Understanding the Whole 30 Diet

The Whole 30 diet, created by Dallas and Melissa Hartwig, is a mental and physical reset designed to eliminate potential food sensitivities and help people gain better understanding of the food that helps – and hurts – their bodies. It was designed to help foster a better long-term relationship with food. The diet has become extremely popular, but many who become aware of it don’t truly understand what it is and how it works.

What Is the Whole 30 Diet?

The Whole 30 diet is a low sugar, balanced diet that eliminates all grains, dairy, legumes and processed foods. The primary focus is on eliminating foods that may cause inflammation, thus allowing your body to heal, naturally. The diet also promotes eating whole and unprocessed foods as a lifestyle. The diet is based on adding in whole, nutrient-dense foods to your daily diet. So, you will be picking and choosing ingredients in order to come up with meals that fit within the rules of the diet. The diet lasts for 30 days and while you are on the diet, you are restricted from eating any foods that don’t fit into the diet.

What Do You Eat on the Whole 30 Diet?

On the Whole 30 diet, you eat lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and lean proteins (think chicken, lean beef and pork). You limit your intake of added sugars, preservatives, high-calorie snacks, and added starches, along with dairy and legumes. You won’t be eating any processed foods or grains such as wheat, corn, or gluten-based foods.

What Are the Benefits of the Whole 30 Diet?

While there are still debates about the science behind the Whole 30 diet and its ability to help people with long-term health, the most agreed-upon benefit is the 30-day challenge is more mental than physical. Many people report that after completing the challenge they have changed the way they think about food and eating habits, and they have changed unhealthy preferences to healthier versions. In some cases, people have seen weight loss when they switch to the Whole 30 diet, while those with digestive issues have seen a decrease in discomfort. Additionally, eating whole, unprocessed foods on the diet can work to improve overall health. Other possible benefits to the diet include improved sleep and energy levels.

Conclusion

The Whole 30 diet is a nutritional reset designed to promote healthier eating habits as well as address long-term health issues. The focus is on eliminating foods that can cause inflammation so the body can heal naturally. It encourages the consumption of fresh, whole and unprocessed foods, eliminating grains, dairy, legumes and processed foods. While there are still debates surrounding the diet and its effectiveness, many people have seen positive changes in their eating habits and reported other benefits such as weight loss and improved energy.