The soul of clean eating is consuming food in its most natural state, or as close to it as possible. It’s not a diet; it’s a lifestyle approach to food and it’s preparation, leading to an improved life– one meal at a time.
- Eat 5-6 times a day. — 3 meals and 2-3 small snacks. The goal is to include a lean protein, plenty of fresh fruit & vegetables, and a complex carbohydrate with each meal. This keeps your body energized and burning calories efficiently all day long.
- Choose organic whenever possible. If your budget limits you, make meat, eggs, dairy and the “dirty dozen” your organic priorities.
- Drink at least 1/2 your body weight in water per day (ex. 130 lbs = 65oz) — preferably from a reusable bottle, not a disposable plastic one.
- Get label savvy – Clean foods contain short ingredient lists. Any product with a long ingredient list is human-made and not considered clean. If you can’t pronounce it, do you REALLY want to eat it?
- Avoid processed and refined foods such as white flour, sugar, bread and pasta. Enjoy complex carbs such as whole grains instead.
- Know thy enemies – Steer clear of anything high in saturated fats & trans fats, anything fried or anything high in sugar.
- Consume healthy fats (essential fatty acids, or EFA’s) every day. They can be found in walnuts, pecans, salmon, fresh basil, crab, tuna, kale, spinach, avocado, broccoli, flax seed and many more foods.
- Learn about portion sizes and work toward eating within them. If you need help with portion control, I have an EXCELLENT program for you.
- Slow down and savor – Never rush through a meal. Taste your food and enjoy it. Eating should be an experience, not a chore or race.
- Take it to go – Pack a lunch box for work or a cooler for outings so you always have clean eats on the go. I always have clean snacks with me.
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