Clean eating, simply put, means eating whole, unrefined, minimally processed foods.
When you hear the term clean eating, it may be intimidating.
For those who have never tried clean eating for any period of time, a world without processed foods may seem impossible. If you are looking for reasons to start clean eating, read on.
Here are the top 5 reasons you should stop procrastinating and start clean eating today.
1. You will have less inflammation
Chronic inflammation in your body is at the root of many issues that affect your health, including:
- poor sleep
- digestive issues
- food sensitivities
- poor skin health
- weight gain
Eating refined and processed foods can contribute to inflammation. This is due to unhealthy additives, preservatives, increased sugar and sodium in these foods. Plant oils such as soybean and corn, are also highly inflammatory. They contain high levels of omega-6 fatty acids which can increase your risk for chronic inflammatory diseases. There are several other healthier oil choices to include in a clean eating plan. 3 of the Best Healthy Oils for Clean Eating Coconut Oil Benefits
A clean eating lifestyle is naturally anti-inflammatory. It will reverse many of these health issues over time.
2. You will have more energy
Scientists claim that eating healthy, whole foods “calms your nervous system and triggers a sleep-inducing hormonal response,” which will give you a better night’s sleep.
So, not surprisingly, if you are sleeping better, you will have more energy. But there are other reasons related to clean eating for more energy.
Less stress digesting food equals more energy. Also, not eating processed carbs allows you to avoid the fatigue-inducing blood sugar spikes.
B-vitamins, calcium, zinc, iron, and copper are co-factors in changing food to energy in our body. All of these nutrients can be found naturally in a clean, healthy meal plan. But, they are sorely missing or synthetic in highly processed foods.
3. You will have improved digestion
If you are not digesting food properly you will feel heavy, bloated, and tired.
Most whole foods, such as whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruits, legumes, and veggies are fiber-rich, thus keeping your gut running smoothly. And, an added bonus – fiber also helps to keep you satisfied longer which helps maintain a healthy weight.
4. You will have improved mental health
Eating clean benefits your body and your mind.
Nutrients, such as B-complex, and amino acids are critical for adequate neurotransmitter levels – serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine.
Artificial ingredients and sugar found in processed foods create “brain fog” and that “I can’t think straight” feeling.
A deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids found in flax seeds, walnuts, salmon, and leafy greens, can cause mood swings and depression.
Vitamin B-6 helps to keep your memory sharp. Food options such as bananas, organic turkey, sweet potatoes, leafy greens and sunflower seeds are good sources of B-6.
5. You will reduce your risk for disease
Nutrients such as antioxidants, fiber, phytonutrients, along with vitamins and minerals, found naturally in whole foods, boost your immune system. They help maintain healthy blood vessels, thus protecting against high blood pressure and stroke. Almonds, green tea, blueberries, oatmeal, and tomatoes all have cardiovascular benefits. They help keep your blood vessels flexible and healthy.
Refined oils, trans fats, and sugar found in processed foods can wreak havoc on your blood vessels. This can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and eventually cardiovascular disease.
Interestingly, sugar has a negative effect on your immune system for hours after you eat it. It competes with vitamin C within white blood cells (WBCs). Vitamin C is needed by WBCs in order to destroy viruses and bacteria.
These are the top 5 reasons why you need to start clean eating today.
A clean, healthy lifestyle will lead to long-term health and wellness. It will help you in every aspect of your life.
Give Clean Eating a try today. Take Brandywine Nutrition’s FREE 7-Day Clean Eating Challenge
Complete 7-day Menu with Recipes, PLUS Step by Step Meal Prep & Make Ahead Instructions PLUS Additional Tips for Succeeding on a Clean Eating Meal Plan