Melissa Urban

As the co-founder of Whole30, this program and community have been my career and my passion since 2009. My connections with the media, health...

Dear Melissa, I’m about to start my first Whole30, and I’m nervous. I’m prepping my pantry, planning my first week of meals, and just...

Try this Plant-Based White Bean Chili from The New Whole30 for a hearty, veggie-packed dish that’s easy to make and even better the next day.

If you’re craving bold, Southeast Asian flavors in a comforting bowl of soup, this Larb-Inspired Butternut Squash Soup from The New Whole30 will knock it out of the park.

Dear Melissa, There are so many devices that we can use to collect health data. Fitness trackers, blood glucose monitors, watches, hydration sensors…are these...

Dear Melissa,  I know you’re supposed to reintroduce on the Whole30, but I still struggle with this phase. Why does 10 days of reintroduction...

If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you KNOW I’m a huge fan of the B.A.S. (otherwise known as the Big A** Salad). I...

Dear Melissa, As an aspiring food and lifestyle photographer, I’m fascinated with the behind-the-scenes of shooting a cookbook. Do they really use hairspray to...

The New Whole30 has been out for just over a month, and your feedback has been incredible! From just the first page of our...

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...

Dear Melissa, I love seeing so many Whole30 Approved salad dressings, condiments, and bone broths in the grocery store today. It makes meal prep...

If you're craving something quick, filling, and packed with bold flavors, this Curried Pineapple and Pork Fried Cauliflower Rice from The New Whole30 is a win!

This colorful Macrobiotic Bowl with Turmeric Ginger Dressing from The New Whole30 is brimming with incredible textures and flavors!The macrobiotic diet was brought to the United States in the 1950s, but it originated in the practice of Zen Buddhism in Japan.

Dear Melissa, You’ve said there were some updates to the Pancake Rule in The New Whole30. Can you break them down for me? —Love,...

An unexpected ingredient takes this Cashew Mango Snack Mix to new heights.

This is one protein-packed breakfast!

Dear Melissa, You’ve talked about how the voice, tone, and language in The New Whole30 has evolved over the years. I appreciate that you’ve...

This Plant-Based Chorizo Stir-Fry Over Cauliflower Grits is for lovers of heat, with just the right amount of spice to light up your taste buds.

One of the most common criticisms I hear about the Whole30 is that an elimination and reintroduction program like ours should only be prescribed...

Many parents consider bringing their kids along on their Whole30 journey in an effort to make meal planning easier, introduce more whole foods into...

Kombucha—a fermented tea—is a delicious beverage that may add some probiotic benefits to your already healthy Whole30 diet. But "Is kombucha Whole30-compatible?" isn't the...

I distinctly remember the first time I was introduced to the Impossible Burger. It was  March 2019, and I was walking the floor at...

In 2014, when I was writing The Whole30, I was quietly separating from my marriage, parenting a one-year-old, and running a business. My self-talk...

Dear Melissa, My husband is away for work often, and being home alone for days on end makes my Food Freedom plan go right...

In this special Dear Melissa & Friends, Whole30 CEO Melissa Urban chats with Casey Means MD, co-founder of Levels Health and author of the...

Dear Melissa, do “desserts” made of fruit go against the spirit of the Whole30? Would you say it’s a bad idea to combine fruit...

“Hey Melissa—can I do the Whole30, but modify it?” —Love, so many people on Reddit Dear Reddit (and everyone else), I get some version of...

My husband and I have weekend "treat days" that include large amounts of alcohol, candy, chips, fast food, and bonding.

Congratulations, Whole30 alumni! You’ve completed 30 days of elimination, checked off a whole host of Non-Scale Victories, and worked through your carefully planned reintroduction...

Your flagship book, The Whole30, came out in April 2015—almost nine years ago. Have you thought about updating that book, and if so, what...

Congratulations on finishing your Whole30 elimination phase! You feel better than ever and secure in your new healthy habits, but are still excited to...

Dear Melissa, I just finished my January Whole30, and I feel amazing! I have more energy, my skin is glowing, I’m no longer bloated all...

The 30-day elimination phase of the Whole30 gets a lot of attention. It is called the Whole30, after all, and participants and the media...

Dear Melissa, I’m on Day 15 of my second Whole30, and I’m wondering if there is such a thing as eating too much dietary...

Dear Melissa,  I’m on Day 3 of my first Whole30. So far it’s going really well, but the excitement of the first day or...

As you approach your next Whole30, there are lots of tasks on your checklist: plan some meals, clean out the pantry, hit the grocery...

I always encourage you to stay social on your Whole30, recognizing that your health commitment is an integral part of these interactions. Sure, this...

Dear Melissa, We’re heading into holiday party season, and I’m going to use the holiday tips in Food Freedom Forever and your boundary scripts...

In Part 1 of Find your Food Freedom “why”, I said that if you really want Food Freedom success, you need to work your...

You’ll often hear me and the Whole30 HQ team talk about finding your Whole30 “why,” and using that to help you stay on track...

Part two of my plant-based meal templates series featured  another one of my favorite Whole30 “meal templates,” Plant-Based Stuff Over Stuff. Meal templates are...

In this article, I’m helping you navigate the spur-of-the-moment temptation to self-sabotage what you know is a really good thing for you right now—your...

In Part 1 of my plant-based meal-planning series, I shared one of my favorite Whole30 “meal templates,” Tofu ‘n Things. Meal templates are barely...

I spend a lot of time talking about meal planning on the Whole30, and the underlying message tends to be “keep it simple.” These...

This week’s Dear Melissa & Friends guest just happens to be one of my besties in the food and wellness space—none other than Danielle...

