The Basics and Benefits of Eating Clean

The origin of "eating clean" comes from...well...the beginning of time, really. Because it is so common sense and back-to-basics no one can really take credit for this movement. Let me explain what it means to "eat clean" and the benefits that come from it.

The Basics:

◦Eat a wide-variety of whole, unrefined and unprocessed foods in a form that’s as close as possible to how the foods appear in nature
◦Avoid processed sugars, especially sugary beverages like soda
◦Avoid saturated fat and trans fats, and instead substitute healthy, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats
◦Always combine complex carbohydrates with lean protein and some healthy fats at every meal
◦Spread your food out over 5-6 smaller meals, consumed every 2-3 hours
◦Eat for maximum nutrient density. In other words, avoid “empty” calories found in fast food, soda, snacks, cakes and cookies, and substitute in nutrient-dense snacks.
◦Pay attention to proper portions and practice portion control
◦Drink lots of water (at least 8 cups a day.)

The Benefits:

◦Decreased body fat
◦Increased lean tissue (muscle)
◦Improved energy
◦General improvements in overall health and immunity
◦Decreased risk of certain types of diseases like diabetes, stroke, heart disease and cancers
◦Less consumption of pesticides, artificial food additives and preservatives, sodium and sugar
◦Less impact on the environment, since Eating Clean is also Eating Green; the foods you preference in a Clean Eating diet are minimally processed, and thus use less energy and produce less waste than highly-processed foods
◦Less expensive. Contrary to what you might believe, Clean Eating is actually more cost-effective and less expensive than eating pre-packaged food or fast food. For instance, for the price of a Super-Sized Big Mac Meal Deal, you could prepare an entire pot of healthy soup that would make more than a half dozen meals that are healthier, more satisfying and more nutritionally-dense.
◦Sustainable. Unlike fad diets, Clean Eating is a holistic approach to eating that a person can practice for their entire life. You don’t “go on” a Clean Eating diet — you’re always clean eating.

How more common sense can eating clean get?????

True

My Latest Obsession--The Mango

Let me first start off by telling you how the Mango and I fell in love. During this last pregnancy of mine I sort of had an addiction with....Cadbury Creme Eggs. The big one with the creme center. No...seriously, you do not understand how addicted I was. I do have to say, when I am pregnant I get really sick and food NEVER sounds good...unless of course it were a Cadbury Creme Egg....then it always sounded good. Well, my cute darling husband would bring me one home from work EVERY night. (3-4 nights a week--started at about month 7 or 8 of pregnancy). Sometimes he even brought home 3 or 4, and sadly I ate them all......that same night. Well obviously, I started feeling really guilty about these treats being my only source of nutrition....so one night I told him how much I appreciated this highly-anticipated-date with my creamy chocolate eggs....but I really needed to eat healthy. And since no real food sounded good, I told him to surprise me with something from the produce section. The next night he brought me home.....A Mango. Oh No, I thought. Did he really take me serious? Did you really not bring me home another Cadbury Egg? Seriously? (that's when I started hyperventilating because I really wanted my treat)....(then, that's also when I realized I had a real problem!) I was disgusted. It didn't look good, I'd NEVER had a mango....can you believe it. But, I tried it and it was good. Just good, though. The Cadbury Eggs came again the next night. Fast forward to after the baby was born, reality hits, my taste buds return to normal, and my mind switched to rational mode...and I start freaking out because of all the chocolate creamy weight I had gained...and I start really focusing on getting sugar OUT of my diet. Then one bountiful basket order last summer came a few mangos....and I was OBSESSED with how SWEET, JUICY, and AMAZING they were. The rest is history. We are now an item....I totally broke up with Mr. Cadbury Creme Egg. (we may have a fling since they are "in season"...but not anything like last year!) Moral of this story... Being pregnant really alters your rationality...your taste...your body.....and a whole lot of other things.....and also DONT JUDGE A FRUIT WHEN YOU HAVE A BUN IN THE OVEN.


Let me tell you all about this wonderful fruit called the MANGO:

-They are a REAL comfort food. Beyond vitamins, mineral, and anti-oxidants, mangos contain an enzyme with stomach soothing properties. These enzymes act as a digestive aid, and truly do give you a feeling of contentment during and after you've eaten the mango.

-Mangos are a great tenderizing agent. Because of those above stated enzymes, they make the mango an ideal marinade.

-Great Source of Fiber. Eat a mango a day....and you will stay regular! An averaged size mango can contain up to 40% of your daily fiber.

-Mangos are a great source of potassium....perfect snack for after a workout!


I found this WONDERFUL website: http://www.mango.org/. It's the National Mango Board...cool hu? They have recipes, ways to cut and eat mangos, info and games/activites for kids! But...mostly...I can't wait to try these recipes using mangos:

Mango Caprese Salad



Mango Coconut Chicken



Mango Almond Crepes



Honey Grilled Fruit with a Lime-Mint Vinaigrette



Baja Fish Tacos with Fresh Mango Salsa



Mango Avocado Chopped Salad



Tropical Mango Sorbet


I seriously wish I had the time and energy right now to go and make every single one of those recipes, because they all sound deliciously incredible. And last of all doesn't everything about the Mango get you so excited for summer!!!!!!!



PS. I get my mangos from Bountiful Baskets, and Costco. (and quite possibly my farmers market....can't wait!)