Looking for Whole 30 reviews? Here are my findings from my Whole 30, what I learned and what I’m going to do about it.
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Orchard Chicken Salad Wraps
The day after Valentine’s Day I embarked on what I considered a pretty wild prospect: to abstain from eating anything containing soy, sugar, dairy, gluten, grain, or alcohol — for THIRTY DAYS. Since these ingredients are pretty prevalent in the average American diet, it was a bit of a challenge to keep those ingredients at bay.
What did I eat? Lots of meats, fish, eggs, nuts, vegetables, and fruits. You can read my complete log here. Over the last few years I’ve developed a series of protein-focused meal plans that couple what I’ve learned from the Whole 30 with the budget-friendly style of cooking that I love.
The Whole 30 diet, if you want to call it that, is considered “a nutrititional reset”, a chance to give your body a break from foods that might not agree with you. By eliminating most of the usual suspects of inflammation and food intolerance, you get a chance to see what “normal” is — for your body. During the reintroduction phase at the end of 30 days, you can find out if something really doesn’t agree with you.
I initially tried this program to see if I could troubleshoot my recurrent hip and leg pain. I read the book It Starts with Food (that’s an affiliate link*, by the way) and then set forth trying to reduce my pain or at least determine the cause. Many folks who’ve done a Whole 30 have seen remarkable results when they eliminated the foods that were causing them trouble.
My 30 days ended a little over a week ago. Here’s what I learned:
1. Paleo is not so very weird.
The Whole30 is a very strict paleo diet. The few Whole 30 reviews I read led me to believe that it might be incredibly hard, require weird ingredients, and leave me feeling starved.
Previously, I didn’t know much about paleo and just assumed it was weird. Eating along these guidelines, mainly animal protein, fruits, nuts, and vegetables, I found plenty of meals that were super satisfying — and not all that different from some of my favorite regular, run-of-the-mill meals.
While I ate larger portions of meat and fish than I normally do, I usually fill my plate with vegetables and fruits anyway. This wasn’t some crazy meal. It all looked fairly normal.
I realized that I had some misconceptions of what paleo was and therefore, had been fairly judgmental about it. I assumed folks were just gnawing on steaks. Paleo, eaten properly, is a great balance of produce and protein.
Italian Salad with Crispy Prosciutto
2. Regular meals are good for me.
I am a rule follower, generally speaking, so I stuck to the directions of the Whole30 diet. That included no snacking and making sure that I ate three meals a day. Sometimes, I really had to force myself to eat a meal. It showed me how often I skip meals or just snack my way through the day.
Making my favorite Skillet Eggs every morning was good for me.
Since I slept really well most nights and had no trouble getting up early without an alarm clock, I’m seeing that regular meals were good for me. And since I wasn’t snacking, I also didn’t eat something sugary right before bed. That helped me immensely.
If you missed the meal log, you can see what I ate everyday during my Whole 30. I came to love the recipes I developed during this time so much, that I’ve packaged them into several protein-centric meal plans.
3. Sugar is not my friend.
Since going back to all the regular foods, I’ve discovered that excess carbs, particularly sugar, make me drowsy. During my 30 days, I drank my coffee with coconut milk instead of my 3 teaspoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of cream. I’ve given up that habit because I realize that it just doesn’t help my day very much.
I still crave sweets, so I’m still working through how to keep that in check. I don’t think sugar is the devil or anything like that. But, I realize that I need to enjoy it wisely. I’m on a mission to reduce our household sugar intake by making more juices, smoothies, fruit and nut bars, and other naturally-sweet treats.
(I also learned that turnips don’t agree with me. I never would have been able to narrow that down unless I’d been on this strict elimination diet, knowing exactly what was going into my body.)
Monkey Salad
4. My pain was not about food.
Some of you know that I had already been to my doctor on two occasions, trying to get help for the hip pain I’ve had since May of last year. By the end of Week 3 of the diet, my pain was getting worse, not better. I decided to try a chiropractor instead. He’s helped me tremendously.
