Do You Eat Clean?

Do You Eat Clean?

The majority the personal training clients that come to see me want to lose weight and change their physique so one of the first things I have them do is write down their current eating habits for me.  Most of my new clientele believe they have been following a healthy, clean diet and this is not surprising with the enormous amounts of options in the grocery stores and restaurants that market themselves as low calorie, low fat choices. But most of these selections are deceptive and often lead to weight gain.  So what does it really mean to eat clean?  Here are some simple rules to follow that will help you meet your weight loss goals.

• Choose natural, whole foods.  This means choosing foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.  It also means avoiding processed foods that come in boxes, cans or are prepackaged.  Fresh, whole food will provide the body with nutrients it needs to maintain good health and an ideal body weight.
• Choose unrefined carbohydrates.  Refined carbohydrates are carbohydrates that have been highly processed.  In the process of refining carbohydrates the fiber, vitamins and nutrients are often stripped and artificial chemicals and sugars are added.  Unrefined carbohydrates contain fiber and necessary vitamins and nutrients that help the body produce energy, maintain healthy glucose levels and aid the digestive system to control appetite.  
• Include lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats.  Most people have no problem eating carbohydrates and fat during their meals but often protein is overlooked.  Adding lean protein to every meal not only helps the body build lean muscle but also curbs the appetite.  When lean protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats are incorporated into meals it is easier to eat clean throughout the day.
• Eat several small meals throughout the day.  Small meals throughout the day maintain steady blood sugar levels.  This prevents overeating at one or two large meals as well as snacking on food that would add unwanted calories.
• Drink plenty of water.  Did you know that the hunger cue is the same as the thirst cue in the body?  This can cause a person to eat excess calories and gain unwanted weight.  Staying hydrated can help solve this problem. So drinking plenty of water can help prevent a person from eating unnecessary calories.

In order to obtain your best physique and maintain an ideal weight eating correctly is essential.  Clean eating is not a diet but a lifestyle choice for those who want to have optimal health and maintain a fit, strong body.

For more tips on eating clean, working out, and living a healthy lifestyle, or if you’re frustrated with your current level of fitness and have been thinking about hiring a personal trainer, contact us.