What Is Clean Eating?

We often hear people talk about eating “clean”.  Unfortunately I think there is often a lot of confusion about what that is.

First, this is not a new, novel idea.  The entire definition of “eating clean” is eating the way nature intended – real foods with as little processing as possible.  Eating clean doesn’t really have a list of things you DON’T eat.  It isn’t about deprivation.  It isn’t about counting calories.  It is about trying to eat food in its most natural state.

Eating clean you eat as much:

• Lean protein – chicken, steak, pork
• Complex carbohydrates – such as quinoa, brown rice, oats
• Fresh Fruits and vegetables

Eating clean is designed to be a lifestyle change, not a diet or quick fix.  It is meant to help you lose weight, look great, increase your energy, and feel your very best.

Easy ways to eat clean:

• Enjoy fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, rather than canned fruits and vegetables (that often contain extra sugar and salt)
• Avoid sugary treats and sodas.  Although nothing is completely banned when you’re “eating clean.”  You do want to minimize the amount of processed sugars.
• Try to eat a combination of proteins and carbohydrates to maintain a stable blood sugar throughout the day.

A great summer recipe to help lose weight and feel great as we get ready for bikini season.

Sweet Potato Quinoa

• 1 tsp olive oil
• ¼ tsp cumin seeds
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced
• 2 cherry peppers, thinly sliced
• ½ sweet potato, rinsed, peeled, and diced
• 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1½ cups quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 2¼ cups / 540 ml low-sodium vegetable broth or water
• ¼ tsp ground coriander
• ¼ tsp ground turmeric
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

In a medium pot with lid, heat olive oil on medium.  Add cumin seeds and stir in oil until fragrant.  Add onion, jalapeño, cherry peppers, sweet potatoes, ginger and garlic, and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 3 minutes.  Add remaining ingredients.  Stir to combine.

Increase heat and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes or until all water is absorbed and quinoa is plump.  Remove from heat and keep covered for 5 minutes to allow all water to absorb and serve. 
______________________________________________________________
Originally from the Midwest, Amy moved to San Diego in 2001. A graduate of Valparaiso University, Amy had been a Financial Advisor since 1997. When Amy began taking Pilates with her neighbor Wendy, in 2006, she fell in love with the method and benefits of the program and knew she wanted to help others achieve their fitness goals. It was not until Amy took her first barre class that she discovered her true passion for fitness. She loved the challenge and energy of each class. And more importantly, she was excited by the results as her body became more toned than through any other workout routine she had tried in the past. Amy would be one of the best testimonials for Fit in 60 Pilates and Barre. In less than a month’s time, attending 4-5 classes a week, Amy went from a size 10/12 to a size 6. She came home one day and told her husband, Mike that “if every girl knew this, every girl would do it.” Amy is passionate about getting to know her clients and provide modifications and corrections to challenge every client, while making classes as safe as possible. Amy lives in Carlsbad with her husband, Mike, and her dog Emma. She loves what she does, and is thrilled to present the Fit in 60 workout to Carlsbad and Carmel Valley and is eager to help women look and feel great!