Clean eating: What does that mean? (2024)

FAQs

What is the meaning of clean eating? ›

The core definition of clean eating that most of its advocates agree on is choosing whole foods as they are closest to nature, or in their least-processed state. From there, different interpretations abound, from Paleo to dairy-free, grain- or gluten-free and vegan.

Eggs are a great choice—and don't skip the yolk, or you'll miss out on extra protein and nutrients not found in the egg whites. Nuts, seeds and beans are all fantastic choices for plant-based proteins. Just be sure to look for lower-sodium options when possible.

While focusing on whole foods and limiting some processed products is a good idea, it's important to distinguish clean eating from healthy eating. Clean eating is based on restriction — proponents think of “clean” foods as more pure and thus superior. This suggests that other foods are “dirty” or unhealthy.

Some things that are likely to be found on the table of clean food eaters are: Whole-grains instead of refined flour, as in bread, cookies, cakes, and pies. Brown rice instead of white rice, which has been milled till it has lost its husk, with the underlying germ and vitamins.

Simply put, clean eating is about eating whole foods – “real" foods that have not been processed, refined or handled. These foods are as close to their natural form as possible and include fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains.

Foods with chemical additives like food dyes and sodium nitrite. Foods with preservatives. Artificial foods, such as processed cheese slices. Saturated fats and trans fats.

Cheese is allowed in the clean eating meal plan, but with an asterisk. Processed cheese slices or other packaged foods that contain cheese should be avoided.

The Bottom Line. It is totally fine to eat potatoes every day. While how you prepare and cook potatoes and how much you eat could possibly impact your health, whole potatoes with skin are a nutritious vegetable with health benefits.

When it's air-popped and lightly seasoned, popcorn is an efficiently healthy snack. That's because it is a whole grain, and high-fiber whole grains have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and other health problems.

As a processed meat, bacon is not what most experts would consider a health food. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared bacon and other processed meats class one carcinogens, a category of substances known to cause cancer that also includes cigarettes and asbestos.

Is peanut butter considered clean eating? ›

Generally speaking, peanut butter is good for you when consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced, nutritious diet. "Peanut butter is mostly known for its healthy fats and protein ... two nutrients that help keep you full," says Natalie Rizzo, registered dietitian and nutrition editor for TODAY.com.

Breads All grains should be 100% whole grain on a clean eating diet but most store-bought whole grain breads and rolls contain far too many ingredients to be considered clean. Look in the freezer section for sprouted grain breads with no added preservatives and only natural, approved ingredients.

Not only that, but it's well-accepted that cutting down on processed foods is an effective way to lose weight and feel better overall [3]. So, there are definitely aspects of adopting a clean eating lifestyle that are beneficial.

Butter is avoided by some clean eaters, but not by others, while most who eat it suggest it should be organic and grass-fed – attributes that don't change the fact it is high in saturated fat. There is similar inconsistency over sugar.

Clean eating is traditionally defined as eating simple, whole foods without any artificial ingredients. This typically involves the elimination of most processed foods, trans fats, heavily saturated fats, added sugar, and refined grains.

Corn tortillas have all the ingredients for a healthy weight-loss recipe. They are whole-grain, packed with fiber, come portion-sized right out of the package, and pair perfectly with protein and veggies for a balanced meal, like in these Salmon Tacos with Pineapple Salsa or the Best Veggie Enchiladas you'll ever make.

MEAT & SEAFOOD

Organic and grass-fed beef, organic poultry, and wild-caught or sustainable seafood. Grass-fed beef is much healthier, is better quality, and is better for the environment. Typically grass-fed beef is organic by nature.

Water is the best choice for quenching your thirst. Coffee and tea, without added sweeteners, are healthy choices, too. Some beverages should be limited or consumed in moderation, including fruit juice, milk, and those made with low-calorie sweeteners, like diet drinks.

You can revitalize and transform the most important areas of your life – physical health, energy and vitality – if you commit to our 10-Day Diet Challenge. You will not only lose weight, feel better and experience greater energy, but you'll have a renewed sense of excitement, joy and possibility.

What I eat in a day clean? ›

A clean-eating meal plan includes tons of fresh fruits and veggies, high-fiber whole grains and legumes, healthy fats and lean proteins (like fish and chicken). It skips added sugars and minimizes sodium and saturated fats that can damage our hearts when we eat too much of them.

A clean-eating meal plan includes tons of fresh fruits and veggies, high-fiber whole grains and legumes, healthy fats and lean proteins (like fish and chicken). It skips added sugars and minimizes sodium and saturated fats that can damage our hearts when we eat too much of them.

Likewise, many whole grains qualify for a clean eating food list even though they may be somewhat processed. For example, whole rolled oats are a clean food, but the very outer coating of the oat, as you'd find with oat groats, has been removed.