Seltzer

Not all seltzers are created equally. I wouldn’t say I’m particular about my seltzers generally, but when it comes to flavored seltzers, that's a different story!  While generally I love anything lime or peach, those seltzer flavors don’t do much for me.  My go-to flavors are typically plain (with a squeeze of fresh lime), grapefruit, or black cherry.  Unless we’re talking about Spindrift, in which case my all time favorite, hands down, is the raspberry lime.  Spindrift also just came out with a cranberry raspberry one that I really enjoyed.  

Hal’s New York Seltzer has had some great limited edition flavors (in addition to their Black Cherry, which is a favorite in our household): mango and black raspberry are pretty darn awesome, too!  My hubby also loves the orange and is also a big fan of the vanilla creme (which tastes just like cream soda, which I happen to not like).  And the watermelon (while artificial tasting) sometimes hits the spot for me.

Another favorite in our house is the Alta Palla Grapefruit sparkling water.  It’s hard to find, and can be a little pricey, but it’s super delish!  La Croix pomplemousse is also a great grapefruit option, as well as the grapefruit Spindrift. 

What are your favorite sparkling waters or seltzers?

Resources

So, you want to try Whole30. You’re not really sure though, maybe you’ll check it out for a little while and then decide if it’s really for you. Only problem? You don’t want to go out and invest in the book until you’re really sure you’re in (or not.  You really don’t need the book).  What’s a girl (or boy) to do?

The good news for you is that Whole30 has an extensive website available to you free of charge. You can access it by going to www.whole30.com!  During my first Whole30, I found it particularly helpful, because if I was at the grocery store and wasn’t sure if something was Whole30 compliant, I could go onto the website on my smart phone and figure it out.

Below are some shortcuts to my favorite links from Whole30:

The Whole30 Summary.  From the creator of Whole30 herself.  I've paraphrased it here in this post, but there's a little more explanation in this link.

The Shopping List.  I found this really helpful.  You can print out a copy and leave it in your purse for quick reference at the grocery store.  If you have a specialty diet (ie vegetarian/vegan or egg-free), they have shopping lists for them, too, on the website.

Preservative and Additive Cheat Sheet.  For all those sneaky additives that you aren't sure if you can eat from memory, this is a good quick reference. 

Meal Planning.  How much protein should I have?  I can have that much avocado?  This handy guide let's you know how your meals should be composed.  Remember this guide is per MEAL.

Grocery Guide.  Let's you know the best options, what to avoid, and some in-between choices.

Seasonal Produce Guide.  Pretty much says it all.  Also points out which produce you should definitely buy organic.

Sneaky Sugars.  I feel like most people know these, but it's still a good guide to have.  I remember talking to someone about Whole30 and telling her there were no sugars allowed - even natural ones like agave and honey.  She told me she uses "special" 99% stevia, so that's OK, since it's natural (which it actually isn't).  I explained to her that it doesn't matter if it's 100% natural (like honey), sweetener is sweetener, and not allowed (except some unsweetened fruit juice can be used in cooking on Whole30).

Travel Guide.  I've mentioned a bunch of these foods in past posts.  Good on-the-go Whole-30 approved snacks.

Non-Scale Victories.  Remember how I mentioned in my last post that you can't weigh yourself (or take any body measurements) while on Whole30?  Yeah, you still can't.  But this gives you an extensive list of non-scale victories for your Whole30.  Things you'll notice throughout your journey: you're sleeping better, your clothes fit better, your skin is clearer, and so on...

Some of my favorite Whole30 finds (Part 1)

I have a few Whole30 staples that I cannot live without.  This first list of Whole30 favorites includes those that I always make sure to have on hand for daily or almost daily use.  As a general rule, I try to stay away from a lot of premade foods.  Eating fresh, real ingredients has always appealed to me more.  While I make exceptions year round, I've also got a few prepared Whole30 foods I'll incorporate. 

Trader Joe's Mixed Nut Butter

This mixed nut butter is amazing!!  It's got literally every single nut in it except for peanuts (which, I know, is technically not a nut)....and salt.  Cashews, peanuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts....the list goes on!  I like the texture better than regular almond butter, and I can eat it directly off the spoon (almond butter is a little to dry for me to do that).  I've gotten everyone I know -- even people who don't do Whole30 -- obsessed with it.  

Enjoy it on celery sticks for an extra protein punch, or on that occasional apple or banana, too!

Cashew milk

When I did my first Whole30, the thing I missed the most was milk in my coffee.  I don't like almond milk -- so while I found Whole30 acceptable almond milk (which is, honestly, not bad in a bind -- check our New Barn Unsweetened Almond Milk in the green container).  Someone recommended cashew milk to me, and I have to say it was a game changer.  So much so that I use cashew milk in my coffee year round!  Until I get my vitamix to make my own, I've been digging MALK unsweetened cashew milk.  

Riced cauliflower

This is no secret.  Riced cauliflower is a nice option for a rice replacement.  No, it doesn't taste like rice, let's get that out of the way.  I tend to prefer it raw over cooked, since sometimes it gets a little soggy.  Riced broccoli is also available, and also yummy, but it tastes like...broccoli.  Try it in these Chipotle Shrimp Taco Bowls.

Tessemae's Whole30 line

Last Whole30, I tried Tessemae's creamy Caesar dressing.  I don't love salad dressing, but I thought this would be a delicious dip for my veggie obsession.  It did not disappoint!  This time around, I ordered from them online, and got the Caesar dressing, and also a creamy ranch and a buffalo sauce.  I can't wait to try them.  Just be aware, not all varieties are Whole30 compliant.  Their website has a Whole30 section, which you can find here.

Seltzer 

At one point in my life I drank a lot of Diet Coke.  Like, a lot a lot.  Even before Whole30 #1 I had pretty much weaned myself off of it, but at times I did miss the carbonation, and so I switched to seltzer.  There are so many varieties out there, but I tend to be partial to black cherry or grapefruit flavored ones.  I absolutely love this grapefruit one but it's SO hard to find.  If you have any leads....let me know!  :-)