The soul of Clean Eating is consuming food in its most natural state, or as close to it as possible. It is not a diet, it's a lifestyle approach to food and its preparation, leading to an improved life - one meal at a time.
* Eat five to six times a day - three meals and tow to three small snacks. Include a lean protein, plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and a complex carbohydrate with each meal. This keeps your body energized and burning calories efficiently all day long.
* Drink at least two liters of water a day
* Get label savvy - clean meals and foods aim to contain just one or two ingredients.Any product with a long ingredient list is human-made and not considered Clean.
* Avoid processed and refined foods - such as white flour, sugar, bread and pasta. Enjoy more complex carbs such as whole grains instead.
* Know thy enemies - Steer clear of anything high in saturated and trans fats, anything fried or anything high in sugar.
* Shop with conscience - consume humanely raised and local meats.
* Consume healthy fats - essential fatty acids, or EFA's
* Learn about portion sizes - and work toward eating within them
* Reduce your carbon footprint - eat produces that is seasonal and local. It is less taxing on you wallet and our environment. ( Maura's note: I would add to this "Eat foods produced in the US" to avoid unknown and potentially harmful additives. )
* Drink water with a lemon wedge instead - a glass of red wine for a special occasion is ok but it should be a rare indulgence. The health benefits of red wire are reversed after more than one glass a day.
* Slow down and savor - never rush through a meal. Food tastes bets when savored. Enjoy every bite.
* Take it to go - pack a cooler for work or outings so you always have clean eats on the go
* Make it a family affair - food is social glue that should be shared with loved ones. Improve the quality of your family's life along with your own.
I've also read in the pages of Clean Eating another tenet : Consuming spices with meals such as cinnamon, curry, red peppers ( any "hot" spices ) increase the metabolism. But this is not something listed above - but it is something to keep in mind.