Clean Eating
August 2nd, 2011 by Jaclyn
Choose foods closest to their natural state, and avoid processed junk foods
The concept of Clean Eating is not a new one. Dating back to Biblical times, populations were instructed to avoid eating unclean animals. Although the idea of clean eating has evolved slightly, it is still a highly sought after and recommended way of eating.
Clean eating recommends limiting or completely eliminating highly processed and packaged foods that are likely high in chemicals, fillers, food dyes. It encourages nutrient dense foods grown out of the ground and from plants. A clean eating diet contains plenty of whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables (organic when possible), low fat dairy products, and lean clean meats. Eating clean includes drinking plenty of filtered water while avoiding soda, sugary drinks, and alcohol.
Although this concept may be daunting to some, it is best to start small. Begin incorporating clean foods into just one meal a day and work your way up. Slowly rid your cabinets of processed and packaged foods. Learn to read food labels; generally speaking, the shorter an ingredient list is, the better. Avoid products that contain ingredients that you can’t pronounce. The further the food is from its natural state, the more ‘dirty’ it is considered (think fresh organic strawberries vs. strawberry poptarts).
Browse Clean Eating recipes and learn more about the Eat Clean diet.