It occurred to me that new readers might not be familiar with my long, loving track record with the Whole 30. It's not a success...
Read More[n=1] = Neener, Neener
Suck it, n=1
Sometimes I feel like the blasted n=1 equation that I’m supposed to embrace as a paleo devotee is really an abbreviation for a snarky Neener, neener! from the universe.
What is n=1?
In scientific research, the variable n represents the size of the sample, that is, the number of people involved in a study. So the equation n=1 means it’s an experiment of one. Like me. Or you. Robb Wolf’s blog has a pretty great article that explains the ins-and outs of self-experimentation. If you want to improve a paleo experience that’s already working, or you want to tinker with your paleo framework because it’s not working the way you want it to, that piece offers solid advice for how to do that. (Mark Sisson also has a nice post on self experimentation.)
Want to see what an n=1 experiment looks like in real life? Holly over at Holly Would If She Could is really good at them. And that’s no small feat because to have a successful n=1 experiment, you must control the variables… which in real peoples’ language means “no cheating.”
Holly recently did her first Whole30 after being paleo for two years and enjoyed some pretty surprising results, and now she’s tackling The Great Skin Care Experiment to see if that helps with skin issues that have been annoying her for a while.When she talked about her experiences in Estes Park last weekend, she inspired me.
Confession time…
I haven’t been all-in with my “get myself healthy and fit” program. I’ve been 90% compliant with the Whole30 guidelines, but I really wonder what would happen for my poor, beleaguered body if I truly cared for it with clean food for 30 (or 60) days.
This is how it usually goes: I eat 100% Whole30 for two weeks, then just when I start feeling really good, I decide I should celebrate by eating buttered popcorn at the movies, or a fancy dinner with a few glasses of champagne. Neither of those things is a deal-breaker for a body that’s working properly, but given that I’m just getting over still in the middle of living with a big thyroid experiment and adrenal burnout, I think it might not be a bad idea to be squeaky clean for a while to really give my body a chance to stabilize.
Plus, I recently had a little consult with a nutritionist who suggested I might want try the autoimmune protocol for 30 days, just to see if that helps get some movement in the fat loss department. So…
My current n=1 adventure
I’m going all-in. For real. I’m starting with 30 days — and I might stretch it to 60 — of 100% compliance with Whole30 guidelines and the autoimmune protocol, which means no nuts, no eggs (and consequently, no homemade mayo), and no nightshades, which includes eggplant, peppers, paprika (sob!), and chili powder. I’m not going to lie, friends, the idea of giving up mayo for a month nearly sent me over the edge. Then I had to get real with myself.
Really?
Truly?
I “can’t” give up mayo for a month.
Psssshhtttt.
Of course I can. And it’s not even that hard. Tuna with scallions, garlic, a dash of vinegar, a pinch of dry mustard, and plenty of extra-virgin olive oil is delicious.
Plus, I really hate when a sentence that begins “I can’t…” comes out of my mouth. That is so lame. No matter what it’s in reference to… of course I can. Of course you can. Of course we all can.
I had a chat with a friend on the running trail this morning, and I told her that I was going to kick in my stubbornness and discipline for the next 30-60 days. She got a wary look on her face and asked me, “Does it feel like strictness or does it feel like self care?” I didn’t even hesitate: it feels like self care.
And that’s when I knew that even though I might hit a few rough patches over the next month — No Chocolate Chili! No mayo! No Merguez Meatballs! Minimal eating out because who knows what spices and sneaky eggs might end up in my restaurant food?! — this n=1 experiment is another link in the chain of learning the best way to take care of myself. And while it might be uncomfortable and inconvenient at times, it will not be awful. It will not break me. It’s not even really that hard, in the grand scheme of life. It just means a few different habits — and perhaps, I’ll make some wonderful new food discoveries as I concoct recipes without eggs, nuts, and nightshades.
Now, friends, join me in fervently hoping that the autoimmune experiment proves I have no issues with eggs or nightshades, because there will be whining like no one has ever heard if homemade mayo and paprika are out of my life for good.
