(Update 10/30/2015: This post has received a lot of traffic so I thought I’d post an quick update! Thanks so much for visiting, I am glad so many people are finding my experience helpful. I have tried to answer a lot of questions in the comments but have also put together the most FAQ of my experience here. I am starting my second Whole30 on January 11th 2016- you can follow me on Instagram here! Good Luck on your Whole30 journey!)
If you follow me on Instagram, you probably know that the last 30 days has been 30 of the hardest dieting days of my life- no joke. I won’t say it was the hardest thing I’ve every done, childbirth obviously trumps that ;), however it was definitely the hardest challenge I have ever given myself in terms of my health and food consumption.
I don’t remember exactly where I first heard about the Whole30, probably on a blog or Instagram friend. I found it intriguing and was curious with the results that everyone seemed to have. I also knew I had a crazy addiction to sugar and carbs that wasn’t going to go away without some sort of drastic change. I had previously been using Isagenix, and planned to return to it, but I just wasn’t motivated enough to cut out the sugar and carbs, so I decided to do a Whole30 and get back on track!
I never thought I would’ve been able to do something like this. It takes a TON of self-control, which I honestly didn’t think I had. Well, I proved myself wrong and completed a Whole30, losing 9 lbs and 11 inches in the process. Better than that- I retrained my brain and the way I think about sweets, carbs and other processed foods that I put into my family’s and my body. I was shocked at all of the hidden sugar and additives we so easily looked past previously and I’ve made a commitment to continue to eliminate those unnecessary ingredients. Near the end I almost gagged on the communion grape juice at church- I could not believe how sweet it tasted. It was then that I knew my body was adjusting. So I wanted to share with you how I survived. I am not a foodie, I don’t eat any seafood, I hate to exercise, and love (loved) sweets and carbs- so no, this wasn’t easy for me, but I did it, and SO CAN YOU! Here are my tips for surviving Whole30, and thriving!
1. Read It Starts With Food. First, there is ton if information in the book that teaches you how to make smart decisions about what you’re eating. Second, it teaches you why certain foods are bad for us and how they work in our bodies, or don’t work in our bodies. Last, it is pure inspiration. Whenever I was struggling I would start reading again and be inspired and encouraged knowing that these 30 days would be a great thing for my health!
2. Don’t start today. Just because you’re on fire and excited about Whole30, doesn’t mean you should start today. You really need to sit down, look at calendars, holidays, birthdays and decide to start when you have 30 days free of all of that. You cannot cheat or you start over- so don’t go into it knowing there are occasions when you will cheat, or would want to. I started after a weekend vacation, managed to stay on track through a birthday and graduation (both with cake) celebration and ended right before my birthday…on purpose! Set yourself up for success!
3. Get to know the Whole30 plan- research, read and view discussion boards. Download all of the printables. Follow Whole30 on Instagram for a lot of great information. If you are unsure if something is allowed- google Whole30 + the item, that always brought up a discussion and answer about the item. Also, white and red potatoes have been added to the program since I finished. Yay!
4. Don’t think of your meals as breakfast, lunch and dinner…it’s Meal 1, 2 and 3. When you label meal 1 as breakfast you want to eat breakfast foods- pancakes, muffins, biscuits, etc- all things you cannot have. You have to retrain yourself to think of each meal as protein, veggies and a healthy fat.
5. Which brings me to my next point- try not to plan your meals as meals– let me explain. Usually when we would have BBQ’d chicken, we would have rice. When we had tri-tip, we always had baked potatoes. Spaghetti was always accompanied by sourdough bread. Those previously planned meals aren’t allowed anymore and will make you just miss what you aren’t eating. I always started with a protein (eggs, beef or chicken for me), then just pulled out two different veggies that sounded good and cooked in a healthy fat. I usually added fruit to almost every meal, but just because I LOVE all of the fruit in season right now. Your meals won’t look the same, that’s ok.
