What is clean eating?
It is eating food in it’s most natural state, or as close to it as possible. More specifically,
Eating clean is the practice of eating whole, natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates. It also means staying away from the junk that typically makes up the Standard American Diet (S.A.D) These types of food include man-made sugar, bad fats (hydrogenated, trans-fat), preservatives, white bread, and any other ingredients that are unnecessary. An easy way to remember if a food is clean is: “if man made it, don’t eat it.” (source)
A Clean Eater:
- Eats 5-6 times a day
- Drinks atleast 2 litres of water a day
- Avoids processed and refined foods
- Consumes healthy fats
- Combine lean protein and complex carbs at every meal
“When you read the ingredient list, if you can’t pronounce it or don’t know what it is, don’t eat it.” (source)
Myself as a Clean Eater: I view clean eating as a goal. I feel better when I eat clean foods; happier and healthier. But I believe strongly in moderation, and I know that neither the occasional cinnamon bun or oreo will kill me. It’s the occasional that’s key!
What about borderline foods? Like agave-sweetened barbeque sauce, or Dark Chocolate (Natural) Peanut Butter? My personal opinion is that these are healthy and enjoyable options, when used to brighten up a clean food (like lean meat or oatmeal, respectively).
Do you consider yourself a clean eater? What are your thoughts on borderline foods?
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Well you said a mouthful! I have to say I agree with EVERYTHING you said. I eat about the same as you, I try hard at it. I usually splurge for social reasons (like my lunch date today).
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Hmm this is a tough one! I would say like you, clean eating is a goal of mine. I try, but I wouldn’t say I’m completely there yet.
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I strive to be a clean eater, but I don’t think I’m quite there – I eat too much cheese! Well, too much of a lot of things. I envy people who eat 100% clean…
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I do try to be a clean eater, but as many can probably agree sometimes its not all that easy. But getting as many “clean” things into my every day is something i do strive to do!
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yay i fit into all of that criteria!! i love clean eating, i just feel better.
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i try EXTREMELY hard to be a clean eater. i’ve already attempted amonth’s time without cereal (pretty processed.) i went back because i thought it’d be delicious as usual, but i guess i’m not that hung up on it as much as i used to. now i’m focusing on eating whole foods- i make sure i have a fruit, veg and protein at each meal. nothing “weird’. it’s the hardest to cut out hidden sources of sugar! (i cut out soy milkt oo)
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