Meet Alexis from @PaleoRookie: a 33 year old stay-at-home mom of a 2 y.o. daughter and expecting #2! Her Whole30 results are amazing- she changed her life and most importantly learned self love. I’m so thankful she was willing to share her Whole30 Results with us!

About Alexis, in her own words:

My husband and I are originally from San Francisco but are currently in LA. We both came here for “industry.” I’ve worked in radio, TV, film and recently as a production assistant and associate producer in reality TV. I’m on hiatus right now as I took time off to start my family! Art, food, politics, culture, fashion, theatre, music. We’re a very cultured family full of artists.

Where/ when did you first hear about Whole30?

I first heard about Whole 30 this time last year from my sister who was struggling with chronic fatigue. She needed a partner to do it with.

When was your Whole30?

It was May of 2015 when I finally started my Whole 30 journey. I had been a competitive cheerleader and gymnast as a kid until I was 19 and since then I had struggled with my weight. I tried Atkins, South Beach, fasts, juicing, works outs and nothing seemed to stick. So I yo-yo’ed since then until now. After my daughter was born is when my weight really skyrocketed. She was 1.5 years old and I still had major “baby weight.” Chronic fatigue, aches and pains from old injuries, chronic inflammation; I was looking for a change and it was Whole 30 who truly found me.

What was the biggest challenge you overcame during Whole30?

I think the biggest challenge w/ Whole 30 was the detox stage; the first 2 weeks. The withdrawals and weaning from sugar took the most self control to not give into ghost/fake food cravings. To really listen and observe how my body’s system was changing internally and keeping the focus to commit and stay on track. Those first two weeks took the most will power and self control.

What are some of the Non Scale Victories you experienced?

My non-scale victories was easily fitting into pre-pregnancy clothes. And my “skinny” pre-preggo clothes at that! Had to buy a new wardrobe and even fit into junior size medium dresses! But most importantly since I was an athlete in my youth I just felt better physically. Slept better, no chronic pain, I could move quicker, I was lighter on my toes, I could play more with my daughter, work-out harder, feel my muscle and definition changing, feeling stronger, not snoring (LOL!), my skin was glowing, and I was less puffy. Overall I just felt like a champion inside and out. I loved the results and cooking so much I extended it to a Whole60!

What was your scale victory? 🙂

My scale victory was 205lbs down to 175 lbs.!!! From a size 14 down to a size 8.

Do you have any words of wisdom for anyone currently doing a Whole30?

I realized enough is enough with the self hatred and embarrassment, let alone the dangers of being 5’0″ and 200 lbs. I avoided mirrors and would avoid changing in front of my husband. I was definitely a dark and sad time. My words of wisdom to anyone starting Whole30 is that no matter what size you are or what sickness and ailments you may be suffering from find the light within yourself and do something good for your soul. Remember why you started Whole30 and why you are making the best commitment of your life. Take each day at a time and don’t punish yourself if you falter. Whole30 will always be there for you. You owe it to yourself to keep your mind, body, and soul healthy, whole and complete.

What is something you wished you had known before starting Whole30?

I wish I had known and discovered Whole30 sooner! But better late than never! But I wish I had known about the amazing Whole30 and paleo-friendly products out there that make the challenge easier. When I did my first round last year I didn’t know about all the great resources you see today. And now I finally feel like the food industry started evolving with our paleo needs! There are so many good brands out there that make the Whole30 a lifelong experience.

Are there any specific meals or recipes you loved during your Whole30?

Here’s the fun part: I also come from a long line of cooks; matriarchs who cooked amazing food for their loved-ones and families. So it was only natural that I took to Whole30/paleo cooking. I felt like everyday was a Food Network Challenge where my creativity was boundless. So my friends and family kept seeing me shrink and kept asking “what are you doing?!” I told them Whole30 and Pure Barre. I started a photo stream on my iCloud of recipes and photos of my food and people kept asking to join the photo group. I said, “I’m just going to start an Instagram account!” I launched my IG account @PaleoRookie in January and it’s been the most cathartic thing I’ve done for myself since my first Whole30. There you can find recipes and photos of my Whole30 culinary journey.

My future goals will be to do another round of Whole30 but this time it’s “Whole30 and pregnant” as I approach my 2nd trimester and feeling better!