This is a topic that comes up all the time both in blogging conversations and in real life discussions. A friend and I will be talking about weight loss/maintenance, food selection, and exercise. All of a sudden the phrase “Eating Clean” will materialize between us. Either they will say it or I will.
I realize that eating clean may mean different things to different people. In the early days of my weight loss efforts, eating clean meant:
♦No chocolate before getting out of bed
♦The bag of chips stayed unopened
♦McDonald’s without fries
♦Diet Coke rather than regular Coke
That was eating clean to me back then. As the years have gone by, there have been some newer representations of eating clean in my diet. A few years into maintenance Eating Clean might have meant:
♦Buying organic produce
♦Not making many casseroles
♦No soft drinks
♦All natural vitamin supplements
♦Whole wheat bread instead of “honey wheat”
♦Baked chips rather than fried
For the past couple of years, I think Eating Clean has been all of those things, with a few more nuances.
♦Homemade foods whenever possible
♦Watching sodium, high fructose corn syrup, and other “additives”
♦Being aware of where things are coming from
♦Natural diet as much as possible
So what does this matter? Or does it? For me, it’s not so much the term, but rather the intent behind the choices that I’m making for myself and for my family. As I’ve gotten older I’ve become more and more aware of how the foods we eat can impact our health in both positive and negative ways. So I find myself continually experimenting with new foods, new ways of preparing foods, and always trying to be healthier and healthier with my eating.
And I can tell a difference in how I feel. I’ve been this weight (minus pregnancies) for a long time, but even as I’ve gotten older I feel better and have more energy. Why? I think it’s because I am trying to put better foods into my body and my body is responding positively.
After all, you might be able to maintain a weight loss (or lose weight) by eating the “right” amount of junky calories a day, but you won’t be able to maintain your health very long with a diet of fried foods, cokes, and sodium filled processed foods.
So to me eating clean has changed over the years. I’m still not eating as “clean” as some people I see floating around the blog-o-sphere, but in my own way I have made, and continue to make progress.
So what’s your definition of Eating Clean? Are you where you want to be, or do you see yourself transitioning into other directions as time goes on? Diane
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I’m still not eating as “clean” as some people I see floating around the blog-o-sphere, but in my own way I have made, and continue to make progress.
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AMEN TO THIS.
For me it is eating as close to how the food is found in nature as possible with a smattering (and sometimes a SLATHERING
) of semiprocessed to-go foods because my lifestyle calls for it!
when its a bazillion degrees in texas YES I leave nut in my car for emergency snacks—but I also stash some PB2 and proteinshake packets.
I need to eat clean and still be REALISTIC about what works for me.
.-= Miz´s last blog ..2010 in one word (giveaway post). =-.
Clean eating, to me, pretty much means…
Avoiding processed foods wherever possible
Fresh fruit and veg often (never mind ’5-a-day’ – more please!)
Choosing whole grain options where I can
Cutting fats down to a bare minimum (e.g. use tiny amount of olive oil)
Eating less meat (especially red meats)
Minimising sodium (‘low salt’ options, not adding salt in cooking or at the table, avoiding crisps!)
Minimising sugars (if I need ‘something sweet’, there are acceptable alternatives)
Keeping alcohol intake low – try to keep it for weekends only
Increasing my water intake (give the kidneys a chance to work at their best!)
At this time of year, taking vitamin and mineral supplements
It may not be perfect, but it’s a whole lot better than my diet used to be.
.-= Deniz´s last blog ..January scales =-.
My definition would be eating whole foods as much as possible. Foods that are not processed. Foods that come from the earth or a mother. Veggies, fruits, lean meats.
.-= Anonymous Fat Girl´s last blog ..Reliving past pain and it’s connection with overeating =-.
Clean eating to me means whole foods. Fruits, veggies, lean meats. I try to eat 90& clean. Protein powder and splenda are my weaknesses.
.-= Joanna Sutter´s last blog ..The Cookies I Crave =-.
My definition is eating food the way that my ancestors would have eaten it, processed in their own kitchens. The one exception I make is the use of Splenda because of blood sugar issues. ( I am sorry kids, Agave syrup affects your blood sugar the same as sugar and it is a highly processed food).I eat fruits, veggies, whole grains, meat, olive and coconut oil , eggs and some beans as a rule , bought in that form and processed by me in further forms. The occasional cake mix does find its way into my kitchen.
