“If it came from a plant, eat it, if it was made in a plant, don’t.”  Michael Pollan, Food Rules

A diet concept where people avoid artificial ingredients and processed, refined foods is often called Clean Eating.  There is no one definition of Clean Eating and there are so many different approaches to eating clean.

Many proponents of clean eating promise incredible health benefits.  “However, there is a far less healthful side to clean eating where a person may become so obsessed with what they are or are not eating that they miss out on a variety of healthful foods.”  Medicalnewstoday.com

A healthy plate according to Harvard School of Public Health contains:

• Protein sources such as fish, poultry, nuts, beans but not processed bacon and sausage
• A variety of colorful fruits and vegetables but not fried foods such as french fries
• Whole grain breads, pasta and brown rice but not white rice or bread
• Healthy oils such as olive oil and sunflower oil not saturated fats or hydrogenated oil

Bottom-line – no clinical research study has shown Clean Eating is better than other healthful approaches.  A diet of flavorful, fresh, whole foods but not overly restrictive can help you have a more healthful approach to food.