30-Day Clean Eating Challenge

30-Day Clean Eating Challenge

Alex Kavege

Aug 23 2021

Eating clean can be simpler than you may think, as long as you have discipline. Below are a list of tips to help you determine which foods to eliminate from your diet and which to reintroduce for the next 30 days.

Let’s start by defining what clean eating is not. Common misconceptions around clean eating mainly revolves around starving yourself and permanently removing some foods from your diet. Clean eating is not restrictive. It doesn’t involve counting and restricting your calories intake. Clean eating is more focused on consuming minimally processed foods and avoiding added sugars, chemicals, and other preservatives.

Now you might be wondering, why 30 days? Well to make it simple, it allows you to focus on taking small steps and working on week-by-week objectives.

The following foods allowed on this 30-day challenge consist of the minimally processed foods:

• Unprocessed meat and poultry: Beef, chicken, turkey, and pork

• Fish and seafood: Fish, shrimp, crab, lobster, etc.

• Eggs: All types, as well as foods made from them (opt for homemade mayo!)

• Fruits: Fresh and dried fruits, (fresh is recommended!)

• Vegetables: Eat your greens.

• Nuts and seeds: All types of nuts and seeds besides peanuts. Nut milks, nut butters, and nut flours are also allowed.

• Some fats: Healthy plant oils like avocado, olive, and coconut oil

The following foods should be avoided:

• Added sugar and artificial sweeteners: Raw sugar, honey, maple and high fructose corn syrup, agave syrup, and all products containing these sweeteners, as well as artificial sweeteners.

• Grains: Wheat should be avoided, (opt for whole grains instead.)

• Legumes: Most peas, lentils, and beans, including peanut butter, should be avoided. Green beans, sugar snap peas, and snow peas are exceptions.

• Soy: All soy, including tofu and other products derived from it,

• Dairy: Including cow and goat milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and other products derived from dairy.

• Processed additives: These include carrageenan, MSG, or sulfites. Any food or beverage containing these ingredients should be avoided. Remember to only eat what you can pronounce.

Keep in mind that no smoking or drinking is allowed either.

Still not convinced that this is for you? Check out this 30-Day Clean Eating Meal Plan to get an idea of how to get started. It has some of the most delicious recipes to show you that clean eating does not have to be boring. Think about the many health benefits and how this challenge will change the way you think about food.

Remember, the best way to form a habit is to take it day by day, one step at a time! Are you still wondering when the best time to start is? Why not start now?