Foods You Can Eat On A Clean Diet

The Eat-Clean diet focuses on eating fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins from a variety of sources, including soy products, and eating every two to three hours. The Eat-Clean diet avoids over-processed foods, foods with chemicals and preservatives, white flour, and white and artificial sugar. According to Tosca Reno, author of the book, "The Eat-Clean Diet for Family and Kids," writes that clean eating is setting healthy habits for a healthy life.

Free Range, Organic Meats and Poultry

The Eat-Clean diet suggests that you eat high-quality proteins labeled organic and free-range. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, certified organic foods do not contain pesticides or hormones. "Free range" means the animals were allowed free access to the outdoors, reports the USDA. Large commercial farms keep the animals in cages and force-feed them growth hormones and antibiotics to grow faster and larger for butchering, writes Eric Schlosser, author of the book "Fast Food Nation."

Clean eating also involves choosing lower fat options. When purchasing poultry, choose chicken breasts -- they are white mean and lower in fat than the dark meat. When purchasing beef, choose roasts or loin cuts, which are lower in fat. Game meat such as bison, elk and venison are naturally low in fat.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Purchase fruits and vegetables that are locally grown and in season. The clean eating diet suggests buying fruits and vegetables that are organic. Non-organic fruits and vegetables can contain chemicals, pesticides, additives, preservatives and coloring agents to enhance the color of the produce. According to Reno, the most contaminated fruits and vegetables include red apples, zucchini, strawberries, spinach, green bell peppers and collard greens. Purchasing organic fruits and vegetables is more expensive; however, Reno suggests you take into consideration your long-term health and that of your family.

Dairy Products

Dairy products contain protein and calcium, which are essential for human health. Protein helps build and repair muscles and calcium helps to strengthen the bones. Low-fat, organic dairy products are healthier than full fat products. Skim milk, low-fat cottage cheese and yogurt are healthy options on a clean eating diet. Kefir, a fermented milk product, contains several types of digestion-helping live bacteria that yogurt does not have. Kefir also contains healthy, active yeast that destroy unhealthy yeast, making the body more resistant to parasites and viruses.

Whole Grains

Whole grain products contain the entire grain, which includes the germ, endosperm, bran and husk that are rich in vitamins. "White" grain products are stripped of the bran, germ and husk, leaving behind a product that has less fiber, less vitamins and more starch. The Eat-Clean diet suggests trying different types of rice, wheat germ, quinoa and couscous. Quinoa is a whole grain and contains protein, while couscous is a form of pasta made from wheat. Breakfast cereals can contain as much or more sugar than a candy bar, writes Reno. Oatmeal and cream of wheat are healthier options because they contain less sugar.