Is Clean Eating hard to do???

[Heidisue]

I've been contemplating on giving this a try. I have a husband and a 2 year old and so I was wondering how hard would it be to come up with meals? What are some ideas you do for lunch and dinner? I love healthy food and my husband will eat (not necessarily like) what I fix for dinner. How hard is it to find things to eat? Is there a lot of prep work?

 

[CollinsMom]

I think for some people, eating clean is very natural and effortless. For me, it can be pretty challenging.

It takes more time to prep and cook food, and may be a little more expensive to shop from groceries. I am a super-busy -- work 40 hours a week, full time mom, engaged and planning a wedding, etc. Some days I just wish I could come home and throw a frozen pizza in the oven and call it dinner. But I don't because I know that a) it will make me feel cruddy, b) I want my son to be exposed to clean eating on a regular basis, and c) I want to fuel my body with the best possible stuff to support these intense workouts I do!

 

[CollinsMom]

Sorry, forgot about sample menus...

Typically for dinner, I have a lean protein, a starch, and a green vegetable. For example, chicken marinated in olive oil, lime juice, and cilantro, grilled; wild rice; and steamed green beans (with a little light margarine, salt, and pepper).

For lunch, I might have some tuna, whole grain crackers, and a cheese stick.

 

[lala1]

Is it hard? Yes...to stick to it! (for me, anyway), but I always prepare healthy foods...it's the ice cream and cookies that sabotage me Actually I cook almost exclusively from cooking light and figure that's pretty clean. The hard part really is organizing. Buy lots of fruits and veggies and learn different ways to prepare them. I still can't cook w/o a recipe.

 

[hiitdogs]

Is it hard to do? No, not really. I eat pretty clean, however, as someone else said before it was the unscheduled snacks that usually sabotaged me, I did pretty good as long as I didn't get stressed out because of my unpredictable schedule, started skipping meals and then ate junk because nothing else was available "on the road"

I bought Tosca Reno's "Eat Clean Diet" and "Eat Clean Cookbook". DH and my two boys (8 and 11 years-old) eat almost everything that I have made and actually like it. It also gives good advise on planing and organizing.

I don't really plan my meals, I just stock my fridge and pantry with healthy stuff and pre-cook some meals, put it in a Foodsaver baggie, put it in the fridge or freezer for emergencies, so I can get a clean meal in a few minutes when I am short on time.

I also buy Organic Bistro frozen meals, they are easy to make and most of the stuff is they have is organic and what I would consider clean eating.

Good luck!

 

[banslug]

My answer is yes and no! lol THat doesn't help, though, does it? lol

AT first, it can be hard to accomodate others in the house. I have myself, and my 10 & 7 boys! It's simple in that my boys eat any kind of meat that I will make. It's the side dishes where they differ than my tastes. However, I just offer it, and if they don't like it (after they at least taste it) then they are free to choose one 'rather healthy' side to go with their meal (like pretzels, lite butter popcorn, string cheese or yogurt).

Some people think it's more expensive to eat clean, but I live on a VERY VERY strict budget, and I've found that it's actually cheaper for me to EAT CLEAN than to buy all the processed or pre-made foods. I make all my baked goods, casseroles, snacks, soups and meals from scratch, and that saves not only money but additives and preservatives.

In the end, I think it's SOOOOOOOOOOO well worth the initial effort it takes to get used to it and to get your family accustomed to it!

Good luck!

Gayle

 

[kathryn]

>Some people think it's more expensive to eat clean, but I live
>on a VERY VERY strict budget, and I've found that it's
>actually cheaper for me to EAT CLEAN than to buy all the
>processed or pre-made foods. I make all my baked goods,
>casseroles, snacks, soups and meals from scratch, and that
>saves not only money but additives and preservatives.
>

I agree. While I personally don't like the term 'clean' eating, I do think that eating a whole-foods, plant-based diet (the healthiest way of eating, IMO) can fit whatever budget you have. Buying beans and grains in bulk is many times cheaper than buying canned or packaged foods. And you can buy a 5-pound bag of potatoes for about the same as a bag of potato chips (that contains probably one potato, along with added oil).

Fruits and veggies cost a bit more (especially if you go organic, which I highly recommend), but it all balances out.

You can spend a lot if you buy out of season, or 'exotic' foods, or a lot of pre-packaged stuff (most of which wouldn't be 'clean' or ' whole' anyway), or you can go very low cost by basing meals on beans and grains (purchased in bulk and prepared from scratch), buying local fruits and veggies and/or growing a lot of your own produce.

I think healthier eating is just a mind-set, and a habit. It IS harder if you eat out a lot (because most restaurant food, even in the 'healthiest' restaurants) is not as healthy as what you could make at home.

 

[dorothyrd]

I think the hardest thing for me to adjust to was the planning. But now I have it down pat. I am still making discoveries. Buying frozen fish at Sam's has helped me get my lean protein at a cheaper rate. Always buy inseason fruits and veggies and you can supplement with frozen veggies. Don't go home to an empty cubbard, always plan at least the night before what will be on tomorrow's menu, and then if you are short an item, plan a trip to where ever to pick it up. Once you become accustomed to it, it is not hard.

As far as the family members. Little bit harder sell. The 19 year old won't eat anything green unless it is ground into his food(which I have snuck in), the hubby and 14 year old are in cahoots with the chocolate and sweet tooth. I ignore them. If they want the bad stuff, they have to make the effort themselves to get it, I won't buy it. I prepare healthy meals, but do not control what they eat between meals, their choice. However, they have been forced to chose healthier alternatives lately because they don't like to go out and purchase it themselves.

 

[Heidisue]

Boy, I sure let this thread get away from me!!!

Thanks so much for all your ideas. I am so proud of you all. I know it is a lot better for my body to eat clean. It's a life style.

It makes sense that some clean foods are definetly cheaper then the packaged cookies, chips, etc. I have never really gone organic before. I think I will buy Tosca Reno's clean eating books for more recipe ideas. I got my pen and paper out and am writing notes as we speak!!!

I really like the idea of not buying unhealthy food so my DH would have to buy it himself. This will be hard to get used to at first, I mean, I don't eat really unhealthy but I'm not use to eating LOTS of fruits and vegies. I'm excited. You've all motivated me. Thanks for posting.;-)