Reluctant Omnivore and religious fasting...what to do now day12?

[diamondia]

My Dr. and a Nutritionist put me on an elimination program similar to Whole30 but more restrictive (no processed meat, no root vegetables, fruit limited to berries) because I have multiple failed attempts in a fight against obesity and they wanted to see how I tolerated the very strict elimination.  I agreed to give it a try because my sugar/carb addiction was out of control both phsiologically and psychologically. Then I found the Whole30 support network and I joined in as I go through this journey to learn and get advice from others with the understanding that it's not about the weight loss it's about overall health. So far so good.  I was already off sugar for several weeks so no big crashes.  I am compliant and I feel fine.  Except that this is also a religious fasting period for me. When I started, I was desperate to get control, so I agreed to the ominvore version but now 12 days in I am really feeling discontented with eating the meat.  For the past 35 years of my life I have not ignored the religious fasting. The rgular 40 day fast eliminates all (walking) animal protein (and then eggs and all dairy and vertebrae fish in the last week), but retain shelfish, legumes, grain.  Any options so I don't lose my very good 12 days?  I want to finish the 30. Can I switch to the vegetarian whole30 and add a few beans to my meals?  Do I limit all my protein to fish/shellfish and stay on omnivore plan?  Can I just eat vegetables & fruit during the final week of fasting and still be compliant?    It's feeling hard to not eat a single lentil during Lent.  I'm wondering if someone out there can relate. I'm meeting my nutritionist tomorrow to discuss everything. I might be able to add back root vegetables and maybe another fruit choice. Any input from moderators and seasoned Whole 30ers is appreciated and welcome. I know I have to reconcile all of this with myself but I thank you in advance for your comments.

[GFChris]

The different Whole30 plans are not designed or intended to be combined.

 

With that in mind, I'd suggest staying on the omnivore plan with fish and shellfish.  Or, you could start a vegetarian Whole30, using the proteins on the vegetarian shopping list, and do that for 30 straight days. 

 

You could just eat vegetables and fruit during your final week of fasting and be Whole30 compliant, however, my concern is that you would be underfeeding and undernourishing yourself with that approach.

[Tom Denham]

The Whole30 is organized to show you what happens when you eat in an optimal fashion for 30 days in a row. Fasting is inconsistent with the Whole30 and so is eliminating a portion of what the Whole30 identifies as optimal for human nutrition. 

 

I understand and appreciate your dedication to your faith and religious practice. I support you in fasting and eliminating any food that your tradition requires. However, you can't fast or eliminate protein during a Whole30. You can't add lentils or beans during a Whole30. You can't do half conventional and half vegetarian Whole30. You should plan to do a Whole30 when you are free to follow the Whole30 program fully.

[diamondia]

Thank you both very much.  I think I already knew my answer as I was typing my question.  I can optimize this with careful planning and have a successful Whole30 and follow my traditions. My Whole30 ends in the middle of the "strict fast" week...at which point I can reintroduce lentils only and non gluten grains as per the reintroduction schedule and I should be fine with nutrition.  In the mean time I'm going to look up a lot of fish recipes and eat a Brazil nut or two everyday while staying on regular whole30. I know I can do this. Having your support means a lot and I thank you again for getting back to me.

[Momof4]

You referenced lent so I assume that your dietary restrictions during this time are similar to mine. I am not aware of the requirement to remove all meats for the duration of Lent. In the Catholic religion we only restrict meat in Friday's. IN the past I have followed this rule. This year I made the decision that my health is too important to follow the no meat rule. If I were just feeding myself I could probably do it with just eggs and fish. However, I am feeding a family of six including one daughter that is allergic to eggs. Also, fish is not a family favorite and I felt I would be taking on too much to add making myself and husband one meal while making my kids a different meal. I may not be honoring my religious traditions but I am doing the best that I can to feed myself and my family the best food available to achieve optimal health. Perhaps next year I can return to following these traditions but right now I have to take care of my health.