Why I Can't Stand "Clean Eating"

Did that get your attention?


I should be more specific:  I can't stand the term "clean eating."  (As opposed to what, "dirty eating?")


I suppose if you are talking about "clean" foods in a biblical context that's one thing.  But in a contemporary context, what the heck is it, really?


Unless you have been living in a cave, you know that "clean eating" have become huge buzzwords in health and fitness circles in recent years.  There are a lot of fitness gurus who claim to have the "correct" definition of clean eating (and one in particular tried-- unsuccessfully-- to have the term copyrighted and credited to her).  But the truth is, if you ask ten different trainers what clean eating is, you will likely get ten different answers (unless of course they are of the sort that regurgitates back whatever their employer tells them- and in that case, I would suggest you find another trainer).


Most of them will start out by saying it consists of "whole, unprocessed, natural foods that come from the earth."  That's fine (in fact it's great!), but then they continue with a restrictive set of rules regarding what and (mostly) what not to eat.  On one side you've got your Paleo (latest repackaging of low-carb) camp that insists grains and starches should be avoided like the plague; on the other you've got hardcore vegans stating that meat, milk, and even honey are not meant for human consumption.  Then you've got more extreme protocols, such as raw foodists who will not cook anything above a certain (very low) temperature, and fruitarians who will only eat "what nature gives up" such as fruit that has already fallen from the tree or vine (I am not sure how they feel about eating animals that die of old age).  There is even one guy who claims that all plant foods are poisonous and only eats raw meat- I don't even know what to say about that one. 


Even the term "processed" is subject to debate when it comes to food.  Sure, most of us think of colorful boxes with characters on them when we hear "processed" food.  Some of us would also consider things such as flour, sugar, cheese, tofu, and yogurt to be "processed."  But guess what?  If we're going to get technical about it, cooked food is "processed."  Juices, oils and nut butters are "processed."  Soaked and sprouted grains and seeds are "processed." Even fresh fruits and vegetables become "processed" once they are cut or peeled.  So the seemingly simple advice to avoid "processed" food can be subject to interpretation.


But what really bothers me is the implication that there is one particular way of eating that is best for everyone-- and that simply isn't true.  When I was studying for my first personal training certification, one of the instructors told me that when it comes to nutrition, any plan is better than no plan.  (I don't think she knew about raw meat guy at the time, but I digress).  But you don't want any plan, do you? 

You want the best plan for helping you to achieve your health and fitness goals!


Here's the thing:  what works best for someone else is not necessarily going to work best for you.  Some people do just fine eating grains and legumes; others feel better without them.  Same goes for dairy, eggs, peanuts, bananas, and just about any other food that is frequently tagged "bad for you."  In other cases it's a simple matter of preference:  some people never met a vegetable they didn't like; others wouldn't touch a veggie unless it were blended undetectably into a sauce, meatball, or smoothie. 


I chose the name Your Personal Best for my business because it is about just that:  YOUR (not mine- or anyone else's) PERSONAL (according to your goals, preferences and lifestyle) BEST! 


Likewise, one of the main reasons I chose to affiliate with Beachbody was because of the sheer number and variety of comprehensive fitness programs they offer, each one with different fitness levels and goals in mind-- all of which can be done in the privacy of your own home!  Check out my Beachbody site at www.beachbodycoach.com/YOURPERSONALBESTLKN and have a look at what they have to offer!


Whether you need to start taking charge of your health or want to take your fitness to the next level, I would love to help you!  Visit me at https://www.facebook.com/YourPersonalBestLKN and post a comment or send me a message and I'll help you get started on your way to becoming YOUR PERSONAL BEST!