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If you follow me on Instagram, you know that last week I started the Whole 30 program again. If you’re not familiar with the program, here are the basics: 30 days – no grains, no sugar, no dairy, no beans — a major overhaul in the way I eat.
I’ve had a lot of people ask why I would begin such a rigorous change while I’m pregnant and a few are quite worried that I’m trying to lose weight and concerned that I’m eating well.
Let me assure you: I am not trying to lose weight, and with the elimination of so many added sugars and processed foods, I am eating far better than I usually do.
For some time now, God has been pressing on my heart the need to make fasting a priority again. Being pregnant, I was hesitant to begin a fast but knew I needed to be obedient. So I prayed about it, asking God to show me how I could follow in obedience while still doing all I can to give this baby the nutrition she needs. The Whole 30 was an answer for me. With this program, I am eating more nutritiously than before while still stripping away so many of the foods I’ve come to depend on and turn to!
It may not seem that challenging to some of you — there are so many good foods I can eat — but for me, breaking my addiction to sugar and my dependency on grains and comfort food (think cream in my coffee!!) is very difficult.
Quite honestly, my emotions have been on a world-class roller coaster this pregnancy, and if food is contributing to the highs and lows with sugar crashes and the like, I don’t want to be a victim anymore.
But even more so, when I feel discouraged or down, my first inclination is to turn to a comfort food. Fortunately I haven’t struggled with eating a whole carton of ice cream or eating an entire batch of cookies, though I can overly indulge for sure, but I don’t like the fact that in my sadness I turn to something other than God. Hmmm, seems like I’ve found an idol.
I’ve done the Whole 30 in the past, and I didn’t stick with it. This time, however, I’m determined it will be different because this time, this is not just physical for me; this is spiritual.
Doing the Whole 30 this month is so much more than eating a healthy diet, this is about obeying God, stripping away my dependencies on food, and seeking Him with my whole heart.
This time, the Whole 30 isn’t about me.
As I respond in obedience to God, I am praying that He will use this time to change me, to open my eyes to see Him. There are three specific prayer requests for which I am seeking Him, seeking His guidance, and looking for His answer, but more than anything, I just want more Jesus.
Question for You:
Have you ever done the Whole 30 before? Have you ever fasted? Tell me about your experience!
My Whole 30 STAPLES
Whole 30 is definitely a challenge – especially if it’s your first time. Planning out meals and having the groceries I need on hand was a HUGE help to me. But there were also a few “snack” foods I had on hand that made a huge difference. If lunch was on the go or I needed a snack to help me through, my go to choices were :: this (my favorite for lunch on the go!!), these, or these. Happy Whole 30’ing!!
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I am getting ready to start, I still need to finish the book but now that I’m pregnant I really want to be intentional and I’m totally terrified about trying this for my first time while pregnant but I am known for doing crazy things. My goal is to start it next week!
Hey Jami!
How did this go for you while being pregnant? I’ve done Whole30 before, but took off for the Thanksgiving holiday and just found out I’m pregnant. Would love some insight on how it went with also being pregnant!
I just decided to do the whole30 while pregnant! This post really hit home for me and it seems as if I could have written it myself!
So glad it was encouraging, Meagan!
Erika-
I was so blessed by reading this that I had to respond. I have known of few people who are doing this the way you are doing it. I was so encouraged to be led to this by the Lord because I have asked Him for help and for someone who was in the same place and could encourage. I have no idea when this was written , and I’m guessing it’s been many years but still felt compelled to write. I am pregnant with my 5th and I am 35 years old. I was doing whole 30 for 9 months with exception of adding a few things in here and there like corn. I felt better than I did my whole life and my extreme hormones leveled out. I started because I too felt led to and it was very spiritual for me as well. Fasting is one big reason. Since I’ve been pregnant I have fallen off the wagon and have given in to many “bad” things and feel awful. I believe I am a suppose to continue and not give in to the typical “eat whatever you want in pregnancy”. You reminded me of why I started in the first place and that is what I just asked the Lord. Thank you! I would love to stay in contact and find out how the pregnancy went and where you are in all of this.
Blessings!
Holly
Is it possible to loose weight while pregnant doing the Whole30, if you are overweight?