Clean Eating 101

So what’s the point of eating clean? Besides the moral and mental boost the words evoke, many advocates are seeking clearer skin, weight loss, increased energy, stronger hair and nails, improved mental health, and better sleep.

Rather than simply going on diets, these individuals, myself included, are often making sustainable lifestyle shifts when they choose to eat clean.

Here are some of the principles of eating clean:

1. KEEP IT WHOLE (foods that has not gone through “manufacturing”)
2. GET IN THE KITCHEN (restaurant food is generally more processed and over-seasoned)
3. ELIMINATE REFINED SUGAR AND CARBOHYDRATES (white foods)
4. MAINTAIN BLOOD SUGAR (eat whole foods every 3-4 hours)
5. COMBINATION OF PROTEIN FAT AND COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES (aim for a serving of each group at every meal)

Not all calories are equal. It’s easy to eat an entire bag of potato chips but more than one or two apples would be laborious. The difference is that whole foods actually fill you up and fuel you, whereas empty calories like those found in candy, chips, and sodas fill a mental craving but don’t physically fill you up.

Remember this: There are no confusing ingredient labels on whole food.

The way you do one thing is the way you do everything. If you take care of yourself by eating beautiful whole food you are more likely to be engaging in self-care such as exercise, meditation, baths, massages, and other techniques that enrich your life. When you feel great you are more able to move through your days with joy and ease, you are also creating nurturing, supportive relationships. How you define it personally is up to you. We are all individuals so listen to your body and make good choices.

HGC owner Liane Juhl Høier is one of the new contributors to the HGC website blog and the Beet newsletter. Liane works as a Holistic Health, Wellness and Lifestyle Coach and is passionate about educating and supporting a healthy lifestyle.