We’re back again with more clean eating tips! Get excited everyone because this is sure to help you get on your way to adopting a healthier lifestyle. After the initial “Clean Eating” article, I’m sure many of you were probably wondering “Okay, so now what?” and that’s normal. I am here to help you get going on your journey to clean eating. In order to start, you have to purge the bad stuff from your pantries, cabinets, and refrigerators. The best advice when doing this is to work slowly! Throwing it all away at once can be traumatizing, stressful and just downright awful. To avoid a disaster situation, start small. You will be much more successful this way!
When you adopt a different diet routine (by diet I don’t mean the fad diets you see women doing. I mean the way you eat your food), your body starts to go into a shock. To avoid such a shock to your system, start out by removing certain foods slowly and introducing healthier, cleaner substitutions. For example, you can get rid of the starchy white pastas and potatoes you have. Replace them with whole grains, whole wheat, and other various healthier options. Instead of having those irresistible, buttery yellow potatoes you should grab some delicious sweet potatoes! These are a much better choice for you and you can fix them so many ways to suit your taste buds!
Next, you may want to start filtering in a ton more veggies instead of granola bars for your on-the-go-snacks. Choose things that will keep you excited about snacking; veggies you love! Broccoli and carrots are my go to choices. You could also think about adding in some nuts to the mix to keep things even more exciting. These are all great options to get you on your way. They will add a little pep in your step every day and you will feel like a million bucks!
If you purge your entire household in one fell swoop, you will find yourself facing some pretty insane cravings. Not to mention the few days of detox may seem a little rougher than if you do this in waves. Take it from some of my personal experiences. By starting slowly, you will feel more confident in your change of diet. It won’t seem like such a chore either, but rather as something you look forward to and feel proud of. You will be treating your mind, body and soul right. What could feel better than that?
I’ll let you in on a little secret; there are just some things you really may not be able to replace. For me, that’s coffee with cream. I never add sugar (and avoid fake sweeteners at all costs!) but I cannot pass up adding cream into my coffee. For me, that’s the one thing I refuse to give up. But don’t use that excuse for cookies, chips, and ice cream. I would stuff my face with 3 tubs of Ben and Jerry’s Cookie Dough every night if I didn’t know it wasn’t good for me. Instead, I choose a yummy flavored Greek yogurt or blend frozen bananas for a tasty, guilt free treat.
Here’s a beginner’s grocery list to get you started:
– Various veggies (Broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, spinach, snap peas)
– Fruit (Apples, pears, berries, oranges, peaches, bananas)
– Natural peanut butter or almond butter (No additives!)
– LEAN meats (Think chicken, turkey, etc.)
– Greek yogurt (This can be used SO many ways)
– Nuts (Almonds, cashews, peanuts)
– Spaghetti Squash (Check out some AWESOME recipes for how to cook this)
– Almond milk (Cow’s milk has tons of antibiotics, is high in fat and is full of other additives)
– Eggs
– Brown rice
– Quinoa
– Oats (If you love Instagram, you can find some incredible oatmeal recipes on there)
Don’t forget to drink lots of water every day and to get your body moving. These tips will help you to feel above and beyond! Remember, it is all about loving yourself. Feel good in your skin, walk with your head up and be confident. You are worthy of feeling the best you possibly can so don’t forget to remind yourself how amazing you are everyday, no matter what.
What are you waiting for? Now is the time to start adopting that clean lifestyle you’ve been lusting after! You know the guidelines, you have tips and advice; its time to get moving!
Photo credits:
http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/clean-eating-broccolini-pasta-v-.jpg
http://wannaeatlikeme.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/food-is-fuel2.jpg
http://www.healthydunia.com/admin/addarticle/image/_13071851e782b74a972diet-diabetic-1200×900.jpg
http://shechive.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/da-mo-1416.jpg?w=500&h=750