The Benefits of eating Clean



There can be many benefits of eating clean. Clean eating is not a new concept. Those involved in any way with health, fitness or nutrition, from fitness competitors to personal trainers to health-conscious individuals, have known about eating clean for years. However, clean eating is gaining popularity as a way to gain better health, easily maintain weight and as a way to lose weight and keep it off for life. But what exactly is clean eating? I have people ask me that question all the time. At its most basic, clean eating is making the healthiest food choices possible, opting for fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean cuts of meat instead of processed and refined foods. To eat clean, there are a few easy principles to follow. Eating a mini-meal every two to three hours (5 to 6 small meals per day total) to keep your blood sugar level and to prevent hunger. Combine lean proteins and complex carbs every meal. Avoid all over-processed and refined foods (especially sugar, white rice, and white flour). Avoid saturated and trans fat, instead consume healthy fats. Avoid sugary juices and drinks. Avoid high-calorie, zero nutrient foods (i.e., junk food). Eat proper portion sizes. Drink at least 8 cups of water every day.

When I describe clean eating I make sure that I do not call it a diet, although it is a great way to reduce body fat, lose weight, and keep the weight off. Clean eating is a lifestyle that requires time, commitment, and pre-planning and is not just a way of eating that can accomplish weight loss or overall health just by doing it on the weekends only. Clean eating is not about deprivation, avoiding food groups, calorie counting, or starvation, but about making healthy food choices and providing the body with the best foods possible.

Several years ago at one point in my life, I was 40 pounds overweight, depressed, and extremely unhealthy. When I finally made the decision to start eating clean, and to do it consistently, I started to notice the many benefits of it. I started to lose weight, I had increased energy, clearer skin, shinier hair, I slept better, and I was no longer depressed. I felt amazing on the inside and outside. Clean eating literally changed my life. I was no longer on sleeping medication, or medication for depression. I felt like a new woman.

Clean eating is not complicated, nor is it expensive. Oftentimes it is actually cheaper to buy clean eating foods than it is to buy prepackaged, processed foods. Although it is less expensive to eat clean and nutritious foods, it does require more time in the kitchen planning and cooking meals, but it is so worth it.