vegetarian whole 30

So. I am on Day 11 of the Vegetarian Whole 30 (well, technically, Day 4 of my restart but more on that below).  I was inspired to try this 30-day whole eating plan after reading the two Whole 30 books.

whole 30 books

The Whole 30: The 30-Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom

It Starts With Food (the reason this hasn’t been a Book a Week yet is I’m halfway through – it’s sciencey and slow reading).

 

WHAT IS WHOLE 30?

 

The Whole 30 website is really great, so I suggest you check it out for the details.  But the original version of the plan is pretty much what most people think of when they think of a paleo diet.  Here’s a detailed description of what the Whole 30 is.  On Whole 30, you eat “real food” and (like paleo) avoid stuff like added sugar (real or artificial), alcohol, grains, dairy, soy, legumes, carrageenan, MSG, and sulfites.  You are also not allowed to re-create junk food or baked goods with Whole 30 approved ingredients.  And last, but not least, you’re not allowed to weigh yourself during the Whole 30.  Some differences between paleo and Whole 30 is you can eat potatoes on Whole 30, and there’s a larger emotional component to Whole 30 (hence, the no creation of approved junk food or weighing yourself).  There are other differences, too.

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THAT DOESN’T SOUND LIKE YOU, CAITLIN!

 

I know it doesn’t!  First – I’m not really into structured eating plans in general.  In the past, I found them restrictive and, well, not very fun.  I strive to eat mostly real food but eat my fair share of processed food or sugary treats, too.  Second (and the biggest, really) – I’m a vegetarian.  So a plan that cuts out stuff like dairy, legumes, and tofu is a huge flip would be a huge flip from my normal diet.  (But spoiler… the vegetarian version of Whole 30 DOESN’T eliminate these vegetarian staples).

 

SO WHY ARE YOU DOING IT?

 

I originally heard about Whole 30 when browsing hashtags on Instagram (try #whole30beforeandafter). Because of the big emotional component to Whole 30, there’s a large focus on the non-weight loss benefits of the eating plan.  People claim health improvements like mental clarity and better sleep.  People crush their sugar cravings, get more creative in the kitchen, stop reaching for junky carbs when they’re tired, etc.  I was intrigued by all these endorsements of Instagram users, which is why I picked up the books, especially once I noticed there was also a #vegetarianwhole30 hashtag, too. 

 

Side note – many people see improvements such as the elimination of skin and digestive issues, etc.  That’s because many of the items that people eliminate from their diet on Whole 30 are thought to be “hormone-unbalancing, gut-disrupting, inflammatory” – foods (not for everyone, of course, but for some – and the only way to figure it out is to cut those foods out for 30 days, according to Whole 30).  It Starts With Food does a good job of describing this.

 

Anyway – so I read the books.  I read the website.  And I was definitely intrigued.  You see, after several years of being really great at balanced and intuitive eating, I’ve noticed a few “habits” develop…

 

I eat way more junk food than I used to.

I mindlessly eat, especially when I’m tired or stressed.

I crave sugar all the time.  And I eat it all the time.

 

A large part of these habits, I think, was having children.  Parenting is challenging and stressful with odd hours.  I was no longer able to sit down to thoughtfully prepared meals.  I ate a lot of my meals on the go.  I randomly grabbed things from the pantry.  Lunches were sometimes three granola bars from the bottom of my purse (seriously). I would put a lot of effort into preparing healthy meals for Henry and then I’d cook a frozen pizza for myself.  The sugar stuff is definitely related to sleep deprivation and breastfeeding (breastfeeding makes you crave sugar!); also, there is a huge “vicious cycle” with my sugar consumption… the more I eat, the more I want. 

 

I had HUGE energy crashes constantly.  I was drinking a lot of coffee.  I knew that some of this up-and-down was situational (hello, small children), but I also was positive that a great deal of it was related to my diet.

 

I kept trying to change my habits with an ‘everything in moderation’ approach, which had worked for me in the past. But I wasn’t finding that technique successful in the slightest.  When I realized there was a vegetarian version of Whole 30, I thought – “Hmmm, this could be the food reset that I’ve been looking for!”  That’s kind of how I see it – a food reset.  Get back to the basics, eliminate processed stuff, and focus on real food.

