Some might ask, what is "eating clean"? For me, it is eating foods in their most natural state. It is cooking with simple ingredients and eliminating sauces and other additives. Do you read the labels on the food you purchase? Well, you should...there are some real surprises about the volume of added salt, sugar, and preservatives in our food sources. Imagine what those things are doing to your body!
Many of you know I have battled migraine headaches for many years. On a good month I had 4-5, on a bad one 10-15. I tried all kinds of things to elevate them, including having an MRI and seeing two neurologists (one of which is touted as one of the best and the head of the program at the Cleveland Clinic). They told me there are many triggers for migraine but no real known cause or cure. The solution was to take a low dose anti-depressant, a beta blocker (which can by the way also trigger headaches), or an anti-seizure medication with a huge list of terrible side affects. Last thing I wanted to do was put more crap in my body. I opted to take my sister's advise and sought out the help of a holistic doctor. One of the first things I was told to do was cut out diet soda, anything with artificial sweeteners, and products with preservatives (do you have any idea how many food items have one or all of these things in them???). Giving up diet soda was tough, but I did it. I cut out wine, beer, lunch meat, and almost all bread. It's been almost 3 years and I've had about 20 or so migraines in total. HUGE improvement! My point is...what we put in our bodies has a huge impact on how we feel and how our bodies perform! If you put cheap fuel in your Maserati, it's not going to perform. If you put racing fuel in it, it goes like the wind. So stop putting crap fuel in your body and improve your performance!
I've been struggling as of recent with craving sugar and carbs. When I start the day with carbs, I find I crave them all day. But if I eat good, lean protein at each meal, I am much more satisfied and less apt to cave to the temptation of eating a carb heavy diet. Getting enough protein through the day is also a challenge for me, so I am working to add a variety of lean protein sources to my diet. Good sources of lean protein are plant, dairy, or animal based. This includes whole grains, vegetables, greek yogurt, chicken, fish, nuts, seeds, etc. While I'm at it - good whole grains are brown rice, quinoa, barley, oats, etc. The easiest way to shop for these items is to shop the perimeter of the market where the fresh produce, meat, and dairy products are found.
My latest challenge in eating clean is to reduce and eliminate as many prepared foods from my diet as possible. I am going to try to eat foods with less than 5 ingredients in them. If you are a food label reader, you know how difficult this challenge is. Who's with me? You are going to have to plan ahead (it's critical to your success), pack your lunch and snacks, and do some cooking. Are you up for the challenge? I can't wait to hear how you did and how much better you feel!
As a final note, I want to thank Nikki, Donna, Tammy, Lisa, Alison, and number of other people for their support and kind words. It warms my heart to know by opening up about my struggles, successes and journey it has inspired others to set forth on their own journeys. Here's to a whole slew of happy, healthy, Fit & Fabulous group of friends and family!
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