Clean Eats

If you asked someone about clean eating several years ago, this is how I imagine the conversation would go:

A: "Do you eat clean food?"
B: "Yeah, I wash off my fruits and vegetables.  And I obey the 3 second rule if something falls on the ground."

Nowadays, the conversation about clean food is much different.  Grocery stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Earth Fare, and more have made it easy to "eat clean."  Even your neighborhood grocery stores like Harris Teeter, Publix, and Wal-Mart typically have an abundant health food section with items that fall into this category.  So, what does it mean to "eat clean"?

First, a back story: I started CrossFit about 9 months ago.  I had not been consistently working out for over 4 years, thanks to my beautiful kiddos and a lack of energy, desire, drive to do so.  Starting this past January, I would get up and go early in the morning and join other crazy people who do CrossFit.  It was honestly a miracle that I was getting up early to work out.  I have always held that last, precious hour of sleep very near and dear to my heart.  So, anyway, I would be completely exhausted after a workout...and sometimes during it.  One coach mentioned to me that I could beat all my Personal Records every time I came to the gym if I just stuck with it and ate clean food.  I agreed, but changed nothing with my eating habits.  I started to get better, and my times and weights lifted improved....but my energy levels did not....so began my most recent journey with food.

I've been trying to make better decisions with meals and snacks for several months, but I just very recently committed to "clean eating."  Clean eating is essentially cutting out processed foods and eating more whole foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, etc.  For me, this meant saying goodbye to things like my convenient Fiber 1 bars, pre-made breakfast sandwiches, and frozen chicken pot pies.  To be honest, I probably won't say goodbye to them forever, but I will try to make healthier choices when I can do so and will eat those things far less.  So far, I've been introduced to new foods and have prepared a couple new recipes.  My family hasn't seemed to suffer either...no one has really mentioned missing anything yet.  And when we drop something from our plates onto the floor?  We pick it up quickly...within 3 seconds.....after all, we eat clean food around here.

More to come on clean eating.....