The Whole30 Diet: Should You Give It a Try?

Find out what the Whole30 Diet includes, excludes and entails… and whether we recommend it or not.

Happy Wednesday! Today, we are taking a look at the Whole30 Diet, an elimination diet that has been around and popular for a while. Find out more about what this diet entails, our opinions on it, and more.

What is The Whole30 Diet?

Whole30 is a 30-day elimination diet designed to reset eating habits and identify foods that may negatively affect energy, digestion, sleep, or mood. For one month, participants remove certain food groups and then gradually reintroduce them to observe how the body responds.

What are the foods included and eliminated in the Whole30 Diet?

Foods Typically Eliminated

• Added sugars (real and artificial)

• Alcohol

• Grains (including wheat, rice, corn)

• Legumes (beans, lentils, peanuts, soy)

• Dairy

• Processed foods and additives

Foods Typically Allowed

• Vegetables and fruits

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Eggs

• Nuts and seeds

• Healthy fats (olive oil, avocado)

After 30 days, foods are reintroduced one at a time to assess tolerance.

Are there potential pros of the Whole30 Diet?

Some people may really benefit from trying this diet. Some pros may include:

1. Increased awareness of food choices. Whole30 can help people become more mindful of what they’re eating and how different foods affect them.

2. Reduction in ultra-processed foods. By eliminating packaged foods, many people naturally shift toward whole, minimally processed ingredients.

3. Better awareness. Some individuals may notice improvements in digestive issues, energy levels, or food sensitivities when certain foods are removed.

4. Break from added sugar. Cutting out added sugar for 30 days can help reset taste preferences and reduce cravings.

Are there potential cons of the Whole30 Diet?

This diet may not be right for everyone - it:

1. Is highly restrictive. Eliminating multiple food groups - including whole grains and legumes - can make the diet difficult to follow and may reduce intake of beneficial nutrients like fiber.

2. Is not sustainable. While designed as a short-term program, some people struggle with the transition back to a more balanced, long-term approach.

3. Risks overemphasizing “rules.” Strict guidelines can lead to an all-or-nothing mindset around food, which may not support a healthy long-term relationship with eating.

---

Who is the Whole30 Diet for, and should some people avoid it?

Individuals looking to identify specific food sensitivities, wanting to reduce reliance on processed foods and added sugars, and/or those who respond well to structured, short-term programs may benefit from the Whole30 Diet.

However, those with a history of disordered eating or restrictive patterns, who benefit from a more flexible, balanced approach, and/or people with increased nutrient needs (such as during pregnancy), unless guided by a professional should be wary of this diet.

---

If you are enjoying this article, you may like these:

The Atkins Diet: Our Takes

Should You Follow the Portfolio Diet?

---

Our Takes on The Whole30 Diet

WEIL Nutrition Corner™ VIPs have access to our takes on this topic, as well as our entire “In The News” Library. Upgrade today to unlock all we offer.