Clean eating???

bltmgray

I know what clean eating is, but my question is how do you afford it? I'm on a very limited budget and all the organic items at the grocery store are so pricey. I have lost 65 lbs already (eating some processed foods, fruits and veggies mostly) and have 15 lbs left to get to my goal, but have noticed that my belly is just not going anywhere. I work out 4 or more days a week and try to incorporate abs into every work out, but I don't see much of a change. I've read a lot of posts on here about eating clean to get the abs you want, but when you don't have the $$ or the time (I have 3 kids, 4 if you count my husband LOL! and work a part-time job.) to do it, what do you do?

deadstarsunburn

I buy local, they are usually much cheaper. Also my boyfriend's neighbor sells veggies and he gave us a ton for a dollar the other day. Make friends with a local seller lol

cinca

I was wondering the same thing. And congrats on the weight loss

joejccva71

It's not about eating clean. It's about eating a caloric deficit under your maintenance (TDEE) level. Abs is mostly diet, and some exercise. You don't even have to go crazy with crunches, leg raises, etc. Diet is priority, however you don't have to go OCD about eating clean clean clean. Hit your macros, and eat at a PROPER deficit. Be patient with it, and you'll see your abs in no time.

yeabby

I feed the two of us for about $200-$250, usually the lower end of that, and we eat primarily local farm (dairy and meat) and organic produce.

There are some easy ways to save money. Go to farmer's markets at around closing time. Befriend your local produce stand owner. Convince them to make you deals on the produce that needs to be used within the next few days. Look into organic produce delivery programs. I pay $33/delivery, every other week, for 15-20 lb of organic produce that magically shows up on my doorstep.

I also believe firmly in saving money in other places so I can spend extra to eat local and organic. Make your own hand soap (about $3/gallon) and laundry or dish soap (both about 3cents/load). Dry your clothes on a rack instead of in the dryer. These are all super EASY and environmentally friendly.

ambermichon

I buy fresh produce at the flea market or farmers stands. Lean meats I dont buy organic currently because they are so expensive.

RunHardBeStrong

You are right great abs are made in the kitchen. I eat as clean as possible but don't buy organic. From what I've read organic in grocery stores is not truly organic the best way to get organic is through farmer's markets. Everyone has different definitions of clean eating mine is if it didn't have a face or come from the ground then I shouldn't eat it, but for me I don't have to have organic. I'm still eating healthier and better than I was 2 yrs ago and I'm good with that! Congrats on the 65 lbs! I have lost 85 myself doing pretty much the same as you!

juliapurpletoes

ya know - to me clean eating isn't all about eating and buying organic.....although that sure would be nice! Clean eating has as much to do with healthy foods in their natural state or unprocessed.

It doesn't take me anymore time to steam and sautee vegetables in olive oil and garlic, as it does to fight open a frozen package of premade stuff! (bad stuff in those boxes - LOL)

Simple fresh ingredients with a few unusual spices (curry, cumin, garham masala for instance) can make things out of the ordinary and it's not that expensive.

For now, try buying some organic and some not...just stay as fresh as possible. clean eating is as much a cosmic and spiritual thing, that is clean intentions create clean foods....

just a thought anyway....

veganbaum

Google "the clean fifteen 2011" and/or "the dirty dozen 2011." These are lists that change annually and provide a list of fruits and veggies that are okay buying conventional and a list of ones that you should always buy organic that year only. They do annual tests to determine the amount of pesticides in the food. I try to buy organic when I can, but I use these lists as a guide when I have to tighten the strings. (Generally, things like berries and leafie veggies should always be bought organic as they easily absorb pesticides).

Also, find out if there is a local farmers market near you - sometimes the produce is cheaper, and you could also check out CSAs in your area.

LivLovLrn

from eatingcleanworks.com

A person that eats clean generally practices the following:

Eliminates refined sugar
Cooks healthy meals
Packs healthy meals
Makes healthy choices when dining out
Drinks a lot of water
Eats 5-6 small meals per day
Eliminates alcoholic beverages (or significantly limits it)
Always eats breakfast


so you don't need to go organic right off. I know I can't afford a lot of organic foods, but have completely removed refined sugar and a lot of processed foods from my diet. I eat a lot of fruit and veggies too. If you really go clean, it actually costs less because you are making the foods you would normally buy and the ingredients are much less expensive than the processed product.

Egger29

Clean eating doesn't have to be "Organic". Basically, it's aiming to intake the majority of your food items as close as possible to their natural state. I.E. Fresh meat, fresh fruits and vegetables. Un-packaged and un-processed foods.

Farmers Markets can often be less expensive for produce items. I've halved my own produce bill by buying lots at Costco and using freezer bags for extras in portion sized quantities.

IN respect to your mid-section, there are a hundred possible factors that could play a role including type of routine, meal timeing, carb.protein quality as well as quantity, rest, intensity...the list is endless.

It's very rarely a black and white, simple answer for finding the results for any individual.

Cheers!

vettle

organic isn't all it's cracked up to be. There are many sprays that are approved for organic use. I don't bother with organic, just eat healthy and exercise. My parents used to own a regular orchard. We took our fruit to a place downtown vancouver once to sell it and we unloaded it in the back. After the sale, we came around the front as we drove off and the place was an organic fruit store. NOT saying all people are scammers, but there are some out there too. You can usually tell the organic stuff mind you, because it looks like crap lol.

Remember the first place we gain weight is the last that we will lose!

dad106

I personally don't eat organic, but I am trying to eat cleaner.

What I did was I cut out most of the bread, and upped the veggies. If you can't buy fresh, then those frozen steamer bags are your best bet. I also buy chicken breasts in bulk when they are on sale, and if its a really big chicken breast then cut it in half and your getting two meals out of it. Also try to buy what fruits are in season.. they'll generally be cheaper.

andreae13

Everyone had different definitions of clean eating mine is if it didn't have a face or come from the ground then I shouldn't eat it

LOVE IT!!! I pretty much eat the same way. Farmers markets, Costco and clearance meat section at Grocery stores....those are my main staples.

bltmgray

Thank you everyone for the great tips! It's hard to know if you are eating good or not. I know I do need to eat less of the frozen dinner type meals and cook more so that I can take my leftovers the next day. I love everyone's advice. It's been really helpful. Thank you my MFPal's!!