When talking about my diet, I often use the phrase "eating clean". It's taken me a long time to realize how important "clean" eating really is, especially in terms of weight loss and body fat reduction. First, let me clarify something. When I say DIET, I'm not talking about starving myself or following some fad eating plan you get out of a book. Diet is simply defined as the kinds of food that a person habitually eats. So what does it mean to have a "clean" diet? Well, eating clean is eating the way nature intended: whole and natural. I always say if it doesn't grow in the ground, on a tree, or give birth, we shouldn't eat it. Most boxed and canned foods are loaded with chemicals and fillers that aren't meant for the human body to consume. These preservatives and processed ingredients can cause bloating, fatigue, depression, insomnia, and an inability to concentrate. Some are even thought to induce symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and certain autoimmune disorders. It's no wonder so many people are overweight and in poor health.
Clean foods are those that are lean and occur naturally- fruits, vegetables, nuts, eggs, and meat. A common excuse for eating unhealthy is the fact that fast food and junk food is less expensive and more readily available. I won't deny that produce can be overpriced, but it's ok to buy these things frozen. Frozen vegetables are much better than those in a can because they don't have all the sodium. And I realize it's much easier to go through the drive-thru at McDonald's than to sit down somewhere and eat a salad. Cook your food ahead of time and pack your lunch along with some snacks. I take food everywhere I go, and yes, I get funny looks when I pull out my grilled chicken and sweet potato or my protein shakes. But I have more energy, I'm healthy, and I love the fact that I'm maintaining a healthy weight and body fat percentage.
Eating clean is a lifestyle, not a temporary weight loss program. You have to make these changes for the right reasons and stick to it. Here are some tips to get started:
-Eliminate refined sugar
-Plan your meals and take a list to the grocery store
-Pack meals and snacks when you leave home
-Increase your water intake
-Eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day
-Never skip breakfast
-Stick with complex carbs, healthy fats, and lean sources of protein
The trick is to stay away from man-made foods and eat small portions throughout the day. This will keep your metabolism at it's highest and give you more energy to get through the day. You don't have to totally give up the foods you love. Set aside one day a week to eat 2 "cheat meals". This gives you something to look forward to, kind of a reward for doing so well the rest of the week. Just remember diet is 80% of your success or failure in any health and fitness goal. If you have any questions about what my grocery list looks like, feel free to comment on my 3in1Fitness facebook page!
