The foundation of clean eating is to choose unrefined foods packaged in their most natural and nutrient-rich state. This means you want to go for corn instead of corn flakes or steel cut oats instead of a granola bar that is “made with oats” (but also made with a bunch of junk like high fructose corn syrup, processed corn oil, etc).
What Does it Mean to Eat Clean?
Basically, whole foods are unadulterated, all-natural, and nutrient-rich foods packaged the way nature intended—they come straight from the plant or animal (and preferably an animal that hasn’t been treated with hormones and antibiotics, and one that has been raised on food nature intended the animal to eat).
The ultimate clean foods diet is a vegan diet, but you can still enjoy modest amounts of high-quality animal foods (such as grass-fed beef) and still eat clean. However, the bulk of your diet should come from plant-based unrefined foods (lots of vegetables, fruits, unrefined whole grains, beans, seeds, nuts, legumes, etc.).
Sustainable seafood is also a good choice. And of course you should avoid processed foods; a large part of clean eating is avoiding stabilizers, preservatives, and artificial flavors found in processed foods.
Eat Clean Foods in their “Whole” Form to Get REAL Nutrients
Unlike the vast majority of highly processed foods overflowing on today’s supermarket shelves, whole foods will be brimming with nutrients in a natural and bioavailable form that your body can actually recognize and utilize. Real nutrients from real “whole foods” will help keep your body younger and healthier.
Since a nutrient-deficiency can also cause food cravings and interfere with your body’s ability to burn fat, “real’ nutrients from whole foods can also help you manage your weight. Some “real” nutrients (such as certain antioxidants, phytochemicals and essential fats) are highly anti-inflammatory and can help you control symptoms of inflammatory conditions (such multiple sclerosis, asthma, allergies, fibromyalgia, etc).
In comparison to “real” nutrients from real whole foods, your body can’t necessarily assimilate or recognize synthetic nutrients found in “enriched” processed foods. The word “enriched” is actually a keyword telling you the food has been processed and refined (start reading food labels and you’ll notice many manufactures of breads, cereals, pastas, etc actually promote the fact that their foods are “enriched”— as if it’s a good thing!).
Keep in mind whole foods don’t need to be “enriched” with synthetic vitamins and minerals because whole foods already contain these nutrients intact and in a bioavailable (useable) form!
What Can You Eat?!?!
One of the great things about clean eating is that it is not that difficult to do. Since whole foods are unrefined “real” foods you have tremendous choices. This means “real” foods like potatoes, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, unrefined oils, beans, nuts, corn, soy, and fish are all allowed.
Although you don’t have to be a vegan to eat clean, we do strongly encourage you to choose mostly unrefined plant-based foods over animal foods (aiming for 80% plant based foods is a good goal.) Basically, any food that is not derived from an animal is a plant-based food (animal foods include meat, eggs, milk, cheese, chicken, etc).
However, you want to make sure you are eating plant based foods in their most natural form (that means corn not corn flakes!!) An overwhelming number of studies prove an all-natural, nutrient-rich, whole foods diet made up largely of unrefined plant based vegan foods is the optimal diet for preventing disease, maintaining good health and managing your weight.
Plant based foods are very rich in anti-aging antioxidants, fiber and phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are plant sterols and flavonoids that are similar to antioxidants, but are only found in plant-based foods. Scientific evidence points to phytochemicals helping to prevent cancer, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Similar to antioxidants, phytochemicals also help reduce inflammation and improve the body’s ability to burn fat.
Easy Doable Daily Goals to Eat Clean & Boost Your Plant Food Consumption
1) Eat at least one large serving of vegetables with lunch and dinner
2) Drink one “green” drink each day
3) Eat at least two pieces of fruit per day
4) Eat one serving of beans or legumes each day
5) Limit animal food to 1 serving a day…2 max
Remember, clean eating isn’t something that needs to happen overnight! You can take baby steps and still get results.
Rhonda Fischer says
I am reviewing your book and am trying your recipes. I tried your Dad’s favorite and it was very tasty indeed. One recipe down. Can’t wait to try more. Rhonda Fischer, NBC NEWS Reporter.
Aimee Harris Niedosik says
Oh Rhonda, that sounds so wonderful. If you need anything from us for your review, please reach out to us!! Happy to help.
Ivy Larson says
Thanks for posting and comment and visiting Darrell!
Ivy Larson says
Thanks Thersa!
Professional Resume Sample says
I love your website – great job!
Ivy Larson says
Thank you so much!
Ivy Larson says
thanks so much Sheila!! i so appreciate the positive feedback. just curious, which TV show did you see me on? was it today?
Ivy Larson says
Hi Denise,
Oh boy, I’m not a doctor so I don’t want to give specific advice on natural therapies for Hepatitis C, especially because I’m just not all that familiar with it—it’s not one of the conditions we talk about in our book. Feel free to email my husband (who is a doctor) at andylarson99@hotmail.com he might be able to give you some specific recommendations.
One thing I do know, the nutrient-rich whole foods diet we recommend certainly can’t hurt!
I hope this helps? I wish you the best of luck.
ivy
Denise says
Hi Ivy, I have hepatitis c that has caused extensive liver damage. Do you have any specific recommendations for this condition?
Ivy Larson says
Hi Teresia,
what exactly is the specific problem with your skin? Do you eat a healthy & “clean” whole foods diet? what products do you use? If you give me a few more details hopefully I can help?…
warmly,
ivy
Diane Bassett says
Hi Ivy,
I like your website & want to share it with a friend I have that is going through MS. He definitely needs to eat much much healthier. I think he is finally ready. I take Juice Plus+ & I have heard you & your husband speak, a very powerful story. I ham a cancer survivor, breast cancer 8 years ago. I have adopted a whole foods diet, although note perfect, I try very hard & I take my Juice Plus+ every day.
I would love to get your newsletter, thanks,
Diane
Ivy Larson says
Hi Diane!
thanks so much for the positive feedback!
Although I eat tons of fruits & vegetables I still add double the dose of Juice Plus+—you can never “overdose” on the powerfrul & health-enhancing phytochemicals and antioxidants!
as for the newsletter, you can sign up in the box at the top right hand corner of the site (you’ll also get a free 8-step e-book). Please let me know if you have any trouble signing up…
best of luck to you! and again, thank you so much for your support!
warmly,
ivy
P.S. i would be MOST appreciative if you helped share the site with anyone you think might be interested in the topics we cover
Ivy Larson says
Hi Carla!
Thanks so much for the positive feedback. And yes!! I am taking Juice Plus+ regularaly. On our “Frequently Asked Questions” link (at the top of the site) I tell how I take double the dosage. I eat a ton of fruits and vegetables too, but I don’t think you can ever have enough!!
So glad you like the site =)
Sheila says
I just saw Ivy featured on a small segment on TV today. I am interested in changing the way I eat. I already eat very healthy but would like to change over totally to a natural foods lifestyle.
Thank you. Your website looks very informative and interactive.
Ivy Larson says
thanks Sheila! Feel free to send us any questions anytime. Hope the website helps!!