January is here, and today marks the official start of our second Whole30 round. We completed a full round just under two years ago and since then have kept many of the habits as part of our regular lifestyle, but it’s been a long time since we committed to an official 30 days. We’re excited to dive back in and reset our routines.
If you’re doing a Whole30 this month, welcome—January is a popular time to begin a healthier routine and it’s great to have company. To make this easier, I’ve compiled a concise guide with resources, favorite recipes, and ways to follow along so you can get started confidently.
Read about our first Whole30 round
When we completed our first round we shared weekly recaps and a full-month reflection. Those posts include daily notes and sample meals that may help you plan:
For our week one recap and what we ate, see our week one post.
For our week two recap and what we ate, see our week two post.
For our week three recap and what we ate, see our week three post.
For a full recap and our overall experience of the entire month, see our final reflection post.
Whole30 resources and guidelines
Before you start, it’s helpful to review the official rules and beginner guides so you know what’s allowed and what to expect. The Whole30 website includes the complete program rules, introductory articles about how Whole30 works, and the official “Can I Have?” food FAQ. Those resources are the best place to confirm specifics about ingredients, substitutions, and reintroductions when the 30 days are over.
There are also many other guides and articles online that dive into meal planning, shopping lists, and tips for staying on track—use them to supplement the official materials if you want extra ideas and support.
Whole30 recipes to get you started
If you want a single place to find every Whole30 recipe I’ve posted, check the Whole30 category on my blog—there are over 60 recipes there. Pinterest and the official Whole30 cookbook are also rich sources of inspiration. Below are some of my favorite, tried-and-true recipes to help you plan breakfasts, lunches, and dinners during your round:
Whole30 Stuffed Peppers — a hearty, flavorful dinner that’s easy to make ahead and reheat throughout the week.
Whole30 Cashew Chicken — a lighter take on a takeout classic with compliant sauces and bold flavors.
Thai Stir Fry with Curry “Peanut” Sauce — a satisfying stir-fry with a creamy, nut-free sauce option that still delivers the Thai flavors you love.
Thai Sweet Potato and Carrot Soup — cozy and warming, this soup is a great way to get vegetables and depth of flavor without dairy.
Whole30 Zuppa Toscana — a comforting bowl that swaps out cream and potatoes for compliant ingredients while keeping the soul of the dish.
Blackened Chicken with Avocado Cream — simple protein with a zesty, cooling avocado sauce that pairs well with greens or roasted vegetables.
Coconut Spaghetti Squash Noodle Bowls — a lighter, noodle-style bowl using spaghetti squash and a creamy coconut base.
Cocoa and Chili Crusted Steak with Jalapeño Chimichurri — a bold, flavorful main for when you want something special and Whole30-compliant.
Where to follow along
I’ll be sharing daily updates on Instagram, including what we eat day-to-day, new Whole30 recipes I’m developing, and throwbacks to existing recipes on the blog. Instagram tends to be the most current place to follow our progress and see meal ideas in real time—my handle is @thegarlicdiaries.
I’ll also post updates on Facebook, but expect Instagram to be the most active. On the blog I plan to publish new Whole30 recipes each week along with recaps of how the round is going and what we’re eating, similar to what I did during our first round. Last time I did an intensive update schedule I had one baby; now I have two toddlers, so I’ll do my best to keep up—but the intention is to share regularly and offer helpful meal ideas.
If you’re joining a Whole30 this January, tell me on social and let’s encourage each other. It’s easier when you have support, and I’m looking forward to sharing tips, recipes, and realistic meal ideas as we move through the month together.
Happy New Year and good luck with your Whole30 journey!