6. Make sure you eat enough. The absolute worst night I had on Whole30, I later realized I hadn’t eaten enough for dinner. I was literally standing in the pantry trying to decide if I would cheat while smelling a bar of chocolate. Not eating enough combined with any little craving, or your brains desire to ruin this Whole30 and give in to temptation, is a bad combination! Make sure you eat enough!
7. Make sure you have meals planned and ready. Hard days were the days when I didn’t immediately start thawing out meat first thing in the morning. The longer I waited, the harder it was for me to come up with dinner and the more discouraged I got. Those are the days your brain will encourage you to cheat with an easier dinner option, not Whole30 compliant. (My second time around with Whole30 I am using Plan to Eat to plan my meals. I’ve used this service previously, but I love that I can add my meals as well as import from my favorite websites. I plan a week at a time, and that generates a grocery list for me- easy! New users also get a free 30-day trial!)
8. Have a few items on hand that you can eat always. We BBQ’d 4-6 chicken breasts at the beginning of every week and put them in the fridge. They were my go-to for salads, breakfast, lunches and even dinners on really busy nights. I always made excess dinner for leftovers. I also kept Applegate Hotdogs and Adele’s Chicken & Apple sausage (both from Target) on hand for easier breakfast and lunch options.
9. The first week is hardest in terms of cravings, the last week is the hardest in terms of boredom. Be careful, don’t think because it’s the last week it will be the easiest- it won’t be. You will be looking forward to the end, you may even convince yourself that 25 days is as good as 30, it’s not. Power through, plan your meals, come up with something new to cook that you haven’t tried before. Here are a few Instagram accounts that always gave me great ideas: Whole30, Whole30 Recipes, thewholesmiths, elysegetsfit, nomnompaleo, theevergreendiaries, and whole30myjourney Error: No connected account.
Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to connect an account.
10. Do it with friends, family or anyone that will support you! I put a post on Facebook explaining what I was doing, linking to the Whole30 site and asked if anyone wanted to join. After a few days I created a private Facebook group where two couples from church, my parents and two friends all decided to join. We used the group to share recipes, grocery items, and bounce thoughts off of each other on how we were feeling. It was a great support system.
11. Don’t cheat. You are only cheating yourself out of really knowing you are capable of doing it. It won’t be worth it to eat that piece of chocolate…it’s only 30 days. Every time you think of something you can’t have, remind yourself it’s only 30 days. 30 DAYS! It’s not that long, in fact it’s nothing in the long run. It’s 30 days that you owe yourself. Allow yourself to fight the cravings, reset your system and teach your body to use the healthy food you are giving it for fuel. Don’t cheat, that craving will pass, another muffin will come around in 30 days…don’t cheat.
There you have it! If you decide to take on a Whole30, let me know! I would love to encourage you and follow your journey.
See my follow up FAQ post here:
See my Whole30 approved Strawberry Vinaigrette recipe here:
See my favorite Whole30 items below:
Hello! Did you just post this today? As I notice that there are no comments as yet and I came across the Whole30 program completely by accident…? Anyway thanks so much for all your tips I think they are going to bode me well as I take my family (kicking and screaming I might add); hubby and two boys 15 & 11 on our Whole30 experiment which I was going to start on the 1st July as I hope to have finished the book by then and as I get paid on the 28th thought I would spend those days up to the end of the month sourcing food and getting the getting rid off all the non-Whole30 food stuffs. However after reading your tips as I have a work day out on the 4th July I’m gonna start on the following Monday 7th. Would love to have any other tips you could give as I’m currently trying to find an alternative for them to drink as they are all sugar-holics…?
Yes! You caught it on the day it was posted, as I just finished my Whole30. It’s definitely a process and can be life changing, you have to give yourself permission to do this 100% and not cheat yourself out of it by trying to adjust it to fit your needs. I think it’s a good idea to start after the 4th and your work day outing, set yourself up for success! I don’t have many suggestions for drinks- I did drink soda before, but mostly had tea with Stevia. I decided to give it all up, because my tea wasn’t the same without the Stevia, and soda is totally off limits. It’s just part of the detox process, but they will get used to it, and the body will start craving water. I liked cucumber water a lot, but you could also add berries or citrus, just for a little flavor. There are approved drinks, but I would be careful- you want to starve the sugar dragon, not feed it something a little better- cause it will come back! Hope that helps! GOOD LUCK!!
