Day 16 of the Whole30 - DONE!

Are you FAT-PHOBIC? 

I used to be be FAT-PHOBIC. I used to think that if I ate fat it would make me fat. So instead of eating nutrient-dense food, I ate low-fat foods lacking in nutrients. Like many of us, I was duped into eating a ton of carbs (bagel, pretzels, rice, pasta, cereal, candy, tortillas, etc)...Looking back at what I used to eat I can't believe I functioned like I did...For over 15 years I'd wake up at 5ish, teach 1-2 fitness classes a day, work a full-time job, go out with friends or work at night, go to bed around midnight and did it all over again the next day...How did I function on the fuel I fed my body...???

Well, it turns out all the carbs I ate turned into sugar which gave me the energy I needed to get through the day. You see, if there is an overabundance of sugar, the sugar takes precedence over fat as a source of energy in many metabolic processes, and stored fat doesn’t get burned for energy, instead it stays stored on your body, which makes you fat (even if it's a skinny fat). 

Bottom Line

Sugar Burner = Energy roller coaster; “needing” to eat every two hours; cranky when you’re hungry; regular cravings for sweets or caffeine; dysfunctional hormonal response to food.

The Whole30 took me out of sugar-burner mode, and transitions me into being fat adapted—efficiently able to utilize fat as energy. This means my body is utilizing fat as fuel more readily, helping me avoid between-meal cravings, energy slumps, and brain fog. Being fat-adapted will help me get rid of stored fat (like my love handles and the extra tire I have around my waistline) —something that can't been done when running on nothing but sugar (aka carbs).

Fat Adapted = Even energy all throughout the day; no need to eat between meals; stuck without food — no crankiness or raging hunger; reduced cravings for sweets or caffeine; improved body composition and hormonal response to food.

Yeah, that sounds better to me, too, but in order for me to truly be fat-adapted I need to overcome my fat phobia and embrace all the good fatty foods. They are nutrient-dense and will satiate for hours. Being on the Whole30 has helped me overcome my fear of fat and it can do the same for you if you have this issue. 

Today's Stats

Water Consumption

135 ounces

Sleep

7 hours

(I was dragging ass all day because I didn't get more sleep...I can't wait to go to bed so I can wake up with more energy tomorrow)

Daily Meals

5:30am - Breakfast Beverage : (Full Fat) Coconut Milk Latte with MTC Oil 

8am - Breakfast Beverage : Homemade Bone Broth

10am : A few pieces of seared ahi tuna

12pm : Handful Homemade Beef Jerky & Mixed Nuts

2pm - Lunch : Bowl of Shepard's Pie

5pm - Snack : Handful of Nuts

7pm - Dinner : Smoke Brisket with my (Full-Fat)

Coconut Milk, Cilantro, Jalapeño, Vinegar, Avocado Oil & Fig 

sauce, roasted squash & tomatoes on a bed of mixed greens

 

Are you FAT-PHOBIC?

Are you a SUGAR-BURNER?

If so, would like to change?

Where is your Energy Coming From: Sugar or Fat...???

I am posting the below info from Day 6 of Whole30 Daily Newsletter because it clearly explains burning sugar vs burner fat  for energy...

I used to think I needed to eat carbs in order to perform well, but since I stopped eating a ton of gluten (i.e. cereal, bagels, rice, pasta, bread, etc...) I feel a ton more satiated. I don't crave food a hour or two after I eat. I'm not (as) moody. And I feel stronger during workouts and recover much better. 

Notice I said 'I don't eat a ton of it anymore'. In other words, I still eat it sometimes, but I think of it as more of a treat so it's not a daily occurrence - expect this month, I'm off of it completely since I'm on the Whole30). Don't forget, veggies and fruits are carbs.

Energy: Sugar-Burner vs. Fat-Adapted

One major goal of the Whole30 is to get you out of “sugar-burner” mode, and make you “fat adapted.” A sugar-burner is one whose body is used to running on carbohydrate for energy. A constant excess supply of carbohydrates will tilt your metabolic “preference” toward burning what’s most plentiful—sugar— when fuel is needed. If there is an overabundance of sugar, the sugar takes precedence over fat as a source of energy in many metabolic processes, and stored fat doesn’t get burned for energy.

• Sugar Burner = Energy roller coaster; “needing” to eat every two hours; cranky when you’re hungry; regular cravings for sweets or caffeine; dysfunctional hormonal response to food.

The Whole30 takes you out of sugar-burner mode, and transitions you into being fat adapted—efficiently able to utilize fat as energy. This process starts in just five days, but can take weeks to really kick in to the point that you notice the effects. When it does, however, your body will begin to utilize fat as fuel more readily, helping you avoid between-meal cravings, energy slumps, and brain fog. In addition, once you’re fat-adapted, you’ll be able to start whittling away at your fat stores—something you are unable to do when you’re running on nothing but sugar.

• Fat Adapted = Even energy all throughout the day; no need to eat between meals; stuck without food — no crankiness or raging hunger; reduced cravings for sweets or caffeine; improved body composition and hormonal response to food.

Yeah, that sounds better to us, too. But remember, while you’ve already started your fat-adaptation process, it can take weeks to fully kick in.* Practice patience and dedication to your new, healthy habits… because this one is worth waiting for!

*Good news: most Whole30’ers report the energy “magic” kicking in around days 7-11… right around the corner!

Are you a Sugar Burner or Fat Adapted and WHY?

What are you eating that makes you burn either sugar or fat?

What do you need to eat if you want to change?