5 Simple Tips to Clean Eating: A New Way of Eating
- Camille McClellan
- Dec 10, 2017
- 3 min read
Many people ask the question, “What is clean eating?” Clean eating is eating food in its most natural state - as nature intended it to be eaten. This is far better than eating manufactured, processed foods full of preservatives, chemicals, artificial coloring, and compounds that you can’t pronounce.
Clean eating is the way our ancestors ate, and there is no evidence that they suffered from modern day epidemics such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, or autoimmune conditions.
Clean foods don’t have bizarre chemicals, were not grown from a lab, and don’t contain antibiotics or preservatives. Clean eating is eating real, whole, unadulterated foods, with the emphasis on real. Clean eating is how humans survived for so long on this planet, and it’s time we go back to the way our bodies are meant to digest and absorb foods.
5 Simple Ways to Start Eating Clean Foods
Start Eating More Macronutrients: They include proteins, fats and carbohydrates, by Dr. Mercola’s article. Proteins provides amino acids, which are the building blocks for creating new tissue and rebuilding old tissue. Fats provide the fatty acids we need to create hormones and protect the trillions of cells in our body. Fats are the essential component we need more of in our diet. Basically, fats are essential. Carbohydrates are a fuel source our body needs. They are not building blocks like fats and proteins, and are therefore not considered essential. In other words, we can live a comfortable life without eating too much carbohydrate.
Start Choosing Whole Foods from the Supermarket: Simply focus on less canned, boxed, or frozen foods. When you enter the supermarket, head straight to the produce aisle, and stay away from the central portion of the store. That way you’re not tempted with foods high in sugars. Focus on the bright vegetables that are in-season. In-season foods are always more affordable if you are budget conscious. Also consider heading to a local farmers’ market, you will not only help out your local farmers in the community, but you’d also be saving money in the long run.
Fats, Fats and More Fats: Our bodies and our brains crave fats. Yes, fats! After heading to the produce aisle the next aisle of importance would be the fish: mackerel, salmon, tuna, trout and sardines are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. Prefer the wild-caught varieties, if possible. Other sources of good fats include: macadamia nuts, olives, olive oil, coconut oil, avocado, avocado oil, and walnuts to name a few. Eggs also contain high amount of good fats and protein.
Getting a Good Amount of Phytonutrients is Essential: Micronutrients include vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, which are natural chemicals found inside plants. Many plants, such as blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes, kale, spinach, onions, grapes, cabbage and brussel sprouts are are packed full of antioxidant phytonutrients, helping our bodies naturally cleanse.
Is it Food or is it a Product?: When transitioning to a cleaner, healthier diet this is the number one question to ask yourself. Is the food that I’m either buying at the grocery or picking on a menu at a restaurant coming from a real food source or just a product source? If you’re not sure than ask yourself, “Does it need to have other ingredients in it to be tasty?”
Eating clean is actually quite simple. Just… eat… REAL… food! It’s as simple as that!
Disclaimer: I’m writing from my health experiences and what I’ve learned about eating health foods. This article is for educational purposes. This article was researched from Dr. Mercola. If you suffer from an autoimmune condition or other chronic condition it is always important to seek medical advice from your licensed medical physician.
Camille McClellan, Naturopathic Practitioner
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