In the midst of pumpkin spice everything, I have decided to jump on the Whole 30 train. It may not be the best time (is there really ever a good time?), but I wanted to get into a healthier mindset before the holidays roll around and get into the groove of eating better again. If you’re not familiar with Whole 30, let me introduce you.
Whole 30 is basically a system reset for your mind and body. It is an incredible 30 day program where the food you’re eating is similar to Paleo, except slightly more restrictive. During Whole 30, you are mainly limited to fish, chicken and turkey and a list of approved veggies, fruits and other healthy foods. (Click here to see a full list of approved foods.)
No alcohol. No smoking. No sugar or additives. No dairy or grains. Nothing processed or made from ingredients you can’t pronounce. Just clean and healthy meals. This may sound intimidating, but honestly, there are SO many substitutes and amazing recipes on Pinterest and online that you don’t feel deprived at all. Check out my Whole 30 Pinterest board to see some of the recipes I’ve saved.
I personally love it because there’s no counting calories and you don’t even really have to limit your portion sizes. Why? Because everything you’re consuming is actually GOOD for you and fills you up. Following the Whole 30 plan has also been linked to eliminating a number of symptoms and conditions such as diabetes, PCOS, depression, migraines, autism and more!
The reason I want to share my Whole 30 journey with you is mainly for accountability and to stay on track, but also to motivate you to give it a try! I’m an emotional eater and I feel like I’ve completely let my diet go in the last year because of it. I gained nearly 40 lbs. (that’s so hard to admit), but I’m tired of not feeling like myself and I’m ready for change. My life is hectic, but the one thing I can control is what I eat.
I successfully completed a round of Whole 30 in the Spring of 2015 and I know that I am capable of doing it again and maintaining it this time. It was challenging, but I was also motivated because I did it with a group of friends. The results were amazing. While it is not a diet so much as it is a total reset for your mind and body, you are bound to drop some weight. Without even working out once, I still managed to drop 8 lbs. in a month. My clothes fit better (I was able to fit into pants I hadn’t been able to wear in years!), my body shape changed and I felt so much more confident and healthy. I felt well-rested and had more energy. My body felt less bloated and the “heavy” feeling went away. For the first time, I felt in complete control over my mind and body and that alone was so empowering. It’s difficult at first (you’ll want to cheat – DON’T, it’s not worth it), but once you get into the swing of things, you’ll realize you’re mentally stronger than you thought and you will develop more will-power and self-discipline.
Here are my before and after pictures from my first Whole 30 in 2015:
If this sounds like something you’re interested in, I would highly recommend reading It Starts With Food before you begin. It is written by the founders of Whole 30 and they cover a lot of topics such as how to put an end to your unhealthy cravings, how certain foods can have a negative impact on your mind and body and how this program can you help you maintain lifelong healthy eating habits. I have linked the book and several Whole 30 approved cookbooks below!
It Starts With Food book (guide to Whole 30):
Whole 30 approved Cookbooks:
Have you tried Whole 30 before or is it something you’re considering? I’d love to hear about your experiences with it. Let me know in the comments below. Have a great week! 🙂
XOXO,
Ashley
This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you purchase products that I share.
Leave a Reply