What is the Whole30 Diet?

The Whole30 Diet may help remove toxins from the body.

The Whole30 diet is a 30-day nutritional program developed by sports nutritionists Dallas Hartwig and Melissa Hartwig in 2009. It is similar to yet more restrictive than the paleo diet in that it emphasizes consumption of whole foods while eliminating sugar, alcohol, grains, legumes, soy, and dairy.

The premise behind the Whole30 diet is that certain food groups could have a negative impact on health and fitness. Symptoms such as chronic pain, skin issues, digestive ailments, and seasonal allergies could be related to the consumption of certain foods without the individual realizing what is happening. By eliminating specific types of foods, such as sugar, grains, dairy, and legumes from one's diet for 30 days, diet adherents can let their bodies heal from the effects that those foods may have caused. The authors of the diet claim that the program will change the lives of those who follow it because by eating differently, people’s tastes will change along with their cravings and habits.

Those who follow the diet are encouraged to eat moderate servings of meat, seafood, and eggs along with lots of vegetables, some fruits, plenty of natural fats, and herbs, spices, and seasonings. Natural foods are highly encouraged as well as recipes that contain few ingredients.

Prohibited foods include anything that is processed as well as all types of sweeteners, including natural ones like maple syrup and honey. The consumption of alcohol, even in cooking, is prohibited as well as all types of grains, legumes, dairy, carrageenan, MSG, and sulfites. Those who follow this diet also should avoid commercially prepared foods, such as snacks, tortillas, and even commercial items with approved ingredients. Diet adherents are encouraged not to weigh themselves for 30 days.