Update 2015: I don’t have autoimmune issues, so eggs and nightshades are back in for me. This was a very valuable experiment and experience, however. If you do have autoimmune concerns, I recommend Mickey Trescott’s site and cookbook Autoimmune Paleo.
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I’m very close to completing my first Whole30, and I still have some lingering issues. So I’m considering a few ideas, including the autoimmune protocol. I’ll be curious to see what happens with you. Good luck!
Good luck to you, too! I’ll be sure to let y’all know if I see anything different following the AI.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that your mayo and chocolate chili (and the whole Well Fed collection) have changed our dietary/culinary lives.
Here’s hoping you’re back to enjoying the fruits of your labors in what seems like no time at all.
Thank you! I had tuna with EVOO, parsley, and olives today, and it was good. Two days with no mayo, and I’m hanging in just fine 😉
You can do it!!
I’m half-way through a looooong Whole 30/60 day stretch for my shot adrenals and some resulting thyroid issues. I’m not doing the AI protocol, but I’m tinkering with reduced Goitrogens and increased carbs….and no coffee…not even decaf. It still scares me a little every day, but once you get into the groove, it just becomes second nature.
I must confess that I only made your homemade mayo for the first time last week….GASP! After being Paleo for 5 years, I can’t believe I waited this long to do that!! My life seriously changed last week and my husband loves me at least 2% more. So I feel your pain. BUT, prior to discovering this magical condiment, I used to mash an avocado with some seasonings (often mustard and hot sauce) to create my own ‘mayo.’ It’s not *as* good, but it’s still pretty damn tasty.
Good luck with your experiment and I’ll look forward to your updates!
xo
B.Doppelganger
Thank you, dear Doppleganger, for weighing in. I’ve been wondering if I should look at goitrogens, too… maybe after I finish the AI protocol. I’ve been eating more carbs for a few months, too. It was hard at first, but now I love it.
You can do it!
You are truly an inspiration! I too have thyroid issues and my butcher Hubby and did our first Whole30 in Sept and will be starting again in a week. It was truly self care in our eyes; I drug him kicking and screaming into the first one and dealt with the I can’ts for the build up week and first whole week. He suggested completing the 2nd one because he felt so good after the first 30 days were done.
I felt way better than I did before starting my Whole30 but not as great as the butcher.
I know you will knock this out of the park and feel great on the other side.
Congratulations to you and your husband on your Whole30 commitments. That’s awesome!
Hey, I think self-care is extraordinarily difficult at times.
Isn’t it?! It’s kinda nutty how we have to remind ourselves to be good to ourselves.
Listen to yourself girl. Sobbing over mayo. Consider how far you have gotten and what you have already given up for the sake of your health and your quality of life. Just giving up wheat is a big fat impossibility for most people I know – it’s like asking them to fly to the moon. How far you have come already is a huge deal! You’ll get a pat on the back from me for that, so please give yourself one!
Thank you, Anna! I am proud of the goals I’ve hit, and I’m glad that I’m just not throwing in the towel… trying to get to being optimistic 😉
YES!! I affirm your quest and believe you can do it because it will be caring for yourself and your health!
You are such a great person for me to visit on line. I always come away with something positive, something I can use FOR GOOD.
I am a WELL FED person, on day 24 of my second Whole 30 this year. I avoid nightshades because peppers and tomatoes do terrible things to me. The spices are difficult to eliminate, but aren’t as harmful to my system as the peppers and tomatoes. So, I will be a major benefactor of any and all recipes that you dream up while you are on your “eliminate nightshade” quest!!
Thank you, Thank you and thank you!!
Kate
I’m so glad you like my writing (whining?!) on my blog. 🙂
Glad you’re Well Fed, too — congrats on Whole30-ing. And I will definitely share if I come up with some awesome AI-compatible recipes.
Can’t wait to read your posts through the journey.
You can.
Thanks for the support, Candice!
I love your cookbook, and I can’t wait to see what you come up with for the autoimmune plan.
