
The Plant Paradox 30-Day Challenge
A new year, a new book, and a new challenge from Dr. Gundry for both current and aspiring Plant Paradoxers. It’s called The Plant Paradox 30-Day Challenge, or PlantParadox30 (Whole30 is so last decade), and I’ll be documenting my personal challenge experience in this post.

I love a good challenge. It’s a fun and social way to go lectin-free and get your health (back) on track. More importantly, it will pave the way for continued adherence to a lifestyle that has helped thousands of people reverse disease.
Get the New Book
There’s a new Plant Paradox book! It’s a pocket-sized quick guide to the Plant Paradox called The Plant Paradox: Quick and Easy (self explanatory, really). Purchasing the book is not necessary to participate in the challenge, but it has 30 days of new recipes, plus the coveted shopping lists…
Get the book HERE!
Note: I highly suggest reading the original book as well. As fun as the Quick & Easy plan is, the lifestyle is not meant to be quick–it’s a complete transition to a new way of eating. Dr. Gundry gives a much more in-depth explanation for the lifestyle and the science behind it in the first Plant Paradox book.
Social Media
To see posts from the initial Plant Paradox 30-Day Challenge follow @PlantParadox30 on Facebook and Instagram for challenge news, tips, and recipes. Tag #plantparadox30 in your related pictures and posts. The official challenge ran from January 15 – February 14, 2019, but I’ve documented it here (and on social media) for people who want to take the challenge anytime.
For an extra cheerleader and/or inspiration, follow @lectinfreemama on Facebook and Instagram. I’m always participating in the challenge and cheering on my readers!
The Plant Paradox 30-Day Challenge: Week 1
Zero Day

These meal prep instructions–albeit helpful–were written for someone far more ambitious than me. Smoothie packs, salad dressings, soups, guacamole, veggie rices, nut mixes, sauces, kale chips, bowls, salsas, and chopped veggies. IN ONE DAY?? I did none of that. It took me one hour and a thousand tears (from onions) to make this colorful veggie hash and then it was time for a nap. That’s enough prep–I’ll wing it.
Day 1

It is 20 degrees here and there is a rock solid snowman in my yard. No way is an ice cold smoothie making its way into my warm stomach. Therefore, I made warm and savory breakfast soup: 1 cup chopped romaine, 1 cup power greens, 1/4 cup basil leaves, 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger, and 3 cups broth. Pressure cook it (or simmer it), add the avocado, and then purée it in a blender. Add salt and juice of 1/4 lemon. Drizzle with avocado oil.
Day 2

It’s a long story, but right now I eat everything in soup form. I have to cook down my veggies a lot to make my GI tract happy. This is a Salmon Avocado Breakfast Bowl with broth, power greens, broccoli slaw, Alaskan salmon, and avocado. I didn’t really read ahead, so I’m only now realizing how repetitive this meal plan is. I should’ve bought about 50 more avocados and a dozen more boxes of greens.
Day 3

Instagram and Facebook photos of other people’s risotto were looking more like cream of cauliflower soup, so I skipped the canned coconut cream (which would probably give me a reaction anyway) and added ghee and lard instead, because I <3 fat. The end result was tasty! Probably not as creamy as risotto, but it was a buttery and flavorful side dish. As in, after I ate this as a main meal, I was immediately hungry again. Should’ve added more fat.
Day 4

Aren’t these gorgeous? It’s because they’re not baked yet. Purple kale is a thing of beauty and then you bake it in the oven till it resembles burnt paper (don’t actually burn them). They taste so good, though, and I’ll let you in on a secret: kale chips are disgusting unless you quadruple the seasoning. One teaspoon??? Pssssh. Try four. You can salt, paprika, cumin, garlic, onion, pepper, curry, cinnamon, and clove your way to a better kale chip.
Day 5

It doesn’t look the most appetizing, but the Sage and Mushroom soup is really earthy and tasty. I skipped the coconut milk (again) and opted for more homemade broth. On page 155 and 156 of the book, Dr. Gundry says mushrooms are helpful in killing bad gut bacteria, molds, and fungi in people with digestive disorders and autoimmune disease. Since I’ve been overrun by bad mold and fungi for the past 5 years, alllll the mushrooms please.
Day 6

