Whole30 and hating it

Africanbluebasil

I am a bit confused. I kept hearing about Whole30 so I looked at it and got the impression it's a short-term exclusion diet that is used to figure out if you have food sensitivities, not a diet followed with the purpose to lose weight. Am I not understanding something?

lemurcat12

Africanbluebasil wrote: »

I am a bit confused. I kept hearing about Whole30 so I looked at it and got the impression it's a short-term exclusion diet that is used to figure out if you have food sensitivities, not a diet followed with the purpose to lose weight. Am I not understanding something?

That's right. Lots of people use it to lose weight or start a paleo diet, though, or so it seems.

lea1117

As someone who has had really great results with Whole 30-type programs, i completely understand your frustration; it can be really hard! Personally, I found it to be worth it to stick with it, though. May I ask what you've eaten in the past few days and a little more about your symptoms? I may be able to suggest a few ways to make it easier before you completely throw in the towel.

Hopingforchange

The towel has been thrown. I have been eating chicken, turkey, eggs, lots of veggies, cashews from time to time. Very little fruit. Sweet potatoes. I am bored with it, I feel sluggish with no energy to work out. I refuse to make my own mayonnaise when I use so little of it. I miss having a glass of milk before bed.
I had chicken and roasted sweet potatoes for dinner. I guess some habits will stick with me.
I don't want to go back to lots of processed crap, but this was too restrictive for me to sustain long term

gothchiq

Stop doing that and instead just eat healthy foods from all the food groups to total your target calories. The MyPlate method suggests that half your plate should contain nonstarchy vegetables, 1/4 meat/protein, and 1/4 starch/carbs.

lea1117

I totally understand and I'm glad you did what's right for you!
If you do ever want to try again (or for anyone else on a whole 30), I find making sure I'm eating some good-quality red meat (3-4 reasonable/small servings a week), a green-tipped banana before working out (easily digestible starch), and plenty of fat (salmon, olive oil, leaving the skin on chicken, oh and I "cheat" and use butter instead of ghee..sue me...) makes it infinitely easier. Too much chicken and veggies and I, too, just CANNOT handle it. I also eat tons of spaghetti squash with homemade marinara for variety when I would rather not eat than eat protein/veg again for dinner. Benefits for me were improved hormone levels though, so if you're just doing it to lose weight/kick off healthy eating, you're right it's probably not worth it.
I definitely agree with what everyone else said...if you're miserable you'll be happy and healthier doing something else!

Sabine_Stroehm

Africanbluebasil wrote: »

I am a bit confused. I kept hearing about Whole30 so I looked at it and got the impression it's a short-term exclusion diet that is used to figure out if you have food sensitivities, not a diet followed with the purpose to lose weight. Am I not understanding something?

YUP

Sabine_Stroehm

Hopingforchange wrote: »

The towel has been thrown. I have been eating chicken, turkey, eggs, lots of veggies, cashews from time to time. Very little fruit. Sweet potatoes. I am bored with it, I feel sluggish with no energy to work out. I refuse to make my own mayonnaise when I use so little of it. I miss having a glass of milk before bed.
I had chicken and roasted sweet potatoes for dinner. I guess some habits will stick with me.
I don't want to go back to lots of processed crap, but this was too restrictive for me to sustain long term

You feel sluggish from eating real food. Are you eating enough calories? The whole30 isn't meant to be a "habit", it's meant to be an elimination diet.

I agree about not building a diet out of "lots of processed crap" but again, it's a whole THIRTY. It's not meant to be a long term thing. Did you read the book or just follow the foods list?

Find something you can do for the long haul. Start simple. Incorporate more whole foods. Or strive for a mediterranean style eating plan. Or just aim for a "balanced plate"
http://anti-aginghealthsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Balanced-plate.gif

there are many ways to eat healthy AND lost unwanted weight.
Good luck! You can do this!!!

pink00007

I was very sluggish first two weeks I did it. Would just go home and pass out.
After that I felt so energetic, it was amazing! Wish I kept a journal but oh well.
It's def not for everyone.

pope705

Why/how are you hungry on whole30? Are you getting your 2 cups of veggies with every meal including breakfast? 2 cups is a lot of veggies!
Also, if eggs and sweet potato for breakfast are driving you crazy, try something else! Leftovers make great breakfasts. When I do whole 30 (round 2 is starting 9 Feb 15) I often eat leftovers for breakfast, like pork chops or ground beef, and asparagus/portabellos for veggies. I just take a bunch of asparagus, remove the woody ends, add 3 to 4 sliced portabello mushrooms, and a sliced onion, throw on some olive oil and throw in the oven for 15-20 mins at 375. Its a lovely side dish that pairs well with just about anything.
Also check out theclothesmakethegirl.com and nomnompaleo.com for other whole30 recipes.

