getting started: cleaning eating.

I've heard some here and there about 'clean eating' and decided to look into it a little further.

I found this great site (The Gracious Pantry) that has so much info about it... how to get started, recipes, shopping lists, etc.

It inspired me to get started... and thus begins the process of starting to eat clean.

Main concepts of clean eating:

1. Avoid processed foods (remove chemicals from your diet and body and focus on your overall health)
2. Eat lots of plants (fruits & veggies straight from nature)
3. Eat meats that are whole and straight from the butcher (avoid buying pre-packaged meats)
4. Eat grains that are still complete (brown rice, whole wheat and other whole grains)
5. Read labels & eat fewer ingredients... try not to purchase foods that have more than 3-6 ingredients and if you can’t pronounce it, it probably shouldn’t go into your body
6. Eat 5-6 small meals per day

"Clean eating may feel a bit overwhelming at first, especially if you have a lot of changes to make. My advice is to take baby steps. Make little changes every day and don’t beat yourself up if you make mistakes. We all do. Just realize that it’s what you do the majority of them time that counts."

It mentioned that the best way to transition your fridge & pantry over to clean foods is to buy clean foods once your normal foods run out. That way it's a slower transition and isn't so overwhelming (or costly) all at once.

I decided to order some 'staple' foods from Vitacost to start building my clean pantry.

 

Simply Organic Garlic 'N Herb

YS Eco Bee Farms Raw Honey

Eden Foods Organic Black Beans

Bob's Red Mill Soy Protein Powder

Eden Foods Organic Garbanzo Beans

Westbrae Natural Dijon Style Mustard
Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat Pasta Elbows
Tinkyada Brown Rice Pasta Spaghetti Style
Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Whole Grain Rolled Oats
Santa Cruz Organic Peanut Butter Dark Roasted Creamy