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.
This post contains affiliate links which provide a means for me to earn fees linking to Amazon and other affiliate sites.
Want to save this post?
Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you budget recipes and money-saving tips every week!
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?
Carla
This will be my second whole 30 and I found my clothes fitted me better on day 30. The difference in my face was undeniable. I still struggle with sugar but make every effort not to have them and remind myself why I am not having them (insulin resistance). Losing weight for me was ad added bonus but I still have a long long way to go as I have an underactive thyroid. So much to consider but Paleo has definitely assisted me with all of this.
Janet
I haven’t read all the comments, but if you are trying to avoid soy, you’ll have to work really diligently to avoid most animal products, since the vast majority of soy grown in the world goes to either animal feed, soybean oil, or soy protein isolate. It’s hard to be a meat-eater and avoid soy (through the food chain).
Ali
Doing Whole 30 now. I am seeing the pounds fall off… I am craving less sugar and feeling better internally. I like the increased energy and more regular sleep cycles. Can’t wait to see results on day 30!
sara
Bravo Jessica!!! I am so thankful that you shared your Whole30 experience. I am on Day 11, and like you, I eat more towards the healthy side overall, so it’s not a huge leap for me. I already know I am going to keep a lot of the habits I’m learning now–like eating a REAL breakfast as many days as possible, avoiding unneccessary sugars when possible, etc. I feel amazing, healthy, and happy. I am dying to try your monkey salad, but I don’t know where to get coconut flakes. Do they have them at Trader Joe’s?
I’m also blogging the 30 days, but I am not going to publish it until I’m finished. Do you mind if I reference your site in it? I wanted to ask before I did.
Thanks so much!
Jessica Fisher
Link away! Thanks!
I found the coconut chips at Sprouts, but I’ve also ordered Bob’s Red Mill’s online. Trader Joe’s are sweetened. 🙁
Sara
Oh go figure!! Lol. We are lucky enough to have Bobs at my grocery store so I will check there.
I will send you the link on e it is all posted 🙂
Thanks so much!!!
–Sara
bunny
Hi, I have Chron’s disease and did the whole 30 for autoimmune and then went for a GI scope on the 31st day
For the first time in 13 years I was ulcer free. I had only 2 spots of inflammation left. Unfortunately, I was so happy and so ready to be done with the whole 30 I went straight to the Mexican restaurant and enjoyed my food; however, my body did not enjoy everything at once being added back in. I am trying to work up the nerve to go through it again and add items back one at a time. The problem is the autoimmune whole 30 is very restrictive.
Jessica Fisher
Is it more strict that the regular whole 30? Oh my.
melissa
thank you for blogging your meals. reading your notes really helped me to pull together a meal plan! i start my 30 on monday! the most alarming thing that i am coming across in my reading here and elsewhere is how even a small amount of non-compliant food can wreck havoc. shouldn’t our bodies be able to handle a smidgen of soy in our tuna?!
one question: did you buy grass-fed meat and such?
Jessica
Since I wanted to do the diet the “right” way, I did try really hard not to have that smidgen of soy. The problem is that so many things have just a smidgen, that we end up with quite a bit more. I read one stat that said Americans eat more soy than those who live in Asia.
I did not buy grass-fed. I tried to get organic when I could, but it was pricey to eat this way.
Lorrie
Hmmm….I am starting week two on this type of diet and didn’t even know it! I was going to juice, but I have severe iron deficiency and a history of anemia and the doctor frowned at my husband when he said we were juicing. We still have juice added to our diet, but as soon as I added meals like this for the protein added to the fruits and veggies, I was feeling so much better. I quit coffee two weeks ago, though and wonder if it was necessary. For the time being, I will continue as it is.
Jessica
It’s so hard to know. Coffee can mess with your blood sugar, so it may be helping you not to drink it. There are so many different factors that seem to play in… exercise, sleep, hydration, nutrition. Our bodies really are complicated machines.
