My Clean Keto Whole30 January 2020 Food Diary

Welcome to month five of my transformative health journey, where I document everything I ate in January! This series captures my daily meals as I navigate a clean keto and Whole30 approach, striving for sustained weight loss and improved well-being. If you’re looking for inspiration for your own low-carb, high-fat, and whole-foods-focused diet, you’ve come to the right place. Each entry below showcases real, delicious meals designed to fuel my body and support my goals, complete with photos and links to many of the recipes.

For those new to my journey, I encourage you to delve deeper into my complete clean eating and weight loss story here. There, I share comprehensive details about my dietary principles, the role of intermittent fasting, my exercise regimen, and how I manage family meals while adhering to this lifestyle. My aim is to provide transparent and actionable insights into making clean eating a sustainable part of your life.

Everything you’ll see in this January food diary is Whole30 compliant, meaning it’s free from grains, legumes, dairy, sugar, and alcohol. Simultaneously, it adheres to the ketogenic philosophy of high fat, medium protein, and low carbohydrates. This powerful combination ensures my body stays in a state of ketosis while benefiting from nutrient-dense, unprocessed ingredients. These meal ideas are sourced directly from my Instagram stories, where I share daily updates. Don’t miss out on real-time inspiration; be sure to follow me on Instagram!

Many of the dishes featured here have associated recipes available on the blog, linked directly for your convenience. For those without a link yet, rest assured the recipes are in development and will be added soon. So, keep an eye out for updates as I continue to expand my collection of delicious and compliant meals.

January Eats: Fueling My Clean Keto + Whole30 Journey

January marked a solid continuation of my clean keto and Whole30 journey. This month was all about consistency, flavor, and enjoying a wide variety of whole foods. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinners, each meal was crafted to keep me energized and on track with my weight loss goals. Let’s dive into the delicious details:

Hearty breakfast with scrambled eggs cooked in ghee, Pederson's Farms sausages, and sautéed spinach

A power-packed start to the day featuring fluffy scrambled eggs cooked in nourishing ghee, paired with delicious Pederson’s Farms sausages, and a vibrant side of sautéed spinach.

Flavorful Asian beef bowl served over cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal

An incredibly satisfying Asian beef bowl, packed with savory flavors and served over a generous portion of fluffy cauliflower rice, perfect for a low-carb lunch or dinner.

Roasted macadamia nuts, a perfect healthy fat snack for keto and Whole30

Roasted macadamia nuts, providing a delicious and healthy fat-rich snack to keep hunger at bay between meals. These are fantastic for a quick energy boost.

Classic clean keto breakfast with scrambled eggs in ghee, Pederson's Farms sausages, and sauteed spinach

Another iteration of my go-to compliant breakfast: perfectly cooked scrambled eggs in ghee, complemented by savory Pederson’s Farms sausages and a fresh serving of sautéed spinach.

Creamy cashew coffee, a dairy-free and satisfying morning beverage

A comforting cup of creamy cashew coffee, offering a dairy-free way to enjoy my morning brew while adding healthy fats to my diet.

Salmon with orange fennel butter, roasted fennel, and sautéed zucchini

A gourmet meal featuring perfectly cooked salmon, enhanced with a bright orange fennel butter, served alongside tender roasted fennel and quick sautéed zucchini.

A warm cup of herbal tea

A soothing mug of herbal tea, providing warmth and hydration, a simple yet essential part of my daily routine.

Another wholesome breakfast of scrambled eggs, Pederson's Farms sausages, and sautéed spinach

Consistency is key: a nourishing breakfast of scrambled eggs in ghee, accompanied by Pederson’s Farms sausages and a generous portion of sautéed spinach.

Rich and comforting bone broth for health and satiety

A comforting cup of bone broth, excellent for gut health and a quick, satisfying boost of protein and minerals.

Pan-seared chicken with chimichurri sauce, cauliflower rice risotto, and roasted Brussels sprouts

An elegant dinner featuring perfectly pan-seared chicken, drizzled with a fresh chimichurri sauce, alongside creamy cauliflower rice risotto and tender roasted Brussels sprouts.

Relaxing with a cup of herbal tea

Another moment of tranquility with a warm cup of herbal tea, perfect for winding down or staying hydrated throughout the day.

Asian beef stir-fry with avocado and cauliflower rice

A vibrant Asian beef stir-fry, loaded with fresh vegetables, topped with creamy avocado slices, and served over light cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

Nourishing bone broth

A replenishing cup of bone broth, a staple for its incredible health benefits and comforting warmth, especially on colder January days.

