If you haven’t read the Whole30 book, then be sure to:
• Read the Whole30 Program Overview
• Read the Whole30 Program Rules (super important!)
• Download their helpful free resources, particularly the shopping list (see step 2 below) and meal planning template since these give a great overview of the types of foods you will want to fill your plate with, and the types of food you will need to avoid during the 30-day program.
• Read “How to Survive (and Thrive) on Your Whole30 Journey” for lots of helpful tips on making your 30-day whole food journey a whole lot easier!
• After reading all of the above, if you’ve still got questions about what you can and can’t eat on Whole30, then be sure to check out “The Official Can I Have? Guide” to Whole30.

Whole30 Day Zero Step 2: Get Your Kitchen Ready

Just when you thought your homework was done … I know cleaning out the kitchen may sound a bit boring, but think of it like cleaning out your closet in anticipation of a whole new wardrobe. In fact, if you stick to this 30-day whole food program with 100% zeal, you may very well be in need of a new wardrobe when you’re done, or at least a new belt.

The point is … you want to get rid of all that off-limits temptation food lurking in your pantry and fridge. Or you at least want to get rid of as much of it as possible without causing a revolt in your family – I’m of course talking to those of you who are on the “Lone Ranger” Whole30 Program like me. And if you must keep certain foods in the house that are real hot buttons for you, then simply relocate them to a different cupboard – you’re family won’t mind the scavenger hunt, and it’s a good way to keep those no-no foods “out of sight, and out of mind!” 

Helpful Tip: Be sure to print out the Whole30 Program Rules and have this page handy as a reference while cleaning out your pantry and fridge, since this document provides a good overview of the types of foods you’ll need to avoid while on the 30-day program.

Once you’ve cleared a little space in your pantry and fridge, you’ll want to be sure to fill the void with some super healthy Whole30 staples. Whole30’s helpful shopping list provides some great ideas for how to stock your pantry and fridge with lots of healthy and delicious Whole30 fare.

Whole30 Day Zero Step 3: Get Inspired

Yes, I provide free Whole30 meal plans, but let’s face it – you may not like everything I do. That’s why having options is good. Options will keep you from straying off the Whole30 straight-n-narrow.

So if you’re interested in creating your own Whole30 meal plans, you’ll definitely want to check out Real Plans! The team at Whole30 has partnered with Real Plans to offer you the option of totally customizable Whole30 meal plans that you can create based on your own unique tastes, preferences and schedule. How cool is that?

Plus, some of my own personal Whole30 recipes are included in their custom meal planning database of over 1,000 delicious Whole30 recipes! Woot! [Click here to learn more about this brand new customizable Whole30 meal planning resource.]

Whole30 Day Zero Step 4: Think Positive!

Never underestimate the power of positive thinking! It’s okay to feel nervous about taking this challenge. In fact, if you’re not a little nervous, somewhat apprehensive, or having some level of self doubt about what’s in store, then maybe you’re not taking this too seriously, or you’re superhuman, or of course you’ve sailed through Whole30 with gold stars and you totally need to let us know we’re just being big babies about it (in a kind uplifting manner)!

But seriously, let’s just be upfront and face the facts right now … unless you’re a robot, you’re probably going to experience periods of time during this 30-day journey where you feel like a big-ole bag of mixed nuts (I picked the nuts analogy intentionally) – with conflicting emotions and feelings shifting from day to day and hour to hour as your body and mind try to come to grips with the radically-healthy changes you are making.

The key to success and happiness is … don’t give in to negative talk!

Instead, strive to keep your thoughts positive, pure, hopeful and even better – prayerful! Talk to God about your feelings and emotions. Ask Him for strength. He cares about YOU! So seek Him in pray and ask for His strength and power to feel better so you can better serve others.

And when those negative feelings and thoughts begin to surface … buckle down and strive to replace them with a positive outlook and a can-do spirit! Here are some of examples of how to turn that frown upside down.

You may even want to repeat to yourself daily … “What, 30 days? That’s nothing, I can easily do 60!” Okay, maybe I’m getting a little carried away. But the point is …

HOW YOU THINK directly impacts HOW YOU LIVE! So think positive and surround yourself with others (like us) who are thinking positively too, and are ready to cheer you on!

Whole30 Day Zero Step 5: Get Connected!

Speaking of surrounding yourself with “positive peeps” (my kids told me not to say that because it’s not cool anymore), it’s really important to get connected!

Having a support network will make this program not only a whole lot easier for you to stay on target and keep that positive motivation flowing, but it will also make it a whole lot more FUN!

Of course, you’ve got me here dishing out weekly posts, recipes, meal plans and encouragement.

But even better is to get a flesh-n-blood friend or family member to join you. Two are better than one because they can help each other (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Truly – nothing beats a good friend. Friends help friends stay accountable and motivated to stay on track with their goals – and to keep smiling!

Alrighty, friends! That’s my five “Whole30 Day Zero” tips for getting ready for a successful Whole30 adventure! Remember, these steps are provided to help you get prepared for a successful and FUN Whole30 Journey!

How are you feeling about starting the Whole30 Program? Are you excited, nervous or a little of both? Share your thoughts below and let us encourage you!

Hey, you Whole30 veterans out there … If you’ve successfully completed the Whole30 Program, please share your helpful “Whole30 Day Zero” tips with us? We could always use more good advice and encouragement!

*Disclosure: This is not a paid endorsement of the Whole30 program. After careful consideration and prayer, I decided to personally take the Whole30 challenge since it’s a proven method for improving health and wellbeing. And because I care about you, I’m inviting you to join me in taking the 30-day Whole30 challenge. Please note: The only affiliate link in this post is an Amazon link to the book. Should you choose to purchase the book via the link above, The Nourishing Home will receive a small commission at no additional charge to you. And last but certainly not least, I am not a health professional, so nothing in this post, or on this site, is intended to replace the advice of a physician. Please see my full disclosure for more details. Thank you!