Eating Clean--YES, YOU CAN

I eat clean 95% of the time. I started out slow--eating clean on an 80/20% basis (which is what i often recommend to people just starting out). Starting with the 80/20 makes this jump more realistic, and once you get the hang of it, it's easy to make a larger transition. I had posted, a few months back, a partial grocery shopping list; this one is more exhaustive, and will really help you to learn what is/isn't clean.

To get started right, you want to instill a few new habits: 1) Shop the perimeter (I know you've heard this before) 2) Read the labels 3) Don't be afraid to try new things.
Breads

• Trader Joe's brand--Their 'whole grain breads' are clean. I've never tried them, but I've heard they're good. Particularly the Sprouted Multi-Gran and California Protein.
• Ezekiel brand breads--In the freezer section. There are several different varieties--ALL OF WHICH ARE NOT CLEAN--but most are. Read the label.
• Alvarado Street Bakery brand breads--Great selection of rolls, loaves, buns, etc. All of these are clean.
• Tortillas--Hard to find. They should contain only corn, lime, and water. Again, I've heard Trader Joe's carries a sprouted wheat tortilla that is clean, but I've never tried it.

Dairy & Non-Dairy
If you're going to eat clean, personally, I don't recommend dairy. I limit it to cheese, which I only 'treat' myself with--it's not part of my regular eating plan.

• Greek yogurt
• Unsweetened almond milk
• Unsweetened rice milk (made from brown rice)
• Unsweetened soy (always buy organic to avoid GMOs)
• Unsweetened coconut milk (buy 'light')

Meat

• Poultry--Eggs. Mostly the whites, but the yolks, in moderation. Buy organic, please. Boneless, skinless chicken/turkey breasts are awesome.
• Beef--not considered 'clean', but if you want to eat it, buy organic, lean cuts.
• Wild game--Go for it.
• Pork--Generally not part of a clean diet. Skip it.
• Duck--Too fatty.
• Fish--Go for it.

Produce

Stock up, and do your best to buy organic! MOST of your diet should come from this section!
Fruits: All of it.
Veggies: All of it.



The Aisles

Try to keep out of 'em, except for:

• Green Tea
• Decaf coffee (if you must)
• Oatmeal--steel cut or traditional rolled oats.
• Canned items--eeeee...try to stay away, but if you must, read the label. Go for no added sugar and watch the sodium content.
• Dry beans and legumes (I DO buy canned, organic)
• Brown rice
• Whole wheat pasta
• Other grains
• Sweeteners/condiments: Truvia, Aminos, pure maple syrup, spices (no seasoning packets!)
• Flour: oat flour, whole wheat flour
• Chips: There are some really tasty, clean organic chips out there! I buy a flaxseed/red quinoa chip that i love!

That should do it!

Shop away, my friends!