You've probably heard the term “eating clean,” but you may not know exactly what it is or how you can clean up your diet. In a nutshell, it’s about eating more of the healthiest options in each food group and avoiding the less healthy ones.
Here's how you can start cleaning up your diet for better health and nutrition.
01/ Pick Whole Foods
The concept of clean eating is to avoid packaged and processed food and to choose food as close to its natural form as possible. This allows you to skip the calories, saturated fat, sugar, and salt found in processed food.
02/ Eat More Whole Grains
White bread, pasta, and rice lose most of their nutrients during the manufacturing process. Replace them with whole wheat options, and increase your consumption of whole-grain foods like oatmeal, bulgur, or barley. Studies have shown that a diet high in whole grains can lower your risk of colon cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. If you're unsure how to incorporate more whole grains into your diet, you can consult with me, your trusted clinical dietitian in Dubai.
03/ Load Up on Fruits and Veggies
Fruits and vegetables are the two main pillars of clean eating. Whether fresh or frozen, they are loaded with fiber and nutrients; just make sure to read the label for their sugar and salt content if you choose canned items. Aim to have at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
04/ Be Smart About Meat and Dairy
Meat, dairy, and eggs you buy at the store may come from animals that are injected with antibiotics and growth hormones. Opt to buy these items organic, or from a local source that you trust. When choosing seafood, look for items low in mercury; large fish such as sharks, king mackerel, and tilefish tend to be high in mercury. If you’re following a vegan diet plan in Dubai, the cleanest approach to protein is nuts, legumes, and beans.
