I have mentioned “eating clean” or “clean eating” many of times before. Most of my favorite recipes come from the Clean Eating Magazine. You have probably heard the term mentioned in many places, but what does it really mean? It is just another trendy buzz? Or is it something worth learning about and putting effort in to, as a part of your healthy, sustainable fueling plan?
When it comes to the question, “What is Clean Eating?” there is no better place to look for a simple and straight forward answer than the Clean Eating Magazine.
Below is their summary (with Rejoov additions in italics!) and explanation as to what exactly Clean Eating encompasses from their Nov/Dec 2010 issue:
The soul of clean eating is consuming food in its most natural state, or as close to it as possible. It is not a diet; it’s a lifestyle approach to food and its preparation, leading to an improved life – one meal at a time.
- Eat five to six times a day Three meals and two to three small snacks. Include a lean protein, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and a complex carbohydrate with each meal. This keeps your body energized and burning calories efficiently all day long.
- Drink at least two liters of water a day (preferably from a reusable canteen, not plastic)
- Get label savvy Clean foods contain just one or two ingredients. Any products with a long ingredient list is human-made and not considered clean. especially when you can’t pronounce or don’t recognize many of the ingredient names
- Avoid processed and refined foods such as white flour, sugar, bread and pasta. Enjoy complex carbs such as whole grains instead. ex: quinoa, brown rice, millet, oats, buckwheat, kamut berries
- Know thy enemies Steer clear of anything high in saturated and trans fats, anything fried or high in sugar.
- Shop with a conscience Consume humanely raised and local meats. ask your grocer if you are not sure or look at the front label, they will usually market if raised humanely
- Consume healthy fats (essential fatty acids or EFAs) every day.
- Learn about portion sizes and work toward eating within them. eating small, balanced meals frequently throughout the day will help you to recognize what portion sizes work for you
- Reduce your carbon footprint Eat produce that is seasonal and local. It is less taxing on your wallet and the our environment. http://www.sustainabletable.org/shop/seasonal/
- Drink water with a lemon wedge A glass of red wine for a special occasion is OK but it should be a rare indulgence. The health benefits of red wine are reversed after more than one glass a day.
- Slow down and savor Never rush through a meal. Food tastes best when savored. Enjoy every bite. try to put your fork down between each bite
- Take it to go Pack a cooler for work or outings so you always have clean eats on the go.
- Make it a family affair Food is a social glue that should be shared with loved ones. Improve the quality of your family’s life along with your own.
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