What Are The Benefits Of The Eat-clean Diet?

What Are the Benefits of the Eat-Clean Diet?

Aug 9, 2010 | By Pam Murphy

The Eat-Clean Diet focuses on natural, minimally processed foods and nutritionally balanced meals. The diet includes choices from each food group and consists of six small meals a day. According to Tosca Reno, author of the Eat-Clean Diet, the diet can be adapted to work for vegetarians and for those with food allergies and dietary restrictions.

Lower Sugar Consumption

Because the Eat-Clean Diet discourages foods and beverages with added sugar and syrups, eating by the plan leads to reduced sugar consumption. The American Heart Association reports that high sugar intake has been linked with metabolic abnormalities and poor nutrition. Following the Eat-Clean Diet will help you limit your calories from added sugar, easily staying within the daily 100 to 150 calorie maximum recommended by the American Heart Association.

Wholesome Foods

The Eat-Clean Diet basically promotes eating foods in their most natural form. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy oils such as extra-virgin olive, safflower and pumpkin and fat-free dairy products are the staples of the plan. The foods encouraged on the diet align with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's dietary guidelines for healthy food choices. The Eat-Clean Diet does, however, call for more protein daily than the USDA recommended allowance of 5 to 6 ounces for adults.

No Calorie Counting

Because the Eat-Clean Diet prescribes portion-specific components for each mini-meal, including a protein, complex carbohydrate and a source of essential fatty acids, calorie counting is not required. Essentially, the plan aims to help you get the fiber, protein and other nutrients you need, while keeping your blood sugar levels even and regulated. Once you've planned your menu for the day or the week, all that's left for you to do is prepare and eat the food. You won't need a journal or a calculator.