So lately, I have been thinking of eating cleaner and starting a clean diet. Meaning, eating more “Godly” foods and also avoiding all the chemicals and words I can’t pronounce. “Bye-Bye prepackaged foods!” Clean eating is not just for body builders it is more of  away of life. Eating cleaner is a lifestyle change. The benefits are what sold me. It decreases body fat, increases lean muscle, raises metabolism, gives you more energy, stabilizes moods, decreases the risk of certain diseases, you will consume less chemicals and pesticides, and you no longer have to count calories.

This lifestyle change will take some self disciple. I don’t think this way of eating will be easy.  I am also not totally saying goodbye to refined sugars and other indulgences FOREVER. However, I am keeping them more for special occasions and treats. I am being more label conscious and trying to choose more “whole” foods. Maybe I will allow myself one special meal a week? Maybe I will enjoy a few glasses of wine with my friends or hubby once a week? Long-term changes are only successful if you allow room for indulgences.

I am weaning myself into this way of life. I am starting with a few of the quick and clean principles and building upon what I already know. For example, I am eating every 3 hours and being more conscious of the refined foods I consume.  I have also started meal planning. Dinner is a totally clean meal. Baby steps right? Thanks to eMeals meal planning system, this has been a smooth transition.

Since, I am approaching this clean way of life, as a long-term diet rather than a fad, I have spent lots of time reading and researching this change.

Here are some resources that have helped me start a clean diet:

1. Meal Planning:  Check out eMeals. They have a clean meal planning diet available. All recipes are made with clean ingredients.  Emeals  is awesome! You get your weeks worth of recipes as well as your shopping list emailed to you every week.  It has made the transition less stressful. The meals have been really good and easy to make as well. I have enjoyed scallops, white cheddar turkey burgers, and whole wheat chicken pasta. Yum!

2. Quick & Clean Diet Book: I purchased The Quick & Clean Diet: Lose the Weight, Feel Great, and Stay L... I was really interested in reading more after I saw the author speak on Dr. Oz.  She is a busy mom who sells you that this lifestyle change is realistic. Dari gives you strategies and tips to be successful. Her book is easy to read and also gives you a 14 day cleanse to jump-start your new lifestyle change. My husband and I are taking the plunge here in a few weeks. This is the best cleanse I have come across, since you can actually consume food. Has anyone ever tried drinking lemon water for 10 days? I think I made it 2 hours on that cleanse.

3. Follow other blogs with the same passion: I found this blog called The Gracious Pantry. It is filled with yummy recipes that will curb my sweet tooth. Tons of great recipes on this site. She makes smoothies, brownies, and more! This site is also filled with great tips and strategies for making the transition manageable. The Gracious Pantry recently posted grocery lists from some of your favorite stores. How easy is that?

4. Subscribe to “clean” magazine: I subscribed to this magazine called Clean Eating. It is also filled with recipes, tips for success as well a 2 weeks worth of meal planning.  I am excited to get my first copy!

I have created a  Q&D cheat sheet for you. Feel free to print it out, take it to the grocery store or use it as your map to clean eating. Mine is on my refrigerator door.

I hope the resources above help you begin your journey to a cleaner way of eating. This lifestyle change is becoming more and more popular, so if all else fails, google it. You will be amazed at the resources, recipes, and tips available.

Good luck on your new

lifestyle change!