Whole30 Fall Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Why do I feel so bad on Whole30? ›

The abrupt decrease in added sugar and processed carbs can leave you feeling lethargic, headachy, and brain-foggy until your metabolism adjusts. Cravings for the foods or drinks you've eliminated can also make you cranky, fidgety, and easily irritated.

Since the Whole30 diet is more of a food challenge than a long-term change, there are some hurdles. The Whole30 diet has strict rules. The overall goal is to restrict your eating. So, if you “cheat” on a day of your challenge, they recommend you start again from day one.

“As well, you're not supposed to weigh yourself or take any measurements during the 30 days.” The idea behind this approach is to reset your metabolism and digestive tract. According to some research studies, elimination diets like Whole30 can be an effective tool to help some people with gastrointestinal issues.

According to The Whole30 Timeline, Days 10 and 11 are the hardest, because you've gotten past the headaches and tiredness, but you haven't started seeing the big benefits. And you're really, really aware of the things you can't have.

Sure enough, I was up 2.6lbs “overnight.” It's water retention and the beginning of the infamous “my pants are tighter” phase of Whole30 as the body continues expelling all the junk and getting used to a new way of eating. Day 8ish is usually a bit of a digestive adventure, so we'll see where things go.

Whole30 is a great way to reset your eating habits and jump start your weight loss journey. While results will vary from person to person, many people report losing 10-15 pounds in the first month.

That said, plenty of people who try the Whole30 diet do end up losing some weight. “The benefit of Whole30 is that it encourages eating whole foods, which are foods in their most natural state,” says Sara Haas, RDN, a nutrition expert with formal training in the culinary arts.

Though diet sodas and sugary beverages are off-limits on the Whole30 diet, you can drink water, herbal teas, coffee, and any other liquids that don't contain any sugar or artificial sweeteners. Fruit juice, when 100% pure, is also acceptable on occasion.

While the competitive crowd might agree, the doctor says Whole30 is probably not a good idea. “At the end of the day, nutritional advice should be individualized," he says. "It's a very restrictive diet, and it can cause some serious problems.

Many people will lose weight on a diet like Whole30, but weight loss isn't the only goal. The diet can also help if you are at risk for diabetes, and help with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. But after a 30-day wonder diet like Whole30, it's likely weight will return if you don't follow a few rules.

Is diarrhea common on Whole30? ›

You might experience headaches, bloating, stomachaches, sugar cravings, and — yes — diarrhea. This is likely the result of all the fiber you're taking in through fruits and vegetables, and it's especially likely to happen if you didn't eat a lot of fiber before.

The 30-30-30 diet involves eating 30g of protein within 30 minutes of waking up, and then completing 30 minutes of low intensity exercise. This method first appeared in Tim Ferriss' book The 4-Hour Body in 2010 but was recently popularized by nutritionist and wellness podcaster Gary Brecka.

Overeating nuts is an easy way to sabotage your progress on the whole30. That's why for some people, the whole30 folks like to call these a potential “food with no breaks” – they're way too easy to overeat.

Neurological Symptoms

During the program most people notice decreased brain fog, improved mood, energy, sleep and digestion; as well as changes in blood pressure and fasting blood sugar.

Whole30 Days 2-3 are called The Hangover for good reason. You will likely feel like you overindulged WAY too much last night. 🍻 You might have a pounding headache and feel *really* lethargic.

Consuming plenty of protein-packed foods may also help keep you feeling satisfied. Another way to stay full on Whole30 is to ensure you're getting enough protein. High-protein foods are known for helping your body to feel full for longer because protein breaks down slower than carbs.

Many Whole30 dieters see some type of shift in their bowel movements during the 30 days. “I poop all the damn time,” wrote one Whole30 blogger.