Greek chicken with roasted artichokes for a Mediterranean-inspired meal

Delicious Greek chicken, seasoned perfectly and served with tender roasted artichokes for a flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired dinner.

Consistent clean keto breakfast with scrambled eggs, Pederson's Farms sausages, and sautéed spinach

My reliable and delicious breakfast combination: scrambled eggs cooked in ghee, hearty Pederson’s Farms sausages, and a side of nutrient-dense sautéed spinach.

Flavorful carnitas bowl with cauliflower rice, fajita veggies, salsa, avocado, green onions, and lime

A vibrant and satisfying carnitas bowl featuring succulent pork, fluffy cauliflower rice, colorful fajita vegetables, fresh salsa, creamy avocado, crisp green onions, and a squeeze of lime.

Chomps beef stick, a convenient and compliant snack

A quick and easy Chomps beef stick, perfect for a protein-rich, on-the-go snack that adheres to Whole30 and keto guidelines.

Mini meatloaf muffins, mashed cauliflower, and green beans for a comforting meal

A truly comforting plate featuring my popular mini meatloaf muffins, served alongside creamy mashed cauliflower and crisp green beans for a wholesome dinner.

A simple cup of warm tea

A warm cup of tea, providing a moment of calm and hydration during a busy day, always a welcome addition.

Classic scrambled eggs in ghee, sautéed spinach, and Pederson's Farms sausages

Another familiar and satisfying breakfast: scrambled eggs in ghee, tender sautéed spinach, and savory Pederson’s Farms sausages to keep me full and focused.

Creamy chicken cauliflower rice casserole, a delicious and filling keto Whole30 dish

A generous serving of my incredibly delicious and comforting creamy chicken cauliflower rice casserole, perfect for meal prep and a satisfying dinner.

Sunny side up eggs cooked in ghee, sautéed spinach, and Pederson's Farms sausages

Switching it up with sunny side up eggs, lovingly cooked in ghee, paired once again with nutrient-rich sautéed spinach and Pederson’s Farms sausages.

Pork chops with red pepper salsa, sautéed kale, and roasted Brussels sprouts

Tender pork chops, beautifully complemented by a vibrant red pepper salsa, served with healthy sautéed kale and perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.

Another wholesome breakfast of scrambled eggs in ghee, sautéed spinach, and Pederson's Farms sausages

My dependable clean keto breakfast: scrambled eggs in ghee, fresh sautéed spinach, and delicious Pederson’s Farms sausages, ensuring a strong start to the day.

A warm cup of nourishing bone broth

Sipping on some nourishing bone broth, a fantastic way to support gut health and get a boost of collagen and electrolytes.

Crispy roasted chicken thighs with green beans, roasted cauliflower, and orange parsley sauce

Flavorful roasted chicken thighs, served with crisp green beans, tender roasted cauliflower, and a bright, zesty orange parsley sauce.

Creamy chicken cauliflower rice casserole for a satisfying lunch

Enjoying leftovers of the comforting creamy chicken cauliflower rice casserole, proving that healthy eating can be both easy and delicious.

Thai curry meatballs with raw spinach, Thai curry sauce, cauliflower rice, cilantro, and lime

Exotic and delicious Thai curry meatballs, served over a bed of raw spinach and cauliflower rice, drenched in rich Thai curry sauce, and garnished with fresh cilantro and lime.

A soothing cup of warm tea

A warm cup of tea, a perfect companion for a quiet moment or to help me stay hydrated throughout the day.

Scrambled eggs in ghee, sautéed spinach, and Pederson's Farms sausages

My consistent and satisfying morning routine: fluffy scrambled eggs in ghee, nutrient-rich sautéed spinach, and wholesome Pederson’s Farms sausages.

Nut butter and raspberries for a quick, compliant snack

A simple yet delightful snack of compliant nut butter paired with fresh, tart raspberries, offering healthy fats and a touch of sweetness.

Salmon cakes with herby coleslaw for a fresh and flavorful meal

Delicious salmon cakes, perfectly pan-fried, served alongside a refreshing and zesty herby coleslaw, creating a light yet satisfying meal.

Scrambled eggs in ghee, sautéed spinach, and Pederson's Farms sausages for breakfast

A reliable and energizing breakfast choice: scrambled eggs in ghee, accompanied by fresh sautéed spinach, and hearty Pederson’s Farms sausages.

Warm and nourishing bone broth

Another serving of warming bone broth, a fantastic way to boost my nutrient intake and support my overall health on this journey.

