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I am writing you because recently my dad has been on this clean eating kick. I really didn’t know what it was and me and my sister would make fun of him as we skyped with him for it because every second word out of his mouth was clean food. I didn’t take him seriously until he told me about how much better he feels. He has much more energy and has even lost some weight. He’s been at it for about two months and a bit and says he feels better than he has in a long time. So with his testimony of clean eating I decided to investigate it some more. I went home this weekend and he cooked me some meals and I loved what he made. I’ve gained some weight recently and because of his testimony of it I am now investigating clean eating. I came across your blog and favorited about a zillion of your blog post for meals that I want to make in the future. Since I am just starting out I was hoping you could give me some tips and advice regarding clean eating. Like one specific question is with your green drinks, is that all you have for breakfast? Should protein powder be added to it? I would appreciate SO much!!
Let me start off by congratulating your Dad! That is truly inspirational!
Clean Eating is by far the easiest way to eat: Eat from the Earth. However, this is a concept that is really not that easy at all. The traditional Western diet is far from this concept and we have been shown that convenient is much better for our lives. Fast food, processed food… this does not mean it is healthy for our body. Far from it, actually. We, as a Nation, are eating our self to the grave. Heart disease, diabetes, cancer… it all stems from the foods we fuel our body with.
When you start making your transition, start slow. The more overwhelmed you feel the more likely you will start to stress and make bad choices. And please do not think of this as another “diet”. Diet’s do not work. This is a way of life. And like any new way of life starting slowly is the key to lasting success.
I also encourage research. Lots and lots of research. Knowledge is power, as they say. But like any subject, there will always be opinions, contradicting thoughts and facts and people who may not support this way of life. And that is OK. The focus should be on you and what your body needs to survive and what makes you feel the healthiest. For me, eating a plant based diet makes me feel the best. This means not animal products of any kind. Am I 100% committed this this eating style? For the most part, yes. But it is also about balance and feeling good about my choices.
I have always been very bad at making meal plans for my eating. I never know what I will be in the mood for at any given time. But I do know that it is an essential part of a lot of peoples lives and a successful tool for weight loss and gaining control. As you transition into a new way of eating, try to become very self aware of your body and listen to it. You might go through periods where you will crave junk food, sugar, etc. These cravings are your bodies way of saying “I have become dependant on these foods”. This natural detox is essential for recovery. Don’t give in to these cravings because your body DOES NOT need junk food to live and survive. However, if you are starting slowly like I recommend you might not experience these feelings at all.
Some key points that are easy to follow are:
- Eat small, frequent meals. Eat smaller meals and clean snacks to help keep you energized and full feeling.
- Drink that water! Cravings can easily be controlled by drinking water.
- Read labels. Or better yet, don’t buy food that has ingredient labels! A good rule: Don’t eat something you don’t know what it is!
- Avoid processed and refined foods. Stick to whole foods.
- Eat healthy fats. Avocados, nuts, flax, heart healthy oils…
- Keep your portion sizes in check.
- Slow down and enjoy the foods you eat. Eat with family, with friends and chew consciously.
I am planning on writing more Clean Eating posts in the future. For now, I hope this helps. If you have any suggestions or questions you can always email me (cleaneatingmama@gmail.com) or post a comment.
Healthy Eating!
The Clean Eating Mama 