2 Weeks In: My Clean Eating Journey

Clean eating. When I hear these words, my thoughts quickly go to strict, trend diets that don’t allow for the enjoyment of food. As someone who loves cooking, a good cocktail, and dining experiences, delving into a clean eating/ paleo world didn’t seem to coincide with my dreams of Kinfolk-worthy dinner parties, celebrating an evening out, or days of recipe testing. However, my clean eating food journey couldn’t be anything further from what I initially expected.

Why did I start?

This month one of my goals was to remove all processed foods from my diet. My purpose was twofold. First, I wanted to do this as a cleanse from overconsumption of fats and sugars during the holidays. Second, if there is any time to get healthy, it is my 27th year. Waiting until I my 28th, just isn’t an option. This isn’t a diet or a quick way to loose weight. I just desire to be in my optimum health. I know this looks different for many and what I write here is probably a bit different from what others have written about clean eating as of late. In the past, I have been diagnosed with many dietary issues, so I have learned {the hard way} what my body can and can’t handle. I try to steer clear from pork, beef, egg yolks, avocados, and bananas. These are allergies to my system, so I refrain from eating them. I knew this was something I needed to navigate when looking for recipes to add to my collection. As of late, my diet had been severely lacking nutrition and whole foods. Through clean eating, I have found my body to be more energized throughout the day and have less fluctuation in my mood and shakiness, brought on by spikes in my blood sugar.

Learning to listen to my body

As I began this process, I found that my body was in a terrible case of withdrawal. Mainly from sugar and carbohydrates, I learned that multiple small meals throughout the day were necessary to curb cravings. During the first two weeks, I’ve learned that any time I would go out to eat or purchase processed convenient items (even those from my favorite natural food grocer), my body would not respond well. I would become sluggish, and shortly thereafter, enter into a food coma. I also learned the importance of a large breakfast, snack, and lunch with a smaller meal at the end of the day.

What is clean eating?

Clean eating is a lifestyle, where you consume food in its most natural state, or as close to it as possible.

My modifications and substitutions

honey instead sugar
steer clear of food allergens (egg yolks, bananas, avocados, beef, pork)
coconut oil instead of olive oil or butter
one meat meal a day
cheese and eggs are permitted dairy and source of additional protein
all organic items (or as your budget allows)

Tips and Tricks

Begin your morning with a glass of warm honey lemon water.
This will jumpstart your metabolism in the morning, is excellent for your skin and hair, aids in digestion, and provides a similar sensation to a warm cup of coffee. If you drink multiple cups of coffee a day, this is the perfect solution for you.

Allow yourself one cup of coffee.
This was a non-negotiable for me. I make a french press of my favorite, locally-roasted Scout Coffee every morning. I know some of you are devout in your coffee drinking as well. Replace milk and sugar with honey and a splash of nut-based milk (I prefer soy milk as almond tends to separate quickly).

Meal planning + shopping list is essential
Plan for small meals and nutritional snacks as you shop. If you’re trying to make the switch and stay on a budget (while purchasing organic items), this step is vital. When you eat cleanly, you will find that your body processes food at a quicker rate. Expect to purchase more food than you think you might need.

Always drink lots of water.
In my planner, I have place a water droplet for each glass of water I have consumed during the day. If you struggle to get in your 64 oz a day (8 8oz glasses), invest in a Camelbak waterbottle and keep it at your desk. I find I get more than plenty of water this way and it’s not nearly as much of a feat.

Get colorful.
You will feel most nutritionally satisfied when you have a variety of dense foods, qualities, and textures. Use the color wheel as your inspiration. If your food is colorful, it will be nutrient rich and your diet will be loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Have snacks on hand.
My downfall to plans like this is when I’m out running errands or am coming home from a long day. Know your portions and have healthy snacks planned ahead. Some of my favorites include a handful of raw almonds, a sliced apple dipped in nut butter, or some homemade granola clusters.

Remember there is grace in the process.
With two weeks into clean eating, there have been moments where I have fallen off my plan, grabbed drinks out, and celebrated birthdays. I look at each day as a fresh start. Remind yourself that you aren’t perfect. To be honest, I’m a girl who still loves a delicious homemade loaf of french bread, rich cheeses, and to end the evenings with a glass of wine. This is a process and journey, not a rigid plan where punishment and deprivation is necessary. Grant yourself grace from the day before, enjoy what you eat, and watch the long-term health benefits in years to come.