If you’re looking to feel healthier, clean eating might be the key. Unlike other diets that restrict whole nutrient groups, clean eating is all about nutrient-dense, whole foods like fruits, veggies, lean meat, whole grains, protein, and healthy fats while avoiding processed additives and preservatives.

Below, you’ll find the tools you need to understand clean eating, the benefits it can offer, and how Hungryroot can help stock your kitchen with wholesome staples and easy, clean-eating recipes. 

What is clean eating?

According to the Mayo Clinic, clean eating means focusing on whole, unprocessed foods in their natural state — think fresh produce, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Eating clean tends to mean avoiding highly processed foods loaded with added sugars, artificial preservatives, and unhealthy additives. 

Clean eating is not a specific diet, but rather a way to nourish your body with nutrient-dense foods that promote good health and well-being. For many, following a clean eating meal plan can help them feel their best both physically and mentally. Check out a few benefits associated with eating clean:

• Wholesome Nutrition: Eating whole foods provides your body with essential nutrients for optimal function.
• More Energy: High-fiber, nutrient-rich foods support efficient digestion and stable energy levels.
• Improved Mood: Nutrient-dense foods can boost serotonin production, improving mood and mental clarity.
• Reduce inflammation: Whole foods help fight inflammation, which can then lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

Kitchen staples for easy clean eating

Stocking your pantry with basic ingredients is essential to sticking to your clean eating goals. Fortunately, our virtual shelves are stocked with whole foods made with natural ingredients. Here are some of the clean eating staples that should be on your shopping list:

• Whole grains like Mexican Brown Rice, Lentil Quinoa Rice Mix, and Seven Grain Blend.. Avoid grains like white flour, corn grits, white rice, and white bread, and additives like sugar or artificial sweeteners.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables. For nutrition powerhouses, greens like kale and spinach are excellent for sauteed sides or as a salad base. For heartier meals, stock up on root vegetables like sweet potato and carrots.
• Lean proteins like poultry, lean red meats, and fish can create tasty meals that will keep you energized and satisfied.
• Healthy fats from nuts — we love macadamia — seeds, and oils are essential for a clean eating lifestyle and a great way to get plant-based protein and fiber.
• Lean and unprocessed dairy like milk, yogurt, and cheese. Greek yogurt makes a great addition to a hearty breakfast or for an easy on-the-go snack.

By keeping these staples on hand, you'll always have the ingredients to whip up a quick and wholesome, clean meal.

15 must-try clean eating recipes

Now that we've covered the clean eating basics, let's dive into some delicious, wholesome recipes to keep you energized and on track all day long.

Easy Clean Eating Breakfast Ideas

• Cheesy Mushroom Vegetarian Frittata
• Scrambled Egg Toast
• Fajita Veggie Scrambled Eggs Bowl
• Scrambled Egg + Avocado Cauli-toast
• Savory Stovetop Shakshouka

Quick Clean Eating Lunch Ideas

• Chile Chicken Sweet Kale Salad with Goat Cheese
• Simple Grass-Fed Burger + Sweet Potato Fries
• Lemony Avo Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps
• Best Dressed Salmon Salad
• Zesty Roasted Cauliflower + Brussel Sprouts Bowl
• Black Bean + Avocado Stuffed Sweet Potato

Simple Clean Eating Dinner Ideas

• Cheesy Vodka Grilled Chicken + Broccoli
• Grass-Fed Meatballs + Veggie Alfredo Noodles
• Seared Sirloin with Herbed Roast Veggies
• Fresh Shrimp Spaghetti Alfredo

If you’re looking to live a little healthier, clean eating can be a game-changer. Plus, with wholesome groceries and easy recipes delivered to your door, it doesn’t have to be a hassle. As your partner in healthy living, we take care of the hard work for you, so you can go after your goals easily.