I've done two; both for longer than 3 days. The main benefit of Whole30 for me was learning how to live without dairy. I've been in denial that I have a problem with dairy even after I cleaned up the rest of my diet. I still have it occasionally but am fully aware of my problems with it. (Caveat: raw, unprocessed dairy would be a whole different ball game imo.)

Whole30 otherwise is not as beneficial for me. I do better trying to eat as strict Paleo as I can every day. The "all or nothing" of Whole30 lead me into an "eat all the things" after my last one so that was a fail. However, much of that was also due to a year and a half of under-eating thanks to MFP calorie settings and my own brainwashing that the less calories I ate the better. (I was still eating 1400-1600 from 240 to 170 but I lost much lean body mass and slowed my metabolism).

I think Whole30 is a great way for Paleo newbies to start out. The improvements in health are mind-blowing and sets the stage for a lifelong commitment to health instead of a temporary weight loss strategy.

I think what I like about Paleo (and similar ways of eating) is that they aren't temporary diets, but something that you can adhere to for the rest of your life. That is what I need: a lifestyle change, not a quick fix fad diet that isn't sustainable. So might be hard work at first, but should be well worth it in the end.

I started off doing the Atkins, but having done it before I knew it wasn't sustainable I really didn't even want to to it but I "maned" up and did it knowing it was short term at best. then i discovered Primal and it has been great and sustainable and delicious too, so many foods I never ate before and so much fun making them.

I dove into Whole30 in April of last year not really knowing a lot about Paleo. I knew I felt better and wanted to try and continuing eating that way after my 30 days so I learned more about Paleo. After the 30 days, I couldn't stand the taste of my beloved Diet Coke anymore and still haven't had one to this day! Over the last year, I have started eating more SAD (standard american diet) foods and I starting feeling horrible. I started my second Whole30 in Sept. and made it 3 weeks and gave into an Oktoberfest weakness which made me feel like crap afterwards so I am back on the wagon! I don't think I would have stuck with it the first time had I really known about Paleo before that.

clairmuffin wrote: »

ClutchBone wrote: »

for someone to start off doing a whole30 as their first move to a Paleo lifestyle is a very difficult thing to do. My recommendation is to adapt to it slowly like drop wheat and junk oils and then do a Whole30. It is just easier that way.

Yay I am a special snowflake! I had 0 willpower for any diets before this (hence being on here for years) and only through the W30 I discovered I'm actually an all or nothing person. If you suspect you can handle this approach, it's best to cut everything cold turkey in my experience. Just make sure you're 100% prepared. I lived by reading the W30 daily emails, Nom Nom Paleo and Well Fed. Nearly everything I ate on my W30 was from one of those two books.

Great stuff and those were a few of my early books too. It was easier for me I think than some due to by boundless reservoir of rage at wheat after reading Wheat Belly.

I find a strict Whole 30 very hard. I would also suggest tapering into it unless you are a good "cold turkey" person that can just quit it and leave it behind. Because that is what this amounts to...leaving ALL vices behind.

Starting today!!! I've been procrastinating but I know I have to do it. There always seems to be an occasion (birthday, vacation, etc.) that I postpone my Whole 30 for. But no more! Today is day one! Did the black coffee already and it was ok. Usually have cream or milk. Who wants to make it a go today???

I need to ask all of you who have done the Whole 30 - which supplements are necessary? I'm thinking I would need some calcium as I'm eliminating dairy but what other supplements do you recommend.

You probably do not need calcium. People who aren't eating grains usually don't have any issue. The calcium thing has been ridiculously exaggerated imo. Magnesium may be an issue but the problem with supplements is finding any that are bio-available. My main supplements are Green Pastures Blue Ice Royal butter oil/fermented cod liver oil gel (actually it's a food), magnesium (supplements and bath), and Vitamin D3/K2 liquid. That's about it. I have wasted far too much money on supplements and it's just smarter to put the money towards better food.