Whole 30 is a lifestyle adjustment. It's tough, but it is worth it in the end. Have you checked out the forums over at whole30.com? I think the address is forum.whole9life.com
Lots of great advice to be had there. Also keep in mind that whole30 is not for everybody, and that many people end up doing it many many times before they are successful with the program as it's written. And maybe you are one of the lucky ones with no issues with inflammation or auto-immune disorders, and that's why you are not liking the program?

I wish you continued success whether you choose to continue on it, or go with another plan. Keep us posted!

PRMinx

I tried the Whole 30 because I had a bunch of friends who were doing it and, well, peer pressure. Especially since I tend to eat pretty close to that diet anyway (when I'm behaving).

First of all, the challenge aspect of it (not sure if you are doing the challenge?) triggered me something fierce. I had to quit in order to avoid destructive behaviors (this is just me, not blaming the diet).

But, I also couldn't make sense of it. I don't have any lactose issues and, really, what is wrong with peanut butter? I needed to "cheat" to have Greek yogurt. How stupid is that?

To each his/her own, but I prefer IIFYM. And, the funny thing is, the day after I quit the urge to binge on carbs left me. I think by telling myself I can't have things, I start to obsess about wanting to have them.

Sabine_Stroehm

PRMinx wrote: »

I tried the Whole 30 because I had a bunch of friends who were doing it and, well, peer pressure. Especially since I tend to eat pretty close to that diet anyway (when I'm behaving).

First of all, the challenge aspect of it (not sure if you are doing the challenge?) triggered me something fierce. I had to quit in order to avoid destructive behaviors (this is just me, not blaming the diet).

But, I also couldn't make sense of it. I don't have any lactose issues and, really, what is wrong with peanut butter? I needed to "cheat" to have Greek yogurt. How stupid is that?

To each his/her own, but I prefer IIFYM. And, the funny thing is, the day after I quit the urge to binge on carbs left me. I think by telling myself I can't have things, I start to obsess about wanting to have them.

I assume peanut butter is eliminated because peanuts (which are legumes) are inflammatory for some folks and often cause issues for people. Because the point of the whole30 is "healing" and figuring out what causes you issues, the whole30 has eaters eliminate the "usual suspects".

PRMinx

Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »

PRMinx wrote: »

I tried the Whole 30 because I had a bunch of friends who were doing it and, well, peer pressure. Especially since I tend to eat pretty close to that diet anyway (when I'm behaving).

First of all, the challenge aspect of it (not sure if you are doing the challenge?) triggered me something fierce. I had to quit in order to avoid destructive behaviors (this is just me, not blaming the diet).

But, I also couldn't make sense of it. I don't have any lactose issues and, really, what is wrong with peanut butter? I needed to "cheat" to have Greek yogurt. How stupid is that?

To each his/her own, but I prefer IIFYM. And, the funny thing is, the day after I quit the urge to binge on carbs left me. I think by telling myself I can't have things, I start to obsess about wanting to have them.

I assume peanut butter is eliminated because peanuts (which are legumes) are inflammatory for some folks and often cause issues for people. Because the point of the whole30 is "healing" and figuring out what causes you issues, the whole30 has eaters eliminate the "usual suspects".

Well, to that point, that's why it's a silly diet for people who are just using it as a means to lose weight. But, I agree, it does have value as an elimination diet for those who are dealing with medical issue that have yet to be defined.

pope705

If you read the book, or the website, it states that it is not meant as a weight loss diet. Weight loss is just usually a happy side effect.
When I did it, i only ost 2lbs the whole month, but had more energy and less headaches than normal. The hubby lost 35lbs (Crazy!) and his back pain went away. But he will not live without ice cream and diet coke, so after the month was up he went back to eating the old way.

VincitQuiSeVincit

I think the most important part of doing a Whole 30 is reading the book- so much of how we think and feel about foods factors in to how we eat and what our triggers are. Too often, weight gain is psychological. The idea of Whole30 is, for 30 days, to eat REAL food- unprocessed, unrefined and to try to "reset" your mind and your digestive system. While for some people, legumes and dairy are non-issues, they can be for others. Avoiding mental and physical trigger foods for 30 days isn't meant to be sustainable. I always believed in IIFYM, however, between my thyroid problems and arthritis in my knee, I discovered on whole30 that gluten IS a trigger for inflammation for me, as well as uncultured dairy. My diet is mostly paleo now. It is meant to address what we consider "food", how our brains react to certain foods and what processed foods do to our bodies. It is NOT meant long term, but I have done it a few times now and always find it really helps my energy levels and well as that bloaty feeling that never seems to go away when I eat anything processed.

ndj1979

so you mean you restricted a bunch of food that you viewed as "junk" and now are starving? shocking...

here is my two cents..

One food is not bad/good/junk/healthy/whatever; food is just something that your body uses for energy. So ditch the bad mindset and realize that you can eat what you want and hit your goals.

if your goal is primarily fat loss (if it is not please correct me) then set MFP for one pound per week loss and eat to that number and eat the foods that you like. So yes, this means you can eat some ice cream, pizza, whatever; just make sure that you hit your calorie goal for the day.

ew_david

Hopingforchange wrote: »

Eggs every day for breakfast and sweet potatoes to make me never want one again

I should try this approach with brownies. I can't seem to get sick of them and it's a problem.

