Over the holiday several of my friends mentioned they were going to start the Whole30 program and use it to kick-off their health and wellness initiatives for the new year. I participated in this program four years ago and learned a lot about how certain foods affect my body---needless to say, I'm very excited to hear about their experiences!
Even though the Whole30 defines itself as an elimination diet, I don't consider it a "diet" in the way that a lot of us use that term. It doesn't restrict your daily calories or make you count them, they don't want you to weigh yourself over the 30 day period and you don't have to buy organic or grass-fed products. Its purpose is to educate yourself on the effects that some foods have on your body and to use the 30 days as a "reset". The one caveat is that the program is very strict about not "slipping up", if you do then you must start all over on day one.
Since I've been through this program and found it very insightful, I'd like to offer a few tips for any first timers. My biggest take aways are to be patient, do your research and share your experiences with others. You got this!