Clean Eating

There is no specific definition of what is clean eating. Generally speaking, I consider myself to be a pretty clean eater. In any given day, the worse thing I eat (other than a glass of wine and a piece of chocolate) is a handful of plantain chips. (My sweet potato chip habit has been traded.) However, this year I want to focus on really clean eating. I’m a firm believer that food is fuel and that it is also medicine, which heals the body from the inside out.

Why do I want a cleaner diet? First, I want energy and lots of it! Caffeine energy is not the same as an overall feeling of oh my gosh, I feel amazing and can do any and everything. That’s the feeling I want. Whenever I’m on my green smoothie kick, my mornings are so productive, it’s unbelievable. And as a runner, that extra energy can go a long way. The second reason I want a cleaner diet is because I want better gut health. Maybe I’ve listened to a few too many Ben Greenfield podcasts, but it seems gut health is a pretty important part of your overall health. Did you know about 80% of your immune system is in your gastrointestinal tract? Here’s a podcast with Mr. Greenfield himself discussing how gut health can also affect endurance performance. Like I said, it seems pretty important. And the third reason I want a cleaner diet is because I want to be kind to my body. My body has carried me through a lot and I believe in order to do its best, it needs the right fuel. I’ve been reading a lot about how the body will always try to maintain a state of homeostasis. By eating cleaner, I am helping that.

I’ve been researching recipes for clean eating and came across this website. So far, I’ve tried two recipes and they were quite tasty. Another one of my favorites is Oh She Glows. Her stuff is pretty awesome as well.

Happy Trails and Happy Running,

Tracie

Running Update: Today was a rest day and I actually took the day off! No gym. No running. Nothing. It was nice.

Chicken, veggies, and endives