Clean Eating is so much more than a diet. In fact, we wouldn’t call it a diet at all, it’s a lifestyle. Cleaning up your diet will absolutely help you to lose weight, but a Clean Eating lifestyle will do so much more for you than that! At its core, Clean Eating is about returning to a more natural way of eating that includes eating more nutrient rich plant foods, healthy fats and recipes made with real ingredients.
Clean Eating is not a fad as it does not require you to count calories or even restrict! Clean Eating only requires that you eat an abundance of healthy whole foods that will energize you. When we begin to switch our lifestyle to Clean Eating our bodies will change in some pretty remarkable ways, from lowering inflammation, to weight loss and more. Read on to learn just a few of the health benefits of a Clean Eating lifestyle!
1. Healthier Teeth And Gums
Our teeth and gums rely on vitamins and minerals from the food we eat to stay clean, healthy, and strong. Processed foods are not only void of beneficial nutrients but, they contain refined sugars that can wreak havoc on our teeth. Fruits, vegetables, high quality meats, and healthy fats are full of the nutrients needed for a healthy smile. The simple act of chewing on raw crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and celery can strengthen our teeth from the impact, increase saliva production which washes away bad bacteria, and scrape away plaque. Many natural foods, like cranberries, are naturally antimicrobial which can kill bacteria that can cause cavities and gingivitis. The fats and Vitamin K found in grass-fed meats and fish are essential to optimal dental health.
2. Improved Digestion
A healthy digestive system is key to a healthy body. If we aren’t digesting food properly then we are likely to feel heavy, bloated and tired. Clean Foods are easily recognized by the body so it knows how to utilize the nutrients from what you eat! Whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruits, legumes, and veggies are also full of fiber. Fiber is key to keeping things running smoothly in our gut and can eliminate symptoms of IBS. Fiber-rich foods also help to keep us satisfied which helps maintain a healthy weight. Processed foods such as chips and pastries are void of fiber and can cause inflammation in the gut.
3. Improved Mental Health
Clean Eating benefits your body and mind. Around 20 percent of the body’s energy is used up by our brain. The more nutrients we consume, the more energy we will have and the better our brain can run. A deficiency in Omega-3 fatty acids can cause mood swings and depression, so including sources of Omega-3s in your diet such as flax seeds, walnuts, salmon, and leafy greens can act as prevention. Vitamin B-6 helps in keeping your memory sharp and Clean Eating options such as bananas, organic turkey, sweet potatoes (all types), leafy greens, and sunflower seeds are full of this important nutrient.
4. Reduced Risk for Cardiovascular Disease
Fried foods, refined sugar, and vegetable oils all wreak havoc on our bodies blood vessels. The repeated use of these types of foods can lead to high blood pressure and high cholesterol and eventually cardiovascular disease. Eating more closely with nature can help maintain the health of your blood vessels. Foods low in trans fats and refined oils such as brazil nuts, almonds, green tea, blueberries, oatmeal, and tomatoes all have cardiovascular benefits. From the minerals to the antioxidants, they help keep your blood vessels flexible and healthy.
5. Less Inflammation
Chronic inflammation in the body is at the root of so many health issues today including insomnia, poor skin health, digestive issues, arthritis, food allergies, and weight gain. Eating refined sugar, vegetable oils, processed meats, and white flour can all contribute to inflammation and fatigue. Luckily, a Clean Eating lifestyle is naturally anti-inflammatory and can often reverse many of these health issues over time. By crowding out the unhealthy foods with an abundance of natural clean foods, you will reduce inflammation and reduce your cravings for the unhealthy foods, too! A clean eating lifestyle really does lead to long-term health and wellness.
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