Clean Eating ~ A new way of life!

Many know I am pretty health conscious.
Todd & I have really transformed ourselves in the past year.
The last step was to buckle down & start eating better.

Now that I am a Beachbody Coach, I have learned quite a bit.
Clean eating is part of that.
I have been on a weight loss journey for so long.

{Shameless plug for my Beachbody business, check out my website,

www.beachbodycoach.com/astridtriplets}

And it is a continuous struggle.
One I don't want my babes to go through.
So, Beachbody has given me an opportunity to change my life as well as theirs.

What is clean eating?
Here is the rundown for you.

1) Eat whole foods.  This means to eat fresh, whole fruits & veggies (not frozen), whole grains, low fat dairy, unsalted nuts/seeds.  It also means don't eat meat that has been injected with hormones.
2) Avoid processed foods.  If they have a label, they are processed.  The key here is to be able to read the first 5 ingredients on the label.  If you can't, don't buy it!  Now, you will need to purchase some processed foods like pastas (whole grain) and things like natural cheeses so don't think it means get rid of everything processed!
3) Eliminate refined sugars.  EMPTY calories!  There are many alternatives to sweeten things besides good ol' sugar!
4) Eat 5-6 meals a day.  You may think this is contrary to losing weight (if that is your objective) but I can prove otherwise.  1 week of clean eating & my final 4 lbs melted off!  Of course, I worked out along with it.
5) Cook your own meals.  Don't do fast food.  Don't buy lunches in a box.  Don't get Hamburger Helper.  Make them yourself.
6) Combine proteins with carbs.  Meals must be balanced.  That is what your body likes. This will also help hunger and cravings!

We are going in to week 2 of clean eating.
I have made the menu.
It is really exciting because it is something Todd & I are really getting in to.

Thus far, the kids haven't complained much.
And yes, because I know you want to ask, we do have kid friendly meals as well.
Sometimes it isn't clean either.

Honestly, it is about balance.
You can "cheat" from time to time.
But there are so many great recipes.

I really need to delve in to it further.
The change isn't too difficult, honestly.
And organic/health sections in grocery stores are growing & becoming more affordable.

Where do I find my recipes?
Well, some come from the Beachbody Club.
They have some great ones!

The rest come from google searching BUT I do have a few favorite places to visit.

100 Days of Real Food is a great place to start.
They even have FREE meal plans & shopping lists.
Meals are kid friendly & she even posts what she packs for lunches.

Then there is The Gracious Pantry.
There is a wonderful selection of recipes there!

He and She Eat Clean is a really cute site!
Couples write the blog.
And there are some great, sweet recipes on there.
Check out the Chocolate PB Banana Bites recipe!
I think my kids would LOVE it.

There you have it.
The long & the short of clean eating.
I am by no means an expert in this area but am willing to help you find answer.

And to that, I sign off!