Quick Synopsis
Keep coming across the term "clean eating" and wondering what exactly it means? You're not alone! Every wellness guru and health coach under the sun seems to use this phrase, but not all of them are clear on what eating clean means and how to do it.
Is clean eating a health trend worth following? We've got the scoop (plus tips for eating for optimal health).
The Full Story
What is “Clean Eating”?
Ok, drumroll, please...“clean eating” doesn't really mean anything.
There is no definitive definition. The term is subjective.
For some, a “clean meal” could be a slice of poached wild-caught salmon with a side of olive oil sauteed green beans. For another "clean eater," meat and oil are out of the question and everything on their plate must be organic.
Although there is no one true definition, “clean eating” typically means choosing whole foods and moving away from processed ones. And it doesn't get any "cleaner" than a whole food plant-based diet.
What does plant-based mean?
Think eating plant-based sounds restrictive? We beg to differ! If this blog was dedicated to listing all the things you CAN eat on a plant-based diet, we'd be here all day. We won't put you through that. Instead, we'll list the 3 items we look to avoid or minimize on a well-rounded plant-based diet.
Not part of a plant-based diet:
- Meat (including fish and chicken)
- Diary (yes… this means yogurt)
- Eggs (even the whites!)
All fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, leafy greens, and grains are 100% on the table so eat up!
What is a whole food?
A whole food can be defined by answering this question: Do the ingredients on your cutting board appear as they grow in nature?
Apples are a whole food. Apple juice is refined, because by pressing out the juice, you are discarding the fiber, leaving it no longer whole.
When it comes to rice, choose brown over white. Brown rice is stripped of its germ and bran to make white rice. Brown rice is a whole food, while white rice is the refined version.
When you follow a whole food plant-based diet, this doesn’t mean you have to sit around eating whole heads of broccoli. You can minimally process whole foods and combine them to make delicious smoothies, soups, pasta dishes, and more.
And you can find minimally processed whole food products at the grocery store. It's all about reading the ingredients! Some brands of brown rice pasta contain nothing but brown rice and water. Other brands have some filler ingredients making it more processed and less like the whole food it is. Same goes for things like apple sauce. Some apple sauce brands contain nothing but whole apples, others are loaded with added sugar.
Our tips for grocery shopping on a whole food plant-based diet? Learn how to read nutrition labels and get familiar with whole food plant-based brands.
Rather not grocery shop at all?
We don't blame you! It can be overwhelming, especially at first. The good news? MamaSezz delivers ready-made whole food plant-based foods to your door - so we've got you covered wherever you are in your "clean eating" journey.
Why eat "clean" plant-based foods?
There are many reasons to follow a whole food plant-based lifestyle - what you eat can have a huge impact on your mind, body, and soul. Here are 5 great reasons to get started with a "clean" plant-based diet:
1. You will lose weight, naturally
Eating a whole food plant based diet can drastically decrease your chances of being overweight and help you lose weight, naturally.
Why? Plant-based foods are naturally rich in fiber, high in nutrients, and low in calories.
Not sure where to start? Those following the MamaSezz Guaranteed Weight Loss Program have lost up to 12 pounds a month from a simple diet change. The best part? You don’t have to starve yourself! Those on a plant based diet tend to consume more volume of food and STILL shed weight… without exercise!*
For those who are naturally slim, don’t worry. A “clean” or whole food plant based diet helps your body to settle to its intended weight, too.
*We aren't advocating for a sedentary lifestyle. Moving your body is an important piece of healthy living - we're merely pointing out just how much a plant-based diet can promotes weight loss, exercise or not!
ORDER MAMASEZZ GUARANTEED WEIGHT LOSS BUNDLE NOW
2. You will enhance your natural beauty
Forget expensive moisturizers and night creams. Clean eating is the new skincare routine. The MamaSezz Beauty Bundle heals from the inside out.
Your skin is a great barometer for your overall health. When you have acne, premature wrinkles, yellowed eyes, or uneven skin, it can be a red flag that your body is fighting hard to purify your system.
Once your kidneys and liver are detoxed through clean eating, your skin will follow suit. Fruits and veggies are loaded with natural antioxidants that fight off free radicals which cause damage to the skin.
Those who consume more whole food plant based meals often have more supple, elastic skin with fewer fine lines and wrinkles. For quick and visible results, try the MamaSezz Beauty Bundle which is specifically designed to help you consume the most vital nutrients for healthy, glowing skin.
Learn more about the MamaSezz Beauty Bundle here.
3. You can prevent (even reverse!) chronic disease
The foods we eat have the potential to hurt or help us. Did you know with a simple diet change, you can prevent and reverse heart disease (the number one killer of Americans)? Eating this way can also prevent and reverse type 2 diabetes, protect you from or slow the progression of certain cancers, and slow the progression of age-related ailments including joint and muscle pain, weakened immunity, endurance, and fatigue.
4. You will increase your longevity
Studies show vegans live longer than their meat eating peers. But it's not all about quantity - it's about quality...of life! Instead of spending their aging years in hospitals and recliners, many plant-based eaters are able to stay active and continue doing the things they love well into their golden years.
And there we have it: the fountain of youth, discovered!
5. You will boost your endurance
Speaking of staying active, did you notice more and more top athletes are switching to a more plant-based diet? Eating whole plant-based foods can shorten recovery times and boost endurance. If you’re an athlete looking for more information on a plant-based lifestyle, we highly recommend checking out the movie “The Game Changers."
Ready to boost your performance with plants?
Check out the MamaSezz Peak Performance Bundle!
It's specially formulated for vegan athletes by MamaSezz and cardiologist Dr. Jami Dulaney.
What does “clean eating” mean to you?
Although there isn't a concrete definition, it doesn't get any "cleaner" than “whole food plant-based." No fillers, no animal products, no processed junk. Just delicious whole foods in their natural state to give you all the nutrients you need to do the things you love.
Any step towards conscious eating is a step in the right direction.
Get started with clean plant-based eating today.
By The MamaSezz Team