Christina
Just a note about Chipotle… Their chicken and steak are cooked in soybean oil. I learned this last year while doing the Whole Life Challenge.
Jessica
Yep. I only ate the carnitas during the Whole30. I wrote them, though. They are switching over to rice bran oil. Still not W30 approved, but an improvement.
Damn
I’m just finishing my first week of the whole 30 , it has been an amazing experience so far. I feel proud of my meals now when cooking , having to “paleo-ize” recipes has become something I look for too. I just found your blog tonight as I’m having a sugar craving and this is what I do to fight it , search for blogs about people embarking on the same journey . It’s worked so far so thank you. 🙂 any tips on eating out at resturaunt or a friends house. Right now I feel like I have to decline going dinner invites as I’m sure I would not be able to eat anything or I would be tempted to
Lori
I did the whole 30 last August and felt fantastic. With the holidays, reintroducing foods, I slipped back into regular habits. I just restarted today. I could not believe last time how great my skin looked, how well I slept and how sharp my mind felt– perks I really hadn’t thought about. This time, I am doing it and I am planning on staying on it for the duration of the summer. I was fine with rice and small amounts of corn. And I missed wine. But for the summer, I am going to be meticulous about it. I felt amazing. I’m so mad I slipped off it. And you are right- it’s not weird, but it IS a lot of work.
Jessica
It is a ton of work, that is what makes me shy of really doing it this summer. Good luck to you!
Sarah
Hello All,
This is the first time I’ve read this blog and, by extension, the first time I’ve commented on it. I was made aware of the Whole30 totally randomly when a friend of a friend posted a link to the website on her FB page yesterday. I decided to click the link and now, just 24 hours later and after a lot of research, I have decided to give it a try; or rather, not try – DO. I ordered the book “It Starts With Food” last night and it is supposed to arrive tomorrow. Like so many who embark on this dramatic lifestyle change, I have struggled with weight since childhood (I will be 37 next week). I have lost significant amounts of weight over my lifetime, but always gained it back eventually. I’m certain this is because I was “dieting,” not changing my lifestyle or addressing my tumultuous relationship with food. Additionally, I suffer from severe endometriosis, hypermobile joints, and lots of aches and pains. I have also suffered digestive issues (pretty bad right now) for years and feel that doing a strict elimination diet like Whole30 isthe best way to address these issues and get to the bottom of what is negatively impacting my overall health. I know it won’t be easy, but I am probably eating healthier right now than ever before, so I think this is the best time to try it. As I said, my Birthday is next week – June 1st – and that will Day 1. I can do this.
Jessica
It will be hard, but it will be good.
tiersa
Thanks for sharing this. It’s always interesting to read others experiences with this. We start food elimination about 5 years ago because of some health issues. We have been 99% processed food free for about 4 years, and we eat as healthy as we can – we still eat out but we choose our restaurants based on what they serve! I hear you on the sugar. That was a tough one for me so I just had to go cold turkey. No sugar, so sweet stuff. I haven’t touched an artificial sweetener in about 15 yrs and I’m not about to start now. Anything sweet just increases the craving. But like all things it just gets easier with time. The best part as you mentioned is learning what your body likes and doesn’t like. I know shortly after I eat something if I need to basically never eat it again! Right now my tongue is swollen because I accidentally ate something with rosemary in it for dinner – and yes, there are even herbs that wreak havoc. Funny how we learn things! 😉 Thanks again, I look forward to reading more!
