Gotta Take the Leap

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A lot of people think they are unhealthy, think that they need a new diet, think they need to workout more. It is one thing to think that you need to do something new, but another to actually start something new. Most people are afraid of the change that comes with eating a “cleaner” diet. But, according to Best Health Magazine, the transition is much easier than expected.

Best Health Magazine http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-eats/healthy-eating/15-ways-to-clean-up-your-diet provided a 15-step schedule to follow for those people who are starting up a new diet of clean eating. It involves foods that will keep you fuller for longer and give you more energy than you thought you could have. Because I used this list myself, I will provide you with the steps that I found to be most helpful when I started to eat a cleaner diet.

1. Eat Clean: This means buying and eating foods that are as close to their natural state. This helps you consume less artificial products that may be present in further-processed foods.
2. Good Breakfast: According to Rosie Schwartz (quoted in the article), “It’s best to eat within 15 to 20 minutes of getting up in the morning.” It is good to eat a healthy and hearty breakfast because it allows your body to create less insulin to keep you full, slowing the amount of weight that you are gaining.
3. Variety: While, yes, it is great that you are eating those carrots every day, there needs to be a variety of both fruits and vegetables present in your diet on a daily basis. The article suggests that signing up for a vegetable and fruit delivery service allows you to be provided with the variety you need with every box you receive.
4. Plan Ahead: It might seem like a hassle if you live a busy lifestyle, but planning meals ahead of time actually saves you a lot of time. It helps you make smarter decisions all at once instead of every time you hear your tummy rumble.
5. Pass the Salt: Normally when you are asking someone to pass the salt, you are asking for more. But, with a clean diet, you are passing the salt to the next person. Eating less salt in your diet is important. Less salt can prevent things like bloating from happening. You can also add other things in the place of literal table salt in order to spice up your meals.
6. Snack Stronger: Coming from a person who loves to snack, this tip was extremely helpful. Before I would reach for the potato chips and caramel corn when I wanted to snack. Now, I know to snack smarter. It is good to reach for things with few ingredients that are high in protein. An example of a good snack could be a handful of salted almonds or a piece of fresh fruit.

As anyone can see, following these steps is not very difficult to do. While it might require a few more minutes to make your meals and a lot bit more willpower to say no to the powdered doughnut, following these steps will allow you to feel better both on the inside and on the out.



Future Research: How can cleaner eating affect your other activities? Energy levels? Happiness?