When it comes to the clean eating lifestyle, you are trying to reduce processed foods, cook more often, and have as many fresh ingredients as you possibly can. This means cooking is a little different, not just in the fact that more cooking is from scratch, but that you are also changing the ingredients you are using. Keep some of these cooking guidelines in mind.
Cooking Requires More Planning
The first thing you need to remember is that because you are cooking more, specifically from scratch, you need to plan a little bit better. While not all meals are going to take a lot of time to cook, you may be surprised by the extra groceries, ingredients needed for meals, and the prep work added on. For example, instead of buying a bag of shredded cheese, you want to buy blocks of cheese and shred it yourself. This isn’t difficult to do, but it does require a little extra time. Make sure you are really planning ahead of time.
You Cook Everything from Scratch
As mentioned already, most of your meals will be cooked from scratch. Even though some convenience foods aren’t too bad as far as fat and calories, they are processed and loaded with salt, which is not approved in the clean eating lifestyle. It is a better idea that you try to make everything from scratch. There are some exceptions, like buying pre-sliced veggies from the produce section, but this sometimes adds to your grocery bill. It is better to do absolutely everything yourself so that you know it is fresh and you are saving money. Stop buying pancake mix, and make them from scratch, for example.
Making Meals Ahead of Time Becomes Crucial
In addition to planning more for your clean eating lifestyle, you might also want to begin making some of your meals ahead of time. When you live a busy lifestyle, this really does help to avoid picking up fast food on the way home, skipping meals, or grabbing unhealthy snacks from the vending machine. Try to give yourself one day a week when you have time to grocery shop and meal plan, possible preparing some meals ahead of time for the refrigerator or freezer.
Buying in Bulk Helps to Save Money
If you need to save a little money on your grocery bill when switching to clean eating, try to buy in bulk when you can. There is more upfront to spend, but you save money in the long run. Things like meat, rice and grains, beans, and some spices or seasonings can be purchased in larger quantities.
