Here's what I know from my 5 rounds of whole30:
Sugar affects me greatly... GREATLY
My allergies are non existent since I learned these principals and stick to them lost of the time. Even when I'm lot 100% they are gone.
I lose weight well at 100%
My discipline is great at 100% but haven't found a good structure for 80% or 90%
I feel amazing when I eat great and if I do a bunch of junk eating I feel heavy and sluggish.
My training for my triathlon goes better when I eat well (or whatever exercise) but it also makes me more hungry that what is comfortable.
I think what I need most is to find the best ratio of compliant/clean eating : treats/splurges I've always heard 80/20 but I often think it should be closer to 90/10.
I try to figure out ways to track this because honestly if you do t track it you'll find yourself at 70/30, 50/50, 70/30 and so forth down the hill to junk food land.
I haven't been so great at keeping a good balance and I believe it's because of vacation but I have continued making great choices some times. I continue to only drink water unless there is a special circumstance and I NEVER drink soda. I know that my choices are much better than average and my weight is sustaining but I need to find a balance that allows me to continue to lose.
I've thought the best way to track was to allow x number of non-compliant or treats a week. I thought that might be simplest. For example. If I eat 4 times a day (I usually do) then that is 28 times a week. So easy math 25 meals per week would allow 5 non compliant meals per week for 80/20 and 2 or 3 for 90/10. I think this is reasonable. I've also considered when do I want those treats? Not breakfast! I love my eggs and bacon and veggies for breakfast. So I think if I focus on breakfast and lunches being compliant it may give me more of a structure to keep things routine.
I would love to hear how others have successfully found a balance or a ratio. Please comment and tell me about it!
See below where not being 100% allowed me to try crawfish for the first time instead of missing an opportunity and honestly there were no negative affects. This is why I want to find a balance. To enjoy but feel good.