The Full Disclosure

I've mentioned Whole30 a few times now, but I'm sure many of you are still wondering what that is exactly. Whole30 is, in the words of Dallas and Melissa Hartwig (the founders of the program), a "nutritional program designed to change your life in 30 days. Think of it as a short-term nutritional reset, designed to help you put an end to unhealthy cravings and habits, restore a healthy metabolism, heal your digestive tract, and balance your immune system."

But what exactly does one do if they are partaking in the program? Simply put, you eliminate the major food culprits that are scientifically proven to wreak the most havoc on our bodies, and feed your body nothing but the most nutritious, balanced, and healing foods possible for 30 straight days. Not 15 days, not 22 days, 30 whole days. It has been said that it takes 30 days to develop a new habit, and our bodies deserve that amount of time to adapt to their new, and better, resources. So let's get down to it. The following items are completely off limits for the 30 day stent:

- All forms of grains. Including, but not limited to, wheat, barley, rice, corn, quinoa, etc.
- All forms of dairy, with the exception of clarified butter (also referred to as ghee)
- All beans and legumes. This includes peanuts, black beans, pinto beans, navy beans, & many more.
- All forms of sugar. No added sweeteners, whether they be natural, refined or artificial.
- No alcohol or tobacco.

So what on earth am I supposed to eat?!?! Lots of lean, high quality meat, eggs and seafood. Tons of leafy greens and vegetables, a good amount of fruits, and a moderate amounts of nuts, seeds and healthy fats. But who gets to dictate "healthy" from non-healthy? This, my friends, is why you really need to read It Starts with Food. This book will explain exactly why each item in question was either strategically included or excluded from your 30 days. This book will guide you on your journey, so let it.

The Whole30 has yielded some tremendous results for the tens of thousands of individuals who have taken the plunge and completed the program since it was created in 2009. Some of these results, as shared on the Whole30 website include things like better sleep, clearer skin, weight loss, improved body composition, more energy, improved ability to focus and dramatically reduced cravings for things like carbohydrates and sugars. But what the testimonials of participants also show are dramatic improvements and some say "cures" for much more serious conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, asthma, allergies, sinus infections, skin conditions, endometriosis, PCOS, infertility, migraines, depression, bipolar disorder, heartburn, GERD, arthritis, joint pain, ADD, thyroid dysfunction, Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, lupus, leaky gut syndrome, Crohn’s, IBS , Celiac disease, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis... need I say more?

Yes, I should say more. I should take the time right now to state that I am not a doctor, nutritionist or certified health coach. Prior to making any dramatic changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially if you suffer from any serious or chronic conditions, please consult your doctor. I am not in any position to give medical advice, I simply am choosing to share my experiences with those reading so that you can choose to further educate and investigate the options and lifestyles that are available to you. All in all, I believe we each deserve to be the best we can be, and for that reason, I hope you find what you are looking for.