.-= Diane´s last blog ..The "write"way =-.
I started looking into *clean eating* about 5 months ago…and slowly bought more fruit and veg..not tins or frozen like the past.
Now am more interested in clean eating and as you said to everyone its different. I cant eat clean like some of the bloggers either…but as long as I feel I have made changes then I am happy as baby steps to this way of eating. My hubby will not be happy should I change all our habits over night.
I need to find out why you say casseroles ( out of interest only ) and high fructose corn syrup as I see there is lots of this in products that are not Diet products.
.-= Marcelle´s last blog ..Self Talk =-.
I really never thought about the difference in opinions. Clean eating to me is fruits, veggies, and all things natural. I love this post!
.-= Staci´s last blog ..First Day Half Marathon Training…… =-.
I’m am definatly on the ‘clean eating’ bandwagon. In the summer this is so easy for we have our own organic garden and herbs in the back yard. For me, clean eating is eating fresh, organic when possible, real foods. I won’t buy things with high frucose corn syrup (they don’t even allow this in foods in france). I try to stay away from artifical sweetners, and processed foods.
We can our own salsa, pizza sause, bbq sause in the late summer.
No more hamburger helper and dried boxed dinners.
.-= Brenda´s last blog ..great give-a-way!! =-.
Diane, this just cracked me up: ♦No chocolate before getting out of bed. I am sure not you when you were going thru it but I just giggled when I saw it. I never got that bad but I am sure plenty of people have done this & especially with chocolate!!!
Also, I agree with you on this statement: it’s not so much the term, but rather the intent behind the choices that I’m making for myself and for my family.
Clean Eating is talked about in many ways. I love Oxygen Women’s Fitness mag but their definition of clean eating is pretty dang strict. IT will sure get you to lose weight but it is more something I use for week or so if I want to lean out a bit more for a pic, like on my blog.
For me, clean eating is just eating as good as possible with my whole grains, veggies, lean meats, healthy fats & as little processed foods as possible. It changes for me with time & age as my bod changes. I am eating cleaner now that when I was younger & I have to do that & more to keep the same results. Good old age & hormones!
Great post Diane!
.-= Jody – Fit at 52´s last blog ..GIVEAWAY – NuNaturals Stevia Products =-.
Not leaving it on the floor too long before eating it! Sorry, Diane, tough night, it’s a guy thing
for me – it is whole foods as close to their natural state as possible.
That means very little processed.
so in general – if things are ground up and then other things are added to it and the whole thing is baked or fried (bread, pasta, crackers, cereal) then I don’t eat it.
I am VERY carb sensitive.
.-= vickie´s last blog ..my food from yesterday =-.
This is a new concept for me. I appreciate your post and the comments that have helped explain it. It makes a tremendous amount of sense. I realize I need to start reading the labels on the foods that I am eating. As always Diane, you got me thinking and changing.
Staying at or below 1,200 calories (still) defines it for me. In a higher elevation, I try to minimize fatty protein, total lack of trans fat, minimum sodium, no sodas, and minimal processed/chemicalized foods. Some day, I aspire to be “locally grown, in season, organic.” So not there yet.
.-= Sunny´s last blog ..By Request: My typical menu(s) =-.
“… but you won’t be able to maintain your health very long with a diet of fried foods, cokes, and sodium filled processed foods.” —so true
Isn’t obesity a sign of starvation?
Our bodies are starving for real vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and protein…the stuff we and other creatures evolved on. If we keep stuffing junk into our mouths, we’re still starving.
.-= Gina Fit by 41 Maybe 42´s last blog ..I Must Resist =-.
This really is a touchy subject to some people, like, I’m trying to eat less processed crap.
Minimal additives, I’m trying to go organically as much as positive, even though it’s adding to my monthly food budget.
and like you, I’ve too progressed through various stages. gosh when i remember i used to live off of those Snackwell Cakes… god, I cringe!
Great post! I need to start eating cleaner for sure! I do try but sometimes time is not on my side. Its also so hard to get the kids to chg their processed ways!