By Whole30 co-founder Melissa Urban, who only drinks decaf but still knows a thing or two about good coffee. One of the most common...

We’re all trying to sleep better. You now know how important sleep is to just about every marker of health. You’ve bought blackout curtains,...

This issue of Dear Melissa & Friends is all about natural probiotics found in foods and drinks, and features Dr. Megan Rossi (PhD, RD,...

The Whole30 has changed millions of people’s lives since its inception in 2009. You can read page after page of glowing testimonials from our...

Beginning the Whole30 can feel exciting and intimidating, especially if you’re new to cooking. While there are thousands of Whole30 recipes available online, on...

Dear Melissa, I am on a fairly strict autoimmune protocol in my Food Freedom due to serious food sensitivities and allergies. I am so...

I’ve often said the Whole30 is about food, but it’s about so much more than food. Millions of people who have successfully transformed their...

In this article, I’m helping you navigate the spur-of-the-moment temptation to self-sabotage what you know is a really good thing for you right now—your...

Cravings are often more complex than they seem, especially when they’re invisibly linked to coping mechanisms in times of stress. The Whole30 can better...

This issue of Dear Melissa & Friends is all about taking a look at your relationship to alcohol. Laura McKowen—bestselling author and a leading...

You learn so much about your relationship with food, and your habits around food during your Whole30. There were plenty of times you learned...

There are more awkward conversations to dive into on a first date than the finer points of the Whole30. But that doesn’t mean you...

Your body tells you when stress and negative emotions are starting to take a toll. You feel it as physical sensations—a lump in your...

Recipes are amazing. (And Whole30 has so many great ones.) But sometimes you want easy Whole30 meals that have more flexibility and can provide...

In a previous Dear Melissa newsletter, I talked about the unexpected benefits of my first Whole30 back in April 2009, and how those 30...

I was recently browsing online for an alteration shop. I bought a jumpsuit for my book tour, and while it fit like a dream,...

By Melissa Urban, CEO It’s official! We’ve happily welcomed Kite Hill to our Whole30 Approved family. Of course, Kite Hill isn’t at all new...

Today we rolled out the biggest Whole30 announcement in many years; the first comprehensive addition to the Whole30 framework ever. Today, we announced the...

Click here to download our Plant-Based Protein PDF One of the most common questions about adopting a plant-based diet is, “Where do you get...

Smoothies: A delicious, thick, creamy beverage that can be used as a quick option on busy mornings, a way to sneak in more fruits...

For a steakhouse-style meal at home, serve these crispy fries (and very zippy ketchup!) with roast chicken or grilled steak. Cooking Whole30 is the revised, updated, and enhanced version of The Whole30 Cookbook and is available everywhere books are sold.

Cook Time: 9 hours (low) or 4 hours 30 minutes (high) plus 15 minutes (high)

We are always evaluating the Whole30 rules against the current science, our clinical experience, and our learnings. Today I have a wonderful announcement—a rule...

This salad will have those who think they don’t like kale going for seconds!

By Dr. Nicole Lippman-Barile For years I hid under the premise of someone who just had a “big sweet tooth,” but it was more...

This is a composed salad in that the elements are arranged on individual serving plates, not tossed.

Pomegranate arils, or seeds, give this Whole30 Chicken Chopped Salad a juicy burst of flavor and crunchy texture, while orange segments add sweetness.

Dear Melissa, I have been looking for remedies for Whole30 constipation relief. Could you help here? – Thanks, Julie Hi Julie, I’ve collaborated with...

Warm up to The Whole30 Friends & Family Cookbook with one of our favorite breakfast recipes — Whole30 Potato Sausage Breakfast Bites!

Roulade is the French term for a thin piece of meat rolled around a savory filling, usually some combination of vegetables, bread crumbs, and cheese.

This Whole30 smoky sweet potato chili is a special preview recipe from The Whole30 Slow Cooker by Melissa Urban.

These Whole30 garlic smashed potatoes are made creamy with ghee and coconut milk and topped with caramelized onion, crisped prosciutto, and toasted pine nuts.

Try this Whole30 Hot Artichoke-Parsley Dip with Roasted Fingerling Dippers from The Whole30 Friends & Family.

This hearty Shrimp Stir-Fry over Cauliflower Grits is perfect for a cozy night in, and has all of the flavors and textures that you’ve been craving.

Skip the fryer, and whip up a batch of oven-baked onion rings.

Twice-Baked Ranch Potatoes 4 medium (6 to 8 oz each) russet potatoes, scrubbedOlive OilCoarse Salt3 slices Whole30 Approved or compatable bacon1/4 cup WHOLE30 Ranch Dressing2 tbsp ghee2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley2 tbsp snipped fresh chives, plus more for garnish1 tbsp chopped fresh dill1 clove garlic, minced3/4 tsp coarse black pepper PREHEAT oven to 425°F.

Crispy Two-Patty Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Secret Sauce For the Burgers2 tsp avocado oil, divided1 large yellow onion halved and thinly sliced1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper1/2 lb ground chuck, formed into four ¼-inch-thick patties2 tsp Whole30 compatible yellow mustard2 Bibb lettuce leaves1/4 cup Thrive Market Secret Sauce (or use the "Special Sauce" recipe below to make your own!

Pork Tenderloin with Endive-Frisée-Apple-Squash Salad 1 natural pork tenderloin (1 to 1 1/4 pounds)1/2 cups WHOLE30 Elderberry Vinaigrette1 1 1/2 - 1 3/4 lb butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into ¾-inch pieces (3 to 4 cups precut fresh butternut squash)3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil3 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed1 clove garlic, minced1/2 tsp black pepper1/4 tsp coarse salt100% olive oil cooking spray3 Belgian endives stem end trimmed, cut crosswise into ½-inch slices (about 4 cups)4 oz frisée, trimmed and torn into bite-size pieces (about 3 cups)1 small apple and/or red pear, cored and chopped1/2 cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped (see Tip) IN a resealable plastic bag, combine the pork and ¼ cup of the vinaigrette and turn the meat to coat.