These are really great tips, Steph! I know I missed out on some of the info by not doing #1 (I’d still like to read that book someday). Even though I’ve read other books before (focusing on candida mainly), it would have helped it have the background.
I would add to find the things that help you get through the day and stay stocked up on them. For me, that was sparkling water (that with a bit of fruit juice saved me some evenings), a variety of nuts, veggies that I love but don’t normally buy because they’re pricey (such as artichokes and asparagus) and berries.
White and red potatoes are allowed now on Whole30, correct?
congrats on your achievement! I just finished yesterday and feel fantastic 🙂
Yes! I wish they would’ve been ok when I was doing it, but it’s probably better than they weren’t- I would’ve had them with every meal 🙂
Potatoes are now ok!!
http://whole30.com/2014/07/new-whole30/
I read that- so awesome! It really opens up side dishes that you can have now 🙂
Do people really see the same results or as good as they would be without potatoes?
I can’t say for sure, I did it without the potatoes. While I think it would definitely add some variety, you’d probably need to think about weather or not potatoes are SWYPO for you…if they satisfy that carb craving rather than allow you to break it.
Love this post! We have a lot in common – sugarholic. check. lip gloss fanatic. check. diet hater. check. exercise. what the what? I’m on Day 17 of my first Whole 30. So far, I’m doing good. I’m really making strides and know this isn’t just a 30 day plan – this is a lifestyle change for both my daughter and I. We both have autoimmune diseases (Lupus and Hashimoto’s respectively) and we needed to do something because medications aren’t helping. I work a full time day job and run an entertainment website in my free time/evenings so I’m super busy. I didn’t think I was going to be able to do this because of the meal prep. But, as each day progressed, I found myself excited to go home and cook up something new or if I batch cooked on the weekends, I had more free time when I got home to work on my website. Batch cooking is key. We made yummy beef meatballs, pork sausage patties, and turkey patties. Quick proteins to throw in our lunch boxes each day for breakfast and lunch. I digress.
Love this post – love your enthusiasm. Following you on Instagram now – Judybopp.
Yes! At first I felt like I was spending my life in the kitchen, but as time passed it just got easier. I still spent a ton of time in the kitchen, haha, but I felt like I was getting it 🙂 Good Luck on the rest of your journey- I have no doubt you’ll do great!
Check out the website meljoulwan.com She also has the thyroid problem you mentioned. Her website is wonderful and so are her cookbooks. I think you’ll find excellent ideas there. Plus she’s funny.
Love it Steph! Well done! Nothing like encouraging others! Proud of you! Thnx for letting us join you on the journey! My guy has lops 35 pounds in the process and of course I lost only 17 but hallelujah we are feeling better and definitely healthier! Keep on keeping on friend!!!
Thanks Patty! It was great having you for support- you guys are still doing awesome!
I am so happy and excited to see your article and to know I am not the only one that does not enjoy working out! I feel I can conquer 30 days on my own after reading your article.
Thank you for the inspiration and I will be the next one loosing some pounds 🙂
Oh yes, not enjoying working out is an understatement- I hate it! It’s all about baby steps 🙂 This is a great step in the right direction, just keep telling yourself that you can do it- because you can! Good Luck!
This is an incredibly useful and great article. Well written. I’m reading through and actually feeling like I can do this now. I’m going shopping this weekend to start on Monday…proper planning. When you said “set yourself up for success” that really resonated with me. I seem to be on a rollercoaster of setting myself up for failure. Thanks for this. Followed you now as well – this is a great blog! XO
Kershia (www.catwalkcult.com)
Thanks Kershia, glad I could help even just a little! Preparing is such a key in this, get prepared and you’ll do great. I told myself over and over that cheating was not an option- no way, no how- I worked too hard and owed it to myself to see it through to the end and reap the benefits. You’ll do great! Good Luck!!
