Do you know what one of the many reasons is that I like blogging so much? Because you guys call me out when I need to be called out. The other day I mentioned wanting to try Whole30 (strict paleo). I really did want to try it. I’ve heard people swear that they felt more energized and who wouldn’t want more energy? This toddler mom certainly wouldn’t mind some more energy, especially if I could program it to kick in right around 4:00pm.
Vanilla Chobani, Love Grown Oat Clusters, banana and chia seeds
Anyway, you called me out. You said hey, that’s not your style- why do you want to do Whole30?
Hal-Caf with cream
…why? Well, because sometimes I am a sucker for marketing (more energy!) and I have a strong affinity for self-imposed challenges (that I’m working on). I appreciate you guys for calling me on it (well, I appreciate the ones that did so in a nice and genuine way) because after taking a closer look, I realized how wrong for me Whole30 is.
Baby kale, wheat berries, roasted carrots, asparagus and onions, chickpeas, goat cheese and Greek dressing
This isn’t to say it’s wrong for everyone. Heck, ultramarathons may be right for some people, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for me. As I looked over the “rules” (warning sign number one) of what you can and can’t have, I found myself saying I’ll do Whole30, but with wine. Yes, I can’t go without wine. Or goat cheese. Ok, goat cheese is in, too. Well, maybe I’ll pick just one grain? Quinoa? Yes, that’s a good one to keep around.
Hailey’s leftover peanut butter toast, 1.5 grapes and a La Croix
…seriously? What was I thinking. As you so pointedly explained- THAT’S NOT the Whole30. The point is that it is restrictive. The other point is that I’m not into restrictive living.
Carrots and hummus
And it’s not like I need to kick a lot of bad habits. Kicking candy bars to the curb for more veggies and lean protein may be a great swap for someone, but I’d be booting hummus and grains, both of which I deem healthy.
So I’m back to the basics and focusing on eating real foods, on all whole foods. After all, I’ve never been trendy with fashion…
so why do I need to be with eating?
And what is a Whole30 girl supposed to do when dinner calls for spaghetti squash and she forgets to buy one at the store?
Whole wheat spaghetti, homemade meatballs and garlic bread
I don’t know the answer, because I just decided to chow down on the real stuff. With a side of garlic bread for good measure.
PS- I also consumed a handful (each) of walnuts and dark chocolate chips in the afternoon. I even took a picture, then proceeded to delete it accidentally right before hitting publish. Oops.
Thanks, Jenn, for hosting WIAW!
Have you ever tried a trendy diet, only to realize it isn’t for you?
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
I’m with you on this one – I definitely don’t think that challenge would be for me. First of all, I don’t eat meat. Second of all, I love banana bread too much. 😉
Betty says
Hi Brittany,
Thanks for sharing your post. I am the avearage 30-year old girl that works in corporate accounting, busy lifestyle. I came across your article through an online search to find an article for my friend on why Whole30 is beneficial. It does sadden me that you are posting an article on something that you haven’t made a true commitment to. You are not a sucker for the marketing. The change is so different that you realize “healthy foods” is an illusion that you bought into in the first place.
6 months ago, I had the same opinion as you. Whole30 isn’t for me. I just finished my 30 days on May 14 and I can only say “Why did I wait so long?”
Please don’t inform others that this is a only a restrictive diet trend, especially since you provide such a great resource of health information to the community.
Whole30 is about taking care of your body and letting it heal for 30 days, hence you remove those food groups for 30 days. It is not restrictive living. It is only a 30 day challenge so you can see how food affects you. This is not about weight loss, but resetting your metabolism and getting back to normal.
I am not trying to convince you otherwise, but I would like you to really consider what you are posting up – a list of excuses for no commitment, no meal planning, and that you are already choosing “healthy foods.” I used those excuses for years as well.
It took me 6 months of research to commit to this program fully and when I say I stopped making excuses, I stopped doing it not only in my diet but in other parts of my life. Back your article with scientific evidence, not the fact that “you would rather give into your urges instead of meal planning and sticking to what you say you will do for 30 days.”