Turns out I have all kinds of things to fix: dysfunctional sacroiliac joint, the beginnings of a hunchback, and the effects of my childhood scoliosis. After less than two weeks of treatment (adjustments, ice, stretching), my hip pain is in check, and the doctor is working on the scar tissue in my back and neck to reverse or diminish the hunchbackety-ness.
I’m so thankful that the pain was not food related. You know me. Food is a big deal in our family. I’m already juggling lots of different challenges; I really didn’t want to have to omit something from my diet.
5. Soy and sugar are in everything.
I already was on a rampage against soy; I think that it’s overused, too much of it is GMO-quality, and it messes with sex hormones. Since I spent more time reading labels, particularly at restaurants, I realized how much soy and sugar are in our diet. Not good.
I did not expect to see soy in canned tuna or sugar in bacon, two ingredients that I previously would have thought were devoid of “extras”. My eyes are a little more open to these ingredients in particular, and I’m hoping to avoid them where I can.
Denver Scramble
6. This was not a body improvement venture for me.
There are some Whole 30 reviews I read that said I’d drop 20 pounds during the month. That was not my experience.
Since I was learning to avoid snacking, I ended up eating very full plates of food three times a day. My husband was taken aback at my large portions. While I did lose a few pounds during the 30 days, the inches did not come off. In fact, my clothes were at their most recent “tight” on Day 30. Since backing off the diet, my clothes have started to feel more comfortable. I haven’t really gained weight back, but it seems that what’s there has moved around a bit. I’m not sure.
7. I discovered some great flavor combinations.
I’ll confess, by Day 30, I was ready to be done. I clocked soooooooooo many hours in the kitchen during that month, it really took its toll on me. That said, I did discover some great flavor combinations, like Monkey Salad or my favorite salad with chicken, avocado, oranges, and cashews.
This diet is not deprivation, especially if you make an effort to be creative and are willing to spend a little on your base of ingredients to give yourself variety.
8. Friends can help carry the load.
When I did this, there weren’t too many Whole 30 reviews to check out. However, the beauty of Facebook never ceases to amaze me. Thanks to some late-night networking, I found a great group of friends and acquaintances to give me support and guidance throughout my 30 days. A host of others doing a Whole 30 at the same time really helped me get a grip on the experience.
My husband was skeptical, but completely supportive. He endured endless date nights at Chipotle since that was the only restaurant that was “easy” to eat at. Basically, I couldn’t have done it without the help of friends.
Cumin-Scented Cabbage Salad
9. I want to learn more.
I am not convinced that any food God made is inherently bad. Food products that scientists have made? That’s a different story. While I’m not ready to give up my baguette, cheese, and wine, I do see that my body benefitted from the experience. I was much more alert and didn’t need as much sleep.
My husband claims I also went to bed earlier instead of eating ice cream or making a late-night run to In-N-Out Burger (which I have been known to do). Maybe I was sleeping in a more productive window? Maybe I ate during better hours? Maybe there is something to avoiding the carbs?
I’m not really sure. I know that this diet was not sustainable for me long term due to the nature of my work, family, and budget. However, I’m going to try again later in the year and see if I can learn more about how food and my body agree.
Have you ever done a Whole 30?
What was your experience?
Lindsay
I just finished a whole 30 two weeks ago. In the midst of it, I discovered you were doing one also and enjoyed getting some new food ideas from your site. My main reasoning for it was to break a sugar/carb habit. By the end of it I really enjoyed the way of eating and had lost 9 pounds. I’ve had some sugary carb snacks since the end of the 30 days, but I realize I have a hard time with moderation and am realizing I may need to go Paleo for the long haul, but then I remember my love for bread and I half-cry at the thought of its absence . 🙂
Jessica
Maybe it’s being picky about which bread?
