14 Recipes for a Successful Whole 30 (2024)

When I wrapped up my Freezer Challenge a couple of months ago, I mentioned that I would be starting the Whole 30 in January. Now that January is quickly approaching, I realized I need to start preparing for that and thinking about finding some great Whole 30 Recipes.

I have tried this program once before and was not successful. I lasted about 5 days. I think part of the problem was that I was not prepared at all.

This time around I want to have some Whole 30 recipes and ideas ready instead of just jumping straight in without a clue! I have been pinning lots of great recipes and tips on Pinterest. Feel free to follow my Whole 30 Pinterest Board for more inspiration!

If you’ve never heard of the Whole 30, let me just give you the highlights. It is not supposed to be a diet. The Whole 30 is about changing your lifestyle to eat healthier and reduce cravings. You don’t have to track calories, carbs, or anything. It is more about eliminating certain ingredients to help detox the body.

During the 30 days, you eliminate all added sugar, dairy, grains, alcohol, legumes, and anything containing carrageenan, MSG, or sulfites. I find it best to focus on what you can have though! That would be all real food…..any meats, seafood, eggs, fruits, veggies, and seasonings. At the end of the 30 days, you can gradually add back in some of these foods to see which ones are triggers for your body.

I know after the holidays I definitely feel the need to detox! I also want my 30 days to be successful. That is why I put together this round up of recipes to get started.

Healthy 30 Minute Hamburger Soup

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One thing that will be different for this time around with the Whole 30 is that it will be winter instead of summer. In the summer, you can grill lots of yummy meats and veggies. In the winter, nothing is better than a warm bowl of soup. This soup is really quick to put together and the leftovers will be great to have for lunch as well!

No Bean Chili

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Just because beans are not included in the Whole 30, doesn’t mean you can’t have chili! This recipe fromHappily the Hicks looks easy and delicious. This would be another one that makes great leftovers for lunches. If you already have a favorite chili recipe, you may just be able to leave out the beans. I’ll definitely be trying this one!

Skinny Low Carb Taco Bowls

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If you have followed any of my Menu Monday posts, you may already know how much we love Mexican Food. I was thrilled to come across this recipe from The Gluten Free Homestead as an alternative to our usual tacos, rice bowls or fajitas.

Crockpot Mississippi Pot Roast

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The Crockpot is definitely my best friend when it comes to making dinner. I love being able to throw the ingredients into the crockpot earlier in the day and know that dinner will be ready no matter what the afternoon has in store!

A member of my Healthy Meal Planning on a Budget Facebook Group had actually recommended Crockpot Mississippi Pot Roast to me a few weeks ago and I just haven’t had a chance to try it out. When I saw this Whole 30 compliant recipe from The Rising Spoon, I knew I needed to add it to my list of recipes to try! She has another pot roast recipe using homemade onion soup mix that looks wonderful as well.

Slow Cooker Turkey Meatballs

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This looks like a recipe the whole family will love! These yummy meatballs and sauce are super simple to put together in the crockpot. They would be great served over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Asian Chicken Wrap

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This Asian Chicken Wrap recipe from Wine & Couture reminds me of something we would make with Hello Fresh. It sounds so fresh and flavorful!

Sausage and Apple Sheet Pan Dinner

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Sheet pan dinners are one of my favorite ways to prepare a meal for my family! The combinations are endless! I have never tried this combo or using pork sausage so I am definitely looking forward to making this next month. She has great ideas for using leftovers with this too!

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes

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This recipe would be amazing with any meal. I would love to top these yummy potatoes with Buffalo Chicken for a very tasty Whole 30 Dinner.

Veggie Dump Frittata

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For the frittata you basically just use any veggies you have on hand that need to be cooked up. She lines a cast iron skillet with thinly sliced potatoes and then uses the veggies and eggs to complete the meal. I think this would make a great breakfast, lunch or dinner!

Deconstructed Apple Sausage

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This Deconstructed Apple Sausage recipe has so many options. You can serve it with eggs, avocados, hashbrowns or applesauce. Those are only a few options. Having a basic recipe that can be used so many ways will definitely help the success rate of sticking to the Whole 30!

Sweet Mustard Sheet Pan Chicken

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This recipe from The Whole Cook has me drooling! I’ve never cooked brussels sprouts before but I love trying new things. The best part is your whole dinner cooks on one pan to make clean up a breeze!

One Pan Dinner – Fall Edition

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Did I mention how much I love sheet pan dinners? This one says fall edition but I think it would be great any time! Gavin is a huge fan of any meal I make with chicken sausage links so I know it will be a winner for us.

Fried Garlic Parmesan Zucchini and Kale

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This Zucchini and Kale would be an amazing side dish. Just be sure to leave out the Parmesan Cheese to make sure it is Whole 30 compliant. One of the biggest benefits of doing the Whole 30 is learning how to try new foods. I know we get stuck in a rut and eat the same veggies every week. I am excited to experiment with new foods like kale and brussels sprouts. I may even jump way out of my comfort zone and eat eggplant!

Bacon Ranch Burger Salad

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This salad has changed my world! If you crave burgers, definitely give this Bacon Ranch Burger Salad a try. It uses all Whole 30 ingredients and will be one of those recipes you will want to eat all the time…..Whole 30 or not!

Now that we have some great Whole 30 recipes, we should be able to have a successful Whole 30 this time around! I will be starting my Whole 30 on January 2nd and plan to do a weekly update on what we ate and how it is going. If you already have experience with the Whole 30, please share any recipes or tips that helped you! I would love to hear about it!

