
Clean Eating Philosophy
Wed Oct 15 2014

Maintaining a clean eating philosophy is all the rage, but for India Power of The Little Green Spoon, it’s a way of life. Here, she explains her motives for adapting her lifestyle.
One of the most common phrases you hear when it comes to clean eating is that “it’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle,” and I really have to agree. