Steps to START Eating CLEAN

There's a misconception when it comes to eating healthy. People think that eating clean means to give up all the foods you love or by eating tasteless disgusting food with no flavor. That's simply not true, and it's not that difficult. First get the idea out of your mind that it's a "Diet". Diets are temporary, and before you know it you'll be back to your old habits. Think of it as changing your eating habits, and making it a lifestyle. Now don't start throwing everything from your refrigerator away that you think is bad for you, and buy a ton of food that you think is healthy, that would be moving to fast too soon. You'll get stuck on what to do next and quit.

• First start by writing down everything that's in your current diet. Take it a week at a time, by taking something you would normally eat for a meal or snack and replace it with something else (i.e. apple instead of a donut), or (baked chicken breast instead of a cheeseburger). Start paying attention on how you prepare your food; grill or bake instead of frying. Eliminate the extra sauces that aren't needed. You can still eat healthy when you go out to dinner, just pay attention to how the food is prepared.

• Eliminate added sugar such as sweeteners, candy bars or fruit juices, and replace it with a bottle of water. Added sugars contribute added calories and no nutrients. Focus more on eating healthy fats such avocados, olive oils, flax seed and salmon.

• Drinking water helps to lose weight by making you full faster, maintaining your digestive system to keep you more regular, and by flushing out toxins. Herbal teas are also good ways to cleanse the body. Add a slice of lemon to your water as a good source of Vitamin C.

• When preparing a meal, divide your plate into thirds, make sure you have a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. Look for lean sources of meat, replace chicken drumsticks with chicken breasts. Look at other sources for carbs (i.e. whole wheat tortillas, brown rice, Quinoa, Cous Cous, Bulgar). Carbohydrates is fuel for your body and brain.

• Just like your mom used to say "EAT YOUR VEGETABLES". Adding vegetables to your diet may reduce the risk of heart disease, including heart attack and stroke, and may protect against some type of cancers. Vegetables have many sources of nutrients including potassium, fiber, and Vitamins A and C.

Whether your gaining muscle or burning fat stop counting calories and focus on nutrient rich foods. Keep it simple and eat when your hungry instead of timing when your last meal was. Do some research, it doesn't take an expert to learn how to eat clean. If you have access to a computer that's all you need. There a tons of healthy and tasty recipes online. Take it one step at a time and those cravings you used to have for those unhealthy choices will eventually go away.