Again, please don’t take it the wrong way. I do appreciate and like what you are doing for your readers and it looks like they love you too 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Hi Betty! I appreciate your thoughtful comment. I’m so glad that Whole30 worked so well for you, as I’ve heard it has done for others. I’m rereading my post and you’re right, I certainly point out it’s restrictive nature, but that’s only because that is the part that doesn’t work for me. When I was younger I would hop from diet to diet and try different restrictions and I found it very taxing on my emotions and sanity, which is why I was so happy that after years of focusing on eating whole foods and dropping calorie counting that I found a healthy, balanced way of eating that doesn’t ever have me obsessing over my food choices. My personal belief is that by eating a diet focused on whole foods I can maintain a great level of health and energy. If a day came where I felt that suffered, I would explore other options, but right now my focus on real food, meal planning and cooking at home is what works for my family.
I do always hearing others points of view and do appreciate you sharing yours! The wonderful thing about healthy eating is that it is personal for what works best for each individual and it sounds like you have found a way that makes you feel fabulous, which I think is awesome!
Lindsay says
I’m on day 25 of my first Whole30, and while I will finish it because I committed to it, it’s not for me. I had a list of reasons to try Whole30– allergies, depression/anxiety, generally low energy, and a desire to lose ~15 pounds. Despite following the plan nearly perfectly (I ate a spoonful of something offered by a friend that I later found out had some soy sauce in it), I haven’t felt the magic that others have. I HAVE learned that it’s possible for me to have self-control over what I eat, so that is a plus, but overall, Whole30 has made me more stressed out and more emotional (my boyfriend would justifiably say I’ve been a total psychob!tc#). I’m over it and looking forward to going back to eating healthy, whole foods 95% of the time with the occasional indulgence. It’s not for everybody.
Carmine says
Thank you, you made all the points I would have wanted to make. You’re absolutely right that Whole30 is a temporary trial, a “proving ground” for us to see what we can and can’t handle well–not to mention what it might be like to feel truly healthy.
It took me a while to come around to the idea at first, too. I ate mostly whole foods, felt as good as I’d ever felt, and thought the Whole30 thing was too restrictive to bother with. My “turning point” was when I questioned myself as to what I was so afraid of. That I’d have to drink my coffee black? No alcohol for a month? Was I really so unable to cope without those substances in my life for 4 weeks?
It turns out that I wasn’t. It’s not fun at first, but willpower is a developed thing and today I really liked hearing from someone else who found their new willpower transferring to other parts of their life. It can be a bit saddening to think that people (myself included) might handwave away a scientific process because of the challenges alone.
Oh, and thanks for the call to use scientific evidence when making points. I absolutely love it when articles and blogs– especially those that offer health advice–do their homework.
Cheers!
blackhuff says
I’ve tried a trendy diet and failed because it was not me. I soon found that these trendy diets is not for me and that I need to follow what feels right for me.
Kimberly @ Healthy Strides says
Seriously love that Mickey and Minnie shirt. Seriously.
I think you hit the nail on the head – what’s right for one person isn’t right for another. I think it’s important we set our own rules and do what fuels our body best. I can’t imagine giving up grains, and I’ve limited dairy (because it did not fuel my body well) and I had a hard time. Because dairy is GOOD.
Hayley @ Oat Couture says
I really agree with you here I just can’t sustain something so restrictive long term and to me that’s the whole point of healthy eating! You should be able to keep it going long term! I do however think its good to try new things every now and again just until you find your sweet spot! Sounds like you’re in a pretty good place food wise though, no alterations needed! 🙂
Lee says
Whole30 sounds cool in theory, but I could never do it either.
Lauren B. says
I had the same thought when I read that you were thinking about trying whole30….why?! I personally think your way of eating is already stellar and balanced. Why mess with that? Keep doing what you’re doing… The energy will come when Hailey leaves for college… :0)
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
I love this. I too am a sucker for a challenge (hellooooo eat-in-month), and I too looked over Paleo, albeit very briefly. This girl likes bread. And beer. And that’s NEVER going to change. May as well just learn to balance it.
Chantal says
We eat fairly Paleo over here, but I know it isn’t right for everyone!
Katie says
Love this post! I have tried Paleo before and found the same thing…it just wasn’t for me. It’s hard to not want to get on the bandwagon, especially when others have so much success.
I, too, have a great diet but over the past year my sugar intake has gone through the roof… Mostly due to my wine increase 🙂 So for the next few weeks I am just going without sugar and grains so I can kick the habit and eat/drink like a normal person again.
Thanks for sharing!