Thai cauliflower fried rice with leftover Thai meatballs

A creative and delicious use of leftovers: Thai cauliflower fried rice, combined with the savory Thai meatballs from earlier in the week.

Nut butter and raspberries, a simple and satisfying snack

A familiar, quick, and satisfying snack: creamy nut butter paired with fresh, juicy raspberries for a burst of flavor and healthy fats.

Instant Pot Moroccan short ribs, mashed cauliflower, and green beans

Tender and flavorful Instant Pot Moroccan short ribs, a truly comforting meal, served with creamy mashed cauliflower and crisp green beans.

Scrambled eggs in ghee, sautéed spinach, and Pederson's Farms sausages

My tried-and-true clean keto breakfast: scrambled eggs in ghee, wholesome sautéed spinach, and delicious Pederson’s Farms sausages for sustained energy.

Sheet pan Jamaican chicken, roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed kale and onions, avocado, and lime aioli

A vibrant and flavorful sheet pan meal featuring Jamaican chicken, roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed kale and onions, creamy avocado, and a zesty lime aioli.

Scrambled eggs in ghee, sautéed spinach, and Pederson's Farms sausages for breakfast

Another consistent and satisfying breakfast: scrambled eggs in ghee, complemented by nutrient-packed sautéed spinach, and savory Pederson’s Farms sausages.

Creamy cashew coffee, a dairy-free morning treat

Enjoying my creamy cashew coffee, a dairy-free indulgence that perfectly fits into my clean keto and Whole30 morning routine.

Breaded pork chops with gravy, roasted radishes, and sautéed green beans

A comforting dinner featuring perfectly breaded pork chops with a rich gravy, served alongside earthy roasted radishes and crisp sautéed green beans.

Chomps beef stick, a handy and compliant snack

A quick protein boost with a Chomps beef stick, always a great choice for a compliant snack on the go or between meals.

Scrambled eggs in ghee, sautéed spinach, and Pederson's Farms sausages

My reliable clean keto breakfast: fluffy scrambled eggs in ghee, a generous serving of sautéed spinach, and delicious Pederson’s Farms sausages.

Creamy cashew coffee for a dairy-free start to the day

Another satisfying cup of creamy cashew coffee, helping me kickstart my morning with healthy fats and a boost of energy.

Crispy roasted chicken wings, chopped wedge salad with homemade ranch, and roasted broccoli

A delicious and satisfying meal featuring crispy roasted chicken wings, a refreshing chopped wedge salad with homemade ranch dressing, and perfectly roasted broccoli.

Chomps turkey stick, a lean and compliant snack option

Opting for a Chomps turkey stick, a lean and convenient protein snack that fits perfectly within my Whole30 and keto lifestyle.

Burger patty, sautéed spinach, sunny side up eggs in ghee, marinated onions, and True Made Foods ketchup

A flavorful and hearty meal: a juicy burger patty, vibrant sautéed spinach, perfectly cooked sunny side up eggs in ghee, tangy marinated onions, and a dollop of True Made Foods ketchup.

Salmon with hollandaise sauce, green beans, and sautéed spinach

Elegant and delicious salmon, generously topped with a rich hollandaise sauce, served with crisp green beans and healthy sautéed spinach.

A simple cup of warm tea

Taking a moment to enjoy a simple, warm cup of tea, a perfect way to rehydrate and relax during the day.

Chomps beef stick for a protein-rich snack

Another handy Chomps beef stick, an excellent source of clean protein when I need a quick and compliant snack.

Burger patty, sautéed spinach, sunny side up egg in ghee, avocado, marinated onions, and True Made Foods ketchup

A re-imagined burger meal with a juicy patty, sautéed spinach, a perfectly fried sunny side up egg in ghee, creamy avocado, zesty marinated onions, and Whole30-compliant True Made Foods ketchup.

Steak, chicken, and shrimp kebabs with sautéed mushrooms, roasted squash, marinated onions, and chimichurri

A feast of grilled goodness: steak, chicken, and shrimp kebabs, accompanied by earthy sautéed mushrooms, sweet roasted squash, piquant marinated onions, and a vibrant chimichurri sauce.

Chomps turkey stick, a lean and convenient protein snack

Grabbing another Chomps turkey stick, a reliable choice for a quick and satisfying protein fix that adheres to my dietary guidelines.

Sheet pan sausage, bell peppers, and onions with broccoli, guacamole, and True Made Foods ketchup

An easy and delicious sheet pan meal: savory sausage, colorful bell peppers and onions, roasted broccoli, creamy guacamole, and a side of True Made Foods ketchup.

