What is Whole30?

Whole30 is an eating methodology developed to help individuals learn how to properly nourish their bodies and find a positive relationship with food that doesn’t revolve around guilt, shame, or deprivation. It was created in 2009 by Melissa and Dallas Hartwig, two certified sports nutritionists and nutritional coaches. Whole30 provides a framework and rules that aim to reset your system and help you make better decisions in the future.

The Basic Guidelines:

Whole30 is structured in such a way that it encourages you to stay away from certain food groups for a full 30 days. The goal is to reset your body and habits around food so that you’re making healthier, more informed choices in the future. The elimination period is meant to help you tap into cravings, habits, and emotions you may have surrounding a particular food group and reset them. During the 30 days of Whole30, you’ll remove dairy, grains, legumes, added sugars, and alcohol from your diet. You’ll also stay away from synthetic ingredients, herbal sweeteners, and vegetable oils and instead focus on whole, unprocessed food.

Takeaways and Benefits:

One of the main takeaways of Whole30 is that it encourages you to pay attention to macros, rather than calories. The focus is on eating whole, unprocessed foods from all of the major food groups, with an emphasis on lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. It also encourages mindful snacking and allows some cheat meals, which can make it a more sustainable way of life compared to crash diets. It’s important to note, however, that Whole30 isn’t just a diet, it’s an eating lifestyle. Eating more whole foods decreases inflammation, improves digestion, and provides a wide range of health benefits.