Are most people embarking on Whole 30 because of illness?

[msame213]

Is the intended audience of the whole 30 people who are struggling with illnesses and potential food intolerances/allergies?

 

I'm 7 days in and not really enjoying it. I don't like the amount of food you're meant to eat and the starchy carbs. I'm really missing wholegrains and greek yoghurt. 

 

I don't feel much better or different, my pants aren't fitting any differently and I'm starting to feel like it's a setup  

[KangaRue]

I know how you feel!! My first round was pretty rough for the first couple of weeks then it really did pay off.  I honestly don't miss anything I was eating before. I'm on round 2 day 9 today and I feel sooo much better.  It is a bit like a switch though. One day you are hating life then next you are raving about it. I never found my 'tiger blood' but I did find my I don't feel like crap all the time blood.

[msame213]

 I never found my 'tiger blood' but I did find my I don't feel like crap all the time blood.

I'd settle for that. Today I'm very close to finding my 'about to go and have a glass of champagne' blood.

[GFChris]

The Whole30 is intended as a nutritional reset.

People from all different walks of life choose a Whole30. Some want to change their eating habits to eat more food that makes them more healthy. Some have health challenges they hope to resolve. Some want to reduce inflammation and/or lose weight. That's just a few examples: you can find countless others by reviewing the group logs, individual logs, and success stories on the forum.

Why did you choose to take on a Whole30? Maybe we can help you find ways to make your process more enjoyable.

[SpunkyBug]

I did the Whole30 to feel better in general, to cut back on the unhealthy food that I was eating, and to lose a little weight. I didn't have any illnesses or conditions I was trying to address.

It was (and continues to be) an incredible experience. I've discovered vegetables and dishes I would never have eaten otherwise. I've learned so much about my relationship with food and alcohol. It's also given me the motivation and insight to focus on other areas of my life that need nurturing.

It really does teach you about treating yourself with care. It can be tough at first, and a year later there are still things I struggle with (chocolate, white wine). But there are things I hardly miss at all, like grains and cheese (this is very surprising, given my previous diet), and I have lost any desire to snack! AND when I'm eating mostly or completely compliant, I feel amazing. This is my birthday weekend, and after this I'm going to do a Whole45 right up to Thanksgiving.

Good luck. You can do it! I know it sounds hokey, but the saying goes that anything worth doing is going to be hard. A sign in my gym proclaims that OUTSIDE of your comfort zone is where the magic happens, and it's so true!

[kruddock]

My reasons were basically the same. I have eaten paleo for 2-3 years, go to crossfit regularly and run once in awhile. I did not have any illnesses or need to lose very much weight (less than 8lbs). However, my energy levels were down, my motivation waning, always seemed to be in a negative mood and I did tend to snack and rely on smoothies on a regular basis. Other things I wanted to improve were not serious illnesses but little things like occasional migraine headaches, sinus drip in the morning and not being able to sleep too well (I'm a very light sleeper). These things have all improved with the Whole30 the first go around and now I'm on my second Whole30. It has allowed me to learn about how foods affect my overall health and wellbeing and I have a more positive attitude when I eat the right foods in the right way. The urge to snack or rush through a smoothie in the morning is no longer there. I am currently in the process of learning how I can incorporate a Whole30-type lifestyle that I can follow permanently that works for me. I hope this encourages you to hang in there to at least see what happens. Perhaps a moderator can review what you are eating to help you get there. I find that my moods (positive or negative) are closely related to what I eat, my current stress levels and whether I have enough sleep. It sounds like you might need some help getting there, good luck!

[msame213]

thanks team. I must say this forum is invaluable and I'm really grateful for everyone who replies to my bratty rants, and to the founders for establishing such an incredible freely available resource.

 

I guess my challenges come from that I am generally disciplined, consistent and aware of nutritional choices - I had a nutritionist for a couple of years and she set me up really well. My reasons for participating in the whole 30 are to help me deal with stress better (super busy job and home life with an 18 m.o baby and a high maintenance husband); to try and reset my guilt factor - good vs. bad food - naughty carbs - portion sizes - and a developing dependence on a glass of wine to relax (which invariably leads to several). I'm trying not to be defensive and open to this experience but I just feel grumpy about the whole thing at the moment.

 

Maybe I have some trust issues with the Whole 30. Hmmm I don't know you very well but I'm trusting you to make things better.... and I'm not allowed to weigh or measure during our relationship... 

 

I did enjoy a breakfast of baked pears with whipped coconut cream and orange rind, and two fried eggs with a side of proscuitto and baby spinach though. Maybe I won't be so grumpy today

 

Also - postscript - I LOVE the SWYPO acronym. Hilarious. 

[sspayne]

I did the Whole30 not for illness reasons. To echo others: to get out of the sugar cravings; to take a month-long alcohol break; to reinvigorate my love of paleo!