8.16.2016

How to Survive Whole30

About to embark on your first round of Whole 30? Finished a round and need motivation to start another? If you've stumbled upon this post, I am willing to bet that you are about to start a round, in the middle of a round or wanting to see what this Whole 30 craze is all about. If you fall into either of these categories, this list is for you!

About a year ago, I decided to attempt my first round of Whole 30. If you want to find out what motivated me to do so, you can read about it here. As of last week, I have now completed three full rounds of Whole 30. In fact, one was even a Whole 45 (go ahead and roll your eyes, it's all good). While I am far from an expert, I do think that there are a few ways you can set yourself up for success and dominate a round of Whole 30.


1. Have Strong Organizational Skills

Meal planning is key. I cannot stress that enough. If you are unprepared during these 30 days, there is a great chance that you will will not finish. It is imperative to plan your meals week by week, grocery shop and meal prep accordingly. Download a meal template, keep a spreadsheet at work, or write it in your planner - whatever works best for you, do it.

2 . Buy a Soft Measuring Tape

For 30 days you cannot weigh or measure yourself because it goes against the spirit of Whole 30. It was not a big deal for me, but one thing I learned from my first round is to take measurements before you start. At the end of the round you may be disappointed with the number on the scale, but the smaller waistline will speak for itself. 

3. Embrace Dishpan Hands

This adventure will have you up to your ears in dishes. My husband and I swear that our dishwasher never quit running. Luckily, we have a great system. I prep and cook, but J does the dishes. You will seriously wonder where all your dishes came from. They multiply like rabbits. Invest in paper plates. 

4. Gather Supplies

Whole 30 exposed me to new recipes and new toys in the kitchen. A few items that I always have on hand are:
  • Parchment paper - perfect for roasting all the things
  • Food processor -ideal for creating homemade dressings, marinades, mayo, etc. 
  • Splatter guard - a must for the most delicious recipe ever
  • Tupperware containers -a collection of various sizes is a must for food storage
5. Buy All the Ingredients

You can use a healthier substitute for some of your favorite ingredients. There are a few items I purchased during my first round and continue to use regardless if I am doing Whole 30 or not. 
  • Magic seasoning - great for seasoning meat, chicken, veggies, etc. You can buy it at Publix or get a better deal on Amazon.
  • Coconut Aminos - this can be used in place of soy sauce. It's perfect for stir fry and used in many slow cooker recipes. 
  • Ghee - a healthier alternative for butter. I use ghee on veggies, baked potatoes, steak, and as a fat for cooking. Trust me when I say quality matters. 
There you have it. You can be successful, but preparation is key. I also found motivation by reading success stories. Click here for the results from my first round. Round two and three results will be posted soon. I also have a Whole 30 section on my blog, found here

Even when I am not technically on a round, I (sometimes) try to eat clean. If you have any recipes or tricks in the kitchen, please share. Additionally, if you have completed a round I would love to hear about your results and experience! Share those details with a comment below!


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