The Hit List - Whole-ish 30

I’m a woman of whims and indulgences. But recently, those indulgences caught up with me.

A spare tire around the waist and a constant post-nasal drip with a persistent cough wasn’t a happy state to be in. Sure, I could blame this on middle-aged and all the stuff that comes with that.

But the truth is simple: my eating habits sucked.

As a body-aware yoga teacher, I should know better. My yoga practice reminded me about that spare tire on a regular basis. But my role as a new author demanding more sitting. And with that sitting came more of the not-so-good stuff.

Mini peanut butter cups. By the handful. Trenta Very Berry Refreshers. Asiago cheese bagels slathered in butter. Wine every night. Decadent dinners. Fancy cookies.

It all caught up with me. I didn’t dare step on the scale. I didn’t need to. Jeans don’t lie, people.

It was time to do something drastic.

I decided to try Whole 30.

I had been reading about Whole 30 for a while now. It’s a 30 day diet where you eliminate sugar, grains, legumes, alcohol, and dairy.

YIKES.

Although it’s restrictive, it also gives you an idea of what is ailing your body. I heard it was good for allergies so with a tissue box nearby and a deep breath, I decided I had nothing to lose. Except that spare tire.

Interestingly, it wasn’t that hard.

I don’t do a lot of dairy anyways so that was easy as can be! The others were a bit more challenging but I’m a great cook so it wasn’t too difficult to adjust things around here when it came to dinner.

Giving up my morning oatmeal kinda sucked but I did it anyways. Breaking my Starbucks habit was probably the most challenging. I don’t just go for the Refreshers – I love my baristas. Saving that cash from giving up this habit? Ca-ching!

I was most concerned about my sugar habit but determined to do it. Naturally, I found a secret stash of dark chocolate caramels plus I got a gift basket full of goodies – trust me, the temptation was hard. My daughter remarked “you’re a stubborn old broad – you can do it.” She’s right. I ignored those candies but promised them that we would tangle later.

Basically, I was strict as can be except for two things: gum and wine. Yes, you’re not allowed gum on this program but sometimes I like to pop a few sticks in my mouth and chew away. I ignored that rule.

The wee wine cheats were kinda planned out. I was going to see Patti Smith and there was no way I wasn’t going to have wine. So I did. I also meant to have one glass when I went to dinner with my daughter and niece – but after hearing some shit news, I motioned to the waiter to bring me another.

So yeah. I cheated. According to Whole30, if you cheat, you’re supposed to start all over at day one. Meh. I’m nailing the other parts so I’m pretty much ignoring that advice. My plan is more like Whole-ish 30.

As of today, I’m on day 20. My pants fit a bit looser (but still not where I want to be). My post nasal drip and cough = completely gone. I have not needed allergy meds in days. I feel clear as a bell and am sleeping like a log.

Most importantly, I tamed the sugar dragon. Frankly, it was my worst habit of all.

Ten more days to go. Then I step on the scale and see how this worked (you’re not allowed to step on the scale during this program). Heck, I may decide to keep certain habits right as they are once this is all done. I feel that good.

But tonight? I’m going to see Kong. Which means: there will be wine. Who knows? Maybe I will start all over at Day One tomorrow. After all, there’s always tomorrow.

Next lifetime, I want to be a cat. They never have to worry about diet or exercise.

Other stuff:

I LOVED talking with supermodel Emme about tarot, intuition and more on her new podcast, EmmeStyle. I’ve always admired her so this was such a thrill!

I adore Gabriela Herstik + her Nylon column, Ask a Witch. In this post, she answers this question: How Do Politics Inform Your Practice?

Interesting: What Happened to Frida Kahlo’s Missing Adultery Painting?

Meet the 20-year old who is leading the March Against Revenge Porn.

Kristi Yamiguchi’s faux pas.

About time: German Cabinet OKs Plan to Erase Post-War Convictions of Gay Men.

A compelling read: Inside the Hunt for Russia’s Most Notorious Hacker.

Excellent post from Tara Nikita: The High Priestess – A Framework for Intuitive Counseling and Client-Therapist Interaction.

Hex this out: A Night Among the Witches Fighting the Trump Administration.

Yes to this: 4 Reasons I’m So Done with Being Told to ‘Not Be Too Picky’ About Dates.

Soul sister: an interview with Shirley MacClaine.

Excellent interview with astrology Chani Nicholas over at Bitch Magazine.

Hell yeah: Stop It People: Zucchini Is Not Pasta.

An excellent post from Jeanna Kadlec: An Open Letter to Allies Who Are Afraid of “Doing It Wrong”.

In case you’re watching Mama June and wondered: How Risky Is Skin Removal Surgery After Weight Loss?

I needed to know this: What’s The Minimum Amount You Can Exercise Every Week And Still See Results?

Love this from Rebelle Society: How meditation saved me in the fight against my body.

Beth Maiden writes about forgiveness as spring cleaning with the Personal Space Tarot.

How to make your very own Easter Egg bath bomb! So cute!

Good to know: PSA: You Can Now Send Your Congresspeople Faxes Via Text.

Forget Whole 30: there are grilled cheese donuts!

I pre-ordered this: Gracious: A Practical Primer on Charm, Tact, and Unsinkable Strength: Including instructions on being kind when you don’t feel like it, ignoring the … and sensible in a world that is neither by Kelly Williams Brown.

Just got Advanced Tarot Secrets in the mail. I hope I like it.

I’m thinking about getting an Instant Pot. Everyone is talking about it.

Waste not: these Food Huggers are GENIUS.

I’m always on the lookout for housekeeping and decluttering books: How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind: Dealing with Your House’s Dirty Little Secrets.

I’m a fan of Buddha bowls. Now I can make my own: Nourish Bowls: Simple and Nutritious Balanced Meals in a Bowl.

I tested out some cool colored gel pens on The Tarot Coloring Book. The scented glitter pens are my new faves!

The tour for The Tarot Coloring Book rolls on with these upcoming events:

April 13 2017 6-9PM: The Waxwing in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Tarot + Wine – a free workshop with mini-tarot lessons, book signings, nibbles ‘n wine! Imbibe, learn some tarot, mingle, get a copy of The Tarot Coloring Book signed by yours truly. Books will be available for purchase.

April 27 2017 6:30-8:30PM: Namaste Bookshop in New York City. Join me for a beginner’s workshop and book signing. Details coming soon!

June 17-18th 2017: The Hermit’s Lamp in Toronto, Canada. Book signing and Celtic Cross Tutorial. Join me on the 17th for a book signing and then come again on the 18th for an in-depth workshop on how to rock the Celtic Cross!