.-= sian-girlgetstrong´s last blog ..Mike’s Whirlwind New Year’s Attack on the Fitness Bucket List – Day 7 =-.
To me, eating clean means making my meals from food that is largely in its natural state whenever possible. I use primarily fresh food but will use canned or frozen beans, tomatoes or vegetables on occasion, but I try not to buy much that’s been mixed together by someone else. So yes to canned pinto beans but no to canned chili. There are a few exceptions (mostly seasonings like garlic chili paste or soy sauce). And while I eat low carb I tried but failed to completely eliminate low carb low calorie bread from my diet (I thought I might have a wheat sensitivity) so allow myself two slices a day. After that it’s small servings of beans or rice (black or wild, not white), lots of vegetables. Also eggs, fish, meat in small amounts and fruit. I switch back and forth between regular milk and soymilk, can’t do without a little milk of some sort. No sugar except the occasional square of 85% dark chocolate and no flour other than that in the two slices of bread.
Wow! All 3 lists were/are so me! I am trying to add more organic (when I can afford it) food and lots more fruits/veggies, lean meats and fiber into our meals. Staying away from McDonalds and other fast food places…and chocolate (the last one really breaks my heart though lol)
.-= kris haskett´s last blog ..Oxygen! STAT!!! =-.
Right now, eating clean is cutting out diet sodas (or attempting to do so), lots of fruits, veggies, organic when possible, and whole grains.
There are things I need to work on, but I’ll do it one step at a time.
.-= Melissa´s last blog ..It’s the weekend! =-.
I like that you define clean eating for yourself and not compared to others! For me it means getting as many veggies, fruits, and whole grains as possible. In the long run I see myself cutting out more processed foods and eating more organic…
.-= Lauren @ Eater not a runner´s last blog ..a few quick things =-.
Great post! My definition of clean eating has definitely changed as well over the years. One thing that was huge for me was cutting out diet soda. I can’t believe how much of it I used to drink… I try to eat as many fruits and veggies as possible and try to buy organic whenever I can. I also try not to eat processed foods. But, like you, I don’t eat “totally clean.” I think it’s about making the best choices for my life at the moment.
And, like for you, eating clean is becoming more and more important for me as I’m getting older. I truly feel different when I eat whole, unprocessed foods. In fact, I’m off to make some fresh veggie juice right now!
To me, clean eating is trying to eat food in their most natural, least processed state, and trying to avoid artificial chemicals that they put into foods to preserve them or make them taste “better.” I’m not a perfectly clean eater, but I’m not too bad, and it’s something to constantly strive for.
Hope
.-= Hope @ Hope’s Journey´s last blog ..Weigh-in Friday: 184.7 Lbs. =-.
I always wonder where that phrase “eating CLEAN” came from. (Good one Dr J!)
As I read above, I recognize that it means different things to different people. I am somewhere in the middle. What I do know is that it is evolving. It started years ago with giving up white bread (much to my husband’s horror!) and pasta along with sugary cereal. (Today I can’t even fathom eating that stuff.) I am still cutting out things or switching to a less processed food but gradually. Most recently, I have become very conscious of the sodium content of packaged foods! Amazing! I suspect as I make more changes into habits, I’ll continue to move in a more healthy direction.
Stay warm!
Mia
Clean eating for me would have to be natural foods…fresh veggies, fruits, lean meats..lots of home cooked meals with said products. I also like to incorporate locally grown fresh items into that mix. As convenient as frozen foods are, that is one thing I stay clear from in my own personal quest for “Clean Eating”.
Well, for me, right now, “eating clean” means sticking exactly to the plan set forth between me and my nutritionist. It is 100% whole foods, no concentrated sweets, no added sodium. It means eating only what’s planned and when it’s planned and not a nibble here and there, a mouthful of this and a handful of that. It means only drinking water and nothing else. I only eat my calories. I try to eat organic but am not totally there yet. Right now, it just means sticking to the plan.
.-= Julie´s last blog ..Who Am I? =-.
Clean eating for me is leaving behind processed foods wherever possible.
For me eating clean means single ingredient foods for the most part, although I do eat some whole wheat bread and pasta…and of course, chocolate! But eating I’m a heck of a lot healthier than I used to!