Do you think I can make it to phase 2 before eating these gorgeous pastured eggs? No. No, I cannot. I don’t consider this a failure. Even Dr. Gundry posted a picture of his breakfast of eggs during phase 1, so I’ve been inspired to as well. After all, I already did this cleanse thing over a year ago. I got these from a local farm I’ve been frequenting since I was a child. From strawberry-picking to hayrides, I have many memories there!
Day 7

I have felt this way since the beginning, but coffee is a blessing on this diet. Especially if you’re coming off of a standard American diet (SAD), coffee and chocolate are like the two semblances of your old existence that you can carry with you into the new one. And really good cheese. And quality meat. There’s actually a lot of good things about this diet. But coffee, slippers, and fires are especially appreciated when it’s -16 degrees outside.
Plant Paradox 30-Day Challenge: Week 2
After a week of phase 1 meals, it’s pretty much business as usual for me. I stopped following the recipes in the book so closely–the sage and mushroom soup and the cauliflower risotto are new staples in my lunch rotation (I’ve got endless ideas for dinner. Here are some highlights from the week.
Day 8

Yay, eggs! This is actually a meal I made for my toddler, but this is an excellent adult meal, right? (I ate the same thing.) Scrambled local, pastured eggs with a little Manchego cheese, green veggie hash cooked in broth, and homemade sauerkraut. The green veggie hash is still from week 1–I made such a big batch, it lasted me through this week. It’s probably some of the the only meal prep I’ll do from now on–chop vegetables.
Day 9
On the day I started this 30-day challenge, I also made homemade sauerkraut and kraut juice, which was done fermenting on day 9. From my Instagram account:
Days 11-14
I also made my own homemade almond butter from almonds I soaked, blanched, and dehydrated myself. It’s not really in the spirit of this challenge–it’s definitely not quick (I suppose it’s easy). But it’s fun, and in the end you get an almond butter that you guard with your life, because you spent three days making it. I’m like the little red hen with my jar of almond butter over here–GET YOUR OWN.

I will make a separate “How-to” post for how I did all of this–in the meantime you can check my Instagram account for the full process–start with this photo.
Plant Paradox 30-Day Challenge: Week 3
I am so at home here in phase 2, it doesn’t feel like a proper challenge anymore. That doesn’t mean my readers aren’t struggling, though. If you’re finding this difficult, I promise it gets easier. You’ll soon fall into a routine of foods you love and ingredients you always purchase (and where to find them). You can see a full pantry checklist I’ve made HERE.
Day 15

I guess I like eating purple, what with the purple kale chips and now this purple soup. It’s just so pretty! This was a take on the cold sesame noodle bowls that I turned into a soup, because–again–winter. It’s broccoli slaw, purple cabbage, shirataki noodles, and some Asian spices and flavor in a homemade broth. What a lovely contrast to the freezing rain and falling branches outside my midwest window.
Day 16-18

Purple and now such pretty green veggies for “veggie hash.” I thought I would be clever and throw a wild-caught Alaskan salmon fillet on top of these veggies and bake them at the same time in the oven. Don’t do it. It took forever for the salmon to bake. Not a time-saver. You know what is a time-saver, though? Meal prep. If you only do one thing for meal prep, making a huge container of chopped veggie hash for the week should be it.
Day 19

I made classic, down-home, mama’s-in-the-kitchen-with-an-apron-on chicken noodle soup, because…still winter. This is a plain ol’ soup–nothing fancy, except for the fact that it’s homemade. And my grandma would tell you that the magical ingredients in this here soup will heal any cold better than those weird powders and vitamins you take. Homemade broth, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, thyme, chicken, and noodles (Palmini).
Plant Paradox 30-Day Challenge: Week 4
Unfortunately, I don’t have any new phase 3 meals to document for this portion of the challenge. I chose to stay in phase 2 because I still suffer from health issues and have had suspected autoimmune diseases. I urge anyone in a similar situation to continue in phase 2 for…well, for life! The benefits are amazing and many have seen remission from debilitating conditions.
Group Support
According to the American Psychological Association, a group approach to health and lifestyle is more successful than going it alone. I doubt anyone needs a clinical trial and peer-reviewed research to know that. Many of us can personally attest to how hard it is to stick to something when everyone around is doing the opposite.
In my Facebook group, I’ve created a wonderful community of people who are all striving for the same thing: improved health and reversal of disease through elimination of lectins, sugar, and bad fats. All participating are welcome, and, of course, you’ll get tips and tricks for the ongoing Plant Paradox Meal Planner recipes.

