Need help with clean eating!

Stick to the perimeter of the grocery store where all the real food is, and you'll do great!

As for recipes, you can really make anything you'd otherwise buy in a box. For instance I made my own jambalaya the other night that's lasted for days - and THAT'S the kicker. If you prepare a LOT of something at one time, then you've got a lot of quick and easy meals the next couple days.

Convenience is one of the reasons people give up on eating whole foods, but all you need to do is think ahead, think big, and freeze/refrigerate for later!

good luck

Yes, I am going to give clean eating another try and I am making my shopping list tonight. I want to go as clean as possible but probably not 100% ... like, I can't make my own condiments and seasonings and stuff like that. I'm still going to use salad dressing, low sodium taco seasoning, etc... I'm just wanting to avoid boxed food, frozen food and other packaged foods that are full of crap! And I'm going to add more fruits, veggies and lean meats.

So gimme some ideas! I know there are a lot of you on here that eat clean so what is your typical shopping list? What are your favorite clean meals and recipes? And any other tips...?

Thanks : )

Just to point out, as far as the "Frozen food"... I'm sure you're referring to frozen meals and the like but keep in mind that frozen vegetables are actually as nutritious or even more so than the fresh ones unless you are at your local farmer's market.

You'll need to hit the grain aisle for rice, as well, pasta if you want that (I know I'm not about to make my own).

I can fill half my cart in the produce section, then meats, dairy and frozen for fish and veggies.

Stick to the perimeter of the grocery store where all the real food is, and you'll do great!

As for recipes, you can really make anything you'd otherwise buy in a box. For instance I made my own jambalaya the other night that's lasted for days - and THAT'S the kicker. If you prepare a LOT of something at one time, then you've got a lot of quick and easy meals the next couple days.

Convenience is one of the reasons people give up on eating whole foods, but all you need to do is think ahead, think big, and freeze/refrigerate for later!

good luck

I always have to venture into the isles for tea, but the perimeter advice is sound.

^ excellent point.

Do dip into the aisles for dry beans, oats, barley, quinoa, chia seeds, natural nut butters, and any spices you are short on.

If you won't be using canned chicken broth, you may want to get some chicken to boil and make broth to freeze, then you can pull the meat off and freeze that for adding to meals. I find that having chicken broth handy helps for healthy cooking.

I never understood the real reasoning for only shopping the "perimeter of the market."

What about cleaning products, toilet tissues, coffee, tea, pasta, rice, cereals, canned tuna, peanut butter, etc. ?There are many frozen packaged foods in the perimeter of many markets, and bakeries and the deli section are also in the perimeter.

Sooo what a bout a list with the things that we need and want to buy and having self control and wisdom while shopping; doesn't this make more sense?

you act as if these two concepts are exclusive of the other. lol

I never understood the real reasoning for only shopping the "perimeter of the market."

What about cleaning products, toilet tissues, coffee, tea, pasta, rice, cereals, canned tuna, peanut butter, etc. ?There are many frozen packaged foods in the perimeter of many markets, and bakeries and the deli section are also in the perimeter.

Sooo what a bout a list with the things that we need and want to buy and having self control and wisdom while shopping; doesn't this make more sense?

I prefer the perimeter because it has cakes and pies. I never put those on my list.

This is my typical grocery list

Almond milk or Soy milk
Chicken breasts, lean ground beef
Tilapia (or any frozen white fish really)
Eggs
Bananas, Apples, Oranges, Grapes etc.. (Fruits basically )
Frozen berries (To make smoothies or put on top of my morning oatmeal as is cheaper than fresh berries)
Frozen vegetables (Like peppers, corn, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans or peas, carrots... Depends on what I'm making that week)
Brown rice, Whole wheat bread, Whole wheat pasta, Kelp noodles
Skyr (It's an Icelandic style of Greek yogurt as I call), Low fat yogurts
Almonds, Sunflower seeds, Walnuts
Raisins, Prunes
Chickpeas, Kidney beans
Tuna in brine or water
Rice cakes
Peanut butter or Almond butter (All natural)
Cereal (For gonna-be-late mornings )
Low fat cheese, Cottage cheese
Sweet potatoes, Spinach, Iceberg, Cucumber, Baby carrots
Simply, all the vegetables in season
Oats, Cereal bars (not super healthy but great for those days when I need a snack but got no time, just grab 'n go! )
Sweetener
Lemon juice, Lime juice
Green tea
Seasonings, Cinnamon, Cayenne pepper, Organic cocoa powder
Garlic, Onions, Spring onions
No sugar added raspberry or strawberry preserves
Coconut flour, Whole wheat flour
Olive oil, Fat-free cooking spray

You OBVIOUSLY don't have to buy these things all at once but these are the things that I need to have in MY house. It is just to give you an IDEA of what I eat. There is nothing new or very exciting, but I like it. Nothing too complicated, too expensive, things you can't find or whatever. I like to have it simple, budget friendly and CLEAN! It is not 100% clean (Cereals, preserves, sweetener, yogurts) but there is no such thing as a perfectly healthy, perfectly clean and perfectly perfect diet. Do whatever you can do, and it will work. Stay away from the cookie aisle, as well as processed food aisle and you'll be good. I promise

Stick to the perimeter of the grocery store where all the real food is, and you'll do great!

As for recipes, you can really make anything you'd otherwise buy in a box. For instance I made my own jambalaya the other night that's lasted for days - and THAT'S the kicker. If you prepare a LOT of something at one time, then you've got a lot of quick and easy meals the next couple days.

Convenience is one of the reasons people give up on eating whole foods, but all you need to do is think ahead, think big, and freeze/refrigerate for later!

good luck

I always have to venture into the isles for tea, but the perimeter advice is sound.

PERIMETER SECURE.

(lol COD flashback)

Wash all cheeseburgers and slices of pizza thoroughly. Make sure to rinse off and additional soap.