Repeat after me.

“Real Food DOES NOT have ingredients.”

Got it?

Well, if not…I’ll give you a little Clean Eating and Healthy Cooking 101 to refresh y’all on what should be landing on your plate and in your belly.

So, let’s start with the basics. Since it’s summer and none of you are in the mood for a school lesson, I’m gunna make this nice n’ simple and easy peasy so you can go jump in the sunshine and soak up your Vitamin D.

I’m giving you 4 steps. I think you can handle that…nothing too complicated to make you sweat. And a few links below to help you get a little more insight into the why’s and how’s of the super fabulous Clean Eating lifestyle.

Step 1: Eat Organic.

I think by now you know that by eating organic, I’ve pretty much saved my life, cleaned up my liver toxicity, healed my inflammation and gotten rid of awful joint/muscle aches n’ pains. I’ve also inspired my parents to go organic and reclaim their vitality in their mid 60’s.

When I was in my 20’s I honestly thought eating organic was for the rich folks in the Hampton’s and never understood that pesticides, herbicides, growth hormones and antibiotics found in non-organic (conventional) food were the source of most of my toxicity symptoms.

Does half of my salary go to my food? Yes. Is it easy? Well, it wasn’t at first. But once I thought about how much I was spending each year on supplements and doctors bills, I realized that spending TONS of more money buying organic was actually cheaper and I don’t need those doctors anymore. Yay! So, I shook off worrying about the cost and put my health first because what I put in my body is what is going to fuel me for the next few decades and I’m ready to keep living my best, vibrant life! Aren’t you?

Step 2: Eat More REAL Fiber.

Sorry folks but a FiberOne bar does NOT count as fiber. Fruit Loops do NOT count as fiber. Fiber comes from fruit, veggies, gluten-free whole grains, nuts and seeds. Stick to those foods and don’t look anywhere else for fiber. Everything else is fake- man-made junk created in a factory filled with chemicals and GMO’s and everything else you don’t need. Trust me.

Sp, what can you eat for REAL fiber? Load up on fresh or frozen fruits and veggies- not canned or processed produce that’s loaded with additives. Processed foods reduces their nutrient-density and strips them of fiber; they also add refined (inflammatory salt, saturated fat, white sugar and awful chemicals).

Step 3: Trade Unhealthy Fats for GOOD Fats.

Toss the vegetable oils and canola oil and the saturated fats from boxed crackers and chips, etc. and replace them with anti-inflammatory Omega 3 fats that will put the fire out from all your internal hidden inflammation. Snack on raw walnuts, eat ground flaxseeds and if you enjoy seafood, fatty fish such as wild salmon is wonderful, too! Steer clear of the junk foods in a box and move onto the healthy Omega 3’s that’ll surely have you feelin’ good.

Step 4: Eat a Balance of Complex Carbs, Healthy Fats and High Quality Protein.

You always want to balance protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates at EVERY.SINGLE.MEAL. Repeat after me. This is so important. You can very easily incorporate gluten-free whole grains like quinoa, wild or brown rice, sorghum, millet and buckwheat over processed grains like white rice or white bread. You can also add in sweet potatoes and other root veggies like beets for healthy carbs! For protein, you can add in organic meats, beans, legumes, raw nuts and seds as well as being sure to choose organic/grass fed animal products such as eggs and poultry. Choose healthy fats (SO important for your hormones and immune system!) such as avocado, coconut oil, raw nuts and seeds, extra-virgin olive oil and nut butters such as almond butter are fabulous, keep you satisfied and help keep your organs running smoothly. DO not fear fat. DO not fear carbs. DO not fear protein. YOU need all three at each meal. You can do it just start slow and take simple one ingredient foods like the ones mentioned above and make your plate a rainbow of tasty deliciousness…get creative and make your own flavors. Hummus and guacamole and salsa add amazing flavor, as do fresh herbs and spices. No need for processed salad dressings or Hellman’s mayo- you’ve got real food to create real flavor for yourself, so go have fun!

And of course, I’ll leave you with a few of my very own Clean Eating pages that will help you get into the spirit of getting all that goodness from the farmer’s market into your kitchen.

Here you go!

• 10 Day Clean Eating Cleanse
• What is Clean Eating?
• Clean Eating Glossary
• The Benefits of Eating Organic
• My 2011 Real Food Cleanse
• Clean Eating Category Pages

xox

For more of my favorites, follow along on facebook, pinterest, instagram, twitter and google plus.

Try to buy everything organic. Here’s why: The Benefits of Eating Organic.

Simple Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

Serves: 4

 

Print

Prep

10 minutes

Cook

0 minutes

Total

10 minutes

 

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, Paleo, Grain-Free, Sugar-Free

Author: Amie Valpone

Recipe type: Entree

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs. Brussels sprouts stems left intact
• 1/2 small red onion thinly sliced
• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 Tbsp. dried cherries chopped
• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. sliced raw almonds optional
• Juice of 1 large lemon
• 1 tsp. mustard seeds
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• pinch fresh lemon zest if desired

Instructions

1. Hold each Brussels sprout by the stems end, cut into very thin slices using a mandoline. Transfer into a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients and gently toss to combine.
2. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Simple Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

Amount Per Serving

Calories 220 Calories from Fat 108

% Daily Value*

Fat 12g18%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Sodium 50mg2%

Potassium 803mg23%

Carbohydrates 24g8%

Fiber 9g38%

Sugar 9g10%

Protein 9g18%

Vitamin A 2417IU48%

Vitamin C 156mg189%

Calcium 114mg11%

Iron 3mg17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.