I would like to share my family's successful transition to a "Clean Eating" lifestyle and the amazing results that ensued.
Me: After 4 years of living the university student lifestyle, I emerged 25lbs heavier with a self-esteem in the trenches.
My father: Was fighting an ongoing battle of plantar fasciitis with +++ attempted diagnostic treatments and home remedies for 3.5 years and no improvements.
My mother: Was experiencing recurrent and persistent kidney stones and irritable bowel flare-ups.
Our family had had enough. I wanted to drop my freshman fifteen (and my summer ten!). My dad had exhausted all his resources and my mom knew wholeheartedly that her diet was to blame for her GI and urinary tract problems.
One day I stumbled upon the book, "The Eat-Clean Diet" by Tosca Reno while perusing books related to fat loss. I had heard about Atkins and South Beach, but also knew a number of friends who successfully lost weight with these fad diet programs, only to gain it all back in a short amount of time. The Eat-Clean Diet was much different... it was a LIFESTYLE change, not a "diet" at all.
These were the principles:
- switch simple carbs for complex carbs
- eat at least 6 times per day
- eat protein and a complex carb at every meal
- consume essential fatty acids, especially flaxseed oil
- keep meals small (300-400cals)
- hydrate well with 2-3L of water per day
- take a multi vitamin
Eating so much and so often seemed CRAZY to me at first, but Tosca explained the science behind this principle (eating frequent, small meals keeps blood sugar levels even, preventing insulin spikes and dips; rollercoaster blood sugar levels lead to fat storage and revs your metabolism up and down and all over the place. The goal is to keep blood sugars even and keep the metabolism burning every moment of the day!) giving reason to this lifestyle change. Plus, how could I argue with a scientific fact!?
Now, this doesn't mean you can eat a cup of ice cream and a brownie equal to 400cals for a meal!
Eating clean also means:
- avoid all-over processed, refined foods, especially white flour and sugar
- avoid chemicals, preservatives, and artificial sugar
- avoid saturated and trans fats
- avoid sugar-loaded colas and juices
- avoid alcohol (another form of sugar)
- avoid all calorie-dense foods that contain little or no nutritional value
- depend on fresh fruits and vegetables for fiber, vitamins and enzymes
I began by cleaning my house out completely of any and all foods that weren't "clean" and I stocked up on whole grain products, lean cuts of meat and poultry, tons of fresh and frozen fruits and veggies and bought a brand new 1L water bottle. My mom and dad did the same and we would call each other every night to report how the day had gone with our new eating habits. Having this social support was vital in a time when we were making such a life-altering change to our eating habits! We definitely kept each other motivated and would share new recipes or foods we had tried and loved.
Within a few days, we felt less tired and had much more energy throughout the day. The 3pm slump I had come to know and surpass with a large coffee or a nap no longer existed. After a few weeks, I noticed changes in my hair, skin and nails. My hair was thicker, my nails stronger and my skin blemishes were gone. The big, dark, droopy bags under my eyes vanished as well. I was getting hooked!
1 month into this lifestyle change, I had dropped 5lbs and was feeling great. My mom's abdominal pains had vanished as well and she started going back to the gym (which was a HUGE step for her, as the pain had kept her away from working out, even walks, for over 8 months!) We pressed on...
By month 6, I was 25lbs lighter and wearing my "goal pants" from high school! I entered and competed in a fitness competition, placing 6th in my class. My mom was also down 20lbs and everyone commented that she looked 15 years younger.
So, what about my dad and his feet? Well, my dad went from not being able to walk to pick up the mail (a 3min walking distance) to walking the entire boardwalk of 3km. All within 6 months of changing his nutrition habits. WOW.
Our family is officially hooked to this Clean Eating lifestyle. It has given us new purpose and meaning in life. I feel much better about myself and my body image. My mom and dad are pain-free, happy, healthy, and look and feel younger.
So, if you are reading this and thinking, I have tried fad diets to no avail. I am motivated to change my eating habits and I want to be happy, healthy and full of energy!!! Check out the following resources:
Let Dr.Everyone know what you think about Eating Clean and how it is/has affected your health and your life!
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