Whole30, Whole70, Whole New Year

I know it’s totally made up, but I la-la-love the feeling of ‘fresh start’ on New Year’s Day… a new calendar and 12 months laid out before us on the ground like the yellow brick road. What lies ahead? Adventure! Predicaments! Triumphs! Friendships!

If you’re thinking about making some lifestyle changes, now is a great time  to do it – there are lots of resources RIGHT NOW to help you. A little support can go a long way toward helping you stay on course. Here are a few of my completely biased recommendations:

Whole30
Melissa and Dallas at Whole9Life are starting a new Whole30 cycle on January 1. You can read all the details of the Whole30 program here – and I encourage you to invest in yourself with the Success Guide. It includes lots of detail that really helps fine-tune habits and give you an extra boost of motivation, and it costs less than dinner for two in a restaurant!

Nerd Fitness: 28-Day Challenge
I really love the tone and attitude over at Nerd Fitness, and the blogger Steve has a fun 28-day workout challenge that incorporates facets of role-playing games into the mix. It’s nerd-tastic! Plus in addition to fitness goals, he encourages participants to include a more general life goal, too. Love that! Get all the details here.

Gluten-Free January
If you’re not ready to go Whole30 yet, you can do yourself a ton of good by eliminating gluten. You can get all the details at GlutenFreeJan.com – and check out this post on Robb Wolf’s site, too. I’ve been receiving the gluten-free emails for a week or so, and they’re really great.

Food Renegade: Caffeine-Free 30 Day Challenge
Caffeine is still a bit of a mystery – some people swear by its ability to provide an extra boost during a workout, while others suffer from sleeplessness and soaring highs/crashing lows if they drink too much (ahem). I kicked caffeine about three weeks ago, but to keep my commitment going strong, I’m participating in the Food Renegade’s Challenge. I want my energy to come from real sources like quality calories and quality sleep. Hello, chamomile!

So… what’s happening around our house? Some big stuff is going to transpire… get psyched!

On Dave’s side of the world…
On Monday, January 3, he’s starting his first Whole30 and on-ramp at CrossFit Austin, plus lifting heavy stuff once a week and running on Saturdays. I’ve also heard rumors of new musical ideas and a kickass online business that might be born in 2011.

On my side of the world…
On January 1, I’m starting a Whole70 which will take me through Dave’s birthday on March 12. I was feeling so good on days 31-38 of my last no-cheat stretch, I just want to see how I feel if I go longer. Not because I must, but because I want to. I’ll be continuing with my 3X a week class at CrossFit Austin, too… plus lifting heavy stuff once a week and running on Saturdays. And two habits that are going strong will continue: minimum 8 hours of sleep per night and no caffeine. I’m also working on a cookbook and new web site to be a companion to this one, so look for new recipes, new meal ideas, and (WOOT!) cookbook news soon.

What are your “best version” plans for the New Year? It’s OK with me if you call ’em goals or resolutions or schemes or to-do items… or if you don’t have any specific plans at all. Just drop a few lines in the comments and let us know what you’re thinking about 2011.

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Comments

  • Fra Ambrosius says:

    I'm starting Whole 30 on Jan 2. Thanks to your recipes and posts, I feel really prepared and ready to make it work (I've been half-assing for a while).
    I got the Success Guide, and I love how it uses pictures for the portioning, and the grocery guide, and the faqs . . .

  • Melissa 'Melicious' Joulwan says:

    Good for you Fra! I really like the Success Guide a lot – I'm planning to re-read it this weekend so I'm good-to-go on Saturday for Day 1. WOOT! I'm glad you're enjoying the recipes. Be sure to let me know if there's a regular recipe you want me to try to paleo-ize. Happy 2011!

  • Amber says:

    I've bored myself with the annual food and exercise related resolutions that I never keep, so this year I decided to focus on something else. I'm going to try making a new craft project each week in 2011. I've started a blog at http://50firstcrafts.wordpress.com/ to hold myself accountable so I don't crap out halfway through the year. My hope is that by mixing it up a bit I'll bust down the roadblocks that keep me from being successful in other areas of my life. I hope it works!

    Thanks so much for being a constant source of exercise and food inspiration!

  • M Ward says:

    Can't wait to see the cookbook! You should definitely look into a having an ebook (not only Kindle, but Nook and maybe just epub) version, too. It's great to have the recipes on hand at all times and on the phone. Either way, though, I'll be buying it for sure. Your recipes are fantastic.

    Looks like you have a lot ahead of you. It'll be great!

  • Meghan says:

    Hooray for a Whole70! I'm doing a Whole60 starting January 2nd… it will take me to March 1st and my birthday is March 2nd. If I cheat then no birthday cake. No cheating, I get a delicious ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins… a conscious decision of gluttony on my 27th birthday.

    I just upped to unlimited at Brickhouse Crossfit, so my goal is 3-4x a week there. I also Zumba on M/T/R in addition to CF (you can call it my own version of CF Endurance!).

    Our Zumba instructor has put together a "Just Dance Jump Start 2011" community on Facebook. There are a ton of people ready to go Whole30, and, considering I've done one before, I'm being used for my strict Nazi-like obsession with the rules of Whole30 and for my knack of finding recipes that are both delicious and easy. Check us out if you can; I'm planning on promoting your stuff like woah (you and Sarah Fragoso are basically my guiding lights).

    Can't wait to read about your success because I'm sure you are going to do great with your goals!

  • Melissa 'Melicious' Joulwan says:

    Amber, I LOVE that idea. And those bedside tables you made are AWESOME! Congratulations! Also, kudos to you for making resolutions that are about the rest of you… your body will come along for the inspiring ride!

    M Ward, the ebook will be the first version. I'm hoping to have it ready by Spring, but I have to do all that cooking and photography, so… fingers crossed. On the up side, we get to eat all that yummy food again! Tanks for the encouragement; I appreciate it so much!

