Your diet plays a major role in your physical and emotional well-being. A nutritious diet rich in nutrients helps to nourish your body, supporting proper tissue functioning and helping you feel strong and healthy each day. Following a clean diet means choosing nutritious, nutrient-dense foods to help fuel your body, while avoiding unhealthy foods that can negatively effect your body.
Fruits and Vegetables
If you are trying to eat clean, vegetables and fruits should be the cornerstone of your diet. Fruits and veggies contain a number of beneficial nutrients to nourish your body, such as vitamins and minerals. They also contain dietary fiber, a type of indigestible material that helps you feel full for longer after eating, and also aids in maintaining the health of your digestive tract. The Harvard School of Public Health recommends consuming at least nine daily servings of fruits and vegetables, and choosing produce in a number of colors to consume a range of nutrients.
Select Lean Meats
Another rule for clean eating is to avoid saturated animal intake by consuming lean meats. While all meats provide a source of healthy protein, some cuts of beef and pork can also contain significant amounts of saturated fat, which can increase your blood cholesterol and risk of heart disease. Lean meats, on the other hand, provide your body with protein without added fat, helping you avoid consuming saturated fatty acids. The University of Michigan Health System recommends one to three servings of lean meats daily.
Drink Lots of Water
Though it is a not a food, water also plays a role in a clean diet. Each of your cells contain water, which supports proper cellular functioning, and your body relies on the fluids you consume to replenish water your cells use over the course of the day. The amount of water you require depends on a number of factors, including your weight and the climate in which you reside, so Columbia University recommends using the color of your urine to gauge your hydration level -- pale yellow or colorless urine indicates proper hydration, while dark yellow or orange urine indicates dehydration.
Avoid Processed Foods
One major role of clean eating is avoiding processed foods. Food processing can destroy or remove specific nutrients from food, and processed food products often contain added salt and preservatives that improve the flavor and shelf life of the food. When eating clean, select fresh produce and meats whenever possible, avoiding pre-cooked or frozen meals.
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