Clean Eating in 2011

Last night, at a fabulous New Year’s Eve bash thrown by friends, I started chatting with another guest and our talk turned to clean eating. I quickly learned that it was no accident that every time I see this woman, she looks amazing. She is studying to be a personal trainer and trains for fitness competitions. She outlined her commitment to a clean diet and lifestyle, including superhealthy eating (since she trains, she is on a very strict regimen) and lots of exercise. But one night a week, she has a cheat night. She claims that not only does your body need it, but that cheating on schedule like this actually gives your body a welcome jolt and helps it to look and perform better! That’s the best excuse I’ve ever heard for cheating!
I am already trying to take my family in a clean eating direction. The foods that I cook at home are generally pretty clean. My philosophy is that if we eat as well as we can at home, we can afford to indulge when we go out. I get a lot of inspiration from magazines like Clean Eating and Cooking Light and Food Network chefs like Ellie Krieger. I was thrilled that this month’s Bon Appetit is devoted to healthy cooking, and I just picked up a new cookbook from America’s Test Kitchen (an obsession of mine) a healthy family cookbook. We only have whole grain bread and pasta and brown rice, we eat organic, and I do the best I can to make sure we all eat healthy, but I know we have a long way to go. I’m always looking for ideas to do better for myself and for my family. My particular passion is to find healthy foods my kids will eat, especially healthy alternatives to the sweets and treats that kids adore. Bon Appetit has some great whole grain baking recipes on its website, including Chocolate Chip Coconut Cupcakes! Looking for a major overhaul? The magazine’s foodie cleanse is designed for people who appreciate good food and good health. I am thinking of trying it myself, but I am starting next Sunday since it requires a trip to the health food store!
But that won’t stop me from eating healthy this week. I went grocery shopping yesterday and stocked up on healthy essentials, and this week I will be sharing some ideas, inspiration, and recipes, from my overnight oatmeal to some easy, healthy dinner ideas. To get you started, here’s a recipe given to my by friend at last night’s party. I haven’t tried it yet, but she swears it tastes like candy, and it’s insanely healthy!
On one slice of Ezekiel Sprouted Bread (the kind in the orange bag), spread a layer of organic creamy peanut butter. On top of that, spread a layer of locally harvested honey with the comb, and then on top of that, spread a thin layer of coconut oil. Sprinkle a teaspoon of bee pollen over the top. Put it in the freezer for half an hour, and then take it out and slice it into bite-sized pieces. It’s that easy, and she said you wouldn’t believe how decadent it is. I can’t wait to try it. Let me know if you do!