white puffer jacket (OBSESSED with this grey puffer jacket) // black long-sleeve top (this grey hoodie is everything and 40% off) // ombre maternity workout pants (slightly different than the ones I am wearing, but I like these SO MUCH BETTER.) (non-maternity ombre workout pants) // Nike VaporMax sneakers // pom pom beanie // round cat eye retro sunglasses // Heather’s camo jacket // silicone egg cups
I get so many questions about doing Whole30, but even more questions now about doing Whole30 while pregnant. Curious if doing Whole30 while pregnant is safe? Keep reading as I am sharing all my tips, tricks, and ways to modify the Whole30 while pregnant. In a nutshell, it’s 30 days – no grains (gluten free- yay!), no sugar, no dairy, no beans, no alcohol. Easy peasy, right? Make sure you also check out my WHOLE30 TIPS post for more information, a delish recipe, and Whole30 must-haves. Lastly, here are two super easy recipes you should save: Heather’s Easy Breakfast Casserole and Jessica’s Whole30 Energy Bites.
TIPS TO NAVIGATING WHOLE30 WHILE PREGNANT
[full_width][/full_width] [one_half padding=”0 2.5px 0 0″][/one_half][one_half_last padding=”0 0 0 2.5px”][/one_half_last] [full_width][/full_width]WHY AM I DOING THIS?
Why am I doing whole30 during pregnancy? I know, I know. Pregnancy is a time to indulge, to eat for two, to sit on the couch and eat Bon Bons. NEGATIVE. I 100% disagree with this statement. Here is exactly why I am doing Whole30 while preggo. There’s never a better time to get into a healthy eating routine and leave that unhealthy american standard diet in the past. All while eating seriously good food.
1. I am growing an actual human being inside my body.
If I don’t put crap in my body when I am not pregnant, why would I do it when I am pregnant? DISCLAIMER: I do love me some ice cream dessert. And chips. and ranch dressing.
2. Hi, I am Lindsey, and I am addicted to exercise.
It literally buys me 48 hours of extra energy, a clear head, suppression of the hormones that make me an absolute crazy person, and the ability to work efficiently and effectively. All while having enough energy to play with Asher in the evenings! One thing I noticed last year doing Whole30 was how much better my work outs were during the 30 days I was eating so well. This time around, let’s just say I have beaten Ryan more times than not in the last week!
3. Let’s be honest. The holidays were, well should we say, DELICIOUS?
Ryan, Asher, and I definitely enjoyed our nightly dessert. And I was not the one to skip on appetizers. I honestly felt awful around Christmastime, and I have no doubt it was due to my diet. It’s time to clean things up! Which, for me, means its time to complete a whole30.
4. My fam jam.
We do eat very healthy as a family, but I notice they seem to follow in my footsteps when it comes to eating. If I enjoy some cake, they enjoy some cake. If I buy some cheeses for a little mini meal appetizer, they eat them. It’s time to get back to setting a good example. We don’t cook separate meals for Asher. He eats what we eat. So, if I am eating crap, then so is he.
5. Weight loss is not the ultimate goal of WHOLE30, especially not when pregnant.
The ultimate goal is to eat good, nutritious, whole foods for 30 days. But I would be lying to you if I said my weight and appearance wasn’t important to me. I want to stay within the recommended weight gain, not double it. Also, gaining too much weight too quickly is not good for you. Again, let’s focus on eating the RIGHT foods. If you are pregnant, you probably need to increase your snacking and caloric intake, but more on that in a bit.
6. That pregnancy glow though.
My skin looks better when I drink water and eat well. Bottom line. Let’s get that pregnancy glow back!
7. SLEEP!
Who has experienced pregnancy insomnia? It is THE WORST pregnancy symptom. And it hit me hard this time. One benefit of Whole30 is the deep, uninterrupted sleep you will experience.
WHOLE30 WHILE PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING: MODIFICATIONS
There are some AMAZING resources out there for pregnant women participating in Whole30. I will link some of my favorite articles at the end of this post. But, in the meantime, here are some modifications I am making during pregnancy.
1. Double the protein and eat more healthy fats.
You heard that correctly. MAKE SURE YOU ARE EATING ENOUGH. The best way to do this is by adding additional protein and healthy fats to your diet. Try eating 15 almonds as a snack. OR eat 2 eggs with an avocado and fruit for breakfast. For dinner, eat 2 portions of your favorite protein. As always, listen to your body. It will tell you whether or not you are eating enough.
