50 Ways to Eat Clean Plus Recipes

Work towards a clean and balanced diet!

It’s unhealthy to have an all-or-nothing mentality. Eating clean is not about being perfect; it’s about making the best choice as often as possible and working to be healthier and stronger every day. Getting all your nutrients will fill you with vigor and energy, improving your body, mind, and mood. Below, we have compiled the 50 Ways to Eat Clean, plus included clean recipes throughout. These tips are meant to be a guide to help you become a little healthier and a bit stronger each day.

1. Start your day with a glass of water.
The first thing we consume in the morning awakens our metabolism and starts our digestive system. For many of us, this means coffee. If our coffee comes in the form of a sugary blended drink, our digestive track will be hit with a full dose of sugar before it’s fully revved up. A glass of water will wake up your body without any excess sugar or fats. You can always spruce up your mornings with Lemon Ginger Detox Drink.

2. Eat breakfast.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, after all. A balanced breakfast will kickstart your metabolism and provide all-day energy. Recent research has found that people who eat breakfast are less likely to overeat throughout the day. Not to mention it’s easier to get out of bed when you know you have a delicious meal waiting for you! If your morings are busy, no worries, make these quick and clean Individual Egg & Spinach Bowls.

3. Work sugars out of breakfast.
For the same reason that a sugary coffee is detrimental in the morning, a sugar-filled breakfast can leave you feeling slow and groggy. Avoid putting too much sugar in your oatmeal and save starchy breakfasts such as pancakes for special occasions. Instead, experiment with high-protein, high-fiber recipes such as this avocado and poached egg sandwich, or these parmesan and red pepper frittatas.

Skinny Bell Pepper Nacho Boats Recipe

4. Make your breakfast larger and your dinners smaller.
Many of us think of breakfast as the smallest meal of the day, with dinner being the largest. Our bodies actually work better in reverse. A hearty breakfast with lean proteins, healthy fats, and slow-digesting carbs will give you energy throughout the day and work to fend off cravings. A large dinner can lead to restless sleep or interrupted digestive processes. Check out Skinny Bell-Pepper Nacho Boats for a high protein, low-carb lightened up dinner.

5. Train yourself to use less sweetener.
Even if you use a natural sweetener like honey, too much sugar has a negative effect on your health. Processed or unprocessed, sugar quickly makes its way into your bloodstream, causing spikes and weight gain. Train yourself to use less sweetener by slowly decreasing the amount you put in your coffee and oatmeal. Grab this recipe for Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding with only 7 grams of sugar.

6. Focus on incorporating more healthy foods.
If your main focus is to stay away from chocolate, a healthy diet can seem restrictive. Instead of eliminating your favorite foods, try incorporating more fruits and vegetables each day. Your body will be satisfied by the healthy items, leaving less room for sweets and junk foods. Remember that there’s always room for a treat as long as it’s enjoyed in moderation. If you have a sweet tooth but prefer a clean treat, get this recipe for Skinny Berry Parfait.

7. Eat seasonal produce.
Whenever possible, buy produce that is in season. This guarantees that you’ll get fresh fruits and vegetables. Farmers markets offer many great options at good prices. Git your Seasonal Produce Guide by Region.

8. Fight rumbling stomachs with fiber and protein.
Fiber and protein digest slowly, which means they can help you feel full longer. If you have long work or school hours, fiber and protein will keep your stomach from rumbling at inopportune moments. Ingredients such as beans, lentils, and quinoa are great for fighting rumbling stomachs. This Black Bean Quinoa Chili Bowl is ideal for packed lunches. It’ll give you energy to go all day.

9. Include healthy fats.
Healthy fats are essential to good health. They play an important role in proper brain and muscle function. Sources of good fats include avocado, nuts, seeds, and fish. Fatty fish such as salmon are packed full of essential Omegas that you need for proper brain function and good health. The best part is that salmon is a versatile ingredient that’s easy to make. Black Pepper Salmon has 34 grams of lean protein and is packed with healthy Omega-3’s.

Chicken Caesar Wrap Recipe

10. Pack lunch.
Lunches from cafeterias and dining halls are made with cheap ingredients. They’re loaded with fatty meats and processed oils. Making your own lunch guarantees that you will know what goes into your food, putting you in control of your diet. A packed lunch is also a great money saving tip. Pack this clean recipe for Chicken Caesar Wrap and save money while eating healthy.

