Starting a journey toward clean eating is an investment in your well-being. If you’re new to the concept, don’t worry! This beginner’s guide is here to simplify the transition, offering straightforward steps to transform your eating habits and begin a healthier, more mindful lifestyle.

Section 1: What is Clean Eating?

Clean eating is not a restrictive diet but a holistic approach to nourishing your body with whole, unprocessed foods. It’s about choosing ingredients in their most natural state, without all of the additives and excessive processing.

Clean eating emphasizes:

• Whole Foods: Opt for fresh fruits, vegetables, whole sprouted grains, pasture raised animal proteins, and healthy fats.
• Minimally Processed: Choose foods with minimal processing to retain their nutritional density and value.
• Mindful Eating: Be aware of portion sizes and listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues.

Section 2: Building a Clean Eating Foundation

Take Inventory

Before you start throwing everything away and overwhelming yourself, take inventory of what your family eats. What does a typical grocery store haul look like? Start taking notes on what is bought the most and start there. Replace it on your next haul with better options. This is not a race. Slow and steady is a pace. The key is staying focused on your goal. In no time the better, more whole foods, will have overcrowded the overly processed foods that were once on your list and in your home.

Embrace Fresh Seasonal Produce

Eating in season is what is best for our bodies. And our bank accounts. Seasonal produce is usually cheaper and it is by far superb in taste when its eaten in its natural season. Try looking for farmers markets or even farms that have farm stores. They will have seasonal produce in abundance and you’ll know exactly where your food came from. If they are pesticide free, that’s even better!

Section 3: Preparing Clean Meals

Simple Clean Eating Recipes

Clean eating doesn’t mean hours spent in the kitchen. Start with simple recipes that highlight the natural flavors of ingredients. For instance, a grass fed burger with homemade sweet potato fries tossed in avocado oil, salt and pepper and baked in the oven is both easy to make and delicious.

Balanced Meals

Clean eating is not just about what you eat but also how much of it you eat. Making sure to have enough protein on your plate is important. A plate full of clean foods isn’t so clean if you eat a mound of mashed potatoes and very little protein and a tiny salad on the side.

Section 4: Smart Shopping for Clean Eating

Preparing Before You Shop

Make an intentional grocery list before heading to the store. If you can do it a couple days before that’s even better. That leaves room for things forgotten and being intentional with the items on your list.

Subheading 2: How to Shop

Like I said earlier, try and find a farmers market or farm stand local to you to shop at. Buy as much from them as you can. If they have pasture raised meat, dairy, &/or eggs buy from them instead of the grocery store. When you have to shop at the grocery store aim to spend most of your shopping on the perimeter aisles. Buy grass fed when it’s an option. Buy pasture raised eggs instead of cage free. Buy whole milk dairy items without added “vitamins”.

Conclusion:

The journey to clean eating is a gradual process, and every small step counts. As you implement these simple steps, you’re not just changing your eating habits; you’re changing your relationship with food and setting the stage for a healthier, better life for you and your family. Think less trips to the doctor 😉