WHOLE30 101: Beginner's Guide

Image: thepaleomom.com

Who were following me on Instagram saw that I did the Whole30 last November. If you haven't checked, see this video that I talk about my experience.

I thought I should come here to explain a little bit more what the whole30 is exactly.

I like to think of Whole30 as a reset in your health, habits and relationship with food.

Whole30 is a food program that eliminates foods that are potentially allergenic, inflammatory, or that can cause food intolerance and let your body heal and recover from whatever ailments that foods may be causing. The whole list you can find here.

You CAN'T have sugar (not even honey), alcohol, grains (corn, rice, flour), legumes (beans, lentil, peanut, soy), dairy and junk food.

You CAN only eat real food: meat, seafood, eggs, vegetables, fruits, natural fat, herbs spices and seasoning.

Sounds hard, right? But the author starts the book with this quote:

"It's not hard. Don't you dare tell us this is hard. Quitting heroin is hard. Beating cancer is hard. Drinking your coffee black. Is. Not. Hard"

Whole 30 is not a diet, not even a weight loss program. It is designed to change your life in how you think about food, your body, your life. Whole30 eliminates craving, corrects hormonal imbalance, fixes digestive issues and strengthens the immune system.

During this period, you don't need to weight or measure, don't need to count calories. You can do this before and after to compare, but not during the program because the main goal is to change your mindset about your relationship with food above all the things.

Most important rule is that there are no cheats, slips or "special occasions". One small amount of inflammatory food (one bite of pizza, one splash of milk in your coffee) is enough to break the healing cycle and have to start over again on Day 1.

Another rule is to not recreate goods or treats with approved ingredients. No banana-egg pancakes, almond-flour muffins. This is just to remind you that the intention is to change your habits.

After the 30 days you will start reintroducing the group of foods slowly. This is extremely important as in this stage you will figure out what effects that kind of food has on your body.

Despite seeming so restrictive, Whole30 is liberating: because you'll be able to define your diet according to what feels good to you. Or, consciously choose to consume what doesn't do you so well. You're assuming this moment of indulgence is worth it. And that's okay!

I believe that the most important thing about any diet is to follow it consciously, to seek professional guidance, but, above all, to know and understand your body and its signs. It says so much and only you can do that for you!

More info: Buy the book