What Does “Clean Eating” Really Mean?

Healthy Family
Written By Mariano Clement Gupana

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What Does “Clean Eating” Really Mean?

“Clean eating” is a crucial way of life for many who practice it. But it isn’t as confusing as you may think. Simply put, unprocessed ingredients – uncomplicated and unrefined – are at the heart of clean eating. 

This health movement has hit Texas, having a positive impact on the lifestyles of many Texans. Those living in Texas are lucky to have access to nutrient-rich fruits (What wine goes well with fruits?) and veggies all year round, giving us virtually unlimited options when it comes to clean eats. 

Why Clean Eating?

Clean eating focuses on taking advantage of the health benefits of consuming whole ingredients and avoiding overly processed foods. In this way, it is a more “natural” way of enjoying food, as it centers around eating “real” foods, rather than convenience or refined food products.

Many food items produced in large quantities contain sugars, chemicals, high levels of sodium, food dyes, additives, preservatives and fats. Such is the reason why clean eating has become a popular culinary habit for those in Texas and across the US. At the end of the day, many people are tired of eating factory-made food items and want to swap to a healthier and oftentimes cheaper approach to preparing and eating their meals. 

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Why Clean Eating

Clean Eating List

Making the shift to clean eating is far easier when you have the right ingredients in your kitchen. Here’s a short list of foods to look out for on your next market run to kickstart your clean eating lifestyle.

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Fruits

When it comes to clean eating, fruits are your best friend. This is especially true in Texas, as there is an abundance of fruit farms throughout the state producing all kinds of fruits depending on the season. Needless to say, fruits are a fabulous source of vitamins, minerals and energy for your day-to-day hustle and bustle. 

Fruits

Fruits are super easy to integrate into your diet, and you don’t just have to eat them on their own. Juice ‘em, dry ‘em, freeze ‘em, cook ‘em – they can be prepared using all kinds of culinary techniques. Though most fruits have a certain sweetness, you can add them to more savory dishes – for example, a tossed salad with fresh grapefruit quarters is a delicious summer meal. And of course, in the Texas heat, a fruit slushy is always a welcome drink!

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Here are some fruit options that work perfectly as part of a clean eating diet: 

Vegetables

Packed with further essential nutrients, vegetables are another obvious component of a clean eating lifestyle. Shifting to this healthy eating approach means getting in plenty of leafy greens, root veggies, and legumes, all of which serve as a great foundation for many recipes. Apart from their nutritional benefits, dishes filled with vegetables are a great option for those with a busy schedule, e.g. pre-tossed salads are available at pretty much every kind of food outlet. 

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Vegetables

Here are a few vegetable options that you should always have at hand: 

  • Fresh vegetables

  • Frozen vegetables (no added salt)

  • Canned vegetables (no added salt/sauce)

Whole Grains

Whole-grain foods bring essential carbs, fiber, and vitamins to our diet. Brown rice, millet, (how long does millet last?) farro (how long does farro last?), corn, oats, barley (how long does barley last?), and quinoa (What wine goes well with quinoa?) are a few examples of whole grains that have undergone little to no processing. Even clean eaters are sometimes pressed for time. If that’s you, don’t panic! There are a variety of readily available food products made with whole grains that are healthier alternatives to their refined-grain counterparts. These include baguettes, pasta, pizza dough, and even bake-at-home muffin kits. 

Whole Grains

Adding whole grains to a clean diet is a must. Here’s what you should look out for:

“Clean” Protein

We Texans are blessed to have access to a wide variety of meats, ranging from beef, chicken, pork, and fish to wild game such as venison (What wine goes well with venison?) and elk. When eaten in moderation, meat products can be a welcome component of a clean eating lifestyle. This means there’s no need to say goodbye to juicy brisket, but you should also mix up your sources of protein by adding, for example, shellfish (What wine goes well with shellfish?) and other seafood, as your body needs omega-3 fats to help keep your heart healthy. 

“Clean” Protein

Not a meat eater? No problem! There are plenty of protein-rich plant-based foods such as seeds, nuts (how long do nuts last?), and beans. Be sure to choose low-salt options without additional flavorings whenever possible.

Here are some clean sources of protein to look out for on your next market run: 

  • Fresh sustainably raised meats

  • Seafood, e.g. pacific cod and wild salmon

  • Eggs

  • Dried beans

  • Canned beans

  • Nut butters

  • Flavor-free nuts

The above food groups contain must-haves for your clean eating journey. The right balance of proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will give your body the proper nutrition it needs to go about daily life. What’s more, make sure to be mindful of where you source your food products. Visit local producers that practice ethical and sustainable farming methods – this will not only help you maintain a clean diet filled with fresh produce but also aid local producers who are trying to give back to nature itself. 

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Mariano Clement Gupana
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