Summer Tomato “Tonnato” Salad 2 lbs mixed ripe tomatoes*2 tsp capers, drained1 serrano chile, seeded and very thinly sliced (optional)1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil1/4 tsp coarse salt1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper2 (5-oz) cans Whole30-compatible tuna, drained and chunked3 to 4 tbsp WHOLE30 Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette1 tbsp black or white sesame seeds, toasted**10 fresh basil leaves, large leaves torn and small leaves left wholeFlaky salt, to taste (optional) ON a large serving platter or in a large shallow bowl, combine tomatoes, capers, and chiles.

Broccolini with Pancetta 2 bunches Broccolini or baby broccoli (about 1 pound total)2 oz sliced Whole30 compatible pancetta2 cloves garlic, minced1/8 tsp coarse salt1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper1/4 cup WHOLE30 Secret Sauce WASH and pat the Broccolini dry.

Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Avocado Crema 1 1/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs3/4 cup Whole30 Buffalo Vinaigrette, divided8 leaves Bibb lettuce (for serving)For the Slaw1 1/2 cup shredded green and/or purple cabbage1/2 cup shredded carrots1/4 cup slivered red onion2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil2 tbsp lime juice1/4 tsp coarse saltFor the Crema1 small avocado, halved, pitted, and peeled 3 to 4 tbsp full-fat coconut milk2 tbsp fresh lime juice2 tbsp coarsely chopped cilantro1 small clove garlic, halved1/4 tsp coarse salt MAKE the Buffalo chicken: In a large resealable plastic bag, combine chicken and ½ cup of the4 WHOLE30 Buffalo Vinaigrette.

The perfect light yet satisfying summer recipe, and you don’t even have to heat up your kitchen in order to get dinner on the table.

This Whole30 Pork Chili Verde is one of our favorite recipes from The Whole30 Friends & Family.

The Whole30 CEO decided to jump into the Worldwide #Whole30AtHome after five years of maintaining her Food Freedom. Here's why.

Understanding your Food Freedom Plan within Gretchen Rubin's popular Abstainer vs. Moderator framework.

Here's what the worldwide Whole30 effort means to us during this unprecedented time.

Note: The Whole30 is not recommended for those with a history of disordered eating, diagnosed or otherwise. If this is your context, the Whole30...

A Whole30 compatible take on an popular takeout classic, our version of Sesame Chicken is the perfect weeknight meal.

A Whole30 compatible take on an Italian classic, our version of cacciatore is the perfect weeknight meal.

Try this creamy soup—made of pureed sweet potatoes and coconut milk flavored with cumin, garlic, ginger, jalapeño, lemon juice, and coriander—as a creative first course for your Friendsgiving feast.

Eat, drink, and be social while honoring your Whole30 commitment. The Whole30 Friends & Family helps you navigate everyday social gatherings with 150 delicious,...

These Orange and Cumin Pork Carnitas are served on Celery Root “Tortillas” … if you’ve never tried celery root slices this way, you must.

Enjoy this recipe from Melissa’s new cookbook, The Whole30 Friends & Family —it’s the perfect entree for your end-of-summer cookout.

I did a thing… and I’m more excited about this concept than any other cookbook I’ve done. (And with three other cookbooks in the...

By Whole30 Certified Coach and Ultrarunner Richelle Winston of Wholly Performance As soon as the mountain trails dry up and winter has called it...

By Whole30 Certified Coach Victoria Singer So, you want to do the Whole30, but it sounds like WAY more work than you can handle...

This article is part of our #MyMealPrep series, where Whole30 Certified Coaches and other Whole30 community members and creatives share their favorite methods, systems,...

Today, we’ve got something delicious for you from our newest partner, Lucini Italia®, makers of delicious Whole30 Approved® tomato sauce. [Tweet “Three delicious Whole30...

By Jennifer Schiro, nurse practitioner and Whole30 Certified Coach This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be...

By Integrative Psychotherapist and Whole30 Certified Coach Amanda Morris PsyD. If you are in crisis, don’t wait to get help, and don’t attempt to...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 compatible recipes. And, in our series, The Best of Whole30 Recipes, we bring our favorites to the...

Your Food Freedom hinges on one critical question... Is it worth it?

Recipe contributed to The Whole30 Slow Cooker by Michele Rosen of Paleo Running Momma.SLOW COOK: 5.5 hours (low) or 2.5 hours (high)INSTANT POT: 35 minutesTOTAL: 1 hour to 5.5 hours, depending on cooking methodRecipe contributed to The Whole30 Slow Cooker by Michele Rosen of Paleo Running Momma

Sponsored by Pederson’s Farms Hey there! Neil Dudley, VP of Pederson’s Farms, here. I’m so happy that you’re joining us for the #JanuaryWhole30. I...

Are you swinging by Walmart to stock your fridge, freezer, and pantry with #Whole30 groceries? Keep an eye out for our Whole30 books and...

We’re one week into the #JanuaryWhole30; you’re probably on the hunt for flavorful and easy Whole30 recipes. Here’s our gift to you: a little...

From Whole30 Headmistress Melissa Urban: Welcome to the TENTH ANNUAL January Whole30! That’s right, 2019 marks a decade of helping you change your health,...

From Whole30 Melissa Urban, who is literally eating a snack right now One of the most common questions I hear from those new to...

