Are you looking into starting a clean eating diet? Regardless of whether you’re trying to shed some pounds or to start eating healthier, a clean eating diet will help you accomplish both of those things and then some! Eating a clean diet means you’re getting rid of all nutritionally deficient foods in your diet, like fried, sugary, fatty and processed foods. I know, it might sound really hard but I’ve got seven helpful hints to get you started, so let’s get to it!
Starting a clean eating diet means cutting back on some of the not-so-healthy indulgences that we all enjoy. You don’t have to totally cut it out of your life; there are some health benefits to drinking alcohol so don’t feel like you have to deprive yourself. You can certainly enjoy alcohol in moderation, as in the recommended 1 drink per day, and still maintain a healthy lifestyle!
Eating a clean diet means eating whole foods rather than their processed, broken down counterparts. Let’s take an apple for example. The best way to consume it is to eat a raw apple, next best would be eating unsweetened apple sauce and last would eating an apple pie snack. They all contain apples but it’s best consumed in its natural state!
As a salt lover, it’s hard for me to cut back on salt but I learned that there are many different ways to spice up meals without all the sodium! We need salt in our diet for proper bodily function, but we often consume way too much salt from processed foods and dining out. Be conscious of your salt intake by making your meals and keeping track of the salt you use; the daily recommended amount is less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, per the Mayo Clinic.
Another part of eating clean is to drink tons of water! I know, you hear it all the time, but if you want to eat a clean diet, you don’t want to undo all your hard work of eating clean by downing sodas and sugary drinks! Make water your drink of choice and enjoy other drinks on occasion. It might be hard in the beginning but water is great for weight loss, healthy hair and skin!
Whole grains are another big part of eating clean. If you’re a big fan of white bread, rice and pastries, whole grains might seem like a huge bummer, but it’s not! Once you get used to eating whole grains you’ll really enjoy the taste and texture, and they help you stay full longer. Start eating whole grain bread, brown rice and try quinoa- a very versatile grain that’s super easy to make!
A huge part of a clean eating diet is consuming more fruits and veggies! Many people think they can’t get full or satisfied eating a meal made up of mainly vegetables but that’s not true! There are so many different ways to prepare veggies that are delicious and very filling! The next time you prepare a meal, start off with a small salad or make veggies the focal point so you fill up on all the essential nutrients and vitamins first!
Fats are another thing that our bodies need but we often consume them in excess. We want to avoid eating saturated and trans fats, but there are “good” fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that help improve blood cholesterol levels, which can decrease your risk of heart disease. Start cooking with olive oil instead of butter and be sure to read labels when you’re buying packaged foods.
Eating clean doesn’t have to be difficult! It might be challenging to get used to at first but you will look and feel so much better as a result! Follow these simple tips on making smarter choices on foods and drinks and you’re on your way to living a healthier and leaner life! Do you follow a clean eating diet? What are your favorite foods?