The Whole30 is a one-month, paleo-like dietary challenge. While the food groups are strict paleo, there are additional rules within the framework, such as not trying to recreate standard North American foods with paleo-subbed ingredients, such as brownies or pancakes.

This style of eating can be a wonderful introduction into how one’s body can feel when all processed and industrialized foods are removed for 30 days. It can be a useful basis for beginning to tune into how one feels. However, some of the more strict mental components of the dietary strategy I would say potentially make this choice contraindicated for anyone who has a history of restrictive eating patterns, disordered eating, categorizing foods as good or bad or feeling competition towards themselves or others with food choices. It’s a lovely springboard for many, just like so many whole foods focused nutrition strategies.