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If you’re reading this, you’re either about to embark upon a Whole30 journey and want to know what to expect, or you’re looking for encouragement as you’re eating your 48th hard boiled egg for the week and wondering how other people have gotten on in week one.
What is Whole30?
Whole30 has been around since 2009 when it was developed by Melissa Hartwig, a Certified Sports Nutritionist. If you want all the details consider purchasing The Whole30 and maybe even The Whole30 Cookbook. Or, you can borrow it for free from the library, like I did.
Many folks gravitate toward this diet for weight loss benefits. For me? Well, the weight loss benefits will be welcomed, but I mostly want to FEEL better and hopefully improve some nasty allergy symptoms that I’ve been dealing with for months. I knew many people who successfully completed a “round” of Whole30 10-15 years ago with rave reviews. At the time, I was not interested because of the carb restrictions as I was vegan.
While it is possible to complete a variation of the diet as a vegan, it isn’t true to the program, and I wasn’t about that. Fast forward to, well, now, and this is just what I need in my life. I just returned from a vacation a couple of weeks ago, have been snacking all summer with my kids, and feel generally blah. Not to mention, the nasty allergies that have plagued me.
What does this diet entail? I will again refer you to the book for the gritty details. In a nutshell, you are asked to give up some heavy hitters like dairy, legumes, sugar, grains (the biggest tragedy for me), and processed or artificial anything. Snacking is discouraged, and fruit is allowed only if you aren’t using it as a sugar substitute (bananas, I’m looking at you).
I Messed Up
To be honest, I messed up before I began. Beginning this diet takes some preparation. You must read the book, prepare your lists, prepare your BRAIN, tell your friends to conjure up some support, go shopping, and rid your house of anything off plan. Did I do most of this? No. Will it ultimately cause me to fail? I’ll keep you posted, but not yet.
I am currently on day 7 and going strong. I knew the general premise of the diet, and decided before reading the book that I would do this on a whim last Monday. Then I proceeded to head to the library to get the book, which I read in one sitting. I then went through my kitchen to round up the things that were exclusively mine to give them away so I wouldn’t be tempted by them, and took inventory. Go check some of your ingredient labels, as you will be so surprised that sugar is in absolutely everything. It is truly horrifying.
I had already been to the store, and decided to limp through the week without caving and buying more food. Spoiler alert, we went through a ton of eggs, potatoes, and avocados. I informed my husband that he did not have to do this with me, but for my sanity, he was eating this way for dinner so I didn’t have to make a separate dinner for myself. THIS would have derailed me quickly.
My Experience
So, do I feel better yet? Not exactly. But I’m not supposed to. In the first week, you should expect to feel some withdrawal symptoms and general lethargy. For me that included a nagging, headache and a constant feeling of hunger, even though I’ve been eating plenty. But, I have observed some improvements already. My skin looks better, I have broken myself of snacking and eating from my kids’ plates (for now anyway). I also feel less….puffy? I am still taking my allergy meds religiously, but will certainly wean myself off if I start to feel brave.
I’m on a mission to not have this experiment break our budget. I’m excited to share some tips on managing this in the coming weeks! Stay tuned.
Are you on week 1 of Whole30 as well? Have you completed a whole round? I’d love to hear how you’re feeling and know your reasons for starting! I’ll be back to update you on how it goes.