Have you tried a Whole 30 diet yet? It’s a 30-day elimination diet where you basically eat only meat, veggies and fruit (eliminating alcohol, refined sugar, grains/gluten, and beans). I’ve done it twice and found it actually works for increasing energy levels, recalibrating my metabolism and yes, losing weight. Even when we’re not officially “Whole30-ing,” I’m always on the lookout for how to incorporate healthy Whole 30 recipes into our diet. Click to see 6 of my favorite Whole 30 recipes!
1. Banana Almond Chia Pudding
This Whole 30 banana almond chia pudding is a weekday staple, blending freshly-sliced bananas with toasted sliced almonds over a creamy coconut milk-based chia pudding. It’s filling and simple to prepare, making it a no-brainer when it comes to breakfast in a hurry. The bananas add sweetness to the luscious pudding, and the almonds give it some much needed crunch.
2. Thai Sweet Potato Soup
This silky Thai sweet potato soup is made from organic canned sweet potato, which is smoother and more blended than roasted sweet potatoes run through a food processor. An infusion of ginger, coconut milk and thin strips of kaffir lime make this soup fresh and light. The soup is wonderful for lunch with a Seinfeldian big salad.
3. Spicy Beef Zucchini Bake
If soup and chia pudding isn’t going to cut the mustard when it comes to filling your belly (and believe me, I feel you on this), then look no further than this spicy beef zucchini bake. Made with a spicy ground beef and tomato mixture slathered between layers of thinly sliced zucchini, this bake vaguely resembles lasagna without the carbs. For added texture, there’s a ground almond topping mixed with butter that browns as you bake the whole thing in the oven.
4. Coconut Lime Skillet Chicken
Eating lean meats is a big part of Whole30, so this coconut lime skillet chicken fits the bill for a simple, delicious dinner. Seared chicken breasts are browned, then simmered in a coconut milk and lime sauce. It’s a complete meal when served with an easy cauliflower rice and a side of the best roasted green beans.
5. Roasted Haddock with Olives and Tomatoes
If you like fish, you’ll love this roasted haddock with olives and tomatoes. The flaky white fish roasts in the oven for just 20 minutes, releasing the brine from the olives and the sweet juice from the tomatoes to make a light, flavorful sauce. Eat this with a simple carrot salad for a truly rainbow dinner experience.
6. Mango-Lime Chia Pudding
Anyone who’s ever tried Whole30 will tell you that the hardest meal of the day is breakfast. Take away carbs and sugar, and suddenly options that kickstart your day right become few and far between. Chia puddings, like this mango lime chia pudding, are a great way to fill up your belly without breaking the many rules of Whole30. That’s why you have to have more than one option (like the banana almond chia pudding at the top of this list). The best part of chia pudding is that the toppings are easily rotated in and out depending on your mood — just make a big batch of the coconut-based pudding at the start of the week, adding fruit combinations each morning depending on your mood.
So, what do you think? Inspired to try a Whole30? If so, make sure you start with my first post about my experiences here.
