10 tips for a Cleaner Lifestyle

Transform your health with the adoption of clean eating. These tips are guides to help you start eating and living a cleaner lifestyle today and every day. Your health and the environment will thank you!

Whole vegetables and fruits should be a prominent part of every meal and you should select organic options whenever possible. Organic farmers use natural pesticides and avoid harmful man-made chemicals. Pesticides usually wind up on the outside of produce so save money by choosing non-organic items that have removable skins like avocados and onions. Also, learn about the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen and Clean 15.

This tip alone will change your life. Sadly, processed foods continue to dominate our western diet and wreak havoc on our health. Eliminating processed foods and eating whole and fresh will transform your health! Sugar, refined grains and hydrogenated oils are only a few of the many evils lurking in those long processed food ingredient lists. Clean up, go whole and natural and revitalize your health!

Always remember, you are what you eat eats!   Forego factory-produced meat filled with harmful chemicals and antibiotics and instead opt for organic, pasture or grass fed sources that raise animals humanely. Seafood isn’t labeled as organic. Look for sources that use sustainable fishing like pole or line caught. 

This is a very subjective area and some clean eaters cut it out entirely. We’re not that strict and prefer to eat high quality products in moderation. Like meat, most dairy and eggs come from animals that get growth hormones and antibiotics. Read your labels and opt for organic, pasture or grass fed sources that raise animals humanely. Almond milk is one of many new non-dairy options on the market. Read your labels and keep an eye out for additives that many contain. We love canned organic coconut milk with no additives. It’s delicious in coffee and anywhere you would use traditional milk.

The cleanest whole grains are those that have undergone no processing. Consider oats, wild rice, barley, bulgur and quinoa that maintain their just-harvested state. Refined carbs, like white bread, pasta, and rice, lose nutrients during the manufacturing process. Read your labels and don’t get fooled by false “Whole Grain” marketing tricks. Check ingredient lists closely. Whole Grain should be the first ingredient and the entire list should be short and recognizable. 

Instead of sugar-laden soda and fruit juices, opt for water and herbal tea. Filter your household water and stop buying and drinking bottled water today. Pay attention to alcohol and caffeine. Some clean eaters cut them out entirely but we enjoy our cocktails and love our cup of organic coffee every morning. Moderation is key and always be mindful of any sugary cocktail mixers and coffee additives you use. 

Sugar is everywhere and you’ll likely be shocked by its prevalence once you start paying attention. Eliminate processed foods and you’re off to an excellent start. We all know sugar is in products like soda, candy and baked goods but it also hides in your healthy yogurt, bread and tomato sauce in many confusing forms and names! Do yourself an enormous favor and do your sugar research. 

Cutting out processed food is a quick and effective way to reduce sodium intake. Instead of salt, rely on the bounty of herbs, spices, citrus and vinegars available naturally to flavor your dishes.

There are countless naturally sourced and derived products on the market these days. You probably already have one in your home. White vinegar is a great disinfectant and a natural way to clean your home. Go natural in your home today!

There are so many safe, effective natural personal care products available today with naturally derived ingredients. Make the change today and eliminate the daily direct contact with harmful chemicals in traditional care products.

Thank you! Your clean lifestyle makes you and the planet healthier!

There are abhorrent, inhumane factory and fishing practices wreaking havoc on our environment and oceans. Chemical and pesticide usage is rampant. Be aware of the impact of factory farming and greenhouse gas. Consider the carbon footprint all food makes during its journey to your plate. Don’t ignore all the chemicals in traditional cleaning and personal care products and their effects on your health and the environment. 

Consider the many health benefits of a cleaner lifestyle. Explore local farmer markets and ask lots of questions. Spend more time in the organic aisle. Never forget that real change really does start with each of us. We sincerely thank you for considering a cleaner lifestyle…and so does the planet!