Low-carb diets have gained popularity due to their positive health benefits and the different diet types that sprung from them. In the previous Low-Carb Diets Explained post, we had a look at the Atkins diet, which started as a simple low-carb approach while focusing on proteins and fats.
The idea behind low-carb diets is that they provide sustained energy without causing spikes in blood sugar levels or insulin production while enjoying wholesome treats. The Whole30 diet was created for people who are looking for a nutritional reset from feeling the effects of an unhealthy diet.
The Diet Explained
The Whole30 is a diet created with whole foods in mind. It encourages you to eat unprocessed and unrefined foods for 30 days and work on your health, habits, and relationship with food.
For 30 days, you eliminate foods that are commonly problematic with cravings and habits, blood sugar regulation and hormones, digestion, immune systems, and inflammation. It is also known for helping you understand how your body reacts to certain foods, especially when you’re living with chronic health issues.
At the end of the 30 days, you carefully reintroduce those foods one at a time and then compare your experience physically and psychologically with every ingredient.
The Positives
This diet encourages people to connect their food choices with how they feel so that, even after 30 days, they may continue to focus on nutrient-rich food. These include all vegetables (including potatoes), fruit, seafood, and meat.
The Negatives
The Whole30 can be quite restrictive, so it may be difficult to stick to this diet, even for 30 days. It will likely require advanced meal planning and preparation to stay on track. And while many diets offer healthy substitutes for sweet or savory snacks, Whole 30 discourage these substitutes, even if they are made with approved ingredients. Foods that are off-limits in this diet are dairy, grains, added sugar, and legumes.
Should You Try It?
The Whole30 diet is not a simple diet that can be eased into over long periods. It’s a plan with a 30-day commitment and no wiggle room. One slip up, and you have to start the 30 days over again. Because of this restrictiveness, it may not be for everyone. It can, however, be a blessing to those suffering from chronic health issues.
[RECIPE] GARNET SALAD CUMIN ROASTED TURKEY LEGS WITH BEETS AND CARROTS
Serves: 4
Ingredients for Salad (use organic where possible):
- 4 turkey legs
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 pound carrots, roughly chopped
- 4 beets, roughly chopped
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Place the turkey legs into a roasting pan. Coat with coconut oil. Season with salt, pepper, and cumin.
- Add carrots, beets, and onion along the edge of the roasting pan.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours (depending upon the size of your turkey legs).
To Your Health,
Patti
