New year, new you, new diet, at least that's how it generally goes around this time for year for most fitness enthusiasts, beginners and intermediates alike. One of the most popular diets that people engage with during the new year is the Whole 30 diet, a dietary program where for 30 days you completely eliminate particular foods from your diet and then systematically reintroduce them in order to learn how your body responds to those foods. If you've clicked this article hoping to jump start your weight loss progress with the Whole30 diet then keep your reading to learn more and gain a clear understanding of what you're getting yourself into before you walk the plank.
First, the Whole30 diet is not designed for weight loss, rather it is meant for anyone who wants to see if certain foods may be the cause of their allergies, skin issues, digestive issues, hormone imbalances, sugar cravings, and fatigue.
The foods that you cut out on a Whole30 are the most common culprits of the inflammation that causes many of these issues, so for most people, completing a Whole30 is a life changing experience that results in more energy, better skin and digestion, and total control over how they feel.
Sound intense? It is, but if you're serious about making a positive impact to your health and prolonging your remaining years its definitely worth the discipline.
Still reading? Then you're probably wondering what you can and can't eat on the diet, read on to find out.
WHAT’S IN:
- Meat
- Seafood
- Eggs
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Healthy cooking fat like olive and coconut oil
- Plant-based spices
- Coffee (black) and tea (unsweetened) are fair game, too!
WHAT’S OUT:
- Any form of added sugar
- Alcohol
- Grains
- Dairy
- Legumes
- Chemical additives
- Baked goods or processed foods even if they’re made with compliant ingredients
OTHER PROGRAM RULES
Important to note, a strict rule of the program is that you cannot weigh yourself. The Whole30 Diet is about discovering how inflammatory foods affect you physically and mentally, not how much you weight you can lose. While many people experience weight loss as a result of lifestyle shifts, it’s not the program’s goal.
The most important part of the Whole30 is that you commit to it fully. There is no such thing as a partial Whole30 and making exceptions will cost you the benefits. For example, you avoid the non-compliant foods but still drink alcohol, or stick to the Whole30 throughout the week but go rogue on the weekend. If this is your Whole30 experience, you will not experience the life-changing benefits.
After the 30 days, you methodically reintroduce each of those foods to see how your body reacts. Knowing exactly how certain foods make you feel is a powerful tool that translates to better lifelong health.
THE BENEFITS OF COMPLETING A WHOLE30
A Whole30 can completely change your quality of life. Though some people lose weight and some people don’t, weight loss is not the goal or the primary benefit.
The most common benefits people experience from completing a Whole30 include:
- More energy: waking up rested without an alarm, no afternoon slumps
- Clear skin: fewer blemishes, under-eye circles, or rashes
- Less bloating, more regularity
- Less acid reflux or heartburn
- Fewer allergy symptoms
- Less anxiety, fewer mood swings
- Clearer thinking and improved attention
- Fewer sugar or carb cravings
- A better understanding of what it’s like to feel amazing
Head here for a more complete list of what the program calls “non-scale victories” you might experience during your Whole30 journey.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Here is a detailed timeline of how you might feel throughout the program.
NEED HELP FUELING YOUR WHOLE30? TERRITORY DELIVERS. LITERALLY.
Success requires planning ahead so that you always have compliant and healthy meals and snacks on hand. While you it’s important that you learn how to navigate the world of meal planning and cooking so you’re self-sufficient with your new healthy habits, there are many resources available to help you save time and stay on track.
We’ve partnered with the Whole30 team and our talented local chef network to offer a wide selection of Whole30 Approved ready-to-eat meals on our weekly menu. We’re excited to support your journey!