Have you heard the buzz about clean eating? What does it mean and how can you start? Keep it simple. It’s all about enjoying whole foods—minimally processed and free from preservatives or additives.

 

Clean eating isn’t about a specific diet or making food restrictions. If you are wondering where to begin, you can start in your own kitchen with a clean sweep of your pantry and fridge.

 

Ask yourself two questions:

 

Would your great-grandmother recognize the food or the ingredients? This is a good rule of thumb and an easy way to evaluate items. Also, if you can’t pronounce an ingredient, it’s probably one you’d be better off without.

Does it have seven ingredients or less? Read food labels for things like condiments, dressings, and sauces. Avoid ingredients such as added sugars, hydrogenated oils (which increase LDL cholesterol), sodium nitrates, high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial colors.

 

Swap out and stock up! Start in the produce aisles. The priority on your plate should be fruits and vegetables, followed by leaner cuts of meat and seafood, and nutrient-dense carbohydrates like quinoa, brown rice, or oats. Boost your veggies by trying spiralized noodles, sweet potato toast, zucchini boats, or jicama taco shells. Naturally flavor your foods with fresh herbs, spices, and honey.