As someone who strives to be well-rounded in all aspects of my life, especially anything that pertains to my health, I of course am going to be weary of buzzwords like clean eating.
I have several posts with buzzwords i.e. plant-based, weight loss, detox, etc., so I’m well aware of the fact that they are put in place to grab your attention. At the time I write this post, I work in corporate marketing.
However, I would never write or suggest anything I thought was gimmicky because I truly want to share with you knowledge and tips that have had a beneficial effect on my life and can on you as well.
When I see concepts like “clean eating” I am weary because the notion itself means there is a concept of “dirty” or “unclean” eating. It advocates for the consumption of whole, unprocessed foods, often with a plant-based focus, and has gained immense popularity among individuals seeking to improve their health and fitness. However, we need to take a closer look at this concept and critically assess its impact on our lives.
What is Clean Eating?
Clean eating is a dietary approach centered around the consumption of minimally processed foods in their most natural state. It promotes the idea of avoiding artificial additives, preservatives, and other potentially harmful ingredients.
The core principles revolve around choosing organic produce, lean proteins, and wholesome grains to nourish the body. This is great in concept but it idolizes a concept of perfect eating. That there are good and bad foods.
This can be dangerous by leading people to believe certain foods are not acceptable and create stigmas. I will get into this later but keep it in mind.
The Exploitation of Clean Eating Through Marketing
Unfortunately, the term “clean eating” has been co-opted by marketing strategies, leading to a misrepresentation of its true essence.
I will admit that all of the buzzwords I mentioned using in my posts above have been in ways exploited by consumer marketing. However, I am careful to write about them in a way that is not exploitative but informative. So take this with a grain of salt.
Many companies use the label of clean eating to promote pricey health products, creating an illusion of superior nutrition. Consumers often fall victim to slick marketing campaigns, believing they are making healthier choices when, in reality, they are not.
It can also give you a warped reality of what you think you need versus what your body actually needs. These further precipitate toxic diet culture in our society.
The Unhealthy Side of Clean Eating
While the intention behind clean eating is positive, its execution can sometimes be problematic.
Some individuals take the concept to an extreme, imposing strict rules and restrictions on their diets.
For example, carrots. Generally thought to be a healthy food full of nutrients and vitamins. Well, I have a family friend who won’t eat them because they have too much sugar and therefore are not clean.
Yeah, sounds like a joke but sadly I’m not joking. The concept of “clean eating” can trigger some very negative side effects.
This level of rigidity can lead to feelings of guilt or failure when deviating from the prescribed “clean” foods. Moreover, cutting out entire food groups may result in nutrient deficiencies and imbalances.
Also, it can have adverse effects from extremely restrictive eating to full-on binge episodes. A diet and lifestyle that creates unsustainable rules is bound to see both ends of the spectrum of retaliation behaviors.
Incorporating Good Concepts of Clean Eating
Now don’t get me wrong, I am a huge proponent of the principles of clean eating. But these should be a foundation, not the whole house.
I sound like a broken record, but a well-balanced diet of moderation is where you will find the most sustainability. And in my experience, overall happiness with your diet and lifestyle.
Instead of adhering to a rigid clean eating regimen, we can embrace the valuable principles behind it.
Focus on consuming whole, nutrient-dense foods that nourish your body and support your health.
Instead of trying to omit “unhealthy” (aka. overly processed foods, think a diet of all pre-packaged or take-out foods), shift your mindset to one of abundance. You can still fit in that occasional burger and fries. But if you are adding in more and more whole sources of nutrients, you will over time have less room for that kind of food.
Take your time to incorporate a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, high-quality proteins, and beneficial fats into your meals. Read my post here about a plant-rich diet for ideas.
Mindful eating and being aware of the sources of your food can enhance your connection with nutrition.
Here are some practical ways to incorporate the good concepts of clean eating:
- Choose Whole Foods: Opt for foods as close to their natural state as possible. This includes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and minimally processed meats.
- Limit Processed Foods: Reduce your intake of heavily processed foods that often contain excessive amounts of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients.
- Emphasize Plant-Based Options: Increase the number of plant-based meals in your diet, incorporating nutrient-rich foods like legumes, nuts, and seeds.
- Hydrate with Water: Make water your beverage of choice and limit the consumption of sugary drinks.
Why a Holistic and Balanced Approach is Better
While clean eating may offer some benefits, a well-rounded and balanced approach to nutrition is ultimately more sustainable and effective.
Adopting a holistic mindset means understanding that health extends beyond the food we eat. It includes factors like stress management, physical activity, and adequate sleep.
A balanced approach to nutrition allows for flexibility and enjoyment in eating.
Think of what I said earlier about good and bad food. There really is none. You can fit any type of food you like into your life within reason. The less restrictive and more mindful you are, the less likely you are to make poor nutrition choices in the long run.
Rather than feeling restricted by a set of rules, you can develop a positive relationship with food. This approach promotes a healthier mindset and reduces the risk of developing disordered eating habits.
Conclusion
Clean eating may have good intentions, but it has been manipulated and exploited through marketing, leading to unrealistic expectations and potential health risks.
A person should never feel shame in their dietary choices when they are trying to better themselves. It is a lie to believe that there is a right and wrong type of food to eat. You are the only person who can decide that for you.
Instead of following strict and rigid diets, we should embrace the core principles of clean eating while maintaining a balanced and individualized approach to nutrition.
Remember, your health journey should be enjoyable and sustainable, promoting overall well-being without unnecessary restrictions. I recommend that you focus on the following:
- nourishing your body with wholesome foods
- being mindful of your choices, and
- finding joy in your relationship with food
Let’s move away from the notion of “clean eating” as a rigid doctrine and embrace a lifestyle that truly supports our health and happiness.
I hope you found this post helpful and encouraging throughout your health and wellness journey. If you’ve got a question or thought on this topic I’d love for you to comment below!
