Eating clean is not about cutting all fun foods out of your diet; it is simply about changing the quality and types of food you eat.
Eating clean can be just as delicious as any other way of eating, and there is a wide variety of food that will help you avoid temptation and ensure you thrive in every way. By eating a variety of tasty snacks, you will find it easier to stick to clean eating.
Here are a few ideas to keep you going when you are tempted to indulge in unhealthy foods.
Clean Trail Mix
This snack is easy to personalize, put together and keep on hand wherever you go. Simply pick your favourite nuts, dried fruits and other goodies like roasted chickpeas.
Choose organic dried fruits that contain no preservatives, and choose a variety or raw and roasted nuts without any added low-quality oils.
Loaded Smoothie
A smoothie is a treat you can have every day, and with major benefits to your health. Add in a variety of fresh or frozen fruits, such as cherries, berries and mangos. Add in a large handful of greens such as kale or spinach.
Put in flaxseeds, hemp hearts, and add a bit of Greek yogurt. Blend with water or fresh juice and it is ready to go.
Greek Yogurt Parfait
If you are bored of eating the same Greek yogurt day after day, make a parfait out of it. Simply use a clear glass and layer Greek yogurt, berries, organic granola and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Swap the items occasionally when you get bored of them for a brand new treat every time you make it. Variety keeps you from getting fed up and falling back into old eating habits.
Hummus and Veggies
Hummus and veggies is a great snack to eat when you are quite hungry, because it is extremely filling. Hummus is easy to make by blending chickpeas with ingredients such as tahini, fresh garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and a bit of salt.
Add any spices you enjoy such as cumin and paprika. Cut a bunch of your favorite fresh vegetables into bite-size pieces, and add black bean chips or rice cakes if you are feeling in the mood for something “chip-like.”
Energy Bites
Energy bites can be as individualized as you are. If you are the adventurous type, simply begin pouring ingredients into a huge mixing bowl. Begin with a nut butter of your choice, and add things like sesame seeds, chia seeds, cocoa powder, oat flour, honey and maple syrup.
You can get as creative as you like with additional ingredients. These can be frozen and eaten any time you need a quick, healthy snack.
Kale Chips
Kale chips are a great substitute when you have a craving for unhealthy, packaged potato chips. Wash the kale and dry thoroughly, then drizzle olive oil and a shake of salt over it. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes and enjoy.
You can eat snacks that are both healthy and enjoyable. Doing so will help you push away cravings for the food you used to eat. When you are in the mood to make wrong food choices, simply choose one of these snacks instead and get back on track.
