Clean eating: What does it mean?

The definition of the term 'clean eating' very much depends on who you ask... For me, it's about eating as 'close to the ground' as possible. That is - trying to keep my diet as far from the factory floor as possible. But, as you can expect, this is a tall order. 

So, for me, I think there are five rules guiding me... And I've added these into my lifestyle gradually. I'm sure if you ask me in 12 months' time, there may be a few more in there. 

1.) Eat lots of vegetables (and some fruit too!)
Packed with vitamins and colour, vegetables are as close to nature as you can come. Before you put it in your shopping cart, ask yourself where it's come from. Is it from a bush, tree, the ground or a vine? Then you're doing ok. If you're answer is 'factory', then think again. That said, I do include some vegetables which are flash frozen - that is frozen upon picking. This allows me to eat out of season, reduces wastage and keeps my budget under control.

2.) Prepare your meat yourself
By purchasing your meat whole and from a butcher, you can assure yourself that nothing harmful has been added. Look at the label for sausage or ground meat and you'll be surprised. But don't let this stop you from enjoying these things. Any reputable butcher will grind your meat or you so you know exactly what's in it. But do bear in mind that your butcher may put a minimum on you for doing this. 

3.) Go brown
My first step towards this new lifestyle was swapping my white processed flours for whole grains. While taking this step may need some adjustment, it is well worth it - particularly if you struggle with IBS (like me), Every time I go to the store, their range is wider, so explore and see what takes your fancy. 

4.) Never assume - always check the label
Just today I was looking at my 'healthy' seeded tortilla wraps and was dismayed to find that contained loads of added sugar and lots of other nasties. It really pays to get into the habit of checking labels and identifying your ingredients. And, if there's more than, say five, ingredients, you may want to steer clear...And if there's something you've never heard of? Or a vague description? Put the packet down and walk away. (Luckily the internet is packed with lots of clean alternatives. It may take a minute or two to prepare, but you'll enjoy it that little bit more.

5.) Eat little and often (5 times a day!)
My day consists of three 'main' meals and two decent-sized snacks. To give you an idea of a snack, I may have a banana with a teaspoon of organic peanut butter in a half tortilla wrap, or bunch of carrot sticks with a pot of homemade hummus, followed by an apple. For breakfast, I might have a small bowl of easy granola with yoghurt and a banana or a couple of poached eggs with steamed spinach on a wholewheat muffin. My lunches and dinners are mainly plant-based, so I might have a bowl of butternut squash, carrot and sweet potato soup with a slice of rye bread or harissa roast vegetables with wholewheat couscous and a little bit of crumbled goat's cheese over the top.