Eating healthy is an important step towards maintaining your health, but it can be overwhelming to know where to start and how to maintain it in the long term. Here’s everything you need to know about eating healthy, so you can feel confident about the food choices you make. Follow these rules for eating healthy and clean, and you’ll soon have more energy than ever before!
What is Eating Clean?
There are lots of definitions out there but eating clean can simply be defined as avoiding processed foods, refined sugars, and excess fat. Basically, if your great-grandmother wouldn’t recognize it as food—don’t eat it! Eating healthy is an investment in your body. When you choose quality food sources over quick fixes like junk food or heavily processed meals from restaurants or stores—you become healthier both inside and out. Eating clean isn’t about depriving yourself; it’s about providing your body with all of its needs so that you feel energetic and vibrant throughout each day.
Why Should I Eat Clean?
Eating clean ensures you’re making healthy choices in your diet. When you eat clean, you cut out foods that can harm your body, like sugars, artificial sweeteners, refined carbs and processed foods. Instead of these unhealthy foods, incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet for a boost of vitamins.
Simple Ways to Start Eating Clean
If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to eating healthy, we can help. Here are a few strategies that will point you in the right direction. Getting your body back into shape doesn’t have to be difficult; it just takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself as you adjust your diet—and remember that living a clean lifestyle is a work in progress, not an overnight miracle.
Complete Foods List
A complete food is one that contains all your essential nutrients. As an adult, you’ll need all these nutrients every day to function properly: carbohydrate, protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, minerals and water. If your food doesn’t contain them or they are not readily available in your diet (such as if you eat a lot of processed foods), you can take supplements. In other words, eating a complete diet means eating all of these key nutrients every day.
What About Eating Out?
You should still strive to eat clean when you’re dining out but avoid extremes. Consider that portion sizes are large, so share an entrée with a friend or take half home in a doggy bag. If you have a healthy option on your plate, fill up on it first before digging into your favorite dessert. If possible, ask for sauces and dressings on the side—they can add extra calories and fat without adding much flavor. Also keep in mind that alcohol is full of empty calories; if possible, drink water instead of sugary cocktails. And finally, be sure to check nutritional information online before heading out for dinner; most restaurants post their menus online these days (and many include calorie counts).
Easy Foods for Beginners
Eat healthy but don’t break your bank. There are plenty of cheap healthy foods, like vegetables and fruits, that you can eat on a budget. If you’re new to eating clean or shopping smart, start with these staples. While more nutritious foods tend to be more expensive (like eggs vs. ramen), it is possible to stay healthy while keeping food costs low. Be sure to buy in bulk whenever possible, as it will save you money in the long run!
What if I Fail? Section
Having a backup plan will make you feel more secure. Even if it doesn’t work out, you’ll have another idea in mind for your future. And let’s be honest—everyone fails from time to time. It’s best not to think of failure as an option; instead, use it as a learning opportunity. Try again and you might find yourself succeeding on your second (or third) attempt!
Sample Meal Plans
Creating a balanced meal plan is essential for staying healthy. Without thinking about which foods you’re eating, it’s easy to fall into bad habits. By planning out your meals ahead of time, you have a much better chance of staying on track with your diet. Plus, if you know exactly what you’re going to eat every day, it makes grocery shopping easier! Here are some great meal plans that offer balanced nutrition in just three different formats.
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