More Fun than Rice 'n Veggies
The first time I heard the words "Eat Clean" I had no idea what they meant. But because I was losing my hair by the fistful and had lost my usual pep and energy, I was ready to try it. Basically, EATING CLEAN means deciding to eat foods that are closer to their natural state and unprocessed. This does not mean eating an all-RAW diet, although raw food would be considered 'clean' as well.
If Eating Clean is your goal then you perhaps you've landed here because you're in search of a plan to help you achieve it. Ordinary American life requires that most of us leave the convenience of our own kitchens every day so that we can go to work, meetings, travel and school. The challenge, then, is to figure out how to continue to eat in the cleanest way possible, while away from our own kitchen. That's where the planning comes in and where I hope I can help.
My Story
In 2001 I was living the madcap life of a single mother with a corporate job. As I groped for help with my flagging energy, my diet became more and more dominated by caffeine and simple carbs. And we're not talking fresh veggies! Instead of feeling better, I felt worse by the day. I sought out medical advice and turned to alternative medicine after a disappointing visit to my HMO.My new naturopathic doctor prescribed 30 days without caffeine, wheat products, sugar, and dairy. A mineral supplement to accompany this new regimen was also prescribed. She called this a Liver Detox Diet.
At first glance, it appeared that I would be eating steamed rice and vegetables for the next 30 days. But after quizzing my ND further, I realized there were more options available to me. I was determined to cook healthful meals and to enjoy my new way of eating and began modifying recipes I'd been cooking with for years.
Giving up the caffeine was probably the hardest part, as was the toast that I was programmed to eat along with my poached egg in the morning. But as each day passed, I found new avenues for culinary enjoyment. This was when the kernel of a cookbook idea first made an appearance!
As the month progressed, I felt stronger and clearer. I was a clean food convert! Although I have reintroduced coffee to my diet, it is now decaffeinated only. And much of what I prepare at home is organic. (Dining out is another story!)
Benefits to Eating Clean
Improvements you'll enjoy
- Energy & Vitality- Clear Skin
- Hair health
- You'll be sure to get your 5 fruits & vegetables each day
- Weight management is easier when your diet is 'clean'
- Sets a great example for the kids in your life
How to Get Started Eating Clean
The idea can seem overwhelming
Take a deep breath. Have a seat. Maybe you're even sipping a cup of tea (herbal?!) right now as you read this. Relax. Changes can be made as radically as you choose. If you want to go whole hog and do what I did, here are the steps to eliminating wheat, dairy, sugar and caffeine.Step #1. Remove processed treats and temptations from the cabinets and refrigerator. It will be easier to stay focused on eating clean without these reminders teasing you.
Step #2. Make a menu plan for the next week. A menu plan serves a dual purpose: 1) the planning will be done, and 2) helps with the shopping list.
Step #3. Make a shopping list. You'll be shopping the perimeter of the grocery store, without a pit stop at the bakery, I might add. Fresh produce. Organic/free-range meats. Organic/free-range eggs. (Some of you may choose to eliminate eggs as well.) Brown rice. Quinoa. Is there a farm stand or farmer's market in your area? I have a weekly ritual of driving six miles out of town to pick up fresh eggs from a friend who lives on a farm and my glass-bottled milk and beautifully displayed produce at a farm stand. Shopping this way requires more time and effort than the quarter mile drive to a supermarket, but I value the total experience. Not only do I have the opportunity to purchase fresher, healthier foods this way, but I support local agriculture and business, see the countryside and follow the seasons in a different way than the city provides.
Step #4. Start cooking!
Eating Clean ... by the book
Books to help you with an Eating Clean diet
I am a book lover and book writer -- offering book suggestions just seemed natural!
Dream Big, Live Large - the blog
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byFlickr's Visual Feast
Beautiful photos of healthy foods and cookbooks to whet the appetite.
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Loren wrote
I'm totally prepared to eat clean! I'm already half-way there, as a former calorie and fat counting vegetarian...I do love my fruits and veggies! I'm a total caffeine addict, even work at a coffee house. However that's not my challenge or purpose for going clean. About a month ago, I introduced a few refined sugars to my system after having gone months with little to none an basically a no-fat diet. In all of my stress at the time, these few treats have lead into an all-out two month carb and sugar binge. I literally can't have "a" p-nut butter sandwich (more like 3) or "a" bowl of cereal (3 again!). I've been looking up carb addiction and insulin levels all night and know that I need to nip this now. I'm not going to get chubby!! I already work out, but have a few ?'s: is tofu ok in this lifestyle? Non-fat milk? And lastly, as a vegetarian, can I use egg-substitute instead of the real deal? One more...the "least offensive" espresso drink I can have??? Thank you so much! I'm jazzed!
Posted October 02, 2008
Khara wrote
Here I go.....
Posted September 04, 2008
Khara wrote
Here I go.....
Posted September 04, 2008
Deseri wrote
I have been eating clean for 9 days. I feel sooo much better already and have already lost 5 lbs. 35 to go! My question is what is wrong with wheat? I have began eating 100% whole wheat bread thinking I was doing good. Was I wrong?
Posted September 01, 2008
I've been eating clean for almost 5 years now and I should say it really helped me a lot in shedding off extra fats especially when I combined my organic food-eating habits with a diet program called Fat Loss 4 Idiots! Although I have achieved good results, I'm still open for other suggestion in clean living & clean eating & I've very grateful to have come across this site of yours! Thanks for sharing! by the way, if you haven't heard yet of Fat Loss for Idiots, try to read this Fat Loss 4 Idiots review to get a bird's eye view! Hope sharing this will also mean a lot to you!
Posted August 10, 2008
Shaw wrote
I'm starting my journey. I'm preparing as I type... looking for recipes. I'm very excited to embrace this change in my life... thanks for the insight.
Posted December 10, 2007
LCorvette wrote
I've been eating clean for only 5 days - but - I feel absolutely FABULOUS!! What about adding sweet -n- low to coffee - is that considered "Clean"? Also - sugarless gum?
Posted July 12, 2007
surfsusan wrote...
Hi Lisa,
Giving up coffe is not for sissies!
The headache I had for 7 days after stopping was almost unbearable.
Now that I am "clean" I do fell much better.
Nice lens you have.
Susanne
Posted May 04, 2007
kathleengilday
Lisa, Love your encouragement! I needed the motivation to get back to eating clean. Thanks, Kathleen
Posted April 17, 2007
by lovingfit
In 2001 I went looking for alternative ways to regain my health and vitality. With the guidance of a naturopathic doctor, I underwent a one-month live...
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