Laura says
I have just finished my first whole30. I would probably not have thought it was for me either 15 years ago (I am 55 now) because I wasn’t having any health problems. Giving up wine, pizza, brownies? No way. Since then I have been diagnosed with breast cancer, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, IBS, and Adrenal Failure. I had been on a what I thought was a healthy diet of no gluten (still plenty of grains) cream in my coffee, 90% organic, 80% raw diet for 2 years. My osteoarthritis started getting dramatically worse. Uh, oh. Then I found this. Arthritis pain 90% improved, energy levels way up, much sharper mentally, etc. I’m thinking this is the answer for systemic inflammation. If you can get away with it, go for it, but for how long? Not everyone who eats like I did gets ill, but from my experience with everyone my age, there is something that is not right with their body, either joint stiffness, foggy thinking, can’t sleep, and that is the “new normal and the body getting older”. And I don’t feel like this is restrictive either. It’s all in how you look at it. I’m willing to trade off for quality of life. Yes, when I feel I have healed sufficiently enough, intestines really repaired and no systemic inflammation, then I will see what I can add back in, like red wine, love it! After writing this however, if someone had told me this 15 years ago, I probably wouldn’t have done it. What is truly healthy?
Carmine says
Thanks very much for your point of view, and your experiences. I think what people investigating Whole30 sometimes miss is that, rather than being a quick fix for weight or energy issues, it’s a “reset” for both your body and your habits.
It’s very easy to say that we feel healthy and certain troublesome food don’t trouble us at all–but until we’ve done the experiment, how can we say for certain? To be certain, our bodies need a clean break to heal, and then have those foods reintroduced, ideally one at a time. Whole30 is that temporary period, for our bodies to heal and for us to scientifically isolate things that affect us more than others.
And it gets a lot easier when we stop confusing the phrase “I can’t do that” with “I won’t do that.”
John J. Stathas says
What a pretty little girl you were – and still are!
Lindsey @ Pas de Deux says
What a great post, Brittany! Whole30 may be right for some people, but for others (like me and you!), focusing on a healthy, whole foods based diet that includes grains and wine here and there is the way to go. Restriction has been a problem for me in the past, so I try to focus on holistic healthy eating, which includes the occasional bowl of ice cream or “unhealthy” indulgence now and then 🙂 I think I would miss Greek yogurt too much to eat Paleo…
Karen says
I don’t think that challenge would be for me either.
Sunnie@moderngirlnutrition says
Your breakfast looks heavenly! Have a great day:)
Becky says
I know people who have done the Whole30 and while they felt great during & afterwards, the FIRST THING they did was go eat something that was restricted/not allowed during their initiation period. Wait, what?!
I think a good cleanse every once in a while is good thing, but the Whole30 isn’t for me. Or you apparently. 🙂
Any progress on Atlas Shrugged?
Brittany says
I stopped reading for so long I had to back track so I’m in the VERY beginning. Hank Reardon just poured his metal. I have a LONG way to go 🙂
Jamie @ FoodinRealLife says
Good for you girlfriend! 🙂
Mary says
I love food. Cow’s milk and other dairy products are among my favorite foods, and my body handles them well. I can’t imagine going long term without them.
That said, I still enjoy vegan dishes! If you find some paleo recipes your family enjoys, add them to your repertoire! It’s cliche, but variety is the spice of life!
Ashley says
Also, to clarify from my comments about Whole30 the other day. I do paleo for allergy reasons. 🙂 Gluten and milk. It just makes it easier for me. Plus, I have more energy when I stay away from a lot of starches. You do what’s best for you. That’s all any of us can do.
Amanda @ Sistas of Strength says
Funny…this is how I felt about south beach diet back in the day when I know a lot less about nutrition and specifically what works for me. I tried it and was absolutely miserable. My diet has changed a ton and I actually think I could do the whole 30 without even changing all that much from what I currently eat, but like you I’m not really in the mood to give up wine…and honestly I love protein muffins made with protein powder. 😉 A lot of people assume that I am paleo and I have to explain I eat a lof of meals that are “paleo”, but I don’t really classify my diet with a name or any very specific restrictions.
Maria says
Haha. I almost chimed in when you asked about Whole30 (since I’ve done it in the past), and say, “But, Brittany, you already eat super healthy!”…but I’m glad others beat me to the chase. So I’ve in fact done Whole 30 for yes, you guessed it: 30 whole days. I had more energy. I completely lost any and all sugar cravings. I had better workouts. But, I was also cranky. I wasn’t feeling like I was living my life the way I want to. It was very similar to when your friend wanted to meet you for lunch. When someone would suggest a place to eat that wasn’t very Whole30 friendly, I’d get anxious and turn down their offer. That’s no way to live! So I think you made the right decision!
Shel@PeachyPalate says
I’m totally in to individuality when it comes to eats, paleo seems to work for some people, but anything with strict rules and eating for me just don’t go together! That said I am vegan but that all started for health reasons! 🙂
Michelle @ Lifewithacrazypup says
That’s exactly what happened with us! My husband kept says… “why do I have to give up greek yogurt? why do I have to give up hummus? neither of those things are bad for me.” and I honestly didn’t have an answer for him! Thanks for putting it out there and being volunerable!
Sherry says
Healthy moderation works well for me. As soon as I say I’m not going to have something, that’s all I want!
Olivia @ Liv Lives Life says
Great post. It really does help to sometimes sit back and think about the challenge you are planning on undertaking. I’m contemplating going vegetarian during February (just to try it out), but I really have to think about it before I commit!
Your eats look amazing – especially the spaghetti and meatballs! YUM!
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome says
I thought about the Whole30 but it is pretty restrictive. Although, so is Paleo which I’m doing now so maybe I could do it… I still haven’t given up wine but am doing good so far! I, like you, am a goat cheese fan and have been missing it greatly! So after my 30 days are over I’ll probably add it back in along with Greek Yogurt. Might stick to gluten-free for a while though as I’m feeling better so far!
Melisa says
They make some great raw cheeses that are available at certain stores! I’m doing a Whole30 right now so none for me, I found the last time I did one if I ate any dairy other than raw cheese I’d break out within the hour. Giving up the wine, for me, isn’t as hard as sugar in general! That’s why I needed another 30 days of strict eating and cleansing 🙂 Check local stores for raw cheese, Trader Joes has some but really read the labels because some are still processed 🙁 It can be pricey but I prefer the selection at Whole Foods AKA: Whole Paycheck. Just remember; don’t cook or heat the cheese then it’s no longer raw.
Good luck!!
Nikki says
Mmmm something about homemade meatballs is so warming to me 🙂
And I am proud of you for listening to what works best for you! To each their own, right?!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
The last “diet” I ever did was a Suzanne Somers diet when I was in college 8 years ago. It worked, in the sense that my belly has never been flatter. And the positive about it was that I was never hungry … I didn’t have to do low calorie or anything. But it just wasn’t realistic for real life. Since then, I’ve stayed away from all diets and low calorie eating. And I think my body thanks me for it. 😉
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate says
I would die on whole 30. LOL.
Angela says
I always think I want to try paleo or try whole foods only for awhile… but then I think, who am I kidding? It’s one thing to eat healthy, but to try those just for a challenge is a bit silly. (For me.) I lose the sense of why I want to do it and get lost in the self-competitiveness.
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says
brittany, this is SO similar to how i feel!!! proud of you for doing what’s right for YOU!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
At one point I tried a low-carb diet, and now looking back I think, “what in the world was I thinking?” I love carbs and the idea of giving them up is ridiculous for me. Now that I am a vegetarian, giving up carbs would be totally unrealistic for me. My body needs carbs and the energy that they provide, so you definitely will not find me restricting carbs ever again!
Jodie says
Your “diet” is so wonderful and balanced. I am glad you arent doing Whole30. I view you as one of the true and honest “all foods fit in moderation” bloggers and it made me sad when I thought you were going to! Props to you, woman!
Mollie says
I agree! I feel like so many bloggers are trying to be trendy with their “diets”. I love how you eat realistically…and I use a lot of your menus for meal ideas for my kids!
Eating 4 Balance says
I think the Whole30 is definitely a good thing for those who react poorly to dairy and grains, but you’re right. It’s not for everyone. You can still implement what the Whole30 is all about though, which is just eating whole clean foods.
It’s so great that you can rely on your fellow bloggers to have your back 🙂
Jessie says
Love the theory, but it’s just not for me either.
p.s. can I come over for dinner next time you make that pasta dish??? 🙂
Gina @ Health, Love, and Chocolate says
I definitely agree with your take on this. Although Whole30 seems great for those wanting to solve dietary/digestive issues/etc. I personally don’t like restricting food to what I “can or “can’t” have. Plus, I certainly could not live without goat cheese. 😉
Jo @ LivingMintGreen says
Hey, new here. I found you through Tiff’s blog, but I LOVE THIS. I’m so ready for the paleo trend to be over, and I wish people would stop viewing perfectly healthy foods as ‘bad’, or like avoiding grains is going to solve their lifes ailments. I think that if people spent at least half the time working on their internal issues rather than strictly focusing on changing their bodies, we’d be so much more balanced & healthier.
