Farmer’s markets, filtered drinking water, kale, hummus, and organic foods are all uncharted territory for most Americans who are overweight or obese by medical standards. After all, in a nation that thrives on fast food restaurants and processed foods, it’s not surprising that the concept of clean eating is confusing and difficult to grasp for many individuals. However, if you’re trying to improve your overall quality of life and lose weight, you’ve got to start somewhere when it comes to clean eating.
Making lifestyle changes all at once can be difficult to endure, especially if you’re not used to eating a diet comprised mainly of fruits, vegetables, beans, seeds, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. In fact, trying to make too many changes to your diet and lifestyle at once can become overwhelming and stressful, which could eventually cause more harm than good for your health.
Here are ways to introduce yourself to clean eating without making yourself feel as if you’re in over your head.
1. Add greens to every meal
Green vegetables will help you feel full, more nourished, and more energetic throughout the day. Make a point of eating green vegetables with every meal, if possible. Add green peppers to omelettes and stir-fry dishes, and eat salads with lunch and dinner. Over time, you’ll find that green vegetables will have become a normal staple of your diet.
2. Add more color to your plate
Do you ever notice how most popular American foods and snacks are brown or beige in color? Hot dogs, hamburgers, bread, tortillas, crackers, potato chips, granola bars, cookies, and cakes are all brown or beige. Focus on adding more color to your plate in the form of fruits and vegetables. Yellow squash, red potatoes, oranges, lettuce, strawberries, and grapefruit are all examples of colorful foods that contain the nutrients your body needs to become healthier.
