Clean Eating & Moderation

My individual health journey is simple. I listen to my body. 

Let me put it this way- I strive to be conscious of what I am putting in and on my body every single day, but I am not perfect...who is?  Here is the raw and honest truth...are you ready?  I've done it all baby.  Low-carb, low-fat, paleo and vegan.  Do not get stuck in labels.  It is all about moderation.  So far on my journey, I have found that vegetables, fruits and (gluten-free) whole grains give me the energy and protein that my body needs, while being courteous to my digestive system.  When I chose to consume animal products, I always buy organic and hormone free.  I do not want my chicken being shot up with antibiotics at a slaughter house before it is on my dinner place.  Um, ew?  As you discover new recipes with me, use them to fit your lifestyle.  

Clean Eating

Alrighty folks, let's tackle clean eating.  This may sound posh, but it really is a VERY basic concept.  Clean eating consists of eating whole, unrefined foods.  This is not a diet...let me repeat THIS IS NOT A DIET.  This, my friends, is a lifestyle.  Welcome!  Think of this lifestyle as eating delicious, whole and unprocessed foods that serve as fuel for your beautiful body, making you a stronger, happier, brighter you!  Sounds awesome, right?  AND it's totally achievable.  So, what's the catch, Sarah?  (I know that is what you're thinking)  But, here is the thing...there is no "catch".  Clean eating requires commitment, planning and desire.  Commitment to your health, planning your meals and desire to live your life as a healthy and thriving individual!

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Feed that body

Do you ever feel like your tummy is saying "feed me, feed me!"  A lot of people make the mistake of "dieting" and limiting themselves to less than 1,000 or doing the opposite and stuffing themselves full with empty calories.  This, my darlings, is the worst possible way to lose fat permanently because if you are eating less than your body needs to survive, your body recognizes this and goes into starvation mode and it beings to store food as fat rather than burning it off as fuel....AH!  That sounds like your worst nightmare, right?  Yeah, mine too.  I do not believe in counting your calories.  Been there, done that.  It becomes an obsession.  I believe that if you are taking in all of the nutrients that your body needs and eliminating all of the junk that our world TELLS you that you need, you will achieve your hikin', bikin', rock climbin', yogi, dancer body.  Did you know that diet is 80% nutrition and 20% exercise?  Mind blowing, right?  That is why I have never understood why people chose a sugar fest cliff bar to recharge over some raw almond butter (heaven) and a banana.  Here is a good guide- find foods that are closest to their natural states.  The less packaging and ingredients, the better!

Avoid these lil' devils

Let me break it down for ya

​Avoid all processed and/or refined foods

ie: White flour (bread and crackers), white rice, canned fruits, breakfast cereals,  sugar, candies, cake mixes, fruit sacues, energy bars, cheese, milk, refined oils

Avoid saturated and trans fats

Avoid sodas and fruit juices

Sugar and Spice and everything NICE!​ ​

I know what you're thinking!  "Okay Sarah, well what CAN I eat?"  Thank goodness I have a recipes tab at the top, eh?  All joking aside, once you discover that your kitchen is your pharmacy and should be making you healthier and not sicker, you discover all of the natural foods you were ignoring while your face was inside the tostitos bag.  So, here are some tips and tricks that I use in my cooking:​
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-When I am baking, I use a certified gluten-free brand.  It will always have the certification stamp on the box.  ​

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-As far as bread goes, I use whole grain and gluten-free options.  Millet bread is my absolute favorite!  If your tummy is a warrior and can handle a little wheat, Ezekiel bread is your best option!  Ezekial is an ancient grain and it is sprouted wheat, which is not highly sprayed and processed like other wheat breads.  Besides Ezekiel bread, always look for WHOLE GRAIN and certified gluten free.  Stay away from WHOLE WHEAT.  Tip:  Keep your whole grain, gluten free bread in the freezer!  It will increase it's lifespan and save you a little moo-la $$$

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-When choosing pasta/rice always go for brown rice options.  Brown rice is a complex carbohydrates packed with vitamins and protein. 

Buy in bulk ya'll! 

It will save you so much money!  Plus, you can store your bulk rice and pasta in mason jars.  Cute, and thrifty.  Ah, yes.

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-Stevia is my best friend.  You think i'm kidding?  This wonderful sweetener, derived from a stevia plant, rocks my world.  Get it.  If you are using sugar in a baking recipe, always opt for "sugar in the raw".

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-Instead of buying expensive juice at the store every week, invest in a juicer!  Amazon sells them for great prices.  I got mine for under 100$ and I use it every single day.  This way, YOU control what you are putting in your juice...without the added sugar, syrups and not-so-nice price tag.

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-Get to know your spices.  My personal favorites are lemon-pepper, rosemary, thyme, onion powder and garlic powder.  As far as salt goes, I always go for the Celtic sea salt.  Pure, simple, clean, tasty, goodness for your body!  Added plus- it will "spice" up your food.  Get it?  Ha...ha...