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These stunning before-and-after photos show why this 30-day diet is taking Instagram by storm

Mallory Schlossberg

2016-05-02T17:52:03Z

Popular diet Whole30 has taken Instagram by storm.

Like most diets, it requires you to give up sweets and alcohol.

But the 30-day diet also bans weigh-ins and calorie-counting, which are the cornerstones of most weight-loss regimens.

Photos that people have been posting on Instagram showing their bodies before the diet and afterward tell enticing stories.

Find out more:

Whole30 requires that you eat only whole, natural foods for 30 straight days.

My go to, running late for work or need to eat dinner in the next 5 minutes or I'll kill someone meal. #smokedsalmon, mixed #greens and #tessemaes #lemongarlicdressing. So so so simple. So so so good. #whole30 #aprilwhole30 #whole30isepic #whole30challenge #whole30approved #whole30homies #whole30recipes #whole30compliant #whole30alumni #whole30life #lifeafterwhole30 #healthy #paleo #glutenfree #sugarfree #whole30wholeflavor #salmonlover

A photo posted by KOB (@whole30wholeflavor) on May 2, 2016 at 5:16am PDTMay 2, 2016 at 5:16am PDT

Except for a list of foods that are off limits, like legumes, grains, sweeteners (even stevia!), dairy, and additives like carrageenan. You also can't "recreate" baked goods with healthy ingredients, as you can do on the Paleo diet — though there's a burgeoning industry of companies selling Whole30 products, like RxBars and avocado-oil mayonnaise.

The diet, which has been around since 2009, swears that by eating "real" permitted foods, you'll "change your life." It's a lofty promise, but judging by the many photos on Instagram, it's clear that many people are inspired by this concept.

Another thing you can't do? Step on the scale.

Ta Aew minha Galera.. . Resultado do meu #whole30, um mês sem industrializados, laticínios, grãos, leguminosas... . 👉 2 kg a menos (certeza que foi a barba )💀🔥😂 #whole30 #completed #wholefoods #paleo #paleolifestyle #paleobrasil #comidadeverdade #menosrotulos #maiscascas #saude #eusouatitude #crossfitbrasil #crossfitter #crossfit

A photo posted by 💀 Felipe Netto 💀 (@felipenettocf) on May 2, 2016 at 5:24am PDTMay 2, 2016 at 5:24am PDT

"You are not allowed to step on the scale or take any body measurements for the duration of the program," the website reads.

You can, however, weigh yourself before and after. The purpose of this is so you don't get side-tracked.

"This is about so much more than just weight loss," the website says.

Like the Paleo diet, there's no emphasis on counting calories, either.

The weight loss is billed as a byproduct of eating well as opposed to an end goal.

Three weeks in and I'm seeing huge changes! And not just in my body shape. Lots of energy, no more bloating, regular digestion and much less cravings. Feels so good!

A photo posted by Whole 30 Foods (@whole30foods) on Apr 19, 2016 at 5:45pm PDTApr 19, 2016 at 5:45pm PDT

Founders Melissa and Dallas Hartwig are famous for their "tough love."

Thank you Andrea... challenge accepted. Be gone, Sugar Dragons!

A photo posted by @ciao_mari on May 1, 2016 at 11:09pm PDTMay 1, 2016 at 11:09pm PDT

The two presented this tough love in two books: "It Starts with Food" and "The Whole30." Melissa writes a tough-love advice column called "Dear Melissa," where she gives it to people straight — no, you can't have wine on the Whole30!

People have created a weight-loss community on the Whole30 website's forums and on Instagram.

I don't know how I'd survive life without leftovers. #mommapaleo #leftovers #paleo #paleodiet #paleofood #paleolife #paleolifestyle #whole30 #whole30life #coconutmilkcurrychicken

A photo posted by Jenny Myers (@jenmyers13) on May 1, 2016 at 1:03pm PDTMay 1, 2016 at 1:03pm PDT

They share Whole30 friendly meals and their meal-preparation processes.

The food photos can be particularly inspiring.

BBQd steak, chimichurri, sautéed mushrooms and onions, lemon-garlic shrimp in ghee, roasted baby taters with dill! Xo

A photo posted by Kirsten Buck🌿 (@bucknakedpaleo) on Apr 30, 2016 at 6:20pm PDTApr 30, 2016 at 6:20pm PDT

The diet doesn't allow any cheating.

