So what is Clean?
Clean is a 3-week “detox” program that provides a set breakfast and dinner and leaves lunch open to whatever you want to eat, as long as it’s on the list of “allowed foods”. There is a 3-day Pre-Cleanse (that I’m on right now) where you eat 3 meals a day on the allowed foods list to prep your system for the detox.
The allowed foods basically eliminate foods that are known to cause food allergies, sensitivities and cause disruptions in the digestive process. (Things we aren’t naturally meant to eat.) When we eat these foods, our body is consuming energy that could be used to detox and repair functions (something our body is supposed to do automatically). I’ve done Clean once in the past and it was the only time I’ve ever felt good after eating — none of the gas, cramping, and bloatedness I usually experience on a daily basis. I guess I might be somewhat sensitive to wheat and also lactose intolerant!
These are the allowed foods:
• Fruits: Everything (unsweetened, frozen is ok) but oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, grapes and bananas.
• No dairy at all. (Substituting with nut milks)
• Non-gluten grains & gtarch only. No wheat, corn, barley, spelt, couscous or oats
• Animal protein: Cooked fish, chicken, duck, turkey and wild game allowed. No raw fish, pork, beef, veal, sausage, cold cuts, canned meats, hot dogs or shellfish. (I sometimes make the exception for grass-fed, hormone-free beef or pork)
• Vegetable protein: Split peas, legumes and beans. No soybean products at all. (I sometimes make the exception for soy sauce)
• All nuts ok but peanuts, pistachios and macadamia nuts.
• All vegetables are allowed but corn, tomatoes, white potatoes, eggplants and peppers.
• No alcohol, caffeinated drinks (except green tea) or soda.
• No refined sugars. No sweeteners except for stevia.
Seems very strict but once you prepare (or buy) a couple of meals and find your favorites it gets easier to stick to. Also I find that once I start working out, I start craving more lean meats and vegetables anyway. When these 21 days are done, I’m thinking of going Paleo.