24 Comments
Noreen
January 8, 2019 at 8:03 pm
Thanks for the heads up on one week of phase one!
I have to go out of town on business on the 18th and was hoping to be on phase two by the 19th..I guess I will start earlier! I’d better get my list together!
Autumn.m.boyle@gmail.com
January 9, 2019 at 6:40 pm
No reason you can’t start as soon as you get the book (or even now–you don’t need the book).
Susan Conley
January 9, 2019 at 3:28 am
I have read the book and am very excited to join this group. I have tried so many ways to lose weight to no avail! I need help!
Autumn.m.boyle@gmail.com
January 9, 2019 at 6:40 pm
30 days is only the beginning–this is a kickstart to a lifelong journey 🙂
Christine Murphy
January 9, 2019 at 10:36 am
I’m always up for a challenge. I already suscribe to your weekly menu and I own the PP Book by Dr Gundry. I’ve been on the PP plan for a year and have managed to get my WBC down from a raging 10.2 to a 6 ! My internal inferno has been snuffed out and I feel better than ever! The holidays provided lots of temptations and I’m human so of course I indulged. I’m ready to get back on track !
Thank you so much for the challenge!
Autumn.m.boyle@gmail.com
January 9, 2019 at 6:39 pm
Amazing results! It can only get better!
M Lynn Antonoplos
January 9, 2019 at 5:55 pm
Hi Autumn,,,,,yes yes yes,,,I will be joining you for the 30 day challenge!! Seems like a perfect time to put some additional effort into my program and get a bit reinvigorated about PP ! My book comes tomorrow, I am signed into the FB page,,,Let’s Do This!!
Lynn
Autumn.m.boyle@gmail.com
January 9, 2019 at 6:39 pm
Yay, Lynn–this’ll be fun!
Linda Chapman
January 11, 2019 at 2:10 pm
I am looking forward to starting this challenge. We have been trying most of the recipes on your weekly menu and I have to say they have all been delicious! The only thing is this starts on a Tuesday and since I work 10 hrs a day 5 days a week I like to do preparation on the weekend. I find that a lot of the greens don’t last through the week.
Autumn.m.boyle@gmail.com
January 15, 2019 at 2:00 am
Yes, greens are the worst for keeping fresh. I’m not sure why it starts on a Tuesday–I started a day early.
Cindi Canfield
January 13, 2019 at 8:05 pm
Making my grocery list and checking it twice! (Wait….wrong month).
I have the book and although I am making changes for more smoothies in the morning, I am getting my grocery list made today and shopping and meal prepping tomorrow. I even took a day off from work to make this a best effort!
Autumn.m.boyle@gmail.com
January 15, 2019 at 2:00 am
Yay! You’re going to be so well prepared. You got this!
Lisa
January 13, 2019 at 8:18 pm
I would like to do this challenge but cannot find enough material to understand what I need to do today to prepare for the Tuesday start. Are there recipes or guidelines so I know what I am shopping for? Or do I need to go buy the book. I am thinking I need to go buy the book.
Autumn.m.boyle@gmail.com
January 15, 2019 at 2:01 am
There are recipes and meal plans in the new book; however, it’s not necessary. All you need to do is follow phase 1 for 1 week, phase 2 for 2 weeks, and a week in phase 3 if you don’t have any health issues.
Nicolann
January 15, 2019 at 6:11 am
Hi … I’m in the uk and can’t get the new book until the end of the month so any new pointers would be greatly appreciate! I have the other two books! I struggle with breakfast and also need to keep my oxalate levels low. Good luck to everyone on their journey! Kind and healthy thoughts Nicola xxx
Autumn.m.boyle@gmail.com
January 16, 2019 at 1:20 am
For one week eat any and all combinations of the following: cruciferous veggies, greens, onions, walnut and avocado oils, broth, avocados, alaskan salmon, and pastured chicken. That’s the first week, in a nutshell!
Ute
January 16, 2019 at 1:08 pm