Rereading this makes me think we need to do it again! It’s only 30 days!!! We can do it!!!
I know! I’ve been thinking the same thing- we better do it before Halloween and Thanksgiving gets here though, lol!
What did you do about headaches and that yucky feeling when refraining from sugar?
Also can you still have things like Beachbody protein powder? What do you think?
Hi Carolyn, I didn’t suffer too terribly from headaches, but when I did I tried to drink a lot of water and if it got too bad, I would take some ibuprofen, although I am sure that is a last resort since you area trying to cleanse your system.
The beachbody protein powder is not approved during you whole30, it contains both soy and dairy which are both off limits. If you’re follow the steps correctly with veggies, protein and fat you should be getting enough protein that you don’t need to supplement. Hope that helps!
Thank you for sharing your experience in such an honest way. Your tips are very helpful! We are planning to attempt Whole30 soon.
You’re welcome, Tanya! Good Luck- Hopefully my tips will help make it a little easier 🙂
I am on day 8 of my first whole 30! It was great to read your post. I keep looking for things to read each day that help to keep me motivated and inspired. I’m hoping for changes in my skin – cystic acne and eczema. What changes did you notice in your whole30 (mental and physical)?
I use splenda in my coffee. I don’t like the way sugar tastes in coffee. Will I still be able to use this substitute, I can’t imagine drinking my coffee without sweetener.
According to Whole30 all sweeteners, artificial and real (honey, maple, sugar, etc), are off limits. It’s up to you how you follow Whole30. If you’re really trying to rid your system of toxins and give yourself a reset, Splenda every morning in your coffee might hinder that. Here is an article on sugar, http://whole9life.com/2010/06/sugar-sugar-sugar/. The book would go into more detail on why artificial sweeteners of all kinds aren’t allowed. Hope that helps.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write out your tips! I fall squarely in the diet-hating, sugaraholic category, so I love seeing the you were able to do it!
Oh yes! I am getting ready to start a modified round 2 here in the new year- I need a reset! Good luck to you!
Hello Stephanie,
I really like your post on the Whole30, I once did it but I did not finish. I will start in February when my holiday is over. I have a question. The book says that we need to seek for the best quality foods and organics things but this makes it a little harder because I just want to go to the super market and grab the chicken, salmon or turkey they offer there. So if you have any advice on this, I would really appreciate.
Also, maybe you can share your thoughts on this. I do not completely understand the purpose of the Whole30, once you are over with it you go back to your normal food routines. I don’t know if is possible to keep eating like this for the entire life.
Hi Maria, as far as I know they recommend getting the best quality meat you can afford and find. We don’t have a Trader Joe’s or Whole30 where I live, so I was stuck with what I could find at my local grocery store or butcher. I did try to buy the best, but when that was an option they recommend meats with less fat, since toxins are stored in the fat, and taking into consideration how the animal is treated while alive.
Here is the guide with Best and Alt choices, http://whole30.com/downloads/whole30-grocery.pdf.
As far as the reason, it really depends. Whole30 is an elimination diet- the idea is that whatever you put in your mouth is either good for your body or bad, there is no neutral. So by eliminating anything that may be causing an issue (for multiple reasons outlined in the book) you are resetting your system. When adding foods back in, according to the reintroduction phase, you will learn what effects your negatively and how. The idea is then to eliminate those foods permanently or eat them and know the consequences. Whether or not it’s practical to eat that way your entire life is based on you. You can definitely learn a lot about your cravings, food addictions, as well as the negative impact food has on your health.
Trying to figure out how to get started and found your post. This is so helpful! Thank you!
You’re very welcome! Good Luck!
Stephanie,
This is such an informative post about the Whole30. I am a few days into my second one and love hearing about others’ experiences. OH MY, sounds like you and I are similar in that we crave the sweets!
After my first Whole30, I stayed pretty close to paleo (mostly making sure to stay away from gluten and dairy), then I started integrated paleo treats and when the holidays neared and I recently took a trip out of the country I began eating a lot more things that were not paleo. It definitely feels great to eat completely Whole again!
How have you been since your Whole30? Have you done another?
