The basic idea of ‘Clean Living’ have been around for quite a few decades with a popular resurgence of the lifestyle coined during the time of Dr. Ruth Engs and her work with researching the ‘Clean Living Movement’ at Indiana University. In the very beginning, however, clean living was associated with the far more spiritual and moral aspects of life, but as time has continued on, ‘clean living’ has definitely evolved and changed with the seasons. Further, with the particularly health-conscious mind of entering Millennials and Gen X’ers into the workplace, the idea of clean living – and more specifically clean eating – seems like it is a lifestyle choice that is here to stay. (And probably for the better!)

 

If you’re just about to embark on your clean eating journey or are just looking for a few ways to adjust your lunch time at the workplace, check out our carefully curated list of tips and tricks to give you a clean-living-approved head start!

 

TIP 1: Remember that clean eating is not necessarily a ‘diet.’

First and foremost, it’s important to note that your main goal with clean eating is not necessarily to ‘lose weight fast’ or to cut back on the amount that you eat. Clean eating is really a reminder to eat more of the naturally-produced foods around you and to move away from the processed and mainly-artificial ingredients or goods consumed on the daily.

Theresa Groskopp, CN of Natural Healthy Concepts suggests sticking to fresh fruits and vegetables, minimally processed foods, 100% whole grain products, natural sweeteners, and most importantly continuing to engage in making fully and nutritionally balanced meals as often as you can.

TIP 2: Ditch the plastic!

Clean eating really does have to start with clean living, so with the environment in mind, we would suggest ditching that 36-pack of water bottles you buy to bring to work (or to the park, or to exercise) in favor of a reusable water bottle. We probably shouldn’t get into all the ins-and-outs of the energy, environmental pollutants, and etc. that goes into producing and disposing of plastic bottles and other plastic items (not to mention the amount of plastic waste that ends up in our oceans), but it would certainly be up-with-the-times to invest in a good quality water bottle for your meals.

If you are worried about after-tastes or chemicals (or really anything) that might coming through wherever you get your water on-the-go, we suggest purchasing a filtered water bottle to ease your mind! It would also be environmentally kind to invest in a BPA-free set of glass containers for all those future lunch wraps!

 

TIP 3: Suffering from a midday slump? Try quinoa!

Lisa Turner from Clean Eating Mag has curated her own list of clean eats to help headache and migraine sufferers through their choice of foods. Among her picks? We were particularly elated to find that quinoa made the list as a food high in iron!

Those who suffer from anemia or who don’t normally get their recommended DV of iron on the reg. have the probability of suffering from a few more headaches as opposed to their iron-rich counterparts.

Luckily, quinoa can help you out! Lisa recommends tossing cooked quinoa with a tasty blend of cucumbers, parsley, mint, green onions, feta cheese, and a vinaigrette for a light energy boost; or with lentils, red onions, and coconut milk and veggie broth for a perfect chilly-day soup! Feel free to get that marinated beef or chicken in there for your protein boost as well!

 

TIP 4: In a time crunch? (Or need to snack through lunch to get that project done?) Try and make this 10-minute hummus the night before!

Patryce Kinga Bak from Clean Living Guide has used the hardships she has endured throughout her life to make lasting changes with clean living. Thankfully for us, she has also shared her tasty 10-minute hummus recipe on her journey!

This recipe (see it in full here) features, of course, two cups of cooked chickpeas and two huge tablespoons of tahini, as well as her choice of condiments in pine nuts, parsley, EVOO, and paprika! For your classic hummus vehicle, we’d recommend your favorite Naan bread or black bean chips. Oh, and the best part? Her recipe will yield about 16 ounces for your snacking throughout the week!

 

So, with these tips (and more to come), we wish you a successful (and tasty) clean-eating journey! Remember to move step-wise and embrace clean living at your own pace!