I hear it again and again. Eating clean is complicated, time-consuming, expensive, and overwhelming to start. But I’m here to tell you that it is truly only as complicated, time-consuming, expensive, and overwhelming as you make it. Here’s how to start eating clean without feeling overwhelmed.
You have to consider what clean eating truly is. At its core, it’s simply about eating real, unaltered food. Think apples, oranges, celery, zucchini, chicken breasts, lean cuts of pork and beef, seafood, herbs, and spices, and any other real food item you can find at the store or in your garden. That’s it. That is truly all there is to it. If you can find it growing on a farm, chances are it’s clean.
You can, of course, take it further and make a “diet” out of it or make it a very restrictive and expensive way to eat. But it really doesn’t have to be that way. Truly, it doesn’t. Nothing could be simpler than having an apple and a hard-boiled egg for a snack or meal (depending on your approach to clean eating).
Now, I know many of you don’t always know what to do with fresh ingredients, and it’s not your fault. That’s how you were raised or taught. “A box is so fast and easy!“. But while you may be able to nuke something in the microwave in minutes, you could use that same time to make a quick salad out of some very easy ingredients. And if you really need more convenience, buy those salad ingredients already cut up for you and ready to go!
I know I make it sound easy, but I promise, it really, really is! I’ve been doing this for a long time. I wouldn’t lie to you! I swear! So don’t fret because I don’t plan on keeping any of this a secret. I want to show you exactly how easy it can be to eat clean. And in today’s post, I’m going to share some ways to make it smooth and simple.
How To Start Eating Clean Without Feeling Overwhelmed
CLICK PLAY FOR AN EASY-TO-UNDERSTAND DESCRIPTION OF CLEAN EATING!!
Clean Eating Is Too Expensive
While it certainly can be expensive to eat clean, it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few pointers for keeping your food bill within your budget.
Read more…
How Do I Start? It Feels So Overwhelming To Change My Whole Diet!
Here again, it’s only as stressful as you make it. There are many ways to gracefully slide into a clean eating lifestyle. Check out these 10 tips!
If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, keep things really simple by starting with 1 clean meal in week number one. Make 2 clean meals in week number two, and so on. It’s the easy way to make the transition!
I Don’t Know What To Eat! I Need A Meal Plan!
I’ve got you covered there, too, and I’ll be adding more meal plans to my collection as time goes on. Sign up here. It’s free!
I Have No Idea What To Stock My Kitchen With! Help!
It’s okay if you don’t know where to start. Here is a cost-effective, methodical way to slowly transition your kitchen to clean eating without putting a huge dent in your pocketbook.
Read more…
I Don’t Know What To Buy At The Store
Not to worry! Let me walk you through a few of the stores I have shopped at.
- Beginners
- Costco
- Target
- Trader Joe’s
- Walmart
- Safeway
- Amazon.com
- Whole Foods
- Sprouts
- 50 Clean Eating Superfoods – each with recipe ideas only 1 click away!
How Do I Read Labels At The Store To Be Sure What I’m Buying Is Clean?
It’s not as hard as you may think! Here’s a step-by-step process for reading those labels.
Read more…
I Don’t Have Much Time. I Need Quick Recipes!
I’ve got you covered here, too! I have a few categories here on my blog that might do the trick.
- Simple Meals– Easy meals that don’t even require measuring!
- Freezer Meals – Stock your freezer with meals ahead of time so you can simply thaw and heat as needed.
- Recipes With 5 Ingredients Or Less– Not much in the fridge until payday? These recipes can help!
I Am Constantly On The Road For Work. Can I Still Eat Clean?
While those of you who travel often certainly have a different set of challenges, that doesn’t mean you can’t eat clean. Here are some ideas that may help.
- 40 Clean Eating “Hit The Road” Snacks
- Clean Eating Foods That Travel Well
- How To Survive Your Next Trip
- How To Eat Clean On Vacation
I’m Vegetarian Or Vegan. Clean Eating Seems To Have So Much Meat! How Do I Eat Clean Without Meat?
- Can a clean eater really be a vegetarian too?
- Vegetarian Recipe Section
- Vegan Recipe Section
I Can’t Convince The Kids That This Is A Good Idea. What Should I Do?
- You’re Ready To Eat Clean. But The Kids, Not So Much
- 5 Ways To Get Kids To Eat Clean
- Why You Should Get Your Kids In The Kitchen
- Clean Eating Kids
My Spouse Is Not Supportive. How Do I Stay On Track?
- When your family sabotages your eating plan
Feel Like You Need More Help Or Support In Making The Switch To Clean
Easily plan your meals using clean and healthy recipes and my on-site meal planner app! It makes meal planning so easy! It will even give you an editable shopping list.
So there you have it! That’s how to start eating clean without feeling overwhelmed!
Article from the Gracious Pantry® archives, originally posted on 1/2/15.