Hi Corey, sounds like you’ve done great! I haven’t been whole30, but I am trying to be eat more whole30 with the new year. I am thinking of doing another, but want to make sure the timing is right 🙂 I felt SO good when I was done- just less fluffy and that was a great feeling.
Great post! Thank you for sharing! Question for you: I have been thinking about Whole30 for a while now and would like to start it. However, when looking at the calendar, I have a 4 day vacation right toward the end of the 30 days already planned. But I don’t want to wait another month to try this, even though right after the break there is definitely a long stretch without any major parties, trips, etc. Thoughts? I mean, I guess as I write this, that I could keep to Whole30 ok (I’ll be in Argentina after all – lots of meat and veggies there!). What do you think?
Thanks again!
Hi Beth, that’s a hard question. Seeing as it’s only the last four days, I would try and stick whole30 in those last four days. If you can find good food (of course it will be hard to know if it is fully whole30, but do your best) you will feel better continuing whole30. You just don’t know how the reintroduction with effect you. You might try to rearrange the introduction according to foods that you’d like to eat first while there. Hope that helps!
Thank you! This post was extremely helpful and encouraging. I’m about half way through the book and plan on starting Whole 30 In February.
Awesome! I hope the book is giving you a lot of great info and inspiration! Good Luck!
It’s only day 2 and I’m already feeling a difference! Bloating went waaaaay down and I had energy all day! Can’t wait to see where this goes!
Hi there! I really want to start the Whole 30 challenge- I am about to graduate high school and I would LOVE to learn more about the foods I put into my body. Confession: I am an emotional eater. Seriously. When I get sad or upset I go to food. It’s not like I have a medical issue but I do it because I know that it will taste good and make me feel good for a minute or two! I have lots of common sense so I know for a fact that I will have heart burn 10 minutes after I eat said food, but I still do it. I also want to do this challenge so that I can try to maintain healthy eating habits for the rest of my life. I don’t have much support though and I’m worried I won’t be strong enough.
Thank you for is! I’ve been reading the book and trying to decide when I’ll start. This post was very helpful!
Today Is the day that my daughter and I are beginning. I am excited to get started and I feel like I am on my way to being healthier!
Great article! My boyfriend and I are on day 5 now… I’m still at the stage where I miss all of my old (terribly unhealthy) food staples like bagels and diet coke..
I was wondering… Is Paleo the same as Whole30?
It’s really similar, but Paleo is more of a long-term lifestyle change, and whole30 is an elimination phase to reset your system and clean your gut. You can do some more research comparing the two, but Paleo also allows for some paleo-ified treats, which whole30 calls SWYPO, and they DO NOT allow for any type of treats. Your brain can’t differentiate between different types of sugar (maple vs real sugar) and the point it to break that addiction all together.
Thanks for all the great tips! My husband and I are starting our Whole30 tomorrow and these are helpful (esp. number nine – I wouldn’t have thought that the end would be so tricky b/c of boredom – I’ve just been thinking about how hard the first week will be!) and encouraging!
Thanks for this great post! I’m just about to embark on my first whole 30 journey on Monday and came across your blog on pinterest. I noticed that you said you have done isagenix in the past? I love their shakes and am an avid user of them post workout. Wondering if you know if they fit into the whole30 program?
Thanks again for a great post!
Hi, Erica! Isagenix is not Whole30 approved. There is sugar and dairy (maybe a few others) in their shakes, which rules them out. When you’re doing your reintroduction phase you can see how the dairy effects you, which would make a difference on how you move forward with the shakes. You’ll just have to skip them during the Whole30. You might want to google post-workout Whole30 and see if anyone has any post-workout foods or drinks to help and are whole30 approved. I’m sure there is something 🙂 Good Luck!
Hey there. I am starting Whole 30 the first of April, and I am slightly excited, slightly nervous. Do you have any tips for surviving the first week specifically? I KNOW I am going to have sugar withdraws. Also, is honey allowed?