999tigger

Dont even know what it is but the sounding miserable gives you a clue. Go and read the success pages and you will find most people just use the MFP way eat a sensible diet at a deficit plus move a bit ti lose weight. Its a lifestyle change not a fad diet. It makes sense and thus easier to follow.

AllOutof_Bubblegum

Hopingforchange wrote: »

I just started 8 days ago. I was eating way too much junk between the holidays and decided to try whole30 because my co-worker had great luck with it.
I feel like I failure for wanting to throw in the towel.
But, I am STARVING and have no energy to work out now. I did lose 2.2 pounds in 5 days (yay), but what will happen when I actually eat a piece of cheese or bread or yogurt?
Is this really realistic? I even switched to cashew milk in my coffee and finally yesterday I said screw it.
I am just not sure this is for me. I am thinking moderation is better approach. Thoughts?

Stop that with you and your rational intelligent thinking.

lynn1982

I agree with the others - if you hate it, don't do it. I just started Whole30 but not to lose weight. I am a bread monster and it is out of control and I simply can't do moderation right now. I've done Whole30 before for the same reason, and I find after a few days it certainly gets rid of those cravings. Then when I re-introduce those foods, I'm able to eat it in moderation and I no longer crave them. But seriously, if you hate it and you don't feel as though you're getting anything out of it, then stop doing it!

ETA: I might be completely wrong here, but from what I understand, Whole30 is not meant to be for weight loss. You're actually discouraged from weighing yourself throughout the 30 days. And it's not meant to be sustainable either - it's supposed to help get rid of sugar or other cravings. You're supposed to (I think?) reintroduce those foods at the end of the 30 days, if you want to. Again though, I might be completely off on this...

Deena_Bean

I don't even know what it is, but based on how you feel about it - I say quit. If you can't sustain it forever you're wasting your time. Coffee is only good if you drink it the way you love it. Otherwise what's the point? Meh. Quit it and move on. *cheers*

SuggaD

Don't do any weight loss program that has a name. Its really that simple. Learn moderation and you will be fine.

dubird

Sounds similar to a book that went around several years ago called Eat Right for Your Blood Type. After following that for a while, I realized that the specific things you're supposed to cut from your diet aren't always necessary, though it is good as a starting list for things that might not work for you. My mom found out that corn is something that's been messing her up for years, and I found that gluten actually makes my sinus congestion a bit worse (not enough for me to quit it, but enough that I try to limit it when my sinuses are already bad). I would take any of those kinds of 'diets' with a large scoop of grains of salt, but they can be good for making you focus on what you are eating and where you need to adjust things.

pfgaytriot

pope705 wrote: »

If you read the book, or the website, it states that it is not meant as a weight loss diet. Weight loss is just usually a happy side effect.

This. It's not at tool for weight loss (unless you're going to continue as paleo beyond the 30 days, then it might be considered a type of weight loss program in that instance). If you're doing it for weight loss and the plan doesn't make sense to you and you're miserable, then I agree that you should stop. Moderation is probably best for you and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. Do what you're comfortable with.

pope705

this link might shed some light on what to expect on the 30 days of your whole30:
whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/

Tiger blood, or the boundless energy every raves about, usually happens after 12 days.

lynn1982

SuggaD wrote: »

Don't do any weight loss program that has a name. Its really that simple. Learn moderation and you will be fine.

But it's not meant as a weight loss program...

pope705

^^^this!!!

lemurcat12

People do it as a weight loss tactic, however, so the advice still applies (not my advice, but I tend to agree).

I see nothing wrong with doing Whole30 as intended to see if you feel better without certain foods, however. Why not? I did something similar when I was playing around with figuring out what would be a good sustainable diet (as in way of eating) for me.

Deciding that you must drop all the foods that Whole30 would have you drop probably is more restrictive than necessary for lots of people, even if they are trying to see if there are changes they can make that will make them feel better, and thus those people probably will be more frustrated by than helped by the plan.

I read the book and thought about doing it since I get into such things (I like a challenge and was curious), but didn't, mainly because I thought the reasoning about potatoes made no sense and because I know I'm not negatively affected by dairy.

Aviva92

mezeade wrote: »

Also to add, I actually love meat and eggs and even I got sick of them!

eggs without cheese would be terrible. i like fried eggs with cheese.

I also eat yogurt almost every day. I couldn't do this diet. It also doesn't sound worthwhile anyway.

edit: upon reading the thread, looks like it isn't actually a diet for weightloss, so nevermind.

kellycasey5

Any diet that leaves you without enough energy to even start exercising sounds like a bad one. Eat in moderation, log EVERYTHING, and move a little more. MFP's formula for success works all on it's own. It may not be an overnight miracle, but it is maintainable!