Why Should We Switch to Clean Eating?

Lifestyle diseases and conditions like diabetes, cardiac conditions, and obesity are being increasingly seen across the globe. Meanwhile, with most of the people in the world taking to the digital lifestyle, we are becoming more and more sedentary. Cancer used to be a rare word in bygone years but now almost everyone knows someone or the other who is battling this terrible condition.

Many people feel that a diet that is high in fats and processed food contributes heavily to the rising incidence of diseases like cancer and lifestyle diseases. They feel that going back to the way our ancestors ate, with more and more healthy foods from each food group will go a long way towards improving our general health and increasing our resistance against diseases. This translates into using less added sugars, additives, salt, refined grains and unhealthy fats.

How do you switch to “clean eating”? Obviously, we cannot change our unhealthy habits overnight nor can we transform ourselves into diet police, carefully watching every morsel that goes into our mouth. The key as always, is using a sense of moderation to keep cravings at bay and switching to more natural healthier foods over a period of time. Eventually, this will become not just another diet, but  a lifestyle and you can look forward to having a healthier body and mind.

The first step to stop your feet when they automatically go to get your fix of processed food, whatever they might be. They could be burgers in one case, or doughnuts. Try to make healthy, homemade versions that taste just as good.

The next step is to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. Instead of grabbing a packet of chips, have an apple. Have a handful of almonds as a substitute for that double chocolate cookie. Vegetables are high in fiber and will help you feel full.

The next step is to cut down on bad fats, and substituting good fats like eating fish instead of beef and using olive oil instead of refined oil.  Eliminating sugar and foods having sugar additives like candy and fizzy drinks not only help you lose weight but can also clear up your skin and improve your concentration.

Cutting down salt can help you control your blood pressure. You can use more spices and herbs to compensate for the loss of flavor when you cut down salt.

Use wholegrains like quinoa, oats and wholewheat flour instead of refined flours and tyhis will go a long way towards improving your gut health.

You may find it difficult to make all these changes in one go. But making even change means changing your mindset and your lifestyle and you will soon reap the rewards.