Eating Clean?

[Tresses]

I've seen this phrase used several times. What exactly does it mean? Is it eating whole foods that are naturally low in carbs vs. "low carb" versions of "regular" foods? Or keeping your carbs below 30g without nibbling or otherwise cheating? Or....something else? I did a search, but I'm still not certain.

Thank you. :)

[Gaelen]

Tresses, I think 'eating clean' might be one of those colloquialisms that varies a bit from person to person.

To me, eating clean is what I used to call Zen low carb...it's sticking to foods which are unprocessed or minimally processed, avoiding what you called 'low carb versions of regular foods,' and sticking to meals that I know fit within my daily protein and carb goals so that I don't have to really even think about them. For instance, a plain rotissierre chicken qualifies as 'eating clean' for me, even though I didn't prep it, because I know that nothing was used in its processing that I wouldn't have done in my own oven.

I don't have food sensitivities, or even really food triggers anymore, but there are some things I need to avoid because I have an ostomy. For me, NOT eating clean would be to eat something that I know will give me digestive trouble. For others, NOT eating clean might be eating dairy even though they know it upsets their stomachs or eating something with gluten even though they know it aggravates their sinus problems. I can eat plan appropriate servings of each of those things, so for me, I can eat ricotta cheese or a WASA crispbread, and still be eating clean. It changes from person to person.

Clear as mud, right? Anyway, it's one interpretation...

[Tresses]

Clear as mud, right?

Actually, it is, Gaelen. Thank you for the explanation. :)

[maxlharris]

I have used it with different meanings. When I talk to others about needing to eat clean, I mean keeping a strict watch on carbs, protein minimums, total intake, water, etc. When I speak of myself, it means keeping it to the Lou Schuler, New Rules of Lifting meaning.


If you can't visualize it roaming, growing, or being extracted from something that's roaming or growing, you probably shouldn't eat it.

He uses a three step from wild to supermarket visualization exercise. Which allows him to count whole grains, though he says that "takes some mental gymnastics". Since Lou has now gone LC, since then, I guess the gymnastics proved more difficult than he was willing to do. At least for grains.

So, when I'm "eating clean" it means, meats, cheeses, fruits, veg, water, maybe tea or coffee, and protein shakes. No substitutes.

That said, as soon as I get my application for a job in Chicago together, I'm going to make a Dreamfield's spaghetti frittata. So, there goes clean for today.

[Relief]

pretty much what Gaelen said--when I say "eating clean" it's just shorthand for sticking perfectly to MY eating plan. no fudging. ( pun intended :D)

when I hear it from someone other than myself, I assume they mean the same thing--perfectly on THEIR plan whatever that might be.

mine pretty much like max's: meat, cheese, cream, butter, olive oil,nuts, veg, fruit, whey, water, coffee and tea, and things made with the above. ( and when I say "made" I mean pretty much made at home) No grain and only splenda as a sugar replacer ( anything else and I start to get into trouble with overeating treats and I stall out)

[Tresses]

Clear as mud, right? Anyway, it's one interpretation...


Actually, it is, Gaelen. Thank you for the explanation. :)

Oops...I meant that it was clear, not clear as mud, which isn't clear, well...you know...:o


I have used it with different meanings. When I talk to others about needing to eat clean, I mean keeping a strict watch on carbs, protein minimums, total intake, water, etc. When I speak of myself, it means keeping it to the Lou Schuler, New Rules of Lifting meaning.


If you can't visualize it roaming, growing, or being extracted from something that's roaming or growing, you probably shouldn't eat it.

He uses a three step from wild to supermarket visualization exercise. Which allows him to count whole grains, though he says that "takes some mental gymnastics". Since Lou has now gone LC, since then, I guess the gymnastics proved more difficult than he was willing to do. At least for grains.

That's an interesting way to look at food. Along similar lines, I've often said that I prefer to eat food that remembers where it came from. ;)


pretty much what Gaelen said--when I say "eating clean" it's just shorthand for sticking perfectly to MY eating plan. no fudging. ( pun intended :D)

when I hear it from someone other than myself, I assume they mean the same thing--perfectly on THEIR plan whatever that might be.

That's what I got out of Gaelen's explanation, too.

Thank you all for clearing that up for me. :)

[Anette]

Hi,
eating clean to me means staying within my daily carb limit and meeting my daily protein needs.