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... dance, fitness, food, health, life...

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Hungry Dancer: eating clean

The cream sauces and comfort foods have been fun and all, but in light of my health issues coming to head as of late, it's time to get back on track.

I keep reading about "clean eating" around the interwebs and it has piqued my interest. But as I easily get annoyed with fad diets and food trends, I wanted a little more background before jumping on my sassy soap box. I found this handy list on Eating Well's site:

Cut down on alcohol
Cut down on sugar
Cut down on salt
Cut down on saturated fat
Cut down on refined grains
Decrease the processed junk
More fruits and veggies
Drink more H-two-O
Drink green tea
More whole grains

Okay, seems pretty common sense to me. My personal favorite is what Wiki Answers has to say about clean eating:

Mainly, it is the avoidance of processed foods, chemical additives, and anything artificial.


Again, seems reasonable. I will, however, still indulge my occasional Skittles, salted caramel macchiato, and french fry cravings, respectively. Let's just be real.

About that soap box.... As far as eating trends go, you have to do what works for you and your schedule, budget, lifestyle, preferences, etc. I mean, downing an entire jar of nutella, chased with a pint of Ben and Jerry's on the regular is probably not the best idea, but a little indulgence here and there is not going to kill anyone. And life happens. You hit snooze one too many times in the morning, you have to work late, your baby/dog/cat/planning how to survive and thrive in a zombie apocalypse (Walking Dead, anyone?) kept you up all night... Sometimes stopping at Starbucks or ordering a pizza is the only way you're going to get any sustenance. Go on, order the pizza, enjoy the cheesy goodness and get back on track tomorrow. Better late than never. Always.

Not too sassy, right? :)




One sample of my fast-'n-healthy breakfast menu of the week: frozen multigrain waffles topped with plain nonfat yogurt (Greek is best for the highest protein quotient), pear slices, walnuts and a drizzle of honey. Rotate in other fruits for variety. Healthy, fast, and YUM.

Have you joined the clean eating party? What are you favorite fast and healthy eats?

Happy, healthy eating!

xoxo
J

6 comments:

  1. They were/are pretty delish. Whole grain Eggos ftw!

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  2. So, I've been cutting back on drinking during the week and dare I say it's improving my mood/general quality of life? Blasphemy, I know, but, baby steps...

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  3. love love love! AFter I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease I found out I was allergic to dairy and gluten. I found this amazing cookbook called "Raw Food made Easy" by Jennifer Cornbleet. I don't eat all raw vegan, but there are some AMAZING and easy recipes in there that I LOVE! Especially the dessert ones...all natural food and you feel great when you eat them:) Since eating clean, i've seen a huge difference in my health. Thanks for sharing, what a great discussion!!! love Katie

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  4. get it girl! you will feel so good! As a fellow Coloradan - you're in a good place for eating well :) My favorite cookbook is Everyday Paleo - great stuff.

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  5. @ Katie Cook, I will have to check that cookbook out for some ideas! Thanks for the tip :)

    @ Maggie, I will also have to check that one out :) And yay for Colorado - represent, girl! ;)

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