Even for the most experienced and prepared cooks, doing the Whole30 can be challenging. It often includes more food prep than many people normally do as it focuses on fresh whole foods whenever possible. But there are gonna be days when you can’t even breathe, and you really need to eat…like RIGHT NOW! Here are some classic Whole30 shortcuts to keep on hand for those days.
I was already cooking a lot for my family before our first Whole30. But I was NOT ready for the prep involved with whole foods for every meal. Of course, I’ve grown a lot since then, but having these shortcuts on hand sometimes mean the difference between sticking to it or making a bad food choice.
Classico Tomato & Basil or Roasted Garlic pasta sauces
Learning to read the labels changed everything. I was able to locate this wonderful sauce which paired with a spaghetti squash means I can have dinner in 10-12 minutes…seriously!
The other flavors and brands I’ve checked have always had some sort of sugar in there, but not these two. And it’s not just the normal culprits (sugar, cane juice, corn syrup and their friends). If it ends in -ose, -ide, or -itol, it’s probably a sugar. And just because it’s natural (looking at you agave!) doesn’t cancel its sugary side effects. (See the full list of sneaky sugars here)
Grab this sauce and a spaghetti squash on your next grocery trip. They’re plentiful in fall/winter and last a good long time if kept cool and dry. Great emergency meal insurance!
Always gotta have broth
Especially important during soup months (haha unless you’re like me and eat soup all year long just ‘cause you love it SO much), you can make your own, and I do. In fact, I save a lot of flavored broths off entrees (or chicken cooked in the crockpot) and freeze them for later use in soups. BUT, if you eat enough soup, you may not have the quantity you need.
I was amazed when I read the labels of most broths…just full of sugar…which I do not understand. Then I found Swanson doesn’t have any added sugar at all! SOLD!!!
And a friend found the Great Value brand of beef broth at Walmart doesn’t have any either. Now I’m set no matter what’s in my freezer (and it doesn’t even have to be the low sodium…now the regular one is compliant as well as of 2023).
Canned veggies
Frozen veggies often have just the one ingredient…frozen broccoli is usually just broccoli. Canned veggies don’t follow this rule. They often include preservatives and color enhancers…and lots of sugar. But most of the plain flavors I find at Aldi don’t have that added sugar. I often buy these diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, or tomato paste there.
Find even more Whole30 shortcuts
I know it’s cliché, but it’s true. Learning to read the label can save you a lot of trouble on the Whole30…and just in general for healthy eating. Remember, you want ingredients YOU can understand without a science degree. You’re after REAL food. The only way you’ll know is if you read the label.
What other compliant brands have you found in your store lately? Share in the comments below!
Deep in your own Whole30 right now and looking for more resources? Try these…
