Clean eating: What does that mean? (2024)

FAQs

What is the meaning of clean eating? ›

There are a lot of variations to clean eating; but, basically, it refers to eating foods that are as close as possible to their natural state. This encourages us to make our meals from scratch to make them as “clean” as possible.

Meaning of clean eating in English

clean eating. noun [ U ] /ˌkliːn ˈiː.tɪŋ/ us. /ˌkliːn ˈiː.tɪŋ/ the practice of eating only foods that are regarded as healthy, especially fresh food that has not been processed (= given any industrial or chemical treatment)

Eat your veggies — any veggies

Fresh and plain frozen vegetables are obvious good choices, as well as reduced-sodium canned. Since potatoes (and yes French fries) count as a vegetable, you're best off with baked, boiled, or oven-roasted at home, versus highly processed versions fried in refined oils.

Eggs are a great choice—and don't skip the yolk, or you'll miss out on extra protein and nutrients not found in the egg whites. Nuts, seeds and beans are all fantastic choices for plant-based proteins. Just be sure to look for lower-sodium options when possible.

Although the idea behind clean eating is based on whole, fresh foods, certain types of packaged foods can be included, such as packaged vegetables, nuts, and meat. However, it's important to read labels to make sure there aren't any preservatives, added sugars, or unhealthy fats.

Some things that are likely to be found on the table of clean food eaters are: Whole-grains instead of refined flour, as in bread, cookies, cakes, and pies. Brown rice instead of white rice, which has been milled till it has lost its husk, with the underlying germ and vitamins.

Likewise, many whole grains qualify for a clean eating food list even though they may be somewhat processed. For example, whole rolled oats are a clean food, but the very outer coating of the oat, as you'd find with oat groats, has been removed.

Cheese is allowed in the clean eating meal plan, but with an asterisk. Processed cheese slices or other packaged foods that contain cheese should be avoided.

Start by focusing on whole, unprocessed foods: Choose lean proteins such as chicken, fish, eggs, and beans. Whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, whole wheat, fresh vegetables and fruits, bio-quality dairy products, healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocados, and herbs and spices for flavoring.

Is bacon clean eating? ›

Bacon is a pork or turkey product made by soaking the meat in a salty solution containing nitrates and sometimes sugar before smoking it. Processed meats may be associated with cancer and heart disease, so it's best to eat bacon in moderation.

Breads All grains should be 100% whole grain on a clean eating diet but most store-bought whole grain breads and rolls contain far too many ingredients to be considered clean. Look in the freezer section for sprouted grain breads with no added preservatives and only natural, approved ingredients.

Generally speaking, peanut butter is good for you when consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced, nutritious diet. "Peanut butter is mostly known for its healthy fats and protein ... two nutrients that help keep you full," says Natalie Rizzo, registered dietitian and nutrition editor for TODAY.com.

As you can see nutrition info from myfitnesspal.com while both air and oil popped corn are considered clean, there is a clear benefitting to choosing air popped corn if you are looking to cut calories and fat.

As avocados' thick skin is typically peeled, most of its pesticides are removed prior to consumption (1, 8). Avocados are rich in healthy monounsaturated fat and a good source of fiber, folate and vitamins C and K (9). thick peel, fewer than 1% of avocados tested had any pesticide residue.

Popcorn is a whole grain that can be a healthy snack, but its nutrition status varies depending on how it's prepared. All too often it can be loaded with salt, sugar, and excess fat. (Think: movie theater buttered popcorn and kettle corn from the fair.)

Some things that are likely to be found on the table of clean food eaters are: Whole-grains instead of refined flour, as in bread, cookies, cakes, and pies.

A clean-eating meal plan includes tons of fresh fruits and veggies, high-fiber whole grains and legumes, healthy fats and lean proteins (like fish and chicken). It skips added sugars and minimizes sodium and saturated fats that can damage our hearts when we eat too much of them.