What You Need For Your Whole30

If you have been reading my blog for a while you are likely familiar with the fact that I have completed several rounds of Whole30. And while I've tried to find my way back to it a few times in 2017, I'll admit that emotional upheaval has kept me from giving up my carbs and left me still focusing on labels and the like when it comes to hidden ingredients, but also left me wishing sometimes that I'd go back to eating the things that filled me up in the right ways.

So. I have decided to share a few ideas with you all - and I've decided to start a Whole30 today. I'm not sure what round this is for me, but I'll try to figure that out later on.

I'm starting another round in hopes that I'll continue to remind myself that when I follow certain eating habits it represents positive changes that give me and my body the boost I'm searching for. It's not restrictions or limitations, but a way to see exactly how my body does best.

* There will be affiliate links to Amazon throughout this post. If you make a purchase I earn a few pennies towards my next necessary ingredient! *

Ghee

Ghee is your new best friend. It takes the place of butter and certain oils and is delicious. It's fabulous to toss your veggies in, and is the base of my all-time favorite chicken recipe.

This 4th and Heart ghee is the ghee I purchased for this round of Whole30. I was overdue a fresh jar, and excited to find one that seemed so glamourous.

Coffee Creamer

I know, if you don't enjoy your coffee black you must be wondering how in the heck you'll be able to drink it during a Whole30. And for many? Giving up coffee is an absolute no-go. I get it. I hear you. Some days? I AM you. Keep reading, I've got some options for you.

Nutpods

Coffee creamer that's Whole30 compliant? Yes indeed. Nutpods are exactly what you need to keep your coffee light and creamy while on your next round of Whole30. This sampler gives you an idea of what flavors they have. The French Vanilla is my absolute favorite - I even prefer it over their new Pumpkin Spice! Now - take note, the pumpkin spice is often sold out, so if you really want to try it consider requesting a notification so you'll find out as soon as it's back in stock. 

Califia Farms Almondmilk Creamer

I need to confess, I may prefer Califia to nutpods. I mean, I love both, but I can usually find this at my grocery store - and that is what pushes this one a little bit ahead. Sometimes actually SEEING the product leads you to buy it. Also - it just arrived on Amazon, so I am super excited since I already know it's a favorite. Buy them both, compare, decide, and keep them both around! Because once you're used to drinking coffee with creamer and no sugar? I guarantee this is the way you're going to go moving forward. Trust me on this one. I'm a convert!

Update: Originally I included the Califia Better Half product here on this list, thinking it was exactly the same as the Almondmilk Creamer pictured above. I was incorrect. The Better Half product has monk fruit juice extract, and is therefore not Whole30 compliant. I was doing my own shopping for my January Whole30 when I realized this and updated this post immediately!

Protein Bars

Yes, if you're a Whole30 regular like I am you know as well as I do that protein bars are not truly recommended during the 30 days. It's a given that they can take the place of candy and treats for many of us, and if you find that you're one of those people then you will need to think twice. I have a few triggering items that I've learned to avoid over the years, and I've learned the importance of moderation, as we all do.

But sometimes there's no way around running out the door and not having any hard boiled eggs left and you know you're going to be starving and what can you eat until you can get an actual compliant breakfast or meal of some sort in you?

RXBAR

These whole food protein bars are pretty good. And the ingredients are super simple and compliant. Just watch out for the peanut butter and chocolate flavors. You don't need those, they will mess up your plan and bring you back to day one!

A few favorite compliant flavors are pumpkin spice, blueberry and apple cinnamon. And don't be surprised if you taste them and aren't sure - give it a second try. It's an interesting texture, but that's because it's completely natural.

Larabar

Larabar is another all natural brand of bar that you can eat during your Whole30. It's compliant because it pretty much has a handful of ingredients that you can recognize at first glance. Apple pie is my favorite flavor - although I won't turn down pumpkin pie if it's around.

Remember, bars are not meal replacement choices. They are grab-and-go foods and/or perfect in a pinch. But if you're like me and you know you might need them, it's good to have some on-hand and to toss a few in your bag so you're not out and about somewhere stuck without anything to eat.

These are just a few go-to items that are helpful to keep around when you're venturing into Whole30 land. While you're at it, though, be sure to purchase the books to guide you along the way. p.s. This first one's my bible.

Whole30: The 30-Day Guide To Total Health and Food Freedom

The Whole30 Cookbook

Whole30 Fast and Easy

It Starts With Food

Whole30 Day By Day

For more resources and information, have a look at the following posts:

Incredibly Informative Paleo Cookbooks

My Whole30 Experience

Life After Whole30

What I Ate On My Whole9

One Full Year

And stay tuned - I'll be sure to post a bit more about my experience this time around - and I'll have more recommendations for you, as well.

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