When you put unhealthy food in your body, you probably won’t look and feel your best. Bad eating habits can cause acne, fatigue, mood swings, and lead to a number of serious diseases. If you’re looking for a fresh start for your health, consider banishing all the junk from your pantry and following a clean diet. Here are ten things to know about eating clean:
1. Stick to the perimeter of the grocery store
While there are a few wholesome offerings in the center of the supermarket, most aisles are full of preservative-laden chips, cookies and crackers. Avoid most of that packaged stuff and opt to shop along the store’s outer edges instead. Using this tactic will be a great start in your quest to live the clean lifestyle.
2. Fresh is better
When it comes to filling your plate, fresh cuisine is the best option. Fruits and vegetables that have been picked recently will give your body the vitamins and nutrients it needs to function at the highest level. Select foods that leave out all the preservatives and additives to stay at your peak.
3. Go for lean meats
If you’re trying to eat clean, it’s best to choose lean meats like chicken, turkey and fish. These proteins are typically better for you than fattier cuts of red meat. In addition, steer clear of anything breaded or fried. Instead, grill, roast or steam your way to a clean diet.
4. Read ingredient labels
While it’s best to eat fresh foods, there are naturally going to be times when packaged items are unavoidable. Always read the ingredient labels to determine what’s really in those packages. As a general rule, if you can’t pronounce the name of something, you probably shouldn’t eat it. Choose organic brands with as few ingredients as possible to properly maintain your body.
More: 10 Clean Eating Mistakes You Could Be Making
5. Drink plenty of water
For a clean diet, you should be sure to drink water rather than unhealthy beverages like soda. Try to sip it throughout the day and strive to consume about eight glasses. Drinking water will help you flush toxins out of your system and can even aid in digestion.
6. Reach for whole grains
Another tip for eating clean is to choose whole grains like brown rice and whole-wheat bread instead of processed white varieties. Not only are whole-grain items more nutritious, they’re also richer in natural, earthy flavor. You will be eating cleaner without sacrificing on taste.
7. Practice intuitive eating
Intuitive eating is a concept that pairs perfectly with a clean diet. You should always listen to your body each time you consume food. When you feel full, there’s no need to keep eating. By paying attention to the signals your stomach sends your brain, you’ll prevent overdoing it at your meals and keep your digestive system running smoothly.
More: 5 Ways to Start Eating Mindfully
8. Skip the salt and sugar
Avoiding packaged foods is a step in the right direction when you’re trying to reduce your salt and sugar intake. However, you will probably want to skip those shakers on the table as well. Luckily, the less salt and sugar you eat, the less you will crave them. It’s just one more way you can eat cleaner.
9. Use portion control
Most of us are accustomed to the massive portions served at many restaurants. Eating clean means you have to rethink your idea of what a serving looks like. Prepare your meals yourself whenever you can and use a plate that’s the appropriate size. When the food is gone, then you’re done. There’s no need to go back for seconds. It won’t take long for your body to adjust to the proper portions of clean eating.
10. Eat small meals often
Even though you’ll be eating smaller helpings, you won’t go hungry on a clean diet. Your body will actually work best when you give it a bit of fuel every four to six hours. As long as you stick to the previous rule on serving sizes, you can eat several healthy meals and snacks throughout the day.
More: 10 Foolproof Ways to Practice Portion Control
If you’ve been feeling tired or sluggish, it might be time to clean up your diet. These tips for eating clean will help you as you revitalize your body and work toward a healthier you. Make a clean break to live your best life now! Are you ready to change your unhealthy habits?