Whole30 and mental health—supporting your body and mind
Your diet and mental health deserve more than quick fixes. Whole30 delivers both.
The Whole30 is about more than what’s on your plate
The Whole30 is about so much more than food. The language, guidance, and mindset shifts woven into the program help you feel happier, more capable, and more confident in your body.
The Whole30 is hard. Keeping that promise to yourself builds self-efficacy. Better energy, deeper sleep, and fewer cravings builds self-confidence. Reconnecting with your body and the signals it’s sending you builds self-trust.
Food is often the first (or only) coping mechanism in the face of stress, discomfort, and negative emotions. The Whole30 disrupts that pattern, giving you new tools to self-soothe, show yourself love, and relieve anxiety.
Your needs, comfort, and goals matter. The Whole30 teaches you to check in with yourself before automatically pleasing others, and gives you the words to say no clearly and kindly.
What you eat can impact how you feel, mentally and emotionally. The Whole30 can help you uncover hidden food sensitivities, and have a positive impact on your mood, focus, anxiety, and mental health.
Read more about the Whole30 and mental health
Browse our collection of helpful resources focused on a range of mental-health topics.
Embrace life’s simple joys with suggestions from Whole30 HQ
Melissa Urban shares 28 uncommon self-care options
Dear Melissa: How can I deal with stress beyond food?
How yoga can help your digestion and mental health
Try MU’s best comfort and coping strategies
Check out XO,MU for more mental-health advice from Melissa
Give us 30 Days
Millions of people just like you have changed their life with the Whole30. Whether your goal is boosting energy, reducing cravings, or supporting your mental health, your Whole30 success will be uniquely yours. The 30 days you invest in the program will bring benefits that spill over into every area of your life. See the inspiring range of non-scale victories Whole30 alums have reported at the end of their journeys.
Get motivated by Whole30 success stories from people like you
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Do the Original Whole30 Do the Plant-Based Whole30An important note about who shouldn’t do the Whole30
The Whole30 program is not recommended (contraindicated) for anyone with a history of disordered eating—whether diagnosed or not. Other programs are designed by healthcare professionals to be a better fit for your mental health and recovery, and have fewer risk factors than the Whole30.
If you fall into this category and want to learn about the Whole30, please discuss the program with your eating disorder counselor, therapist, or qualified healthcare provider first. Having a plan with your therapist before doing any elimination program, including the Whole30, is so important. Follow all recommendations from your provider, which could include modifying program rules, length, or structure. Always follow recommendations from your doctor or therapist.
See our interview with Dr. Emily Deans on the Whole30 and disordered eating for more information.
