January 2014 Healthy Eating Group Invitation - No OT

i think this should be left up to individuals otherwise this thread will end up in the podium....

Well, I was more curious as to what OP was meaning by it since she said she's providing recipes/shopping lists and such.

THREE METHODS FOR EATING CLEAN
METHOD 1
There are many people simply looking to remove the chemicals from their diets and bodies, and therefore eat clean. Their focus is NOT on losing weight, but on general health.They avoid processed foods of all kinds, yet eat only when the need arises or three times per day.
METHOD 2
(I believe this is the most common/popular method at the moment)
Eat Lots Of Plants – Eat food that is straight from nature. (Some people say "as close to the way nature made it as possible". But I think that leaves too much wiggle room – in my humble opinion) Eat mostly foods that are off a tree, bush, plant or vine, and you've pretty much got it covered. The idea is to stay away from anything that humans (food corporations) have altered in any way.
Include Meats - Eat meats that are whole and straight from the butcher. Don't buy pre-packaged meat products because you never know what's in them. When possible, buy whole meats and grind them yourself. You'd be surprised what's in ground turkey meat! You can also select a few turkey breasts and ask that the butcher grind them for you. Many butchers are more than willing to accommodate.
Enjoy Grains - Eat grains that are still complete and haven't been broken down into "glue". Stick to brown rice, whole wheat and other whole grains.(For a list of foods to stock your pantry with, check out this list.)
Read Labels I don't know how many breads I've picked up at the store that say they are whole grain. But when I take a look at the ingredient list, white flour is the second ingredient after whole wheat flour!
Eat Fewer Ingredients. Try not to purchase foods that have more than 3-6 ingredients in the ingredient list. And be sure you recognize each and every ingredient. If you find a "mystery ingredient" such as "spices", contact the company! Ask them what they consider to be spices. If it's anything other than honest-to-goodness herbs and spices, avoid it! And remember, if you can't pronounce it, it probably shouldn't go into your body.
Eat 5-6 small meals per day. This may seem like a lot at first. But remember, you are eating smaller portions. If you really have a hard time with this, prepare your regular three meals and a snack for the day, and divide lunch and dinner in half. You've instantly got 6 small meals!
METHOD 3
There is also another method of eating 3 regular meals and squeezing in 1 snack for a total of 4 meals. You eat every four hours instead of every 2-3. This concept is from Jillian Michaels and the theory behind it is that if you eat every 2-3 hours, your insulin stays continuously spiked and you end up with a higher chance of diabetes.
I have no idea if this is actually the case. I'm simply supplying information for you to consider. Do what feels right for you. The Gracious Pantry does not endorse one method over another.

What is considered "Clean Eating"?

. The recipes do have some odd things like succant in place of sugar, I personally like Splenda and I already have it on hand so I use that instead. Same for cornstarch and arrowroot powder, I always swap for what I have in the pantry.

It has different meanings to different people but for me and this offer it's nothing from a box, no added sugar, you are making it all. The recipes do have some odd things like succant in place of sugar, I personally like Splenda and I already have it on hand so I use that instead. Same for cornstarch and arrowroot powder, I always swap for what I have in the pantry.


Each day averaged about 1600 calories, so it can be used for maintenance or healthy weight loss.
From the examples meaggiej posted from the Gracious Pantry, it's more of Method 1. So how rigid you want to be is up to you.

this can be fashioned into very yummy vegan, no-oil, no sugar cake treats or whatever

this can be fashioned into very yummy vegan, no-oil, no sugar cake treats or whatever

Care to share some recipes?

We might disagree on "yummy". I've had vegan cookies.. nope nope nope

Kelly you're such an inspiration! Being your FB stalker friend and watching your youtube videos is inspiring.

What is the clean eating group all about? I'm interested!