Amanda
I found the Whole 30 because of your site. I am thrilled that you completed the program. After I read a few days of your blog on the program I decided to give it a shot. I just completed my 30 days yesterday and it has been one od the best investments in my health and marriage. My hubby did the challenge too. We both have lost an average of 10 pounds, aches are gone, seasonal allergies are non-existant, moods are better and energy is higher than ever. I actually get up at 430 in the morning to make his breakfast before he goes to work. My kids are having an overhaul in the next few weeks, much like you reading labels has been very eye opening. I can’t say I really miss anything other than convenience of picking up a pizza now and again.
Jessica
Yay! I’m so glad to hear of your success!
Jenny
I’m very impressed with your progress. Just know a lifestyle high in meats and animal products is extreemly bad for cholesterol. You get your bad cholesterol from animal products. My husband has bad cholesterol so we cut meat back to 2 times a week (I can’t go 100% vegitarian! LOL!) It put his cholesterol in check and is now okay without use of medications that can make you achey and sick.
May I suggest to you to watch or read “Hungry for Change” and “Forks over Knives” those are LIFE CHANGING! You can watch it live on your PC on Amazon for like $3.99 and “Forks over Knives” you can watch on your PC free if you have a Prime account. You will be AMAZED at what is actually in our foods and yes you are correct, sugar is in everything. Even some taco seasonings! Did you know sugar feeds cancer cells!? Cancer thrives on sugar! (Learned from the Budwig Diet used to reverse cancer tumors). Good luck! You have great motivation! 🙂
Barb B
@Jenny, It’s a common misconception that dietary cholesterol is connected directly to blood cholesterol. Fat metabolism is complex, and there have been NO studies showing causation. Fat, particularly animal fat has been demonized completely erroneously. Read Gary Taubes’ stuff for a complete explanation with all the research cited. I went paleo last year and started eating red meat for the first time in30 years. My LDL (bad) cholesterol went down 40 points and it wasn’t high to begin with. Using more butter and coconut oil too. HDL (good) went up, triglycerides, another blood fat, went down 100 points. And I lost 28 lbs without restricting my food intake other than following the diet. Congrats for trying it, and I would really make the effort to keep sugars and grains out of your diet longer term.
Shelly
@Jenny, I agree with Barb. My husband had high bad cholesterol last year. His doctor told him strictly “Red meat once per week. Only two eggs a week, including in baked goods. No butter – use margarine.” My husband went back after a few months, and his bad chilesterol was actually UP, and had to be put on statins.
For the record, I also followed the doctors advice (because I need to lose weight), and cut my calories and fat intake, and increased my exercise (due to the “calories in, calories out” mantra) and GAINED weight.
We cut out the carbs and dramatically *increased* our fat intake – at least 2 eggs a day, only cook in butter and olive oil, and red meat whenever we liked. We both actually cut back on the amount of exercise we were doing, down to about 30 minutes to an hour a day. My husband went back for bloodwork and his bad cholesterol was down by a LOT, and he was taken off his medication. It’s been a year and his levels keep going down. (We did not, and still haven’t told the doctor what we did, but he told my husband “whatever you’re doing, keep doing it!”)
We haven’t fine 100% Paleo yet, but we’re researching into starting this Whole 30 thing in July (after the kids are out of school – if they have mood swings like we expect, I’d rather not have the school involved! LOL) but from research, I find that – at least inmy family’s case- the standard food-pyramid and the static beliefs that doctors (including my own brother) are outdated and wrong.
You might try watching “Fat Head” – it’s the movie that actually got me started looking into all of this stuff.
Brenda Chaffin
Shelly, I read your post on Whole 30 and was very impressed with the outcome of bloodwork. I suspect the same as you did and would like to have your comments in my Facebook or email Archives. Would you send this info to me directly. My husband and I are presently using stevia, butter, and decaf drinks. We are moving back to whole grains, coconut oil, and paleo-smoothies.
Amanda
If you still crave sweets, check out chocolatecoveredkatie.com for healthy desserts. It’s really impressive!