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
Oh my, so true. I was feeling the same way this past week. I read “It starts with Food” and was also really intrigued and tempted to try. But I eat just like you! It wasn’t anything close to my norm… and I have no intentions of giving up all grains, and especially not dark chocolate. Keep doing what you’re doing! You’re already one healthy mama.
theresa @ aspoonfulofsunshine says
YES! I feel this way about a lot of whatever new diet trend comes around. They all sound great and I always hear such great praises about how they make people feel, but I already eat healthy. And yes, somedays I am lacking in the energy department and resort to coffee and chocolate,b ut I wouldn’t have it any other way 🙂
Jen@HealthyFoodandFamily says
I’m with you on this one! Ever since I decided to count nutrients instead of calories about 8 months ago, not only have I dropped 45lbs, but all of my old food “rules” are gone and I can’t imagine (nor do I want to!) going back to the crazy restrictions that got me to 220 lbs in the first place!
Nichole says
GREAT post! I was nodding along, especially with the hummus:)
Ali @ WHOLEistically Fit says
We share such similar philosophies when it comes to food. Anything that has rules, restrictions, or entails the word “diet” has me running for the door. I really appreciate how honest and genuine you were in this post. 🙂
Danica @ It's Progression says
I can relate–I mean, I’m glad that Whole30 can work wonders for some people, but I just don’t think it’s right for me either! And there’s nothing wrong with not giving into that pressure 😉
Shannon says
Thanks for this post. I was set to do the Whole30 and went to the grocery store…and changed plans based on the fact that we couldn’t afford it. One can of coconut milk was$2.99. One avocado was $1.49. I have 5 kids to feed and the plan was just too restrictive. I’m glad I stumbled upon this post. It’s a great reminder that I’m doing just fine without having to follow that particular challenge.
Alissa says
I read It Starts with Food this past November and it really hit home for me. I was spinning out of control with my eating habits. Do I want to do the Whole30 challenge, yes. Do I think that I could actually do it, no.
I do have to say that since reading that book I have cleaned up my lifestyle 80% I just miss oatmeal way too much and I don’t think that I could look at another egg for breakfast again anytime soon. I am going to get back into following my favorite healthy blogs, finding new ones, and getting my lifestyle back on track!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
Is veganism considered trendy?
I’m just going back to it is important to do what works for you. Yes, food challenges or new diet plans can be good for some people, especially those who need to kick start a total overhaul of the way they have been eating. Heck, I’m about to help with a 28-Day Challenge for the Engine 2 diet at Whole Foods, teaching recipes and techniques to people who are making lifestyle changes. However, I believe in the plant-based way of eating. I do not believe in a lot of Paleo stuff, because, as you said, it cuts out a lot of things I believe are healthy and love to eat. 🙂
However, adapting a ‘diet’ to your needs is just the way to go. That is why I am a vegan with benefits. It’s quirky to say, and it means I can eat yogurt, which, in its Greek form, has actually helped out my system a LOT. Most other dairy, however, does not.
Jeff says
Interesting post. I’m on day 7 of my Whole30 after years of eating paleo and feeling great. While it may “not be for some people,” I have a different view on food altogether since removing grains and dairy from my diet and reaping the benefits. I don’t see it so much as “restricting” what I’m eating as much as I see it as eating what’s good for me and not eating what makes me feel like garbage. I’d simply rather not have dairy because it makes my stomach hurt, bloats me, and makes me excuse myself from the table than to indulge in cheese because I like it so much. The Whole30 – and I’m a fan of Whole9 but I’m not advocating anything – is not about permanent omission of your favorite foods, but temporary evaluation of how the foods you eat affect you, physically, mentally, and emotionally, and whether you want to make more permanent changes based on that evaluation. Red wine is great, I love it, but on a Whole30, which *is* strict, it’s simply not allowed because of the potential *negative* side effects that could derail progress during 30 days that you’re attempting to absolute optimal health.
