The Whole30 diet is a program that consists of two phases: a 30-day elimination phase followed by a 10-day reintroduction phase in an effort to improve overall health. During the initial 30-day period, the diet is comprised of only whole foods such as meat, seafood, and eggs as protein sources, as well as vegetables and fruit, and wholesome fats derived from natural sources.

The Whole30 program claims to offer a wide range of health benefits, such as weight loss, increased energy levels, better mental clarity, improved sleep quality, clearer skin, enhanced mood, improved athletic performance, and reduced cravings for unhealthy foods.

Both Whole30 and Paleo eliminate some of the same types of foods, and don’t focus on calorie counting. However, the Whole30 is a short-term elimination program that is designed to help people identify food sensitivities and create new, healthy habits with food. It’s not meant to be followed forever, and it’s not prescriptive long-term, in that once participants are done with their program, they are encouraged to take what they’ve learned and create their own ideal, sustainable diets. Whole30 calls that “Food Freedom,” and your Food Freedom may include grains, dairy, soy, peanut butter, beans, alcohol, and added sugar—whatever foods you decide are worth it and work well for you.

A Paleo approach is a general lifestyle recommendation to avoid grains, legumes, dairy, and processed foods, and focus your everyday diet on meat, seafood, eggs, vegetables, fruit, and healthy fats. Paleo is a template for everyday eating meant to be followed for the majority of meals, although there is no one universally accepted definition of “Paleo.” Some Paleo templates allow for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in moderation, while the related Primal framework allows for red wine and dark chocolate. 

A Whole30 diet is comprised of “whole” foods, meaning naturally-derived foods that don’t contain additives. This includes protein-rich foods such as meat, seafood, and eggs, along with a variety of vegetables and fruits, natural fats, and seasonings like herbs and spices. All foods eaten during the Whole30 program should have simple and easily identifiable ingredients or just whole, unprocessed options that do not require any ingredient list.

The following foods are restricted from the Whole30 diet: 

• Added sugar (real or artificial)
• Alcohol in any form
• Grains
• Legumes
• Dairy
• Carrageenan or sulfites
• Recreating baked goods or other foods (even if using Whole30 Approved ingredients)