Anyone here tried Whole30?

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

I have a friend who posts daily pictures of her meals on Instagram while she is doing the Whole30. Most of the times her meals look delicious and are extremely healthy since they follow the Whole30 guidelines. I have even made a few of the meals myself simply because they looked so good. Now I am actually considering trying out this Whole30 challenge but other than her, I don't know a single soul who has even heard of the program let alone tried it. I am hoping some fellow Dis'ers may come through.

If you are not familiar with the Whole30 challenge, the gist of it is a 30 day challenge of eating meats, seafood, veggies, eggs & fruits while eliminating grains, dairy, sugar, alcohol, white potatoes and beans. Just 30 days, no cheating allowed. I guess it's designed to be a jumpstart to healthy eating.

 

[Nayan]

Basically Paleo repackaged to look like something new. You can find all of that info for free around the web so no need to buy the book.

 

[hlg22]

I have heard of it. I guess if someone is eating really unhealthily with a lot of fast food, processed food, etc. and it helps them to make better choices, it's fine. I do like that it's not intended to be a permanent thing, because I don't think something that restrictive is sustainable for most people. Personally, I prefer the "everything in moderation" approach - I eat mostly vegetarian food that I cook from scratch, mostly organic/local/in season and the small amounts of meats that I eat are also locally raised and pastured. I eat dessert or have a glass of wine occasionally, and I don't subscribe to the theory that dairy and grains are necessarily "bad" for you.

 

[LJSquishy]

I'm familiar with it!

I really wanted to do a Whole30 but I have a lot of new adjustments going on right now so I decided for now to do a mostly paleo diet instead. "Mostly paleo" in the sense that I allow myself a whole milk latte with flavoring every day but otherwise am dairy free. My milk is local organic 100% grass fed pasteurized but non homogenized.

I've just been diagnosed with Hashimoto's (auto-immune hypothyroidism) and in addition to that found out I have pretty bad adrenal fatigue (Stage 3), so I'm trying to juggle thyroid meds and supplements, etc. My naturopathic doctor recommended I go gluten-free for my thyroid, so I just decided to try out paleo.

It's surprisingly easy! I struggle at breakfast a little because I don't really like eggs as a main dish for breakfast (I do like eggs, just not for breakfast) but I'm getting used to the idea that any food can be eaten at breakfast. So far I have not made paleo-approved versions of typical non-paleo foods (like muffins, pancakes, etc) so in that sense I'm following a little of Whole30 as well. I do miss having legumes because it's hard to have a vegetarian meal without eating soy or beans!

I've been at it for one full week and have lost 4lbs! I'm about 20lbs overweight. I was always hungry the first couple of days but just kept on eating more and more. I'm starting to feel better now. I really don't miss the grains (aside from quinoa) like I thought I would. I'm not doing it specifically for weight loss, but for my thyroid health and also for trying to conceive (4 miscarriages) and getting my body in the best health.

I haven't even attempted eating out yet which would be tough because I like unhealthy food when I eat out.

 

[LJSquishy]

Oh, I'm also not eating any natural sweeteners such as maple syrup or raw honey so that also falls into more Whole30. And, no processed food at all actually (so far).

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

I'm familiar with it!

I really wanted to do a Whole30 but I have a lot of new adjustments going on right now so I decided for now to do a mostly paleo diet instead. "Mostly paleo" in the sense that I allow myself a whole milk latte with flavoring every day but otherwise am dairy free. My milk is local organic 100% grass fed pasteurized but non homogenized.

I've just been diagnosed with Hashimoto's (auto-immune hypothyroidism) and in addition to that found out I have pretty bad adrenal fatigue (Stage 3), so I'm trying to juggle thyroid meds and supplements, etc. My naturopathic doctor recommended I go gluten-free for my thyroid, so I just decided to try out paleo.

It's surprisingly easy! I struggle at breakfast a little because I don't really like eggs as a main dish for breakfast (I do like eggs, just not for breakfast) but I'm getting used to the idea that any food can be eaten at breakfast. So far I have not made paleo-approved versions of typical non-paleo foods (like muffins, pancakes, etc) so in that sense I'm following a little of Whole30 as well. I do miss having legumes because it's hard to have a vegetarian meal without eating soy or beans!

I've been at it for one full week and have lost 4lbs! I'm about 20lbs overweight. I was always hungry the first couple of days but just kept on eating more and more. I'm starting to feel better now. I really don't miss the grains (aside from quinoa) like I thought I would. I'm not doing it specifically for weight loss, but for my thyroid health and also for trying to conceive (4 miscarriages) and getting my body in the best health.

I haven't even attempted eating out yet which would be tough because I like unhealthy food when I eat out.

Honestly I don't think I even knew what the Paleo was so I didn't draw any connection. I too wondered if I might try a modification of Whole30 and add in rice if I'm super hungry and greek yogurt for a breakfast if needed. Then again I read no cheats allowed, even licking a spoon. Sounds like the modified version works for you though. I am considering it to change my eating habits, not for weight loss although that would be a great and much needed benefit.

 

[EmJay2001]

I have heard of it in search of recipes for my family. We went sugar and white flour free about 6 weeks or so ago. Since I only eliminated white flour and sugar (I do use a bit of honey when necessary, like for dough to feed the yeast) I have not made any of the Whole30 recipes. There are some excellent sugar free recipes out there for a total lifestyle change (having said that, we do have "cheat meals" twice a week for practicality sake).