Lisa Cooper
I don’t know why, but about the time I turned 40, my fat apparently shifted. My weight was the same, but suddenly my jeans bagged in the back and were tighter in the thighs and crotch. Exercising more has not helped.
Joanne T Ferguson
G’day! An interested read about what you learned about your feed. Interestingly, you mentioned you did not think it was sustainable in the long run. (which is fair enough for all to choose)
Sometimes small changes can make very BIG changes in current and future health.
With specific regards to sugar, I have been known to make my own sauces (which get two thumbs up from a bloke point of view too 🙂 ) ie tomato, tamari (less salt), Worcestershire etc.
Most packaged foods = processed foods and are not the healthiest.
In my opinion “most” people claim they don’t have time to eat healthier because of their lifestyle, when in fact with a little pre planning and bulk cooking you can save money and enjoy eating long term what you eat too! 🙂 Hope this helps too!
Cheers! Joanne
Beth
Wine is paleo! 🙂 The whole30 is just their idea of what a really clean diet should be. I think the whole30 is really strict and I commend you for sticking with it for 30 days. Wow! I have followed “my” version of paleo for a year and a half and have lost 40 pounds and I love it. I’m doing it forever. I cheat regularly and most of my food comes from Wal-mart. And I am a Christian. I feel a little weird promoting a diet based on a theory I don’t believe in, namely evolution. But to each his own. Good job!
Julie
Hah! “My version…cheat regularly…food comes from walmart…and I’m a Christian”. You made me smile!
Trish
You mentioned GMO- quality in soy: the whole outrage about GMOs drives me crazy! There is so much misinformation, but there is nothing that would indicate GMOs are harmful. It reminds me a little of global warming naysayers – being against something when there is no evidence against it, be it global warming or genetically modified soybeans. I was in graduate school in plant physiology when GM soybeans were being developed. It is very elegant science, and everyone was excited both for the advances brought by biotechnology (or as we called it molecular biology) and for the possibility of simplifying herbicide applications. I know that this isn’ t what the blog post is about. I follow your blog closely and really enjoy it. I am just tired of the gmo bashing, as tired of it as I am my horse shoer who thinks global warming is a scam perpetuated by the left wing to control people (?).
Cheri A
@Trish, could you provide us with some non-biased reputable sources that would show that GMOs are not harmful? I, for one, would be willing to read them.
Trish
@Cheri A, I didn’t have any ulterior motives in not replying directly to you. I just picked a post to reply to at random. My point is that from a plant physiology point of view, knowing the inner workings of a plant and what is involved in the genetic modification, there is no reason for concern. There aren’t any hidden toxins, just some modified dna – that’s it. The modification involves an amino acid, altered slightly so as to not bind the chemical glyphosate. When I said it was cool science, what I was saying was we as scientists were very excited and impressed by this application of our very technical processes with a direct result and benefit to farmers. I wasn’t being flippant or superficial. Look up the journal ‘toxicological sciences’ and search for the topic. you will find an article discussing the safety of genetically modified plants.
Cheri A
@Trish, I didn’t take it that way at all 😉 I was just glad that I had come back to check comments, which I usually do not do unless I get a notification. I didn’t take your response as flippant or superficial at all and am sorry if you were offended by my first sentence. I didn’t mean it come across that way, so I’m sorry. I was just truly interested in non-biased information that GMOs are not bad since you seem so passionate about all the misinformation out there. I’ll check out that journal when I’ve got some time, but I suspect I’ll still be avoiding GMOs, high fructose corn syrup, aspartame, and the likes because that’s just how I roll. Thanks.
