WHOLE30 Diet – What is it all about?

Posted on August 13, 2021 by Sally-Anne Turner

WHOLE30 Diet – What is it all about?

Those of you out there looking to start a new diet plan may have come across the latest dieting fad – Whole30. It’s actually been around since 2009 and was created by Melissa Hartwig Urban and Dallas Hartwig.

Considered to be more of a ‘detox’ from or ‘reset’ of your existing eating habits Whole30 is designed with your health – not just weight loss in mind. Like a spa for your body from the inside – it promises to change your eating habits – but be warned… it doesn’t take any prisoners!

What are the basics?

So, there are a few rules – some are worse than others and they go like this

1. No sugar, real or artificial
2. No grains – AT ALL. No rye, barley, wheat, oats, corn, rice, or bulger (to name a few) basically – start reading labels
3. No legumes! No beans, nuts, or soy products
4. No dairy – any form of dairy product is out of the fridge and in le/la? Bin
5. Now it gets VERY specific – No MSG, carrageenan (?), or sulphites – again! Labels
6. No baked goods, sweets, snacks, or treats – of course!
7. Saving the best for last – DO NOT WEIGH OR MEASURE YOURSELF FOR 30 DAYS – I think many of us can live with that

So, why would you want to do this to yourself/what are the benefits? They are pretty convincing - it’s almost inevitable there is going to be some healthy weight loss (healthy being the operative word).

Overall detoxing will also bring with it clearer skin, improved mood, and energy levels. The plan is particularly beneficial if you want a total lifestyle change. It’s pretty much switching yourself off and back on again.

However, if you think Whole30 is something you could do - be warned… this is not your standard weight loss plan one slip up (just one, be it a bite of a chocolate bar, white sugar in your coffee, or a gulp of your favourite diet soft drink) and that’s it – game over – you must start all over again. Harsh? Yes, Uncompromising? Definitely.

So, while there are some benefits to the Whole30 plan there are some things you should do before you start it.

1. Have a check-up – particularly if you are on any kind of medication. Also, mention what you are planning on doing to your doctor/nurse practitioner. They may have something insightful to say or advice to give
2. Prepare to spend some money – The kind of food you will be eating will be super natural & organic – this comes at a price
3. Listen to your body – yes you are the boss but let’s be honest if your body doesn’t like what you’re doing to it – it’s going to tell you, listen to it. The last thing you want to do is make yourself ill

Perhaps most importantly, ask yourself why you are doing this? If you believe your reasons are sound and from a health perspective you’re ok, then you’re good to go. However, if doing diets like this is something that you’ve tried before and hated – don’t do it to yourself. A healthy balanced diet that includes essential nutrients and regular exercise is (and always will be) the best way to keep yourself in shape (both physically and mentally).