What's Clean Eating?
You may have seen me promoting my 21 Day Clean Eating Challenge? After seeing such great results in my clients, I have decided to host this a few times a year. So what exactly is Clean Eating?
‘Eat whole foods instead of processed foods whenever possible’.
Clean Eating via a whole foods diet is more of a goal and lifestyle than a specific eating plan or diet. Eating whole foods is a good way to get plenty of nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber in your diet, which may lower inflammation and improve your health so you can detox naturally. Concentrating on whole foods like fruits and vegetables leaves less room for higher-calorie, higher-fat options, so it may help some people lose weight. You'll find yourself eating plenty of nutrient-packed fruits and veggies, heart-healthy fats, satisfying lean protein and high-fiber whole grains.
What are whole foods?
· Minimally processed foods as close to their natural state as possible.
· No additives such as sugars, starches, flavorings, or other manufactured ingredients.
· In general, the idea is to favor whole foods as much as you can: Potatoes instead of potato chips, grilled chicken breast instead of chicken nuggets, and so on.
· When purchasing food outside the produce department and fish or seafood counter, you will read labels and look for artificial ingredients, preservatives, and additives.
Processed foods
Processed foods are defined as foods that have been somewhat removed from their natural state as a result of chemical, biological and/or mechanical manipulation.
Foods with ingredients added for flavor and texture, such as sweeteners, spices, oils, colors, and preservatives.
Ready-to-eat foods. Some examples of these more heavily processed foods are crackers, potato chips and similar snacks, granola, and deli meat.
· Heavily processed foods. These often are pre-made meals like frozen pizza and microwaveable dinners. This category also includes man-made concoctions such as soda, donuts, cookies, and other baked goods, and candy.
· Heavily processed foods often contain artificial ingredients such as preservatives, colorants, fake flavorings, and chemicals designed to give them a particular texture.
BENEFITS OF CLEAN EATING
1. Lower inflammation:
Inflammation is at the root of most all pain and disease. Whole foods have healing properties that help to minimize and manage inflammation, preventing pain and disease. Removing processed foods removes inflammatory foods from your diet.
2. Weight loss:
A Whole Foods diet is naturally lower in calories than the Standard American Diet. The body tends to thrive and stay naturally slim with a Whole Foods full of nutrients.
3. Glowing skin:
When eating clean you are getting more vitamins, minerals, and hydration that starts to show up in your hair, skin and nails.
4. Better mood:
There’s a strong correlation between food and mood. Clean Eating keeps your blood glucose levels stable which helps keep your mood stable and less depressed.
5. Healthier body:
The famous Hippocrates said “let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” While eating nutrient dense foods from nature, your entire system is going to look and feel healthier.
