What is Clean Eating?

The term "clean eating" has gotten to be a normal phrase in America in the past few years.  It was coined by author of The Eat Clean Diet, Tosca Reno who wrote the book after making a whole lifestyle change at the age of 40.  The concept itself wasn't her idea, competition body builders and fitness models have been eating this way for years Our society, as a whole, got caught up in the easy and convenient (and lets face it, somewhat delicious) processed food in the boxes on the grocery store shelves.  Ms. Reno simply brought us back to basics.  Eating whole, foods in their most natural state.  Fresh veggies, lean cuts of meat, and breads and muffins made with the most natural ingredients.  When I first picked up her book I thought, "I could never give up all the foods that I love and just eat that stuff."  Little by little I started incorporated changes into my daily life.  I started reading labels and using her book and other resources as a guideline for what I would buy and fix my family.  The more I did it, the easier it became.  The more recipes I tried, the more I realized I wasn't going to be missing out on anything.  I definitely do have a 80/20 mentality, meaning I eat clean 80% of the time.  This is a good balance for me and lets me enjoy a meal or dessert at a restaurant without feeling like I am sabotaging my whole diet.  I know it's cliche, but it really isn't a diet, it is a lifestyle.  Here are a few of the principles of clean eating to maybe help simplify it.

By following these principles, it makes it easier to figure out what you should be looking for when eating.  It really is a very basic plan and not as complicated as some might think.  Now, here are some things to avoid when eating clean.  This also give a short summary of what NOT to eat. You will notice it is harder to "clean"  up your diet if you have a pantry full of boxed items and processed foods, but it can be done.  Trust me.  If you are going to work on your own diet first, then make sure you have lots of options on hand and at the ready.  This way, when the family is having nachos, you can have some popcorn made with coconut oil.  Or when they are all eating their candy treats from a holiday, you can enjoy a small piece of dark chocolate. 

After awhile, you don't even want those things anymore.  I have a bag of Doritoes in my pantry that I see every time I open the door, but it just doesn't even temp me anymore. (The Cheetos call my name more often.)  However, if you are going to jump in with both feet, then go for it.  My family eats healthier than they ever wanted to and they don't even know it!
If you would like to learn more about clean eating, meal planning and incorporate a workout into your daily life, fill out the application below and I will get YOU on the road to fit.

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