Hi Autumn, I’m waiting for the PP30 book. Am I correct that or first three days it is light on animal protein? Like Nicolann I struggle with breakfasts. I’ve ordered his chocolate smoothie powder but like the book it’s taking time:-( suffering through a heat wave in Australia. With no eggs, dairy etc for first week I’m struggling with breakfast options. I’m lactose sensitive and A1 intolerant and struggle to find a whey powder that is flavoured and not full of crap (sugar, artificial xyz…)
Autumn.m.boyle@gmail.com
January 17, 2019 at 1:28 am
The first week is light on animal protein (well, really, the whole plan is). No eggs or dairy in the first week–the breakfasts are mainly the green smoothie and a sauteed blend of chopped cruciferous veggies with seasonings.
Todd Robinson
January 16, 2019 at 2:17 pm
Happy Day 2! The gut detox is only 3 days. It’s tough but doable with the right mindset. I pretend than I’m in a 3rd world country were food is super scarce and I have all the organic vegtables,olives,nuts and protien thats approved and portioned right that I can eat. Hey a carrot is the best thing you have ever eaten when your starving!
Basically any leafy veg and cruciferous. Also 1 advacado a day and 1 serving of protien(Wild caught seafood or organic non grain fed chicken also some other approved protiens) the size of a deck of cards. Also aprroved nuts. I do a wallnut.pistacio,macadameon and pecan mix no more than a half a cup a day. And as many olives as you can stuff in your mouth. Lucky I like olives. I would also personally add kimchee or any other fermented vegtable on the list to the as much as you can eat list but just my opinion. After 3 days just follow the yes list of approved foods. Just Google Gundry yes list of approved foods. I think the 3 day detox is opional if you alredy have a healthy gut.
Autumn.m.boyle@gmail.com
January 17, 2019 at 1:29 am
In the new book, phase 1 is actually one week long! It is quite a lengthy gut cleanse, but that’s part of the challenge, I guess. Thanks for all the tips 🙂
Todd Robinson
January 18, 2019 at 10:44 pm
Oh cool. Well I think I mostly did it for 5 days. I had 1 sweet potato and 2 boiled eggs today. My gut is in pretty good shape so was just doing it to be apart of the challange. Now the fun part. Comming up with all sorts of yummy new recipies on the yes list. One of my favorites thats super easy and delicious is coconut caulflower rice. Paired with a fish and some sweet potatos…YUMMMM. Thanks for all the recipies LF Mama!
Amanda
January 19, 2019 at 8:10 pm
Hi! My husband and I are on week 2 of the new lifestyle. We are doing soo good! But I’m bored with the foods. I don’t like to cook so the more extravagant the recipe the less likely I’m going to make it.
He is also down 13lbs in 2 weeks and I’m not so much. He’s feeling so much better and has all this energy. I have yet to get more energy.
What am I doing wrong?
Autumn.m.boyle@gmail.com
January 20, 2019 at 7:45 pm
I don’t think you’re doing anything wrong. I would just give it more time. The only downside to this 30-day challenge is that sometimes there is no noticeable change in 30 days. Having done this since the first book came out, I can say that those who need to do the most healing will see the slowest changes. There may be things healing in your body you didn’t even know were broken. Weight loss is a nice side effect to what will be a lifestyle that makes lasting change 🙂
Todd Robinson
January 22, 2019 at 1:35 pm
@Amanda- Also men loose weight far faster than women usually. My wife loathes this about me. I have also lost 13lbs since jan 2 when all i did was cut out wheat,dairy and alcohol. My wife claims alcohol is the biggest gainer wieght wize as it converts directly to sugar. I am also getting a little bored with my menu so time to look up some more receipies and get creative. Ordered a couple things i cant get here locally off amazon from gundry’s list on there. Stay strong and good luck! Thanks LF Mama for the support and food ideas as always!
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