The New Diet You Should Check Out

By Stepy Kamei

Diet trends and fads come and go. However, there's a difference between arbitrary food "crazes" and truly helpful methods of preparing and consuming meals.

Indeed, some dietary plans, such as the Whole30 Diet, are less about adding a bunch of trendy "superfoods" into your meals, and more about committing to a healthier and more nutritious style of eating. Keep on reading to learn more about the Whole30 Diet, and why you may want to consider incorporating its teachings into your own dietary plan.

What Exactly is Whole30?

So, what makes up the Whole30 eating plan? To start, let's break down the name.

The "whole" aspect refers to the types of foods you should be consuming according to this diet. Essentially, you'll be committing to consuming whole foods which are not processed, or at least, minimally processed. This means that fresh ingredients with as little packaging or additional ingredients as possible are encouraged. Unfortunately, that also means that many staples of the typical American diet, including packaged and processed frozen meals, don't fit in with the Whole30 meal plan.

The "30" aspect refers to trying this meal plan for 30 days. It takes time to make any habit stick, even a healthy one. Therefore, trying out this eating plan for just one month is a great first step to committing to healthier eating habits.

Foods to Eat

While it may sound daunting at first, this meal plan is not as restrictive as it initially sounds. Most importantly, the foods you will be eating will be brimming with nutrients, which will help you feel fuller longer -- a much more positive feeling than typical restrictive diet plans.

On the Whole30 diet, you may eat poultry, meat, and fish as your main sources of protein. Fresh fruits and veggies are also an important staple of this diet (just avoid canned and frozen versions). Finally, you can eat foods which contain healthy fats for better brain health and increased energy levels. Examples include avocado, unsalted nuts, and chia seeds.

Foods to Avoid

Now here comes the challenging part of any diet - knowing which foods you need to avoid. As previously mentioned, foods which come in a package, have been processed in some way, or are loaded with preservatives such as salt, fat, or sugar are generally no-no's. This includes frozen meals, chips, cookies, and canned foods. Soy, dairy, and alcohol products are also off the list.

Focus on the Benefits

If it still sounds a bit overwhelming, take a moment to think about the benefits of this dietary plan. Many people report noticing improved energy levels and more restful sleep almost right away. This is probably due to the lack of sugar and salt, which can cause inflammation and disrupt the sleep-wake cycle. Your skin may clear up as well, and you may even notice healthy weight loss and an improved digestive system. Why not give Whole30 a try? At the end of the 30 days, you can always modify your eating to take what suits your lifestyle from the plan, even if you're not strictly adhering to every rule going forward. Big lifestyle changes start with small steps, and this is a great way to get started!

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Morrisville, N.C.