Month 1 Clean Eating Plan

1. I've read a few different definitions explaining exactly what clean eating is all about. To me, the term "eating clean" has come to mean the following:
   

• Only "whole foods" should be eaten. Organic foods are used when possible.
• No refined sugar or artificial sweeteners
• No beer or liquor, wine is ok occasionally
• Diet should include an adequate amount of protein with each meal, coupled with complex carbs.
• Water should be had throughout the day; 1 oz per pound of body weight.
• Meals should be eaten every few hours to keep the metabolic furnace hard at work.

I'm sure I have left some small things out, but these are the basic principles as I understand them. I've put a link to a wonderful Clean Eating book by Tosca Reno over on the right. This is the lifestyle followed by bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts. I believe that this way of life will help me to think differently about food.

To the left is a sample of my menu. I'm eating the sames things for many of the meals each day, but cooking clean eating recipes for the family for dinners. The family is less than thrilled about our super healthy dinners, but the are adjusting. I'm trying new recipes each day, so they are learning with me. I actually enjoy the cooking! Who knew!?! I'm going to start an area on this blog that lists my favorite recipes. If this is going to be a true lifestyle for me, my family has to adopt it as well.

I started by totally purging the house of all things "unclean". I started doing it in order to save me from myself, in case I want to fall off the wagon, and so far it has saved me countless times. When I go into the fridge looking for a treat, I am forced to be creative and actually make food. It really takes away the ability to eat mindlessly. There are a few pitfalls I've run into.

1. Alcohol - Honestly, I have a drink almost every day. I know this isn't good, but it's sort of my family's culture. Sometimes we just have a beer after work or a glass of wine, but family gatherings can include alcohol in abundance. You will see from my plan that I have allowed myself 4 - 6oz of red wine at night before bed if I want it. Today was the first day that I didn't want it. This is huge for me. I don't know if it's because my body is banishing cravings or what, but I actually am allowing myself to have it if I want it, even though it's not really allowed. I will say that on the days I've had more wine, I've eaten more. There is a line that can't be crossed with the wine. Anything over 6 oz and I've lost some of my willpower. Thankfully, because my house has only clean foods in it, I eat the clean stuff during my "munchies".
2. Artificial sweeteners - I like my Splenda, which is really not allowed. I have been using it anyway until I can buy some Stevia. My mom has Stevia and it's actually pretty good.
3. Coffee - While the author of the book enjoys coffee, I don't think caffeine is really good on the plan. I'm not ready to give it up either.
4. Bloating and Gassiness - So far the clean eating has left me feeling bloated and gassy. From what I understand, this will pass as my body adjusts to ingesting all these veggies and protein.

I've decided that I'll deal with this things as I can and not put a lot of pressure on myself to resolve them right away. After 1 week of clean eating, I have enjoyed the following positive things:

1. My skin has improved already.
2. My energy level is up.
3. My head is clear.
4. I'm getting an enormous amount of satisfaction from cooking for my family.
5. I get an almost "buzz" off of some of the meals. It's really quite amazing.

I'll be sure to post more observations and I see them. So far, this really seems like a way of life that I can handle. I feel I have no choice but do to this for my health and that of my family.