I'm a big believer that how you look and feel is based largely on what you eat. After completing a 30-day clean eating challenge I could honestly say at the age of 43 I am more fit, stronger, healthier and happier than ever before. I owe that, in part, to clean eating.
Are you interested? Are you a little bit curious? How about joining the 31-Day Clean Eating Challenge || Summer 2011 beginning July 1?
So what exactly is clean eating? After a lot of reading it seems the general consensus is there is no definitive definition of clean eating but there are very basic rules that people interpret to fit their life.
- eat lots of plants
- eat lean protein, complex carbohydrates and heart healthy fats in each meal choice
- avoid ALL processed and/or refined foods (sugar, baked goods, candies, white flour, white rice, etc)
- avoid saturated and trans fats
- avoid sodas, high calorie juices and other drinks that give your body no nutritional value and lots of unnecessary (unwanted) calories
- avoid high calorie, non nutritious foods (i.e. junk food)
- drink at least 8 cups of water per day
- no alcohol
What worked for me?
- I started all or nothing with clean eating but if that doesn't work for you (or your personality) or if that seems too overwhelming, try making changes in your diet with a few of the rules above and gradually add more change.
- Plan a weekly menu (Read more on menu planning here Top 5 Benefits of Menu Planning) and grocery shopping list.You can see one of my weekly menus here Commitment to Health and Fitness.
- Our lives are all different. Do whatever it takes to make this work for you and your family.
- My menus are planned around 3 meals and 2 snacks as well as a recovery drink or protein smoothie.
- Don't expect the whole family to commit 100% with you. Take baby steps with them.
- Use free online resources for recipes.
- Drink a lot of water.
- Eat frequently and don't skip meals.
Those are the basics. Now, it’s up to you to decide how you will apply these basics to your life and to your eating plan.
Every Sunday I will share information, my weekly menu, recipes and thoughts on clean eating. I would love to follow your progress and answer your questions. Leave a comment and if you're using your blog as part of the challenge leave a link.
One last word. Approach this challenge with the attitude that it's not a diet, it's a lifestyle change. I'm not saying it's going to be easy but it will be worth it.
Wait. Before you leave check out my new Facebook Page Life as I see it [fitness, health and happiness]. Don't forget to click LIKE!
I bought the book "The Eat Clean Diet for Family and Kids a few weeks ago. So many things resonate with me, and I want to try it (or at least get closer to a clean diet.) So I'm in. :) By July 1st my living situation will have calmed down a little, I think, and it's perfect timing. Thank you for this challenge, and any tips along the way. :)
Posted by: Nicky Hurt | June 24, 2011 at 12:06 PM
Great Nicky! I'm so glad you decided to join. You won't regret it!
Jill Conyers
My Blog: http://jillconyers.typepad.com/
How often in life we complete a task that was beyond the capability of the person we were when we started it. ~Robert Brault
Posted by: jillconyers | June 24, 2011 at 12:27 PM
I wish a craved clean foods.
Posted by: JDaniel4's Mom | June 24, 2011 at 07:28 PM
You might be surprised. After the initial adjustment you do begin to crave the clean foods.
Jill Conyers
My Blog: http://jillconyers.typepad.com/
How often in life we complete a task that was beyond the capability of the person we were when we started it. ~Robert Brault
Posted by: jillconyers | June 25, 2011 at 04:19 AM
Jill ~ Thank you so much for all of the excellent information! I had so much fun with the clean eating challenge with Rhonda and I would gladly join you for the next 31 days! Thanks again for the inspiration! ~ Take Care
Posted by: Tracy | June 25, 2011 at 09:13 AM
This is a wonderful idea! I've been trying to lessen the bad foods I eat slowly. The hardest thing is the soda. It's all so addictive!
Thanks for visiting my blog!
Posted by: Head Ant | June 25, 2011 at 09:26 AM
Awesome! Thanks for joining me Tracy. Please keep me updated. I will be posting weekly on my blog as well as on my new FB page, Life as I see it [fitness, health and happiness]
Jill Conyers
My Blog: http://jillconyers.typepad.com/
How often in life we complete a task that was beyond the capability of the person we were when we started it. ~Robert Brault
Posted by: jillconyers | June 25, 2011 at 10:19 AM
Does that mean you're thinking about joining me for 31-days? You won't regret it! If you decide to join keep me updated :)
Jill Conyers
My Blog: http://jillconyers.typepad.com/
How often in life we complete a task that was beyond the capability of the person we were when we started it. ~Robert Brault
Posted by: jillconyers | June 25, 2011 at 10:25 AM
With the exception of still not eating enough ... my real problem is #8! I love my wine. But I'm on board with you, Jill :)
Posted by: Lee Currie | June 25, 2011 at 10:33 AM
Yeah! You're not alone. #8 seems to be a problem for a lot of people lol
Jill Conyers
My Blog: http://jillconyers.typepad.com/
How often in life we complete a task that was beyond the capability of the person we were when we started it. ~Robert Brault
Posted by: jillconyers | June 26, 2011 at 06:02 AM
I love this Jill! I am ready for more healthy and positive changes in my life and to better my running. I agree with Lee... #8 is a tough one - all the others can fit in perfectly once they are made into a habit.
Posted by: Tina | June 26, 2011 at 07:37 AM
Does that mean you're joining me? :)
Jill Conyers
My Blog: http://jillconyers.typepad.com/
How often in life we complete a task that was beyond the capability of the person we were when we started it. ~Robert Brault
Posted by: jillconyers | June 26, 2011 at 07:57 AM
I am so glad I found your blog today. I actually bought a book by trainer Jackie Warner and what I love about it is that there are now ubber expensive or crazy suggestions. She is all about eating clean and incorporating a no nonsence approach to how we exercise and eat. So I love this challenge; definitely what I need since sometimes I have an issue with accountability.
Posted by: Maria | June 26, 2011 at 02:37 PM
Hi Jill! Following you from voiceBoks. I'm in on this 31-day challenge!! I need the support, so I'll be following your blog and FB posts. Thanks for starting this challenge!
Posted by: Roz K Walker | June 30, 2011 at 08:13 AM
Roz that is awesome! I'm so glad you will be joining. You won't regret it! I'm new to VB so I need to find time to explore and connect.
Jill Conyers
My Blog: http://jillconyers.typepad.com/
How often in life we complete a task that was beyond the capability of the person we were when we started it. ~Robert Brault
Posted by: jillconyers | June 30, 2011 at 09:13 AM
Awesome Jill! I am in! And off to check out your fb too!
Posted by: Rani | July 01, 2011 at 01:24 AM
Great! Info on my blog today :)
Jill Conyers
My Blog: http://jillconyers.typepad.com/
How often in life we complete a task that was beyond the capability of the person we were when we started it. ~Robert Brault
Posted by: jillconyers | July 01, 2011 at 05:05 AM
I love your blog! I also believe in healthy eating and i think it is great that you have started this challenge!
GetFitChick
Posted by: Getfitchick | July 01, 2011 at 08:40 AM
Thank you Get Fit Chick!
Jill Conyers
My Blog: http://jillconyers.typepad.com/
How often in life we complete a task that was beyond the capability of the person we were when we started it. ~Robert Brault
Posted by: jillconyers | July 01, 2011 at 09:21 AM
I see this is past, but I am really interested in hearing how you are still doing (or not doing) with clean eating? I have been clean eating for a few months now and LOVE IT. I started a 60 gluten free challenge today...
Here is my blog...
http://devannsidiosyncrasy.wordpress.com
Posted by: Devann | September 14, 2011 at 09:55 PM