Do you have _Practical Paleo_? Lots of great autoimmune support in that one!
Thanks for the Well Fed love! And yes, I have Practical Paleo… love to arm myself with info!
I just started my Paleo AI Protocol two days ago. So far so good. Looking forward to reading about your personal n=1 experiment with it.
Now that I’ve gotten over mourning what I can’t have, I’m anxious about eating out. The idea of cooking every meal at home for the next month wears me out, but I’m not sure how to make sure there are no forbidden pepper-based spices in restaurant food. Sigh.
I hear that. Even pepper, from what I have read, is off limits. We went to Hooters yesterday for a friend/family gathering, and I couldn’t have any hotwings 🙁 Luckily, I had eaten my dinner before we left.
Are you doing bone broth as well? Do you happen to have a recipe for it that will not make me gag. I used the Practical Paleo recipe, and my stomach was upset all day yesterday, and I almost threw up right after I drank it.
I’m not doing bone broth. From time to time, I make homemade stock, but I don’t make that super-stinky bone broth. There are limits to what I’ll endure.
My whole goal with all of this is to have a great life, and my great life doesn’t include eating stuff that feels like punshiment 😉
oh, sorry to butt into your convo there, but I am SO HAPPY to hear you say that you hate the smell/taste of bone broth! I thought I was the only one. It absolutely makes me, my hubby, and my son gag. I’m sooo relieved I’m not the only one.
Carry on…
It is hard excluding eggs when you’re eating Paleo, it is such an easy protein! If you find out you are reacting to eggs, it is most likely the egg white. Which means you could make your mayo with just the egg yolks – I do this now and it’s just as tasty!
Oh! That’s good to know. I didn’t realize that about the egg whites. Thanks!
To add my two cents, I have read that one should never eat raw egg whites, and that raw egg yolks are actually good for us.
This website gives a nice explanation about “the case against egg whites” and AI: http://paleodietlifestyle.com/an-egg-yolk-a-day-keeps-the-doctor-away/
And this comment “DON’T eat raw eggs WHOLE – the raw egg white destroys the biotin in the yolk. This another reason never to scramble your eggs. I separate my eggs, have some of the yolks raw – then cook the whites (fry them with shallots and hot pepper sauce), adding one or two raw yolks at the end.” http://paleohacks.com/questions/11842/are-raw-eggs-worth-eating#ixzz2T33JZsfC
I started making your mayo with 2 egg yolks a year ago, and it turns out great. In fact, I have found that if my lemons are room temperature and on the soft side, I don’t need to let the egg yolks warm up. I just mix all but 1 cup of oil in the processor for about 10 seconds, then start it up again and pour the remaining cup into the drizzle/pusher. It drizzles slowly enough and I get to just watch the magic! 🙂
Also, I have long suspected either pork or eggs were the culprits to my eternally cracked elbows. After a week of no eggs I am happy to report that my elbows are noticeably healing. Now if I can just figure out the sandpaper fingers thing, I’ll be ecstatic!
I’m so happy to see that you are trying this. I have been trying to get on board with the AI protocol but can’t seem to get past 2 days of no nuts. I hope for you that you are not allergic to eggs or nightshades, HOWEVER, if you feel better on the AI protocol, I suspect there will be yet another fantastic COOKBOOK coming out of that experience! And there will be many people happy to buy it. Good luck, Mel. 🙂
You can do it! You will do it! Well Fed is the most wonderful cookbook I have ever owned in my life. Extraordinary. Outside of the box…I am in the middle of the Lurong Paleo Challenge, today I made your Bora Bora Fireballs! It really cheered me up, what a fantastic taste! I am Hungarian, all I can say I love your spices:) All the Best to you!
Thank you for the sweet words about Well Fed! I really like the Bora Bora Fireballs, too — and spices, obviously 🙂 I guess this month I’ll be experimenting with herbs instead of spices. And when the month is up: Hungarian Goulash with lots of paprika 😉
I’m allergic to chicken eggs, but duck eggs are fine. That’s what I use to make my mayo. Some people are okay with duck eggs who can’t have chicken eggs. So. You know. Just a possible ray of hope, there for ya.
