Towards the end of 2025 I was feeling really stagnant - I had gained a few kilos in stress weight during the year and had stopped really bothering much with hobbies or exercise. I reached the end of December feeling like I just needed a proper detox to bring back some lightness and energy to myself.
In my early-mid twenties I used to often take part in the Whole30 challenge, which I would do in January and I did it for quite a few years. This was essentially eating a paleo diet - meals centred around a protein source, lots of veggies and a moderate amount of healthy fats. No grains, no dairy, no sugar, no alcohol. And after 30 days of doing this I would always feel amazing! So light and healthy and clear.
When I turned vegan 6 years ago I couldn't really do this anymore due to the meat and eggs part of the challenge, so I just stopped doing it.
In December I unexpectedly discovered that the creators of the Whole30 had added a plant-based version, and I immediately knew this was my sign to do it, that this was how I was going to begin my 2026.
What I Did
Throughout January I cut out grains, sugar, alcohol and caffeine completely. I have been eating a lot of soups and chickpea bowls and tempeh stir fries and jacket potatoes with hummus or black bean chilli. My breakfasts have generally been fruit with peanut or almond butter and mixed seeds sprinkled on top.
Here are some examples of what I ate this month:
The Results
As I write this it's currently Saturday 31st January, my final day of the challenge. And genuinely, I feel incredible!
I lost 4kg (approximately 9 pounds) and all of my clothes fit so much better
I feel so much lighter and more energetic
My face looks brighter and slimmer - I feel like my eyes pop more than before
People have been telling me I look healthier and happier
I saved a lot of money on ready meals and desserts and takeaways
Downsides:
I can't deny it's restrictive and it's hard. I craved bread and pasta a LOT. But I feel like the sacrifice was worth it
My digestion wasn't the best throughout but I think that was more to do with the face that most of my meals had soupy textures, so next time I would eat more chunky, solid foods
I couldn't really go out to eat anywhere, which was fine in January when everyone is trying to save money but would be an issue any other time of year
Options were quite limited when cooking for two when the other person wasn't doing it
Would I recommend it?
100% yes, though I acknowledge that it's hard, and for people who are cooking for other people as well it could be really challenging. I imagine it's not going to be for everyone but thats OK, everyone is different.
Going Forwards
As I move into February my goal is to continue to eat in this way for the vast majority of my meals, as I don't want to lose all this progress I've made.
I think my approach to grains and sugar and alcohol will be a quality over quantity one - for example a good quality slice of sourdough bread with a bowl of soup rather than basic toast for breakfast every morning like I did before. Or occasional good quality vegan chocolate or cheeses rather than the cheaper supermarket brands every day.
Imbolc
Tomorrow 1st February is also the Pagan Wheel of the Year celebration of Imbolc, which to me represents the first stirrings of spring and planting seeds for the year ahead. It is a time for cleansing and clearing space and stuck energy so everything can begin to move forward again in the spring.
This year I am feeling the need to begin cleaning and declutting my space and home environment, but I'm also aware that with a full time job and a long commute every day my remaining energy is limited. So my approach is baby steps - one drawer at a time, one corner per session. Small and manageable but builds up over time.
I also feel the need to start moving my body a little more but I'm not sure yet what that will look like.
2026 feels like it's going to be a big and powerful year with a lot of change. I started it strong with so much improvement to my health this month and I'm really proud of myself! I can't wait to see how the year ends :)
Have a wonderful Imbolc everyone,
Emily
P.S I should clarify that I'm not affiliated with the Whole30 in any way, it's genuinely just something I tried for myself :)