Jenny
@Trish,
To me it’s better safe than sorry until it is sorted out safe or not. Something modified just doesn’t sound “natural”. It’s kind of like when farmers add steriods to meat to make the animals grow a certain way (faster!). Why do you think young girls are hitting puberty so early now? I’m not saying GMO’s will have the same effect, but people thought this other practice was once safe to. I say stick as close to nature as you can. Us humans have a way of making things worse sometimes! LOL! I would also be interested in reading info on how GMO’s are not harmful. 🙂
Trish
@Jenny, I don’t blame people for being worried, or skeptical – I don’t care what the FDA says I stay away from aspartame. But GMO crops are different. I did find a few articles stating that they are safe, particularly one from the journal ‘toxicological sciences’. Gm crops are not like situations where farmers have used steroids or hormones – there is no compound being put into the plant that will transfer to the consumer. it is merely a modification of the plant’s dna, which would have no impact on our bodies. Yes it is bacterial dna but we consume lots of that on our own. Our dna can’t be modified by the foreign dna we are consuming. The misinformation just frustrates me. Like people who insist on consuming raw food, thinking that enzymes in the food will aid digestion (including my chiropractor). No way! we use our own enzymes, and enzymes are very specific for the conditions they work in – they can’t work in our stomach or digestive tract. They are very pH specific.
Again, I don’t blame people for being skeptical. Just be receptive to these advances. From a plant science standpoint this is reallly cool science. I don’t think when it was being developed any of the scientists thought there would be public backlash.
Cheri A
@Trish, I’m glad I came back and checked this thread since you didn’t directly reply to me. I’d still be interested in reading anything that you have the proves that they are safe to consume long-term. But I think that Monsanto and the likes have thrown big amounts of money out there because they DON’T want us to know what they are putting in our food and the long-term effects to our health because it’s all about the money to them. Consumers who want to know have the right to know what is in the food they consume. Why have so many other countries banned GMOs and the US hasn’t? That’s a real red flag to me. It’s not really about cool science to me. Just because it’s cool science does not make it food that we should be consuming.
Clare
@Trish, I don’t think there is a problem with GMOs from a health point of view. I agree that it is cool science and that people often have a backlash against things they have no real understanding of. However, I think there is a big problem with GMOS because farmers who don’t want to use them and live next to a farm that does use for instance Glyphosate tolerant crops to eliminate weed competition are in trouble if glyphosate (round up) blows over on their crops. Or if the farmer next door is using a pest resistant GMO, those pests may double up on next door old fashioned farmer’s crops. It’s not the science aspect that is troubling, it’s the commerce. Also-it’s never a good idea to have one corporation be in charge of the world’s food crops–Monsanto has too much power and they may eventually reduce the world’s seed banks with their practices. And BTW–who invented round up in the first place? It’s all hooked in to give Monsanto and the like maximum profit.
Brianne Archer
Thanks for telling your story. I’ve tried to eliminate dairy, wheat, soy, and alcohol in 2013 but it’s SO hard to get rid of soy. Soy Lecithin is in many, many products. I was just diagnosed with endometriosis (they cut some out this past Thursday) and I think eliminating soy is vital to keeping it from growing back.
Jessica
@Brianne Archer, soy lecithin is almost impossible to escape if you ever want to eat chocolate again. 🙁
Erin
@Jessica, you should check out Theo chocolates. They are a Seattle company and I think they have products without soy. They also have really great business practices. The bars will cost more than a Hershey bar, but all you need is a small bite to make you smile…https://www.theochocolate.com/
Karen
silvermoonchocolate.com has excellent quality and absolutely delicious chocolate products. Yum!!!
Karen
Thank you for sharing your journey and being so forthright about your experience. I have been following along with you and have been wondering what your final conclusion would be. I am contemplating giving this a try as well and am waiting for the book to become available at the library. Did you follow a menu plan or suggestions from the book directly?
Jessica
@Karen, I read the book, It Starts with Food. But, then I just adapted my own recipes to fit the rules. You can see my list here: https://goodcheapeats.com/recipes-for-a-whole-30/
Sam
Considering doing the Whole 30 – that list is a God send!
