Clean-Eating Meal Ideas

People who "eat clean" consume whole, natural foods and limit sugary, non-nutritious foods in an effort to improve their health, according to EatingCleanWorks.com. To eat clean, certain guidelines should be followed. "The Eat-Clean Diet" recommends eating at least five meals a day, consuming fruits and vegetables in their natural form, choosing complex carbohydrates over simple carbohydrates, and eating both healthy fats and lean proteins.

Start the Day Right!

Many clean eating choices are avaiable for breakfast. You can start your day with a bowl of oatmeal, low-fat milk and top it off with strawberries. Another option is an omelet with egg whites, fresh vegetables, low-fat cheese and a side of multigrain toast. Another option is having a protein shake made of low-fat milk, protein powder and fruit.

What's for Lunch?

For lunch, you might want to eat a whole wheat pita with sliced turkey, avocado and low-fat cheese. Another idea is a salad prepared with spinach leaves, chicken breast, vegetables and walnuts. A tuna sandwich served on multigrain bread with hummus is another possibility. Pair any of these meal ideas with a side of fruit or vegetables to increase your intake of fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Time for Dinner

Ideas for dinner include pairing lean proteins with complex carbohydrates, vegetables and healthy fats. One possibility is to grill salmon and serve it with brown rice and steamed broccoli. Or, have a sweet potato with grilled chicken, salsa and green beans. Or, have whole wheat pasta with grilled shrimp, peppers and tomato sauce. Using olive oil to prepare meals can increase healthy fats in your diet.

Snack Time

Snacks between meals can help stabilize your insulin levels, alleviate overeating and increase your metabolism, according to "Today's Dietitian." Pack snacks that you can eat when working or traveling. Ideas include baby carrots or celery with hummus, low-fat cottage cheese, almond butter with whole grain crackers, or an apple and string cheese. Other snack options include Greek yogurt, dried fruit, and unsalted peanuts.