Clean Eating
“Clean Eating” and “Eating Clean” are terms that keep popping up, but what do they mean? Eating clean is a simple concept of refreshing eating habits by eating healthier options. This includes eating “real” foods that have not been processed or minimally processed, and connecting food back to nature.
Processed foods have additives used to provide flavor, preserve ingredients or enrich foods with vitamins. Examples of additives include salt, sugar and fat. Processed food also changes the natural form of food such as mashing apples into apple sauce, turning pork into bacon or manufacturing foods in labs with ingredients that cannot be pronounced.
Why is processed food bad? Not all processed food is bad. Turning oats into oatmeal or changing the temperature of food isn’t considered unhealthy. It’s the ultra-processed foods like frozen dinners or breakfast cereal that can be misleading with statements like “Reduced Fat” or “Low Sodium.” Many people see these statements and think they are eating something healthy, when in reality, they’re not.
Here are a few simple tips for eating cleaner and healthier:
- Eat more “real food” such as fruits, vegetables and nuts.
- Eat for nourishment and plan meals and snacks ahead of time.
- Eat safe food by washing produce, cooking food to a safe temperature and avoiding cross contamination.
- Look for minimally processed foods including whole grain bread or pasta, frozen fruits and vegetables, and unrefined oils.
Clean eating can mean different things to people, based on dietary needs and health goals. But making these small changes can help support any healthy lifestyle.
Source: Mayoclinic.org
For additional total well-being resources, contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by ACI Specialty Benefits at 800.932.0034 or eapinfo@acispecialtybenefits.com.