Clean Eat Your Way to Optimal Health

In the time I’ve been working with clients on intuitive eating, I’ve heard just about every buzzword there is for the latest and greatest diet. The problem is this; diets usually don’t work.

Well, in the short term they might, but long-term, most diets are not sustainable. And many are downright unhealthy.

One buzzword that’s become very popular is “clean eating.” Yet, unlike many of the fad diets, clean eating can be very healthy.

What is Clean Eating?

Clean eating in simplest terms means cutting out the foods that are “not good for you,” like highly processed foods. Eating clean focuses on consuming whole foods that are minimally processed and as close to their natural form as possible. Unlike other ways of eating that can only be successful by limiting caloric intake, clean eating doesn’t require counting calories or carbs.

Clean-eating foods are often naturally low in calories and very high in nutrition. Whole grains, seeds, nuts, cooked beans and legumes and high quality locally grown and ethically raised proteins are generally considered clean.

However, as I teach in The Food Codes, even when eating clean, it’s important to eat according to what your body wants, needs and is compatible with. What may be good for you today, say bananas, may not be tomorrow.

When searching out lists considered Clean Foods on the web for instance, you will find contradicting opinions. This is why it’s essential to find the best foods for you, using your own intuition.

There are many benefits when you eat clean, yet you will have even greater benefits from intuitive clean eating. The best way to accomplish this is through muscle testing. https://thefoodcodes.com/muscle-testing-taps-into-subconscious/

Benefits of Clean Eating

One would be hard-pressed to argue against the benefits of clean eating. After all, you’re eliminating processed foods, eating as close to nature as possible, and getting a great deal of nutrients.

An essential part of clean eating is obviously the consumption of fruits and vegetables. By increasing the number of fruits and vegetables you increase your intake of fiber which has a direct impact on a healthy digestive tract. And, the satisfaction and benefits of chewing as well as the higher amount of fiber also gives a greater sense of being full.

But again, you must make sure you muscle test the foods you consume to assure they are best for you, individually.

Another benefit of clean eating is the amount of nutritional plant compounds that go into your body. Plant compounds are nutrients called phytochemicals that help the plant grow and thrive. These are needed for helping you stay healthy and beneficial in combating symptoms associated with conditions such as inflammation and arthritis. The nutrition from a whole food is better any day than taking a pill.

Further, clean whole food also supports weight loss and healthy weight management.

Although some people make clean eating seem difficult, it’s easier than you might think. A few ways to move toward clean eating are as follows.

Start Slow in the Beginning

Some people will find taking it slow works best, while others will be very black and white in their choice to eat clean. However, to avoid the risk of failure, try easing into a clean eating protocol.
Pick a day or a meal, to begin with, and focus on being consistent with that meal for a few weeks. Once you are comfortable with your habits, take another step by adding another meal or day of that centers around the concept of clean eating.

Clear Your Kitchen

To start on the road to success, it’s a great idea to get rid of all unhealthy, processed and junk foods from your kitchen. Check the cabinets, pantry and refrigerator. Read labels, and keep in mind, when you eat clean, you are less likely to eat processed foods that contain hidden sugars, salts and chemicals.

Shop the exterior aisles of the grocery store

Most grocery stores are set up with fresh foods on the outside perimeter. When you shop the outside perimeter, you can better control the best foods intake in your diet.

Plan Your Meals

Take control of your dinner table and kitchen by taking a little time to plan! If possible, plan out your meals for the week ahead. The more you plan your meals the less likely it will be to fall back on old habits of grabbing a “window diet” meal. You know the one; the window at a fast food place!

Once you know what your meal plan is for the week, make a grocery list. Grocery lists can be a lifesaver and help you control those impulses to buy things that are not on the list. With list in hand and shopping the outer aisles and bulk section at the store, you are sure to succeed with a clean eating protocol. And, may I advise, NEVER shop when you are hungry!

Remember, even clean eating requires you to tune into what your body requires. Muscle test your foods for the greatest outcome.