If you follow me on Instagram (@griffinmckenzie), you probably noticed that my studio and I did a Whole30 challenge last month. I LOVE the Whole30 and have completed 3 rounds in the last couple of years. It's an incredible way to learn about your body, real food, and your relationship with food. However, contrary to popular belief, I don't eat Whole30 all the time, and there are certain foods/products I really miss. So, for all my fellow Whole30-ers, I've listed some of my favorite products below that are perfect for "life after Whole30" and great, clean brands to reintroduce into your body.

I'm not kidding when I say the main thing I miss on Whole30 is my morning oatmeal! I have perfected oatmeal, it's probably the best thing I cook. I love to make them on the stove, but most mornings, I just don't have time, so my quick recipe is to mix:

1/3 cup Purely Elizabeth Ancient Grain Oats
generous amounts of cinnamon and nutmeg
1 tablespoon organic coconut oil (I get mine at Trader Joe's)
a handful of walnuts or pecans
cover with unsweetened almond milk (Malk is one of my favorite brands)

After you heat your oats, mix in a giant spoonful of Wild Friends Almond Butter and top with fresh fruit, I typically do an apple or banana.

Other products I love to reintroduce as soon as Whole30 are over are my favorite dark chocolate brand - Eating Evolved - seriously unreal, and the ingredients are so clean. They use coconut sugar, which I love! As far as drinks go, I do drink GT's Kombucha throughout Whole30, but some other brands I love are HealthAde, Forager (juice), and Suja. I'm not a big meal shake person, but I do love the Arbonne vanilla shake and the Vega meal drinks! All plant based.

The only bread we buy in the Hill house is Ezekiel Bread, made from sprouted grains. I'm not a huge dairy person unless I'm eating out, though I love wine and cheese, but Fage greek yogurt (plain) is my go to. I've heard great things about Siggi's, as well!

Lastly, I have to talk about C appello's, because if you are trying to stay pretty paleo but want pasta or pizza, their products are unreal! Check out the sheep's milk pizza, like yesterday.

The takeaway lesson is this - the Whole30 is all about learning your ingredients, so keep searching for foods with real ingredients! If you don't have any allergies, there is no reason that you can't have dairy, grains, and chocolate (duh) in moderation, so get the best products. Happy grocery shopping!

Life After Whole30