In the first part of the ten benefits of clean eating series, I mentioned that eating the right food is linked to a wide range of health benefits beyond weight loss. Some of the benefits included that you’ll save money, live longer, and feed the mind. Whether you’re looking for ways to enjoy your food again or work on improving your relationships at home, clean eating can help. All it takes is perseverance and a growth mindset.
Here is the second part of the ten benefits of clean eating.
6. You’ll Have More Energy
Clean eating means you receive clean energy. Where we usually rely on energy drinks, sugar, and coffee to get us through the day, clean food alternatives can provide instant energy. High-fiber fruits take longer to digest and delay that afternoon slump from creeping up on you while giving critical vitamins for the evening ahead. Other clean energy foods include quinoa, almonds, eggs, and kale.
7. You’ll Be Stronger
Clean eating doesn’t mean you can’t touch meat. Lean protein that forms part of the clean-eating philosophy builds lean muscles and boosts your metabolism. Chicken, fish, and lean beef are good choices. For those who prefer meat alternatives, try quinoa, chickpeas, nuts, spinach, and seeds.
8. You’ll Sleep Better
Clean eating helps to get your body and hormones in balance, which helps with sleep quality. When your body spends less time repairing and healing damage while you sleep, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed. Midnight snacking doesn’t help your sleep problems, but if you can’t go without it, choose foods naturally high in tryptophan such as fish, pumpkin, or sesame seeds, or a handful of almonds that provide protein and melatonin.
9. You’ll Be Happier
Good food can lead to a good mood. This has nothing to do with emotional eating, though. If you need to brighten your day, have some berries, bananas, lean proteins, turmeric, and food containing omega-3 fatty acids. And coffee and chocolate are also known for boosting one’s mental state (in moderation, of course).
10. And Yes, You’ll Lose Weight
Eating foods that are close to being in the form that nature gave them to us makes your body thrive and stay slim with almost no effort. Sometimes, hormonal or other medical issues make it more challenging to lose weight, but getting in tune with your body and sticking with a healthy lifestyle long enough will eventually heal you from the inside.
Want to know if clean eating is right for you or not sure how to get started? Get in contact for a consult. I would love to help you on your journey.
[RECIPE] Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
This satisfying side dish goes beyond basic, boring Brussels sprouts with its rich oven-roasted flavor enhanced with just a hint of sweetness. The combination of sweet and savory elements in this dish makes it a perfect complement for a wide variety of main dishes.
Prep time:10 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 T. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb. small organic Brussels sprouts, rinsed and cut in half
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 c. balsamic vinegar
- 1 T. real maple syrup
Directions:
- Place oven rack in center position and preheat oven to 400oF.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast iron or another oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add Brussels sprouts to skillet and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally until the sprouts begin to turn brown.
- Once browned, transfer the skillet into the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through. Remove sprouts from oven once they are tender and start to turn a rich brown color.
- While the sprouts are roasting, add balsamic vinegar and maple syrup to a small skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, then reduce heat to medium. Continue stirring until the vinegar mixture reduces to about 1/3 of its original volume and becomes thick and syrupy (do not overcook or it will become too hard and sticky).
- To serve, transfer Brussels sprouts to a plate and drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and enjoy immediately with your main meal.
To Your Health,
Patti