We are thrilled to kick off our city dining guide series with a guide to Whole30 dining in Kansas City, written by Whole30 Certified...

Bring a Whole30 flare to your holiday table this year with these delicious dishes from some of our favorite Whole30 Recipes contributors.

Dear Melissa, Will you talk to me about white potatoes? I am reading It Starts With Food, where white potatoes are allowed but not...

The Whole30 Slow Cooker is now available at your favorite bookstore. Don’t have your copy yet? Here’s a special sneak peek recipe from the...

Dear Melissa, Is just one day of reintroducing a food group really enough time for my body to react if it’s something my body...

The #SeptemberWhole30 is almost over; if you started on our “official” start date of September 3, you’ll complete Day 30 tomorrow. A quick timeout...

If you’re reading this post, chances are you’re contemplating taking on the Whole30 program, or you’ve already committed to your Whole30 journey. We know...

To celebrate YOUR #SeptemberWhole30 commitment, our friends at Whole30 Approved Pederson’s Farms are throwing a meal prep party. It’s one more reason to be...

Last December, we announced Applegate® as our newest Whole30 Approved® partner. The community response on social media was overwhelmingly positive. Like: “Loving it! I’m...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 compatible recipes all day, every day. And, in our series, The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we bring...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 compatible recipes all day, every day. And, in our series, The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we bring...

Dear Melissa, Quick question: What is your definition of an “emergency food,” as it pertains to eating outside of your usual three or four...

This question comes up all the time—“I ate something off-plan during my Whole30. Do I really need to start over?” Today, we’ll tackle the...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 compatible recipes all day, every day. And, in our series, The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we bring...

Bring on spring with the newest addition to our Instant Pot Pressure Cooker recipe series. This counter top appliance is popular among our Whole30...

Celebrate springtime with the newest addition to our Instant Pot Pressure Cooker recipe series. This counter top appliance is popular among our Whole30 community,...

The Whole30 has been around since July 2009, and we’ve read hundreds of thousands of I Am Whole30 stories. We’ve proven the program truly...

This is the fourth and final post in our Whole30 Taco recipe series. Maria Barton of Maria Makes shares some of her favorite taco-fied...

Today, we’re introducing the newest beverage to join our Whole30 Approved program: Spindrift. Spindrift is the first sparkling water made with real, squeezed fruit....

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 compatible recipes all day, every day. And, in our series, The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we bring...

A sneak peek recipe from Cooking Whole30.

This is the third post in our Whole30 Taco recipe series. Maria Barton of Maria Makes shares some of her favorite taco-fied recipes to...

Dear Melissa, I have lost about 110 pounds over the last 2-1/2 years, and the Whole30 was a huge part of that. But I...

This is the second post in our Whole30 Taco recipe series. Maria Barton of Maria Makes shares some of her favorite taco-fied recipes to...

This is the first post in our Taco Tuesday recipe series. Maria Barton of Maria Makes shares some of her favorite taco-fied recipes to...

Dear Melissa, How do I get started with the Whole30 when I’ve tried everything and failed? – Jessica Jessica, The short answer is, read...

From Whole30 headmistress Melissa Urban, who has known for years that eggs + blueberries are a surprisingly delicious combination The last half of your...

The holiday season is upon us, which means you’re most likely spending a lot of time over the next several weeks grocery shopping, planning...

If you’re new to our Whole30 community, you might be wondering … Where should I start? This is the definitive guide to our...

The first thing we’ll say is that we hope you never have to use this information… because if it’s of interest, it means you’re...

Do you have trouble sleeping while on your Whole30? Sleep expert Dr. Kirk Parsley explains why and gives you several strategies to try out...

A note from Whole30 Headmistress Melissa Urban, who slept 9 hours last night and doesn’t feel the least bit guilty One of the most...

Learn how Melissa helps guide people in the middle of their Whole30 to identify, obtain, and sustain the famous Whole30 “Tiger Blood.” Whether it’s...

Dear Melissa, I’m about to start Round 2 of my Whole30. Any suggestions on how to tweak it for weight loss? Maybe cutting out...

This is the third and final post in our Summer on a Stick recipe series. Maria Barton of Maria Makes shares some of her...

Updated March 2020: In light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, and the related effects it’s having on many systems, we’ve updated our “community preparedness...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 compatible recipes all day, every day. And, in our series, The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we bring...

Today we’re cooking with Whole30 ingredients from Thrive Market, an online grocery store that sells many of your favorite Whole30 Approved brands. At Thrive Market,...

from Whole30 Headmistress Melissa Urban, who JUST CAN’T STOP writing books for you If you follow my Instagram Stories, I’ve been hinting at some...

This is the second post in our Summer on a Stick recipe series. Maria Barton of Maria Makes shares some of her favorite grilled...

This is the third post in a series from Bailey Ryan of wholekitchensink.com. Bailey is a Whole30’er who changed her life and experienced tons...

Doing a Whole30 with your significant other can provide incredible benefits, but it can also pose some serious challenges.

This is the fifth (bonus!) post in our Instant Pot Pressure Cooker recipe series. This counter top appliance is popular among our Whole30 community,...

This is the first post in our Summer on a Stick recipe series, in which Maria Barton of Maria Makes shares some of her...

If you’re planning to do a Whole30 in July (and you’re in Canada or the U.S.) don’t be intimidated by the fact that there’s...

This is the second post in a series from Bailey Ryan of wholekitchensink.com. Bailey is a Whole30’er who changed her life and experienced tons...

This is the first post in a series from Bailey Ryan of wholekitchensink.com. Bailey is a Whole30’er who changed her life and experienced tons...

Since the origins of the Whole30 in 2009, one question has come up more than any other: “Can I do the Whole30 as a...

