13 Simple Ways to Start Clean Eating for Beginners: A Journey to Health and Happiness!
Want to start your clean eating journey? This post is all about 13 simple ways to start clean easting for beginners that will bring your amazing health and happiness!
Hey, you amazing human! Welcome to the world of clean eating, where we’re all about ditching the junk and embracing the goodness that nature has to offer! 🥑
If you’re here, I bet you’re ready to start this new chapter in your life and eat healthier, feel better, and maybe even shed a few pounds along the way (if that’s your goal!). But hey, it’s not just about weight—clean eating is all about nourishing your body with real food, fueling yourself with energy, and discovering the beauty of natural, wholesome ingredients. Let’s get started on this exciting journey together! 🎉
I know the idea of starting something new can feel overwhelming. But guess what? I’ve got you covered! I’m here to share 13 simple ways to start clean eating as a beginner, and trust me, you’re going to LOVE it. By the end of this post, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier, more vibrant you!
This post is all about simple ways to start eating clean for beginners.Â
13 Simple Ways To Start Clean Eating
1. Ditch the Processed Foods (Like, Now!)
Let’s kick things off with one of the most important steps: saying goodbye to processed foods. This means all those prepackaged snacks, frozen meals, and sugary cereals that have ingredients you can’t even pronounce! 😬 Clean eating is about choosing whole food recipes that are minimally processed, if at all. Think of fresh fruits, veggies, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. These foods are nutrient-dense and packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Pro Tip: When you’re grocery shopping, stick to the perimeter of the store where the fresh produce, meat, and dairy are located. The inner aisles are often filled with the processed stuff we want to avoid!
2. Start Meal Prepping Like a Pro
Check out my post about the best meal prep ideas for beginners!!
One of the best ways to stick to your clean eating meal plan is by planning and prepping your meals in advance. That way, when hunger strikes (or you’re feeling too lazy to cook), you have healthy options ready to go! Clean eating meal prep doesn’t have to be complicated. You can start small by prepping just a couple of meals for the week or batch-cooking ingredients like quinoa, grilled chicken, and roasted veggies to mix and match for quick meals.
Healthy eating tip: Make mason jar salads for an easy, portable lunch option. Layer your ingredients starting with the dressing at the bottom and the leafy greens on top—shake and enjoy!
3. Choose Whole Grains Over Refined Grains
Switching out refined grains for whole food options is a game changer! Instead of white bread, white rice, and pasta, opt for whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat, oats, and farro. Whole grains are packed with fiber, which keeps you feeling fuller for longer and supports healthy digestion.
Healthy meal idea: Make a delicious quinoa bowl with sautéed veggies, avocado, and a sprinkle of seeds for added crunch. It’s nutrient-dense and oh-so-tasty!
4. Say Goodbye to Sugar (Well, Most of It)
Ah, sugar. It’s sneaky and can be found lurking in all kinds of foods, from ketchup to salad dressing to your favorite breakfast cereal! A huge part of clean eating is reducing your intake of added sugars. But don’t worry, you can still satisfy your sweet tooth with natural alternatives like fresh fruit, dates, or a drizzle of honey.
My FAVORITE sugar alternatives is maple syrup. When making recipes that call for sugar, I simply switch out the white sugar to maple syrup with a 1:1 ratio. My favorite maple syrup is the whole foods organic dark maple syrup. Once you try this, you’ll never go back!!
Sugar-free recipe idea: Blend up a smoothie with frozen berries, almond milk, spinach, and a little banana for sweetness. You won’t even miss the sugar!
5. Load Up on Veggies
Vegetables are your new best friends. Seriously, they are the stars of any clean eating meal plan! They’re low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them the perfect base for almost any meal. Whether you’re roasting them, eating them raw, or blending them into smoothies, getting plenty of veggies is key.
Healthy eating tip: Aim to fill half of your plate with colorful veggies at every meal. The more variety, the better—each color provides different nutrients!
