Clean eating, is eating foods in their most natural form. This means consuming foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates. Clean eating is not a diet, but rather a lifestyle. It focuses on eating whole foods and limiting processed foods. This lifestyle can be for anyone looking to make healthier choices, get fit or improve their health. When you first start eating clean it can be a little overwhelming. Trying to figure out what is considered clean and what is not can be confusing. I suggest starting with changing your habits by taking small steps towards eating clean.
Here are some tips to get you started:
Avoid soda and sugary drinks. Opt for water instead and add lemon or melon for flavor.
Eat 5-6 small meals a day. Eating every 2-3 hours will prevent over eating, control blood sugar levels and boost your metabolism.
Read labels. Try not to purchase foods that have more than 5-6 ingredients. If the ingredient list is too long or you can’t pronounce any of it, it’s most likely over processed and unhealthy.
Prepare meals Ahead of time. Prepping your meals ahead of time will help you avoid temptation and hunger.
Avoid processed and refined foods. Most processed foods are high in fat, sugar, and salt.
Avoid sugar. Sugar spikes your insulin levels and has no nutritional value. Use honey or agave nectar.
Clean eating has many health benefits such as weight loss, increased energy and improved sleep habits. I hope these basic tips help you better understand the clean eating movement.
Please enjoy one of my kids favorite clean eating recipes…
Crunchy Oven Baked Chicken Tenders
1⁄4 C. honey (I love orange blossom honey)
1⁄4 C. mustard (I use whole grain organic)
2 C. Panko bread crumbs
15 – 18 chicken tenders
Prep Directions – Label 9×13 deep pan or another deep type of container. Pour honey and mustard into shallow bowl and mix well. Pour Panko crumbs onto a plate. Dip each chicken tender in honey mustard then crumbs. Store in pan with lid. Use wax paper between layers. Freeze if you desire.
Serving Directions – Bake tenders on foil lined baking sheet in 375 degree oven for 25-30 minutes or until juices run clear. Add to 10-15 minutes if frozen.