Clean Eating

I'm sure everyone has heard of it, but do you know what it really is? Most people when they hear those words think fruits & veggies right? Well yes that is right but there is so much more to know.
Clean eating most easily put is removing all the chemically processed junk from your diet. That means that fast food, your favorite store bought cookies, soda etc.
WHAT?! Yes all of it :)
I know 90% of people think right off the bat, nope cant do it, but you can! There are ways around  the bad stuff to still get to the good stuff you love.  You just have to know where to start. I can promise to that you will feel 100% better.
Here are a few simple guidelines to start with

1. Grocery shopping don't have to be hard, Always preplan with a list, and stick to it!
2.  Stay on the outskirts of the store you shop at ( fruits and veggies, meat counter, seafood counter etc.) Frozen fruits and veggies are good to, stay away from the cans though!
3.  If you must travel within the isles look for foods with 5 ingredients or less.
4. Avoid those ingredients you cant pronounce. 
5. Sometimes looking in the organic section is best (still check those labels!)
6. WATER WATER WATER!!  Drink at least half your body weight in ounces ( so 140 pds = 70 ounces)

PORTION CONTROL

Now that you've got the basics to what to buy, How do you portion yourself? First make sure you are eating 5 to 6 small meals a day. Try spreading them out for every 2-3 hours. DON'T SKIP BREAKFAST!

CARBS-   between 2-4 servings of complex carbs from grains, bread, and starches per day.  When it comes to complex carbs (fruits & veggies),  have one serving with each meal.

PROTEINS-   Include one in each meal, up to 25 grams

FATS-  Your diet should include up to 30% fats.  Stick with saturated fats(olive oil, avocado, peanut butter etc.)  but keep it under 30g. Avoid trans fat all together.


Helpful Charts:

If you find yourself in a situation where you are out and about or going out to eat with the family, just try to keep it simple. Look for something on the menu that sounds natural. Try and stay away from foods with sauces and other things that you don't know whats going into them.
The first week will be the hardest, but you need to give your body time to adjust.  It will get easier , and soon your body will be craving the healthy stuff instead of all those refined sugars and processed foods.
I have added some of my favorite recipes under the "recipes" tab to give you some ideas.
If you have any questions or help please feel free to find me on facebook and lets talk!
www.facebook.com/dreamcatchers22

Hope this helped!