Sous vide egg cups, sausages, and guacamole for a wholesome breakfast

Convenient and perfectly cooked sous vide egg cups, paired with delicious sausages and a creamy scoop of guacamole, making for a quick breakfast.

Mini meatloaf muffins, mashed cauliflower, and green beans

Enjoying another comforting meal of my mini meatloaf muffins, accompanied by creamy mashed cauliflower and crisp green beans.

Chomps turkey stick, a healthy protein snack

Fueling up with a Chomps turkey stick, an ideal and compliant option for a quick protein boost any time of day.

Sous vide egg bites, sausages, and guacamole

Another delicious and convenient breakfast featuring fluffy sous vide egg bites, savory sausages, and creamy guacamole for a balanced start.

Cauliflower rice, bell peppers, sausages, broccoli, and pesto

A colorful and flavorful bowl of cauliflower rice, mixed with vibrant bell peppers, savory sausages, tender broccoli, and a generous drizzle of fresh pesto.

Cauliflower rice, broccoli, bell peppers, sausage, and ghee

A simple yet delicious mix: cauliflower rice, crisp broccoli, sweet bell peppers, and savory sausage, all cooked in rich ghee for a satisfying meal.

Mini meatloaf muffins, mashed cauliflower, and green beans

A beloved comfort meal: mini meatloaf muffins, paired with smooth mashed cauliflower and fresh green beans, perfectly compliant and delicious.

Cauliflower rice, broccoli, bell peppers, sausage, and pesto

Another variation of my quick meals: cauliflower rice combined with roasted broccoli, bell peppers, savory sausage, and a flavorful homemade pesto.

Chomps turkey stick, a convenient and healthy protein snack

A quick and easy Chomps turkey stick, providing a lean protein boost when I need a compliant snack to tide me over.

Lettuce wrapped burger, a low-carb alternative

A classic burger, served as a low-carb, Whole30-friendly lettuce wrap, keeping all the flavor without the bun.

High Tech Burrito chicken fajita bowl with veggies, cilantro, and avocados

A convenient and compliant meal from High Tech Burrito: a chicken fajita bowl loaded with fresh veggies, fragrant cilantro, and creamy avocados.

Creamy cashew coffee for a dairy-free morning beverage

Starting the day with another cup of creamy cashew coffee, a dairy-free and satisfying way to enjoy my morning brew.

Grilled jerk seasoned chicken wings, sautéed yellow squash with onion, and salad with homemade ranch dressing

Spicy and flavorful grilled jerk seasoned chicken wings, accompanied by tender sautéed yellow squash with onion, and a fresh salad with homemade ranch dressing.

Scrambled eggs in ghee, sautéed spinach, and bacon for a savory breakfast

A classic savory breakfast combination: perfectly scrambled eggs in ghee, fresh sautéed spinach, and crispy, compliant bacon.

Creamy cashew coffee, a nourishing morning beverage

My consistent morning delight: a warm and creamy cashew coffee, blending taste and healthy fats seamlessly into my routine.

Keto Whole30 fish and chips with tartar sauce and herby lemon coleslaw

A delightful take on a classic: Whole30 keto fish and chips, served with a tangy tartar sauce and refreshing herby lemon coleslaw.

Scrambled eggs in ghee, sautéed spinach, bacon, and marinated onions

Another hearty breakfast: scrambled eggs in ghee, fresh sautéed spinach, crispy bacon, and a surprising kick from marinated onions for extra flavor.

Mixed nut butter with fresh raspberries, a healthy fat snack

A simple, satisfying snack of mixed nut butter paired with sweet, juicy raspberries, providing healthy fats and natural sweetness.

Ground beef taco bowl with sautéed bell peppers, cilantro, avocado, homemade salsa, and lime juice

A vibrant and customizable ground beef taco bowl, loaded with sautéed bell peppers, fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, homemade salsa, and a squeeze of lime juice.

A comforting cup of warm tea

A peaceful moment with a warm cup of tea, essential for hydration and providing a gentle break during the day.

Taco meat with romaine lettuce, spinach, bell peppers, salsa, and lime juice for a fresh salad

A refreshing taco meat salad: seasoned ground beef served over crisp romaine lettuce and spinach, with crunchy bell peppers, zesty salsa, and fresh lime juice.

Mixed nut butter with fresh blackberries, a simple and delicious snack

A delightful combination of creamy mixed nut butter and juicy blackberries, offering a perfect balance of healthy fats and antioxidant-rich fruit.