Hi Mary! Awesome! Honey is not approved, it’s considered a sugar, since you’re body/brain cannot tell the difference- sugar is sugar. No maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, coconut sugar, Splenda, Equal, Nutrasweet, xylitol, stevia, etc. – See more at: http://whole30.com/whole30-program-rules/#sthash.hG4CuHVH.dpuf. Definitely check your labels when buying foods- they will sneak sugar in anywhere possible.
As far as the first week. I would say plan well, make sure you have enough food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so you aren’t hungry. Follow the layout of a meal so you are getting the energy you body needs- http://whole30.com/downloads/whole30-meal-planning.pdf. Also, keep busy and drink a TON of water! Good luck 🙂
Hello! I heard about the Whole 30 from my daughter’s teacher right before I started a 6 week long ( 5 days a week) intense magnetic brain stimulation treatment for major depression (Called TMS for short). As I persevered through these painful treatments,my new friend was adamant that what I was eating made my depression worse. I decided once I finished the TMS, I would celebrate through Easter and start April 6th. I gave up my beloved crutch of Dr Pepper on Feb 1st. My family is doing the Whole 30 with me–husband,13 year old daughter and my undoubtedly sugar addicted 11 yr old daughter. Let’s just say sugar addiction/depression runs deep in our family. I’m excited and nervous because eating and sugar have been my crutch and constant companion through much trauma and depression, but as I have felt better thanks to the TMS, I knew it was time for myself to stop allowing myself to be a victim of my illness/genetics,etc. So,that’s my story. I welcome any support and appreciate your blog!
Hi Julie, I just saw I had a few comments- so sorry I am late here! It sounds like you should be a little way into your Whole30 journey- which is awesome! I hope it is going well for you. Sugar is SO hard to kick, honestly, for me it’s still a struggle. I deal with some anxiety and depression issues as well, so I can completely relate to using sugar as a crutch- it just felt good. What didn’t feel good was the extra 20lbs of weight and dragging feeling I had all day long. Good for you for deciding not to be a victim- I think it’s a vital step in this journey. Take control! Good Luck, I would love to hear how it went, for your family as well- are they doing ok?
I am a 34 year old mama of 2 young children . i have been struggling with depression for at lest 5 years I have been on medication before and i have decided i wanted to try a healthier more natural approach. i wanted to give myself a fair chance and do everything for myself before i explore a medication option. I am on day 5 of the paleo and with a few supplements (to heal my gut). I am also working with a natural, holistic doctor. It has been very hard to resist temptation and food prep. I completely relate to your above blog post on all levels . I have been looking for a light at the end of the tunnel, so to read that you both have suffered from depression ect I was wondering how you are doing now?
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your blog was a huge help to me in my Whole 30. I’ve lost 14 pounds and counting and have no more seasonal allergies. Thank you so much. Going to blog about my experience and hopefully inspire other http://www.thatfitfamily.com
Awesome! I’ll hop over to your blog and see how it went 🙂
Hi there!
Just stumbled across your blog– I actually have been doing Isagenix myself and a friend just started to do the Whole30, so I’ve been thinking about it myself. Interesting info! Excited to read more into it.
I just started and it is very hard but I can make it 30 days!!!!! Thanks for the instagram tips also I started following you.
where did you get the BBQ recipe I would love to try that this summer
Thank you so much for this information! I plan on starting July 27th. I carefully planned it after vacation and birthdays 🙂 I’ve already started “pinning” recipes and getting ideas of what I can make! I will let you know how it goes! Thanks for your support
Brooke
Hey! I’m planning on starting my first Whole30 next month, and this post was so inspiring. I am a college student, which presents its own lifestyle challenges, but I’m excited to start treating my body with respect from an earlier age. Thanks 🙂
Awesome, Micah! I wish I would’ve paid more attention to a healthy lifestyle when I was younger. Get control of it now, it’s much harder as you get older 🙂 Good Luck!
Almost everything you described about yourself at the beginning matches my taste. I really want to do the Whole 30 but I’m a tad hesitant seeing as though I’m sort of picky. Your blog definitely inspired me and I just wanted to thank you for that. I just had my first child 8 months ago and I’m really looking forward to getting this extra baby weight off. Congratulations on your new lifestyle!
