What does it mean to “Eat Clean?” Are you confused on what you can eat? Have you wanted to try going clean, but aren’t exactly sure what it entails? Clean eating sounds good and healthy, right? Or is it? Does it seem way too extreme? What can you eat?!
Eating clean is indeed a healthier way to go, and it does NOT have to be extreme. In fact, there actually isn’t even a true definition of eating clean! This means that you, yes YOU, can define the terms and boundaries of how clean you want to eat. In general, clean eaters have a goal of limiting their intake of processed foods. This would definitely include things like chips, candy, pop (or soda, or a cold drink, depending on where you’re from), certain juices, frozen pizza, etc. On the other hand, some foods can be processed and good for you at the same time. There are levels to this, and they can be incorporated into your diet as long as it is kept in moderation. Let’s take a look!
- Minimally processed foods: Foods that are “pre-prepped” for convenience such as pre-washed lettuce or spinach, apple slices, roasted nuts or cut vegetables.
- Peak time processed foods: Foods that are processed when they are estimated to have the most nutritional value (peak time) to lock in nutrition, freshness and taste. Examples includes canned tomatoes, frozen fruits and veggies, and canned tuna.
- Foods with added ingredients: Foods that have ingredients added that enhance the flavor and/or texture of a food. These added ingredients may be sugars/sweeteners, colors, spices, or oils, and examples of these foods include spaghetti sauces, yogurt and even brownie mix.
- Ready-to-eat foods: Foods that require little to no additional preparation once purchased. These include things like crackers, granola bars, graham crackers and deli meats.
- Heavily processed foods: Foods or blends of foods that have been severely altered and therefore are not recognizable as a food in its natural state. Examples include potato chips, cookies, frozen meals, candy and pop (soda, cold drink).
If you want to clean up your diet, eliminate these types of foods. You can stop wherever you choose and spend as long as you’d like on any stage.
If you would like additional help, schedule a consultation. Remember: This is a marathon, not a sprint! Anything that you do is better than what you were doing before!
Reference: www.eatright.org
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