Whole30 is a great program and lifestyle but it takes planning and dedication. We’ve gathered 19+ Recipes to Help You Survive Whole30. Those 30 days will go by so quickly!!
I’ve done two rounds of Whole30. The first time I did it back in August, I was energetic and enthusiastic. It didn’t feel THAT hard. Look, it’s hard but not horrible. You find out that sugar is in just about everything! I was able to find Whole30 compliant fruit strips but couldn’t find Whole30 beef jerky. What? Yeah, and there were like two brands of bacon that I could find. Absolutely eye opening!
But, with planning and reading labels, you can pretty much make it through. My biggest problem was that my energy was low because I don’t drink coffee and used to get my energy from Diet Coke, which had to go for so many reasons and I did it while on Whole30. It was hell for a while. I’m not going to lie. I had a major addiction. It was tough but I did survive Whole30.
And, like a true addict, I can’t just ease back into it and occasionally have one. After Whole30 the first time, I had one McDonald’s Diet Coke…and three months later the Diet Coke habit was just as bad as it was prior to Whole30.
So, I did another Whole30 to clean it back up, knowing that I can’t really go back to it again. Plus, I know that sugar really messes with my system. It hurts my stomach and while I don’t have diabetes, it feels like it messes with my blood sugar. I really learned all of this through the first Whole30 round.
There are so many benefits to Whole30. I lost a pant size the first time. The second time, I lost my holiday fluff that was making those pants too tight and muffin top-y.
Even though I feel amazing, I miss the food I love when I’m on Whole30. I miss cheese and carbs like pizza, etc. Luckily, potatoes help and so do sauces. That’s why you need go-to recipes and that’s also why we started with the 7 Staple Whole30 Sauces. Adding sauces save the day. I find a few recipes and put them on heavy rotation but if you don’t plan, you are in trouble, so having a list of recipes that will help you survive Whole30 is so important. I craved pasta and Italian food a lot and eventually I considered giving up and making spaghetti or pizza. But, we’ve figured out some recipes to lean into those cravings without quitting Whole30.
We’ve got your back. And, really, it won’t be that bad.
Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Chicken is a super easy to make and healthy weeknight dinner recipe. The faux honey mustard sauce is made with dates rather than honey so it contains no added sweeteners and is Whole30 compliant. It's a delicious sheet pan recipe!
Juicy Baked Chicken Thighs are easy to make and the most delicious oven-baked chicken thighs ever! They're coated in pantry-staple spices and baked until crispy on the outside and unbelievably juicy inside. With a few simple tips, this baked chicken thighs recipe turns out perfect every single time.
This lemon garlic chicken marinade is super simple to make, healthy, and full of flavor. Simply marinate your favorite chicken in lemon juice, oil, garlic, and herbs then grill it, bake it, or freeze it for later!
Vibrant homemade sunflower seed pesto, flaky pan-seared salmon, and crispy roasted broccoli come together in this surprisingly easy and highly satisfying meal. It's a fresh and simple crowd-pleasing take on pesto salmon, and it's ready in under 30 minutes!
Sheet pan salmon is a full meal with crispy roast potatoes, tender asparagus, and delicious salmon. You'll love that it's cooked on one pan which makes clean-up a breeze!
This Creamy Chicken Mushroom recipe is a healthy and flavorful dinner that is ready in only 30 minutes. Made with garlic chicken thighs and a delicious mushroom sauce that's made creamy with healthy cashew butter. Spoon the sauce over mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower for a complete meal.
Spinach and eggs is a very easy to make breakfast or lunch recipe that's surprisingly flavorful and filling. Saute some mushrooms before adding the spinach and letting it wilt. Then fry the egg in the same pan. You'll love this quick and healthy recipe!
Cashew Coconut Salmon Curry is an easy to make and crazy delicious fish curry recipe. The salmon is poached in a simple coconut Thai curry sauce that begs to be poured over rice or cauliflower rice. It's a 20-minute dinner recipe everyone will love.
Italian Sausage Soup is loaded with flavor, easy to make, and a healthy option for a cozy meal. In only 30 minutes you can be sitting down to dinner with a smile on your face. Bonus: leftovers taste amazing!
Green goddess chicken is juicy and deliciously flavorful. Chicken thighs are marinated in our favorite green goddess dressing and then quickly cooked in a pan. It's a healthy dinner recipe that's easy to make and big on flavor.
This delicious bean free Easy Paleo Chili Recipe has become our family's go-to one pot dinner. It's full of healthy veggies and so simple to make. It's also 100% Whole30 compliant. You're going to LOVE it!
This Spanish Chicken Bake it made with pimiento-stuffed Manzanilla Olives from Spain, chorizo, bell peppers, and kale. Everything bakes together in one delicious pan. Chicken dinner doesn't get any easier or tastier than this!
This chicken cabbage stir fry is quick to make (only 25 minutes!), healthy, and totally delicious. Tender chunks of chicken are cooked with low-carb cabbage noodles, some broccoli, and red peppers. It's an easy and inexpensive dinner recipe that will make your weeknight evenings a whole lot tastier.
Chili Lime Shrimp is a super easy to make and tasty 35-minute dinner. It's a versatile recipe that can be served on its own, over rice or cauliflower rice, or even wrapped up in tacos or lettuce wraps.
This sausage chili is loaded with chunks of Italian sausage, ground beef, and sauteed mushrooms. It's a hearty and meaty chili recipe that is sure to please. We usually make this a beanless chili, but you can put some in if your family loves them. It's great both ways.
Bacon Kale Caesar Salad is the best way to eat lots of kale. This grain-free and paleo Caesar includes crispy bacon and toasted cashews instead of crouton, which gives it crunch and tons of flavor. It's easy to make, healthy, and delicious!
Truly CRISPY Carrot Fries are seasoned with garlic and herbs and baked in the oven. They're an easy to make, healthy, and crazy delicious side dish recipe!