Whole Foods Cleanse: Finding a Lifestyle Balance
But before we even begin, I feel the need to clarify. The word cleanse can be triggering. Many would assume a whole foods cleanse would mean juices and smoothies. It may evoke a sense of purity. But I don’t want you to think of this whole foods cleanse as such. The idea of this “cleanse” is solely to eat whole foods. Natural foods. Foods that aren’t processed in a factory or created in a lab. I’m talking naturally grown fruits and veggies. Farm fresh eggs, meats, milk, and cheeses. I want you to skip the cans and packaging and make the same recipes with whole foods!
Why Is Now the Best Time for a Whole Foods Cleanse?
Seasonal Produce in May:
- Artichokes
- Arugula
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Fava beans
- Greens
- Herbs
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Mint
- Mushrooms
- Peas
- Radishes
- Rhubarb
- Scallions
- Spinach
- Sprouts
- Watercress
When buying produce…
A common question that comes up is “should I buy organic or not?” When it comes to buying organic, I typically follow the “Clean 15” and “Dirty Dozen” lists to use as a guideline. “These lists were compiled using data from the United States Department of Agriculture on the amount of pesticide residue found in non-organic fruits and vegetables after they had been washed.” This article about the Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen from PBS does a great job explaining which foods are more likely to have pesticide residue.
Clean 15 (Produce to buy conventionally grown)
- onions
- avocados
- sweet corn
- pineapples
- mango
- sweet peas
- asparagus
- kiwi fruit
- cabbage
- eggplant
- cantaloupe
- watermelon
- grapefruit
- sweet potatoes
- sweet onion
Dirty Dozen (Produce to buy organic)
- celery
- peaches
- strawberries
- apples
- domestic blueberries
- nectarines
- sweet bell peppers
- spinach, kale and collard greens
- cherries
- potatoes
- imported grapes
- Lettuce
Eating fresh produce doesn’t just affect your appearance but also helps you reach your training goals. Consider trying a whole foods cleanse while produce is still fresh!
Schedule a Consult
Are you someone who struggles with food? Perhaps you are unsure of how to read food labels. Or you find recipes challenging. Whatever your food woes, schedule a FREE consultation with me! I don’t believe in diets. Rather I believe in creating a sustainable relationship with food. And more, I would love to help you overcome negative food habits and learn to thrive! Furthermore, make sure to check out our PFP Nutrition Coaching page for more information!
ALISSA BARCHET: PFP Nutrition Coach
