Monday, September 05, 2011
How many times have we heard the phrase "clean eating"? What does this mean and how do we accomplish that? Why should I adopt clean eating as a lifestyle? The concept of clean eating is beneficial for a number of reasons and this dietary approach impacts several areas of health. There are many common chronic diseases that can be prevented or improved with clean eating habits which include thyroid dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, digestive disturbances, allergies, obesity, and behavioral disorders. Clean eating is a concept that can also be applied to any type of restricted dietary regimen such as vegan- or vegetarianism and hypo-allergenic diets. Below are a few examples of how to clean up your diet!
- Choose Organic: organic foods will bear a "Certified USDA Organic" sticker (produce) or stamp on the label
- Choose Non-GMO: non-genetically modified (non-GMO) foods will bear a "Non-GMO" sticker (produce) or stamp on the label
- Limit Sugars and Artificial Sweeteners: unhealthy added sugars and sweeteners can come in a variety of forms which include sugar, corn syrup, aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame K and even healthier/natural sweeteners such as honey, fructose, cane sugar, or rice syrup can be problematic when used in excess. Look for products with total sugar content of less than 6-10g (grams) per serving.
- Choose Foods in True Natural Form: Fruits and vegetables are a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are very important for a healthy diet. Nowadays, many products bear statements such as "all natural", "real fruit", or "100% juice". Rather than eating juice, pressed fruit, or vegetable chips, choose the true natural form of foods. For example, eat a whole apple, carrot, berry, snap pea, potato, or yam. However, when choosing an alternate form of the natural food, select products with a short list of ingredients without additives, artificial colorings, flavorings, preservatives, etc. For example, yam or sweet potato chips should list only yams/sweet potatoes and salt (and perhaps vegetable or olive oil). Not sulfur dioxide, partially or fully hydrogenated oil, corn syrup, hydrolyzed whey protein, monosodium glutamate, yellow 6, BHT, or a number of other unhealthy ingredients and chemicals.
Remember these tips to make wiser food choices and look for more information on this blog about how clean eating can contribute to a healthier you!
Contact Dr. Kris today to learn more about healthy lifestyle choices.