Have you ever heard the old adage that you are what you eat? If this saying is true, then many people are in grave danger due to the abundance of chemicals they consume in their processed food. Close to 61 percent of the groceries we purchase consist of processed foods. This is an alarming statistic given that many of these foods have high sugar and carbohydrate contents. We are continuously feeding into the cycle that encourages obesity and diabetes among other conditions. However, we could change all of that with more clean eating patterns.

What is clean eating?

Clean eating is all about embracing a new way of selecting which types of food you consume. People who adhere to this type of eating regimen are committed to consuming whole foods, the kind that comes straight from the farm to your table. These items are minimally processed and have very little refining and handling involved. Basically, clean eating means enjoying your food in the exact form that it was grown in.

What kind of foods can I eat?

You can still enjoy a lot of your favorite foods with a clean eating regimen. The end goal is simply to consume fewer processed foods. This means that you should limit additives, preservatives, and food dyes. Other than that, you are welcome to eat many of these popular food items:

• Healthy fats like olive oil or coconut oil
• Whole grain flours
• Organic dairy items including yogurt and cottage cheese
• Seafood
• Produce (purchase organic for those on the Dirty Dozen list)
• Hormone- and antibiotic-free lean meats
• Nuts and seeds

What are the benefits of clean eating?

Clean eating is an extremely simple concept, but it boasts huge benefits for your overall health. The biggest advantage to clean eating is how it can boost your lifespan and significantly lower your risk of premature death. One study demonstrated that increasing your produce intake to 569 grams per day can lower your mortality risk by ten to sixteen percent. You will be much healthier and even save money on your doctor’s bills too.

There is a good chance that you will enjoy your food more because clean eating forces you to skip the drive-thru meals. You will have to sit down at the table to enjoy your home-cooked meal, relishing each bite. When we can eat mindfully and savor our food, we tend to eat less because we can recognize our body’s cues that it is satiated.

A better diet can improve almost every aspect of your life. The quality foods found in the clean eating lists can give you more energy and even sharpen your memory. Why not take a chance on all of the benefits that clean eating can offer?

When you want to learn more about holistic health, you need to find the best healthcare and wellness centre. At the Imagine Wellness Centre, we can walk you through the process of how to make healthier nutrition choices for yourself and improve your overall health. Give us a call today to see how we can help you!