What is Clean Eating?

What is Clean Eating?

Something I hear all the time is the term "clean eating."

I remember reading about it many years ago in a fitness magazine – it was throughout the entire magazine, and this was a new term to me. I wasn't even sure what it meant. As a dietitian, I was surprised at this term related to eating and that I didn't know what it meant.

What is it? 

One of the reasons for me not knowing what “clean eating” means is that there is no official definition of clean eating. Many "diets" or ways of eating are flexible, and the approach varies based on the individual. However, people generally consider "clean eating" as eating foods in their most natural state possible. At least, that's what I've gleaned from individuals and a search for this term on the internet.

People will say that this includes not eating foods full of chemicals – but all foods have chemicals, and so do you—basic science. Without chemicals, food, water, and humans would not exist.

People will say that this includes foods that do not contain ingredients we can't pronounce. Fine, but there are lots of essential nutrients and things we need for good health that most people can't pronounce. Not a good "rule."

Some people have told me they eliminate foods and beverages such as grains, dairy, sugar, and even coffee. While this may sound great, is it?

People will say they don't eat processed foods, but I like to have my meat processed before I get it. I don't have the stomach or the space to deal with that sort of thing.

People will say they don't eat foods that come in a package. While this sounds great – is that even realistic? Think about it.

People will have a long list of things they don't eat no this, no that, no, no, no, no. But does that make them healthier?

Is it healthier? 

The term "clean eating" is so vague it is difficult to quantify what it is AND if this is a healthier way to eat. 

And based on these definitions and my experience, I find people who claim that they "eat clean" don't do it all the time. And will have a long list of exceptions.

Eating more fruits and vegetables is excellent, and I encourage it and say it ALL THE TIME. And my definition of clean eating is washing those fruits and vegetables before eating them.

Eating foods in their more natural state is also a good idea but doesn't have to be a "rule."

People can do many things to eat healthier but don't have to label it "clean."

They can choose whole grains.

They can choose fruits and vegetables in their many forms. They don't have to be raw or fresh. Or organic.

They can have coffee if they want. There is nothing wrong with coffee. On the contrary, coffee is one of the highest sources of antioxidants in most people's diets.

And for processed foods, people say they don't eat processed foods when they do. They make exceptions for certain processed foods because they are considered "clean," like yogurt and cheese. Processed!

Packaged foods? My greens come in a package. Baby spinach NOT in a package would be a massive pain in the butt. My milk and milk alternatives come in a container. And my meats come in a container.

Clean eating may have a superior outlook on eating. Spoiler – it isn't.

Is it Sustainable? 

Sustainable, in this case, means can you do it for life? During the holidays? On vacation? When your friends invite you to their house, or when you go out? 

I don't know. Since people make exceptions to this definition and their approach, it is hard to understand.

It will limit one's ability to enjoy social interactions, including eating out. But, of course, if people don't want to eat out, that is fine.

Here is an example related to this: I met a friend for lunch once, and she chose the location. She arrived, bringing her food into the restaurant and eating that because she was "eating clean." I assure you it wasn't food allergies, finances, or another reason. I wasn't quite sure how to react to this, considering it is highly unusual to bring outside food into a restaurant, especially an entire meal. Many restaurants don't allow it. I wondered why, if she was not interested in eating at this restaurant or eating at any restaurant, why did she suggest we meet for lunch? We could have gone for coffee, and she wouldn't have needed to bring lunch. I would not have felt odd having coffee when someone else had nothing.  

Another thing to consider is the idea that anything processed is bad, anything with additives is bad, and anything that's not in its natural state is bad. These statements are wholly untrue. Processed is what all your foods go through to get to your home. In addition, we get many benefits from foods with added nutrients (such as B vitamins and vitamin D) and preservatives (like ascorbic acid), so we don’t need to shop every two days.

To suggest that clean eating is superior is just wrong; it is often judgmental, and it's not sustainable. Period.

Bottom line: eat well and choose healthier foods most of the time. But guess what? It doesn’t need a label. What you may consider “eating clean” is what a lot of us just call “eating.”