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ISN’T VEGETARIAN WHOLE 30 NOT REALLY WHOLE 30? I’M CONFUSED.

 

Yeah – it is confusing.  I suspect they made a vegetarian version (here is the shopping list, which you can compare to the regular shopping list) because they knew vegetarians may want to participate but they wouldn’t be able to convince many vegetarian to eat a ton of meat for 30 days (and that is what they try to do in the books, actually – many foods you eat on the vegetarian version are known to cause health issues with some individuals [soy, legumes, dairy] so if you want the most health benefits, they say to go regular, not vegetarian, for the month).  However, I am a pretty firm vegetarian and could not imagine eating meat for an entire month, so I didn’t consider the regular version at all.

 

Here’s what you can have on the vegetarian version that you cannot on the regular version:  organic yogurt and kefir, whey protein; organic tempeh, natto, edamame, and tofu; lentils, beans, and hemp or pea protein powder.  So it’s pretty different than the regular version.

 

SO WAIT.  WHAT DAY ARE YOU ON?

 

Whole 30 is very strict.  If you eat a food that is not on the Whole 30 plan, you are supposed to start all over – regardless of whether you intentionally or accidentally ate the food <— that’s a good explanation of why.  On Day 7, I ate pizza for dinner.  I was hungry and had nothing Whole 30-friendly that I could easily prepare.  That puts me on Day 11 or Day 4, depending on how you look at it.  If you’re strictly following “the rules,” yeah – I’m on Day 4.  But I only intend to do this for 30 days, whether or not I choose to eat non-Whole 30 foods during that time period (and I’m trying really hard not to and haven’t since those three glorious slices of cheesy pizza!).

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WHAT DO YOUR MEALS LOOK LIKE?

 

My meals include a protein (eggs, tofu, legumes, edamame, or lentils), a vegetable or two (broccoli, asparagus, peppers, tomatoes are my favorites), fruit, and a starchy veggie (potatoes or squash).  I cook everything in coconut oil or ghee.  I also eat nuts (cashews, macadamia nuts, almonds, and pistachios).  I have some organic, full-fat yogurt every day, and I’ve discovered the awesomeness that are coconut flakes, which are an awesome sub-in for cereal or granola with yogurt. 

 

 IS THIS AS LIFE-CHANGING AS PROMISED?

 

Actually… yes.  I’m not going to lie – the first few days were hard, especially as I went through a sugar detox. I had a killer headache and was grumpy.  But then, around Day 5, it was like the fog lifted.  So far, I’ve noticed several benefits:

 

The food is really yummy, satisfying whole foods.  I feel so well-nourished.

More even energy levels – I haven’t been having that 3 PM slump, no matter how tired I am (I have seen a slight improvement in nighttime sleep but not much yet).

I don’t get super sleepy right after I eat a big meal.

I feel like I recover from workouts faster.

I haven’t had junk food cravings (except that pizza, I guess!).

I am eating WAYYYYYYYYY more vegetables and fruits than before.  Like – three times as much. 

I am much more thoughtful in what I eat and why.  I have been forced to stop the mindless munching. Everything that goes into my mouth tastes good AND is quality fuel.

 

ANY DRAWBACKS?

 

So much food prep. And a lot of grocery shopping because I’m tearing through perishables like veggies and fruits. Thank goodness for a Costco membership (my grocery bill hasn’t gone up much because I’m not buying as many expensive packaged foods).  If you don’t food prep on Whole 30, you get stuck without something to eat (and then you eat pizza!). 

 

It took a few days for me to figure out HOW to eat on Whole 30, too.  I felt like I was eating a lot but would end up hungry before bed.  I upped the volume and added in more fat, and now I’m in a good place. Also, you aren’t supposed to snack on Whole 30 (three big meals a day is preferred over constantly grazing, and meals should be big enough to get you through to the next without a snack). However, with breastfeeding and my exercise, that didn’t work for me no matter how big I made my meals, so I’m still snacking. 

 

Eating out sucks, of course.  But a benefit of that is that we’re saving money by not going to Chipotle every three days.  Wahoo.

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FINAL THOUGHTS?

 

I’m really glad I’m doing this challenge.  As mentioned, structured eating plans aren’t typically my thing, but I see this as sort of an emotional and nutritional food reset.  I tried several times since Claire was born to kick my sugar addiction on my own, but for once, the philosophy of “everything in moderation!” wasn’t working for me.  I kind of needed all-or-nothing to really do it.  Here’s to another few weeks of Whole 30!

 

Have you done Whole 30?  What did you think about it?  

{ 50 comments }

 

  • Beth R. June 25, 2015, 12:01 pm

    Last summer, I tried Whole 30 with my mother as a way to support her to see if this style of eating would help control her health problems. I was eating meat at the time and stopped around day 25. I was feeling terrible. Headaches started about halfway through and I felt disgusting all the time. (I was also training for a Ironman 70.3, so that may have helped with my ick feeling.) I learned to hate meat, so when I stopped, I switched back to being a vegetarian. I adopted a paleo-ish vegetarian lifestyle for about six months, watching my sugar intake and limiting grains. I didn’t feel bad, but was getting no physical results. I’m now working with a vegetarian who put grains back in my diet–including wheat–and I’m feeling better and running better than ever before. Whole30, I think, is a great plan for some, but not all.

    • Sara June 25, 2015, 8:31 pm

      Beth – I totally agree. While I think Whole30 is spot on about eliminating all the processed junk that we often don’t even know we’re ingesting and is a great option for many people, the quantity of meat (and lack of grains) just did NOT work for my stomach. I was bloated and achey and just felt “off” the entire time. I now eat a clean diet that includes some grains, though very little processed food like breads and crackers, and feel great. I guess in the end, it did help to “reset” me in that I’m not the sugar fanatic I was before and am way more conscious about what I put in my body 🙂 Thanks for the great post, Caitlin!

  • Amanda June 25, 2015, 12:36 pm

    Ahh, food prep. I love it and hate it. I love to cook… when I feel like it… and have time. Sometimes I just want to grab something and go!

  • Alyssa June 25, 2015, 12:37 pm

    I’ve read your blog for years but have never commented. When I saw your whole30 hashtag on instagram, I looked into it and immediately started listening to the two books on audible.

    I’m currently on day 4 (non-veg version) and have you to thank for inspiring/introducing me! I had never heard of the whole30 before. I feel great so far…no major cravings or withdrawals. The biggest change I’ve noticed is that I don’t get starving like clockwork 2-3 hours after eating. Feeling full for 5 hours at a time is a total novelty to me and very freeing.

    Anyway, thanks so much for the intro! Glad you posted about it.

  • Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed June 25, 2015, 1:09 pm

    I’ve done a few rounds of the Whole30 and each round has been equally enlightening. It also helped my friend get pregnant! She was trying for 2 years!

  • Cassie June 25, 2015, 1:18 pm

    I found your comments on this diet very interesting. I’ve read a lot about it. Due to a dairy allergy, I have found it much easier to just do my own thing than follow any set diet. But I think we all have natural ebbs and flows where we kind of need to reign our indulgent cravings back in. Way to go!

  • Kate June 25, 2015, 1:56 pm

    Are you completely finished with breastfeeding at this point?

  • Dietitian Jess June 25, 2015, 2:09 pm

    I like to embrace a yearly “diet challenge” so this might be something I try… while I am not technically vegetarian I eat very little meat so Whole 30 never appealed to me. I would be worried about diet changes before a big race so I usually do my challenge in Jan or Feb when I’m not doing 3 hour training workouts. I’m curious- would you do a post on what you are using to fuel and recover from workouts?? Good luck with the rest of the month!

  • Ashley N June 25, 2015, 2:29 pm

    I checked out “It Starts With Food” last week from the library, looking forward to reading it! I like the nutritional and emotional aspect, that seems like a healthy approach. I am new to focusing on my health and am down 4 lbs since last Wednesday! Just a result of keeping track of what I eat in My Fitness Pal, who knew it would actually work? 🙂

  • Laura June 25, 2015, 2:56 pm

    I’m really interested in trying this (regular Whole30 variety) and just ordered the book, but I’m on the fence. My husband has been paleo for a little while now and feels GREAT on it, but we do a lot of paleo bread, paleo pancakes, etc. which Whole30 forbids. They call paleo baked goods “sex with your pants on,” meaning it’ll make you crave the REAL THING and it defeats the purpose. So you’re supposed to go for total abstinence. Isn’t that just kind of… sad? Why is sex in this metaphor a BAD thing? Or yummy food? I guess you can do anything for 30 days, but it seems like the underlying philosophy is depriving yourself of pleasure, which just is so bleak and depressing.

    • Catherine June 25, 2015, 4:31 pm

      I’m on day 25 -and I thought the same things at first, but here’s the thing, it’s only 30 days which in the long run isn’t such a long time. 🙂

  • Erin @ Her Heartland Soul June 25, 2015, 3:30 pm

    You got this girl!

  • Katalina@ Peas and Peonies June 25, 2015, 3:38 pm

    I have seen this food trend on the internet obviously, I would try it, but honestly I can’t give up cake, or worse ice cream during summer! Maybe when the temperatures drop I will get on the band wagon and give it a try. Good luck to you!

  • Erin Hack June 25, 2015, 3:44 pm

    I’m intrigued by the Vegetarian version because sugar has been my enemy lately. Do you think the vegetarian version could be adapted to be vegan, or is that not really doable? Glad to hear it is working for you!

    • Caitlin June 25, 2015, 4:28 pm

      I think you would starve without eggs and yogurt, so my vote is no. But you could do something in the spirit of it and cut out all processed stuff.

      • Erin Hack June 26, 2015, 9:09 am

        Thanks for the honest feedback. 🙂 A no processed food plan sounds like a good start.

    • Alexandra June 26, 2015, 9:34 am

      I did it without yogurt- substituted soaked chia and shredded coconut for “yogurt”. I wouldn’t recommend going without eggs. I found free range eggs from a good farm and used those for the month.

  • Catherine @ foodiecology June 25, 2015, 4:05 pm

    I’m almost positive you just convinced me to do this. I’ve been toying with the idea for a little while, but not seriously, but knowing there’s a vegetarian version (even though I’m not vegetarian!) makes me think maybe I can do this. My diet is shit lately. Breastfeeding hanger is going strong at 8 months PP, and no wonder I’ve been eating sugar like it’s going out of style. I did NOT know BFing makes you crave sugar!!!!! I’m always eating…& usually my snacks are junk.

    I’m curious to read more…like can you mix veg/regular version? I guess since I eat meat I should do the standard version, but I can’t imagine giving up yogurt or all legumes.

    Glad to hear you’re feeling good! I’m curious to hear your end thoughts.

    • Caitlin June 25, 2015, 4:28 pm

      I guess you could do anything you wanted! Why not?

  • susanna boxall June 25, 2015, 4:14 pm

    I tried it 3 years ago and it was physically and emotionally draining. I read the book and, at the time, I was doing x-fit, which is know for pushing paleo and demonizing food groups, so I decided to give it a try. It is orthorexia disguised as a “healthy” diet, for the foundation is the exclusion of whole food groups. As you mention, if you screw up, you have to start over again. I almost LOST my shit when I was more than half way through it and realized that my nightly magnesium had stevia, which is strangely considered as bad as artificial sweeteners. I started over again and ended up doing 60+ days. By the end, I was drained of all my energy (no matter how many sweet potatoes I had I was out of juice to train and do my daily bike commutes) and felt like I was beginning to slide back into disordered eating (oatmeal and lentils are “bad foods”? WTF).

    • Caitlin June 25, 2015, 4:29 pm

      Yes, I can definitely see how this – or really any structured plan – could feel that way to certain people. I hope you’ve found some balance for yourself since!!

