The Eat-Clean Diet, popularized by the book of the same name published in 2007 and written by author Tosca Reno, focuses on eating foods that come as close to their natural state as possible. The Eat-Clean Diet functions more as a lifestyle change than a diet, as it is not limited to a particular time period. While the supposed benefits of the program have not been studied enough to verify them, the diet claims to help you lose weight, gain energy and improve the health of your skin and hair.
Whole Foods
According to the Eat-Clean Diet official web page, eating clean means consuming the foods our bodies are biologically optimized to consume. You fuel your body with the nutrients it needs to stabilize blood sugar and naturally control your weight by eating a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and drinking plenty of water. While not enough research exists on the specific claims of the Eat-Clean Diet, the American Council on Exercise, or ACE, recommends eating fresh produce, whole grains and lean meats in addition to low-fat dairy products for successful weight loss.
Frequent Meals
In order to manage your weight, ACE suggests eating smaller meals frequently throughout the day as opposed to three large meals. Similarly, the Eat-Clean Diet calls for frequent meals with controlled portion sizes. By eating more frequently, you won't feel as hungry between meals, making you less likely to overeat at meal time. Regular meals keep your metabolism going throughout the day, says Fitness Magazine.
No Pre-Packaged Foods
While some diet plans call for specially prepared and pre-packaged foods, the Eat-Clean Diet is based on the philosophy that you can eat a healthy and balanced diet with easy-to-prepare foods found in your grocery store. Instead of requiring pre-packaged foods, the Eat-Clean Diet calls you to avoid processed or refined foods whenever possible.
No Calorie Counting
The Eat-Clean Diet tries to keep things simple by negating the need to count calories. Instead, the program claims that by eating proper portions of fruits, vegetables, protein and whole grains, your body will get the nutrients it needs while naturally controlling weight. In order to lose weight, your body must burn more calories than you consume, says ACE, and while you may lose weight without keeping track, counting the calories you eat helps you determine the proper calorie deficit you need to lose weight.
Safety Considerations
According to the official Eat-Clean Diet website, the Eat-Clean plan can be followed by anyone, regardless of dietary restrictions or conditions. The program advises omitting any foods you are unable to consume. Vegetarians and vegans may also follow the Eat-Clean Diet as long as they consume adequate amounts of protein with each meal. While the program claims to be safe for everyone, you should always consult your health care provider before starting any new diet plan, especially if you have any condition that affects your diet, such as diabetes or gluten allergies.
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