Whole30 Essential Tools, Ingredients, and Recipes

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase using one of the links in this post, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, Thanks for your support!Ahh January... the time for Whole30 and lots of redemption from hedonistic holiday eating.  If you're unfamiliar with the Whole30 diet, it eliminates grains, dairy, legumes, soy, and sugar.  And if you're thinking about doing Whole30, I've compiled 22 essential recipes, foods, and tools that made my experience with Whole30 actually quite delicious!

My Experience

Now, I must admit, I was one of the annoying people at first.  You know, the type that will NOT stop talking about her new "thing".  The type that says things like "oh, I'm going to take a raincheck on that happy hour even though I haven't seen you in months because there's nothing Whole30 compliant."  The type that keeps exclaiming that she just "can't believe how much better she feels" and that she's getting "much better sleep" and "has so much more energy."  Ugh.  What a pain in the ass....But here's the honest truth:  I felt freaking amazing when I was strictly following the Whole30 diet.  It took about 5 days to get past the sadness and anger about not having cheese and pasta, but I really did sleep better.  I really did have more energy.  I was bored at home on a weeknight, so I cleaned out our bookshelves.  I mean if that doesn't cause a jaw drop, I don't know what will.  Plus, there was that added bonus of doing something challenging that just makes ya feel all warm and fuzzy and superior (just being honest) inside.Then...we cracked.  I drank wine.  I ate salad dressing with sugar.  I had bread!  And I felt like SH!T afterwards.  Mentally and physically.  Hell hath no fury like the first hangover after a 3 week sober streak.  But the biggest issue was that I let my disappointment in myself get the best of me.  I let that ruin the next day, and then it was easier to make bad food choices the following week.Anyway, my point is that Whole30 is totally worth it even if you screw it up.  I fully intend to eat this way at home for more than 30 days.  I'm also considering adopting the paleo lifestyle all the time (anyone else on that train?)... but for now, I'm going to stick with Mostly30 (my own personal version of 80% healthy and 20% not as much).Now this is where you come in.  I did LOTS of research before we started because knowing everything there is to know about something is basically my favorite.  I compiled quite the arsenal of essential foods, tools, and recipes to get us though, so I thought I'd share them with you!  Whether you're thinking about doing Whole30 or just looking for some tasty and healthy recipes,  I hope this is helpful!

Essential Recipes

1. One pan sweet potato hash (easiest recipe ever is in my No Brainer One Week Meal Plan!  You can sign up to get it FO FREE right here.)

[convertkit form=5137822]2. Grilled chicken salad with homemade mayonnaise, diced green apple, pecans, and chives (hardly even a recipe it's so easy!3. Roasted Brussel sprouts dipped in lemon garlic mayo (recipe coming soon!)4. Seasoned and shredded anything (chicken thighs, pork shoulder, beef) from the crockpot5. Cauliflower fried rice6. Shrimp (or any other protein) curry with cauliflower fried rice

Essential Foods

Eggs - any veggies + a fried egg on top = breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  We buy two dozen every week and barely make it to Sunday morning.8. Coconut cream - the kind in a can from Trader Joe's.  This is my now preferred coffee creamer9. Ghee - aka clarified butter.  You could use olive or coconut oil for everything, but this gives a bit more flavor.  You can make your own, but.... why?10. Dried fruit - this might fall under "Sex With Your Pants On" (SWYPO in Whole30-speak), but it saved me from many bad choices after dinner11. Rosemary marcona almonds - holy smokes.  These are everything.12. Plantain chips - Trader Joe's version is compliant with no weirdo sugars or oils.  They're the perfect snack with salsa or guacamole OR make a great lunch with homemade chicken salad.13. Compliant bacon - the only compliant one we found was Pederson's brand at Whole Foods.  Every other label I looked at had sugar.  I guess that's why they call it #meatcandy...14. Avocados - replaces all of those creamy, cheesy desires.  Plus the yummy fats fill you up.15. Veggie variety - you will eat a LOT of veggies.  Try them all. More than once.  My favorite way to cook most veggies is to roast them in a 400 degree oven.16. Spices and herbs - you're going to need all that flavor!17. All the sweet potatoes - I have half of one every day for lunch, and there are about a million ways to incorporate them into your meals other than just as a side.  Plus, any diet that includes sweet potato fries is pretty awesome in my book.18. Compliant chicken and veggie broth - why does chicken broth have sugar in it??  It was so hard to find... but Trader Joe's saved the day again!  The only one without sugar is the Organic Free Range Low Sodium one!

Essential Tools

19. A crockpot or Instant Pot (for shredded meats) >> PS I'm pretty sure I spent more than $99 on my Instant Pot... dangit.  Seems like a steal now!

20. A nonstick frying pan (for all of the eggs and that cauliflower rice) >> This one is my fave at a reasonable price point >> GreenPan Champagne Ceramic Nonstick Skillet

21. A large baking sheet for roasting veggies and fish.  I find the best ones feel a little heavier than they look when you pick them up.  The flimsy ones just warp in the oven.

22. An emulsion blender, regular blender, or food processor (ain't nobody trying to whisk their own mayo).  >> I use this one, and it's only $35! >> Cuisinart SmartStick Immersion Blender

These recipes, tools, and foods helped us stick to the plan AND eat well the whole time!  I really feel like I've learned so much from this experience.  For one, there is WAY too much sugar in things that don't need sugar.  Secondly, it is definitely more expensive to eat healthfully.  It's easier to eat at home though, so we spend way less money eating out, which is less expensive in the long run.  And finally, it is actually not that difficult to stay away from inflammatory foods when you realize that the alternative is a happier tummy, better sleep, and more energy.Has anyone else done Whole30?  Thinking about it??  Let me know in the comments below, so we can recipe swap!!