Whole30 as a Plant-Based Eater
FOOD & HOME
Whole30 as a Plant-Based Eater
By: Yuki Klotz-Burwell
Image by Alba Vitta via Stocksy
Since 2016, the Abbot’s Butcher team has stayed committed to growth and innovation, and 2021 brought a new level of change: our Spanish Smoked “Chorizo” and Savory Ground “Beef” products are the first plant-based meats to be recognized as Whole30 Approved® products.
Whole30 is a 30-day health program where followers eliminate certain foods to promote gut health and clean eating, so it’s a testament to the quality of our plant-based meats that Abbot’s Butcher products are included as program options.
The Whole30 Program
The basis of the Whole30 method is to focus on eating simple, unprocessed foods with a recognizable ingredient list and avoid other foods like dairy, grains, and added sugars. This plan can present a challenge for vegans and vegetarians, as the sole protein source for Whole30 eaters is meat. The program offers slight alternatives, but now that our “Chorizo” and Ground “Beef” products are included, vegans and vegetarians can follow the entire Whole30 plan and still reap its benefits.
There are various reasons people turn to Whole30 including weight loss, improved gut health, resolved health issues, and more, but the program's overall goal is to serve as a detox for your body. If you're used to consuming overly processed, complex foods, chances are you'll see a drastic difference from the plan. Inflammatory foods that aren't easily digestible can cause an endless amount of body issues, so Whole30 aims to cut back on all potential problem foods to give your body the best chance to reset healthily. You'll come out of the program with a new outlook on nutrition and health.
Unlike other diets, however, the Whole30 method doesn’t focus on calories or other quantitative measurements. Instead, the goal is to feel better all-around, from managing chronic headaches to clearing up digestive issues. And it’s not forever—it’s structured for 30 days to give anyone a chance to try the program without feeling intimidated, but it’s still a solid amount of time for your body to react. After 30 days, you’ll slowly reintroduce foods back into your diet, giving you a new sense of what does and doesn’t work with your body.
Whole30 for Plant-Based Eaters
If you’re already following a vegan or vegetarian diet, you most likely already see the difference in your body. The Whole30 plan is an extra step to calibrate your body to where it needs to be and sets up the framework for a healthy yet sustainable routine. By incorporating our premium plant-based meats into the Whole30 list, we’re spreading the message that it’s possible to include versatile plant protein into everyday recipes. Our products are clean-label, meaning they’re free from synthetic chemicals, gums, and additives. They’re also allergen-friendly, which is another reason people turn to Whole30.
Before the inclusion of our “Chorizo” and Ground “Beef” on the official Whole30 list, following Whole30 from a strict vegan standpoint wasn’t technically possible. Typical plant-based diets rely on legumes for protein, but beans and soy aren’t permitted for the official Whole30 experience. However, with our products, plant-based eaters can get protein from our non-GMO yellow peas, which forms the base of our high-quality, ethically sourced products.
Abbot’s Butcher is forging a new path for plant-based eaters and expanding accessibility for vegans and vegetarians within the greater health food industry. It’s also an opportunity for anyone, carnivores included, to try premium protein alternatives. Our “Chorizo” is smoky and a little spicy, and our Ground “Beef” has a rich, umami flavor that maintains a meaty bite. Following a plant-based diet doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice taste, and we’re proud to showcase how our proteins can have a positive impact on your body.
If you’re starting Whole30 or want to try a new meal plan for the new year, you can find our proteins in your local retailer here.