The Whole30 has changed thousands of lives, but it often gets a bad rap as just another fad diet, contributing to toxic diet culture. I get that. It’s very easy to take healthy things to an extreme. We live in a culture that encourages us to look a certain way and to weigh a specific number in order for us to be worth something as a human being. There are so many “experts” out there, it’s hard to know what is right.
The good news is, there are many ways to be healthy.
The bad news is, there are many ways to be unhealthy.
If you’ve heard about the Whole30, you may know that it’s a sort of elimination diet that removes typically problematic foods from one’s diet for thirty days and adds them back in. This process has allowed thousands of individuals to assess their physical, emotional, and mental relationship with food. But is it for you? Here are some reasons to skip the Whole30:
You want a quick fix.It’s very easy to want something that’s going to be a simple fix for our lives. But guess what? This takes work- all of it takes work: the during, the reintroduction, and the Food Freedom that is our ultimate goal. It may not do what you expect and it may lead you down a long road of discovering your body. But, often, good things don’t come easily.
You plan on faceplanting yourself into a bowl full of Cheetoes or ice cream or an enormous margarita on Day 31.Oh my friend. We probably should talk. That yo-yo dieting you’ve been doing to look cute in a bathing suit isn’t doing you any favors. First, it’s not great for you physically. Second, you probably talk to yourself like trash when you do it and you deserve more than that. You are worth so much more than that shame cycle of restriction and binging.
You plan on eating this way FOREVERRRRR.I know, it’s super tempting. You feel great, you look great, you have so much energy you can finally do all the things, you’re losing weight. But, you’ve got to live your life too. It may solve some issues with your relationship with food, make your tummy feel better, and clear up your skin and allergies, but part of this process is figuring out how to eat as many of the foods you love as you can while feeling as good physically/emotionally/mentally as possible.
You’re looking to lose weight. Look, it’ll probably happen. Eating a bunch of really healthy foods for a month and avoiding sugar will do that. But, it may not stay off. Read that again. It may not stay off. Your reasons for eating healthy need to come from more than a number on a scale. WHY do you want to make a change in your life? Dig deeply into your reasons and you’ll be much more likely to find that thing we call Food Freedom.
You do Whole30s every other month or so. You could truly benefit by looking more at your actions off plan and in your Food Freedom. I can help with that to.
You have an eating disorder.I insist you speak to your mental health and primary care providers about this one.
You just don’t want to.This is a legit reason, you guys. Just because I’m a Whole30 coach doesn’t mean I think this is for everyone. Find the healthy (in mind, body, and spirit) for yourself and enjoy it!
If none of the above applies to you, read on! Are you ready to make a change for good, but have realistic goals and outlook? Here are some reasons a Whole30 is a GREAT idea!
- You suspect that you have a physical, emotional, or mental dysfunctional relationship with food that needs healing. My gut and my brain have healed through the use of this tool. Through occasional resets, I am able to keep enjoying the foods I love, but also keep my body and mind working optimally. I’ve figured out what works for me! The Whole30 helped.
- You’re ready for a self-experiment. Ready to approach your health and wellness with a gentle and friendly curiosity? The Whole30 has you covered.
- You’re ready to make a lifelong change. You know that eating more plants is good for you. You know you have some health issues that could benefit from eating less sugar. But everything you do keeps you running back to your old ways. The Whole30 can help.
- You’re ready to see food differently. Food is fuel, yes. But food has cultural and emotional significance for us all. Do you feel guilty all the time for enjoying a bowl of homemade pasta from your favorite Italian place? Or a slice of delicious chocolate cake with that crazy amazing frosting from your incredibly talented wedding cake baker sister (MY sister!!)? Are you ready to figure out what’s worth it? The Whole30 can help.
- You’re ready to feel better about yourself and your food. We all eat three times a day- probably more. We all have to do it to survive. Let’s start taking the bad parts out of it so we can just eat. If you’re ready to quit being a jerk to yourself about food, come talk to me.
My April Whole30 Group Coaching Program begins March 27th! My program includes community support with daily insights and encouragement, weekly modules and emails, and reintroduction and Food Freedom support. I can get you where you want to be. The first 10 registrants will receive a FREE swag bag and Day by Day book. Book here.