      • Susanna June 26, 2015, 9:01 am

        I definitely know now what sends me over the deep end with food (also, counting calories on My Fitness Pal? Road to obsession!). So, I am glad I did it.

  • Catherine June 25, 2015, 4:29 pm

    I am currently on day 25 of the regular Whole 30 , and while it’s been a challenge, like you said, I’m also feeling a lot better. I am lactose sensitive, and thought I may be sensitive to grains as well, and this has proved it. I feel so much better after I eat – no more bloating, upset stomach. I do miss grains a lot more than I thought, and having to pass on several work birthday treats and a friend’s son’s 1st birthday cake was difficult, but worth it. It’s just 30 days!

    I am looking forward to having pizza on day 31 LOL

    • Lori June 25, 2015, 6:29 pm

      So what do you do after 30 days? Will you go back to lactose and grains? I don’t understand the point of this diet. To feel good for just 30 days? I’m not trying to pick on you, I’m just genuinely curious.

      • Shannon June 26, 2015, 11:21 am

        The idea is to do a complete elimination of known inflammers (grains, dairy, soy, sugar etc) and then at the end of 30 days you systematically add these back one at a time to see what effect they have on your unique body. There’s lots of info on the Whole30 (dot) com website. 🙂

      • Shannon June 26, 2015, 11:27 am

        PS. Adding pizza back on Day 31 would be a complete wash of the reintroduction plan and any “reset” that you got because if you had a poor reaction after eating the pizza you wouldn’t know if it was the cheese, the sulphites in the pepperoni, the sugar in the sauce or the wheat in the crust.

  • Sara June 25, 2015, 4:39 pm

    I’m trying next week! (Starting Monday)! Like you, I’ve tried to kick different bad habits and I just can’t, but I feel like if I have a 30 day challenge (I know it sounds weird) that I can do it. I’m excited to see the results!

  • Lori June 25, 2015, 6:24 pm

    I can understand and appreciate why you’re doing this, Caitlin, especially as a breastfeeding mom, myself, who’s diet is way worse and full of sugar than it used to be. Especially since the veg version seems more realistic to me (but I don’t really see how the actual Whole 30 could suggest this version when it includes the foods they say are bad. What’s the point?). I just can’t understand people that do this over and over. I keep reading on social media people saying “on my 3rd round and feel amazing!”. If it’s so amazing then why don’t you eat like that all the time? I can never wrap my head around the mindset of people who eat like crap, detox, eat like crap, detox, ….. I can totally get behind cutting out processed food, sugar, alcohol, etc… but I don’t really get cutting out legumes and stuff. Sure, some people have a hard time digesting grains, or dairy, but for all these people to be on an exclusion diet, that would be used to detect a true allergy, is crazy to me. Also, a lot of people could benefit just from soaking their grains. Same with nuts and seeds, which some people have trouble with, but seem to be allowed on the diet. I don’t know. I guess my question is, what are you supposed to do after the 30 days?

  • Kacie June 25, 2015, 7:07 pm

    oh my gosh, I feel like I am in the exact same place as you! I’ve always been a healthy eater, but after my son was born (a few weeks after Claire!) I’ve developed some bad habits, pretty identical to what you described. And my husband and I had a convo a few days ago about doing a whole30 to give ourselves a reset. We did one a few years ago and I loved it. But it’s hard for me to give up the bad habits even though I know I’ll feel better on whole30. Your post gave me the kick in the pants I needed to get on board. Thank you!

  • Lindsey Gail June 25, 2015, 7:23 pm

    I was so happy to see you doing the Whole30! I’m vegetarian (more pescetarian), and choosing to do the Whole30 with eggs and seafood as per my usual. I am on day 2- and feeling quite optimistic! I, too, was looking for an emotional reset, particularly to deal with my sugar addiction and stress/emotional eating. I am also very interested in reintroducing food groups to my diet to see if there are any less desirable effects, and to find a balance that is most healthful for me. Never thought I would miss oatmeal this much!

    Another aside… any ideas about unsweetened gum? Does it exist? I really prefer to run with gum but those sweeteners are off-limits.

