Six Ways to Eat Clean and Improve Overall Health

What does it really mean to eat clean? Clean eating is a dietary concept that emphasizes the consumption of whole, natural foods and the avoidance of processed foods that contain a long list of ingredients, additives, or preservatives. Adopting a clean eating plan can be a simple and effective way to lose weight and create a healthier and more energized lifestyle. For a body that looks and functions at its best, it’s simply a matter of choosing cleaner foods and developing healthy eating habits. The basic principles of clean eating are typically as follows:

1. Eat Whole Foods: This involves eating food in its most natural state, or as close to it as possible. This typically includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Shop the perimeter of your grocery store and purchase foods from a local farm stand, if available.
2. Avoid Processed Foods: Processed foods often contain artificial additives, high levels of salt, and added sugars. Clean eating emphasizes the need to avoid these kinds of foods as much as possible.
3. Be Mindful of Food Preparation: How food is prepared can also impact its nutritional value. Clean eating suggests methods like grilling, broiling, steaming, and roasting, which require less fat and preserve the natural nutrients in food.
4. Read Labels: This is crucial for understanding what’s in your food. Many products might seem healthy, but their labels can reveal unhealthy hidden ingredients, like high-fructose corn syrup or artificial preservatives. Focus on five ingredients or less!
5. Stay Hydrated: Water plays an essential role in our overall health. Clean eating encourages consuming plenty of water while limiting sugary drinks like soda and even fruit juice.
6. Balance Your Meals: Aim for a balanced mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates at each meal. This not only helps ensure you get a mix of nutrients but also keeps you feeling satisfied throughout the day.

Clean eating isn’t so much a strict diet as it is a lifestyle choice, intended to improve overall health and wellbeing. Additionally, eating clean means relying less on processed, store-bought items and preparing more meals at home, which could save you money. Try integrating a few of these tips every week to live a healthier, happier lifestyle. If you want more tips or a sample meal plan, please contact me!

Quote for Inspiration

“The groundwork for all happiness is good health.”

~ Leigh Hunt

Recipe: Grilled Swordfish

This grilled swordfish is marinated in lemon, garlic, olive oil, and herbs, then seared on the grill until golden brown. An easy, elegant summer dinner! Serve with a salad and grilled veggies of choice.

INGREDIENTS:

4 swordfish steaks 4-6 ounces each

1/4 cup olive oil

1 1/2 tablespoons honey

1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon lemon zest

2 teaspoons fresh parsley chopped

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

3/4 teaspoon minced garlic

lemon wedges for serving

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Place the olive oil, honey, soy sauce, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl or resealable bag. Whisk to thoroughly combine.
2. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the marinade for later use. Add the garlic to the marinade and stir.
3. Add the swordfish to the marinade.
4. Cover the bowl or seal the bag, then marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours.
5. Remove the swordfish from the marinade and scrape off any excess bits of herbs or garlic so they don’t burn on the grill.
6. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Add the swordfish steaks and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side or until the swordfish is opaque throughout.
7. Brush the reserved marinade over the fish, then serve immediately, with lemon wedges if desired.