What Does Eating Clean Really Mean?

What does eating clean really mean?  Somewhere out there on the “interwebs”, clean eating is defined rather simplistically as eating whole foods or real foods.  While, I do agree with this short definition, I think it can be expanded to have a more holistic definition that is personal and individual.

I think that “eating clean” really could mean eating in a way that is optimal and positive for your body, that provides you with the energy needed to get you through your day and means enjoying the things that you eat.  It also should mean having an eating plan that allows for a few indulgences every now and then.  

Hey, we are all human and life is meant to be lived, right?

Ultimately, eating clean is a personal decision or series of decisions.  That is the crux of it friends.  It is a personal decision and should be defined by no one else but you.

Having said that, however, below are 10 tips you may want to incorporate on your way to having a cleaner eating plan.

10 Ways to Eat Clean

1. Limit processed foods, make healthier homemade versions instead. While we are on this topic, home cooked is always better in my book, even though I LOVE to eat out!
2. Increase your veggie intake.  Try something that you have never tried before! Here is a tip ... buy a vegetarian cook book!  The recipes in some of those cook books are amazing and can offer up vegetables that you never thought to try!
3. Cut back on saturated fats.
4. Reduce alcohol intake.  I know the advice out there is 1 drink a day for women or 2 drinks a day for men. I have to admit to you, if I had a glass of wine every day … well, my body just can’t process all that sugar, so for me, it’s maybe 2 – 3 glasses of wine per week.
5. Speaking of sugar, eat less sweets (notice I said less).  I know there are those with a sweet tooth out there … you know who you are.  Also, sugar is EVERYWHERE!  Read the labels and see just how much sugar you are taking in.  You may just be surprised!
6. Watch your salt intake.
7. Choose whole unprocessed grains.
8. Eat less meat (again, I said less).  I’m a meat lover, so eliminating it is not in the cards.  Having said that, having a meat-less dinner or two is not a bad idea and can expand your horizons regarding what other options are out there.
9. Increase your fruit intake.
10. Increase your water intake.  Water is good for you!  

How about you?  What are some of your clean eating tips?  Comment below.  I’d love to hear from you!

Until next time …

Fran xo