Eating ‘clean’ is all about removing nasties from your diet and trying to eat food which is as close to it’s natural state as possible. Think less pre-packed sugar and additive-laced products and more wholesome, unprocessed foods. Here are 5 ways to clean up your diet, boost your energy levels and maybe shift a few inches whilst you’re at it.
1. Don’t cut calories
Focus on what the food can provide, rather than what’s been taken out. Go for nutrient-dense foods to optimise your diet.
2. Avoid things you can’t pronounce
Scan the ingredients list, if the list is long, or full of words you’ve never heard of, steer clear.
3. The less processed, the better
Try to eat foods with minimal processing, For example, choose a whole apple over a packet of apple chips, or wholegrain rice over white rice.
4. Watch out for added sugar and salt
It’s surprising how much sugar and salt are added to everyday foods. Watch out for things like ‘healthy’ breakfast cereals and yoghurts and aim for no more than approx. 5g of sugar per 100g.
5. Limit your alcohol intake
Alcoholic drinks are ’empty’ calories. They provide little or no nutritional value and though they are derived from natural ingredients, have undergone significant processing. Alcohol also inhibits how we processes nutrients so is best kept to a minimum.