Eating clean is not just a trend; it's a lifestyle change and diet plan that promotes better health and overall well-being recommended by registered dietitians.
By focusing on wholesome, unprocessed / clean foods, you can fuel your body with the nutrients it needs while avoiding the negative impacts of highly processed and sugary foods.
A great example of a snack you can include on your clean eating food list that is perfect for clean eating is our keto beef jerky. It’s sugar-free with no additives or preservatives. If you're new to the concept of eating clean, this clean eating meal plan will help you get started on your journey to healthier eating habits.
Read more for our beginner's guide to clean eating.
What is Clean Eating?
Clean eating is a dietary approach that emphasizes the consumption of whole, natural foods while avoiding processed and refined products. The core principles of clean eating revolve around choosing foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. Here are some key components:
1. Consume Whole Foods
Prioritize foods that are minimally processed and have undergone little to no alteration from their original form. Examples include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and nuts.
2. Minimize Processed Foods
Reduce your intake of processed foods, which often contain additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. These can negatively impact your health over time. Examples include chips, breakfast cereals, cakes, and sugary drinks.
3. Read Labels
When purchasing packaged foods, read ingredient labels carefully. Look for short ingredient lists with recognizable ingredients.
4. Find Balance in Nutrition
Focus on achieving a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients from different food groups. This ensures you get a wide range of vitamins and minerals.
5. Exert Portion Control
Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating. This helps you maintain a healthy weight and prevents excessive calorie consumption.
6. Stay Hydrated
Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Limit sugary beverages like sodas and fruit juices.
7. Practice Mindful Eating
Pay attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues. Eat slowly and savor your meals to prevent overeating.
8. Incorporate Whole and Unprocessed Dairy
Like anything, you want to look at the labels on what you purchase; however, dairy is generally a safe addition to this diet. Dairy products like plain yogurt, cheese, and milk made from simple, natural ingredients can be considered clean. These products provide essential nutrients such as calcium, protein, and vitamins.
Getting Started with Clean Eating
1. Clean Out Your Pantry
Begin your clean eating journey by clearing your kitchen of processed and unhealthy foods. This will reduce temptation and make room for nutritious options.
2. Stock Up on Whole Foods
Fill your pantry and refrigerator with whole foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins (chicken, fish, tofu), whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, oats), and nuts.
3. Plan Your Meals
Create a meal plan for the week that includes a variety of clean eating recipes. This will help you stay on track and avoid last-minute unhealthy choices.
4. Cook at Home
Preparing your meals at home gives you control over the ingredients and cooking methods. Experiment with new recipes and cooking techniques to keep things exciting.
5. Choose Snacks Wisely
Opt for clean eating snacks like fresh fruit, yogurt, raw nuts, or whole-grain crackers with hummus. Avoid packaged snacks high in sugar and salt.
6. Make Gradual Changes
Transitioning to a clean eating lifestyle doesn't have to be abrupt. Make gradual changes to your diet to ensure long-term success and prevent feelings of deprivation.
7. Stay Informed
Educate yourself about nutrition and the benefits of clean eating. Stay up-to-date with the latest health information to make informed choices.
Tips for Eating Clean on a Budget
Eating clean doesn't have to break the bank. Here are some budget-friendly tips:
1. Buy in Bulk
Purchase items like grains, legumes, and spices in bulk to save money in the long run.
2. Seek out Seasonal Produce
Choose seasonal fruits and vegetables as they are often more affordable and fresher.
3. Consider Frozen and Canned Foods
Consider frozen or canned fruits and vegetables, as they are cost-effective and have a longer shelf life.
4. Plan Meals Ahead of Time
Plan your meals in advance to reduce food waste and prevent impulse purchases. Make sure to look at the trans fats, saturated fats, and refined carbs when planning meals.
5. Cook in Batches
Prepare larger quantities of meals and freeze portions for later use. It's always great to have a larger food supply than a smaller one.
Why Beef Jerky is a Great Addition to your Clean Eating
When it comes to eating healthy, there are certain foods you want to make sure are in your diet. No junk food, no fast food, no sugary snacks. We know this can be difficult, but the right foods mostly include things like organic foods, fresh produce and fresh foods in general.
People may assume beef jerky is a processed and packaged food item, but that's not the case when it comes to People's Choice. Our beef jerky is one of the healthiest foods you can add to your diet because of its several health benefits. If you're looking for a healthy snack, all of our Keto Beef Jerky is high in protein, soy free, gluten free, and sugar free with no additives or preservatives. No processed and refined foods here.
All of our jerky comes in various styles and flavors, so you’ll never get bored of it. You can even try out our machaca, perfect to add into any healthy recipes for some extra protein, or our Jerky Crisps made of three simple ingredients: beef, water, and salt.
1. High Protein Content
Beef jerky is primarily made from lean cuts of beef, which are a fantastic source of high-quality protein. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, and it helps keep you feeling full and satisfied, making it easier to control your appetite and make healthier food choices.
2. Minimal Processing
Good quality beef jerky is typically a minimally processed food. It involves marinating thin strips of lean beef in a mixture of seasonings and then drying or smoking them. Compared to many other snacks, which may contain artificial additives, preservatives, and unhealthy fats, beef jerky often has a simpler ingredient list. Real food with real nutritional value.
3. Portability and Convenience
Beef jerky is a convenient snack option for busy, on-the-go individuals. It doesn't require refrigeration and can be easily packed for work, travel, or outdoor activities, making it a better choice than many ultra-processed foods, sugary, or salty snacks available in vending machines.
4. Low in Carbohydrates
If you're following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, beef jerky can be a suitable option because it is typically low in carbohydrates. This can help stabilize blood sugar levels and promote fat burning. Do things the healthy way.
Bottom Line
Embarking on a clean eating journey is a lifestyle choice that can have a profound impact on your health and overall well-being. By focusing on whole, unprocessed foods and making mindful choices, you can nourish your body and enjoy a higher quality of life. Remember that clean eating is not a strict diet but a sustainable lifestyle that promotes long-term health. Start small, be patient with yourself, and celebrate your progress along the way. A great first step into clean eating is focusing on real, whole foods and opting for healthier options for optimal health.
Grab yourself a bag of our beef jerky. Your body will thank you for it.
