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?????
So this is what is now replacing the food pyramid. Hmmm. Study it for a minute and let me know your thoughts. I'll tell you mine. First of all, it doesn't state how much, how often. And having a protein, grain, fruit, vegetable and dairy at every meal is too much food. Also, where's the fat? Fat is actually really really important in our diet, I'm talking the good fats, like olive oil, nuts, and avocadoes.
