How to ease your way into eating clean

Though snapshots of before-and-after weight loss, kale salad, or green juice with the phrase “eat clean” have been hijacking social media newsfeeds these past few years, the average person still believes that eating clean is reserved only for obsessed “CrossFitters” or bored, wealthy housewives.

I’m Jeanna Beals, and as a licensed nutritionist, I believe that cleaning eating need not be difficult or expensive. Here are some fundamental rules to get you started on the path of clean eating.  

 

Image Source: pfitblog.com 

Avoid processed foods, refined foods, chemicals, and preservatives

Processed foods contain insane amounts of refined sugars, refined flours, sodium, trans fats, artificial sweeteners, and chemical additives. These substances, which are made in a lab and added to your food in a factory, contribute largely to weight gain and chronic diseases.  

Embrace nature

Go whole, natural, and unprocessed when preparing and planning your meals. If you’re craving cake or a specific entree, check the labels for nutritional content before purchasing or ordering. Better yet, find a recipe and make the dish on your own so you can regulate the quality and quantity of your ingredients.

Image Source: huffingtonpost.co.uk

Eats lots of vegetables

Keep your refrigerator and pantry stocked with dark leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, celery, cucumbers, and the like. Shop, cook, and eat vegetables in season as well to get the vitamins, nutrients, and flavor at their harvest peak.  

 

Image Source: go30.co.uk 

Go easy on the fruit

Fruit is the best alternative to processed sweets and baked goods, but eating too much can still affect your blood sugar and hormones. Snack smartly and dispense fruit sugars sparingly.  

I’m Jeanna Beals, professional nutritionist and marathoner. I create sustainable, whole-foods meal plans, allowing individuals to enjoy life free of disease. For more on eating clean and fitness, follow me on Google+.