What Is Clean Eating?
Let's start with the first part ... what IS clean eating?
Since eating cleans is a lifestyle, it is based on what you eat and what you don't eat. You want to remove ALL the processed food from your diet. You should be focusing on fresh fruits & vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy (in moderation).
Why Eat Clean?
There are three main reasons to eat clean, but they are all vital!
- Weight Control - Clean eating is high in fiber, which keeps you feeling full and taking in fewer calories.
- Reduce Chronic Illnesses - Clean eating reduces your fat intake, as well as sugar. You will reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, obesity, and diabetes.
- More Energy - A balanced diet without added sugars help you with natural energy throughout the day. You will get all your vitamins and nutrients, and are less likely to need a full multi-vitamin. Finally, you will sleep better at night.
How do You Start?
There is no right or wrong way to start eating clean. Some people (like me) find it easier to switch slowly. I do this because of finances. If I had the ability, I would do a 3-Day Refresh and then switch my diet at once. Either way, once you start switching, do NOT allow "no" foods back in your house. Sugar is EXTREMELY addictive and when you start, it will be a fast tumble back into crappy eating.
For those who want something even easier ... I use eMeals Clean Eating Menu Planner!
So, if you want even more information, feel free to join my Facebook group! I will be adding meals, recipes, and answering questions.
Hi Heather,
ReplyDeleteI like this topic as I believe clean eating can not only make us healthier but it also could have a huge impact on our society from a debt standpoint. I work in the medical field and I see first hand the outrageous costs involved with health related diagnosis that are related in eating healthy. Thank you for sharing!
I completely agree. We have made SO much progress with our health thanks to changing our diet. We really only need to visit the doctor when we have suffered an injury, need vaccinations, and/or annual check-ups. I was so surprised with the amount of changes that could be made with just a few changes in the kitchen!
DeleteHi Heather - I left a comment earlier today and it hasn't shown up and this is the 2nd time that's happened. So let me give this one more try. While I wouldn't attempt to identify myself as a "clean" eater, I have cut out things like fast food, fried foods and a whole slew of other things ever since I like the information you provided so this is good encouragement to maybe take things to the next level. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI don't understand why it isn't showing up because I am getting them in my email!
DeleteAs far as the clean eating, I have to say that it is NOT easy to make the change immediately. We have done much better since switching smaller things at a time.
It's good to know that I already eat clean. I have diabetes type II and this low carb low fat kind of eating lifestyle is what is recommended for us to manage it here in Australia. It means that I've only had to take the lowest dose of diabetes meds all along. If you follow this lifestyle it considerably reduces your risk of every developing Diabetes type II. It's wonderful for losing and managing your weight too.
ReplyDeleteI've got used to only buying certain products.but I can see how useful the Clean Eating eMeals would be really useful for someone learning to eat this way and for those who are tempted to "eat outside the box".
Shopping online, for delivery, stops any impulse buys too. The occasional treat of going to a nice cafe is now really special. I like cafes by the beach or in plant nurseries surrounded by flowers.
What GREAT ideas! Thank you. I personally like the eMeals because I just don't have time to do meals with 4 children. This takes all the work out of it. LOL
DeleteHeather,
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if my comment has to be approved by you because it did not post.
I buy only Organic food for my home but when I eat at restaurants I do get tempted by the bread and
lots of the food has too much sauce. And I get cravings for desserts and I love cheese.
Other important factors are exercise, relaxation, rest, sleep and mental attitude.
Warmly,
Dr. Erica
Hey! It posted :D
DeleteI am still working on my sleep schedule because I am sure that is holding me back on my weight loss. Thanks for the comment!
It used to be I'd want to eat right to lose weight. But the older I get, the more important it is to me to stay healthy and to have more energy. I love the concept... eat clean, so my body and mind will be clean.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny how everyone is so concerned on what to eat to lose weight ... when in reality it is just eating healthy that allows your body to work properly to start with? Took me a long time to learn that.
DeleteHi Heather, I'm not sure that my food is completely clean. I think most of it is - we eat an occasional desert like berry strudel, which is probably the closest to processed food that I eat.
ReplyDeleteMy biggest challenge is "enriched white flour" .. I am SO addicted to that stuff. So bad for me too. :/
DeleteI couldn't agree with you more that "clean eating" is good for you on so many levels. I try to eat the basics as well and cut out all the junk, too. Of course, I'm human, and sometimes eat certain foods that may be partially processed, especially when I'm out or on a trip. By the way, when I eat "clean" I find that I also feel better, too, not just physically, but also emotionally and mentally. Good, whole foods really do make a difference!
ReplyDeleteHeather, My wife and I once completed the Beach Body 21-Day cleanse. This really opened my eyes to clean eating and will forever view the way I eat food again. Although a bit extreme, it was a great catalysts to drive me in a healthier direction. Eating raw and natural foods coupled with portion control are simple tips that have helped keep me on track.
ReplyDelete