Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Yes- I am a Whole 30 Drop Out



 
You may have heard a lot of buzz lately about the Whole30 Diet.  I decided to give it a whirl because I had a family member embarking on it and she created a group for support, so I thought I would give my support.  Please note- I did the vegetarian version of the Whole 30 as I do not eat meat.  I thought I can do anything for 30 days and it seemed pretty similar to how I eat already.  No processed foods, no added sugars, etc. 

I planned out meals and meal prepped and was ready to go.  The first and second day, I thought "This is pretty easy, no big deal".  Then I started to miss things that were a part of my normal eating habits...like quinoa.  I still don't think quinoa is bad by any means, but it is not allowed on the Whole30.  Then I really started to realize there were a lot of things that weren't on the list....like chia seeds....ahhh my love for chia!  I made my daughter lunch one day, spelt noodles, and I wanted some so badly.  Since it wasn't Whole30 approved, it was off limits.  That act of having to tell  myself "no" and deprive myself of something that really wasn't that bad to begin with, really struck a chord with me.  I began to feel obsessed with what I could and couldn't eat.  I had never had that relationship with food and I didn't like it.  I started to really re-assess my goals.  Why was I doing this?  What is the point?  I eat pretty darn healthy by many standards already.  I began looking up online for other Whole30 drop outs or people writing about that it wasn't for them, and I kept finding testimonials that it made them feel "the best they've ever felt!"  That made me feel worse because, I am really the only one who wants to drop out?  Am I really the only one who doesn't think this is right for them?  (Edit: when editing this post, I found a great blog by The Poser Mama that basically sums up everything I am trying to say.  It's great and read it here.)

After speaking with a friend, who basically told me, it's okay to quit,  I felt that is what I had to do.  I am not a quitter, but I didn't like where this was going for me.  My friend mentioned that unless you are trying to pinpoint an allergy or an auto-immune response there probably isn't a need for the Whole30.  My hope, in addition to supporting my cousin, was to drop the little bit of extra body fat I've been carrying around since I haven't been strength training/doing boot camp.  But, I really looked at the whole picture.  I know that I could drop that by upping my strength training and cutting down a little on the beer consumption.  That seemed like a much better solution for me.

In short, the Whole30 was not for me.  I am still not convinced that beans or quinoa are "bad".  I think they are a great part of a healthy, well rounded diet.  Is Whole30 all bad?  No.  But, I do think the regular version is a bit Atkins-y with the super low carb and meat heaviness of it.  I think the positive side is it will get people to focus on whole foods, ditch processed foods and remove added sugars from their diet.  Those are all good things that we should all strive for, Whole30 or not. 

I am not writing this to shame those who are doing Whole30, I am writing to make those who feel it is not for them or those who "quit" know that it is okay!  As The Poser Mama wrote in her post, "I always encourage people to carefully assess their dietary habits and make changes when necessary.  But if that doesn't look like Whole30 to you, I want you to know one thing:
You aren't the only one. "

12 comments:

  1. I looked into Whole 30 when the boy and I were assessing possible diet strategies for the new year. We ended up coming to the conclusion that it wasn't right for us...and we came to the same conclusion about Paleo. We're focusing on reducing sugars, fewer carbs, and fresh "real" foods. So far, I'm feeling great and can feel my body getting back on track. -C

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love this. I toyed with the idea of doing a Whole 30. I made it about a week and realized I missed quinoa and beans and my occasional greek yogurt. I agree with your points here and do think it becomes hard to constantly be looking at food as can I? or can't I? and depriving yourself of foods that are healthy but just not approved. Good for you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I did a super strict paleo (similar to whole30) a few years ago and ended up hating healthy food by the end of it. I took away some good eating habits from it but it was just way too limiting. Don't beat yourself up, whole30 is hard enough as it is but doing it without meat is just crazy. I totally agree with your post!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I was constantly badgered by some paleo colleagues about my carbs (while I was training for a marathon) and have watched with fascination when others do Whole 30. For me, the whole "can't have" thing makes me miserable. Like you, I have a healthy diet - 90% of everything I eat is good for me. And that other 10%... well. That keeps me happy. No shame in trying and deciding something is not for you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Colleen,
    Great post! Whole 30 is not for everyone. I believe each person has a unique body composition that thrives better under certain circumstances. For me, when I was a vegetarian, I was quite overweight and struggled with some acid reflux. However in adjusting my diet to paleo and Whole 30 (a few times a year), I find it helps me stay leaner and sleep better. There is no one right answer in the world of food/health (except maybe avoid fast food as a regular habit!). Kudos for sharing.

    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love the honesty of your post! I firmly believe that you have to choose the right eating plan for YOU. I do whole food detoxes from time to time, by giving up processed foods and love the way I feel when I do. You didn't quit - you just stopped doing what didn't work for you - and that is a healthy thing! :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Well said. Whole 30 isn't for everyone. You have to find what is right for you.

    P.S. I’m giving away a signed copy of The Skinny Confidential: A Babe's Sexy, Sassy Health and Lifestyle Guide on the blog.

    Hope you join in the fun!
    Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Love this! I tried paleo and felt deprived of things that weren't bad for me that I loved! I never think restricting is a good plan. Good for you for listening to your body!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Really liked your blog post! I too, tried the vegetarian version of Whole 30 and had to drop out after only a few days! My energy was super low and I struggled to get through a run, I was moody and I also got obsessive about what I was eating. Great job at listening to your body!

    ReplyDelete
  10. word. i'm in general not a fan of anything that eliminates a whole group of food (i.e. grains, etc). that does not seem like a sustainable way to live. i think at least half the people who are doing whole 30 or eating paleo or what not are just doing it because it's a trend and have no idea WHY they are actually doing a strict elimination diet. meh. good for you, friend!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great post! I'm on my final week of Whole30. I'm actually workin on my post for my review now. I agree that this is extremely restrictive. Too restrictive for me and I eat a lot of bacon lol. I generally stay away from anything that cuts entire food groups bc i just don't feel it's practical for me long term. I'm a runner and train pretty hard. I honestly feel amazing performance wise but I feel as though im constantly hungry. I think by cutting added sugar and processed foods I could feel great but by adding back in some grains and dairy and a few carbs keep from feeling like I'm starving to death! Anyway, glad I'm not the only one who feels this way! Even though I'm finishing it out, I did eat a piece of cake tonight. My Whole30 fail.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thank you for sharing your experience! I find that a lot of "rules" make me just want to rebel against them. I am a meat eater but I love my quinoa and beans!

    ReplyDelete