Clean eating is focused on nutrients, not deprivation and counting calories. Clean eating subscribes to Michael Pollan’s theory of “eat real food and eat less of it.” Choose foods closest to their natural form; if you don’t recognize or can’t pronounce an ingredient on a nutrition label, you shouldn’t ingest it. But eating clean doesn’t mean giving up the food you love. It’s all about improvising and re-creating those dishes. Replace sugar with natural sweeteners such as agave nectar and stevia, or switch saturated fats like meat, cheese and butter with healthy fats such as nuts, avocados, olive oil and fatty fish. The old adage is true: Abs are made in the kitchen, not in the gym. Exercise is important, but our eating habits determine our body composition. Our bodies are like cars that will perform at their best when properly fueled. Your nutrition plan (or lack thereof) can negatively impact your performance and overall results. When you embrace a clean eating lifestyle, you’ll look and feel your best!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
An avid lover of all things health and wellness, Lisi Chavarri is a Trainer & Holistic Health Coach with Sports Club/LA-Miami; 1441 Brickell Ave., Ste. 4; 305.533.1199; SportsClubLA.com/Miami.
Right Choices
If you’re ready to eat clean, you have to stock your pantry so you have items on hand to whip up a healthy meal on the fly. Text by Dena Roché
Grains & Protein
Complex carbs and vegetarian proteins are key to clean eating. At the grocery store, hit the bulk foods aisle and load up on quinoa, millet, brown rice, beans, nuts and sunflower seeds. Almond butter and tahini offer additional protein solutions.
Veggies & Fruit
By shopping the perimeter of the grocery store, you can focus on buying what is local and in season. Leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, roots, avocados, berries and apples are excellent choices. Pick a rainbow of colors and you’ll pack in the nutrients.
Hydrate Factor
What you drink can be the downfall of clean eating. Too much coffee and soda can ruin an otherwise healthy diet. Try adding beverages like herbal and green teas, coconut water, kombucha and plain water. Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk.
