Whole 30 Questions

[Anonymous]

Hi all, whole 30 newbie here. I started yesterday kind of last minute (doing it with some work friends) and have a few questions. I didn't read the book... maybe I should have. Want to make sure I really follow the rules so I don't undermine my weight loss goals.

- in terms of fruit, how much can you really eat to still maximize weight loss? Like one serving a day? Best to stick to lower glycemic fruits like berries or totally doesn't matter?

- for starchier vegetables like potatoes, should I try to steer clear if I want to lose more weight or totally fine to eat a serving a day?

- is it okay to drink almond milk, like Califia Farms which is carageenan free?

Also just curious, for those that follow it strictly for the 30 days, how much weight did you lose?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

There’s a bunch of whole 30 forums out there—I think you’ll have better luck finding them and asking there. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Absolutely read the book - it explains it all. I find when I'm watching my diet that reading the book helps me stick to it. And it should answer your questions. FWIW, I'd nix the potatoes or switch to small amounts of sweet potatoes, which are better for you than white potatoes.

[Anonymous]

You don’t have to read the book but I think it is very informative and for me knowing the reasons for the “rules” was helpful. It Starts With Food is the original book and it has more background and fewer recipes; I haven’t read the newer one titled Whole 30.

I find that I do better if I allow myself to have a small portion of potatoes or sweet potatoes with my meals, or for breakfast I’ll have an apple with my eggs and veggies. It makes the meal more satisfying for me. My husband does fine without them though, so see how you feel. The first time I did a Whole30 white potatoes weren’t allowed, but they were the second time. I made potato salad with homemade mayo and red potatoes and ate as much as I wanted and still lost weight over those few days (I know you’re not supposed to weigh yourself, but..)

For fruit, you should keep the portions reasonable, I don’t recall discussion of glycemic index. You do want to have it with a meal, not as snacks. A big part of the Whole30 is to get rid of the habit of going for sugary foods mindlessly, so if you find yourself reaching for a banana every afternoon, you need to figure out if you’re not eating enough at lunch or whatever.

Whole30 isn’t about weight loss, although most people will lose weight. It’s about resetting your relationship with food and figuring how foods affect your body, that’s why there’s a reintroduction phase at the end. So there really isn’t any info from the program about maximizing weight loss

FWIW, I lost 10-13 lbs when I’ve done it, in my early 40s.

[Anonymous]

Most libraries have the Whole30 book so you don't need to buy it.

[Anonymous]

I can’t remember all the answers to your questions but I remember one detail the book impressed on me. Don’t try to find loopholes or foods that technically follow the rules but not the spirit of the rules. If dairy isn’t allowed, don’t throw in a dairy substitute. If pancakes aren’t allowed, don’t find a bit based pancake to eat instead. If sugar isn’t allowed, don’t use honey instead. There are so many good foods and recipes you can eat while on whole 30. Don’t set yourself up for cheating by looking for loopholes. If it’s too rigid, there are other food plans out there that might work better. Also, this plan is only for 30 days, then you can add other foods back in if you desire and see if they agree with you.

I like what PP said about it not being to lose weight but rather to change your relationship with food.

[Anonymous]

Google I think there's a one pager.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can’t remember all the answers to your questions but I remember one detail the book impressed on me. Don’t try to find loopholes or foods that technically follow the rules but not the spirit of the rules. If dairy isn’t allowed, don’t throw in a dairy substitute. If pancakes aren’t allowed, don’t find a bit based pancake to eat instead. If sugar isn’t allowed, don’t use honey instead. There are so many good foods and recipes you can eat while on whole 30. Don’t set yourself up for cheating by looking for loopholes. If it’s too rigid, there are other food plans out there that might work better. Also, this plan is only for 30 days, then you can add other foods back in if you desire and see if they agree with you.

I like what PP said about it not being to lose weight but rather to change your relationship with food.

Yup, making Paleo pancakes is SWYPO—sex with your pants on. It’s still cheating.