  • Melissa 'Melicious' Joulwan says:

    Meghan! Congrats on tackling the Whole60. I think both of our experiences are going to be challenging, but also… totally awesome. And what a great way for you to celebrate your 27th!

    Thank you for your kind words — and for the record, I'm envious of your Dance challenge. That sounds really fun! (Although the first few times I read the name, I thought it said 21 Jump Street and then I was, all, "Johnny Depp! Johnny Depp!")

  • Meghan says:

    So you think the success guide is worth it? I have almost bought it a bagillion times, but I think I'll just wait until I go to their workshop in Blacksburg, VA at the end of the month… I think I get a discount for attending, yes?

    And feel free to jump in the convo on the FB page- it'd be like a celebrity gracing us with her awesomeness! 😉

  • Lydia says:

    Hooray! I'll finally get to do a Whole30 start to finish with everyone else on Whole9.

    I'm like you–I like to start stuff on the first of the month, or on a Monday, or on a day when I feel like things are Supposed To Begin. The new year, contrived date or not, has strong emotional/social connotations, and that psychological connection is a powerful tool that I enjoy using.

    For exercise, I want to shake things up a bit, so I'm going to give Scott Sonnon's TacFit Warrior program my best shot. A friend of mine is very much enjoying it, and right now (after a nasty breakup with my trainer) I need something fun and totally different than what I'd been doing. TacFit certainly looks like it'll fit the bill.

    Best wishes for 2011 to you and Dave!

  • Nom Nom Paleo says:

    I just started the Whole30 two days ago so I'll be looking to your site for inspiration. I'm even considering CrossFit in the new year…

  • Nelly says:

    I'm going to be tackling the Whole30 (at least) in January, and you just convinced me to go ahead and get the guide. I'm a total tightwad (which means it doesn't cost less than dinner for two at a restaurant *I* would pick ;P) but this is serious health we're talking about here, and I plan on doing it more in the future, so I think it's a good investment.

    That Nerd Fitness challenge looks like just about the coolest/geekiest thing ever. I think I'm a Ranger who wants to be an Assassin. And I got parkour lessons for Christmas, so there we go! 😀

  • Melissa 'Melicious' Joulwan says:

    Meghan, I do think the Success Guide is worth it. There's a little more detail than what's been posted in Melissa and Dallas's blogs, and I just find it really helpful to have a physical reference to turn to when I feel complacent. There's also a shopping list that can be a good source of inspiration when you're just sick of eating zucchini (or maybe that's just me 🙂

    Yay, Lydia! We can Whole30 together. What day are you starting? I was going to start Jan. 2 but decided to just go with Jan. 1. I made us totally paleo pork and sauerkraut (for good luck!), so we're ready.

    Nom Nom Paleo! I'm so excited to see you here. I've been subscribing to your blog for a while. Welcome! And if you have any questions about my CrossFit experiences, send them my way. I'm an expert at not being a CrossFit expert but loving it and muddling through it.

    Nelly, glad you're jumping into the Whole30 with us in January. And yeah, isn't that Nerd Fitness Challenge rad?! I think I'm a Ranger, too, but Assassin is who I aspire to be. SO exciting that you got parkour lessons. Did you see my post about the day I tried parkour with one of our CrossFit coaches? I wasn't very good at it, but it was a really big, turning point day for me.

    http://theclothesmakethegirl.blogspot.com/2008/10/good-bad-and-ugly-or-frexcited-about.html

    http://theclothesmakethegirl.blogspot.com/2008/10/photographic-evidence.html

    http://theclothesmakethegirl.blogspot.com/2008/10/san-antonio-capers.html

  • Trixie says:

    Best of luck on the Cookbook,awesome!!! BTW: Happy New Year my dear:)

  • Anonymous says:

    Very excited about the cookbook!!! I am starting my 2nd Whole30 and this time I've recruited my boyfriend to join me. Happy New Year's. Thanks for the awesome blog and recipes. So appreciated!!!

    Claudia

  • Melissa 'Melicious' Joulwan says:

    Thanks, Trixie. I'm frexcited!

    Claudia, this is Dave's first Whole30, too. I'm excited to have a partner under the same roof! Best wishes for an awesome 30 days to you both — and for a super-duper 2011.

  • Lydia says:

    Melissa, I'm starting tomorrow! January 1, baby.

    *solidarity fist bump*

  • Brandy says:

    Back on your blog after the holiday cheat days. SO glad to hear you are doing a cookbook. You will completely rock it! Plus Im glad cause I wont have to keep copy-pasting all your recipes. If you need any testers/proofreaders, sign me up.

  • Melissa 'Melicious' Joulwan says:

    Happy 2011, Brandy! And I'm glad that you're glad about the cookbook. I'm excited to get it going!

  • Melissa 'Melicious' Joulwan says:

    Hey, Lydia! Solidarity fist bumps, indeed. Best wishes for a smooth, craving free Day 1 tomorrow. Happy, happy 2011!

  • Tirzah says:

    I started the Whole 30 challenge today; I'm doing it long-distance with my mom.

    I'm looking forward to your cookbook. I use your blog occasionally when I've run out of inspiration on what to eat, and you've always got some great ideas!

  • morten_g says:

    My resolution is to do one mobility wod every day. At least until I run out of them. And since Kelly Starrett says he's going to do 365 that means that I won't run out until round Dec. 14th or something.
    It's just one of those things that feel so good (okay, it's utter pain) and I've started so many times that I WILL do it now.

  • Melissa 'Melicious' Joulwan says:

    Morten –> That's a great resolution. I definitely, DEFINITELY could use more of that in my routine. Every stretch feels like a fillet knife under the muscle. Good one!

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