Chicken no-Parmesan with zucchini noodles, Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce, and roasted broccoli

A delicious take on a classic: Chicken “No-Parmesan” (without the cheese) served over fresh zucchini noodles, topped with compliant Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce, and a side of roasted broccoli.

Chicken no-Parmesan with zucchini noodles, Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce, and goat milk cheddar

Another version of my Chicken “No-Parmesan,” served with zucchini noodles and Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce. This time, I added some goat milk cheddar for a variation (note: goat milk cheddar is not Whole30 compliant, but can be included in a “clean keto” approach post-Whole30 if dairy is tolerated).

Mu shu pork with butter lettuce wraps for a low-carb meal

Flavorful Mu shu pork, served as a low-carb delight in fresh butter lettuce wraps, offering a satisfying and clean meal.

A soothing cup of warm tea

Enjoying another comforting cup of warm tea, providing hydration and a moment of relaxation in my daily routine.

Scrambled eggs in ghee, sautéed spinach, and Pederson's Farms sausages for breakfast

A reliable and energizing breakfast: fluffy scrambled eggs in ghee, nutrient-packed sautéed spinach, and savory Pederson’s Farms sausages.

Creamy cashew coffee, a dairy-free morning essential

My delicious creamy cashew coffee, a consistent part of my morning routine, offering warmth and healthy fats without dairy.

Fresh salad with homemade ranch dressing

A crisp and refreshing salad, tossed with a generous amount of homemade, Whole30-compliant ranch dressing for a burst of flavor.

Keto combination pizza from On Fire Pizza, a compliant treat

A rare and welcome treat: a keto combination pizza from On Fire Pizza, showing that even on a strict diet, there can be compliant and delicious options when dining out.

Carne asada bowl with lettuce, pico de gallo, and guacamole

A vibrant and satisfying carne asada bowl, served over a bed of crisp lettuce, topped with fresh pico de gallo, and creamy guacamole.

Creamy cashew coffee, a dairy-free and satisfying morning beverage

Another morning, another cup of my beloved creamy cashew coffee, a dairy-free delight that provides both comfort and energy.

Seared chicken in ghee, orange parsley sauce, roasted radishes, and sautéed kale and onions

A gourmet finish to the month: tender seared chicken cooked in ghee, drizzled with a bright orange parsley sauce, accompanied by earthy roasted radishes and flavorful sautéed kale and onions.

Key Takeaways from January: Sustaining the Clean Keto + Whole30 Lifestyle

January proved to be a successful month for my clean keto and Whole30 journey. The consistent focus on whole, unprocessed foods, combined with the low-carb and high-fat principles, continued to deliver noticeable benefits in terms of sustained energy, mental clarity, and continued progress toward my weight loss goals. Here are some key learnings and tips for anyone on a similar path:

  • Meal Prep is Paramount: Many of my meals, especially breakfasts and lunches, were either prepped in advance or built from easily combinable components. Having cooked proteins like Pederson’s Farms sausages, roasted chicken, or ground beef ready to go made sticking to the plan incredibly simple, even on busy days.
  • Variety Keeps Things Exciting: While some staple breakfasts reappeared, I made a conscious effort to introduce variety in my dinners and snacks. Exploring different cultural flavors (Asian, Greek, Thai, Jamaican) ensured that I never felt deprived or bored, which is crucial for long-term adherence.
  • Snacking Smart: Compliant snacks like roasted macadamia nuts, Chomps meat sticks, or nut butter with berries were invaluable for bridging the gap between meals and preventing cravings. These options provide healthy fats and protein, keeping hunger at bay.
  • Hydration and Comfort: Herbal teas and bone broth were regular features, emphasizing the importance of staying hydrated and nurturing my body from within. Bone broth, in particular, offered a comforting and nutrient-dense boost.
  • Dining Out with Diligence: The occasional compliant meal from places like High Tech Burrito or On Fire Pizza shows that it’s possible to enjoy social occasions without derailing your progress. It requires knowing your options and making smart choices.

The Journey Continues: What’s Next?

As January concludes, I feel stronger, more energized, and more confident than ever in this clean keto and Whole30 approach. This lifestyle isn’t just about weight loss; it’s about building sustainable healthy habits that enhance overall well-being. Each month brings new discoveries, new favorite recipes, and deeper insights into what truly nourishes my body.

Thank you for joining me on this detailed look into my January meals. I hope this glimpse into my plate provides you with valuable inspiration and practical ideas for your own health journey. Don’t forget to connect with me on Instagram for daily updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of my kitchen adventures!