My Clean Eating Journey

Well, I thought it was time for a “clean eating” update. Many of you email me and ask if I’m still doing it and what am I eating?

My Clean Eating Journey

Sooooo, first I’ll tell you yes, I’m still trying. It’s a lifestyle I love, but it’s not always feasible. I have been a little more flexible over the last few months. I still believe strongly in eating less processed food and more “real” food.

But I’ll also say, that it’s much easier said than done!

When I first started “clean eating”, I went a little crazy as I do with everything. I panicked if I couldn’t eat something “clean”.  I realized I was stressing myself out and stressing my family out.

Life is too short to stress about everything. So I gave myself some grace. I wish I could be a total “clean eater” but I can’t or maybe I should say, I’m not.

Here’s what I still do:

  • I try to buy as much organic (organic is not always “clean”) as possible. Of course this does get expensive and if I had a large family, I’m not sure I could do it.
  • I rarely eat fast food. We do go out to eat at times but I try to go to a restaurant that has some healthy alternatives. Basically, McDonald’s is not on my go to list unless it’s for coffee.
  • I still limit my sugar intake. I use honey and 100% maple syrup. I also use organic sugar, I’m assuming this is better than regular sugar. I still love these no bake energy bites!
  • I read labels! I try to buy items with the fewest ingredients and I buy fresh or frozen vegetables.
  • I stay away from artificial sweeteners. I gave up diet coke a long time ago. I drink water and black coffee. I know, I’m boring.

I’m a creature of habit. It doesn’t bother me to eat the same thing for breakfast and lunch everyday. I know some people like variety but I just want simple and easy. 🙂

For breakfast, I eat organic cereal and add chia seeds. I use organic milk and sweeten it with honey or maple syrup. I eat this almost everyday! I love it!

Lunch is harder. I try to eat salads, or tuna. Lately, I’ve been on a grilled cheese and avocado kick. I use flax seed bread (not clean), mozzarella cheese, sliced avocado and a slice of tomato. I fix it like a grilled cheese and I love it. It’s not completely clean but healthy.

Dinner is easier. I can fix a meat with vegetables and be pretty “clean”. We don’t eat a lot of breads for dinner. This summer will be so much easier because my Dad has a garden so we have lots of fresh veggies and we grill most of the summer.

So that’s where I am. I’ve been so busy lately, I haven’t had to time to try any new recipes. I do still love smoothies. They’re so easy and delicious!

Anyone else still trying to “clean eat”? I’d love to hear how you’re doing!

Beauty for the Heart~~I was reading this verse and I was struck by “and I will keep it to the end.” I often talk about how we usually begin our journey with Christ, well. But more importantly how will we finish? I want to finish well too!

Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. Psalm 119:33 (ESV)

Have a blessed day!

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  1. Cyndi…I meant to ask you…in the energy bites, is the honey just like Sue Bee honey or would it be “raw” honey? I see I also have “milled” flaxseed instead of ground but I wouldn’t think that would make a difference. THANKS !

  2. It was nice to,hear your honesty about the clean eating. I think it would be so hard to eat “totally” clean so all the effort that you put in to doing the best you can makes it a lot less stressful. I have decided for me it’s about portion control and trying the best I can to incorporate veggies and fruits. I was glad to see the recipe again for the energy bites as I would like to try those for my sweet treat. I like the Kashi cereals also. Thanks for sharing Cyndi

  3. I can sympathize with how hard it is to change your eating habits. I was told about a year ago that I have a sensitivity to gluten. You would think I would not eat the darn stuff since I get sick afterward, but NO–sometimes I think I “need” to eat something I know I shouldn’t. Oh well, baby steps. My goal is to get a little better about it each month.

  4. Hi Cyndi! Clean eating is SO hard!!! I think at least we are trying..right…right!!! I think progress is progress and being busy makes it even harder!!! Making healthy choices is better than like you said not running to McDonalds for anything other than coffee. One thing I have taught myself in my lifestyle change (not using the D word) is that we cannot beat ourselves up if you “mess” up or are not able to eat clean every meal, we just stick with it and get back on the heatlh train the very next meal not the next day or the next Monday….start now!! 🙂
    Not to mention how much better you feel fueling your body with good food and not the fatty,greasy stuff I use to eat!! I am sticking with it, I am not 100% clean, I don’t know that I ever can me, but I am taking one goal at a time and trying my best!!! 🙂

  5. Good for you! 🙂 We eat healthy. High protein, low carb with lots of veggies and few fruits. We don’t consume sugar although I’ll have the occasional bite of cheesecake…my weakness.

  6. I, too, have been enjoying my “eat what God made” lifestyle. I eat nuts, seeds, meats, fruits, veggies, etc. I feel so much better. I feel like for me it has been a cleansing for my body but also a cleansing of my mind (if that makes sense:) I just appreciate foods more. I will admit, I do miss a little chocolate here and there but all in all this is a good way to live.

  7. I’ve also been trying to eat clean as I am reading this eating my lunch of carrots, green peppers, celery and an apple with natural peanut butter. It isn’t easy at my house as my husband and daughter think I’m a bit crazy, and they still eat the junk. I like eating the same things everyday. Every morning, I eat oatmeal with almond milk, chia seeds, flax, and blueberries that we froze from summer picking. Stick it in the microwave and it’s a nice start to the day. I also love grilled mozzarella cheese with tomato, and I put hummus on mine. I was planning to have that for supper tonight!

  8. Good for you Cyndi! I am much like you…. We don’t overdo or stress about it. We absolutely try our best, no (or as little as totally possible) packaged/processed foods in the grocery cart (which is often none at all!!), etc. I love my dear mom’s example in being balanced…. to this day, it not only includes healthy eating choices, but exercise, a clean home, etc. I strive for that balance too! Love that vs in Psalms, friend! Blessings!

  9. Great Eating, sounds perfect to me. I have found for my peace of mind and sanity and my family, I have to find a balance. Pinterest has some great Chia Seed puddings, that’s been my go to sweet treat lately and of course those no bake engery balls! Yummy! Blessings to You and the quest to eat better.