily and sleeping more soundly.
GREAT: Is your bedroom completely dark when you sleep? Research shows that even the smallest pinpoint of light in the room while you are sleeping can disrupt some of the hormones you’ve worked so hard to regulate. Invest in some room darkening blinds, unplug anything that glows or blinks, and help optimize your circadian rhythm.
GOOD: You have increased energy that remains consistent throughout the day.
GREAT: Time to do something with all that extra oomph! Make a list of three things you have been wanting or meaning to do, but just never had the energy for. Maybe you’ve been trying to get the garage cleaned and organized, thought about signing up for an adventure race, or wanted to take the kids to the zoo. It doesn’t matter what it is… pick something and do it! And thank your body for providing you with all of this boundless energy to finally conquer this particular challenge.
GOOD: You’ve noticed that your clothes are fitting you better.
GREAT: Your body may look different, but the same old clothes you’ve been wearing may not show it off properly! Take a page out of Whole30 Forum member Jonalynn’s book and buy yourself (or just try on) something nice. Jonalynn says, “My husband found a really cute dress he wanted to buy me. I told him a few weeks ago I was a size 12, but they also had a 10. He decided that I would fit into the 10 (yes, I have an amazingly supportive husband!) and that’s what he purchased. I was very skeptical, because I have not been a size 10 in nearly a decade, but I figured if I kept to the Whole30, I’d get to wear it by the end of summer. And when I finally tried it on, IT FIT!!” If you’re not sure where you’ll end up at the end of 30 days, maybe start small… with a new belt!
GOOD: You’re starting to notice improvements at the gym, on the road, or in your sport of choice.
GREAT: Now is a good time to set some new fitness goals for yourself—and remember to keep your goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, & Timely). If you haven’t started exercising yet, start simple, like walking for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. If you’re a workout veteran, shoot for the stars! Instead of two strict pull-ups in a row, work for five. Aim to cut 20 seconds off your next all-out mile time. Try a new skill you couldn’t do before, and master it! Time to step it up a notch with your new body, new metabolism, and new healthy attitude.
GOOD: You’re feeling happy—happier than you have in a long time.
GREAT: Expand upon that feeling with some fun and play! Happiness is like a tiny plant—the more carefully you attend to it, the bigger and more beautiful it gets. Grow into your own fun and play time by joining a recreational sports league, getting outside with the kids for a rollicking Frisbee golf game, or taking a hip-hop dance class with some friends. And, of course, keep on smilin’!