  • Louise June 25, 2015, 7:49 pm

    I randomly stumbled across Whole30 about a month ago and and am doing it for the same reasons as you. I have a 3 year old and a 12 week old, I’m tired all the time and I eat too much crap. So now I’m on day 18 (I think) and I still feel tired all the time (ha ha) but at least I know my breastmilk contains nutrients instead of 70% bread 30% cheese. To be honest I think it would be really easy to do it for the wrong reasons but for me it works because it’s reestablished my pattern of eating meats,veg,eggs and healthy fats over nutrient-devoid food. Can’t wait to eat oats, yoghurt and rice again though.

  • Katie June 26, 2015, 12:32 am

    I did whole30 as a precursor to autoimmune-paleo. I’m so glad I did! Totally killed my sugar cravings (my nightly treat is tea and 100% chocolate – now, even 90% seems way too sweet! ) the only meat I’ve eaten for the past fifteen years has been fish, so I was eating tons of eggs. Now that I’m trying autoimmune paleo, I am attempting to add a small amount of meat back into my diet. I really don’t like it much, but I am so limited in what I can actually eat! But yay whole30! The only thing I really missed was wine. My husband did it with me just to support me, and he was so happy with the results he’s doing a 90 day version! But yeah, the food prep is killer.

  • Lia June 26, 2015, 2:15 am

    Hello,

    I just signed the petition, “President of the People’s Republic of China: STOP THE YULIN DOG MEAT EATING FESTIVAL.”

    I think this is important. Will you sign it too?

    Here’s the link:

    http://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-people-s-republic-of-china-stop-the-yulin-dog-meat-eating-festival

    Thanks,

    LIA

  • amelia@i_heart_kale June 26, 2015, 7:09 am

    I’ve completed the original whole 30. You can check out my instagram account for past photos/meal ideas @I_heart_kale

    At the time, Caroline was only 4/5 months old, so I don’t think I reaped all the benefits (sleep being the #1 that I couldn’t achieve due to pumping/middle of night feeds….full recap on IG). I can’t wait to do another once she is a bit older.
    It definitely changed many of my horrible habits and helped with the afternoon slump. I also find that I’m no longer as snacky as I used to be and the ‘need’ for something sweet or mindlessly eating fruit at night for dessert because its ‘healthy’ has disappeared. I also think about how what I’m eating will fuel my body for daily activities/workout performance/Les mills Grit/ life with my daughter, etc.
    If you ever decide to try the original version, its wonderful. For several personal reasons/research/experience/etc I do not believe we should be consuming soy, but that’s another can of worms.
    I’m thrilled you’re feeling great so far!!!

  • Alexandra June 26, 2015, 9:22 am

    Hi Caitlin! I have done the vegetarian whole30! I’m didn’t do any dairy, but did eat some free range eggs. My “vegan yogurt” was chia seeds and shredded coconut- yum. I did it after I had finished marathon training, and was eating all the sugar and bad carbs, haha. I was seriously surprised by week 3 where someone offered me a sugary dessert and I nonchalantly said “no thanks,” and immediately thought WHO AM I!? Enjoy Whole30! It’s a great reset!

  • Sagan June 26, 2015, 9:29 am

    I’ve never done the Whole 30 but it sounds interesting! Really appreciate hearing all the detail in what’s involved with it.

    I’ve certainly followed food programs for the “reset” benefit – sometimes you just need to take a step back and get into healthier habits again, after life has derailed you.

    Good luck!

  • Kate @KateMovingForward June 26, 2015, 9:52 am

    I think it’s so true that when you don’t eat sugar you don’t crave it and when you do eat it you do! We had family visiting this week and while I started the week off well a little sweet here or there really started to snowball! I’m looking forward to getting back to my whole & nutritious foods. I don’t really have the desire to do a Whole 30, but I’m reading the book again, just to get that understanding of how food effects us emotionally and physically–good stuff!

  • Alex @ True Femme June 26, 2015, 11:04 am

    This is really interesting! I’ve heard a lot of talk about the Whole 30 but didn’t really know what it was. I like the idea of eating more fruits and veggies but don’t know if I’m ready to commit to all the food prep and detox 🙂 I hope it continues to be a great experience for you though! I’d be interested to hear how you feel after it’s all over!

