Weight Loss Fads: Whole30 (Part 2)

February 9, 2023 Ashley 0 Comments

Still trying Whole30 and failing miserably?

That may be because you’re quitting too many things you’re addicted to at once.

We mentioned in part 1 why a program like that doesn’t generate a lot of success and isn’t very sustainable. So, what’s the fix? Well, the answer may be to instead eradicate some or most of these items (sugar, processed food, alcohol, simple carbs) for most of the week – and reserve a cheat day. (And if you’re looking to try and quit all the bad stuff more days than not, eliminate them one or two weeks at a time – giving yourself a minute to acclimate and grieve over your Cheeto’s or whatever you miss.) Cheat days are great because when we have that to look forward to, we’re less likely to give up altogether. Also, sometimes when we know we have that liberty to eat whatever we want one day a week, we realize that we don’t even want to. (Believe it or not – that does indeed happen.) Sure, the option is there, but after feeling good all week without inflammation, water retention, or hangovers – we really don’t feel like messing that up too much. So, sure, perhaps we’ll have a slice of pizza; but we’re more likely to choose the steamed veggies from Hunan Delight than the large vat of lo mein with a ton of wontons on the side.

This is what makes it sustainable.

What also makes it sustainable is to look at the quality of what we’re eating on those non cheat days. Whole 30 doesn’t speak to macros or calorie awareness. Without balancing out your proteins, fats, and carbs each day, you may not meet your holistic goals. Also, an excess of calories on any kind of food can limit weight loss. While the restricted nature of the diet itself may lead to better label reading and subsequent caution about caloric intake, it’s unlikely that those who don’t have a background in macronutrient balancing or what an excess of calories looks like will think to add this extra step on their own. In addition, the rules are a little foggy. For example, there are exceptions to each rule. (Like how you can have juice as a sweetener – even though sweeteners are forbidden and you can eat clarified butter – even though butter is dairy.) While it’s always nice to have some allowances in such a restrictive diet, without simple and direct parameters, it could lead to inconsistencies in follow-through by those attempting it.

What’s more, exercise is not a proposed component of Whole30 either.

Proponents claim that it’s not necessary to exercise to see life changing results.

While this isn’t false (most of weight loss and wellness is indeed built in the kitchen), it’s slightly irresponsible to not at least suggest it for those who are capable of doing so. Yes, it makes sense that if someone is in too much pain from their excess weight or poor diet to work out, that we attack the diet first. However, as soon as it is humanly possible to attempt, exercise should be invited into the mix. After all, although the diet is only 30 days long, the idea is (or should be) to always to implement it – or a modified version of it – into your life moving forward. (Otherwise, what’s the point? To fit into your wedding dress and then get fat, sick, and miserable again next month?) Diets are pointless. Lifestyle changes are the only legitimate way to benefit forever. That means that exercise should absolutely be a part of said lifestyle change for anyone working toward wellness and weight loss alike. And, in the end, my dear friend Micah could confirm this. After my research, I finally asked her the other day, “How’d that diet ever go?” Her response went thusly:

“Um… I didn’t lose any weight. But it’s good for inflammation because it eliminates foods that cause it!”

Then, in the next breath, she says:

“Hey, wanna catch up at the winery in Bristow next Friday?!”

*insert smirking emoji*