viva, it sounds like it's been a great learning experience with you guys. And I totally agree with Gaylene above that the point is not to do one food plan or another diet for 30 days, as this really does not make any long term difference, but create a lifelong sustainable eating plan. So anyone embarking on Whole30 (or any other restricted diet) should understand what specifically they want to get out of it (I personally don't think temporarily dropping x pounds is enough of a goal) and how it can lead to a long term sustainable food plan.

I've never heard of Whole30 but when I was truly serious about a lifestyle change, not just a quick weight loss, I loosely followed Dr. Gundry's program. My friend mentioned it so I started reading his book and it made a lot of sense to me. It's not for everyone and I feel very strongly that you need to find what works for you because weight loss and diet are very unique and individual.

Nothing about this lifestyle change was/is easy for me, I still struggle every minute of every day. But on special occasions I allow myself to eat whatever I want. It seems to help me get through those really difficult days, along with Trader Joe's 72% cacoa organic dark chocolate. It is however, a challenge to get back on track even after just one day off plan. This past holiday season was especially grueling on me and I'm still struggling to get back on track. Dusting off my book as I write this, good time for a refresher.

Note: I think there is some info in Dr. Gundry's book that is outdated, it was published in 2008, especially concerning sugar substitutes but I just avoid them all together.

I've always been a bit dubious about diet plans that employ restricting food categories as a way of "resetting" or "breaking" habitual patterns. Unless a person decides to never eat from that food category again, how does the habit get changed? Stopping and starting, to me, is what leads to that whole cycle of weight fluctuation which most medical literature seems to think is almost as harmful as the weight itself.

Incidently, tell your husband about frozen grapes; in my opinion they are a teacher's secret weapon when faced with a stack of marking. Any diet plan that tells me I can't have an apple, or handful of grapes, has been concocted by someone who has no idea of what facing that pile of grading does to one's soul.... ;

I don't know much about this plan. It seems like since your DH has already modified it, you should feel free to also. I agree that finding how to eat life long is the answer. Your previous diet seems really healthy, was he eating it also?

Something my dietitian told me was that sugar cravings (as opposed to see sugar, want sugar) occur because your blood sugar levels have dipped so low that your body wants carbs as fast as possible to bring your blood sugar level up. The way to avoid sugar cravings is to eat complex carbs at each meal, and as a snack. A big part of this is portion control. A portion is not a big bowl of pasta. For example, if you have sugar cravings at 4pm every day, eat some healthy carbs with a little protein, at 3:30. This really worked for me.

I can not have unhealthy foods in my home. It is hard for my DH, who doesn't have a weight problem, to understand. So, I appreciate your trying to help your DH. But I don't understand not eating healthy foods.

One more thing, someone said recently not to concentrate on "good" and "bad" foods, but "nutritious" and "not nutritious". It helps me. But you still have to be aware of portion size with "nutritious" foods.

I'm trying to improve my diet as well, and, like your DH, the struggle with extra weight runs in my family. I have been "successful" at weight loss (and improved nutrition) 3 or 4 times in my adult life, but I've never stayed on a restrictive diet of any sort. Rigid programs activate the "hell no!" in me, and seem to make me angry (as in, literally) and confrontational. No one around me wants that! I have found that tracking, and programs like Weight Watchers did work. This time, I'm focusing on tracking with My Fitness Pal, adding one parameter a week. I'm already tracking activity. This week, I'm only tracking protein and fiber. Next week, I'll add in tracking my consumption of fruits and veggies. The following week, I'll work on bringing calorie consumption down. Truthfully, tracking usually gets me half of the way to my daily calorie goal on its own -- just making me more mindful.

Late to the game here, but ... I did whole 30 in July, pretty successfully (stemmed an impending weight gain, you know how you sort of eat badly for awhile and it take some time to show up as extra weight?) I managed to keep that from happening. But, when I went off I felt so deprived that over the next few months I gained some 8 lbs. I am now in a program called Whole Life Challenge (which i mentioned in a LisaP comment recently). I love this program because you get "cheats", which keeps one from being so deprived. But more importantly in my mind it also allows you to track workouts, hydration, sleep, lifestyle (changes every week, includes things like meditation, connecting with loved ones, getting off electronics 1 hour per day), stretching. those are all yes or no. the food you get 5 points a day and if you eat "non compliant" (which is pretty much a Whole 30 program) you just take off a point, you get 5 points a day. it is making me so mindful of my choices. Sugar is my big challenge, I am addicted. I've been off 5 weeks. This is my biggest goal, getting off and staying off sugar. FWIW

Wow, AndiB, that sounds fascinating. I am usually not a fan at all of the point system (hello, Weight Watchers...) but because of what you're earning/losing the points for...these are all important to me, and a more refined approach than the Whole30. Well, a more doable long-term version, perhaps. It would also answer my question about trying to overall achieve the Whole30, with built-in allowances for social situations.

Yes Mochi, exactly! Another starts up in May. I'm planning to see how many good habits I maintain from this round which ends mid March, and sign up again if certain areas need attention. I love the stretching daily. Honestly feeling younger and More limber

AndiB / Mochi, I love the sound of Whole Life because of the encouragement to do so many (non-food) things are good for happiness.

I had to ditch the Whole 30: it is IMPOSSIBLE to maintain while traveling. You don't know how anything is cooked anywhere, and it is impossible to get quick food unless you live off nuts. When I travel for work I usually have to make my meals in airports and room service. Sucks but there it is. And I'm traveling basically for the next two months, so no Whole 30 for me.

But I am trying to avoid sugar and dairy and watch my carbs. Basically, eat well. On the other side, I have to find room for exercise and -- I hope -- meditation/yoga. Right now, DH is on his own, so I am grateful for Weight Watchers, which seems to work for him.