Clean eating refers to eating a diet of fresh, whole foods that are self-prepared and nutrient-dense. Eating clean often causes people to feel better, look better, and have more energy. Others adopt a clean eating lifestyle because they want to lose weight.
While clean eating can produce weight loss, it doesn’t happen that way for everyone. There’s so much conflicting information out there that can lead to confusion.
Eating healthy is more than half the battle when it comes to weight loss, so why is it not working for everyone? Here are five reasons why clean eating may not be working for you.
1. You’re Not Actually Eating Clean
If you’ve been trying to figure it out as you go, there may still be a few ingredients left in your diet that cause inflammation. Even if you eat healthier packaged food and restaurant menu items, you’ll eventually reach a plateau. Focus more on the quality, and not the quantity, of the calories. Whole foods are associated with better weight-loss results.
2. You Have a Medical Condition
Any medical condition that affects your hormones, insulin levels, or blood pressure will make it more challenging to lose weight. Injuries that result in limited mobility can also contribute to weight gain as it reduces your ability to exercise regularly, leading to muscle loss. Hormones play a significant role in weight stabilization and metabolism, including how your body utilizes the food you eat. If the gut is imbalanced, that can impede weight loss as excess weight can be a symptom of poor gut health. Once the gut is repaired, your body can then shed excess weight and inflammation.
3. You’re Stressed or Depressed
When you’re depressed, you’re typically not focused on eating healthy or exercising and might be stress-eating. If you’re under a state of inflammation or stress, you may store more fat than you need for self-protection. Major life changes are often triggered by weight gain. That’s why considering your emotional and self-care needs is vital in losing weight.
4. You’re Struggling with Food Addiction
You could be dealing with food addiction if you find yourself desperately craving food all the time, and it’s sabotaging your diet and exercise efforts. This doesn’t mean you’re not motivated or strong enough to defeat your cravings. You may have just developed an emotional reliance on food, and you can beat it. Help is available.
5. Your Mindset Might Need a Shift
Are you permitting yourself to move at your own pace, or are you putting pressure on yourself to reach your goals as quickly as possible? Talking negatively to yourself has the opposite effect, especially if your body is already stressed. Every time you talk down to yourself, you prolong the process and make it more painful than it needs to be.
Eating clean is essential to healthy living whether you lose weight quickly or slowly. If you feel you’re dealing with any of the issues above, it’s worth talking to your doctor, a therapist, a dietitian, or a nutritionist to help you healthily reach your goal.
[RECIPE] ROSEMARY LEMON BONELESS CHICKEN THIGHS
This quick and easy recipe is perfect for hectic weeknight meals. Featuring a classic blend of lemon, garlic, and rosemary, this dish doesn’t need a lot of fancy ingredients to deliver robust flavor. What’s more, it pairs beautifully with just about any side dish you choose, including steamed broccoli, brown rice, quinoa, or a leafy green salad.
Prep time:15 minutes + time to marinate
Cook time: 10-15 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients (use organic when possible):
- 2 large lemons, zest, and juice, divided
- 1 T. garlic, finely minced
- 2 T. fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 T. extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste (optional)
Directions:
- In a small bowl, combine 1/2 of the lemon zest and juice with the garlic and rosemary and stir to combine. Place remaining lemon zest in an airtight container and freeze for future use in marinades, soups, or salad dressings. Reserve remaining lemon juice and set aside.
- Unroll chicken thighs, if necessary, to expose the entire surface area. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
- Place chicken thighs in a large, sealable plastic bag and pour marinade on top. Seal bag and turn several times to ensure chicken is evenly coated. Place bag in the refrigerator to marinade for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- When ready to cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken thighs from bag, allowing excess marinade to drip off before transferring to another dish. Discard remaining marinade.
- Working in batches if necessary, add chicken thighs to hot skillet and cook until browned on each side, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer thighs to a clean serving platter and set aside.
- Add remaining lemon juice and 1/4 cup water, if necessary, to hot skillet to deglaze. Gently scrape surface of pan with spatula to remove any browned bits. Bring liquid to a boil and then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Return chicken thighs to skillet and simmer for 3-4 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Season with additional salt and black pepper, to taste. Remove from heat and serve immediately with your choice of sides.
To Your Health,
Patti
