Are you ready to begin a clean eating program for the new year? Starting off the new year by eating clean is probably one of the best New Year's resolutions you could create for yourself. Below is a checklist that may help you meet your goal of a healthier lifestyle by eating clean.
1. Make the Commitment
Clean eating requires commitment. You should be realistic with yourself because eating clean takes work. It is not easy but it will become easier in time. Eating clean as a temporary weight loss solution will only frustrate you and make you give up. Commit to it as a lifestyle change and it will become a habit rather than a chore.
2. Expect to Cook
You cannot eat clean unless you begin cooking your own meals. Unless you have someone who will do it for you, you will be preparing your breakfast, lunches, and dinners. Cooking isn't hard and can actually be quite fun.
3. Gather Recipes
The best part about clean eating is that you will not run out of recipes! Check out the clean eating recipes section.
4. Buy a Good Set of Tupperware
Having a decent set of tupperware will make eating clean so much easier. You can portion out your meals and have them ready to go. They are especially great for packing lunches. This set received good reviews and is priced well: Rubbermaid Premier Food Storage Container Sets
5. Clean Out Your Fridge and Pantry
You will need to get rid of all junk. Read the ingredients on the labels of food products in your fridge and pantry. If you can't pronounce them, chances are you shouldn't be eating them.
6. Plan Your Meals
You can plan out your meals for the entire week. This will make it easier when its time to grocery shop and you won't have to rack your brain wondering what to eat. It will already be planned out for you.
7. Invest in Gym Equipment or Join a Gym
A good clean eating program involves some exercise. You can either buy exercise equipment such as dumbbells, stability ball, exercise bands, etc., and/or join a local gym.
Are you planning to eat clean for the new year or have you already been doing it? What would you add to the checklist?
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Totally agree with points 2 and 4. Cooking really isn’t really that hard and tupperware is so useful when you want to eat clean on the go. I also want to add an eight point to your list “Take advantage of your Freezer”. Despite your best intentions it is unlikely you will be able to cook every night. What I do is cook a big batch every time which provides me with 6-8 meals. I then split this big batch into individual meal portions and freeze some of them. On the days where I can’t cook I take one of these portions out the night before and I have a healthy meal which requires little to no preparation.
That is a great idea Tom. Thanks for sharing!
I agree with Tom, taking advantage of my freezer has really helped me stay on track. I work late nights and don’t always have time to prepare a clean dinner when I get home.
I like baking 2 batches of the yummy Banana Applesauce Bread recipe. Once they’ve cooled I slice both loaves into serving sizes and then put them in the freezer. When I want a slice, I just pull one out and pop it into the toaster oven and I’ve got a nice, warm, clean eat treat!
@Darla – that is great. It really helps having clean meals ready to heat and serve.
#1,4,5 and 6…are a MUST!! If you want to be successful in achieving your goals these are key! Preparation is such a big part of clean eating. If you are not prepared sometimes we grab whatever is quick and easy. Which usually is not the best snack or meal for us! Great post! Check out this other great blog.
http://bodybuildingandyou.blogspot.com/
Food preparation is key. Working out is great, but if you don’t prepare your foods ahead of time, you’re asking for trouble.
My New Years goal is to prep more food ahead of time so I don’t get caught without something clean to eat.
I don’t know if are accepting comments for other blogs, but I blog about all Clean Eating recipes. http://www.TheGraciousPantry.com.
Thanks!