Eating “Clean?”
For the very best diet, consider eating food that’s “clean.” One of my books A Recipe for Life by the Doctor’s Dietitian outlines easy steps to eat “clean” food.
What does it mean to be eating “clean”? Webster’s Dictionary defines clean as free from dirt or pollution. In the nutrition world, clean eating is considered eating organic unprocessed foods that are:
- pesticide-free
- hormone-free
- free-range
- grass-fed (versus corn fed)
- non-GMO (genetically modified organisms)
Eating clean is a process or a journey of slowly reducing the amount of manufactured processed food that you eat. Eating solely organic foods would be a difficult way to live in the world, considering most of us eat out or at friends’ homes, but it is a worthwhile aspiration with myriad health benefits.
A good way to start eating clean is to avoid food in boxes or packages such as chips, crackers, cookies, donuts, etc. since they contain refined processed carbohydrates with trans fats or omega 6 fats and do not have a favorable long-term effect on health.
If you can afford to buy organic, free-range, or grass-fed food, these are the most optimal and can provide long-term benefits. You might see a slight increase in your food budget now, but you could save on health costs later. Eating clean food is an investment in your future and the environment.
Since a barrage of fake food abounds in America, switching your diet to clean, non-processed foods takes a conscious change. At first, this change can be quite challenging as you’ll need to rethink your refueling process. You are starting a new way of shopping, cooking and eating and educating yourself and reading labels takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged. In time, clean eating will become simple eating!