I also find it interesting to read so many people write they wouldn’t be able to do it. Where’s your faith in yourself?! Of course you can do it! You’ll miss oatmeal too much? Oatmeal will be there when you get back, I promise. And there’s more to breakfast than eggs. 🙂
Anyway, great post, and great pictures. Hungry just looking at them. Wish I could have some of that garlic bread and spaghetti, but I’ll take the meatballs if there are no breadcrumbs or cheese in them. 😉
Brittany says
Hi Jeff! Thanks so much for your comment. I love hearing about people’s experience with Whole30 and I’m so glad yours is positive. I’ve seen it really turn people’s health around, which is fantastic! For me personally, my body doesn’t have any sensitivities or allergies, so I thrive on a wide variety of whole foods. I am always open to hearing other points of view and it sounds like it’s been a very positive experience for you! Thanks for your input 🙂
Andrea says
Phew this spoke to me! Glad I stumbled across this post before a potentially very unhappy 30 days!
Gwen says
Being from a family of celiacs and related to many with auto-immune disorders and some with heart disease, I have been very motivated to address my own issues; hormonal imbalances, acne, depression, cystic ovaries and mood swings with cravings. It was not until I cut out grains completely that I began to feel level. If you have no problems, nothing to fix. For the majority of us, I think there is a lot of denial because familiarity is comfortable, and change is hard. But, it’s so great to not feel low, to not have joint pain or acne. I’m 55 now and feel better than I did at 30. The Whole 30 is a great way to figure what foods are making you less than optimal. Wish I had done this a long time ago.
Brittany says
Hi Gwen, thanks for your comment! I think elimination diets are great for helping people with underlying health issues find the cause to their problem and I”m so glad you feel so great! Since my body feels good on all whole foods, it isn’t a great fit for me, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t good for some people. Thanks for your input!
Kirstin C (@ultrarunnergirl) says
I had all those same thoughts, even as I moved closer to the “paleo” lifestyle. I figured I’d sorta eat paleo, and just work on reducing my sugar intake. I could not do it. No willpower.
And then one day I said, Oh, for god’s sake, it’s 30 days. Just try it and if you feel like it’s too much, quit.
That was 32 days ago. They aren’t lying about the energy. I have NEVER felt this good before. Give it 30 days. Heck, give it 14. What do you have to lose?
D says
Hi, thank you for your blog – your readers are very smart pointing out the issues with the diet. I did the whole30 and fell in love with it to the point where I couldn’t eat outside of the food list without getting incredibly sick. It’s been5-months and I now have food sensitivities that i never had before including gluten, dairy and sugar (to name a few), and I’m on a strict nutritionist-supervised diet in order to reintroduce grains into my world. My doctor did blood work for me before & after the challenge with the after results showing that my hormone & nutrient levels dropped dramatically and I’m now on 5 different hormones and over 20 supplements. (i’m not exaggerating). Even though I lost weight, I am at my highest body fat percentage ever because while I maintained my crossfit workouts, my body was burning muscle. There are many great aspects to the diet such as eating clean and practicing discipline, but every doctor & nutritionist I’ve talked to agrees that this type of a strict diet should not be followed for more than 2-weeks (unless supervised). I’ve seen people do modified versions of whole30 and that’s what I would personally suggest to anyone who’s interested. Going all in 100% is NOT a good idea!
Jen says
Great post. I’d like to eat more healthfully but that program asks too much of me! Plus seeing all of the #whole30 tweets only makes me predisposed to hate it.
Leesa says
I am on Day 5 of whole30 and doing it because my husband asked me to do it with him. So far I feel like #$#@@# and am having health problems I never had before like hair loss. I was a pretty healthy eater before as well and I exercised, but I was a fan of cheese and some cream in my coffee, oh, and wine. Grains I was already using sparingly but not restricting them completely. Since day 1 I can barely make it through a workout. I’m growing more skeptical each day. I’m a researcher by profession so healthy skepticism is a job requirement. The more Whole30 forum posts I read, the more I feel like I have been tricked into joining a cult. Anything bad that happens to you in the 30 days is immediately attributed to “your body adjusting” and if the entire month doesn’t bring you life-altering changes, then your are one of those people for whom 30 days just isn’t long enough. I feel as if I am being asked to drink the no-sugar added Kool-Aid.
Jillian @ Baby Doodah! says
Ahhhh… Finding this article was perfect! I literally am reading Paleo Manifesto as we speak, trying to decide if following the Whole30 lifestyle is for me.
I kept doing what you were doing, it’s okay to have this, and maybe that. And then eventually it just spiraled into so much past what the diet allows.
