Eating clean is a lifestyle, so start by making the changes you know you can stick with right now. If you're the type to jump right in to a new plan, go for it! If you have to make one small change at a time, that's fine too. Do what works for you!
Eat breakfast every day, within an hour of rising. Eating breakfast helps keep the body nourished and satisfied while providing abundant energy.
Eat a combination of lean protein and complex
carbohydrates at each meal. According to
Lee Labrada, fitness guru and author of The Lean Body Promise, "By eating protein with your complex carbohydrates, you'll slow down the carb-to-fat conversion process." This is why complex carbs should always be eaten with protein.
Eat sufficient healthy fats every day. In order to lose weight and keep the body looking fit, you must eat some fat! Many physicians recommend omega-3 fats, which the brain depends on to fight depression. Healthy fats can be found in fish, nuts, seeds, and some oils such as sunflowers, avocados, olives, and peanuts.
Drink two or three liters of water each day. Water is the very basis of life! Both losing and maintaining weight depend on
adequate hydration.
Depend on fresh fruits and vegetables for fiber, vitamins, nutrients and enzymes. These complex carbohydrates take their time being processed in the belly. The longer things take to break down, the slower the insulin response, and the fuller, thinner and happier you are!
Carry a cooler packed with clean foods each day. It's easy enough to eat clean at home, but as soon as you step out your front door it can become more difficult. If you want to be sure that each meal you're eating is clean, get in the habit of taking your food with you!
What to Avoid (the Don'ts):
* All over-processed foods, particularly white flour and sugar.
* Chemically charged foods.
* Foods containing preservatives.
* Artificial sugars.
* Artificial foods (such as processed cheese slices)
* Saturated and trans fats.
* Sugar-loaded beverages, including colas and juices.
* Excessive amount of alcohol.
* All calorie-dense foods containing little or no nutritional value (anti-foods).
* Super-sizing your meals!