This is the third post in our Instant Pot Pressure Cooker recipe series. This counter top appliance is popular among our Whole30 community, and...

Michelle is a triathlon athlete who has competed in IRONMAN races all over the country and is currently training to compete internationally, representing Team...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 compatible recipes all day, every day. And, in our series, The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we bring...

From Whole30 headmistress Melissa Urban, who works really hard to make the program both effective and easy to follow: It’s been a long time...

Quick quiz: your friend posts on social media that she's doing a "Whole30 plus half and half in her coffee." What do you do?...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 compatible recipes all day, every day. And, in our series, The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we bring...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 compatible recipes all day, every day. And, in our series, The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we bring...

We’ve been using EPIC Provisions Bars and Bites as a favorite on-the-go food for years. We also like to keep our pantries stocked with...

There is always a lot of buzz about the term “Tiger Blood,” in the Whole30 community, and through running this program since 2009, we've...

Our friends at Primal Kitchen offer delicious Whole30 Approved avocado oils, salad dressings and—probably most famously—mayo. So versatile, in fact, that we wondered if...

By Kristen Dittami, in-house chef for Tessemaes and Whole30 alumni Chef Kristen from the Tessemae’s Kitchen checking in! This year will mark my third...

By Sarah Steffens, L.A.-based personal chef and official Whole30 Recipe Creative January is right around the corner and the the New Year is traditionally...

Welcome to Dear Melissa, where I answer your questions about transitioning into or completing a Whole30, successfully sticking to your new Food Freedom habits, and figuring out...

Do you have the best intentions of completing a Whole30, but just can't seem to make it past the first few days? Melissa Urban...

As you approach the holiday season, you’ll find yourself preparing for all kinds of festivities – 97.2% of which include buffet tables laden with...

Today we’re introducing you to Snap Kitchen, the one-stop healthy meal shop offering Whole30 Approved meals in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, and Philadelphia. We...

From Whole30 co-founder Melissa Urban: To say I Mel Joulwan is one of my favorite humans ever is an understatement. Mel has been one...

A note and squeal of joy from Whole30 headmistress Melissa Urban It’s here, it’s here! Announcing the release of the Food Freedom Forever; the...

There's an entire section in Food Freedom Forever about one of the most important topics: Friends, Family, and Food. Three chapters are designed to...

There's an entire section in Food Freedom Forever about one of the most important topics: Friends, Family, and Food. Three chapters are designed to...

On Monday, Melissa answered your questions about Vital Proteins products, which ones are Whole30 Approved, and how they support and compliment your Whole30 and...

We’ve been talking about Vital Protein’s collagen products for months now, on social media and in our Facebook Live discussion. Today, Whole30 headmistress Melissa...

You may associate EPIC Provisions with on-the-go or emergency food; their Bars and Bites are a long-time favorite of the Whole30 community. They’re convenient, tasty and nourishing,...

From Whole30 headmistress Melissa Urban, who is snuggling her advance copy of #Whole30FFF while she types this In under a month, Food Freedom Forever will be...

This month, our long-time Whole30 Approved partner and #SeptemberWhole30 sponsor Tessemae’s is serving up an entire month of Whole30 recipes on their blog. They...

Today we’re introducing you to our newest Whole30 Approved partner, Safe Catch. Their canned tuna offerings are delicious, portable, and has the lowest mercury...

Are you nearing the end of your Whole30 and still struggling with a raging Sugar Dragon? Melissa outlines her best strategies as she helps...

As anyone who has completed our program knows, the Whole30 is physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging. Still, some throw other challenging goals into the...

If you had incredible success with your own Whole30, you'll likely find yourself wanting to recruit others to the Whole30 party. They can see...

You’re reading a Dear Melissa Replay, where we re-post some of the most popular entries in Melissa Urban’s regular Whole30 advice column. Today, she’s...

Heads up: there’s no such thing as “normal”. Every body is different. Everybody’s Whole30 is different. While the symptoms listed below are commonly experienced...

by Sarah Ramsden, a personal coach who specializes in helping people navigate big life changes. This post is part of our ongoing series of...

Today we’re introducing you to our newest Whole30 Approved partner, New Barn. Their Unsweetened (in the green bottle) is the first-ever Whole30 Approved almond...

Due to added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or sugar alcohols like xylitol, gum and mints are out for your Whole30 – but that doesn’t mean...

Can you do Whole30 for the rest of your life? This is one of the most popular questions we receive, and one of the...

This post is part of our Traditional Cooking Oils 101 series. To learn more about eating and cooking with animal oil, click here. Welcome...

This post is part of our Traditional Cooking Oils 101 series. To learn more about eating and cooking with animal oil, click here. The...

This post is part of our Traditional Cooking Oils 101 series. To learn more about eating and cooking with animal oil, click here. You...

This post is part of our ongoing Whole30 success stories series. To submit your own Whole30 success story, contact [email protected]. We’ve been following Jared’s Whole30...

When we asked our community to submit questions about animal oils for a project we’re working on with Whole30 Approved partner Fatworks, we were...

During the #JanuaryWhole30, we received lots of questions about fermented foods. You’re curious about sauerkraut, kimchi, pickled veggies, kombucha and their place on your...

Many of you are just a few short days away from transitioning out of the Whole30 elimination phase into the reintroduction phase. Note we didn’t...

The wolfpack at EPIC Provisions, the sponsor of our January Whole30, is bringing animal oils back to your kitchen. Time-tested by your great-great-grandparents, these animal...

Dear Melissa, I know you caution against tracking food on the Whole30. However, I feel stressed and unsettled if I’m not tracking, even though...

