September Whole30 is just around the corner. Are you ready? Well, maybe the better question should be how are you getting ready? If that seems like a loaded question to you, don’t worry. I am going to share all my tips for getting ready for this life-changing 30 days. One thing I love about the Whole30 community is the fact that there are so many resources out there to assist you on your journey. But, it is also a very personal journey. So I am going to simply give you a few tips and advice that will hopefully help you successfully complete your Whole30.
Before we start, I think it’s important to understand what the Whole30 program actually is. Many think it is a detox program or a cleanse. But, that is not the case. Rather, the program helps you hit the reset button on your health, your habits and your relationships with food and your body. It allows you to learn how the foods you’ve been eating are affecting your body, your long-term health, your day-to-day life and your relationship with food. So, this isn’t a quick or temporary fix. The tools you learn during your Whole30 will be essential for life after those 30 days. Now, that we’ve cleared that up, let’s get into the juicy stuff.
A Guide For First Time Whole30ers:
Now that I’ve told you all the wonderful things that this program will do for you and your life. Let’s talk about some not so glamorous things you may notice during your journey, and some tips to combating these issues.
- You may find yourself suffering from bad breath or gritty teeth. I experienced this during my first ever round of Whole30. To combat this, you will have to pay attention to a few things. First, make sure you are staying hydrated (this is one of the leading causes of bad breath). So drink up! Second, if you don’t work from home or if you are heading to lunch or dinner out. Take a travel size “dental kit” with you. After a meal, go to the bathroom and do a quick brush so you have a fresh mouth until your next meal. You can keep your kit in your desk at work or in your purse at dinner (guys, stash yours in your lady’s purse or accessorize with a fanny pack #styling). Another tip is to have some green or mint tea after a meal. This will help refresh your mouth and get rid of some bacteria. And the last but not least, don’t forget to keep up with your normal dental care. Brush your teeth twice a day and rinse (I like the Essential Oxygen Organic Brushing Rinse).
- You may not lose weight. This is one of the biggest things I would like you to take away from this. Losing weight should not be your end goal when you commit to a Whole30. The Whole30 is not a diet, nor is it a detox program. It is going to enable you with the best tools you need to change your relationship with food and your life. Now, is it ok to have a weight loss goal for yourself? Of course (I have one myself)! But that should never be the focal point of this journey. That is precisely why one of the rules of the Whole30 is to toss your scale for these 30 days! Your weight says nothing about your health. Whether you gain or lose 5 pounds isn’t something you need to be focused on. Many people get so focused on the scale that it tends to take over your confidence and self-esteem. The Whole30 is truly a life-changing experience. So have fun and enjoy it! Throw that scale out (or maybe just put it in the bottom of the storage closet) for these 30 days and enjoy this experience.
- Wanting perfection may lead to failure. Your Whole30 should be enjoyable. I know there are lots of rules, and it can seem like you are being limited. But, after completing 3 rounds of Whole30, I can tell you if you don’t find ways to enjoy this time, you aren’t going to be successful. So don’t overcomplicate things. I always recommend prepping a few different proteins every week, then having lots of veggies and good carbs (roasted potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower..etc) on hand to create different meals. This way, you don’t get bored and you aren’t working too hard. The Whole30 is more than just about healthy eating. It’s also a chance to get in touch with your body and strengthen your emotional connection to food.
- And last, but certainly not least, doing a Whole30 alone is not as bad as you think. Many of you shy away from the Whole30 because you don’t have a partner in crime. I understand that too well. Before my first round, I tried to get my sister to do it with me and let’s just say she wasn’t having it. So I did it alone. It was hard at first. But, because I had to learn to hold myself accountable, I really felt like I got the most out of my 30 days. One thing that really helped me was doing a daily reflection. I recommend picking up the Whole30 Day by Day: Your daily guide to Whole30 success. It includes a lot of tips and awesome insights from Melissa herself. It also has a section where you can journal your daily thoughts and feelings. But of course, your internet family is always here for you! I am always here to answer your questions and support you to the best of my abilities. And if I don’t know the answer to a question, I will always refer you to one of the awesome Whole30 coaches. One example is my girl Bailey from Whole Kitchen Sink. She is a wonderful coach and she’s someone I reach out to if I have a question. The great thing about this community is that everyone is always willing to help each other. So you will always find support. Just don’t be afraid to ask.
OUR FAVORITE WHOLE30 RECIPES:
Now that you know have all my tips for completing a successful Whole30, here are a few of our favorite recipes to get you started!
Blackened Chicken and Rice Bowls
Pan Seared Snapper with Red Pepper Sauce
Creamy Coconut Mushroom Chicken
MY PANTRY STAPLES:
One of the most important things during a Whole30 is being prepared, especially in your kitchen. Here are a few pantry staples I like to keep on hand at all times.
Grass-fed Ghee: Ghee is one thing you should always have on hand. It’s perfect for searing, sautéing and roasting at high temperatures without burning. It also adds a rich nutty flavor to any dish.
Safe Catch Tuna: Safecatch is the only tuna brand with the lowest amount of mercury in their tuna. With the only ingredients being tuna and salt, it is the perfect and easiest way to add protein to your meals.
Primal Kitchen Mayo: This avocado mayo will be the answer to many of your meals. Mix it with tuna for a quick meal. Add it to casseroles, frittatas, or make dressings and sauces.
Coconut Milk: With Coconut milk on hand, you can make some of your favorite non-compliant dishes compliant. From cream sauce to coffee creamer the sky is the limit.
Primal Palate Spices: One thing I hear from many Whole30ers is they don’t really know how to season their food. You worry that many spice mixes in stores are loaded with a lot of BS. Well, thank God for Primal Palate. Their gourmet spices are just simply delicious. Forget the fact that they are Whole30 and Paleo-friendly, they are a game-changer! Trust me, start with a 3-pack of their most popular blends (Meat & Potatoes, Garlic & Herb, and Adobo seasoning) and you will not be disappointed.
Franks Red Hot: I don’t have to tell you why you need this right? It’s one of the best hot sauces on the market and it’s Whole30 compliant. You can put this on everything: frittatas, roasted veggies, fish… etc.
Red Boat Fish Sauce: If you’ve never tried adding fish sauce to your Whole30 sauces and soups, you are missing out. A little goes a long way and it adds a boatload of flavor to many dishes. And no, it doesn’t leave you dish tasting fishy. With the right amount, you won’t even notice it.
I truly hope you benefit from these tips and find your Whole30 as rewarding as I have.
Happy Whole30!
hugs
Charlotte
Check out our Whole 30 recipes HERE.
Love that you posted this. Thank you for sharing!
You are so welcome love. Always here to help.