For most of us, healthy eating conjures emotions that are far from healthy; stress, guilt, resistance. As much as eating right is about science and numbers (think calorie counting, nutritional information and the like) it is also about making a few lifestyle changes in order to get the basics right. Once you have this out of the way, you’ll naturally make healthier choices and soon, they’ll become second nature.

Eating clean has changed my life. I feel healthier, fitter and so much happier. While no one other than yourself can bring about that change, I can share a few nuggets of wisdom that will help give you the head start you’re looking for!
 

Go natural

Go natural

Load up on fruits, veggies and natural, unprocessed foods. They are more satiating, generally have fewer calories and are easier to digest. Over processed foods slow down your metabolism and are known storehouses of empty calories.

 

Eat often

Eat often

Eating often keeps your metabolism on its toes and maintains balanced energy levels all day. Just remember to exercise portion control! I eat six-seven small meals through the day.

 

Make your own

Make your own

When you start cooking your own meals, you become more mindful of what you’re eating, your calorie intake and fat consumption. And because you care about your body more than anyone else can, you will be sure to use minimal fat for cooking.

 

Plan ahead

Plan ahead

Eating clean is an easy job if you have a kitchen that’s stocked right. Make a clean eating grocery list and regularly stock up your home. Packing a healthy lunch and snacks for work will help save you a ton of calories. And money!

 

Read labels

Read labels

Just because the bread looks “brown” it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s whole wheat. Take a moment to read the ingredient list and nutritional information on any pre-made, pre-packaged foods.

 

Be accountable

Be accountable

When you’re initially starting off on a clean eating journey, it helps to record your daily food and drink intake. You will be mindful of what you’re eating and how much you’re eating. I’m a big fan of the MyFitnessPal phone app. It gives a detailed account of your daily nutrition gains, and helps you monitor fats, sodium and calories.

 

Make it a way of life

Make it a way of life

Take small baby steps to change your diet, so that you actually stick with them for life. I remember when I was initially trying to go off sugar, I weaned it down in my daily cuppa tea by graduating from less sugar, to honey to zero sugar! It’s been years since I’ve had a cup of tea with sugar (and I needed three teaspoons in a cup at one point).