Do you have trouble sleeping while on your Whole30? Sleep expert Dr. Kirk Parsley explains why and gives you several strategies to try out...

Today’s recipe is a delightful mashup from two of our Whole30 Approved partners: Yai’s Thai and Model Meals. The crew at Yai’s Thai created a...

Welcome to Dear Melissa, where I answer your questions about transitioning into or completing a Whole30, successfully sticking to your new healthy habits, and figuring out...

Today, we wanted to introduce you to our newest Whole30 Approved partner, Brooklyn Biltong, because most of you probably haven’t heard of what they...

Welcome to Dear Melissa, where I answer your questions about transitioning into or completing a Whole30, successfully sticking to your new healthy habits, and figuring out...

As a Registered Dietitian (R.D.) who specializes in pregnancy and post-partum health, I thought it would be easy for me to create and follow...

The most often-quoted line in the entire Whole30 program is this one: “It is not hard. Don’t you dare tell us this is hard....

by Melissa Urban, who ate at least three bagels during her pregnancy (the gluten-y kind) and her kid turned out JUST FINE. My son...

We’re thrilled about our newest Whole30 Approved partner, Primal Palate Organic Spices. We know that a successful Whole30 requires extra time in the kitchen...

Here in the U.S. we’re deep into football season (or, what Whole30 co-founder Melissa Urban generally refers to as “sportsing”), and your tailgating and...

Welcome to Dear Melissa, where I answer your questions about transitioning into or completing a Whole30, successfully sticking to your new healthy habits, and figuring out...

Welcome to Dear Melissa, where I answer your questions about transitioning into or completing a Whole30, successfully sticking to your new healthy habits, and figuring out...

In our first New York Times bestselling book, It Starts With Food, we say that the food you eat either makes you more healthy...

It’s tailgating season; that means the return of U.S. football (or what Whole30 co-founder Melissa Urban generally refers to as “sportsing”). However, that doesn’t mean you...

Have the grandparents of the family been unsupportive of your Whole30 efforts with your kiddos? This is definitely an emotionally-charged issue, but Melissa Urban...

Welcome to Dear Melissa, where I answer your questions about transitioning into or completing a Whole30, successfully sticking to your new healthy habits, and figuring out...

This 5-part freezer cooking series comes from Maria Barton of MariaMakes.com. If you’d like to submit a recipe, helpful tip, testimonial, or Whole30 article...

While many of us are taking advantage of the end-of-August heat wave by boycotting the oven and grilling All the Things, still… the feeling of fall is decidedly...

We recently received a Twitter question that caught our attention. It was simple and to the point, and it went like this: “My greatest...

Welcome to Dear Melissa, where I answer your questions about transitioning into or completing a Whole30, successfully sticking to your new healthy habits, and figuring out...

Part 2 in our 2-part series on taming your Sugar Dragon Cravings. Urges. Irresistible pulls towards the sweet stuff, the carb-y stuff, the comfort...

Today’s recipes are courtesy of Whole30 alumni Maria Barton (Maria Makes and @mariamakesstuff on Instagram) Intro from Whole30 Co-Creator Melissa Urban I recently gave a lecture on...

Part 1 in our 2-part series on taming your Sugar Dragon Cravings. Urges. Irresistible pulls towards the sweet stuff, the carb-y stuff, the comfort...

This article was contributed by Whole30 alumni Dawn of Made It, Love It Paleo I have always loved vegetables. My mom tells stories of how...

Today’s special #JulyWhole30 recipe comes from our friend Danielle Walker of Against All Grain. Mexican Benedict Serves 4 Chipotle Hollandaise Sauce 1 to 2...

Today’s #JulyWhole30 guest post is from Maria Barton of MariaMakes.com. If you’d like to submit a recipe, helpful tip, testimonial, or Whole30 article for...

Welcome to Dear Melissa, where I answer your questions about transitioning into or completing a Whole30, successfully sticking to your new healthy habits, and figuring out...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 Approved recipes all day, every day. And, in our series,  The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we’ll be bringing them...

Today’s special #JulyWhole30 guest post is from Melissa Joulwan, author of Well Fed cookbook series and bloggess at The Clothes Make the Girl Great Ingredients:...

Last Monday’s Dear Melissa responded to a woman who was feeling less than supported by her Facebook Whole30 support group. If you haven’t caught...

Today’s guest recipe post is from Justin Schwartz, an executive editor at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, the editor extraordinaire of The Whole30 (our newest book), and...

Welcome to the July Whole30! Today, we’re sharing a special bonus recipe from our #1 New York Times bestseller, The Whole30… but first, a...

Welcome to Dear Melissa, where I answer your questions about transitioning into or completing a Whole30, successfully sticking to your new healthy habits, and figuring out...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 Approved recipes all day, every day. And, in our series,  The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we’ll be bringing them...

In this Dear Melissa, we're talking to a woman who is concerned that she's too dependent on fruit during her Whole30. While there is...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 Approved recipes all day, every day. And, in our series,  The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we’ll be bringing them...

We're seeing so many families taking on a Whole30 together, kids and all, and we think that's wonderful! However, If you've experienced some less-than-enthusiastic...

From Melissa Urban, Whole30 co-creator We’ve worked hard over the last six years to make the Whole30 logical in its framework, as effective as possible across...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 Approved recipes all day, every day. And, in our series,  The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we’ll be bringing them...

From Melissa Hartwig, who (thanks to the Whole30) is one of those annoying people who really can eat just one square of dark chocolate...

Since the Whole30 program was first created in 2009, we’ve read hundreds (if not thousands) of your success stories. They all touch our hearts,...

Meet Sandena Neely: founder of Watch Your Mouth Bahamas, dynamic personality, and incredible Whole30 success story turned Whole30 ambassador in her local community. Through...