11. Meal prep and freeze.


You might not always have time to prepare a healthy lunch or dinner. In order to stay away from fast and easy delivery options, keep some homemade frozen meals at hand. Check out this easy to freeze recipe for Skinny Lasagna Rolls.

12. Eat regularly.
It’s better to have small meals throughout the day instead of large, infrequent meals. If you go without food for long periods of time, your body becomes starved for calories and your brain sends signals that cause cravings and make sugary, fatty foods harder to resist. Fight off these hunger pangs with a fresh apple, a handful of nuts, or veggies dipped in hummus.

13. Limit dairy.
While dairy isn’t necessarily bad for you, too much dairy can be difficult to digest. Milk and cheese can be taxing on your digestive system, so limit yourself to one or two servings a day. Try drinking nut milk instead of regular dairy and halve the amount of cheese you put on your food.

14. Replace fast-digesting carbs with slow-digesting carbs.
Carbs are the main fuel for the brain as well as your first source of energy when you work out. In order to keep your body functioning in top health, fill your diet with slow-digesting carbs. This includes most vegetables, whole grains, beans, and other foods high in fiber. These Overnight slow Cooker Pumpkin Pie Oats have no added sugar, making it a great slow-digesting breakfast full of healthy carbs. To add more fiber to the rest of your day, check out these best 21 chili recipes sure to satisfy.

Juicy Faux Fried Chicken

15. Choose baked over fried.
This is a healthy eating tip that applies to everything from potato chips to chicken. When you fry a food item, it absorbs trans fats, which are linked to high cholesterol, poor heart health, and weight gain. Eliminate trans fats from your diet by choosing baked over fried whenever you can. If you love fried chicken, get this clean recipe for Juicy Faux Fried Chicken.

16. Limit sodium.
Slowly reduce how much salt you take in. Too much sodium in your system can elevate your blood pressure and put you at risk for heart disease.

17. Stay hydrated.
Dehydration takes its toll on our bodies. A dehydrated body will feel tired and sluggish and leave you vulnerable to cravings. Carry a water bottle, refill it throughout the day, and make sure you get the recommended eight glasses.

18. Cook with garlic, ginger, and onion.
In addition to adding tons of flavor, garlic, ginger, and onion boast countless health benefits that will keep your body in top shape. Slow Cooker Sticky Garlic Chicken makes a deliciously clean ending to a busy day.

19. Become a salsa fanatic.
Another easy way to add flavor to food is salsa. You can make your own skinny salsa or purchase one at the grocery store. Make sure to read the nutrition label and buy an all-natural salsa made without added sugar or corn syrup. If you opt for making your own, this Tex-Mex Salsa and Tropical Fruit Salsa are good places to start. You can put salsa on scrambles, wraps, burritos, or over lean chicken.

Skinny Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip

20. Switch to Greek yogurt.
While all yogurt contains powerful probiotics, Greek yogurt delivers more protein per serving. Grab your clean recipe for Skinny Yogurt Dip. It will boost your protein intake and fill your gut with beneficial probiotics.

21. Try almond milk.
Almond milk isn’t just for vegans and people with lactose intolerance. Almond milk is a great low-calorie alternative to regular dairy milk. It contains more calcium and many vitamins and minerals. Many people even prefer almond milk to regular milk. Whenever possible, buy the unsweetened version. This clean recipe for Almond Protein Smoothie will provide lasting energy for hours.

22. Cut back on carbs.
While whole grain bread is better than white bread, it’s still made mostly of carbs with very few fats and proteins. Make sure to balance each of your meals.

23. Have some soup.
Soup is another great starter because it fills you up quickly. Just make sure to have a low-calorie soup that’s not made with a cream base. Make a mug of this creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup.

24. Buy whole grain.
Slowly switch from white and processed to whole grains. This includes breads, pastas, and flour. Make sure the brands you buy are made with 100% whole grain. Snack on these Easy Whole Grain Pita Chips.

Healthiest Greek Salad Recipe

25. Start with a salad.
Start each meal with a veggie-packed salad. The salad will fill you up so you don’t need to eat as much to feel satisfied. Having a healthy salad before your main course can keep you from overeating unhealthy foods. Just make sure not to douse your salad in oily or sugary dressings! This Healthiest Greek Salad is made with clean ingredients and it tastes great too.

