If you are on social media of any kind, then you will have most definitely heard this term being banded around far too frequently for my liking… ‘clean eating’. To be perfectly honest, I have no idea what this term actually means. I think if you asked anyone what ‘clean eating’ means, I am almost certain that 90% of the time you would get an entirely different answer. Some will say gluten-free, others sugar-free and for some, it’s plant-based. It really is a mystery of a phenomenon and one that I think it all too often is written in the media as the be all and end all.
What is Clean Eating:
From what the media has taught us ‘clean eating’ is only eating foods that are ‘good’ for you. For example; vegetables, fruit, grains and lean meats are often excepted as in line with this lifestyle and chocolate, cakes, red meat and carbs are not included. In fact, they are often very much, vehemently excluded. So much so that people have demonised these foods so much that we suddenly aren’t allowed to have our favourite pizza for dinner on a Friday night after a long week, or a slice of cake because what the heck, it’s a Tuesday. When did this happen? Last thing I checked, nothing happened to me when I had cake on a Tuesday?
Moderation is key...
Has it really become the norm that we can’t enjoy the foods we love because some girl on Instagram told me I couldn’t? I am personally very much of the view that moderation and balance is the key. ‘Moderation’ here is a vital word, (apart from my very real obsession with turmeric and SFN Choc protein), I would say that overconsumption in any capacity isn’t going to make you feel great. As with anything, from eating too many bananas to too many Mars Bars, consuming in excess isn’t ideal. Furthermore, a person’s relationship with food is so personal. I know for a fact that if I eat aubergine my tummy doesn’t thank me, but the person sat next to me can chow down to their delight.
There is no one size fits all in life, comparing your diet to others and especially people you see through a screen is a dangerous habit that leads down a road you may not want to venture. Instead, choose to make memories, enjoying what you eat and not falling into traps that are set out to make us fail.
Do what's right for you!
I am a believer that comparison is the thief of joy, so you do what’s right for you. By all means, I am not saying you can’t live the healthiest lifestyle you can, don’t get me wrong I am all about being the best you can be. But if that means you want to enjoy a pecan pie here and a four cheese pizza there then do it! After all, a healthy body starts with a healthy mind. And for me, I need that pizza to get me through the week. And that is my whole point, my pizza could be someone else’s smoothie or chocolate bar or vegetable soup. To some extent, there is no right or wrong. As the renowned saying goes…balance is a slice of cake in each hand, right?!
If you enjoyed this read, continue reading: Why Supergreens are Beneficial.
