So you wanna try the Whole 30 but think you don’t have the time? It’s definitely worth doing, and I have some shortcuts that will help you succeed.
I totally understand the time factor…cooking real food is hard work and definitely takes time. You can’t always pop your meal in the microwave, and poof, you’re done! My first time through the Whole30, I did nothing but work on food. Prepping, cooking, eating, cleaning up…and starting over. And I never had enough time to do it! But the taste IS better and once your body detoxes, your energy and health change so much.
So the key is to find ways you can shortcut the time at any stage of the process:
- Menu planning
- Making a shopping list
- Shopping
- Putting food away
- Prepping
- Cooking
- Cleanup
There are ways to break this down. Over time we’ll look at all these areas, but this first step will make ALL the difference!
How to start your Whole 30
Most importantly, if you try the Whole30 (and I think you should!), cook food you like. Wow, who wouldn’t do that? (Well, me for one!)
I mean rather than start with all NEW recipes (I did this my first time and it was a nightmare), look at some of your favorites and see what you could tweak to make it work. Let’s be honest, of course you’re not going to be able to have tuna noodle casserole…so don’t even go there. But maybe you could fix chili without the beans. And you can grill just about anything as long as you watch what you put on it.
Cooking recipes you already know in a healthier way makes everything easier. And the transition isn’t as hard on your family either.
And plan, plan, plan!!!
I can’t say this enough. It’s hardest when the plan fails (oops, ran out of time to shop or forgot to defrost some chicken) or runs out (day 8 of a 7-day meal plan), and you can’t find something compliant quick enough for your raging hunger. Take the time to plan out as much as you can BEFORE you begin (breakfasts and lunches too!). Even plan out your reintroduction phase…more on this later. Believe me, you’ll be glad you did!
Don’t just assume you don’t have time for the Whole 30. When you open your mind to the possibilities rather than focusing on the time it will take and what’s missing, this CAN be done. The question really is this…are you willing?
I’ve been working on this three years, and I’ve gotten some things under my belt. Follow my journey so you can learn along with me! Don’t miss the rest of my Whole30 shortcuts…sign up below!
