I wrote The New Whole30 completely from scratch—which was not what I was originally planning to do. Going into this project, I assumed I’d open The Whole30 (our 2015 flagship book), review the material chapter by chapter, and update the content as needed.
When I opened The Whole30, however, I realized everything needed to change. The way I talked about the Whole30, the way I would guide someone new through the program, the recommendations I’d make to be successful—it had all evolved. So I closed the old book, opened a blank Microsoft Word document, and began to write.
What emerged was a brand-new perspective and resource for the Whole30. The New Whole30 represents nine years of evolution and 15 years of Whole30 experience in one comprehensive package. Today, it is the official “how to do the Whole30” guide, and whether you’re new to the program or an alumni, it will prove indispensable.
The book is carefully laid out to give you maximum flexibility in how you choose to use it. Consider this article your expert guide to The New Whole30 (all 353 pages!), so you can personalize your path and make the most of my newest resource-packed offering.
New, Original, and Plant-Based
First, a primer on some common terms:
- The New Whole30 is the book title. It’s designed to say, “Hey, this book is all new compared to 2015’s The Whole30.”
- The Original Whole30 is the program established in 2009, which includes animal protein (meat, seafood, and eggs, and animal-based fats).
- The Plant-Based Whole30 is our newest program (launched in 2022), and is 100% vegan.
I’m spelling this out because one reader wondered why we kept talking about the “Original” Whole30 if the book was supposed to be new. The terms Original and Plant-Based serve to identify the program track you’ll take based on your preferences and goals.
→ Flip ahead to page 28 for a short quiz to determine which program is right for you.
Do I need to read the preface?
If you’re brand-new to the Whole30 community, the preface (page 8) will give you the opportunity to get to know me and the Whole30 better. If you like to peek “behind the scenes” with a founder or brand, you’ll love this section.
If you’re a Whole30 alumni, the preface is where I talk about how we used to do things, how we’ve evolved, and how those learnings are being applied in The New Whole30. It’s deeply personal, and sets the tone for the rest of the book.
→ If you’re less interested in our evolution or my personal Whole30 story, SKIP to page 19, What is the Whole30?
Different adventures for those new or returning
Part One details the foundations of the Whole30 program, and shares critical resources that everyone will need to get started. If you’re new, this information is crucial for your Whole30 preparations, so read it all! If you’re an alumni, you may feel comfortable skipping a few sections. (However, there have been updates, so you may want to at least skim.)
- Part One, Welcome to the Whole30: This material is foundational for both Whole30 programs (Original and Plant-Based). This is also where you’ll find the official Whole30 Program Rules, spelled out in full for both programs.
What is the Whole30? starting on page 19 is a must-read for anyone new to the program, or returning after a long hiatus. These pages detail how the Whole30 works, and walks you through the elimination, reintroduction, and food freedom phases.
→ Skip pages 29-35 if you don’t care about the history of our Program Rule changes. These changes are reflected throughout the book, so you won’t miss anything.
Pages 36-39 detail the Original and Plant-Based Whole30 Program Rules, in full. If you’re new, you’ll be returning to these pages often! Whole30 alumni, please review the rules carefully, as they may have changed since your last Whole30. You’ll also find a breakdown of the Pancake Rule and the Scale Rule here.
→ Alumni may choose to skip the Plan and Prepare section (page 46), and/or the Timeline section (page 51). However, the updates to this information may prove helpful!
If you’re new, the “plan and prepare” guidance and week-by-week Whole30 Timeline are invaluable resources, so study them carefully. The former walks you through getting your mindset, pantry, meal plan, and support system ready for the program. Our revamped Timeline will show you what to expect through elimination and reintroduction. (You may find yourself returning to these pages often for reassurance.)
Once you’re through Part One, where you go next depends on your personality, preferences, and goals. Some people want to read and mentally prepare as much as possible before starting a new initiative. Others want to jump right into the meat—just tell me what to do! The New Whole30 has options for everyone.
I want to know it all before I start
If you want to know as much as you can about the Whole30 before you start your program, keep reading sequentially, right into Parts Two and Three.
- Part Two, The Whole30 General FAQ: This section includes an extensive FAQ applicable to both Whole30 programs. (It’s helpful for all!) We’ll cover foods, beverages, supplements, meal planning, special populations, troubleshooting, reintroduction, and more. Reading this section will help you get a leg up on planning and preparing. It can also help you avoid common obstacles and feel more confident in your program. (Alumni, pay attention here, as many of our recommendations have evolved.)
- Part Three, Cooking Whole30: Here, I’ll share my favorite kitchen tools, cooking tips, and recipe advice for cooking your way through the Whole30.
→ Cooking Whole30 is only five pages, so it’s a quick read. It may prove especially helpful in setting up your kitchen and preparing your first few meals, especially if you’re new to cooking.
Just take me to the program
If you want to jump straight to the rules, resources, and recipes for your Whole30 program, skip ahead to Part Four (Original Whole30, page 96) or Part Five (Plant-Based Whole30, page 232).
- Part Four: Original Whole30: This section includes everything you need to do the Original Whole30. You’ll find a refresher on the rules, our meal template, and shopping list. You’ll also find an FAQ section specific to the Original Whole30, and more than 50 recipes.
- Part Five: Plant-Based Whole30: This section includes everything you need to do the Plant-Based Whole30. You’ll find a refresher on the rules, our meal template, and shopping list. You’ll also find an FAQ section specific to the Plant-Based Whole30, and more than 50 recipes.
→ The Original and Plant-Based program pages are color-coded (blue for Original, green for Plant-Based) to help you quickly find your section.
Tips for finding what you need
The Whole30 General FAQ in Part Two is always there when you need it, so you don’t have to read every question ahead of time. Some sections, like special populations, may not apply to you. Others (like meal planning), you may want to bookmark and come back to over and over. You can also save specific sections for later in your journey, like reading the Reintroduction FAQ as you prepare for that phase.
If you asked me, “Which pages should I bookmark up front,” I’d tell you:
- The Mindset Checklist on page 28
- The Non-Scale Victory Checklist on page 44
- Your program’s Whole30 Program Rules
- Your program’s Meal Template
- Your program’s snack ideas
We’ve also made it easy to find what you’re searching for. The book features two different indexes at the end: one for content, and one for recipes. Should you have a question about kombucha or supplements along the way, you can search the Index (page 355) for that topic. Should you not remember what page that delicious Korean-Inspired Noodle Bowl was on, you can search for that in the Recipe Index. (It’s page 254, in the Plant-Based section.)
You are Whole30!
I hope this guide to The New Whole30 helps you feel more confident using the book as a resource to plan, prepare, and succeed with your Whole30. Also, I’m not precious with my books, and I hope you aren’t either. Feel free to circle important pages, use a marker or a sticker to highlight certain passages, and bookmark the heck out of your favorite recipes.
I can’t wait to hear about your Whole30 journey, and hope the resources, guidance, and support in The New Whole30 help you change your life the way so many others have.