Since we created the Whole30 program in 2009, we’ve made it a priority to keep the program accessible to anyone, anywhere, through our website....

It’s here, it’s here! Our new book, The Whole30: The 30-Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom, has hit the shelves of every bookstore...

You’ve committed to the Whole30. You’re ready to change your life. You’re following all the steps in our getting started guide, and you’re ready...

It’s here, it’s here! In celebration of our new book, The Whole30: The 30-Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom, we’re giving you a...

With gleeful excitement over the release of our new book, The Whole30: The 30-Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom, we’ll be giving you a sneak-peek...

In gleeful anticipation of the release of our new book, The Whole30: The 30-Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom, we’ll be giving...

Karen shared a little of her story with us on the Whole30 Instagram feed, and we were so inspired by her commitment to her health...

With gleeful excitement over the release of our new book, The Whole30: The 30-Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom, we’ll be giving you a sneak-peek...

With gleeful excitement over the release of our new book, The Whole30: The 30-Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom, we’ll be giving you a sneak-peek...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 Approved recipes all day, every day. And, in our series,  The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we’ll be bringing them...

It’s your first Whole30, and you’re following our “getting started” recommendations perfectly, especially Step 3—going public. You’ve told your friends, family, co-workers, and all...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 Approved recipes all day, every day. And, in our series,  The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we’ll be bringing them...

We like bringing you the coolest new foods (and drinks) on the block… the stuff that makes your Whole30, Paleo, or Primal lifestyle easier,...

We first made a connection with Ali Maffucci of Inspiralized when she posted a Whole30 Pinterest board dedicated to recipes using spiralized vegetables and...

We read success stories from Whole30 participants every day. Each one of them moves us, and makes us thankful for the opportunity to help so...

Welcome to Dear Melissa, where we answer your questions about transitioning into or completing a Whole30,  successfully sticking to your new healthy habits, and...

When we heard Katie's story, we knew we had to share it. Her passion and enthusiasm shine through in her words. Her honesty will...

During the course of your Whole30, we fully expect you’ll find yourself in a situation that requires what we call “emergency food.” When might you need...

Congratulations—Your first Whole30 is over; you look better, you feel better, your self-confidence is at an all-time high! At some point you’ll likely come...

There’s a saying: Comparison is the thief of joy. Theodore Roosevelt said that. There’s another saying: He who envies others does not obtain peace of...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 Approved recipes all day, every day. And, in our series,  The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we’ll be bringing them...

There is no such thing as the perfect Whole30. We know that, and we hope you know that too. We do encourage you to...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 Approved recipes all day, every day. And, in our  series,  The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we’re bringing them to...

Welcome to Dear Melissa, where I answer your questions about transitioning into or completing a Whole30, successfully sticking to your new Food Freedom habits, and figuring out...

CrossFit Eminence has been a part of our Whole9 Nutrition Partner program since 2012.  For the last 2 years, they have been using Whole9...

Welcome to Dear Melissa, where I answer your questions about transitioning into or completing a Whole30, successfully sticking to your new Food Freedom habits, and figuring out...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 Approved recipes all day, every day. And, in our new series,  The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we’ll be bringing...

by Whole30 co-founder Melissa Urban, who doesn’t understand why a perfectly good sweet potato needs marshmallows anyway Last Thursday was U.S. Thanksgiving,  a family and...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 Approved recipes all day, every day. And, in our new series,  The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we’ll be bringing...

Dear Melissa, Since completing a Whole30 in January 2013, I have been eating a (mostly) Whole30-inspired diet and have never felt better. My family...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 Approved recipes all day, every day. And, in our new series,  The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we’ll be bringing...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 Approved recipes all day, every day. And, in our new series,  The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we’ll be bringing...

Dear Melissa, I just completed my Whole30, and what a difference! I never thought I would find something that would have such an effect...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 Approved recipes all day, every day. And, in our new series,  The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we’ll be bringing...

Sometimes, we are completely astounded by the stories our Whole30 Program participants send us. Today, we’re featuring Katie K. from Davenport, IA, who used...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 Approved recipes all day, every day. And, in our new series,  The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we’ll be bringing...

Welcome to Dear Melissa, where we answer your questions about transitioning into or or maintaining a healthy Whole9 life, helping you make what you learned during...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 Approved recipes all day, every day. And, in our new series,  The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we’ll be bringing...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 Approved recipes all day, every day. And, in our new series,  The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we’ll be bringing...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 Approved recipes all day, every day. And, in our new series,  The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we’ll be bringing...

Written by the co-creator of the Whole30, who still does her own program about once a year  Mid-August, I decided it was time for me to do another...

Written by the co-creator of the Whole30, who still does her own program about once a year  Mid-August, I decided it was time for me to do another...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 Approved recipes all day, every day. And, in our new series,  The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we’ll be bringing...

As you might imagine, the Whole30 team doesn’t like the idea of using food—especially carb-dense, nutrient-poor food with no brakes—as a reward. The food-as-reward cycle...

Laurice Brewer, a vegetarian from Long Beach, CA, first appeared on our social media radar in April 2014. We saw her posting about her...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 Approved recipes all day, every day. And, in our new series,  The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we’ll be bringing...

Our @whole30recipes Instagram feed brings you delicious, Whole30 Approved recipes all day, every day. And, in our new series,  The Best of @Whole30Recipes, we’ll...

Welcome to Dear Melissa, where I answer your questions about transitioning into or completing a Whole30, successfully sticking to your new Food Freedom habits, and figuring out...

We’d like to introduce you to Courtney Crozier.  We (and maybe you) first noticed Courtney as a contestant on a popular weight-loss based reality TV...

