A few months ago I purchased The Whole30: The 30-Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom. I was inspired by a few friends who had just completed the Whole30 program. 
Once October rolled around I decided I was ready to give it a try. After a summer filled with ice cream and chocolate, it was time to give my body a break. I’ve been on the Whole30 plan for 19 days, just a little over half way there.
What is the Whole30?
Before diving in, I read through the Whole30 book. I needed to know exactly what I was signing up for. I’ve participated in several different types of cleanses in the past, and this one looked great.
Whole30 is a short-term nutritional reset. You can do anything for 30 days, right?
Certain food groups (like sugar, grains, dairy and legumes) could be having a negative impact on your health and fitness without you even realizing it. Whole30 asks you to “strip them from your diet completely”. Sounds scary to go cold turkey, but it’s actually very doable.
What you can do: Eat meat, seafood, eggs, tons of vegetables, some fruit, and plenty of good fats from fruits, oils, nuts and seeds. Eat foods with very few ingredients, all pronounceable ingredients, or better yet, no ingredients listed at all because they’re totally natural and unprocessed. Yes, you can drink coffee. No sugar.
What you can’t do: Drink alcohol, eat legumes, eat any form added sugar of any kind, real or artificial, no grains, no dairy.
Tips for Whole30
The first few days are rough
I missed sugar. I craved sugar. But I got through it. It wasn’t easy. My challenging time is after dinner. That’s when the sugar craving kicks in. I found substitutes, but they took a few days to really work. 15 days into Whole30 and I’m still craving sugar, but getting through the urge is much easier.
Read labels
Reading labels is a must on the Whole30 plan. I’m still constantly amazed at the places sugar shows up. For example, Malodextrin showed up in the taco seasoning pack that I’ve been using for years.
Drink Water
I’m still working on this one. Water is so important to help with any detox. Many times when I’m feeling hungry a glass of water or a cup of tea is all that’s needed.
Sleep
Work hard to get a good night’s sleep. I’m sleeping like a champ. I’ve always been a relatively good sleeper. A few years back I had a short bout of insomnia, but since starting the Whole30 I’m sleeping through the night and have little to no trouble falling asleep.
Find a Buddy
It’s always good to jump into a cleanse with a support system in place. I have a few friends who are doing the Whole30 right now. It’s interesting to hear how everyone is impacted so differently during a cleanse.
Shop for food ahead of time.
Plan out meals in advance. This can be challenging.
Cook in bulk.
This was a lifesaver. I’m trying to make pots of vegetable soup that last for the week.
Don’t Do It For Weight Loss
I have to admit that weight loss is an added bonus, but that’s not what it’s about. It’s about giving your system a chance to reset.
Overall I’m feeling great. I’m less irritable, less bloated and my jeans fit fabulously. I’m only 15 days in so hopefully the last two weeks will be more of the same. I’m really missing grains and legumes and of course ice cream.
I would love to hear about your Whole30 experience or if you intend to give it a try.
If you’re being treated for a medical condition, or on prescribed medication please make sure to talk with your doctor before doing the Whole30.
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photo credit: Green Smootie via photopin (license)
Sounds like you are doing great! I have a coworker who did it in September but I haven’t heard too much from her about it. I am tempted to try it sometime but know I should read the book first. Have you also read “It Starts with Food”?
Very cool Lori! I’ve heard so much about Whole30 but have never tried it. Giving up legumes and grains along with everything else would be TOUGH! Also cooking for the rest of the family – how’s that going? I might just have to try this some day!
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I haven’t read “It Starts with Food”. Did you read it. I have such a long list of books I want to read! Let me know if you decide to do Whole30. I’m really enjoying it.
It’s actually been pretty easy to cook one meal for everyone Micaela. I end up making a grain or pasta for the rest of the crew and I just don’t eat it. There are other pieces that are more challenging for me- sugar and wine are at the top of the list! Let me know if you give it a try.
Congratulations on your Whole30 journey. I hope I can do the same. I’ve been inspired by a friend to try it as well. She’s on her 10th day I believe, and she was struggling without the sugar. Thanks for your added survival tips, I’ll share this to her.
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