Perhaps you’ve shared it before (and I apologize for missing it), but would you mind putting up a link to the autoimmune protocol? And maybe mention (again?) if you’re making any dietary modifications to help with the adrenal stuff? Or is the adrenal stuff addressed through exercise technique? Much appreciated.
Duck eggs, eh? Neat!
Here are some links to explore the AI protocol:
http://www.thepaleomom.com/2012/07/spices-on-autoimmune-protocol.html
http://paleononpaleo.com/paleo-autoimmune-protocol/
http://www.nutrisclerosis.com/Blogs/EntryId/48/What-is-the-autoimmune-protocol-of-paleo.aspx
http://robbwolf.com/what-is-the-paleo-diet/meal-plans-shopping-guides/
http://www.thepaleomom.com/2012/09/the-whys-behind-the-autoimmune-protocol-nuts-and-seeds.html
Finally… adrenals. I’m on a bunch of supplements prescribed by Dr. Sebring which you can find here (http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2012/04/12/dr-sebring-and-zombie-radio/) and modifying my workouts. The Healing Experiment (http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2011/11/11/a-healing-experiment/) describes what I did to “recover” and now I’m starting to add some high-intensity stuff back in, plus lots of walking, some strength training, and a strong focus on reducing stress and getting 8-9 hours of sleep every night.
A wealth of knowledge! Bless you!
Try mashing up an avocado and mixing that into your tuna. No, it’s not quite the same as mayo, but it gives you a healthy fat and tastes pretty good together!
Thank you, Jenn! Duck eggs are seasonal in my part of the U.S., and I am down to my last four eggs right now. I was wondering what to do for tuna salad over the winter. I’m going to try this.
I’m on week four of the GAPS diet, and let me tell you. I was FREAKED OUT to start the intro diet, but now that I’m on it, it’s a mini adventure. It’s my personal challenge now to keep the food as interesting as possible when they innately aren’t interesting 🙂 YOu so can do it. Then make us a book with recipes for it, k? If anyone can make a good book out of this experience, you can!
I think that approaching these n=1 experiments as an adventure is a great way to go. Thanks for the reminder! 🙂
From a totally selfish perspective, I’m pretty keen on seeing what new kitchen concoctions this inspires in you. Happy experimenting!
Of course you can do it!! I had my thyroid “stolen” from me a year and a half ago, just as I was still enjoying a decade long weight loss and fitness journey (over 130 lost AND kept off). But things haven’t been the same since. I’ve gained over 20 pounds and am noticably weaker. And my T3s are ridiculously low, despite all the other thyroid numbers looking great. For some reason I’m not converting like I used to. So I thought I’d experiment too. And I’m currently on Day 12 of my first Whole30. I’m a craft beer binge-aholic so it hasn’t been easy. I’m anxious to see how I feel after the 30 days and will be following your latest chapter with great interest. Fingers crossed!
Sorry to hear about your thyroid woes. When the thyroid is removed the body gets pretty bad at converting. Have you talked to your doc about adding some T3 to your protocol? I take T3 in addition to Armour, and it seems to be helping with my energy.
Congrats on 12 days of Whole30-ing. Hang in there!
Thanks Mel! I did try a smidge of T3 about 6 months ago and it sent my HR skyrocketing so we stopped. I got an all clear from a cardiologist, so we’re going to revisit T3 in November but reduce my Synthroid a bit this time. I’d love for it to work this time around!
Strictness and deprivation score 0
Self care score 1.
Go Mel!!
Thank you, sweet Cami!
Unfortunately I think mustard is frowned upon on AI proticol, as it is a seed spice.
There’s a great list that comes up if you google paleo autoimmune seed spices. Good luck!
I’m excited to follow your AI protocol journey! Would you consider posting your meals for at least part of it, like you did with your last Whole30? I’m strongly considering leaping into AI territory, and meal ideas would be much appreciated.
