We know we’re supposed to eat healthily and understand the primary reasons for doing so. But most people don’t know all the benefits beyond weight loss. Eating the right food is linked to a wide range of health benefits. No matter your goals, clean eating can change your life in areas you never considered.
Here is the first part of the ten benefits of clean eating.
1. You’ll Enjoy Your Food Even More
Because we live a fast-paced life, it’s easier to grab a processed fast-food meal while in the car running errands. Try doing that while eating a bowl of salad with a fork while speeding down the highway! Clean eating is about slowing down mealtimes, as well as eating with purpose and savoring food. That means a better relationship with food, from raw carrots to carrot cake. But because you’re detoxing out processed food habits from your body when eating clean, you’ll find your cravings for junk food and sugary treats will decrease.
2. You’ll Save Money
When some people think of clean eating, they feel that healthier foods are more expensive, but eating more simply and mindfully can save money and waste less food. Planning meals for the week is cost-effective if you make and stick to a list. You’re also doing both your wallet and waistline a favor by minimizing visits to pricey restaurants and takeout branches. Plus, when eating clean, real food, you’re getting the necessary nutrients your body needs, which lowers your medical bills.
3. You’ll Live Longer
There is a real-life fountain of youth; instead of water, it’s filled with clean proteins, whole grains, fruit, and vegetables. The nutrients found in these foods can lengthen your lifespan. Anytime you’re eating processed foods and sugar, the immune system has to spend energy protecting against what you’re putting in your body instead of saving it against illnesses. When you’re malnourished, your body strength is at an all-time low, and it prevents you from being able to get the most of your day. Clean eating naturally brings hormones into balance, melts excess fat away, and builds muscle more efficiently, leading to a longer life.
4. You’ll Have Better Relationships
Meal prepping may take some time, but it’s a great way to save both money and time during busy weeks, and it also cuts down on stress and waste. Clean eating can be a bonding experience for families. Preparing clean meals at home is the perfect time for easy and relaxed conversations with your family members and friends.
5. You’ll Be Smarter
Food has an impact on the way we think. When we don’t eat right, the brain is not receiving the energy it needs to remain focused. Eating a healthy diet rich in fruit, vegetables, fish, and nuts keeps our minds sharper and our memories stronger. Thus, developing a healthy relationship with clean food and mindful eating can empower your body and feed the mind.
If you found this post helpful, be sure to read the second part of this post coming up next week.
[RECIPE] Banana Cream Frozen Yogurt
You don’t need a bulky ice cream maker to enjoy delicious frozen treats at home. This homemade frozen yogurt consists of just a few ingredients and doesn’t require any churning or complicated equipment.
The secret to success with this recipe is finding the right balance between tangy Greek yogurt and more mild cream cheese. If you use regular yogurt instead, you may want to use a little more because it is less creamy than Greek varieties.
Prep time:15 minutes + freezing time 
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 large bananas
- 1/2 c. plain organic grass-fed Greek yogurt, full fat
- 6 oz. organic cream cheese, cut into chunks
- 3/4 T. real vanilla extract
- 1/4 c. honey, preferably local
Optional Toppings
- Fresh banana slices
- Shredded coconut
- Crushed nuts
Tip:
- Regular vanilla extract will affect the color of this dish. To prevent this, choose a clear vanilla extract instead. However, be sure to read labels carefully because most clear extracts are imitations.
Directions:
- Peel and cut bananas into thin slices. Place banana slices in a plastic freezer-safe bag and place in the freezer until frozen.
- Add yogurt, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and frozen banana slices to a powerful blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth. If necessary, add 2-3 tablespoons of water to the blender to loosen the mixture.
- While blending, drizzle in honey until thoroughly combined with other ingredients. Once blended, taste the mixture and add more honey, if desired.
- Transfer contents of the blender to a freezer-safe dish and cover tightly. Place in freezer for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight.
- To serve, remove from the freezer and let sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes to soften. Scoop into individual chilled serving dishes and garnish with slices of fresh banana or other favorite toppings.
To Your Health,
Patti
