Why Whole 30 isn’t the only pathway to health

My thoughts on whole 30…

Disclaimer: I am a nutritional professional. I am writing my feelings as honestly as possible. I am not trying to be negative. I support everyone who aims to eat better.

A fad is something that is very popular for a short amount of time. I have discussed this subject with numerous nutrition professionals and read plenty of articles –that combined with my professional opinion and my personal beliefs. There is no doubt that Whole30 is a fad, a trend, a craze. Before you get offended, let me say this – a fad isn’t necessarily bad. For example, I’m currently building a new home. White kitchens are all the rage. They are clean and bright. Of course I want a white kitchen, that’s what’s in. But, in five years will white kitchens still be in? I don’t know. Some may say that it is timeless, but we don’t know that. Elements of the white kitchen might stick around, but styles change.

Whole 30 is just another name for a program or challenge that has been around before. There will be another program like it in the future. There is no denying it, we have seen this cycle over and over again. This Paleo challenge is essentially an elimination diet, a nutritional cleanse that is meant to reset your gut. While most claim that is the reason for their participation, there is no negating that weight loss is a huge reason. I believe if you choose to do this program for the first reason I stated, you will be more likely to stick to it.

I have read the book, It Starts with Food by Dallas and Melissa Hartwig and agree with most of the principles. I wouldn’t say that I learned anything new. Choosing whole foods is the way to go. While I fully believe in challenging yourself from time to time, there are a few messages that rubbed me the wrong way.

This plan is not perfect, it is flawed. In studying and researching nutrition for thirteen years, I don’t agree with everything they have stated about certain food groups. However, if you have serious health issues removing certain food groups AND adding them back in ONE at a time, can help you manage your disease, symptoms, or aliments. Again, this is called an elimination diet and is usually done under the guidance of a health professional.

What I like about Whole 30:

1. The emphasis on whole food. One of my favorite principles is not recreating your favorite comfort foods (pancakes, pizza, and desserts) to be paleo –approved. I truly believe that when you consume foods like these it should be a treat and they should be made with the best quality ingredients. Many of the ingredients used to make “clean treats” aren’t all that clean. Too often we justify the health of the food when it was made with food-like substances to be made “healthier”. Too often we call breakfast a protein shake and lunch a bar. Getting away from this is a good thing.
2. It’s clear cut. Many people don’t like following a “plan”. Telling them what they can have makes it easy.
3. People are getting more comfortable in the kitchen. Learning that roasting veggies brings out their flavor, or learning the correct way to cook salmon can definitely be life changing. I love all the creative dishes that come about.
4. At the end of the book, it teaches you how to add each food group back in. This takes an additional ten days. Either you should do the plan for twenty days and add the groups back in for the last ten, which would still be a huge accomplishment – you should still get the Whole 30 medal. Or, call it Whole 40. Doing the diet and then eating a whole grain, peanut butter cookie made with garbanzo beans on day 31 will obviously make you sick. That’s three new foods all at once.

 

What I don’t love about Whole 30:

1. People are not reading the book. They are just posting their food thinking it is “compliant” when it’s not. I think this bother’s the hard-core participants too.
2. I strongly dislike the word “compliant” just as much as I strongly dislike the word “cheat”. Neither of these words reflects a normal, healthy relationship with food – something that this book strongly advocates.
3. I have no doubt that this book has changed numerous individual’s lives. When you go from eating crap or eating food-like substances, there is no doubt you will feel better and lose weight. Absolutely no doubt. However, you don’t have to remove quality grains, Greek Yogurt, beans, edamame, and natural peanut butter for 30 days to get there. Whole 30 is NOT the end all be all to health.
4. I don’t know if it’s the black and white nature of the plan, but many of the participants comments reflect that if you aren’t doing Whole 30 you are eating at McDonald’s every day. This is definitely not the case.
5. Young girls have taken to Whole 30. They are not equipped with the knowledge or self-confidence to take it all in. Having worked with eating disorder patients, I fear that it is a start to a life long journey of trying the latest new craze. Of course they can learn a lot about whole food, but many healthy food options are painted in such a negative light. It makes me sad.
6. Just because you do/did Whole 30 does not mean that you a nutrition expert. There are very specific nutrient needs for certain populations. While many pregnant and nursing moms have done this challenge, that doesn’t mean all can or should. I physically could not stomach any vegetables while pregnant, especially at the beginning. I literally threw up every time I tried. I would not have survived on Whole 30 during that time. Furthermore, this is a very specific and sacred time in a mother’s life. While, you should nurture your body and your baby to the best of your ability, you should not put that type of pressure on yourself.
7. If whole 30 was magical as it claims there would be no reason to do multiple rounds. You would learn what you needed in that time. What about trying sprouted grains or coconut sugar with Greek yogurt? Or, having a slice of birthday cake on YOUR birthday and feeling at peace with it for the next thirty days? I am all for a challenge, but you need to find a “normal”. Additionally, get off of it. The authors of the book aren’t always living Whole 30, you shouldn’t either.
8. I don’t believe that eating Whole 30/Paleo is particularly good for our environment as animal products leave a greater carbon footprint.
9. I respect that the book addresses religious beliefs in respect to evolution. As a religious person, I have a really hard time wrapping my head around the term Paleo. Additionally, we do not know exactly what the “caveman” ate like and it varied from region to region. When it comes to weight-loss there is no doubt that a low-carb diet is more effective than a low-fat calorie-restricted diet. But, that does not mean we need to eliminate grains. In my religion grains are stated as “the staff of life” and meat should be consumed “sparingly” with “prudence and thanksgiving.” Much of the research on grains could be considered correlation studies. We consume too much processed grains and sugar. But, that doesn’t mean all grain is bad for us. I truly believe that every good thing our Father in Heaven has given to us is for our benefit. Unfortunately, there is an evil counterpart for ALL of it. Research, support those who are doing things right.

I respect and admire any individual making healthy changes in their life. Coming from professional and personal experience, it’s hard work! I respect all types of eaters: Paleo, vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian, pescetarian, etc . With all the varied food ideologies out there, with all the varied research – for me, it is enough evidence to consume a varied diet of whole foods that come from the earth. This means choosing the best quality that I can for beef, chicken, fish, eggs, cheese, yogurt, fruit, vegetables, and grains. It doesn’t always work out that way and I’m okay with that. We should all be okay with that. Do your best and trust your body to make up for mistakes in eating.

 

If you are considereing doing Whole 30, be as prepared as possible. You might find out right away that it is not for you. Many people struggle with the thought of not consuming certain foods. Many people binge on day 31. Take your time re-introducing foods, figure out what works for you and then move on with your life.

 

Resources:

 

http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2014/01/michael-pollan-paleo-diet-inquiring-minds

http://kategeagan.com/

http://experiencelife.com/article/paleo-vs-vegan/

http://www.treehugger.com/green-food/popular-paleo-diet-not-most-sustainable-way-eat.html

http://www.thechinastudy.com/foundation/t-colin-campbell-foundation/