When we talk about “clean eating,” we’re referring to a lifestyle in which we prioritize the highest quality and healthiest foods in our daily diet. Those that eat clean are more likely to eat fresh produce, unprocessed cereals, lean meats, and healthy fats. This also means that you have to drastically cut back on synthetic meals your body has no use for.
These include refined grains, large amounts of sugar, and salt. However, eating clean does not mean emptying your kitchen; instead, it’s more about adding more fruits and wholesome foods to your daily dietary routine. This article will comprehensively discuss some of the various ways that you can engage in wholesome eating.
Ten Ways to Eat Clean
● Eat more vegetables and fruits: Filled with vitamins, fiber, minerals, and other essential ingredients that your body needs, vegetables and fruits are ideal for eating clean. Studies have further highlighted that a high intake of fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of many illnesses, such as cancer and heart disease.
● Reduce your processed foods: You need to reduce your intake of processed foods, as they can lead to an increased risk of heart complications. These types of foods contain an unhealthy range of ingredients, such as artificial colors, preservatives, stabilizers, etc. Processed foods also lose a significant part of their nutrients, simultaneously heaped
with added sugars, sodium, and other ingredients used to preserve them.
● Read Labels: You also need to read the labels of packaged foods to ensure that they are no added sugars or preservatives. This rule of thumb also applies to fresh foods that are packaged and stored.
● Eat whole grains: Eating refined carbohydrates such as pasta, rice, and white bread adds nothing to the body –except unneeded calories. This is because many of these products lose their nutrients during processing. Instead, you can substitute these foods with oatmeal, barley, or bulgur. These foods lead to a reduced risk of heart disease and
a host of complications.
● Drinks lots of water: You can substitute those sugar-laden products such as soft drinks with water and herbal tea. Water aids in curbing hunger and keeps you full, giving you more energy to go through your day.
● Choose spreads wisely: When it comes to eating clean, margarine doesn’t meet the requirements. This is because manufacturers make them through a process known as chemical extraction, which leads to these products becoming highly processed. In addition, according to some studies, the presence of the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid (LA) implies that you are at risk of inflammation and obesity when you don’t complement this fatty acid with omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
● Limit your alcohol consumption: Frequent alcohol consumption, according to studies, has been linked with increased inflammation, digestive disorders, and a host of other problems. However, you can consume alcohol in moderation.
● Substitute vegetables in recipes: Another way of eating clean is to replace refined grains in your food with vegetables. For instance, you can get cauliflower and finely chop them to mimic rice or mash them to imitate mashed potatoes.
● Avoid packaged snacks: To eat clean, you need to avoid packaged snacks. These processed foods offer little to no nutritional value. Instead, you can invest in nuts, vegetables, and fruits rich in nutrients.
● Choose food from ethically raised animals: You can choose food from ethically raised animals to ensure healthy eating. For instance, studies have indicated that grass-fed beef contains more anti-inflammatory fats and antioxidants than grain-fed beef.