Lori
My daughter did it because she has had gut problems her whole life. She has never felt better! In fact she started an instragram and blog sharing with others all the different ways to eat this way. It is not as strict as the Whole 30 program, more like Paleo but it has made the world of difference for her. Her is her blog if you’re interested…she is quite creative!
http://liverightbehealthy.blogspot.com/
Jessica
Soy is really, really hard to escape.
Suzan
@Lori, I love this blog!! Just made the muffins last night.
Elizabeth Kane
I haven’t done a complete Whole 30, but I have followed a low carb diet for the last couple of years (switching back between low carb and no carb). There were some months throughout the year I did strict Paleo and other months I incorporated some beans, potatoes, and rice. At another point in the year, I experimented with having a “cheat” day (Tim Ferriss’ 4-hour body way) to eat all the carbs I wanted. Usually around 4pm, after french toast, a big sandwich, and dessert, I definitely had my fill of carbs.
And I agree with you on the sugar! I still have cravings for sweet things, but I eat them in smaller amounts than I used to. For example, I love eating cake and cookies. But if I have those things now, I usually have half of what I used to because my stomach gets upset. Years ago I could eat tons of bread and pasta. Now I feel sick and drowsy throughout the day if I eat even half of what I used to.
By the way, it’s interesting you mentioned the needing less sleep part of the diet too. I noticed the *exact* same thing on Paleo.
gina
I just finished my whole30. You inspired me Jessica! I was a little disappointed by the results though. It did get me thinking about what I eat, and reading labels. But I never got the energy or the great feeling that they talked about! I was grumpy all the time and just felt blah for 30 days. I didn’t eat bad before. But I am breastfeeding, and even though they say its safe, I found other breastfeeding moms had similar results. I think I may try it again someday when I am not nursing. I do like how it got my sugar intake under control though, now I just need to keep at it!
Martha Artyomenko
@gina, I noticed with other breastfeeding moms that you really have to work to get enough essential fatty acids which are found in a lot of whole grains. If you cut those out, you can often lack energy and sometimes even breastmilk.
Angela
@gina, I had a problem with being grain-free while breastfeeding, too. In my case, I discovered that it was too hard to get enough carbs and calories to fuel breastfeeding. I tried a Whole 30 at the end of a year of being about 90-95% grain-free because I had begun to get tired and regain the weight I had lost. I thought it was because I was eating too many carbs or cheating too often. (I had originally gone grain-free to deal with many candida problems left over by a complicated C-section and a long period of antibiotic and steroid use.) But the Whole 30 was honestly the *last* thing I needed to do at the time. I have since added back in starches and limited grains and I’m feeling much better… due with #8 in just a few days! I *do* think I needed to go grain-free for a while just to get myself back in balance and also to discover those foods that really did affect me negatively: gluten, soy, and refined sugar. But at the time it seemed like diets like paleo and GAPS were being pushed as permanent conditions, and in my case, it would have been much better if I had only followed such an extreme diet for a short period of time in order to figure out my food sensitivities.
I blogged about my Whole 30 experience and problems here: http://www.threeplustwo.net/2012/02/plateaus-and-problems-with-paleo.html
haven
I did a whole 15 last summer..lol..made it 2 weeks or so and I found that it really did help with my energy levels and random body aches and pains. I no longer have a thyroid due to thyroid cancer and since then I struggle to keep my energy up. However I was also in the middle of a 6 month deployment with a baby and a 3 year old and spending all that time in the kitchen was too much to keep up by myself. I finished my first round of radiation 2 months ago, and after being off thyroid hormone for 10 weeks I’ve now been back on it for six weeks and my energy levels are almost back to normal, but I still just don’t feel quite right. Thinking that a whole 30 would be a good thing to try again! Thanks for all the meal ideas!
Jessica
Wow! You have been through a lot. Go you!
Kirstin
I’d never heard of Whole 30 before you posted about it, and I’ve enjoyed reading about your experience. I’m trying to limit myself to 15 grams of sugar a day for health and weight reasons.