I’ve been thinking about posting again if I can fit it into my day… or maybe doing a week-in-review each week so you can see what I’ve been up to.
So far, my meals aren’t much different than before because I don’t generally eat a lot of eggs anyway. The red bell peppers I usually eat are out and many of my beloved spices are gone, but so far, my meals are mostly the same as my Whole30.
If you find any Penzey’s spice blends that are AI-friendly, I’m all ears!
I think it depends on how strict you’re trying to be. Amy told me to avoid paprika and chili powder (and curries, of course), but didn’t say I had to stay away from all spices. I’ve been eating blends that don’t include capsaicin, but I haven’t given up all the spices on this list:
http://www.thepaleomom.com/2012/07/spices-on-autoimmune-protocol.html
Perhaps it escaped her mind? I never thought about most of those spices (other than the nightshades) until just yesterday when I was planning to start AI today. I just thought seeds meant sunflower seeds, tahini, etc. I would like to know her answer to this, if you ask her could you let us know?
You’ve NEVER completed a Whole 30?!!! OK, I don’t feel such a loser now that I know I am in such good company.
I already know my body doesn’t tolerate peppers at all and wants me to severely limit tomatoes so I’m looking forward to your new recipes.
Sorry for the confusion. I’ve definitely completed at least 2 strict, successful Whole30s over the last 3 years. But recently, I haven’t felt the need to be so strict because “I was fine.” Now that I’ve weathered adrenal burnout, fat gain, and thyroid medication switch, I need to take it seriously and do the full 30 days again.
But to be clear, you’re not a loser for not completing a Whole30, but I totally recommend that at some point, you make it a priority to do a full Whole30. What you learn and the changes you experience are dramatic and can only be experienced if you can do the full 30 days (or even more).
You got this!! Can’t wait to see you accomplish this new goal!
You’ve so got this! Excited for how great you are going to feel! And P.S. I really like using avacado as a sub for mayo on everything…including tuna:)
I needed to read this. Today was a rock bottom in my almost 2 year anniversary eating Paleo. This summer was really stressful, we moved, working mom of a 4 yr old, etc. So, I got in the habit of a beer or a gin and grapefruit juice at the end of warm afternoon. I find this one drink destroys me, I get addicted to sugar. Summer fruits, homemade frozen Popsicles,to begin, then I allowed myself frozen yogurt on occasion…topped with coconut and almonds (very paleo, right?).
Today the scale was high enough to make me feel depressed. I made an internal declaration to begin a whole 30, it lasted until 1 or 2pm. When I came home from a bike ride, I was hungry. I had some chicken but for the first time in 2 years, I ate some of my kids cereal. Gluten-free, but it had corn, evap. cane juice, peanut butter and some soy in there too.
I have felt like sh*t about myself ever since. So, reading your post was wonderful for me. I will be joining you in your Whole 30, AND I don’t eat eggs.
I replace my eggs with a list of things depending on the recipe…yams, bananas, applesauce, egg replacer, ground flax and water, etc.
Thanks for your inspiration!!!
Hi,
would you consider documenting on this blog what you are eating so we can all learn? it’s probably a lot of work and i know you did it in august but it sounds like this is a whole different ‘diet’ for thyroid disorder and many of us might benefit from your knowledge.:) i used the word diet for lack of a better word; I’m tired which means brain not working as well.:) anyway. thank you for considering documenting your meals again. – you are an inspiration. take good care of YOU. Nicole
btw, I learned a lot when you documented your whole 30 in august and I really enjoyed reading what you ate. It really helped me a lot. Did others feel that way too? so, thanks for that. I think my biggest challenge is trying to not eat some of the things i indulge my kids with – I need to get them on board with the whole 30 as well, but they are 5 &6 and picky eaters. they do love chocolate chili. thx
Nicole
Really interested to see how you get on with the AI protocol & can’t wait for some recipes – I love Well Fed.
