I hope you are ready for this clean eating challenge of eating real food. Clean Eating is about eating real, natural food not processed food. Being able to read a label on a product and all the ingredients are made with food and not additional chemicals and additives or contain items you cannot pronounce. Get back to eating food not processed junk.
Why Start Clean Eating
Eating real food is like getting back to basics of cooking for your family. This is food just like (great) grandma use to make. All natural whole food with out adding chemicals and additives to make it look better or last longer. It is about making more of your food yourself. This also helps save money to help you afford to buy organic whole ingredients. Once your body is free of chemicals you will feel so much better and want to eat healthier every day. I know
I have more energy and think much more clearly when I eat clean food. Your body is a machine if you put good wholesome food in, it will work better. It is easier for your body to process all natural ingredients than to process chemicals and additives. Better nutrition into your body and you will feel better.
Food Requirements for Clean Eating Challenge
Meat (fish, poultry, pork, beef, venison) – Fresh, wild caught, local, pasture raised meats. No farm raised or grain fed.
Fruits & Vegetables – Local, organic or grown
100 % Whole Grains – No white wheat, no white rice
Dairy (milk, yogurt, eggs & cheese) – organic, whole, pasture raised. No grain fed
All Natural Sweeteners – Honey, Maple Syrup and fruits
Beverages – Water, milk, all natural juices, coffee, tea, wine & beer
Foods to Stay Away From
Refined Sugars – No cane syrup, high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners
Refined Grains – No white rice or white flour (ingredients must say whole wheat or whole grains)
Nothing in a box or bag that contains more than five or six ingredients
No fried foods
No fast food
If you cannot afford organic or farm raised meat, buy whole cuts of meat and grind them yourself. You can sometimes ask your butcher to grind it for you. You don’t always know what parts they use to make ground meats. Buy organic fruits and vegetables you plan on eating the skins of like apples, grapes and cucumbers. To save money you can purchase regular oranges, lemons and bananas, since you do not eat these skins of these fruits. These are just a few guidelines to help you save if you can not afford to purchase everything organic.
I have to admit the no sugar is very hard for me. I have managed to cut out a lot of sugar from our diets. Especially no high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Sometimes I slip and buy something with HFCS, because I didn’t read the label. Don’t beat yourself up if you happen to slip up from time to time, just get back on track. This is a lifestyle change and not just a diet. It will take a some time and getting used to for everyone. I have been trying to do this for the past year and I can’t wait to show you some easy steps to get you started on this clean eating challenge. For more Clean Eating Ideas follow along on my Pinterest board.
Are you ready for the clean eating challenge?
I was JUST talking ot someone about doing this…but no grains. VERY hard. I may join you….
I would love to have you join me in this challenge! I have done no grains and yes it is more challenging, but there are so many alternatives out there. I will be discussing a few grain free meal options too.
I look forward to reading about your journey eating real food! It would be a challenge for me!
It is a challenge, Betsy. It can be made easy given the right tools and helpful hints. I hope you follow along this month.
I am the same. I love to bake and cook in the winter time. It is just too hot to have the oven on in the summer.
I’m working on this! I wouldn’t say we officially eat clean YET…but it’s getting better!
I did a Whole30 Challenge and loved how great I felt after eating clean for a month. This post is a good reminder to try a little harder to eat healthier even with the looming holidays!