Clean Eating 101

The title of this blog, “Clean Soul Living”, is based on the concept of living “cleaner” while staying true to my heritage and close to my roots. One key aspect of this effort is clean eating.   So, what does that mean?  What is the point?

The basic  “clean” eating rule is to eliminate processed foods and refined foods and to eat more “whole” fruits, vegetables, and grains.  From there, clean eating philosophies vary – for some, it means veganism, for others, Paleo is the only way to go.  Fish should be wild, beef should be grass-fed, chicken free range, and dairy free of hormones. Nitrates, sulfites, and other chemical preservatives are an absolute no-no.

It can get very expensive, but it doesn’t have to be.  Many soul heritage foods - like sweet potatoes, greens, cornmeal, and beans - are both economical and intensely nutritious.  Plus, there is no need to drown them in butter, saturate them in sugar, or cook to death with salt pork to bring out their glorious flavor. 

The popularity of the clean eating movement also means that it is possible to find cleaner dairy, sweeteners, vinegars, and even bacon.  And it doesn’t take a lot of bacon fat and vinegar to completely flip the flavor of a low sodium dish from bland to savory.

Finally, sticking to “clean” principles isn’t necessarily a substitute for watching one’s sodium, sugar, and saturated fat.  For example, a straight substitute of organic maple syrup for white sugar will still spike your blood sugar levels and using coconut oil instead of butter doesn’t solve the saturated fat problem.  An organic smoked turkey wing is still a high sodium substitute for a ham hock.

I have glanced at, perused, read, studied, and referenced who-knows-how-many books, newsletters, blogs, and other web sources for information on clean eating, recipes, hacks, and places to get provisions.  There is a lot out there - and I am certainly no expert at determining what info is legit and what isn't.  But I have found the best info so far at:

Clean Eating Magazine:  http://www.cleaneatingmag.com

Eating Well: http://www.cleaneatingmag.com

Take a look - see what you think.  And visit here frequently for recipes, ideas, innovations, and hacks for Clean Soul Living in the kitchen!.