Is there a true, correct definition of 'clean' eating?

CeleryStalker
CeleryStalker Posts: 665 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I see a lot of posts about clean eating, and while I have my own ideas on what clean is, I know others take it to a much higher level than I, and others, not quite as far.

What is YOUR definition of 'clean' eating?

Replies

  • LearningLessons
    LearningLessons Posts: 3
    I take it to mean anything whole, not chemically altered and with absolutely no added ingredients or processed in any funky ways. For example, If it is peanut butter, I like it to say (organic) peanuts on the list of ingredients. If its vegetables, I like them to be fresh and pesticide free. As a general rule, I find it hard to shop in big grocery stores. Trader Joes does a good job of packaging the food and they have quite a few foods that are clean and frozen (like the organic rice and chicken breasts). I live in an area where there are a lot of local farms and I find it easy to find fresh, pesticide free produce from local markets.
  • EmHorn4
    EmHorn4 Posts: 72 Member
    My interpretation is that if you can't cultivate it yourself somehow, then don't eat it. veggies, fruits, organic meats, organic dairy, beans, nuts, seeds.... no additives, nothing from a can, and obviously nothing processed or refined.

    ETA: Also, no alcohol because it is "poison" to your system. Clean eating is hard, man. And expensive - financially and mentally. But the benefits surely could outweigh the negatives if you put your mind to it!
  • LolBroScience
    LolBroScience Posts: 4,537 Member
    no
  • LolBroScience
    LolBroScience Posts: 4,537 Member
    My interpretation is that if you can't cultivate it yourself somehow, then don't eat it. veggies, fruits, organic meats, organic dairy, beans, nuts, seeds.... no additives, nothing from a can, and obviously nothing processed or refined.

    ETA: Also, no alcohol because it is "poison" to your system. Clean eating is hard, man. And expensive - financially and mentally. But the benefits surely could outweigh the negatives if you put your mind to it!

    and lol at no alcohol.
  • ksy1969
    ksy1969 Posts: 700 Member
    Here we go again !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • CeleryStalker
    CeleryStalker Posts: 665 Member
    I ask because I'm not sure if I should be aiming higher, or if I should redefine what exactly it is I'm goaling myself with. To me, clean eating consists of produce, meats, fish, nuts, healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, etc), and some dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt). I try to stay away from anything processed and/or pre-packaged. I find that when I eat in this manner, I feel much better, have more energy, and weight loss is simple, not to mention I'm rarely hungry.

    I suppose it doesn't really matter what each person defines as 'clean eating', as it's a relatively personal journey. Just looking to make conversation with like-minded individuals, so sorry if this topic has been touched upon before. Message boards would be boring if only the same 20 threads kept getting updated.
  • atucker_mom
    atucker_mom Posts: 88 Member
    To me clean eating means fresh and unprocessed. I try to eat things with less than 5 ingredients. We also avoid processed sugar. I try to buy organic, farm fresh when possible, but that doesn't always happen. I look for grass fed beef and cage free chicken. I cook with olive oil and coconut oil to avoid the processed oils.

    I have been eating clean for almost 6 months now. Sometimes I do well and sometimes I fail miserable! I have more trouble avoiding sugar/sugar substitutes and grains than I do with eating clean. It's especially difficult to eat out or at other people's houses.

    I think you are right when you say there are lots of definitions of eating clean. At least there are alot of different guidelines people use.

    Good luck on your journey. You should check out the blog www.100daysofrealfood.com she has some great recipes and I like her definition of "real food".

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