Eating clean doesn’t have to be difficult!

Proponents of natural living encourage eating foods as close as possible to the way they are found in nature. Eating clean—or avoiding ultra-processed foods that are drastically altered compared to their natural forms—can offer a multitude of health benefits. Ultra-processed foods tend to be loaded with chemicals, added sugars, unhealthy fats, and excessive sodium—all of which can cause health problems. Eating clean doesn’t mean cutting an entire food group from your diet but rather replacing processed or altered foods with more natural alternatives, such as organic fruits and vegetables, beans, whole grains, and minimally processed meat, seafood and dairy. Keep in mind that not all processing is bad, however, as in the case of pasteurization that makes eggs and dairy products safe for consumption. Cooking and preserving are okay, too.