While Edamame is a nutritious and commonly recommended health food it is not allowed during the Whole30.
Edamame falls into the family of legumes which is one of the main “Avoid for 30 days”
categories in the Whole30 Program Rules.
At first thought edamame may not immediately be associated with the commonly know beans and legumes mentioned frequently in Whole30 conversations, but these budding soybeans and all other forms of soy (including soy sauce, miso, tofu, tempeh and lecithin) are not allowed during your Whole30 reset.
The Whole9 created the Legume Manifesto to address the scientific debate around the exclusion of legumes, beans, and soy during the Whole30. In regard to soy, including the cute little edamame peas in a pod it says:
“Soybeans contain compounds called isoflavones, which are types of phytoestrogens (phyto meaning “plant,” estrogen as in that female sex hormone). These phytoestrogens are recognized in our bodies — male and female — as a female reproductive hormone. While phytoestrogens may be beneficial for a very specific population (such as perimenopausal women), the effects on other populations are largely unknown and, in our opinion, unduly risky.”
Edamame Alternatives: Eat These Instead!
If you are looking for an edamame alternative, there are a wide range of recommended Whole30 vegetables that will give you the same snap without the soy.
Snow peas, sugar snap peas, and green beans are a delicious Whole30 compliant substitute for any dish, salad, snack or recipe that calls for edamame. In fact, they are so similar you may not be able to tell the difference!
Try tossing some snow peas in olive oil, salt and Primal Palate Garlic and Herb Powder and roasting on 350 for 10 minutes for an on the go snack.
This Sesame Sugar Snap Peas recipe incorporates some amazing asian flavors that are crunchy and savory and Whole30 approved.
With so many creative options for edamame replacements, your Whole30 is a great time to find new and fun ways to embrace other compliant pods.