This post does include affiliate links. That means I could earn a tiny portion of any sale that is made through clicking on any of these products with no additional cost to you. All support is greatly appreciated!

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14 Recipes for a Successful Whole 30 (2024)

FAQs

How do I eat enough on Whole30? ›

#1] LOSE THE DIET MENTALITY.

The physical aspects will come with it – but don't make those your main focus! Make sure you are eating enough at every meal — protein, fat, + carbs are the main components of each meal, ++ make sure that you feel full + never, ever hungry. If you're hungry, eat more!

Can you eat eggs on Whole30? ›

Foods allowed on the Whole30 diet mostly consist of minimally processed foods, including: Meat, eggs, and poultry: beef, veal, pork, horse, lamb, chicken, turkey, duck, etc. Fish and seafood: fish, anchovies, shrimp, calamari, scallops, crab, lobster, etc. Fruits: fresh and dried fruits.

Can you have rice on Whole30? ›

While grains (including rice) are not compatible with the Plant-Based Whole30 elimination, rice is often used for the fermentation and processing of certain forms of soy, such as miso and tempeh.

What foods are included in the Whole30 diet? ›

For 30 days, you will cut out all grains, legumes, soy, dairy, alcohol, added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and processed foods containing any of these ingredients; and load up on all sorts of vegetables, fruits, eggs, quality meats and fish, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats.

What is the hardest day of the Whole30 diet? ›

On Days 10 and 11, you are statistically the most likely to quit your Whole30. (That's why they're “the hardest days.”) By this point, the newness of the program has worn off, and though you've made it through most of the unpleasant physical milestones, you've yet to experience significant benefits.

Why do I feel so bad on Whole30? ›

Some downsides include Whole30 side effects like digestive problems, worsened food cravings, and reduced nutrient intake. The diet restricts certain foods and food groups, which, if followed long-term, can result in nutrient deficiencies.

Are bananas OK on Whole30? ›

Yes, both pickles and bananas are allowed on Whole30. Yet if they are a potential trigger food for you (for instance, the sweetness of bananas sets off a craving for other treats or makes you want to binge on the fruit), then you may consider including them on your “don't eat” list.

Can I have peanut butter on Whole30? ›

Though peanuts and peanut butter aren't allowed on the Whole30 program, other nuts and nut butters are. Cashew butter is loaded with nutrients like healthy fats, magnesium, manganese, and copper. Its smooth, sweet taste pairs well with apples ( 1 ).

Are potatoes OK on Whole30? ›

Are Potatoes Whole30? Yes! As of January 2021, all varieties of potatoes are included in the Whole30 diet. Yet, the catch is that fries and chips are not included in the diet as they are not considered to be “real” or whole foods.

Is oatmeal allowed on Whole30? ›

When you're on Whole30, toast, cereal, and oatmeal won't fly. But that doesn't mean you have to eat a plate of boring scrambled eggs each and every day. These casseroles, egg cups, breakfast stacks, and more will have you looking forward to your morning meal—and full way beyond your morning commute.

Do you lose weight on Whole30? ›

That said, plenty of people who try the Whole30 diet do end up losing some weight. “The benefit of Whole30 is that it encourages eating whole foods, which are foods in their most natural state,” says Sara Haas, RDN, a nutrition expert with formal training in the culinary arts.

Is hummus Whole30 approved? ›

On the Plant-Based Whole30 program, you can enjoy traditional hummus made with chickpeas! A great and healthy way to snack when you need a little something to get you through to the next meal, hummus and plant-based dips with veggies is a win-win.

Is almond milk OK on Whole30? ›

You've seen this in literally every grocery store, and now you know: Yes, you can drink it while doing Whole30.

How do I get enough protein on my Whole30? ›

Our primary protein sources include legumes, lentils and peas; whole or minimally processed forms of soy like edamame, tofu, and tempeh; minimally processed meat alternatives such as Abbot's Butcher “beef” and “chorizo;” and whole forms of plant-based protein powders like pea, hemp, pumpkin, or chia.

Can you eat bacon on Whole30? ›

Whole30® also allows individuals to enjoy foods that are off-limits in other diet plans, including bacon and sausage. That means you can still whip up delicious recipes like Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potatoes and Slow Cooker Polish Sausage and Cabbage.

How do I stop being hungry on Whole30? ›

Consuming plenty of protein-packed foods may also help keep you feeling satisfied. Another way to stay full on Whole30 is to ensure you're getting enough protein. High-protein foods are known for helping your body to feel full for longer because protein breaks down slower than carbs.

Is it possible to not lose weight on Whole30? ›

One fundamental principle of weight loss is creating a calorie deficit, which means consuming fewer calories than your body needs for maintenance. While Whole30 promotes whole foods and eliminates certain food groups, it's still possible to overeat or consume excess calories within the allowed foods.

Do you actually lose weight on Whole30? ›

That said, plenty of people who try the Whole30 diet do end up losing some weight. “The benefit of Whole30 is that it encourages eating whole foods, which are foods in their most natural state,” says Sara Haas, RDN, a nutrition expert with formal training in the culinary arts.

What is the 30-30-30 rule for weight loss? ›

The 30-30-30 diet involves eating 30g of protein within 30 minutes of waking up, and then completing 30 minutes of low intensity exercise. This method first appeared in Tim Ferriss' book The 4-Hour Body in 2010 but was recently popularized by nutritionist and wellness podcaster Gary Brecka.

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