Simple Tips to Get You Started Eating Clean

There are so many fad diets and gimmicks out there, but this health coach believes the best way to get healthier, no matter the state your body is in, is to eat clean whole foods. Clean eating means eating simple, whole, unprocessed, unrefined foods.  Goodbye junk food! Here are the tips I share with my clients.

Clean Out Your Pantry

Get rid of all the over-processed junk food, often containing white flour and sugar. I'm looking at you cookies, crackers, and cakes. Load your new pantry with all my Clean Eating Pantry Staples.

Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking plenty of water is always a good choice.  It prevents dehydration, eliminates waste, keeps your temperature normal, and lubricates and cushions your joints.

Eat More Whole Foods

Eat more whole foods like fruits, vegetables, eggs, grass-fed meat, nuts, whole grains, seeds, and dairy.  Stick to those foods that occur in nature and are not made in a factory. (Smoothies are great for packing in the leafy greens!)

Limit Refined Carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates are those with sugars and refined grains that have very little nutritional value.  Try to opt for whole wheat flour when possible. Avoid white bread, white pasta, sweet desserts, and many breakfast cereals. Try eating a Chicken Grain Bowl for lunch instead of a sandwich.

Add in Healthy Fats

Try to incorporate some healthy fats into your diet. Fat has gotten a bad rap, but it's an essential macronutrient that helps to protect our hearts and can reduce our risk of cancer.  Try this delicious Avocado Chocolate Smoothie.

Eat Oatmeal For Breakfast

Oatmeal is whole grain and loaded with fiber which will help you stay full.  It's also the perfect blank slate for all the delicious seasonal fruits for topping! Check out my list for lots more healthy oatmeal toppings.

Meal Prep For Healthy Lunches

No one has time to make a fresh salad from scratch every day, but when you have all the components already prepped in the fridge, you can throw it together.  Wash your greens when you get home from the store, roast some vegetables, and make a big batch of quinoa on Sunday. Then you can assemble salads in five minutes, like this Quinoa Salad with Greens.

Keep Dinner Simple

I've got one word for you: Sheet Pan!  With minimal fuss, you can easily prepare a sheet pan dinner in under 30 minutes.  All you need is some fish or lean chicken and a bunch of vegetables.  Toss with some olive oil and seasoning and throw it in the oven.  Try this Sheet Pan Salmon.