You can do it! Believe me, if I can, you can! 🙂 Like I’ve said, good planning is key- find foods you like and explore new ways to cook them, you’ll be great!
hi. I’m currently reading and pondering doing this. I’m mostly curious if you went back to isagenix. Just being nosy lol
Hi Kirin, I did use Isagenix again. Dairy is not an issue for me and I like the convenience- so the shakes make their way into my diet a few times a week 🙂
Hi I love your post, I’m excited to try the Whole30, and you give wonderful advice. I don’t know if anyone commented on this, but I put in all those Instagram suggestions and just a tidbit, Amazon Ashley is actually amazon_ashley. The other is a 6’7 stripper ☺️
Hmm that’s odd- I just tested all of the Instagram links and they went to the correct accounts- but the link titles are not their usernames, so that might be causing so confusion 🙂 Amazon Ashely is linked to instagram.com/amazon_ashley Good Luck!
I am seriously thinking about doing this. It’s coming to be thanksgiving time, so I’d have to until after. I’d like to do between the next two holidays. I have major surgery mid January and would like to do this Whole30 before. My only concern is I need caffeine (prevent migraines) and whole milk (per ob instructions, I’m lacking the vitamins in dairy otherwise). I also have tomato, onion. Chicken, seafood allergy. Is there any way to get around my situation? As I stated, I’m in the planning stage right now and won’t do it unless I can do it successfully.
Thank you so much for your blog and suggestions.
Hi Franceska, with Whole30 there aren’t any revisions, if you can’t follow all of the rules (for medical reasons or just personal preference) you technically are not doing a Whole30- the rules are pretty strict about that. You can contact Melissa Hartwig who runs Whole30 and see if there is any way around that- but my guess is that there isn’t. You can still proceed with an elimination diet, it just won’t be Whole30. The allergies and caffeine aren’t a problem, you can eat other forms of protein and veggies, and drink black coffee, but you cannot have dairy with Whole30. Hope that helps!
Thank you for the inspiring post! I am so glad I cam across it! I just read the book, It Starts With Food and am ready to start Whole 30 tomorrow. Do you have any “breakfast” type recipes or links that you can share? I know Whole30 is more about meal 1, 2 and 3, but I like eating eggs in the morning. I am having trouble figuring out what to replace the wheat bread with. Please help!
Thank you!
Elci
Awesome! You’re welcome! I am getting ready to start another Whole30 around the 11th of January, I’m really looking forward to it!
As far as breakfast, if you like eating eggs- stick with that. That would be considered your protein. You’ll then add your veggies and a healthy fat. Avocado seems to be a popular breakfast fat, but you could also cook your veggies in coconut/avocado oil. You probably won’t find something that you’ll feel substitutes the wheat toast because breads/grains aren’t allowed at all. So just stick with adding veggies and fruits in the morning that fill you up, I did a lot of sweet potato hash- it was easy and tasty! Nom nom Paleo has a lot of great recipes, as well as Pinterest.
https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=whole30%20breakfast&rs=typed&term_meta%5B%5D=whole30|typed&term_meta[]=breakfast|typed
Hope that helps! Good Luck!
Stephanie
Good Luck!
Thanks, I would like to be included.
I am a retired nurse, and all you say is very good.
im also on facebook. jane chatelain
Hi Janie, if you’re interested all you need to know to get started will be on Whole30.com. This is just from my experience, but everything will be there as far as rules and guidelines.
Stephanie- Can you use the smart balance dairy free butter made from evoo -non GMO-on the whole 30?
Sorry Brenda, I am just now seeing this comment! No, that is not on plan- it has soy in it.
Hi! This post was so motivating! I am on day 2 and it was so rough! After reading this it definitely gave me the motivation to power through! We definitely have a lot in common.
Go, Juli! Whole30 is very challenging, but it the end, if nothing else you’ll know that you’re capable of setting a goal, with strict rules, and are able to attain it! It will feel great when you’re done!