This summer, I told myself my diet was going to change. As someone who worked out everyday, I already felt pretty healthy. While I love the way my body looked, I wasn’t thrilled with the way it felt sometimes. I’d become extremely lethargic and tired after big meals. I constantly felt puffy and bloated. My stomach almost always felt upset after meals. I had oily, breakout-prone skin. I’d always wake up during the night for no apparent reason. I decided that diet was one thing that may be able to fix some of my problems. I decided to try clean eating. No dairy, no artificial coloring, no artificial sweeteners or added sugars or white breads/grains. Here are some tips I have for you if you’re thinking about eating clean, and the most important things I learned.
1) Learn as much as you can before you begin.
That way, you can decide if clean eating seems like a sustainable lifestyle for you! The internet is truly an amazing thing. YouTube videos are amazing if you’re too lazy to read and want something to watch while you’re cooking or getting ready in the morning! 10 Rules of Clean Eating was an article that I found extremely helpful in getting started with clean eating.
2) Don’t get too strict about it.
I, like anybody else, have a love affair with comfort food. I want to go out for a delicious meal with my significant other and not have to order a salad. I need (yes, need) my aunt’s cheesy potatoes at family get togethers. You never HAVE TO eat clean. There’s a certain bonding that takes place when you share a meal with someone else, don’t opt out on those just because you eat differently.
3) Those meals are not called “cheat meals” though.
You may hear people refer to meals that “break” your routine as “cheat meals”. That language suggests you’re doing something wrong. Enjoying a meal with friends and family, or having a day at the MN State Fair eating Sweet Martha’s cookies and cheese curds, or simply having a “free” meal a week isn’t cheating, or doing something wrong. Consider it a “treat meal”! #TreatYourself
4) Make your own lattes.
For those of us who are caffeine addicts, but don’t always enjoy black coffee, make your favorite drinks at home! Substitute cashew milk for your favorite creamer; it has the same thickness as cream. Keep it sweet by trading out sugar for Stevia, which comes in drops too. If you want a flavored drink, try protein powder! I personally use PEScience protein, which comes in six different flavors; including but not limited to Cookies ‘N Cream, Chocolate Frosted Cupcake, and Gourmet Vanilla. Put a scoop of that in a little bit of water, mix them together, then add coffee to replace your favorite Starbucks drink!
5) Trade Diet Coke for La Croix.
My esthetician suggested that cutting out artificial coloring in my food and drink could help with breakouts. After really cutting down on the artificial coloring (I’m guilty of having a Diet Coke when I’m out to dinner every now and then), my skin has done a 360 degree turn! Try La Croix or other unsweetened carbonated beverages if you need a little fizz.
6) Find staples and stick with them ‘till you’re sick of them.
Personally, once I find a meal I love, I’ll eat it for every meal for a week. That way you can make it in bulk (saving time), and you never have to dig around in your fridge aimlessly. I won’t lie to you, you’re going to crave foods that aren’t clean. While it’s occasionally okay to indulge in those cravings (in small doses), it’s easier to get rid of the craving by eating another meal you love, this one being a lot better for your body! Have some staple meals in your back pocket.
7) Pasta alternatives are the real MVP.
Zucchini noodles and spaghetti squash are two amazing pasta substitutes. For zucchini noodles, go to Target and get a noodler. Check out Pinterest for some zoodle and spaghetti squash recipes. Many grocery stores have dry veggie pasta too. Pictured below: zucchini noodles, chicken, pasta sauce, and brussel sprouts.
8) Surround yourself with people who support your lifestyle.
It’s hard to maintain any sort of diet or lifestyle if the people you’re sharing meals with aren’t supportive of it. They don’t need to eat the same thing as you do, but being mocked or constantly badgered about your dietary choices can be exhausting. Having a family that’s willing to accommodate my food choices into our meals, a significant other who eats decently clean like me, and a best friend who doesn’t like cheese (I don’t get it either OK) makes mealtimes with them stress-free.
9) Look at restaurant menus before you go there.
That way, if you’re planning on eating clean there, you’ll never get stuck with a house salad every time. Read the menu ahead of time to avoid that panic. Restaurants will almost always make accommodations to the meal as well. Whole wheat bread, sauces on the side, no butter, etc.
10) Shop local!
If you’ve never been to a farmer’s market, you’re seriously missing out. Not only are the fruits and veggies grown locally, they’re also considerably cheaper! Co-ops are great for fresh produce and other fun foods! I love going to my local co-op and trying out new foods.
The Minneapolis Farmers Market is open everyday 6am-1pm. The St. Paul Farmers Market is open Saturday 6 a.m. – 1 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
11) Trade in margaritas for tequila and beer for red wine.
Fruity drinks are full of artificial sweeteners, and beer is loaded with calories. It’s no secret that alcohol isn’t good for you, but who doesn’t need a drink sometimes? If you’re looking to get drunk, try 100% agave tequila. If you’re looking for something to sip on, red wine contains less calories, and even some antioxidants!
12) Drink water.
Your body will feel so much better if you do. I drink at least 64 ounces a day. You’ll feel more alert, less bloated, and your body will ache less. You’d be surprised to know how much of the time we’re dehydrated and don’t even know it.
13) Don’t become obsessive or overly restrictive.
As someone who’s had a very unhealthy relationship with food in the past, I was weary of going on a more “strict” diet. Make sure you’re in a healthy place with your eating habits before going on ANY sort of diet. It can be a slippery slope to obsessive calorie counting and under-eating, which is dangerous, unhealthy, and exhausting. If changing your diet drastically causes you stress, ease your way into it.
Did clean eating do anything for my health? Yes. The problems with my body I was feeling then are no longer a big issue for me. Am I still eating clean? Yes, but I still eat “unclean” foods in moderation. While I’d never push or pressure someone to change their diet, I hope this has given you insight to how easy and beneficial it is to make a lifestyle change like eating clean!