Whole30 Success Stories: Real Women Who Shed Pounds and Healed With the Plan—‘Proud I Didn’t Wait’

Heard of the Whole30 nutrition experiment? This popular elimination diet helps women around the globe see incredible health and weight loss results by avoiding foods like gluten, sugar and dairy—commonly known to trigger unwanted health symptoms—for 30 days. The plan has a worldwide following of millions of people and a shelf’s worth of New York Times bestselling books by CEO and cofounder of Whole30 Melissa Urban . (Her latest book, The New Whole30, is out now.)

Curious about Whole30 results? From better sleep to lower cholesterol, these amazing success stories prove the Whole30 diet truly works. For example, consider Kelly Small, 45, who used the plant-based version of Whole30 and lowered her cholesterol 27 points in 60 days, so she didn’t have to start taking prescription statin medication. She also improved her blood pressure, blood sugar, sleep, mood and energy levels. She even lost 10 pounds and one clothing size. Keep reading for more amazing Whole30 testimonials…

Whole30 success stories from real women

Whole30 testimonial #1: Cindy King lost 18 pounds and improved her arthritis pain

“Before, I used to walk with a cane, my arthritis was so bad. I’d wake up in the night in agonizing pain,” shares Cindy King , 54, of Newark, DE. “But in 2 weeks on Whole30, my pain dropped from a level 10 to a 6. That month, I lost 8 pounds and several inches during my first Whole30. As I’ve continued on this journey I’ve lost 10 more pounds. Plus my skin improved. My sleep increased from 5 hours to 7 or 8 hours a night. And over time, my A1C improved from 7.1 (diabetes) to 6.2 (pre-diabetes range).” Cindy adds, “With Whole30, I’ve gotten better at not letting food rule me. I learned what my triggers are. I call them GAS: gluten, alcohol and sugar.” She explains, “For me, food freedom means not labeling food as good or bad. It’s about choosing whether something is worth it for me and how I want to feel.” Best of all: “I’m breaking the cycle of bad health in my family!”

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Whole30 testimonial #2: Donna Scott Johnson lost 30 pounds and improved her lupus

“After being diagnosed with lupus , I couldn’t recognize my life. The disease took my job and my energy. I was on so many pain medications,” says Donna Scott Johnson , 51, of Atlanta, GA. “My story of Whole30 is how I took my life back. I learned to stay away from dairy, sugar and pasta. It wasn’t hard considering what I was gaining. Instead, I ate flavorful recipes like sweet potato chili, salmon cakes and jerk shrimp in plantain tacos. Decreasing inflammation by just the way I ate was mind-blowing. I reduced my pain, joint swelling and medication dose. I also lost 30 pounds and 4 clothing sizes, so it was easier to move around. For people with autoimmune conditions , Whole30 is really helpful. Lupus doesn’t limit me anymore. I’m able to be more, do more. Now every day is a ‘wow.’ I wake up every morning thankful!”

Whole30 testimonial #3: Jessica Hersch ditched her scale and improved her energy and mood

“Ever since a traumatic divorce, COVID, and starting my own business, I felt overwhelmed. I was using chocolate and pasta to numb myself,” says Jessica Hersch , 46, of Brisbane Queensland, Australia. “Then I stumbled upon Whole30. At first, it sounded like madness. But I’ve always loved the idea of a reset, and I thought, before I resort to weight loss injections , why not give this a try? I quickly noticed that cutting out sugar actually gave me more energy. Within a couple of weeks, I was on a real high. I also realized I had been eating too little and started eating more. I hadn’t had breakfast in about 20 years, and it made a huge difference to my energy and overall happiness. I’m sure I lost weight (I actually threw away my scale) but more than that: I experienced a complete identity shift. I’m more mindful now. I ask myself, ‘Is this the most nourishing option for me right now?’ I’m learning about myself instead of loathing now!”

"I thought, before I resort to weight loss injections, why not give this a try?" -Jessica Hersch

Bonus testimonial #4: Heather lost 102 pounds following her own whole foods diet

“I had trouble moving and sleeping,” reveals Heather Weibel , 45, of Great Falls, MT. Then she tried eating plant-based whole foods, following a self-made plan similar to the plant-based version of Whole30. She also got help from the weight-loss support group TOPS . Heather quickly watched as her inflammation and pain reduced. She recalls, “Plant-based eating changed my life right away. I lost half my size: from 24 to 12! Now I no longer worry about taking cholesterol medicine, and all my blood work is perfect!” In fact, Heather can walk to work without using an inhaler and she said goodbye to her sleep apnea machine . She adds, “I feel good knowing I’m doing something to take care of myself when I’m older. I’ll look back and be proud I didn’t wait any longer.”

“I feel good knowing I’m doing something to take care of myself when I’m older. I’ll look back and be proud I didn’t wait any longer.”-Heather Weibel

Learn more about the plant-based version here .

Does Whole30 help with weight loss and health? Try it yourself!

Read the plan rules for the New Whole30 found here and at Whole30.com . And check out these easy insider tips from plan cofounder Melissa Urban…

Whole30 easy meal tips

• Keep it simple. “You don’t need fancy, complex recipes,” says Melissa Urban, who cofounded Whole30 in 2009. For breakfast try chia pudding made with silken tofu and coconut cream. Try deviled eggs or deli roll-ups for lunch. And toss together an easy sheet pan dinner with fajita-seasoned steak , peppers and onions. More recipes here .

• Keep food costs low. Reach for frozen or canned fruits and veggies, which are often cheaper than fresh, and contain the same amount of vitamins and minerals. Another piece of Urban’s advice: Get your protein, but don’t stress about organic, grass-fed or free-range options. An easy grab-and-go option: Chomps meat sticks .
• Make your own sauces. Homemade dressings and marinades add flavor without added sugar or chemicals. Find easy recipes for mayo, ranch, BBQ sauce and more at Whole30.com . A store-bought brand that carries the Whole30 stamp of approval is: Primal Kitchen Italian Vinaigrette and Marinade.
  
• Consider convenience. When possible, cook in big batches and freeze (like the popular Whole30 chicken breakfast meatballs ) to save time in the future. Or find Whole30 packaged marinated chicken—ready to eat in 5 minutes—at some Costco locations through the American Southeast and Texas. Also consider “Made by Whole30,” the plan’s easy meal delivery service at whole30.com/meal-delivery .

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