Have you heard the term ‘clean eating’? Probably. Most people have. But what is clean eating, and should you eat clean?

Clean eating is a rather simple concept. It does not focus on eliminating calories or carbohydrates, but rather, it focuses on mindful eating and selecting foods that are minimally processed. For example, clean eating could be selecting a whole apple rather than apple sauce with added high fructose corn syrup. 

Clean eating also focuses on the ingredient list. Many processed foods contain ingredients that are difficult (er, impossible), to pronounce. If you are unable to recognize or pronounce an ingredient it’s a pretty solid indication that the ingredient is not natural. But preservatives have their benefits! For instance, adding salt or sugar to a food can help increase shelf life and enriching foods with vitamins helps ensure there are less vitamin deficiencies in the United States. If you are really curious about the ingredients and preservatives in your foods, check out this FDA website to learn more and make your own informed decision.

Clean eating is essentially healthful eating that some individuals, Instagram influencers, and celebrities can take too far. If you are looking to clean up your diet in 2020, here are a few realistic clean eating suggestions:

Eat for nourishment: Too often we eat on the go, we eat because it’s meal time, not because we are hungry, and we eat mindlessly. Challenge yourself to shift your focus to eating for the health of it. Focus on the foods in front of you, take your time to chew each bite, and savor the flavors.

Eat more plant based foods: Plant based foods can be better for your body and they are definitely better for the environment. Choose more fruits and vegetables. Ramp up your intake of lentils, beans, and protein packed grains like quinoa and barley.

Eat more real foods: Select foods in their original form like the aforementioned apple rather than applesauce. An apple has less sugar and more fiber with each bite. Plus – an apple doesn’t come in plastic packaging! Try to select fewer processed foods and eat more whole foods.  

Improve your lifestyle: Clean eating isn’t just about what you are eating, it’s about your entire lifestyle. Get enough sleep at night – that’s 8-10 hours per night for teenagers, 7-9 hours for young adults, and 7-8 hours for older adults. Adopt a cleaner lifestyle by engaging in physical activity each day. It’s recommended that individuals exercise for at least 30-minutes per day, 5 days per week. Of course, The Yoga Loft if here to help you meet that goal!

Cheers to 2020.