Whole 30 – Halfway Through
If you follow me on Twitter you’ll have seen that I'm currently in the middle (day 18, to be precise) of a Whole30.
So, what is a Whole30?
The Whole 30 is a strict 30 day Paleo program, which is designed to remove all inflammation causing foods for a 30 day period. This is very much in line with the 30-day trial Robb Wolf suggests. At the end of the 30-days the idea is to evaluate how you look, feel and perform – compared to how you looked, felt and performed on day -1. You can then slowly start to reintroduce other foods, if you wish to do so, to gain a better understanding of how your body reacts to specific foods. In the 30-day program you eat good quality, lean meat, fish, eggs, seasonal fruit & vegetables as well as fat sources such as coconut oil, avocado, nuts and seeds. Strictly off limits are dairy, grains, legumes – and of course all processed foods and alcohol.
How to go about it?
The weekend before I started my 30-days, I got organised. I went through hundreds of recipes and gave them the Whole30 treatment. There are differing degrees of Paleoness, meaning some recipes have dairy and sweeteners which aren’t allowed for this period. Once I had a collection of recipes for meals and snacks selected, I then went through the ingredients, one by one and compiled a huge shopping list – right down to the herbs and spices I didn’t already have. I assigned meals for the week ahead and bought everything I’d need. I can’t stress enough how much easier this made it!
What is a typical day’s menu?
Take today for example. Breakfast was (organic) bacon & (omega 3 enriched organic) eggs cooked in coconut oil. Lunch was a small bowl of leftover chicken curry cooked in coconut milk – and dinner today will be the slow cooked lamb that I hope is currently cooking itself in my slow cooker at home! Probably under 20 minutes of cooking & preparation time required today for three completely different meals.
The verdict so far?
I’d been about 90% Paleo before this recent Whole30 for a long time, so the biggest change for me has been cutting out dairy. Not having to make huge dietary changes has meant I haven’t had “carb flu” which a lot of people seem to go through. It has made me realise I just don’t need the dairy! Before starting, I’d been convinced I’d go back onto dairy once the 30-days were up. Now however, I just can’t see why I’d do that. Dairy gave me no nutritional benefit that I don’t get elsewhere in my diet, and I’m become increasingly convinced that dairy and I might not be so compatible. I’m always in a happy mood, but this has definitely been turned up a notch in the last 18 days. I’m also feeling a lot less tired – and for the first time since I can remember I’ve started to wake up before my alarm clock! This seems to have kick started my sleeping patterns too, as I’m now actually tired at bedtime. Win win! I’ll report back on my progress at the end of the 30 days, but more interestingly my housemate who has been doing this Whole30 with me, from a completely different way of eating!
Challenges You Might Face on a Whole30 – and How to Overcome Them
Even with the best of intentions and preparation, a Whole30 can come with its fair share of hurdles. One of the most common is navigating social situations. Dining out or attending events can be tricky when you’re avoiding not just gluten and dairy, but all processed foods, added sugars, and even seemingly harmless ingredients like soy sauce or wine in cooking. The key here is to be upfront. Let friends know what you’re doing and why. Most people are supportive, and you may be surprised how many are curious about giving it a go themselves.
Another common struggle is food boredom. You might start off full of enthusiasm and variety, but by day 12 or so, the repetition can get to you. This is why meal planning is vital. Build in variety from the start — think of themed nights like roast lamb Sundays, Mexican-inspired taco bowls with lettuce wraps, or Thai coconut curries with cauliflower rice. When in doubt, add herbs, spices, and textures to freshen up meals. Crunchy elements like toasted pumpkin seeds or shredded raw veggies can make a big difference to your enjoyment.
Whole30 and Your Relationship with Food
One of the unexpected benefits of the Whole30 is what it teaches you about your relationship with food. When you remove all the usual treats, crutches, and emotional go-tos — even the Paleo ones — you start to really observe your habits. Are you hungry, or just bored? Is it comfort you’re after, or fuel? By day 18, many people report fewer cravings and more awareness around hunger cues. There’s a sense of freedom in not being constantly tempted by snacks or sweets. You might find yourself craving a walk, a nap, or a stretch — rather than chocolate or a glass of wine.
Tips to Make Whole30 Work in a Busy Lifestyle
If you have a hectic work schedule or a family to feed, it might feel overwhelming at first. But with some small adjustments, Whole30 can actually make your life easier. Here’s how:
- Batch cook: Dedicate one afternoon a week to cooking up big portions of protein (like slow-cooked beef, roasted chicken thighs, or pork shoulder) and pre-chop vegetables for fast meals.
- Always have emergency meals on hand: Keep hard-boiled eggs, tinned salmon, cooked sausages, or veggie soup in the fridge so you never reach for something off-plan.
- Repeat what works: If you find a simple combo you love (like eggs, spinach, and avocado), don’t be afraid to eat it often. Simplicity is your friend.
Unexpected Wins During My Whole30
One thing I wasn’t expecting during this Whole30 was the impact on my skin. It’s clearer, brighter, and far less prone to breakouts. I haven’t changed my skincare — just what’s going in, rather than on, my body. My digestion has improved too. Less bloating, more regularity, and a general feeling of lightness after meals rather than heaviness.
Mentally, I’m finding more clarity. Tasks that normally feel like a grind are easier to get started on. I suspect this is partly from the stable energy levels — there are no afternoon crashes or sugar dips anymore. I feel more balanced and productive throughout the day.
Doing a Whole30 With a Housemate or Partner
If you can convince someone in your household to join you, it makes a massive difference. You’ll have accountability, someone to swap recipes with, and the emotional support when one of you is having a tough day. It’s especially helpful when it comes to meal prep — you can divide the workload and share the rewards. My housemate and I take turns cooking dinner, and it’s helped us both stay motivated and on track.
What Happens After Day 30?
It’s important to remember that Whole30 isn’t meant to be forever. The reintroduction phase is key — and this is where you really get your insights. By slowly bringing back foods like dairy, legumes, or grains one at a time, you’ll be able to pinpoint what affects your body — and how. Whether it’s a sore tummy from yoghurt or foggy thinking after bread, the learnings are individual and powerful. You’re essentially conducting a controlled experiment, and it can set the foundation for a lifelong way of eating that works best for your body.
Final Thoughts Before the Finish Line
With just under two weeks to go, I’m feeling excited and motivated to finish strong. The discipline of Whole30 has been easier than expected, and the payoff in terms of energy, mood, sleep, and digestion has been so worthwhile. I can’t wait to see how the final days go — and how reintroductions help fine-tune my personal Paleo template.
If you’re on the fence about trying Whole30, I highly recommend it — especially if you’ve been feeling sluggish, bloated, or stuck in unhealthy habits. It’s only 30 days, but the benefits can last much longer.
I’ll be sharing more updates soon — and would love to hear your experiences in the comments. Whether you’re on Day 1 or Day 30, let’s support each other!
Are you doing a Whole30 too? I’d love to hear about your thoughts and experiences below
