Facing a new journey

I have been reading a lot about the Whole30 program for about a week now. I am very curious, and have done quite a bit of research about it. So I have made the decision to dive in and give it a go. I have a couple of things to do before I actually start the program, like clear out all non Whole30 foods, and make a menu and grocery list.

Although I am vegetarian and gluten/soy free, I have substituted wheat/gluten with other carbs, and it seems I am eating them more lately. I have always thought I was a healthy eater, but since I hit my mid 40's I have been steadily increasing my weight. Also with menopause my midsection is growing constantly. I have gained almost 10lbs since September, and have had a number of medical/emotional issues lately too. I have been in the throws of vertigo for the past 5 or 6 weeks, having taken the last 2 weeks off. I have a bladder infection, headaches and my allergies have just flared up again in the past 2 days. The vertigo makes me anxious, and not really having had anxiety in the past, it scares me!!

So I was looking for something to help me, and somehow came across the Whole30 suggestion. I have put it off because I feel I am not prepared, but from all that I have read, it has been suggested that I will never really be prepared and I should just dive in right away. I had told people that I need to use up my dairy and gluten-free bagels before I start, but I think that is just a cop out. I will offer these things to my neighbours and friends.

I uploaded the book, 'It Starts With Food' from Amazon and am in the process of reading it, (it's hard with the vertigo!) There is a section for vegetarians in it that should help with menu planning, so I'm trying to get it read soon. Dallas and Melissa Hartwig are the authors and innovators of this program.

Dallas and Melissa Hartig

After posting this piece I will go into the kitchen and attack the cupboards, fridge and freezer to get rid of all the non Whole30 foods.  Next I will sit down and make a list of some meals that I can prepare for the next week, not verbatim, just some ideas. Then make a grocery list. Tomorrow I will grocery shop. Finally I will announce both on this blog and on the Whole30 forum that I am starting.

Please comment to let me know you are supporting me, I will need all the support I can get.