Day 22

Down to the last homestretch week.   The weekend, however will be a bit of a challenge.  I am attending the Moms in Prayer International Festival of Joy in Dallas, celebrating 30 years of moms coming together to pray for their children and their children’s schools.  I’m excited, but a bit apprehensive because I have no idea what the food selections will be.

I am packing my tea, my almond milk, some nuts, fruits and veggies, and a few Whole30 compliant treats to counter whatever sweets try to tempt me.

It Starts With Food wraps up with these final chapters:

Chapter 21: Fine Tuning for Special Populations

In my humble opinion, I think this chapter should be moved somewhere prior to chapter 17, where the authors of It Starts With Food encourage us to give the program a go.  I feel this way because:

1. there are those, like my main man (MM), who will jump in before finishing the book (I do appreciate his spontaneity) and

2. the chapter is a must read if you have certain health conditions.

So, if you’re diabetic, have autoimmune disease, irritable bowl syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, or any known food allergies, take a quick look at this chapter before you start.  It provides suggestions, cautions and alterations to the program for your specific needs.

There is also a section for vegans/vegetarians, high intensity athletes, and pregnant/nursing women.

Chapter 22: Supplement Your Healthy Diet

Whole30 ensures we eat foods providing the essential building blocks needed for our body’s optimum function and maintenance.  However, It Starts with Food recognizes there may be areas we are still deficient.  So the authors outline a few supplements we might want to consider (they mention their preferred high quality brands) adding to our daily plan.

Appendix A: The Meal Map

A great resource for cooking up your choice of meat, poultry and seafood along with a list of extensive vegetable choices, providing various ways to cook and season them.  With all the combinations and variety, I could make a month’s worth of different meals.

To spice it up even more, it provides recipes for Whole30 mayo, bbq sauce, ranch dressing, etc.

Appendix B:  It Starts With Food Resources

Lists books and websites filled with additional gut healthy, micro and macronutrient dense meals for our better way of eating plan.

22 down, 8 to go.