Clean Eating Boost energy + health

flour, processed foods, prepared foods, boxed foods, junk type snacks and ar tificial sweeteners

“Basics needed for most people include good protein like meat, eggs and seafood; real cheese, not processed; yogur ts, but watch for sugar amounts; fresh veggies; whole fruits instead of juices and true whole grain breads, ” Gifford said

The challenge, unless you can live on raw veggies, fruits and nuts, is finding recipes and getting yourself to the stove Gladd and his staff specialize in coaching clients in helpful methods

By Cathy Shouse

It ’s time to stop obsessing about food and the latest ‘miracle’ weight-loss strategy Instead, tr y something different: ditch the diet Instead, embrace a lifest yle philosophy of ‘clean eating ’

The Mayo Clinic blog describes clean eating as consuming more real foods and fewer processed/refined foods, being sure to keep nourishment at the forefront, and staying mindful of food choices

“Clean eating is a common topic in our office, ” said Jeffrey Gladd, MD, owner of GladdMD Integrative Medicine of For t Wayne “ The level of preser vatives, chemical taste enhancement and sweetener additives in our food supply continues to grow The side effec t is two-fold: these processed, food-like substances are a far cr y from foods that nourish and fuel the body, and the level of enhancement often leaves whole foods ‘bland’ to those who are not eating them regularly, mak ing it difficult to make a shift.”

If you switch to whole foods ‘cold turkey, ’ your taste buds will adjust in 2-3 weeks Or, here are Gladd’s tips to make baby steps instead:

1 Surround yourself with whole food snacks: Raw or lightly salted nuts, a piece of fruit or full-fat cheese

2. Star t with one meal per day, usually breakfast so your day star ts properly. Breakfast is often the meal highest in sugars, carbs and processed foods such as cereals, granola and bars Gradually get good at breakfast, than star t branching out to other meals

3. Embrace fasting. Lots of data is mounting about the benefits of periods of fasting and/or intermittent fasting where you eat in an 8-hour window Work with a healthcare professional so you are able to do this in a healthy, sustainable way

According to Linda K Gifford, owner of Ear then Treasures, Inc , “ We encourage people to first eliminate soda-type carbonated beverages Known unhealthy choices, of course, include sugar, white

“I t ’s counter-culture, takes time and conscious effor t, and you spend more time in the k itchen and cleaning up from meals, ” Gladd said “Most find the health benefits, both long-term and shor t-term, wor th it ”

No one eats per fec tly, so choose your ‘cheats’ wisely.

“O f course, an occasional desser t, a traditional celebration meal, or a special night out are cer tainly needed and deser ved to be enjoyed. I t ’s what we do daily that really counts, ” Gifford said. “Controlled portions and limited indulgence can still allow us to enjoy some of our favorite treats Besides, once we add in better, fresher choices, the past habits will fall away on their own Who would have ever dreamed we would be eating and enjoying pizza crust made from cauliflower? Just goes to prove we need to (literally) keep think ing outside the box!” a

Resources:

Ear then Treasures Inc., Berne, 260 589 3675, ear thentreasuresonline com

GladdMD Integrative Medicine, For t Wayne, 260 449 9698, GladdMD com

Red Mango, For t Wayne, 260 739 3384, redmangousa com