100 Plant Based Whole30 Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Whole30 and Whole30 plant-based? ›

The Original program also includes animal fats like ghee, lard, and duck fat. The Plant-Based Whole30 does not include any animal protein or fats, but does include legumes as necessary sources of protein.

Whole30 is a spin off of the Paleo Diet, and is a restrictive eating plan that lasts for 30 days. The idea behind the program is that humans haven't evolved to eat certain foods, such as refined sugar, dairy, legumes and grains, and these could cause health problems.

Almond butter is the most popular alternative to peanut butter when completing the Whole30 diet. It is a delicious, high-calorie, high-fat food that helps prevent oxidative damage, has magnesium that helps the nervous system, and contains iron that helps your blood deliver oxygen.

Whole30 doesn't allow beans based on the idea that they contain "anti-nutrients" like phytates. Phytates are compounds found in plants that can potentially block the body's absorption of important minerals like magnesium, iron, and calcium.

The Whole30 diet isn't the best option for everyone. Before you try it, ask your doctor if it's right for you. Eating meat is a big part of this diet, so if you're a vegetarian or on a vegan diet, you might also want to avoid the Whole30 diet. It also restricts important nutrients you'd get from grains and legumes.

Whole30 has gained a reputation as an effective program for weight loss and overall health improvement. Many individuals have reported successful weight loss outcomes while following the Whole30 guidelines. One key aspect of the Whole30 program is the elimination of processed foods and added sugars.

Fiber: You are likely eating far more fiber on your Whole30 (from vegetables and fruit, or on a Plant-Based Whole30, from legumes). A dramatic increase in fiber can lead to gas and bloating.

Traditional hummus is made from garbanzo beans (also known as chickpeas), which are a legume and Plant-Based Whole30 compatible. Just read your labels to make sure your hummus doesn't contain dairy or other ingredients that aren't a fit for the Plant-Based Whole30.

Potatoes of all varieties are real, nutrient-dense foods. (It's a myth that all white foods are nutritionally barren.) The original exclusion of white potatoes was pretty arbitrary on our end—which we fully admitted in the Whole30 program rules.

Though peanuts and peanut butter aren't allowed on the Whole30 program, other nuts and nut butters are. Cashew butter is loaded with nutrients like healthy fats, magnesium, manganese, and copper. Its smooth, sweet taste pairs well with apples ( 1 ).

Is apple butter allowed on Whole30? ›

This Slow Cooker Apple Butter has no added sugar and is my all-time favorite Fall spread. It's Whole30 compliant, paleo-friendly, and is so delicious!

We can't emphasize this enough — a bag of cauliflower rice should be a staple in your freezer or fridge, especially during the Whole30. Mix it with veggies and top with a protein, and you've got a hearty meal.

What Whole30 menu items to order at Chick-fil-A: It's probably best to skip Chick-fil-A altogether during your Whole30, Yawitz says. But, if you find yourself there, you could ask if they could make the grilled nuggets without the marinade on a Cobb Salad with no bacon, cheese, crispy red peppers, or corn.

The Whole30 is an excellent way to help heal your gut since the foundation of the program is pure whole foods. In addition, there are several gut healing foods and supplements known for their ability to improve digestive health that you may wish to consider.

The Plant-Based Whole30 program eschews all animal products but allows for legumes and minimally processed soy—think tofu, tempeh, and edamame.

“Plant-based” typically refers to one who eats a diet based primarily on plant foods, with limited to no animal-derived products. A whole foods, plant-based diet means that oils and processed packaged foods are likewise excluded. The term “vegan” extends to one's lifestyle choices beyond diet alone.

The plant-based Whole30 program allows beans and legumes. Whereas foods like black beans, edamame, and lentils are not allowed on the standard Whole30 program, these foods are allowed on the Plant-Based Whole30 as a source of good-for-you plant-based protein and fiber.

Potatoes of all varieties are real, nutrient-dense foods. (It's a myth that all white foods are nutritionally barren.) The original exclusion of white potatoes was pretty arbitrary on our end—which we fully admitted in the Whole30 program rules.

Why are grains non-compliant? The Whole30 identifies grains as a food group that increases gut permeability, or the likelihood that undesirable substances will cross through the gut and into the rest of the body, potentially causing chronic inflammation. This includes both processed and whole grains.