Eating Clean?
Last weekend I was sick, this weekend my fiance is sick, so working out and diet have slipped to the wayside. Right now I’m making a huge pot of chicken noodle soup . . . and it’s not boneless, skinless breasts in that pot.
I went to the grocery store today (to get the above mentioned chicken) and was reading labels on things. Seriously, why does everything have high fructose corn syrup, or some other unpronounceable and hydrogenated ingredients? It scares me. It usually makes me temporarily vow to eat as naturally as possible, but of course I lapse into laziness.
When I first got on this site I kept hearing these references to "eating clean." I began to research it, and eventually went to Barnes and Nobles and read the book (note: I didn’t buy the book, I just sat in one of the comfy chairs and read it for an hour or so). I was really drawn to the idea at first, because the basic premise is exactly what I want to do, eat whole, healthy, natural foods. What seems to contradict this is the promotion of all the fake stuff, like splenda, protein powder, and other supplements. Those are quite possibly the most man made things. Probably no worse than what you’d find in most things at the grocery store, but still, in my understanding of the whole eating clean deal, it seems to go against that basic principle.
So I’d like to try to eat clean, by eating whole/natural foods as often as possible. I’m trying to cook on my own more often so that I know what goes into my food. I’ve been avoiding white flour, added sugar, and pretty much everything that comes in a package. If this means I’m eating clean, hooray! If I’m not, oh well, hopefully it’ll pay off. I’ve been really inspired by Kath Eats Real Food at http://katheats.com and am hoping to model my diet after hers. Sticking to whole, healthy foods as often as possible, watching portion sizes, and enjoying treats in moderation.
I’ll let you know how it goes. Also, I want to get back in the gym soon! One or two spinning classes a week isn’t enough! My gym offers muscles and abs classes, and I’m considering doing one of those, but I’m slightly intimidated. Maybe I should start on something gentler like pilates . . . or perhaps both? Decisions, decisions. All I know for now is there’s some chicken soup that needs eating.
February 8, 2009 at 4:00 pm
I keep hearing about Spin Classes on American shows but have no idea what it is! Take it you use an exercise bike?
February 8, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Yes, you ride a stationary bike with a teacher in the front of the room who plays music and tells you what to do/how high to turn your resistance. It’s supposed to simulate riding a bike up hills and sprinting. It’s a great cardio workout, I always sweat buckets.
February 8, 2009 at 6:29 pm
You’re doing it right. When I read the clean diet book, I definately thought that it was about lifestyle not diet. I try to eliminate as much high fructose corn syrup as I can from my diet. As for truly eating clean, I only do it one week a year, during Passover. Keep moving forwards, and enjoying your journey.
February 23, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Hrm, I agree with staying away from Splenda, but I definitely wouldn’t get enough protein without protein powder since I don’t eat meat. Hope you’re finding your balance and that you’re training hard, my friend!!