Today’s article is from Whole30 Recipes superstar and food blogger Alanna of Planks, Love, and Guacamole. (Are you following @Whole30Recipes on Instagram yet? We’ve...

Whole30 participant Tabitha contacted us recently with a question about extending her Whole30. She asked:   “I have some long-standing issues that I have...

Today’s guest post is from Karen Simpson, a holistic health coach Karen’s Story When Jay and I met almost two years ago, we fell...

One of the most important steps in ensuring Whole30 success is planning your meals—so you’re not tempted to call the pizza delivery guy after...

We have one big announcement today. We could give you the whole backstory, or we could just cut to the chase and tell you...

While so much of the mainstream media coverage of the Whole30 is focused on the weight loss benefits of the program, stories like this are...

U.S. Independence Day is just around the corner, but your independence – from bland potato salad, gut-bomb-brownies, and greasy chips and dips – starts NOW. We’re...

Today, we’re looking back to a special guest post from Anne Sharp, member of CrossFit South Arlington. The lessons she learned during her two Whole30 experiences...

We found AJ’s story on Instagram while browsing the #Whole30 hashtag. She wrote, “When I started the Whole30, I honestly was mostly looking for a...

Welcome to Dear Melissa, where I answer your questions about the Whole30 and Food Freedom. Today, we’re talking about a serious subject: whether the...

Welcome to Dear Melissa, where I answer your questions about transitioning into or completing a Whole30, successfully sticking to your new Food Freedom habits, and figuring out...

Welcome to Dear Melissa, where I answer your questions about transitioning into or completing a Whole30, successfully sticking to your new Food Freedom habits, and figuring out...

We first read Hilarie’s story while simultaneously planning our #IAMWHOLE30 Instagram campaign and fielding a ton of interview requests from mainstream media, all of whom were...

By Melissa Urban, who always hated mayo until she started making it herself I was talking to a Whole30'er the other day who mentioned she had never made homemade mayo.

When your world revolves around gourmet (and sometimes bizarre) foods, taking on a program like the Whole30® might seem a bit daunting. But that’s...

When your world revolves around gourmet (and sometimes bizarre) foods, taking on a program like the Whole30® might seem a bit daunting. But that’s...

Today's STM entry comes from us - more accurately, from Dallas' recent obsession with our Whole30 approved cranberry sauce from the Thanksgiving STM series....

When your world revolves around gourmet (and sometimes bizarre) foods, taking on a program like the Whole30® might seem a bit daunting. But that’s...

While cruising Facebook recently, we stumbled across a “Whole30 Challenge” group with more than 6,000 members. The Facebook cover photo was one we created,...

When your world revolves around gourmet (and sometimes bizarre) foods, taking on a program like the Whole30® might seem a bit daunting. But that’s...

Welcome to Dear Melissa, where I answer your questions about transitioning into or completing a Whole30, successfully sticking to your new Food Freedom habits, and figuring out...

By Whole30® co-creator Melissa Urban, with help from The Paleo Mom and author of The Paleo Approach, Sarah Ballantyne, PhD  When you’re trying to...

A guest post by Tom Urban (“Captain Tom”) – otherwise known as Melissa Urban’s dad. From Captain Tom On February 20th, 2010, Melissa wished...

As outlined in It Starts With Food, the Whole30 has two parts: elimination and reintroduction. First, you completely eliminate potentially problematic foods for a...

In early January 2014, we came across a photo on Instagram posted by Sarah-Marie. There is little we love more than someone turning their...

This article is part of our “worst diet advice” series For those looking to lose weight and get healthier, there is certainly no shortage...

We recently received a note from a high-level endurance athlete writing about her Whole30 experience. Sonja Wieck wrote: I recently completed a Whole30 several...

Welcome to Dear Melissa, where Melissa Urban addresses your questions and concerns about transitioning into or completing a Whole30, successfully sticking to your new...

Today’s tough love inspiration came through in a Dear Melissa submission from a woman on the East Coast, but it’s the same kind of...

Welcome to Dear Melissa, where we answer your questions about transitioning into or or maintaining a healthy Whole9 life, helping you figure out how to...

*The answer is, it doesn’t exist. Read on, please. The Whole30 is in full swing, with thousands of you in the middle of your...

Karen’s story (first published on her blog, Beautifully Simple) about her battle with psoriasis (an autoimmune condition) showcases the power of food to change...

Did you know that Days 10-11 are when you are most likely to throw in the towel on your Whole30® program? It’s true—we’ve compiled...

Nearly a year ago, Emilie and her friend Shayna left their homes in San Diego and set out on a year-long road-trip documentary project in...

Over the weekend, we posted an Instagram photo of a pot of bone broth simmering away captioned, “Bone broth for A.M. sippin’ is going...

The Whole30 isn’t designed to help people change their body composition or lose weight, and we ask people to take a much-deserved break from...

Allison contacted us via email about her Whole30® experience. It’s a fantastic story–the kind that some of you will use as your own jumping-off point...

We’ve heard more than a few Whole30 succes stories that stop us in our tracks: Jessica O,Summer W, Brian M. But today, Janet’s photos are what...

Our new “Talk to your Doc” articles will feature a series of guest posts written by medical professionals. Our goal is to help prepare...

We received this wonderful testimonial from Jane C. and couldn’t keep it to ourselves. Not only because the girl is so eloquent and funny,...

We love Whole30® success stories, don’t you? And we especially love this short but sweet story from Ken K. who navigated his way through the program...

Note: We received the following success story from our Whole9 Seminar Team members Nick Kirkes and Rachel Miller who own Inner Strength Indy. Nick...

Emily submitted her story to us through email, and we were so moved by her results that we just had to share it with...