Eai, o quanto seu corpo consegue mudar em 30 dias?! Esse e o resultado de uma aluna minha que se comprometeu com o programa #meajudahugo aliando a alimentação do #whole30 + exercícios físicos!! E você qual sua desculpa? Ps- não sou nutricionista, apenas estou difundido uma base de alimentacao que acredito não individualizada, procure seu nutricionista! #meajudahugo #Athleteculture #bodybuilding #beastmodeon #abs #bestoftheday #crossfit #diet #exercise #fitnessaddict #fitfam #aumentesuahistoria #errejota #muscle #fitfam #whole30

A photo posted by Hugo Casarin (@hugocasarin) on May 1, 2016 at 7:44pm PDTMay 1, 2016 at 7:44pm PDT

Source: Whole30

But "it's only 30 days," the website says.

#teamiblends #30daydetox #teamiresults paired with #whole30 #aprilwhole30 Down just over 7 lbs 😁 thanks @teamiblends

A photo posted by @86_e on May 1, 2016 at 6:57pm PDTMay 1, 2016 at 6:57pm PDT

Source: Whole30

Some people try Whole30 and inevitably slip up — so those who succeed tend to be pretty proud when they take to Instagram to show their before-and-after photos.

Warning: long, sappy, sentimental, raw and vulnerable post. Today is my last day of my 2nd round of the whole 30 program. Although you don't see a lot of physical change in these pictures, there is a lot of change you can't see. I started the program with the mindset, "I'm not doing this to lose weight, I'm doing this as a nutritional reset." It's ok if I don't look different or if I didn't lose weight because I feel different and I gained a positive relationship with food. What you can't see in these pictures is someone that has more energy and has started going to the gym again. You can't see a person who sleeps so much better at night. You can't see a girl who chose to focus on bettering herself for an entire month. You can't see someone who has had a rough start to 2016, but decided to take their focus off the negative things in life and find something again they love to do, try new recipes and cook. Tomorrow, I will begin to reintroduce non-compliant foods, starting with dairy first. Sure, I've missed certain foods and some days were harder than others to resist, but I feel too good to go back to eating everything again at once. #whole30 #day30 #nsv

A photo posted by Jessica Leonard (@jessicaswholepackage) on Apr 30, 2016 at 8:39pm PDTApr 30, 2016 at 8:39pm PDT

The program promotes the importance of willpower.

Sorry for the bad lighting! But I can't get over what an amazing change I've seen in myself over the last month! The shirt just fit me on April 1 but a month later it's hanging on me! I've struggled to lose weight because of limited mobility, and I'm so happy to have lost 13 lbs doing this. I'm even more happy about the other changes in myself. My rheumatoid arthritis is doing better, I have way more energy, and most importantly I've changed my relationship with food. I went from secret food binges to healthy well balanced meals. I'm planning to continue doing the autoimmune Paleo but starting it as a whole 30 was the right decision for me. I knew I needed more than just changing my diet I had to also change how I approached food. I've learned a lot this past month and I'm so proud of how far I've come. I would recommend Whole30 to anyone!!. #whole30 #autoimmunepaleo #autoimmuneprotocol #aip #lifeafterwhole30 #iamwhole30 #whole30alumni #itstartswithfood

A photo posted by Stephanie (@pathtoidealme) on May 1, 2016 at 5:44pm PDTMay 1, 2016 at 5:44pm PDT

For instance, you can turn down a slice of cake at a birthday party or a drink at happy hour.

"You're all big boys and girls. Toughen up. Learn to say no (or make your mom proud and say, 'No, thank you'). Learn to stick up for yourself," the website encourages.

Cofounder Melissa Hartwig says that it would be "stressful" to forbid yourself from all foods — especially when you're on vacation.

Finished the whole 30 which was definitely a perfect reset for me... I'm not where I was and I've got a long way to where I want to be but I'm enjoying the process.. #myrealrealjourney #whole30 #chickswholift #abs

A photo posted by Natalie Donofrio💃 (@natjaneee) on May 1, 2016 at 12:31pm PDTMay 1, 2016 at 12:31pm PDT

Source: Whole30

In many cases, the diet has inspired people to start learning how to cook.