Katie | The Hill Country Cook
Thank you for the whole food log! I am going to read, read, and read, and plan, plan, plan before I even attempt this. Obviously with a “southern” food blog, and an intense addiction to sugar (and DAIRRRYY!!!!) I’m terrified, and need to mentally prepare. I also have no willpower. ha
Marilyn arnold
I did the whole thirty in November I Lost 29 lbs most of it in the stomac area. I went on a cruise with my children and felt great. I had a sugar night last week and I felt awful for two days. I now am trying just to watch what I eat I am in sales and do sometimes miss the lunch this of course is not good I have dropped another 5lbs. This kind of eating is something thatbineant to continue doing and hope to drop about 100 lbs total. I am on my wsy
Steve
I did the Whole 30 back in January-February, as part of a challenge with other members of the Crossfit gym I workout at. I also found it easier to follow than I’d anticipated and have felt much better since doing it. I’ve continued following most of the basic guidelines, although I am allowing myself some sugar and an occasional serving of ice cream. For me, though, the biggest change was losing 12 pounds over the 30 days, which I’ve maintained since finishing. I think that, more than anything, has convinced me to keep following these principles.
[email protected]
I am taking up my mission on April 29 the day after my son’s 26th birthday. I did a nine day and had excellent results, my PMDD dissapeared and I have lost 8 inches here and there. Of course, there may be other factors involved but none on the surface that I can tell.
Thanks for the excellent post, I do no want my pants tighter so I am going to build my shopping list with an awareness of content control.
Pam
Rebecca
I found the Whole30 through your site and thanks to your recipes and links I was able to follow it for almost 30 days. I stopped at day 28 as this gave me about 4 days before we flew to California, rather than 2!
After the initial low, I found I had more energy and my clothes were less snug 🙂 and I was surprised I didn’t mind cooking separately for DH and the kids.
I found myself missing beans and starting to get fed up with steak! Plus I love to bake, so I would find this hard for longer than 30days.
It also doesn’t seem to fit with lowering the food budget, especially if all 6 of us sat down to steak!
After 2 week vacation, I will be doing something similar, especially reducing white carbs.
Jessica
@Rebecca, many in my FB group are doing it again with modifications. I think that it’s a decent framework to see how to set your diet up in a way that you’re satisfied, but not overdoing.
billymirage
If you want to lose weight on the whole30 you have to do at least minimal exercise and follow the instructions specifically, especially the portions of fruits and nuts. I safely lost a belt notch (8lbs) and have keep it off. Looking forward to the challenge of another whole30 soon. It works even better with intermittent fasting i.e.
leangains.com Try it !
Debbie
I’m on day 23 today. My constant migraines have gone away. The last one was on day 2, with a mild headache at the end of day 14 or so (and that was because of some very awkward muscle use that put extra strain on my shoulder/neck). Muscle issues (triggering those migraines) are what caused me to give Whole30 a try. My strength has not come back. My range of motion hasn’t really increased. But I think the pain level, when I use those muscles, has decreased. I may need some physical therapy to regain the range of motion and strength. I don’t think I’ve really seen a change in my digestive system, quality of sleep, or energy level. But then, I’m 19 weeks pregnant. I’ve learned to be ok with water, even when it’s closer to room temp. I tried tea without sugar and can’t stand it. I’m eager to be done with the elimination phase and start the reintroduction phase. I really hope I can go back to consuming dairy. I’ll probably continue cutting out grains for the most part, but I’ll definitely experiment with sprouted and/or soaked grains and sourdough. And I miss fresh corn. Sugar isn’t a big thing at all for me, though I do occasionally like to make myself a cup of sweet tea, and I’ll go for sweet tea as opposed to soda at restaurants. I already wanted to avoid soy, but wasn’t strict on it. As for legumes, they’ve always bothered me–except for sweet peas, which I hope to add back to my diet. I’ll add potatoes back in. But I’ll keep the proportions of protein, veggies, and fat in check.
Julie G
I did Whole30 in January. I was suprised at the amount of energy I had. I had been eating five small meals each day, but found out that the three regular meals were much better for my system. I started to hear my body again. I felt hunger and felt very satisfied with the meals and the new food combinations. It was challenging to plan and prepare having a family who were not on board. Been off the plan for two months now due to a hectic work schedule and feeling awful again. Hope to some day get a well working plan that takes minimal effort. Lost 9 pounds after 30 days, not sure how many inches. Found out that I have an issue with milk. When I added it back my face would start itching.