Clean Eating

Well there’s a new Sheriff in town, and he’s called clean eating! Every week there is a new sensation floating around the web, promising lost of weight and healthy living through diets and lifestyle changes. For a while I tried to get into the Vegan lifestyle, always finding myself lacking time, innovation and desire to keep up with the veggie only diet! But if you know me, I am always looking for a lifestyle change that incorporates healthy eating and that encourages living life to the fullest! As I geared back up to loose 20 lbs and get my body in shape for the summer, I followed many body builders and fitness models, who declared a clean eating life! I thought.” Clean eating? What is that, washing your food thoroughly so that you get rid of the dirty fats and calories?”, I chuckled, but it was something new that I could definitely follow!

Clean Eating is eating for the sake of nourishing your body with food as close to it’s natural state as possible eliminating high sodiums, sugars and preservatives. There are no fancy meal plans, points, numbering systems, or calorie restrictions. When you begin to replace the processed, fried and unhealthy foods from your diet with whole grains, fruits, veggies and lean protein, your body will respond in amazing ways. Your muscles will respond to the added lean protein by growing which will speed up your metabolism.  Your body will respond to the whole grains by regulating itself. Your body will also rid itself of water weight caused by excess sodium that is in processed foods. Your Hair will respond to the Iron-rich protein, which can boost the production of keratin in the body and improve the health of skin, hair and nails. Liver, fish and lean meats build keratin in your body.

Here’s how to get started

1. Eat  Lots Of Plants – Eat food that is straight from nature. (Some people say “as close to the way nature made it as possible”. But I think that leaves too much wiggle room – in my humble opinion) Eat mostly foods that are off a tree, bush, plant or vine, and you’ve pretty much got it covered. The idea is to stay away from anything that humans (food corporations) have altered in any way.
2. Include Meats - Eat meats that are whole and straight from the butcher. Don’t buy pre-packaged meat products because you never know what’s in them. When possible, buy whole meats and grind them yourself. You’d be surprised what’s in ground turkey meat! You can also select a few turkey breasts and ask that the butcher grind them for you. Many butchers are more than willing to accommodate.
3. Enjoy Grains - Eat grains that are still complete and haven’t been broken down into “glue”. Stick to brown rice, whole wheat and other whole grains.
4. Read Labels I don’t know how many breads I’ve picked up at the store that say they are whole grain. But when I take a look at the ingredient list, white flour is the second ingredient after whole wheat flour!
5. Eat Fewer Ingredients. Try not to purchase foods that have more than 3-6 ingredients in the ingredient list. And be sure you recognize each and every ingredient. If you find a “mystery ingredient” such as “spices”, contact the company! Ask them what they consider to be spices. If it’s anything other than honest-to-goodness herbs and spices, avoid it! And remember, if you can’t pronounce it, it probably shouldn’t go into your body.
6. Eat 5-6 small meals per day. This may seem like a lot at first. But remember, you are eating smaller portions. If you really have a hard time with this, prepare your regular three meals and a snack for the day, and divide lunch and dinner in half. You’ve instantly got 6 small meals!

Look out for Recipes that encourage clean eating and healthy hair growth!