I’m day 4 of an AI protocol having succesfully completed a Whole 30 in August. The AI protocol has been hard – eggs & nightshades were a staple part of my meals. I very quickly hit the ‘kill all things’ felling that they talk about with a W30 that I didn’t have first time round!!
Good luck, you can do it.
Hi Mel,
I know you can do this because you have the cooking creativity gene!
My BF and I went on the autoimmune protocol AND FODMAPS free for 30 days.
The first week was like ‘let’s take a list of what we CAN eat to the supermarket, because it’s way shorter than the list of what we can’t eat!’
By week 2 we were used to it. Cooked pumpkin or sweet potato is good for thickening & flavoring sauces instead of tomato passata, I made my own curry spice mix that was paprika, onion & garlic free (thank heavens for asafeotida!)
Lemon and parsley make amazing sauce – traditional Osso bucco without tomato was more delicious than a tomatoey version.
The list we had said garlic infused olive oil was okay and we did keep coconut products although that was a bit questionable on some FODMAPS lists.
The biggest mistake we made was deciding not to reintroduce foods because we were feeling so great. Week 5 we both cracked separately in the worst way- gluten! A mini muffin at a staff meeting for him and a croissant when I forgot idled to prepare a breakfast/lunch for on-the-road for me 🙁 I came out in a rash! So, make sure you have a set date for reintroducing.
This recipe (without nuts, used extra coconut oil) kept me fairly straight and narrow: http://www.addictedtoveggies.com/2011/10/coconut-lemon-meltaways.html
I’m sure you know Stacy from Paleo Parents is a good source 😉
Good luck and enjoy stretching the cooking creativity!
“Does it feel like strictness or does it feel like self care?” What a revolutionary way to look at staying the course. It’s not about strictness, or punishment, or any of those negative words we tend to associate with diet and exercise. It truly is about self care – we need to remember that. Good luck to you!
Melissa, just make your own mayo. It is paleo: 1 whole egg, 1 tsp vinegar (I like cider vinegar) or lemon juice, mix them on low with a hand beater or whisk. Sl-l-o-o-o-w-l-y drizzle in 1-2 cup(s) oil of your choice while whisking, until the mayo comes together. You can add a little dijon or salt if you like to the vinegar & egg at the beginning. But that’s not traditional in my family. That’s it. And make sure that it’s not going to rain or storm when you’re making it (for some reason this really does affect the mayo’s ability to emulsify).
Best ever mayo! Just like my French Bonne Maman (that’s grandma) made it 🙂
Hi, Denise! You must be new to the party because I *do* make my own homemade mayo… in fact, it’s one of the most popular pages on my site 😉 Check out my how-to video here: http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/2010/06/03/the-secret-to-homemade-mayo-patience/
The reason I can’t eat mayo right now is because I’m doing an autoimmune protocol that excludes eggs. And without egg, the mayo won’t emulsify. SCIENCE!
Thanks for commenting!
I like this.
I thought you might 😉
Hey Beautiful, welcome to the AI club. It’s definitely helped me with stuff. Email me if you want to chat.
xo
You are the best and you are totally going to rock this!!! I just know it. 🙂
Thanks, Holly! Everytime I want to stray from the path, I will think of you and how COMPLETELY BADASS you are.
Good luck to you Mel! I’m so thankful to have found your blog. You’re an inspiration. Thanks for letting us go on this journey with you!
p.s. Just completed my first Whole 30 yesterday! Yes, I learned about it from you!
Congratulations on your Whole30. Hope it was a great experience for you!
Loved the ? “does it feel like strictness or does it feel like self care”. What a great little check point!
I’m just 1 day past my half way mark of my first Whole 30. I have Crohns but didn’t go with the autoimmune guide because I haven’t had a flare in a few years. But maybe my next Whole 30 (I’m thinking January), I’ll try the AI Whole30, to prove to my inner scientist in a lab coat that I don’t have a problem with eggs or nightshades. That said, I admire the chutzpah it takes to give up eggs and mayo.
My “chutzpah” is very whiny today 😉
Congrats on the halfway mark. Right about then is when I start feeling really good and think about doing something dumb like eating popcorn. Hang in there! The full 30 days feels amazing!
