We know you’ve heard the expression “clean eating” before, but it’s become much less of an expression these days and more a phenomenon—one that’s sweeping the nation. Thanks to countless fitness fanatics (and even regular folks) who have grown tired of ingesting dyes and chemicals they can’t pronounce with their food, the clean-eating movement is in full effect.
What is Clean Eating?
It’s actually quite simple: Eat real food. OK, what do we mean by that exactly? Clean eating is about eating whole foods—so-called “real” foods— that are not processed, altered, or refined from their original, natural form. Some people claim that it’s about trying to minimize the amount of processing involved in our food, but die-hards insist on no variation from the natural form whatsoever (this could even mean cooking your food is a no-no because that is actually “processing” it).
With clean eating, rather than being mindful of calories or fat intake, for instance, you concentrate on how the food you’re putting on your plate actually got there. Ideally, there was very little man-made interference or manufacturing to get it to the grocery store or farmer’s market before it lands on your plate and then into your mouth. That’s real clean eating.
Can I Really Stick to a Clean-Eating Plan?
It can be tough. You might be asking yourself how realistic and reasonable is it to make the switch to clean eating without making yourself crazy reading labels. (Hint: If it has a long list of ingredients on the label, you’re on the wrong path!) So, you’re right to be concerned. It can be difficult to find foods that fit the clean-eating code.
You can blame that on grocery stores and their layouts that entice you toward processed foods. But, to be fair, even things you think are “good for you” like vegetable smoothies or instant oatmeal are processed. Plus, so many processed foods are advertised in deceptive ways that make them seem healthy—low fat, fat free, gluten free—but these items aren’t actually good for you despite their claims.
Another concern about clean eating is budget. Some fear it can break the bank. Even with slightly reduced prices at Whole Foods since its purchase by Amazon, finding affordable clean-eating options can be a real struggle. A recent Cambridge University study found that healthy foods are about three times more expensive per calorie than so-called unhealthy foods. Researchers at Harvard’s School of Public Health found that healthier diets cost about $1.50 more per day than the least healthy diets full of processed foods.
What are the Benefits of Clean Eating?
Myriad. Multiple studies have shown that diets full of fruits and vegetables can prevent certain chronic conditions and diseases, like high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. As if you needed more motivation than that, there’s further research that links clean-eating diets to healthy weight management, more energy, and a youthful complexion. Yup, we’re sold. Sign us up. Pro Tip: Chuze Blends onsite smoothie bars have expanded offerings including organic and non-GMO options. Check out Chuze Blends at our Broomfield CO gym, South Monaco CO gym, San Diego CA gym, Rancho Cucamonga CA gym, Corona CA gym, and Anaheim CA gym.