.-= Shelley B´s last blog ..What a Monday! =-.
Good post! I LOL @ The bag of chips stayed unopened! HAha!
I think being able to stay clear of most processed foods is what I call CLEAN. I do not use many of them- I try for fresh whole foods whenever possible- because I feel better, and they keep me full longer.
=-.
.-= tj´s last blog ..Me Again! With Lunch and a side dish!
I have read a lot of Michael Pollan. I try, honestly, to find food with 5 ingredients or less and/or ingredients I recognize and can identify. That means no 100 calories packs. I also try to shop on the outside aisles of the store.
.-= Jen´s last blog ..Adrift =-.
I want to eat clean, but don’t really have that commitment yet. (and by clean, I mean whole foods, natural, organic)
I’m hoping that as I progress on this journey, I will find the time and determination needed to make that sort of commitment.
.-= josie´s last blog ..A Thank You and Progress Pictures =-.
I’m somewhere in the middle. Clean and healthy for me means (beverage-wise) no coffee/caffeine, very few diet sodas per week, lots of no caf tea and water, and try to limit myself to alcoholic drinks once a week. Food-wise, I try to eat snacks that are more natural – instead of 100 calorie packs, I eat raw fruits and veggies or pistachios – but if I need an extra kick of protein I do go to jerky or turkey pepperoni. For meals, keeping the out-to-eats at a minimum (2-3 times a week) and home prepared food. However, sometimes that homecooked meal is a super healthy stir fry from fresh veggies, and sometimes, like last night, it’s fat free hot dogs and gardenburgers.
Better than I used to be, and while I know I could *always* do better, I’m pretty happy with where I’m at. It’s choice by choice that matters, right?
.-= Quix´s last blog ..The Dreaded Weigh In =-.
Eating clean means
- no ingredients I don’t understand
- no creepy chemicals like trans fats, food coloring, etc
- as organic as possible
- as unprocessed as possible
So in the end, I buy very little pre-packaged food.
weight loss
For me, clean eating means eating foods that are as close to natural as possible. I think it was Dr. Oz that said we should eat things without a nutritional label and I think that’s what I sort of coin as “clean eating”. Proteins, grains, vegetables, fruits, etc.
For me it means, knowing the ingredients in what I’m eating.
I try to eat as clean as possible, but of course, get distracted by wiping off my kids plates because I don’t want to throw food. I cannot believe how hard that is to overcome.
.-= Lola´s last blog ..Bullets =-.
Fresh fruits and vegetables instead of chips and sugar laden desserts. I don’t do nearly enough clean eating but this post is helping me think through my choices. My biggest struggle is diet soda which I have at least 2 times a day. Can anyone give me specifics about how they eliminated this bad habit?
Hi Diane –
Great thing to think about as I use the term clean eating often. For now, clean eating for me is following my stated food plan and not eating more on any day than I write down ahead of time. Within this, though, I do strive for fresh produce, only 100% whole grains, and no refined sugar. If I’m sugar free for a period of time, I actually feel cleaner and clearer.
.-= Leslie´s last blog ..Fake fruit and other annoyances =-.
I try to eat fairly clean as in no processed foods. There are others who eat much cleaner than I do, but that’s okay. I’m not interested in giving up some things out of convenience (Luna Bars). I do try to have the real deal when I have something like cookies or a pastry rather than something from the store. Not clean in the traditional sense, but certainly not full of weird stuff, either.
I feel much better and much fuller when I eat cleaner foods.
.-= Lori (Finding Radiance)´s last blog ..Lifting and what makes me happy! =-.
Quix, I loved your “choice by choice” comment!
Like you and so many others, my definition of clean eating changes from time to time. For now, it’s sticking with 90-95% lean meats, fresh fruits and veggies, and whole grains. When I have to venture down the aisles of processed foods, I scrutinize the labels a lot more these days. It makes a difference!
.-= Cammy@TippyToeDiet´s last blog ..Guilty Pleasures =-.
Cleaning Eating is the unattainable holy grail of eating, in my mind.
(That is my confession.)