26. Be smart about cheat meals.
Individuals who have achieved long-term weight loss tend to lose the most weight during weekdays. Weekends are filled with celebrations, high-calorie cocktails, and social dinners. One cheat meal per week is unlikely to hinder weight loss goals or to have an effect on your fitness level. Try to schedule your cheat meals so that you can enjoy social engagements without feeling guilty or missing out.

27. Incorporate more non-meat sources of protein.
Not all protein comes from animals, and you don’t have to be a vegan to enjoy healthy clean plant based recipes. Plant sources of protein include beans, nuts, fruits, vegetables, tofu, and soy. This recipe for Protein Black Bean & Lentil Soup is packed with lean protein.

28. Steer clear of packaged snacks.
Many packaged snacks are marketed to appear healthy. If you walk around the grocery store, you’ll see granola bars and bags of cookies labeled as 100 calorie snacks. These calories come from added sugars. Always look at the nutrition label before buying packaged snacks and choose fresh fruits whenever possible. Take this recipe for No-Bake Workout Bars to work, the gym, or enjoy as a afternoon snack.

29. Rethink “low-fat” labels.
Watch out for foods branded low-fat. Many companies replace the fats in food with sugar and starches. Always read the label before trying a new food. Get this clean recipe for Apple Cinnamon Coconut Smoothie made with real coconut milk.

Quinoa Almond Joy Bars

30. “Sugar-free” labels are deceptive.
Sugar-free foods often contains artificial sweeteners. While products such as aspartame are approved for consumer use, there’s much debate over their effects on our health. Many of these products are only recommended in limited amounts. Instead, opt for treats made with real foods. Get this recipe for Quinoa Almond Joy Bars and reap the benefits.

31. Stay away from diet sodas.
All the taste with none of the calories? Diet sodas sound too good to be true. That’s because they are. The sugars in diet sodas are replaced with artificial sweeteners that can be detrimental to your health. Additionally, diet sodas have been found to increase your sweet tooth, leading to weight gain. Try these 5 Flat Belly Waters instead!

32. Beware of the dirty dozen.
The dirty dozen is a list put out annually containing the produce most often contaminated with high levels of pesticide. While it can be expensive to only buy organic produce, the payoff is worth it for these twelve foods. Commonly featured among the dirty dozen are apples, strawberries, bell peppers, potatoes, and cherry tomatoes.

33. Choose fresh fruit over dried fruit.
Dried fruit is missing all the natural water content of fruit, which means the sugar is more concentrated and it won’t make you feel as full as fresh fruit. You can try different ways to mix up your fruit. Creative dishes such as Apple Nachos Supreme are great enjoying as a snack.

34. Watch out for high-calorie sauces.
Sauces, dips, and dressings: they often have more calories than we imagine. Unfortunately, many of these flavorful concoctions are high in sugars and oils. Read the nutrition label so you’re aware of what you’re putting on your food. Whenever possible, cut back on the amount of sauce, dips, and dressing you put on your food. If you’re interested in making your own healthy sauces, we have clean-eating recipes for both Teriyaki Sauce and Tomato Paste.

35. Limit red and fatty meats.
Limit red and fatty meats to special dinners or treats. Make white meat your default choice. Make room for plenty of lean chicken and turkey in your diet. It provides a good amount of protein with very little fat. Having a simple and versatile chicken recipe that you can use on anything is a good idea. This clean and lean recipe for 3-Ingredient Balsamic Chicken is great in egg scrambles, sandwiches, tacos, and burritos.

36. Don’t let cheat meals turn into cheat days or cheat weeks.
Cheat meals are great because they allow us to eat our favorite foods without completely wrecking our diets. But a cheat meal can turn into a cheat day or cheat week. If you bake a whole batch of cookies with the intent of having just one, the rest will sit in your kitchen as a constant temptation. Plan your cheat meals so you don’t put yourself in a vulnerable position.

37. Save alcoholic drinks for special occasions.
You don’t have to give up alcohol to lead a healthy lifestyle. However, having a drink every day of the week can take a toll on your body. Alcohol is a sugar. Like every other sugar, it’s broken down in the bloodstream where it can cause glucose spikes. The calorie content for most cocktails tends to be high. A single shot usually contains between 70 and 100 calories. Save cocktails for special occasions and stick to wine when dining out. Check it this recipe for Minty Virgin Majito.

38. Recognize mindless snacking.
Next time you find yourself reaching for a bag of chips, ask yourself if you’re really hungry or if you’re eating for other reasons. Avoid eating when you’re bored or upset. Distract yourself with an activity you enjoy. Try reading a book, painting your nails, going for a walk, or making plans with a friend. For a sweet & salty clean-eating snack make this recipe for Dark Chocolate Nut Clusters.