I’ll be sure to share my AIP experiences so you know how it might go in January if you try it.
The AI protocol has done so much for my thyroid problems – hope you find success on it. I’ve got a few recipes on my blog but I am sure you will have no problem thinking meals up :). I make a lot of batches of breakfast patties, salmon, beef, etc to heat up in the morning and it definitely makes my life a hell of a lot easier.
Curious to see how your experiment goes!
Mickey
I’m skeptical that it’s going to make a difference for me because my thyroid problems are because it’s GONE, not because I have autoimmune stuff, but… I also believe that an internal negative reaction to something means I should try it ;-)… so I’m trying it. I hope it works, but if not, it’s certainly not going to hurt me to go without for 30 days.
I’d like to add my flailing hand to the “me too me too!” list of people who’d like to see your meals for this little n=1 experiment (although I will say a weekly-recap would more than satisfy my desire). Last October I did an AI protocol on my ND’s recommendation (which is part of what led me into the paleo/primal world in the first place), but every time I knuckle down to repeat it I fizzle after about a week or two- because, like you, I’m “fine now”. (“Or not,” she sighs as she contemplates her swollen joints after a night of indulgence that included grains, legumes, dairy AND a glass of alcohol) It would definitely be inspirational to me if I had some Melicious Recipes to fall back on the next time I try. ^_^
(Also, I just wanted to take a moment and be a little gushy- your blog and cookbook are awesome, which leads me to believe that YOU are awesome. Your writing definitely gives me a needed-boost on a pretty regular basis. So, you know… keep on keepin’ on.)
…aaaaand then I see today’s entry. Whoops. >_< I mean, thanks! =D
Oh, the old “I’m fine” mantra. Gets us every time! 🙂
Thanks so much for being gushy…. makes my day! As for my being awesome, I think I have a few kickass moments when I can get my head out of my butt.
Wow, girl! I can imagine 30 days without mayo, but NO EGGS??? You are a hero to me, I will follow your posts daily, I loved your previous Whole30 recaps, you inspired me to do mine 🙂 Maybe you will inspire me to take another round too (but I am not giving up on eggs, okay???) 🙂 I know youre gonnamake it, so there is no need to with good luck to you 🙂
NINA! I can’t wait to come to Prague and see you. Did you visit with M&D yet?!
I can live without eggs… for a while 😉
Good luck Mel. Looks like you are doing well.
So love the mayo.
Mmmmmm
I’M IN!! I did strict paleo and then have been semi-paleo for too long now and i’m feeling awful as a result (physically). I’m ready for a tune-up!
Welcome to the club! Best wishes for an awesome experience eating clean and sleeping like a rock 🙂
Hey Mel! I love your blog and book. I just finished reading your posts detailing your struggles with weight loss and wondered if you have ever been checked for metal toxicity? Considering you have been paleo for some time and experimented with supplementation, etc, and have yet to see the scale move, I wonder if this might be something to look into. I had a serious health crisis for 15 months. It finally cleared when I removed my silver amalgam fillings and completed a metal detox. Thanks for all the work you do. Good luck with your Whole 30 (60).
Thanks for the tip! I know that my underlying problem was adrenal fatigue… and that exacerbated my thyroid issues. I feel like I’m on track now, but I have hard work to do to get this extra weight off without re-triggering adrenal burnout. Not fun.
Glad to hear that you’re on the mend!
Melissa, I adore Well Fed–it has made me and my non-Paleo husband so very happy. I’ve been wondering how you would handle the AI protocol. I have an autoimmune disease, plus I am beginning to fear that night shades are bad for my joints. I just now happened on this thread and your AI plans. I feel so much better knowing I can follow along with you.
So far, it’s not been too bad. I miss my spices! But taking out all spices is really, really strict, and I suspect, not really necessary. But I said I was going to try it, and I’m sticking to my commitment.
The only thing I find really challenging is not eating out. Weekend breakfast! Sigh.