I have such an all or nothing mentality and I need to just realize that if I begin eating better, and workout, the weight will come off and I’ll feel better emotionally and physically. I don’t NEED to follow a specific diet in order to live a healthier lifestyle.
What a great post!!
Anne Brown says
Thank you for writing this! Whole30 is becoming increasingly popular and I was feeling like maybe I needed to join the crowd. But I don’t have any problems and I’m a really healthy eater! I’m tired, but like you I have a toddler – so I guess that’s just real life. I was trying to convince myself that this was the next food change I needed to make, but in the end where would I be? Right back to the great habits I’ve already formed over the last 3 years. I really appreciate reading your words. It has given me the permission I was looking for to listen to my body – it was saying “No, please don’t do the whole30!” And now I can celebrate with a slice of bread.
Marie Chadwick says
I love Shaklee products. I’ve been using them for 30 years. 😀
Whole 30 is not for me either. It’s restrictive and I also think it’s more of that black&white thinking that anorexics, bulimics, food addicts don’t need.
It doesn’t teach you anything about living in the real world because of constantly having to redo another Whole 30. One single mistake and it’s off to the woodshed for another beating.
It’s negative reinforcement. Most followers can never admit to themselves that living off and on is not wisdom – it’s a food disorder. This enables all of those disorders.
Drink your shakes, eat a wide variety of everything in “oh gasp” moderation. Moderation is a taboo word on Whole 30 and weight loss is forbidden to talk about. You must treat it as your new religion. I run from this theology.
Jill says
I tried whole30 for the the full 30 days. I had more energy, but I also gained about 5-6 pounds around the middle! It’s a nice experiment, but I haven’t seen any bad effects from adding back in breads or chocolate or wine. I certainly felt the effects of avoiding them! Dairy, I will continue to avoid, but I knew that before whole30.
Jaime says
I just found your site, and I have to say, I love how respectful everyone is here. It’s very refreshing!
If you’ve read the Whole30 book, you know that even the authors do not advocate eating Whole30 foods 100% of the time for the rest of your life. And, they do an excellent job of outlining why certain foods are eliminated during a Whole30, and back it up with plenty of scientific research. So I don’t really think it’s fair to call it “trendy” or assume it’s “not for you” if you haven’t read the book. You may eat a clean, balanced diet and decide not to do it – and that’s great! I’m truly happy for you that you’re healthy and don’t feel you need to abstain from certain foods.
That being said, I never thought I had a problem with beans or wheat before. I loved hummus, turkey chili with black beans, and would eat sprouted wheat bread with breakfast. After eliminating these foods, though, I realized that I actually DON’T tolerate them well, and I feel even better than I did before by not eating them. Rather than just assuming that foods generally accepted as healthy are good for everyone, what could it hurt to try it? N always equals 1, so each individual person is going to tolerate foods that others can’t. There are even Whole30 approved foods that I don’t tolerate well, but I didn’t realize it until I eliminated them for a period of time. Again, my own N=1 experiment.
I eat Paleo, but I eat oats on occasion. I eat quality dark chocolate a couple of times per week. I drink wine (um, more than occasionally). I eat sushi with rice once a week. I know that I tolerate these things fine because I figured it out for myself in my N=1 experiment. My only request is that you don’t shoot it down without understanding the “why” and the science behind the program. You never know what you might learn! 🙂
Melissa says
Some people have to eat this way. I was once a girl who loved beer, bread, and sugar too! When I was 25 I ended up with an autoimmune condition bladder disease called IC and things started getting worse. I also had joint pain, fatigue, bloating and felt drugged even though I didn’t do drugs! I am 36 now and I ended up healing myself over the years through eliminating white sugar, all grains, and dairy and natural treatments. So its basically paleo. Now that I am feeling good I will go off sometimes and the joint pain and fatigue come back quickly even with gluten free grains or white sugar. I think it is more about gut health and inflammation then anything and what your body can digest. I had a lot of antibiotics in life before getting really sick. I think the point of whole 30 is to allow someone to see if a food does indeed effect them. The lucky ones can come off it and not experience symptoms and go back to a typical American whole food diet with occasional cheat. For some people though they will find they feel best keeping certain foods out of their diets and this is a blessing if they feel better. If you feel great already, you don’t have energy or mood problems have clear skin and no bloating after you eat, I am not sure you need to try Whole 30… and more power to ya!