Whole30 against the Mediterranean diet

If you have recently committed to reforming your eating habits – and perhaps losing a few pounds during the process – it can be discouraging to determine which approach to take. But that does not have to be so complicated. Here, dietitians share the differences between two of the most popular diets at present: Whole30 and the Mediterranean diet. Read on to find out if any of them are right for you.

What's the difference between Whole30 and the Mediterranean diet?

For starters, one is considered a lifestyle and the other, a brief reset, said POPSUGAR Annessa Chumbley, RD, nutrition consultant for Premier Protein. "The Mediterranean diet is inspired by the eating habits of the traditional Mediterranean countries and includes many vegetables, fish, olive oil, whole grains, fruits and legumes," she said. "Whole30, on the other hand, is designed as a reinitialization of your body and all its systems, including your taste buds, your gut health, your energy level and your sleep."

Whole30 works by eliminating foods that can cause inflammation and drain your energy, such as refined sugars, grains, dairy products and legumes. And while many people are making changes to Whole30 so that they can follow a similar plan once the month has passed, it's extremely difficult and not recommended to stick to its strict long-term rules.

Both plans focus on whole foods rather than processed products, but there are distinct differences between the registered plans. Whole30 limits legumes and may be heavier in meat, while legumes are a staple of the Mediterranean diet and proteins are more likely to contain fish and chicken, Annessa explained. "There is no alcohol on Whole30 (not even for cooking), and on the Mediterranean diet, red wine is a mainstay," she said.

Do diets have anything in common?

While what you eat counts as much in Whole30 as in the Mediterranean diet, none of these diets require counting calories. "Because you consume a lot of plants as fuel in both diets, the amount is not limited," Annessa said. The results for each diet can also have similar effects depending on the individual. "It has been proven that the Mediterranean diet could reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease as well as the overall death rate," said Vanessa Rissetto, RD, at POPSUGAR. Annessa noted that Whole30 may have similar benefits, including cholesterol reduction, improved heart health, and increased energy levels.

Which one should you try?

There is no clear answer to that, and that largely depends on your lifestyle and the likelihood of being able to stick to a restrictive diet like Whole30. For example, "a mother with four children and a full-time, no-time job for herself can not be given a restrictive diet that leaves no flexibility," Vanessa said. It's important to consider what's on your plate (no pun intended) and determine if you'll get the most success on Whole30 or perhaps a more flexible, long-term approach like the Mediterranean diet, even if it means that progress is slower. to start.

Annessa agreed and stated that another option is to modify Whole30 according to your dietary needs. "If you know that your body is managing legumes well, then do not feel the need to eliminate them, it's not a simple process, but every person is different," she said. But what could be beneficial for Whole30 is the reset of the taste buds, especially if your cravings for sugar have become uncontrollable. "Dropping the sugar will often lower your threshold of sweetness and put an end to the constant cravings," Annessa said.