Clean Eating magazine defines clean eating as enjoying food in the most natural state available. Clean eating is not a diet plan; it is a lifestyle that aims at improving life one meal at a time. The basic guidelines the magazine emphasizes are eating five to six times a day; selecting organic foods whenever possible; drinking a minimum of two liters of water every day; being label savvy and buying only foods with one or two ingredients; avoiding processed and refined foods; and steering clear of toxic additives.
People who are into clean eating focus on healthy fats, eat reasonable portion sizes, and keep a small carbon footprint. They buy humanely raised local meats and sustainable harvested seafood. They don’t rush, but east slowly and savor their food. They take meals to go rather than leaving their options to chance, and they prefer eating in community with the people they love.
Clean eating begins with your grocery list. To be successful on your healthy eating program, you have to be prepared. You want to know you can open a cabinet or your refrigerator door, and have healthy food on hand. A basic grocery list template can be your best tool.
The folks at MindBodyGreen.com prepared the following list to help you have a seamless shopping experience:
Vegetables:
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Zucchini
Kale
Spinach
Romaine Lettuce
Sweet Potatoes
Avocados
Butternut Squash
Carrots
Beets
Onions
Garlic
2 Seasonal Additions
Fruits
Berries (choose one of the following)
– Blueberries
– Raspberries
– Strawberries
Bananas
Lemons
2 Seasonal Additions
Fresh Herbs and Seasonings
Parsley
Cilantro
Cumin
Turmeric
Smoked Paprika
Red Chile Flakes
Cayenne Pepper
Red Curry Paste
Sea Salt
Seasonal Addition
Refrigerated
Eggs
Dairy (Choose one of the following)
– Plain Greek Yogurt
– Coconut Yogurt
– Whole Milk
– Half & Half
– Almond Milk
Seafood
Wild Salmon
Halibut
Pantry Items
Apple Cider Vinegar
Balsamic Vinegar
Tamari
Olive Oil
Coconut Oil
Maple Syrup/Honey
Drug Goods
Gluten-Free Oats
Cashews
Walnuts
Almonds
Sesame Seeds
Pepitas
Brown Rice
Quinoa
Lentils (red or black)
Canned Goods
Chickpeas
Black Beans
Coconut Milk
Tomatoes
Frozen Goods
Peas
Shelled Edamame
Spinach
You can customize the list to your own taste, and keep either a physical or digital copy at hand. Many people keep the list on a cell phone app.