That doesn’t mean it’s not on my list of goals, in one form or another. But I am very far from achieving it right now. I have not given up on eating more whole foods, though! Right now I am working on incorporating a bit more healthy protein into my diet.
.-= Hilary´s last blog ..So Close to Being Overweight I Can Taste It =-.
I don’t think too much about this subject. I’ve been buying my bread at the bakery, my meat at the butcher and my vegetables and fruit at the vegetable seller (don’t know the word in English) since I start living on my own. I’ve got that from my mom, she did and does that too.
We never eat ready to go meals because we don’t like the taste very much. But I do buy pasta sauce ready made from time to time.
I use frozen fruits and veggies because they also have all the vitamines in it.
The only thing I’m paying attention too now is cutting products with asparatame out of our food lifestyle.
.-= Fran´s last blog ..A day in my life: Sunday January 10th 2010 =-.
For me clean eating is whole grains and lots of vegs and fruits,and lean meats (except for a nice juicy rib steak!), and nothing processed. I do have my coffee but without the creams and sugars. Herb teas and water are my beverages. I can’t believe how much better I feel since starting to eat this way.
.-= Karyn´s last blog ..Bummer mood. =-.
I know everyone has their own idea, but to me is NO: soy, dairy, gluten (and other grains for me), eggs, sugars, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, refined foods, deep fried foods, canola oil, soybean oil, factory farmed foods, non organic produce (if possible).
I know I’m a little more strict than most people, but food allergies, intolerance and insulin resistance is a huge factor.
Your post and current definitions of clean eating are right along the same lines as mine!!! I can’t do much dairy, so I limit that as much as possible. But removing processed junk, watching my sodium, eating fresh and organic whenever possible, and limiting indulgences is key for me. Whole grains, veggies, and lean meats – the occasional fruit – it works for me!
.-= Erin´s last blog ..Happy Monday! =-.
First of all, I love Clean Eating Magazine – but what Clean Eating means to me is cooking from scratch, knowing I am using fresh vegetables and fruits.
I like to think I have a pretty good diet eating normal foods, just using lower fat ingredients (cheese being one of them!) and actually eating bigger meals so that I don’t snack.
Hope all is well with you Diane!
.-= Biz´s last blog ..I want to wear a skirt. =-.
Oh my, eating clean is always a struggle for me! Lately, I’ve really tried to ensure that I eat at least two items “grown from the ground” with each meal — helps me focus on fruits and veggies with my protein rather than overly processed foods/pre-made meals. But, as a Frito employee, I will always make room for my Baked! Tostitos Scoops and Baked! Cheetos! Moderation is key!
.-= Kristin´s last blog ..Tostitos Kicks-off 2010 with More Product News =-.
I appreciate that you let people know that you didn’t start off the way you have ended up. I think that’s very important, my journey began with SlimFast and frozen dinners, ew, not so clean but it absolutely worked for me and certainly beat what I had been eating (I know, amazing). I eat much better now but most of my “treats” are splenda based (think Skinny Cow)and I’ve found that if I try to have smaller portions of real sugar treats, then I unleash a monster. Not good for me.
clean eating to me used to mean low carbing. Now I try to eat food created from scratch, i think it will move into thinking all organic? or local? We’ll see as the budget allows!
.-= Mackattack (Beth)´s last blog ..Chicken Stock =-.
To me, clean eating includes a diet with a heavy emphasis on lean, organic meats and dairy, as well as lots of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. “Clean” diets contain mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as high-quality protein. Clean eating contains few preservatives and additives. Just my definition : )
.-= Nicole´s last blog ..get fiber from nature =-.
Sorry…but I’m going to be completely honest here… for me “clean eating” right now only means making sure I’ve rinsed the veggies, etc.
Maybe someday this will change, but for now I think that term equals a fad and/or snottiness and I’m not into either when it comes to health.
I’m not accusing anyone here, and I KNOW you are neither into fads or snotty, Diane, but that’s my perspective on that term.
.-= Leah´s last blog ..Back to Real Life =-.
I loved reading your progress! Eating clean to me is eating foods as close to their unprocessed state as possible. I am working on this….trying to get more fruits and veggies and less white flour and sugar.
.-= Kat´s last blog ..Thank you Josie! =-.