Clean Eaters

[JannaL]

I would really like to get to the point where I am a "clean eater".
It's so difficult to start. I used to eat clean about 5 years ago but I lost so much weight that the doctor told me to stop it. I guess my problem was that I went back to sweets and junk food to get the weight back on and have been addicted ever since.
For those of you who do eat clean, what do you eat? What types of food do you eat on a daily basis to keep an adequate number of calories in you.

Any input would be appreciated.

thanks
Janna

 

[AKirkland]

Hey Janna,

I stick to pretty much lean chicken and turkey and a variety of lo carb vegetables, but I'm doing this for health reasons - not weight control. I can't eat starchy foods and grains.

Calories come from healthy oils, nut butters, a little real butter, and sweeter veggies like carrots and winter squash.

The one thing I eat fairly consistently that's not "clean" is Balance Bars. These help me keep my calories up and are convenient as snacks on the run.

Angela

 

[hippahips]

Hi Janna, I'm not a 100% clean eater. More between 80%-90%. But as a rule, I get my protein from egg whites, chicken breast, salmon, tuna packed in water, low-fat or non-fat cheese and soy milk. I get good carbs from slow-cooking oatmeal, low-glycemic fruits and vegetables, whole wheat bread and brown rice. Fat is usually from sliced/slivered almonds, peanuts, olive oil and canola oil. I always steam my vegetables and either bake or broil my chicken and fish. I keep Zone bars in my purse and a few bottles of water in my car for days when I have to eat on the run.

When I'm craving sweets I reach for fruits, usually grapes or apples. They have that sweet tartness which is what I'm usually looking for. I find that it's much harder to control cravings before or during THAT time of the month.:7

Pinky

 

[balletgrrl]

Hi Janna,

All the suggestions given by the other ladies are really good. I find the easiest way to add calories to your diet (good calories, that is)without feeling like you have to eat a ton of food is to use good fats and oils in your food preparation. For example, if you steam broccoli and eat it dry, it is barely any calories (I think a cup is like 30 cal, but I could be wrong). But if you steam your veggies with a tablespoon or so of nice healthy olive oil, this adds on about 140 calories and 14 fat grams! This might seems like a lot, but you certainly don't have to use that much. So you can use things like this to compliment your healthy eating and help you add on some needed fat and calories. Also, you will feel more full and satisfied when you are done your meal bc of the fat.

Some other good things might be canola oil, flaxseed oil, and any kind of nuts or nut butter. I used to be afraid of eating these kinds of foods, but now I realize that in moderation they are really good for you. Also, your body NEEDS a certain amount of fat to function properly. Sometimes I feel guilty adding a little bit of oil to my sautee pan, but then I just remind myself that it is good for me and my body needs it. Sorry if this post is rambling! Hope this helps,

Alison