#whole30 #poachedegg #kale #mushrooms #cayennepepper #mmm

A photo posted by Lora Ivanova (@lora1205) on May 1, 2016 at 5:23am PDTMay 1, 2016 at 5:23am PDT

Some critics say that it's not healthy to stick to a strict food-elimination program.

The second round of @whole30 is complete! As I look back a few months, I couldn't be more proud of all that has taken place. There were a few moments I distinctly remember when I saw pictures of myself in 2015 and didn't like what I saw. I knew I wasn't making great food choices and that I'd become really lazy with my cooking, but I also wasn't doing anything to change it. On February 1, the day I started Whole30, my face shows all the reasons I needed to do it (pictured right). Deep circles under my eyes, swollen face and barely functioning as I headed into a Monday morning. Now, 3 months later, I'm up and ready for the day before anyone in the house and I haven't had my coffee yet.😉 This round I am down 5.5 pounds, and a total of 19 since February. I forgot to do measurements when I started, but hardly any of my clothes fit anymore so there's that. Sleep is amazing, my face is nearly acne free and I have been able to survive the past 3 months without my beloved coffee creamer.😆 I'm thankful for all the support and an awesome group that did Whole30 with me this month - I wouldn't have gotten through without you! #whole30 #nsv #round2 #theerinadventures #Day122

A photo posted by erin smith (@erin_smith522) on May 1, 2016 at 6:14am PDTMay 1, 2016 at 6:14am PDT

Your body doesn't need to detox, and you don't need to completely eliminate sugar. LiveScience has reported that there are many nutritional benefits to the foods that Whole30 tells you to cut out — like beans and whole grains, which makes many nutritionists question the validity of Whole30.

But amid criticism, there's one clear health perk: Eating vegetables is better than eating junk food.

Still here! Mostly consuming leftovers which don't look appealing along with eggs, eggs and more eggs. Back with a nice meal salad with BBQ chicken and homemade ranch #whole30 #whole30family #jerf

A photo posted by @rae_eats on Apr 30, 2016 at 12:08pm PDTApr 30, 2016 at 12:08pm PDT

Much like when people lose weight when they go gluten-free, it's not necessarily because they "can't have gluten," but rather because of the fact that they're eating healthier foods instead. There are very few people who actually can't have gluten.

Source: LiveScience

And the community revolving around the diet has undeniably inspired people to eat — at least to some extent — better than they were eating before.

Never thought I'd be one to post a "progress picture" or even do a diet but Whole 30 has been extremely encouraging. 30 days without sugar, carbs, beans or dairy and I've never felt better. I'm sleeping through the night, my skin feels amazing and I have so much more energy. Eating clean is hard, but it's worth it to see such positive results. #whole30

A photo posted by Kelsey Scott (@_kelseyscott_) on Apr 30, 2016 at 6:31pm PDTApr 30, 2016 at 6:31pm PDT

Retail Wellness Health

These stunning before-and-after photos show why this 30-day diet is taking Instagram by storm

Whole30 requires that you eat only whole, natural foods for 30 straight days.

Another thing you can't do? Step on the scale.

The weight loss is billed as a byproduct of eating well as opposed to an end goal.

Founders Melissa and Dallas Hartwig are famous for their "tough love."

People have created a weight-loss community on the Whole30 website's forums and on Instagram.

The food photos can be particularly inspiring.

Before-and-after photos of people on the diet have been going viral on social media.

The diet doesn't allow any cheating.

But "it's only 30 days," the website says.

Some people try Whole30 and inevitably slip up — so those who succeed tend to be pretty proud when they take to Instagram to show their before-and-after photos.

For people struggling to stay on track, the program encourages people to seek support — whether through an online forum or social media.

The program promotes the importance of willpower.

Though you could do the Whole30 forever, the company doesn't recommend that. Some people, however, do multiple rounds of the program.

Cofounder Melissa Hartwig says that it would be "stressful" to forbid yourself from all foods — especially when you're on vacation.

In many cases, the diet has inspired people to start learning how to cook.

Some critics say that it's not healthy to stick to a strict food-elimination program.

But amid criticism, there's one clear health perk: Eating vegetables is better than eating junk food.

And the community revolving around the diet has undeniably inspired people to eat — at least to some extent — better than they were eating before.