Eat Life

Often times when we hear the term "eating clean" we think of being restricted to a specific diet. We believe we must deny ourselves the pleasure of delicious food in order to be healthy. Yet, this couldn't be further from the truth! Clean eating isn't about tight restrictions. It's about the quality of the food that we eat.

Following simple guidelines will help to eliminate toxins from our diet, increase the quality of our food, and in so-doing, improve our health. I don't know about you, but I absolutely love to eat! It's one of my favorite things to do. I love meal planning, cooking, and consuming a wide variety of foods. I don't set many restrictions for food groups in general; instead I make sure that the food I consume is wholesome, as close to nature as God made it, and chemical free.

Every bite we take either feeds disease or fights it. By avoiding artificial ingredients and toxins in our food, we go a long way towards keeping our bodies clean and functioning properly. We are a product of what we eat. When we eat clean, we feel good, maintain a healthy weight, and our immune systems flourish. The opposite is also true. So many of the diseases prevalent today could be avoided simply by adopting a wholesome, nutritious lifestyle. Hear me, this is a lifestyle. Not a diet. Not a lose weight quick plan. Healthy living is a never-ending journey of accumulating and implementing knowledge.

Now to some of the basics.

Generally speaking, it is helpful to avoid packaged and processed foods as much as possible. Shopping the outer perimeter of the grocery store helps to ensure that the majority of what we eat is actual, real food. The packaged food we do eat should have minimal, recognizable ingredients.

Avoiding artificial colors, flavors and preservatives is a must. These ingredients are linked to a plethora of health issues, and can wreak havoc on the body. In addition to this, steer clear of MSG and trans-fats. Becoming a savvy label reader will help you to identify and avoid food additives.

Meat and animal-derived products should come from animals that are fed and cared for the way God created them to be. Factory-farmed meat should be avoided at all costs. This takes dedication, research and commitment to investigating where the meat actually comes from.

Transitioning into a clean-eating lifestyle is a process that I know can seem like a daunting task. I began my journey about six years ago. At that time, my pantry and fridge were filled with everything processed, packaged, food dyed and non-organic. I began by slowly replacing my condiments and staples with cleaner options. (Trader Joes, Whole Foods and Aldi are great for this!) I slowly progressed into cleaner and cleaner eating, and here I am today, living my healthiest life. The best thing to do is just start! Every step taken towards a chemical-free lifestyle is a step in the right direction for a healthier you, and a healthier family. Follow these guidelines and stick to eating close to nature, the way God intended. He has given our bodies everything they need to survive and thrive!

If you would like a comprehensive, printable, guide of everything you need to know to embark on a toxin-free lifestyle (food-wise and much more), visit my store to purchase a PDF of my Beginner's Guide to Health and Wellness.

Stay healthy friends!

Disclaimer :

I am not a doctor. All information and resources found on this blog are based on my research, experience, and what I have seen work for my family and for others. No information on this site should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. I encourage you to consult a holistic doctor or nutritionist before making health changes, especially any changes relating to a specific health condition. Do not rely solely on this information to make medical diagnoses or determine treatment. Use this information as a general guideline to healthier living and a starting point for your own research.