Most of us have heard of intermittent fasting and Whole30, but do we really know what they are? I’ll put it another way: most of you aren’t actually intermittent fasting. Your hormones are off, and you’re just not eating. Yes, of course, there are benefits to not eating for extended periods of time, but the key is to do it correctly. And that’s where the Whole30® comes in.
Because the Whole30® focuses on what you eat and intermittent fasting focuses on when you eat, it seems as though they’d make a natural pair. Intermittent fasting is a proven technique for weight loss and it works best when you’re keeping to a whole foods diet. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, improve your overall health, or both, following an intermittent fasting and Whole30 diet plan could be a great option.
What is Whole30?
Whole30 is a 30-day fad diet that emphasizes whole foods and during which participants eliminate sugar, alcohol, grains, legumes, soy, dairy, and processed foods. It’s a semi-strict diet in which dieters eat foods that are as close to their natural state as possible, with the goal of resetting their bodies and stimulating weight loss. Whole30 focuses on nutrient-rich whole foods like veggies, fruits, and proteins; allows people to mindfully add foods back into their diet after a 30 day period; and encourages dieters to evaluate their relationship with food.
How Can Intermittent Fasting & Whole30 Be Used Together?
I started intermittent fasting, Paleo, eating less gluten, eating more vegetables, and meal prepping in 2012. I discovered Whole30 in 2016, and I was hooked! I adopted the Whole30 diet into my lifestyle, and I haven’t looked back since. I slowly started incorporating intermittent fasting into my lifestyle, and I found that the two went hand-in-hand. Whole30 is an elimination diet program that proponents say can improve sleep, energy, and mood, and potentially aid weight loss.
Whenever I add Whole30 though, it’s a huge difference and I lose weight and inches. Also, I tend to eat less and make better choices than I would on IF. I find that the combination of IF and Whole30 helps me to stay on plan, and I find it to be a powerful tool for weight loss.
Getting Started with Intermittent Fasting & Whole30
Want to get started? There is a version of Intermittent Fasting that is also part of an MLM called FASTer Way To Fat Loss that people on Instagram recommended I check out. Basically, it’s a 16:8 style of intermittent fasting, with a focus on eating within an 8-hour window each day.
The FASTer Way to Fat Loss program also incorporates the Whole30 diet. This means that you’ll be eating whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. The combination of intermittent fasting and Whole30 is designed to help you reach your health and fitness goals.
That said, it’s important to remember that everyone is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. So, it’s important to experiment and find out what works best for you. You may find that you prefer intermittent fasting without the Whole30 diet, or vice versa.
Benefits of Intermittent Fasting & Whole30
The combination of intermittent fasting and Whole30 has many potential benefits, including:
- Weight loss
- Improved sleep and energy levels
- Reduced cravings for unhealthy foods
- Increased focus and concentration
- Reduced inflammation
Things to Consider Before Starting Intermittent Fasting & Whole30
Before you start an intermittent fasting and Whole30 diet plan, it’s important to consider a few things. First, make sure to consult with your doctor to make sure that this type of diet is right for you. Also, make sure to do your research to ensure that you are following the diet correctly.
Finally, it’s important to remember that it’s not always easy to stick to a strict diet plan. Be sure to give yourself time to adjust, and don’t be discouraged if you have a few slip-ups. With the right attitude and a bit of patience, you can successfully follow an intermittent fasting and Whole30 diet plan and reap the many benefits.
Is it possible to combine intermittent fasting and the Whole30 diet?
It is possible to combine Whole30® and intermittent fasting, however you should start off with Whole30® and transition into intermittent fasting after completion. When doing Whole30®, it is important to ensure that you are eating three full meals each day.
Is it possible for me to shed 30 pounds in a period of three months using intermittent fasting?
Those practicing alternate-day fasting may see a weight loss of 10-30 pounds in a period of three to six months, according to Varady.
What are the drawbacks of the Whole30 diet?
May result in feelings of deprivation and boredom with food.
May be costly due to the need to buy high quality, organic foods.
Is it possible to shed pounds while following the Whole30 diet?
Many people who attempt the Whole30 diet have seen some weight loss due to its encouragement of eating whole foods in their natural state, according to Sara Haas, RDN, a nutrition specialist well-versed in culinary arts.
Looking for more comprehensive guides on Intermittent Fasting and Whole30? Check out Fasting Books for a wide selection of books and resources on health, fitness and spirituality.
