So I’ve had this drafted for some time now and changed this first paragraph multiple times. I attempted to do my 2nd round of Whole30 the first week of January and failed miserably. I just wasn’t ready. So here I am again, last week of January, attempting the Whole30 again. This time, I don’t have any planned cheat days (we just got back from Austin and I could not miss out on all of the amazing non whole30 food there) and I’m going to stay strict for the full 30 days! Who’s with me?!
Below are my tips and recipes that helped me get through the 30 days the first time I did the whole30, lost 8 lbs and had more energy than I’ve had in years! So here we go again! Let’s do this!
1: Breakfast / Cauliflower Rice
While it doesn’t sound all that appetizing, Cauliflower Rice really does mimic rice and I’ve actually come to prefer it over rice in homemade “rice” bowls. Many days during the whole30, this is my go to breakfast. I make cauliflower rice, frozen peppers from Trader Joes, any additional left over veggies in the fridge, avocado and either ground turkey or I’ll mix an egg or two with the cauliflower rice and top it off with Everything But the Bagel Seasoning and some Coconut Aminos. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that the kids love it too! I also add shrimp to the cauliflower bowl and enjoy for either lunch or dinner.
2: Lunch / Meal Prep
While breakfast is pretty easy to whip together, I felt like lunch needs to be a meal I prepare for ahead of time. Every few days, I make a large batch of a whole30 approved recipe to keep in the fridge to heat up at lunchtime. This takes a lot of stress and pressure off of lunch. It also takes away temptation to cheat since the meals are so good. Here are a few of my favorites…
1. White Chicken Chili – This one is my absolute favorite! I skip the celery since I don’t like celery in soup. I also make sure to add lots of lime and the fresh cilantro to finish off the dish. It is seriously SO GOOD!
2. Lemon Chicken and Vegetable Soup – A simple staple that has a ton of flavor! Landyn and Bryce both like the soup which is another plus for this recipe.
3. Zouppa Toscana – This dish introduces some new flavors and is also a new family favorite that tastes just as good on day 2 or 3.
4. Creamy Sausage, Tomato, Basil Spaghetti Squash – Definitely a new favorite and the fam likes it too! I skip the red pepper flakes so it won’t be too spicy for Landyn and Bryce. It’s so good and actually even better the next day!
3: Dinner / Meat and Potatoes
The easiest way stay on whole30 and also make dinner for the entire family is to stick to the basics for dinner. Pick a protein, a vegetable or two and a starch (if it’s potato based, you can have it too, if not just stick to the protein and veggies).
4: Staples to Stock up on
Here are a few food items I find helpful for on the go, curbing cravings and making it to day 30.
- Lara Bars – my favorites are the Lemon Bar, Cashew Bar and the Cherry Pie. Check the label since some bars are not Whole30 compliant.
- Plantain Chips – Whenever you need something with a little crunch, these are perfect! I’ve use them as a side or as a crouton in my soup or something crunchy over top of a salad.
- Everything but the Bagel seasoning – Another topping that adds some crunch! You will put avocado on everything and its always nice to have some crunch with avocado. I put it on my cauliflower bowls, in my eggs, in my soups, etc. It’s literally good on EVERYTHING.
- Sparkling Water – To give you a little something bubbly when you can’t have any wine or cocktails or after a meal if you’re still craving something. Pour over lots of ice and have it handy whenever you’re on the verge of cheating.
- Frozen Fruit – while you’re not supposed to eat a ton of fruit, its better than eating chocolate or sugar. To help keep me on track at night when I was struggling to stay the course I ate frozen mango or grapes as a treat that is still Whole30 approved.
- Iced Green Tea – while Whole30 allows caffeine, sweeteners are not an option making it still hard to stick to your usual favorite caffeinated beverage. I’ve found unsweetened ICED green tea to be the most tolerable unsweetened, caffeinated drink. I’d imagine if I drank coffee, coffee with coconut milk might not be a bad option either.
5. Find a Friend
As with anything in life, the whole30 is better with someone else. It’s easier to stay motivated when you have a buddy keeping you honest for the entire 30 days. Either find a friend who is a first timer or one who has been through it before and you’ll be more likely to make it to the end. I joined with a veteran whole30er and it was SO helpful to have her by my side to share recipes and vent when all I wanted was a glass of wine or a piece of chocolate.
And thats all I have for now but I’m sure I’ll have more tips and delicious recipes after round 2. Best of luck if your joining me in this challenge! We’ve got this!
xo Meghan
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