The whole30 diet is a health movement that not only vent viral but has also increased in popularity. All it does is that it encourages its followers to remove alcohol, sugar, grains, legumes, additives and dairy additives from their diet for almost a month (i.e. 30 days). This is advertised as a complete change in lifestyle and yes, this is the 30 day diet plan people have been looking for.

The followers of this diet plan rave about the benefits it brings to them. Critics however claim that it is like just another dieting fad which is unsustainable. Does it work? Should people try it? Let us now have a look.

What is the Whole30 Diet all about?

The Whole30 diet is a month-long program involving clean and healthy eating. It promises a variety of health and emotional benefits. It was established in the year 2009 by two certified sports nutritionists who promoted it as a way to jet start a person’s metabolism and mold the person’s diet plans in a way that helps them get on the path of good health.

The diet focuses on the idea that there are certain food groups that negatively affect a person’s health and fitness. Thereby, eliminating them from the diet will certainly help the body recover from the negative effects and promote long-term health.

A lot of people seem to follow this diet hoping to lose a good amount of weight.

However, some people might also use this program in identifying food items their body cannot tolerate or achieve some of the proposed health benefits it was supposed to have.

How can people follow the Whole30 Diet?

The whole concept behind this diet plan is simple – it completely cuts out the foods that harm the health, over a period of 30 days (just 30 days). After the first 30 days, users can slowly re-introduce the foods they miss while monitoring the effects they have on their bodies.

This diet has a strict set of rules. It also provides users with a list of foods that are allowed for consumption as well as a list of those that are not allowed. During this period, it is advised that users restrain from compromising it and avoid eating foods they should not be eating.

Going off-track means users must start the challenge all over again from day one.

The founders have a claim that following this diet plan strictly allows them to reset their body by isolating it from certain food items that can cause inflammation, gut issues and hormone imbalances.

Unlike other diet plans, there is no need to track the number of calories taken, measure food portions or count points. To check weight, it is imperative that users do so on the first and last day of the program.

What are the benefits of the Whole30 Diet plan?

Following this diet plan impeccably for 30 days is said to bring numerous health benefits. Such include fat loss, higher energy levels, improved sleep, reduced food cravings and improved athletic performance.

The founders of this diet plan promise to help users change their ways to think about food and the way it tastes. Proponents of it further claim that it can change the emotional relationship people have with the food and with their own bodies.

Although these benefits do appear to be very attractive, yet they are bold claims and this also needs a lot of scientific evidence to back it up.

Which food items should be eaten?

Whole30 diet plans allows the following foods to be eaten and they are minimally processed foods, such as:

• Meat and poultry: Beef, Chicken, Duck, horse, lamb, pork, turkey, veal and the like.
• Fish and seafood: Anchovies, calamari, crab, fish, lobster, scallops, shrimp and the like.
• Eggs: All kinds of them as well as food items made from them (homemade mayo included).
• Fruits: Both fresh and dried fruits are allowed.
• Vegetables: All kinds of vegetables are allowed.
• Nuts and seeds: All kinds of nuts and seeds (peanuts are legumes but can be consumed moderately). Milk, flour and butter made from nuts are allowed.
• A small amount of fats: Healthy plant oils, coconut oil, duck fat, clarified butter and ghee are allowed.

Which food items are not allowed?

The following are not allowed in this diet plan:

• Processed Grains.
• Processed additives.
• Pulses and legumes.
• Sugar and artificial sweeteners.