Make the transition to eating clean quick, easy and painless using this "how to" guide to get you started on your clean eating journey.
Clean eating has been a part of the fitness and bodybuilding world for decades. This style of eating is quite simply, one of the most basic and healthy ways to eat. Many of the magazine cover fitness models you may admire eat clean. They do so for good reason too. Eating clean can change your life, and it's not just for fitness models and bodybuilders. You have access to this type of eating as well. And the good news is, it's not complicated!
That said, many people feel overwhelmed at by what may seem like a daunting task. Completely changing the way you eat is no small accomplishment. But it doesn't have to be difficult. In this article, you'll find 8 tips for making the change to clean eating, smooth and simple.
- Clean out the fridge and pantry. If you have anything processed laying around, you will eventually eat it. Get rid of anything that has ingredients you can't pronounce, or wouldn't cook with in your own kitchen. Read every label. Remember that anything ending in "ose" is a sugar, as are evaporated cane juice, corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup. These are all highly processed sugars.
- Restock. Be sure you don't go to the grocery store hungry. Then stick to the perimeter of the store where most of the clean foods are kept. The only items you may need from one of the isles is water, oatmeal, honey or tea. The freezer section for meat is also an exception. Fill your cart with fruits, veggies, lean meats and fish as well as whole grains. Remember to read labels as you shop. With time, you will automatically know what to buy.
- Prepare. When you get home, don't just put those groceries in the fridge and forget about them. Take and hour or two to prepare them. Chop veggies, peel any fruits that need peeling, hard boil eggs, and make recipes that you can portion out and freeze for those "grab-and-go" days. An organized fridge and freezer make for easy clean eating!
- Prevent. Make sure you are prepared for emergencies. Find an old shoe box and a few plastic containers. Fill them with items that will last a while such as nuts, dry oats, 1 scoop of protein powder and even some protein bars. Keep your clean eating emergency kit in the back of the car. Make one for your office too. The idea is to be prepared for any situation. Then mark a date on your calender to refresh your kits in case you don't use some or all of them.
- Inform. Make sure that everyone in your household knows what you are doing. Be sure they understand that they are not being helpful when they offer you that bite of their hot fudge sundae. Having a strong support system will go a long way to helping you succeed. Talk to friends, coworkers, anyone that you feel will help you and support you
- Remember. Above all, keep in mind that most recipes can be converted to clean eating. There are of course exceptions, but most can be adapted. So eating clean does not really mean giving up your favorite foods. It simply means that you will prepare them in a different way. You should never feel deprived while eating clean. On the contrary. Eating clean should open up a whole new world of fresh and fabulous foods.
- Adjust. If you are very accustomed to eating processed foods, it can take some time for your taste buds to adjust to the flavors of fresh and healthy foods. This adjustment will not happen overnight. Enhance foods with extra spices and clean sauces until you begin to adapt. It can be a slow process, but one that is very worth it in the end.
- Have fun! Remember to enjoy the journey! This is not some tedious task you must force yourself to accomplish. Regaining health is an exciting adventure that should be enjoyed! Take a moment to appreciate your small accomplishments. Notice the first time you truly enjoy the flavor of fresh spinach. Admire yourself the first time you can walk or run a mile in under 15 minutes. Be kind to yourself and appreciate the little steps that will equal very large rewards in the end.
Copyright Tiffany McCauley. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
Tiffany McCauley - Tiffany McCauley publishes TheGraciousPantry.com. A blog about clean eating recipes.
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