Pre-Whole30 [The Befores]

Today I am posting our "befores", which is what we look like now, as I write this post.  We are hoping that, in thirty days, our "after" picture will show a major difference- not just only in weight, but in our posture, our skin, and our smiles!

Hi, we are Brandon and Mandy. Mandy is Texas born and raised, and Brandon is a good ol' Cajun boy (Louisiana). Once upon a time, we owned a barbecue restaurant in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Benefits? All the chopped beef sandwiches, french fries, onion rings, and snowcones we could eat! Down side? All the chopped beef sandwiches, french fries, onion rings, and snowcones we could eat. :-/

We have five beautiful children, currently ranging in age from nearly ten (in May) to one year (just celebrated on Saint Patty's Day!).

At the time of this post, Brandon is 31, and Mandy is 28. (We both have summer birthdays, so we'll be pushing that number up a bit in a few months!)

Here are some recent shots of what we look like now:

Brandon's goal: To lose 40 pounds short term goal (100 lbs, long term), defeat inflammation and overcome pain issues, repair gut, strengthen body, gain energy, sleep better, and breathe better!  I'd like to not feel exhausted at the end of the day so I can really spend quality time with my wife and kids.

Mandy's goal:  To lose the baby pudge,  get my hormones straightened out (these hot flashes, oi!), have more energy, and to feel alert and clear-headed.  It'd be really nice to be able to fit into all those cute clothes I never wear because of how they hug my belly.