by Sofia D., Student Health Advisory Committee member

“Don’t eat carbs!”
“Eat only healthy fats!”
“Gluten-free is the way to be!”

Fad diets and healthy lifestyles are constantly changing and evolving. Recently I heard  about a new trend called “clean eating.” I don’t know about you, but as soon as I heard these words I had visions of fruits and vegetables with Clorox and Windex. Not surprisingly, this is not what clean eating is. What is clean eating?  It’s a lifestyle based on 6 rules that are designed to help you transform your eating habits and whittle down your waist.

Clean Eating ‘Rules’

1. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables that are mostly raw, grilled, or lightly steamed.

2. If you eat meat, make sure it is straight from the butcher. Stay away from processed cold cuts or ground meat.

3. Eat grains that haven’t been processed, like brown rice and quinoa.

4. Read food labels and try to only eat foods that have 3-4 ingredients.

5. Eat 5-6 small meals a day instead of the usual 3.

Seems a bit overwhelming and impossible doesn’t it? But, as a health enthusiast myself, I gave clean eating a try. I had to tweak it a bit for myself because I do not eat meat, but even as a college student with limited food options, I was able to do it! I succeeded as a clean eater because I did my research and found recipes to cook before I was starving or out of clean foods (simply search for “clean eating” on Pinterest and you’ll be all set!). I also made sure I was getting enough nutrients by trying different kinds of clean foods. With this planning I found that eating clean can be easy and possible.

SPREAD THE HEALTH: “Clean eating” is a new trend focused on raw foods, whole grains, and multiple meals per day. Following a “clean” diet can be easier by planning ahead and trying new types of fruits, veggies, protein, and grains.

Get some clean foods on us!
Enter our giveaway and you could win a $10 gift card to Trader Joe’s grocery store!

There are THREE ways to enter the giveaway: (1) Share this blog post on Facebook or Twitter and tag/mention us (2) Leave a comment below telling us your favorite clean food or recipe (3) Tweet at us or comment on our Facebook page answering the same question.

The more you do, the more times your name will be entered. We will pick one winner on March 13, 2013 using Random.org. This giveaway is open to Boston University students only. Good luck!