A Nutritionists Top Clean Eating Tips

Spring is in the air, and it’s a natural time to opt for a spring clean, so why not start with your diet! Do you have some healthy eating habits you’ve wanted to implement? Well, now is the time! By following these simple tips, you’ll be ready to welcome in Spring and achieve some great health goals too. 

Eat lots of veggies 

Quite easily, the best way to clean up your diet is by adding in more vegetables. Vegetables are packed with nutrients and fiber and are a staple for healthy eating. You want to eat a variety of colorful vegetables every day, and try to opt for organic if possible. There are countless benefits of consuming more vegetables, so try and add them to every meal you eat. 

Drink water

Staying hydrated is so essential for your overall health. Think of it as one of the best things that you can do for your body! The body is made primarily of water, so it’s a no-brainer that water is vital to vibrant health. If you have a hard time consuming enough water, try eating more water-rich foods such as celery, watermelon, and cucumber. If you don’t like to drink plain water, you can always try infusing your water with fresh organic herbs or fruit. 

Avoid added sugar 

Sugar is a common ingredient that people often consume too much of, and are addicted to. Cut down on added sugars by limiting packaged foods that contain high amounts of sugar. Look out for foods without sugar as an ingredient, or as an ingredient near the end of the ingredient list.  Some common high-sugar foods that are smart to avoid are sweets like sodas, baked goods,  and of course, candies. Don’t worry so much about naturally occurring sugars in fruits. Fruit has essential nutrients like fiber and vitamins & minerals, so you’re not consuming any empty or bad calories there. 

Go whole grain 

Look for grains in their whole form, which means that they contain the bran, germ, and endosperm. These are the health-promoting nutrients that give these whole grains their nutrition power. Whole grains have a ton of health-promoting nutrients such as B vitamins, fiber, protein,  minerals, and antioxidants. As a rule of thumb, remember that the cleanest grains are the ones that have had the least amount of processing. 

Rethink alcohol 

A big part of clean eating also means drinking clean. Alcohol can be very dehydrating on the body, and so it’s a good idea to avoid or limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol can also contain a lot of added sugars and calories with very little to no nutritional benefit. A good replacement for alcohol is sparkling water with some fresh citrus squeezed in, or maybe Kombucha.  

Be your own chef 

By cooking your food, you’re able to control the ingredients that go into each meal. Cooking your meals helps you stay on track with your clean eating goals, plus it’s a great way to ensure that you’re getting lots of fresh veggies and whole grains in your diet.   Remember that staying consistent is the key, and if you fall off the clean eating wagon from time to time, that’s ok. Just make sure to get back on it right away and make good choices like these to benefit your overall health.   Need help getting started with your clean eating plan? Check out our recipe section for some plant-based inspiration!