Let's face it, clean eating is never anybody's 'go to' or first choice. Instead, the majority would rather be snacking on something that is almost guaranteed to make your insides rot. Sounds horrible, doesn't it? And yet, we're all guilty of it.
Some of you may be thinking what the heck is 'clean eating' anyways? Well, simply put, clean eating is when you eat only 'real foods' - this means nothing that is processed or refined and is as close to its natural form as possible. It helps your body to fuel up on the essential nutrients that it needs to make it through your busy day, keeping both your mind and your body well.
Not convinced? That's okay! We've put together five fabulous benefits of clean eating that will ensure you have better mental wellness along with a little more pep in your step!
#1. Shed those unwanted pounds
Has winter weight been on your mind lately? Here's the fix! Start by cutting out all those unhealthy options that you have cluttering up your kitchen and replace them with fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, and lean meats to help shape your body the way that you want it. With some daily exercise and the right foods, those few extra pounds will be gone before you know it!
#2. More pep in your step!
Tired of feeling tired? A healthy diet is proven to help you elevate those energy levels! Important nutrients from eating clean help to nourish your body to help it feel more productive and energized. B-complex vitamins as well as iron help your cells to access the fuel they need so that they can do their thing!
#3. No more need to count sheep!
Need to catch up on your ZZZ's? Believe it or not, numerous studies have linked a clean, healthy diet with sounder sleep habits! By decreasing your sugar and harmful additives intake from processed and refined foods, your body is able to readjust and relax itself in order to give you the beauty sleep you deserve!
#4. Who wouldn't want glowing skin?
Do you ever find that after a night of binging on nothing but junk your skin almost seems angry with you?! All of the grease, sugar, and unhealthy fats from our favourite guilty pleasure foods builds up in our bodies and clogs our pores, leaving our skin looking less than perfect. Do yourself a favour and try out some healthier options-eating clean and healthy will replace even your most prized cleansers.
#5. Turn that frown upside down
Not only will clean eating do wonders for your body, but it'll also help improve your overall mental health! Vitamins such as B-6, found in our favourite fruits and veggies, help our bodies create dopamine which in turn makes for a much happier YOU! Clean eating isn't just for looks, my friend - it's for an overall healthier and happier lifestyle.
Now that you know all the wonderful things that clean eating can do not just for your body but for your brain as well, now's the time to start!
Need some recipe inspiration? Why not check out the lifestyle section of Sudbury's very own news and media blog Our Crater where you'll be sure to find something you love!
Remember: healthy body+healthy mind=happy life