39. Enjoy your food.
Many of us eat our food so fast that we don’t have time to enjoy it. Before we know it, everything on our plate has made its way into our stomach. Slow down when you eat. Savor each bite and try not to eat in front of the television or computer. Eating slowly can help your digestion and gives your brain more time to recognize when it’s full.

Best Ever Fudge Brownies.

40. Try healthy versions of your favorite desserts.
If you love cakes and brownies, try low-carb recipes made with protein powder. If you’re a fan of ice cream, make a clean-eating version with bananas and a food processor. Try all-natural smoothies to satisfy your cravings for chocolate and replace candy with dried fruit. Make this clean recipe for Best Ever Fudge Brownies.

41. Stop eating 3-4 hours before bed.
When you sleep, your body slows down many processes, including your metabolism. Digestion is slowed and your core body temperature drops. If you eat right before bed, your food might not be fully digested, leading to restless sleep.

42. Have a small meal before outings.
A high-protein, high-fiber snack before a party or BBQ, can help you eat fewer calories during the event. If you’re starving by the time food is served, you’ll naturally gravitate to high-calorie items. Eat a light snack before a big event and don’t forget to start with a salad. Pop in one of these No-Bake Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Energy Bites.

43. Look up nutrition facts before heading out.
If you’re meeting friends at a chain restaurant, find nutrition facts for their meals online. A quick search can help you identify what the healthiest options are and help you avoid hidden calories. Don’t be afraid to have a snack before heading out. Order a light meal or a salad with dressing on the side.

44. Learn about portion control.
Whenever you buy a new food item, look at the serving size. You might find you’ve been serving yourself larger portions than intended. You’ll love our Skinny Burrito in a Jar recipe, always clean, delicious, and perfectly portioned.

Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers

45. Season with spices.
You don’t need to rely on sugars, salt, and oils for flavor. Most food can be made using natural zero-calorie spices. They add tons of flavor and provide an array of health benefits. From boosting your metabolism to providing cancer-fighting antioxidants, herbs and spices are a nutritional powerhouse that will help you stay on track. Grab this spicy recipe for Chipotle Honey Chicken Skewers.

46. Try flavored water.
Instead of sodas and fruit juices, try naturally flavored water. Make it yourself by adding fresh fruit and herbs to a pitcher, or buy bottled flavored water to take on the go. Flush The Fat Away with These 5 Delicious Drinks.

47. Diets aren’t the answer.
More often than not, these diet trends involve low-calorie meal plans that don’t allow sustainable weight loss. Instead, these diets leave your body starving for essential nutrients, leading to cravings, binges, and weight gain. Go for a lifestyle eating plan that keeps the weight off, forever. Check out 5 Daily Menus – How I’ve Maintained My Ideal Weight for 5 Years.

48. Less is not always more.
When trying to lose weight, it’s easy to get trapped in a low-calorie void. Fewer calories do not always equal faster weight loss. If you deprive your body of essential calories, your body won’t be able to maintain its normal processes. Your immune system becomes compromised, muscle reparations slows down, and women can stop menstruating. When your body stops these processes, it uses fewer calories. Your metabolism slows to match your calorie consumption and you won’t be able to lose weight. For sustainable weight loss, provide your body with all the calories, vitamins, and minerals it needs to function properly.

49. Aim for progress, not perfection.
When making a lifestyle change, lapses in willpower can be discouraging. When people become discouraged with their diets, they often give up and return to bad habits. Don’t let momentary lapses keep you from being the healthiest you can be. Instead of aiming for perfection, make it your goal to eat just a little bit healthier than you did the previous day. Start with changes that come easy to you, and slowly work up to more challenging shifts.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie

50. Learn to love “real food”.
Making a long-term commitment to healthy eating is about realizing that health food is delicious. It can be difficult to make the shift away from processed, sugary, fatty foods, but in the end, your body will thank you. Eating balanced meals will provide you with more energy, improved mental alertness, clearer skin, and a healthier body. Start your morning off right with this clean-eating Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie.

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SkinnyMs.

The SkinnyMs. team believes that all people, regardless of age, size, and fitness level, have the power to transform their lives — they just need the resources to do so. The SkinnyMs. method promotes healthy living through a combination of clean eating and regular exercise. We offer everything you need to be successful.

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