6. Get to Know Healthy Fats
Fat is not the enemy! In fact, healthy fats are an essential part of a balanced, real food diet. They help keep you full, support brain health, and make your meals extra satisfying. Some of my favorite sources of healthy fats are avocados, nuts (in moderation), seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish like salmon.
Healthy meal idea: Make an avocado toast with a slice of whole-grain bread, a sprinkle of chia seeds, and a poached egg on top. It’s packed with healthy fats and will keep you full for hours!
7. Drink More Water (Yes, It’s That Simple)
Staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to support your clean eating journey. Water helps with digestion, keeps your skin glowing, and even aids in weight loss by helping you feel full between meals. If you find plain water boring, try infusing it with slices of citrus, cucumber, or mint for a refreshing twist.
Healthy eating tip: Keep a water bottle with you at all times as a reminder to stay hydrated throughout the day.
8. Focus on Protein Power
Protein is another important element of clean eating. It helps repair tissues, build muscle, and keeps you feeling satisfied after meals. Opt for lean proteins like chicken breast, turkey, eggs, and plant-based options like lentils, beans, and tofu.
Whole food recipe idea: Make a stir-fry with chicken, broccoli, bell peppers, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a protein-packed dinner.
9. Read Labels Like a Detective
Not all foods labeled as “healthy” are actually good for you. Many products marketed as low-fat or diet-friendly are packed with artificial ingredients and added sugars. One of the best clean eating tips is to read ingredient labels carefully. If you see a long list of unrecognizable ingredients or added sugars, it’s probably not the best choice.
Healthy eating tip: Look for products with simple, whole ingredients—if you can’t pronounce it, you probably don’t need it!
10. Eat Seasonal and Local
Eating seasonally is a big part of clean eating because fruits and vegetables are at their freshest and most nutrient-rich when they’re in season. Plus, buying local produce supports your community and reduces your carbon footprint. Win-win!
Healthy meal idea: Visit your local farmers’ market and pick up some in-season veggies to roast for an easy and delicious side dish.
11. Cook More at Home
One of the easiest ways to control what goes into your body is by cooking more meals at home. When you cook at home, you have complete control over the ingredients and can ensure you’re sticking to your clean eating goals. Plus, it’s a great way to experiment with new whole food recipes and develop a healthier relationship with the food you’re eating.
Healthy eating tip: Start by recreating some of your favorite dishes using fresh, natural ingredients. You’ll be surprised how delicious (and simple) clean eating can be when you’re in charge of the kitchen!
12. Enjoy Healthy Snacks
Snacking doesn’t have to be a bad thing, as long as you’re making smart choices. Instead of reaching for chips or candy, stock up on clean eating snacks like nuts, seeds, fruit, and veggies with hummus. These are nutrient-dense and will keep your energy levels up between meals.
Healthy snack idea: Try a handful of almonds with apple slices for a quick, satisfying snack that’s packed with fiber and healthy fats.
13. Practice Mindful Eating
Last but certainly not least, clean eating isn’t just about the food itself—it’s about your relationship with food. Take time to enjoy your meals, chew slowly, and listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. By practicing mindful eating, you can create a more positive and balanced relationship with food.
Healthy eating tip: Put away your phone and turn off the TV during meals so you can truly savor every bite.
Wrapping It Up: Clean Eating Made Easy!
Starting a clean eating journey may seem like a big commitment, but by taking small, simple steps, you’ll be amazed at how easy and enjoyable it can be. Remember, it’s all about focusing on whole food recipes, cutting out the processed stuff, and fueling your body with real food that makes you feel good. These healthy eating tips are just the beginning—once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever ate any other way!
So go ahead, get excited, and dive into this wonderful world of clean eating. Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or whipping up a delicious new dish, I guarantee you’ll love the way clean eating makes you feel—inside and out!
Here’s to healthy living and a happier you! 🌟
I hope this inspires you to kick off your clean eating journey! What’s the first tip you’re going to try? Let me know in the comments! 👇