You might also consider supplementing your protein intake with something like collagen peptides. Since its common to experience protein aversions during pregnancy, a powder protein source with pregnancy benefits might be just what you need. Collagen peptides are both pregnancy and whole30 compliant, and can give your body that extra little boost it needs. Just be sure that your chosen collagen peptide supplement has been medically reviewed by a registered dietician and approved safe for pregnancy.
2. Drink more water.
This 32 ounce water bottle with a straw cap is a MUST HAVE. It has changed my life!
3. Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
SNACK. It is hard to eat a giant meal when pregnant, because we get full so quickly. What has worked for me is eating smaller, more frequent meals. Eating smaller meals, several times a day also helps you better manage your blood sugar levels throughout pregnancy.
4. Listen to your body.
I know we hear this all the time when pregnant, but that’s because it’s true. Your body will tell you if you are eating enough. If you ever feel weak, nauseous, light-headed, etc, just stop. Don’t be a Betty Badass. Eat a piece of bread. Eat an RX bar. Do whatever you need to do to stay healthy.
FAQs
Will I starve to death?
Irregardless of what a lot of people out there say, whole30 is safe. This is NOT a diet. This is NOT fasting. And this is simply replacing the bad with the good. The processed with the whole. The crap with the nutritious. Look, I am probably the hungriest person on Earth, especially when I am pregnant. Clear your fridge and pantry of the crap, stock it with nutrient-dense, whole foods, and have a PLAN in place when that starvation mode hits you. I am loving honey crisp apples right now. If you are STARVING, try eating an apple and drinking a cup of water. You are honestly probably just dehydrated. A spoonful of almond butter or 15 almonds will do wonders for starvation too!
Will I lose weight?
Some people definitely lose weight. But the overall focus of Whole30 is NOT to lose weight. It’s to focus on eating nutrient-dense, whole foods for 30 days. Basically, cut the crap. That’s why it is important that you focus on eating ENOUGH whole foods while pregnant or breastfeeding. Increase your protein and healthy fat-intake. You may opt to eat smaller, more frequent meals to curb your nausea and hunger pains.
How will I go without my favorite treats?
You will be shocked at how many of your favorite foods are Whole30 compliant. Last night I enjoyed a hamburger (no bun) with tomatoes, onions, pickles, ketchup, and mustard. As a side, we ate a delicious salad and loaded baked potatoes. I loaded mine with Tessemae’s Ranch dressing, salt and pepper, Whole30 compliant bacon, and chives. It was DELISHHHHHHHHHH. Look, fighting cancer is hard. Losing a loved one is hard. Giving up crap for 30 days is not hard.
How in the hell can I do this with a toddler?
As I mention above, you will be SHOCKED at the number of foods that are Whole30 compliant. This is a great time to incorporate whole foods into your toddler’s diet. Now, is Asher doing Whole30 with us? Hell no. But again, we feed him what we eat, so he is getting access to whole, nutrient-dense foods. And so is Ryan!
I am breastfeeding. Will my supply decrease?
Again, it is crucial that you increase your caloric intake via proteins and healthy fats. Remember, potatoes ARE part of Whole30, so this is a great way to keep your supply healthy. If at anytime you see your supply dipping, make modifications. Don’t double down!
Are you sure I can’t eat Paleo desserts? What about chips made from cassava and avocado oil?
After I devoured a few handfuls of these AH-MAZE chips made with Whole30-compliant ingredients, I definitely felt guilty, But why? Although they seemed to be fine, I knew deep down that chips of any kind were not nutrient-dense foods. Here’s a good tip: NOTHING processed or store bought. If it is too good to be true, it probably is.
Have you lost your mind?
Ha, NO! Well, maybe. But it’s not because I am doing Whole30. Focus on what you CAN eat, instead of what you CANNOT eat. I promise, you will feel better than you have felt in years. And you can truly enjoy your pregnancy with real food freedom.
SHOP THE POST
white puffer jacket (OBSESSED with this grey puffer jacket) // black long-sleeve top (this grey hoodie is everything and 40% off) // ombre maternity workout pants (slightly different than the ones I am wearing, but I like these SO MUCH BETTER.) (non-maternity ombre workout pants) // Nike VaporMax sneakers // pom pom beanie // round cat eye retro sunglasses // Heather’s camo jacket // silicone egg cups
EASY BREAKFAST RECIPE
[recipe-box]MORE RESOURCES
- Can I Whole30 Pregnant?
- HEALTHY MAMA happy baby
- Life After WHOLE30
- Can I Do Whole30 Pregnant?
- Heather’s Post
- Jess’s Post
- WHOLE30 Tips + Resources
- Life Lutzurious Facebook Group
- Life Lutzurious Whole30 Pinterest Board
- Whole30 Headquarters