  • Janelle June 26, 2015, 12:24 pm

    I’ve done a few Whole 30’s, and I love it. It makes me feel so well-nourished and gets me to eat quality food – like crazy amounts of vegetables, lots of eggs, healthy fats, etc. I always feel so good afterward that I don’t want to go back to my normal way of eating… but little by little I start to go sugar crazy again (oops). Still, it’s nice to have a way to reset that doesn’t involve just beating myself up for eating too much sugar. Also, it was how I learned that gluten just KILLS my digestive tract when my doctor was no help at all. Because of Whole 30, I’ve been gluten free for 3 years now and so much healthier than I was before!

  • Dottie (@crazyfitmommy) June 26, 2015, 12:50 pm

    I have such mixed feelings about this. On one hand, I love the idea of a completely unprocessed diet. On the other hand, I don’t think I would ever give up beans/legumes. I don’t completely buy into the idea that they’re bad for everyone, and they’re a real staple for my family even though we’re meat eaters. I’ve found the same thing after having my second baby though, I’m having a hard time getting back to healthy eating and losing the weight, so maybe I’ll have to give in and try this to reset my diet. I’m curious to see how you feel after the 30 days, and how you feel after going back to your regular healthy diet.

  • Meredith June 26, 2015, 1:14 pm

    I’m in the middle of my third W30 (day 5). My favorite parts of the W30 (at least the first one) were how it attacks the emotional aspect of eating, how to template meals and the idea of foods with no breaks. The last one was the biggest game changer as I had not thought of food in that context before.

    There were other non food related victories too. My skin was soft and perfect and my sleep improved.

    Another big thing I learned is how to minimize kitchen time. I’m an inherently lazy girl and lazy cook, so I learned to make very simple, complaint meals in about 30 minutes. Solid life skill, right there.

    Now I partake in what I call W30-light when I do W30s, instead of the strictest version of the program. I leave intact about 95% of the rules, but I don’t obsess about sugar in my bacon or if a restaurant finished my steak with butter.

  • Janette June 27, 2015, 6:36 pm

    Have you given up your beloved coffee? That’s always the deal breaker with me.

    • Caitlin June 29, 2015, 9:18 am

      Nope, you can have coffee on Whole 30.

  • Dana B June 27, 2015, 9:27 pm

    You literally described me with the sugar cravings and inability to just eat it in moderation (also nursing). I tried to do W30 when my son was about 5 mo and I noticed a dip in my supply. I’d love to try again (my daughter is 6 mo) but I’m afraid. Have you noticed a difference in your supply?

    • Caitlin June 29, 2015, 9:18 am

      Hmmmm good question. Maybe a little bit? But I have oversupply so a little less supply is not a problem for me! Nothing significant though. I think the main issue would be getting enough calories.

  • Nikee June 27, 2015, 9:57 pm

    I am on day 27 of my round 2 of whole 30. I am also like you said – all or nothing. I have never been able to complete anything I always quit. So, I am very proud that I have completing this much so far.

  • Lacey June 29, 2015, 1:15 pm

    Paleo type eating is not necessarily meat heavy. I eat far more vegetables then meat. For example today for breakfast I sauteed a ton of vegetables and added one egg and had a piece of fruit on the side. For lunch a huge bowl of spaghetti squash, leeks, black olives, basil, cherry tomatoes, and a few spoonfuls of already cooked (local) Italian sausage. I am not on Whole 30 so I added some Parmesan cheese. For dinner I will either share a piece of chicken or salmon with the husband and add a tons of vegges and baked sweet potatoes fries. You can definitely have some potatoes when you follow a Paleo way of eating. I dont have meat in every meal. I used to be sleepy EVERY afternoon when I had bread/grains for lunch. That brain fog is all gone now and have energy to last the entire day.

  • Summer August 20, 2015, 10:13 am

    Just a heads-up — your “#whole30beforeandafter” links to Modcloth, not Instagram 😉

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