“Clean eating” is a concept that still baffles many. We’ve seen it on TikTok or perhaps heard about it on a podcast, but what is it really? With the health movement becoming even more mainstream, most of us are now convinced to eat better and healthier. We’re becoming used to the concept of less sugar, less salt, fewer additives or preservatives, and more fresh ingredients and organic items.
Eating “clean” is not just a fad or fancy trend. It’s one of the tried and tested ways to lose weight, improve your immune system, and live an overall healthier life. Here are coveted secrets from our weight loss consultants on how to start eating clean:
1. Load up on fruits and vegetables.
This means having not just the occasional apple slices or a scoop of berries but truly incorporating this into your meals every chance you get. Our weight loss consultants would say that the more colorful your plate, the healthier that meal is. Mix up your salads with unexpected organic ingredients to add loads of health benefits.
Add taste and color to your yogurt or sandwiches with a mix of fresh fruit slices and fresh green juices. Stock your fridge with a variety of produce, and you’ll notice a significant difference in your health.
2. Opt for whole grains.
Think of these as the kind of grains that have been least touched by processing. Add grains like quinoa, wild rice, and oats to your lunch or breakfast menu. You could also incorporate whole grain bread and whole grain pasta as ingredients in fixing up meals for yourself and your family.
Take a close look at the ingredients list on the box of “whole grain” items you purchase. Sometimes the label of “whole grain” or “organic” is not enough. There may still be added sugars and preservatives there. If your goal is to drop the extra weight, you might want to talk to weight loss consultants about how these whole grains can now be part of your diet.
3. Drop the sugar and salt.
The Institute of Medicine recommends capping about a teaspoon of salt a day and lower that if you’re over 50 years old with high blood pressure, kidney disease, or diabetes. This is easy if you cut back on processed foods because these have the most salt content on them. Focus your new healthy lifestyle on fresh ingredients and less (or no!) processed foods. It would be best if you talked to weight loss consultants about which meals to cook and prep for the different phases of your weight loss journey and how you can minimize or get rid of salt altogether.
4. Choose “green” ingredients.
Eating clean is better for your body not just because it helps with hormonal imbalance but because it is also better for the planet. The foods we consume should require little resources to reach our plates.
A straightforward method to accomplish this is by endorsing local efforts. Farm produce should come straight from your local markets to your grocery stores to your grocery bags—all in one day. Fruits and vegetables can be bought organic from your local market, and you’ll not only be eating healthier but also be helping your local economy by opting for in-season produce from farmers’ markets.
So those were some of the secrets for clean eating! Our weight loss consultants at Ultra Body are eagerly awaiting your call so we can discuss more about how to eat better, balance your hormones, and live healthier.
