Everything You Need to Know About the Whole30 Diet

By Bryan Kittman | February 27, 2019

What is it?

The Whole30 Diet is a ‘re-start’ nutrition plan created by a husband and wife in 2009. The purpose of the plan is to eliminate cravings, rebalance hormones, cure digestive issues, improve medical conditions, and boost energy and immune function. It has continued to gain popularity among celebrities, with its founders claiming that the plan is designed to “change your life”. While the Whole30 Diet is meant to only be followed for 30 days, it is strongly advised that you stick to the main principles even after the 30 days to see lasting results. The plan is aimed at improving your overall health and bodily function and does not focus on weight loss. Thus, weighing or measuring yourself is highly discouraged during the 30 days.

We are all aware that the foods we eat have a major impact on our body’s function. By cutting out processed foods, sugar, alcohol, grains, dairy, and legumes, and consuming more nutrient-dense foods as close to their whole form as possible, your body has the opportunity to assess what foods have beneficial impacts, and which ones your body reacts negatively to.

What are the rules?

The most important thing to remember when doing Whole30 is to check the label on everything you buy. A lot of everyday condiments and prepackaged goods have added sugar or additives that you might not be aware of. When in doubt, choose whole foods, especially vegetables, but also fruits, nuts, meats, and seafood.

What you can eat:

• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Unprocessed meats
• Seafood
• Eggs
• Nuts & Seeds
• Oils & Ghee
• Coffee

What you can’t eat:

• Dairy
• Grains
• Alcohol
• Legumes
• Added Sugar
• Carrageenan, MSG, & Sulfites
• “Junk”/ Processed Food

The Whole30 Diet is considered a highly restrictive diet by cutting out a long list of foods found in our everyday lives, which can make dining out difficult, and grocery shopping expensive. When following the Whole30 Diet, you are supposed to limit yourself to only three clean meals per day, all made with Whole 30 approved ingredients. These ingredients include organic meat, eggs, fish, nuts and veggies. You’ll have to stay away from grains and legumes, as well as dairy and sugar.

Does it work?

While no thorough research has been conducted to understand the efficacy of this diet, anecdotal reports have shown that it can be effective in helping you lose weight. Due to the strong restrictions put in place, it is bound to make you drop weight. Most dieters can expect a drop between 6 – 15 lbs, according to surveys conducted by the founders of the diet.

What Are the Cons?

The Whole30 Diet comes under fire for being a bit too restrictive in the foods you are allowed to eat. In fact, in a recent survey of the top 41 diets, the Whole30 ranked #38 overall. Experts say that the diet places too high of an importance on meat consumption while restricting foods that are otherwise ‘healthy’. It also permits foods that are high in sodium and cholesterol.

Bottom line?

Overall, the Whole30 Diet has received positive reports from those who have completed it claiming it effectively cleanses the body and improves the practice of mindful eating.

What do you think? Are you up for doing the Whole30 Diet? Let us know!