The soul of clean eating is consuming food in its most natural state, or as close to it as possible. It is not a diet; it’s a lifestyle approach to food and its preparation, leading to an improved life – one meal at a time.
Eat five to six times a day – three meals and two to three small snacks. Include a lean protein, plenty of fresh fruit and 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 (ewg.org/foodnews) your organic priorities. Drink at least two liters of water a day – preferably from a reusable canteen, not plastic; we’re friends of the environment here! Limit your alcohol intake to one glass of antioxidantrich red wine a day. Get label savvy. Clean foods contain short ingredient lists. Any product with a long ingredient list is human-made and not considered clean.
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 and trans fats, anything fried or anything high in sugar. Consume healthy fats (essential fatty acids, or EFAs) every day. Learn about portion sizes and work toward eating within them. Reduce your carbon footprint. Eat produce that is seasonal and local. It is less taxing on your wallet and our environment.
Shop with a conscience.
Consume humanely raised and local meats. Slow down and savor. Never rush through a meal. Food tastes best when savored. Enjoy every bite. Take it to go. Pack a cooler for work or outings so you always have clean eats on the go. Make it a family affair. Food is a social glue that should be shared with loved ones. Improve the quality of your family’s life along with your own.
