I've done Whole30, but not as strict. I agree about the scale, but I don't think the staying off/getting on the scale is as important as cutting out the processed stuff. I lost 6lbs in the process and still keeping it off eating Primal BluePrint. It's a great way to start detoxing from non-Paleo foods, but I never lasted the entire 30 days.

Yeah, if you want to reap the most out of Whole30, you should keep it 100%, so I've done it when getting back on the wagon to help me refocus & detox. I tend to steer clear of all-or-nothing, I just pull the best parts of Primal Blueprint & Paleo and forget about the rest.

The whole30 is hard but you just give it your all to follow the rules and no matter what, even if you slip up a couple of times, you have still made a big acheivement, no matter what anyone else says.

I have always lost about 5 pounds my first week but the last time I did the whole30 I didnt lose any more after that really. I did lose an inch on my waist, bust, and hips. I slipped up with sugar a few times in the form of maple syrup, honey, and once I went to the movies and I got m&ms...but I kept away from grain, legumes, and dairy like a rockstar.

I took about 1-2 week break (sticking to paleo but allowing natural sugars) and now I am 7 days into the 21 day sugar detox. I have lost a few more pounds and I think I will stick to this way of eating for the long-haul. I don't know why I couldn't stay away from sugar on the whole30 but I am foing great with it on the 21dsd. Probably because I am more focused on that as the main goal and I am practiced in the rest from my whole30.

I think after the 21 days i will relax the rules on fruit and I will eat sweet potatoes occassionally which arnt allowed on 21dsd but otherwise try not to eat added OR natural sugars because I have a habit of overdoing it.

To my understanding the 21DSD is a phase approach to help eliminate those processed sugar/carb cravings, but it's somewhat similar to Whole30, minus the fruit, and plus the dairy, so closer to Primal Blueprint (minus legumes). I suggest you do some research to see what works best. Here's a link to phase 1 - yes/no food list: http://www.oddlysaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/21-day-sugar-detox.jpg

I've only done 2 Whole 30's in 6 years of Primal/Paleo eating. I LOVE dairy and it is one of the only allergens that I don't have. Corn, wheat, soy, legumes all take me out so it is relatively easy for me to stick to the rules because when I don't I suffer terribly (although oats and rice are ok so once or twice a month I'll eat some..don't tell the paleo police!)

The rules with Whole 30 are more difficult for me personally, like you MUST eat before coffee. I IF so this is hard. And if you have a snack it MUST be a mini meal containing protein veg and fat in specific amounts . It takes a lot more prep for me especially because I lean more carnivore/ fat and have to force myself to eat veg. And the fat is way less than I want to eat. Who want 2 thumbs of Avocado?! I want the whole dang thing at LEAST!

There isn't a.maximum. You also shouldn't snack.