The question of I'm doing Whole30 "Do I Need to Start Over" comes up quite frequently with Whole30iers, even though the rules are very clear.
Maybe it's because people find it so hard to accept that they have broken a "golden rule". They automatically try to justify their error by confessing in the hopes that someone will say "it's ok", just carry on.
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If you don't know what Whole30 is, you can read more about Whole30 by following my series about Whole30 or reading What you need to know about Whole30.
You can also read more on the program by visiting the official Whole30 website.
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Help, I'm Starting the Whole30 Diet!
The decision to start Whole30 doesn't come easy. Once you have researched all about the program, you start to realize that there is a lot of work, commitment and planning. Planning that goes into preparing and eating a dietary plan filled with restricted foods for 30 days.
Accidents happen, right? You're so used to preparing food, tasting as you are cooking. Or, you walk by the kitchen counter and grab a handful of pea nuts only to realize that you just ate something that was not compatible.
Sometimes you are out eating and although you try to order something compatible, you later find out that there was an ingredient added that unfortunately goes against the rules. And the question that comes after is: I'm on Whole30 do I need to start over? Now, don't get discouraged just yet! Many people successfully complete rounds.
Others feel a sense of defeat even before they begin the program.
But there is hope! Your best line of defense is to ensure that you have the support you need to meet your goal and that you have a Whole30 plan in place.
Doing Whole30 isn't hard! There are other conditions (medical and what not) that are much harder than a nutrition program that restricts specific foods.
Pull up your socks, you can do this!
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Support Groups
There are a ton of Whole30 Support Groups that will keep you accountable and provide you with the support you need.
Some groups are very strict and quick to judge you through your posts. This makes it very difficult to post day by day accountings of your progress because of fear that you will be bullied or targeted by the so called "whole30 police" for breaking a rule.
There are other groups that are not so strict. They allow you to post anything you like whether it follows the rules or not. This is great if you want to post anything even if it doesn't follow all the Whole30 guidelines.
There is nothing wrong with posting non-compatible pictures. It's the feedback that comes after. That feedback needs to be correct, respectful and supportive. This feedback sometimes doesn't happen in groups that don't follow all the rules. I'm referring to the loosey-goosey groups. So in the end, you completed 30 days of the Whole30 according to you because no-one corrected you.
The reality is that if you are posting items that are not compatible, as per the Whole30 diet guidelines, then I'm sorry to say that you are not doing the Whole30 program as it was intended.
I should also mention that some Whole30iers get the impression that they can bake their so called cake using compatible ingredients and it's OK. But, stop!
This is not OK. Part of the Whole30 program is re-conditioning your habits so that you are not so dependent on baked goods that are full of hidden sugars. The whole point is becoming more reliant on healthy "whole" foods.
So you are reading this and your wondering I messed up on Whole30, do I need to start over?
If you are waiting for the answer, you really need to sit down and read and understand the program rules. Specifically, if you don't understand why a baked good like a cake or muffin is off limits.
You can find the official program rules here: the official can I have guide.
It's obvious that if you don't feel comfortable asking questions in a group setting, you probably won't feel supported. But don't despair, the support you need is out there, you just need to find it. Whether it's at home, or your friends or a Facebook Group.
If you want a support group in the form of a Facebook Group, you can join the Facebook Group Whole30 Recipes, Meals and Gentle Support.
This Facebook group community is filled with dedicated members and admin that will keep you accountable, support you and keep you on track in a gentle sort of way.
If you are looking for accountability, you will be able to find an accountability partner in the Facebook Group Whole30 Recipes, Meals and Gentle Support.
Just look for the monthly "Accountability Poll Post", (available during high diet months, e.g. January) where members indicate when they are starting and search for an accountability partner.
Surviving Whole30 at a Birthday Party or Special Occasion
Surviving a party can be difficult. You can't escape the non-compatible food like pizza, pasta, chips, beer, etc..
You do have choices and remember you are only doing this for 30 days. If you can muster up the courage, tell your friends and family that you are on Whole30 and you are "trying something new". Another option is you can just avoid the party all together. This, if you don't have the will power to avoid those restricted food items.
The other option, is to bring your own snacks or eat before the party and just say "thank you, but I'm just not hungry". You can then replace the beer or booze with water.
There is a third option. If you have strong will power, just go to the party! Enjoy yourself, but make a real conscious effort to stay away from foods that are off limits. Drink water, not juice.
Aside from parties, there are those occasions like family birthdays when traditionally you celebrate with a Birthday cake or have a homemade dessert.
If you know you don't have the will power to avoid a non compliant food, then your best bet is not to buy it or make it. Don't put yourself in a situation that you know you can't handle. Even if it's a loved one's birthday.
Instead, if possible, put your piece of cake in the freezer and defer eating your piece until the 31st day.
Or, better yet, make a cake of fruit as in the featured photo.
I Messed Up Whole30. Do I have to Start Over?
If you are asking the question, you probably already know the answer. And you need to watch for friends or supporters that will tell you it's ok, just continue. Be accountable and own your mistake.
Your on Whole30 "I messed up, do I have to start over?" The short answer is yes. I know this sounds negative. And I'm not trying to be mean. Don't look at it that way. Instead of thinking of it as starting over, just add the number of days you need to complete to make it 30 consecutive days of Whole30 eating.
For example if you messed up on day 15, just add another 15 days once you reach day 30. Yes, it will mean that rather than 30 days, you will have done 45 days, with one non-compatible day in middle. But, look at it from a positive perspective. You are doing this for you!
Don't just quit because you messed up - that's too easy. You should be proud of yourself even if you only make it to day 15. Remember, you are doing this for you. You deserve this! And you won't get the full benefits of Whole30 unless you complete 30 consecutive days according to the program rules.
I'd love to hear from you guys and what you are struggling with on the the Whole30 program. Put your comments down below and watch out for future posts. XOXO
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