Hiya everyone! (This is long, sorry)

I am R1D29, former super sugar addict emotional eater and habitual drive-thru-er. For the past 29 days, I have cooked and prepared all, ALL, of my meals, snacks and beverages at home. It has been quite the experience. I don't even think that as a child I have had so many home cooked snacks and meals. (Yes, I have been snacking, an opportunity to grow for sure).

All in all, I feel really good. I do not feel as dependent on food. I used to think about food constantly. I am trying to break my emotional ties to food. I don't feel that can be done in 30 days. My pain in my joints has lessened quiet a bit and overall I feel that my gut is much much happier. My anxiety has quieted a bit, which is wonderful. The process of cooking, preparing and cleaning for each meal has given me a routine that I surprisingly enjoy and don't dread. It's very nurturing. I definitely do not have a day to day bloat feeling like I did when I was living off of fast food, sodas and refined sugar at every meal.

I have a new love for prosciutto, sweet potatoes, roasted broccoli and asparagus. Also, I'm drinking plain carbonated water with a lemon wedge to get my bubble fix in.

I'm so, so glad I decided to start this program. It has been a great lesson in self-discipline, self care and overcoming what you think you cannot do. I truly believed I was going to fail, but I am succeeding. And, not at all feeling deprived or desperately wanting to cheat. I mean, I'd like some chocolate or a donut but I am not dying for some.

I am a bit worried about controlling myself during the reintroduction phase. I did just get, 'It Starts With Food' and I hear that is a great resource for controlling yourself. I am debating not starting the reintroduction phase for some time and just continuing on plan until I feel more secure about not relapsing into a sugar addiction. I don't feel I am there yet. I still feel like I am 'at risk', if that makes sense! I have not weighed myself since starting; I keep reminding those close to me, this is not a diet. It's not about weight loss. This to me, has been about breaking addiction and emotional dependence and instilling healthy habits and routines. I can feel with my clothes and such that I have lost weight, but I don't know the number.

Anyone that's reading this, I'm sorry it's so long, but just do the program. Just do it! (Shia Lebeouf) commit to yourself and take the plunge. It's a great way to nurture yourself. I constantly give in to myself and self sabotage, but with Whole30, I have done well and broken that cycle. If I can do it, you can, too!

Good luck!