Health is wealth. Most of us strive to be healthy to avoid diseases that can result from unhealthy eating habits. Thanks to technology, we don’t have to be a dietitian or have a major in food science in order to know what food is good for our health and what isn’t. Information about healthy eating is just a click away.
We’ve all heard of “clean eating” on television and radio. What exactly is clean eating? First of all, clean eating is not a diet. It is a way of life that supports the consumption of food the way nature intended it to be. At the same time, consumers are encouraged to be conscious of the ethical issues concerning the production of their food. Clean eating could be the best diet plan there is, as it provides a wide variety of food choices and sources. Clean eating is not only good for the body but also the environment. Here are some ways that you can apply clean eating in your lifestyle:
Add more color to your plate/diet
Add more color to your diet by adding more fruits and vegetables. Widen your source of protein from lean meat to grains, nuts, and seeds. Fruits and vegetables are great sources of essential vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. It does not only help us become healthy inside, but it also helps avoid facial wrinkles. Vitamins E and C (which are both abundant in fruits and vegetables), coupled with sunscreen, are very helpful in combatting facial wrinkles.
Eat organic whenever possible
We’ve all heard of the horrors of pesticide-laden produce that we consume on a daily basis. Buying organic food is the best option. However, buying organic does not fit everyone’s budget. In this matter, the Dirty Dozen that was put together by Environment Working Group is a very helpful tool in choosing which food to buy only organic. Another alternative is to have an organic garden. The weather is getting warmer which is a great way to start a vegetable or fruit garden. This will not only save you money, but it will also enrich your knowledge on the food that you eat. This will be a great learning opportunity for children.
Know where your meat is coming from
Lean meat is a great source of protein, B vitamins, iron, and other minerals. Clean eating means being conscious of the sources of the food you eat. Buy only from sources that treat the animals humanely. Buying from local sources might be helpful.
Avoid processed foods
Processed food contains the high amount of sodium, preservatives, food colors, and other chemicals that could be harmful to our health in the long run. By avoiding processed food altogether, we are doing our bodies a favor of not being exposed to these possibly harmful chemicals. Planning a week’s meal and stocking up on healthy foods (instead of junk foods) in your pantry will promote a healthier eating habit. This could also be a good teaching opportunity for young children to adopt a healthy eating habit.
Stick on whole grain
Whole grain offers a variety of benefits to our health. One of which is a more stable blood sugar level. Whole grains are a staple in healthy eating regimens, even the best diet plan. Unlike, white starches, whole grains provide a longer and faster feeling of satisfaction. This makes it an excellent choice for keeping fit. White starch is not only bad for your body but also for your skin. Experts suggest that white starches promote the formation of facial wrinkles.
Spice it up
Use natural herbs to add more flavor to your meals instead of using commercial spices and marinades. This is a great reason to start a little herb garden right at your kitchen window sill.
Hydrate yourself
Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day. Avoid soda and drinks with high sugar contents (avoid anything with high sugar altogether). A good fluid intake assists the body to get rid of toxins naturally. Clean eating varies from one person to another; some includes a glass of red wine in their daily meals while others exclude alcoholic beverages completely. Whatever road you decide to take, remember that moderation is the key.
Give yourself some slack
There will be times that you would crave to eat some of the food that is not very healthy. That is alright. Reward yourself once in a while for a job well done on eating clean; doing this will help avoid falling out from your healthy habit. Just ensure that this is a random thing and be mindful of your portions.
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