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I just really would like to know the simple difference between Whole30 and the classic Paleo lifestyle. I have been a paleolithic eater for about a year and a half now, but for the past week have been eating rice in sushi. Because of this, I was think about doing a cleanse, but I decided against it since I have heard that it is probably not the healthiest option. I had heard that Whole30 is supposed to be a more "strict" version of the paleo lifestyle, yet I have already been eliminating dairy, grains, quinoa, sugars, etc etc. to begin with. Have I been on Whole30 this whole time? I'm just confused!

Thank you for your help!

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I really don't think you need a cleanse or Whole 30 because you've been eating rice. Plenty of people here will tell you rice is just fine and not a cheat at all, so no worries there.

If you want to try a Whole 30 as a reset, that's different, but there's certainly no need to "punish" yourself for a little rice.

Aaaaanyhow, Whole 30 is like Paleo on speed. In addition to being super-strict about grains, legumes, and dairy, there's no alcohol, no caffeine, and no added sweeteners of any kind - no honey, no maple syrup, no nada. Also no additives, so you have to be careful with stuff like dried fruit (might have sulfites) or certain canned goods (might have thickeners and stabilizers like guar gum and stuff).

Whole 30 Guide

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 Caffeine is allowed during a Whole30. Although many people choose to quit coffee and tea, the only recommendation is to not drink too much caffeine, and no coffee after noon. – Karen Jul 30 at 20:17
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 Guar gum is also ok. Carageenan is not ok because it has gut problems similar to gluten. There are 3 food additives other than sweeteners that are prohibited. Eating additives certainly isn't recommended, but there isn't a rule beyond those 3. – Karen Jul 30 at 20:20
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The Whole30 is just Whole9's 30-day strict Paleo deal. If you've been eating Paleo, you're doing the Whole30. Or at least this is what it seems like. Just eat Paleo all the time and don't cheat too often and you'll be good ;) I'll do a 30-day strict deal every once in a while to "reset" in a way. Robb Wolf's 30-day challenge thing has some great recipes planned out. I would recommend figuring out recipes ahead of time if you want to go strict for a month. Or just map out what foods you like and make sure you're getting enough nutrients for what you do in life and buy lots of veggies and meat.

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I totally agree about Robb's 30 day challenge. That is a good way to reset. But, Whole30 is a lot more than strict paleo. You need to be vigilant about canola oil, soy, corn, alcohol, any sweeteners, carageenan, and no dairy, not even grass-fed (except for ghee). It requires planning and you have to make all your own food if you want to be successful. If you accidently ingest soy or corn (which is in almost everything) you must restart the Whole30. That being said, Whole30 is an excellent way to feel better in only 30 days. I loved being on it, despite the difficulty of meal planning. – Tanya Dec 30 at 6:34
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Whole30 is about our relationship with food and considering metabolic bodily health above all else. It is Paleo, and as stated, not everyone is 100% (everyone being the majority) all the time. That being said, life is day to day. And sometimes you have to factor in financial/social/emotional contributors to the overall equation to really be "healthy" in body, mind and spirit.

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