clean eating

Waiting in line at the grocery check-out the other day I spotted a new magazine (new to me, that is). I did my usual quick flip through the pages. My personal rule is that if I see at least 3 recipes I would make, then I buy the magazine.

Clean Eating passed the test and I've really enjoyed reading the issue. It seems to bridge a few of my interests: eating healthful, real food, all while balancing a budget and time constraints.

The magazine purports that "The soul of clean eating is consuming food in its most natural state, or as close to it as possible. It is not a diet; it is a lifestyle approach to food and its preparation, leading to an improved life...."

That really spoke to my desire to avoid processed foods as much as possible and cook healthy, nutrient dense meals with local, organic foods. I've been having a hard time achieving those goals because of time and money (like most families, I'm sure!)

This issue even has a 2 week menu planner for all 3 meals a day (42 meals!) and an article with yummy looking dinner recipes which feed a family of 4 for $10 or less. And the food looks so good!

I'm going to try a bunch of the recipes and also experiment some things that I haven't before, like teff seeds.

There are a few recommendations in the magazine that I question (like the thumbs up for the Mashups by Revolution Foods), but for the most part the ideas seem refreshing and just the kind of kick-in-the-pants I needed right now.

There may be a connection with the magazine and the author of the Eat Clean Diet book series, which I don't know much about. From my perspective, the magazine is interesting and relevant to people even if they are not on that diet or know nothing about it (like me).