Whole30

I'm on Day 2 of my second Whole30. I was astounded at how much better I felt and how much weight I lost without feeling the least bit deprived during the first Whole30. It helped me realize I have sensitivity to dairy products. And once you get into the habit of preparing meals with whole foods it becomes second nature.

I think starting to cut things out gradually is a good way to approach something if you plan to stick with it as a lifestyle. I did that between the two Whole30s and the transition into this one was less noticeable.

Thanks Russell. Sounds like you have done amazing over the years, how inspiring! I have started a modified version of this (cutting out most sugar and greatly reducing carbs like bread and pasta etc) and I definitely see it as a lifestyle change. Even without following every single strict rule of the Whole30, I've noticed a huge difference in how I feel in just two days.

I still would like to do the strict Whole30 at some point soon, following every rule they set, then using that to determine a baseline for my body. What foods do I really not even want anymore, what foods make me feel like crap when I eat them.

I look forward to connecting with people as I hope to make this journey a lasting one and not just a brief "vacation" :)

I think when you start this plan, you will be amazed at how much better you feel, and how fast you lose weight.

Setting aside the negative vs. positive, and calling it a lifestyle change instead of a diet ( which by the way, means way of eating ), is just noise. In essence these are just differing versions of low carb. Atkins is very strict, and Paleo allows a few more carbs, all the way up to South Beach, which works backwards to get to a lower level of carbs. They are all just different levels of the same diet. Some people need to be stricter low carb, while some people just need to eat healthier carbs. These varying degrees of low carb, allow people to pick a plan that fits them.

My Sparkfriend lost 13 lbs in 30 days, and feels great. I've lost 140 in 4 years on low carb. It all just boils down to choosing to eat fresh whole food, instead of salty, sugary processed frankenfoods. You do that, and your cravings disappear, which makes eating the right amount of calories. Good health, and goal weight are then possible.

I wouldn't wait to start. We all mess it up a few times, so waiting for the perfect moment to start is counterproductive. It is never perfect at the start.

I don't think I'm ready to start yet either. Will probably wait until after my summer travel plans are over. Let's keep in touch though!

Russell, yes, it is largely based around the paleo diet. There is a book called "It Starts With Food" They also have a website www.whole9life.com

Here is their breakdown from the website:

Our philosophy, program and community
Whole9 General Nutritional Recommendations

We believe in Eating Good Food.

Our recommendations are based around the framework of a Paleo Diet, with a focus on health, not history.

We like to put a positive spin on our nutrition plan, focusing on all the foods we do eat (instead of what we don’t).

Whole9′s Nutrition in 60 Seconds

We eat real food – meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruit, healthy oils, nuts and seeds. We choose foods that were raised, fed and grown naturally, and foods that are nutrient-dense, with lots of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals.

This is not a “diet” – we eat as much as we need to maintain strength, energy, activity levels and a healthy body weight. We aim for well-balanced nutrition, so we eat animals and a significant amount of plants.

Eating like this has helped us to look, feel, live and perform our best, and reduces our risk for a variety of lifestyle-related diseases and conditions.

Is whole 30 a version of Paleo? I have a Sparkfriend who is on day 38?, and is loving it, and lost 13 pounds, but when I read her posts, I see Paleo a lot. Is this just a 30 days kickstart equivalent to Atkins Induction?

I have been on low carb for 4 years, and she seems to just eat a slightly higher carb allotment, while eating fresh whole foods, and lots of vegetables/fruit.My diet tends to be a mix of Paleo/Atkins.

I'm still here! I still haven't been able to commit to my Whole30 yet - too much travel so far this summer! I'm looking to do it maybe this August, when my plans calm down.

Letaylor5413, you still around? I'm interested in this, not sure when I'll start, but I do want to try it.

Has anyone out there ever tried the Whole30, or is anyone interested in trying it? I'm trying my first ever 30 days of the plan, but my husband isn't doing it with me (and I don't want to force him!) It would be great if I could find a team or something to help me out. Anybody interested?