Whole30 – Day 25

Summary of the Day:

* loading up on veggies

* holiday gift giving, Whole30 style

* clothes fitting MUCH better

Hi peeps. Today was pretty good! I’m trying to avoid holiday stress, and so far it hasn’t been too bad. Ever since I made those protein bombs (aka scotch eggs), I’ve been feeling very anti-meat. I think those did me in. Yesterday and today I decided to just veg it out and really get my nutrients from some greens. Enter, kale. Kale is my new superhero. I think I could eat it every day, in one form or another. Is there such thing as eating too much kale? Will you turn green like carrots make you turn orange?

I DEFINITELY plan to keep a high amount of kale in my diet after Whole30 ends. Count that a serious positive benefit.

** SPOILER ALERT** (Minnesota friends, don’t look ahead if you don’t want to know your present ahead of time!!!)

I wanted to make some Whole30-friendly gifts this year. I figured at a time when everyone is passing around cookies and sweets, these roasted nuts would be welcomed with open arms. I followed the recipe here for rosemary roasted almonds, and then did a few batches with a variety of nuts, and finished off with a cinnamon and nutmeg variety. I was VERY pleased with the taste (the clarified butter added a lot of flavor).

It still felt like a treat, and I didn’t feel like death afterward (which commonly happens for me when I bake cookies). Oh, and how cute are these little jars I found at Williams-Sonoma?

I turned up the christmas jams and started writing out the labels.

Now I’m totally in the spirit and ready to fly home! As I was packing my suitcase, I ended up trying on a bunch of clothes while deciding which options to bring. I was SO happy that my old dresses were fitting loosely. I had one of those throw on some heels and have a little dance in front of the mirror parties. So in the midst of realizing how much better I feel now, I’m so grateful that I’ve made it this far and it makes me want to power through the next 5 days and finish strong. How many people can say they LOST weight over the holidays? That is my goal. I had to look back and remind myself of that.

Alright friends. I will be with limited internet access over the next several days, so if you don’t hear from me, that’s why! If nothing else, I will definitely give a final wrap-up post when this is all over. YAY!

Happy Hollies to everyone! :)