Jessica S
Thank you so much for posting your experiences. The past few weeks I have been VERY over extended and dealing with 1 deadline after another. I have been feeling more run down and yucky.. Just the other night I went to bed feeling near nauseated and really ill in the gut… I was worried I would be falling ill.. The next morning I read this post(https://goodcheapeats.com/2013/03/grocery-geek-basics/), and the line about sugar making your tired HIT ME like a ton of bricks… I have been *indulging* in WAY more sugar then I have in months…. Sure I see the affects of the sugar and calories in my pants.. but the physical effects had not been connected. Immediately I took action.. slashing the sweetener in my coffee, not indulging in little treats, choosing more protein/produce based snacks instead of the little sweets I have hidden for the kids!
Thank you SO MUCH!
JessieLeigh
I’ve never done a Whole 30, but I enjoyed “coming along for the ride” as you did yours– thanks for sharing your experiences! Inadvertently a couple weeks ago, I wound up eating grain-free breakfasts and lunches (omelets, fruit, and salad, primarily.) I was SHOCKED at how even my energy levels were. When I ate pancakes on the weekend? Back to the crash/slump up and downs. I need to spend some time analyzing all that and planning for what to do with that information… 🙂
Jessica
@JessieLeigh, you and me, both. 😉
Jessica
I’ve been enjoying monkey salad! Since this is cheap strawberry season in South Korea, I’ve been adding strawberries as well. Yummy!
Melissa
I’m not doing the Whole 30 but the Paleo AIP to heal a leaky gut. I’ve noticed many of the things that you have. What also surprised me was how, after a while of simple, basic eating, I notice the flavors of food so much more. Without condiments to “mask” the food, I notice the nuances of individual foods more.
Glad the chiropractor is helping with your pain.
Shannon
I could not agree more. I would always mask my food with condiments but its really not necessary. I have been on the whole 30 for 28 days and I definitely notice the flavors of food so much more.
cherie
I’m so impressed that you finished this plan, and I’m glad you learned from it 🙂
Have you tried stevia substitutes? I’m sure there are naysayers against anything – but this seems pretty safe and I find it wonderful in my coffee, and for some other uses
I agree on the soy – my doctors have made it clear that with the history of breast cancer I have I shouldn’t go near it, nor should my kids – never thought to check the tuna!!!!!
Jessica
@cherie, I have been hesitant to try stevia. I’m not really sure why. I heard about it years and years ago, but it just hasn’t appealed to me. Weird. I know.
cherie
@Jessica, I was too because it was my Dad’s idea LOL.
However I LOVE it for coffee and use it in other things where I might add sugar – it’s easy to find now and comes in packets, in bigger containers as powder or liquid [my dad prefers liquid]
Highly recommend it!
Kelly
@Jessica,
If you try Stevia, go for the pure leaf-not bleached. It’s an herb and the leaf has a very sweet flavor to it. I would stay away from any of the stevia brands that are processed, personally.
Yvonne
I just finished the whole 30 – decided to start day after Thanksgiving into Christmas week. I did this to challenge myself and I really wanted to avoid the inevitable weight gain of the season. Since I am a healthy eater anyway, I didn’t think it would be that difficult to complete. I do love food. As far as food choices – I stayed completely true. I did have a hard time eating 3 complete meals every day as I was used to intermittent fasting – so breakfast was unusual for me. I do workout at least 5 days a week but was hoping to lose some weight – I have been unable to keep 15 pounds off since I turned 45 (now 54) – I would yo- yo – take it off/put it on…
Well, I have completed my 32nd day and what have I noticed
Lost 8 pounds
Psoriasis patches cleared up/skin clearer
More energy
Hip pain still there – maybe better?
What I missed the most
Stevia and cream in my coffee
I used coconut milk and non alcohol vanilla with a date and mct oil and blended in bullet
I also missed my Greek yogurt dessert and chocolste
I think I am going to continue but I think I will put stevia back in
Jessica Fisher
Great job!