 

[Chikabowa]

I've done 9 whole30 programs over the last 2.5 years. Some I've stretched out as long as 4 months, some I've just stuck to the 30 days. In the times I'm not doing whole30 I'm a strict paleo eater. Over that time I've lost 125lbs and I've revolutionized my life and my family.

It's hard, but amazing and well worth the sacrifice. I will never go back to traditional food pyramid eating again. I too have an autoimmune disfunction (Hashimoto's) and my health has never been better.

I do have It Starts With Food which is a great read and really puts the nutritional science under a microscope. The two cook books, Well Fed and Well Fed 2 are the best resources for livable recipes. They are huge hits with my entire family, including the little ones. I'm not a fan of most internet recipes that are labeled whole30. Most are pretty bland and unnecessarily complicated.

Once you make a recipe, it's easy to streamline the process. I don't bake or do paleo-baked goods. I'm also not a huge fan of taking traditional dishes and paleo-fying them (like lasagna, but I will say the Pad Thai in well fed is definitely spot on in taste and texture!).

Anyway that is my experience. I'm very very happy and satisfied living this lifestyle and after 2.5 years it is completely intuitive and easy to live.

 

[ashley0139]

I tried it and didn't make it. No excuses, just didn't have enough will power I guess. I'm hoping one day to try again and make it the full 30 days.

 

[Chikabowa]

I tried it and didn't make it. No excuses, just didn't have enough will power I guess. I'm hoping one day to try again and make it the full 30 days.

Don't feel bad!
Willpower is a myth and has nothing to do with success. The real issue is the chemical addiction we all have to sugar! It's real and as powerful as any drug addiction. So you can't really "will" yourself over something that powerful.

So pick up and try again. And if you fail, then you try again. Eventually you'll be able to fight off the sugar monster.

There is one big hump at day 5 and then there is a huge hump around days 11-17. After that point it's really smooth. But there have been many a moment where I've stood in front of the fridge or pantry crying because it was so hard.

That's why, if you are not experienced, it's recommended that you actually do an entire kitchen clean out prior to starting so that there is NOTHING in the house that can tempt you.

 

[sbtrfly74]

It sounds like paleo, or you can also google caveman diet. I did it a year ago with great results, but once I tried it again later it didnt work for me at all. Not sure why its all healthy food. Thats when I bought the Virgin diet book, I thought I had an intolerance to some (healthy) food.

I actually never read the book b/c the same day I decided to try Weight Watchers on my own for a week. I bought up every item in Target that had a point value on it and googled the rest. A week later I joined.

You cant beat Paleo though, its a very healthy lifestyle of eating if you can stick to it.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

Wow, I'm so happy to find more people who have done it. I'm not good with fighting off a craving so it will be extra hard if my hubby won't do it with me. I'm thinking I might actually have a shot at making it 30 days. What has been people's experience after the 30 days (if you stopped at 30). I know I can't eat this way for a lifestyle change but I do hope it gets me to eliminating things I don't need to eat.

 

[bellanapoli]

What has been people's experience after the 30 days (if you stopped at 30). I know I can't eat this way for a lifestyle change but I do hope it gets me to eliminating things I don't need to eat.

I've eaten this way (paleo) for about 3 years now. I personally found that gluten and dairy make me feel terrible and were at the root of my sinus problems. So, I don't eat them at all anymore (or at least if I have a bite, I'm prepared for the consequences).

The best thing, honestly, is you'll get your taste buds back. It's remarkable. When all the artificial stuff is out of your system you'll be able to taste food again. Stuff I never thought I could stop eating honestly tastes gross now because you can taste the chemicals.

 

[BadgerGirl84]

Yeah...I did it for 3 weeks...then I went on a weekend getaway and had some pizza and wine. Oops.

 

[worm761]

Can anyone share some good paleo resources? I know I can google and get a ton of hits but I can't know which ones are good and which ones aren't. Thank you!

 

[nene0182]

I've done whole 30 a few times over the past few years. It definitely takes some planning and organization, which I lack which is why I don't do it full time. But, I've learned tips and recipes and use them often.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

Yeah...I did it for 3 weeks...then I went on a weekend getaway and had some pizza and wine. Oops.

I was hoping you would say after 3 weeks you were disgusted by the pizza and wine. One can dream.

 

[Chikabowa]

I was hoping you would say after 3 weeks you were disgusted by the pizza and wine. One can dream.

Ha!
I haven't been able to kill the craving for wine (when I'm not actively doing a whole30 that is my one indulgence in my strict paleo routine!). But pizza I definitely don't crave anymore. There comes a point where stuff like that doesn't even taste good; as a previous poster mentioned your tastebuds completely change.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

Well it sounds like enough people here have had a decent experience with it. DH told me last night he would do it with me so that is a tremendous help. I am going to make sure I have a solid plan with menus before I start so I don't risk any mishaps. Wish me luck!

 

[Poohforyou]

I don't do any specific program but a few years ago gave up sugar and wheat plus highly processed wheat substitutes like all the gluten free junk on the market. I do use some natural sweeteners like honey and agave. I do eat grains like quinoa, brown rice and also legumes. I hate dairy so that isn't a problem. I will use almond milk and occasionally soy. I do admit to having coke zero about once a week.