Friday, September 2, 2011

Clean Eating Tips

Here we go....the post you've been waiting for! Haha....I know, I know. People probably roll their eyes now every time I mention "clean eating," but it is really is SO beneficial. Most people want to take care of their body, but think it's too hard, complicated, expensive, or time consuming. That is not true, and regardless, it is WORTH the benefits.  I heard a quote the other day that I just loved... "Twenty years from now you're more likely to regret the thinks you didn't do than the things you did do"....So take care of yourself! You'll be thankful to have your health down the road. Ask anyone who has had a heart attack or heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, etc. It IS worth it, friends.
A study by the National Center for Health Statistics revealed that 66 percent of adults in the U.S. or 133.6 million people are overweight or obese, with more than 31 percent in the obese category. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that by 2005-2006, the number of obese adults in the U.S. had increased to more than 33 percent, equating to more than 72 million people.  American has a problem.  Clean eating can help!

Clean eating can be challenging at first, but once you get the hang of it, it is AWESOME. You'll see that it's more about a lifestyle than a diet.  Here are some of my top "clean eating tips" to get ya started on the right track....
  • Plan, plan, plan. Plan meals, grocery lists, & take clean foods with you everywhere you go!
  • Eat smaller meals, and eat more often.  You should be consuming 200-300 calories every three hours or so....this will help keep your blood sugar stabilized and keep you from overeating.  (Do NOT skip meals!)
  • Water is KEY! Do yourself a favor and DRINK MORE WATER. Hydration is essential in flushing toxins, proper organ function, and aids in digestion. It helps you feel more full and keeps your skin, nails, and hair healthy.
  • EAT BREAKFAST!!  A clean, healthy breakfast with a combo of lean protein and complex carbs.
  • Avoid: white carbohydrates white past, bread, rice, etc.), preservatives, sugar, saturated and trans fats, and soda.  Anything processed (man made, in a bag, box, or package) is not nearly as good for you as whole, natural foods.
  • Surf the web for clean eating recipes.
AND, I really recommend reading books like The Eat Clean Diet Recharged to help you get started....
It explains all the benefits of eating clean and gives MANY helpful tips, meal plans, grocery lists, and recipes.  If you want your own copy, you should enter my for 1st GIVEAWAYa chance to win your OWN copy! (And a copy of my other fave- The Lies Women Believe!). Giveaway ends Sept 4th!

3 comments:

Always Learning said...

My mom fed us organic food since I was 5 years old and I am now 53! She was way before her time. I raised my children the same way and they have never had allergies, asthma, or any of the illnesses that afflict so many. Eating food the way God created it is a wise thing to do. Great post!

Danielle said...

1) thanks for the tips, I haven't been able to find that book at any local book stores and 2) I have that quote on my facebook page :) I think it's from Mark Twain, he has lots of inspiring quotes. Thanks for all the nutrition tips!!!

Amber @ A Little Pink in the Cornfields said...

I so need these books!! :)
I have found your blog through Jamie over at This Kind of Love and I am definitely adding you to my reader. Have a wonderful weekend!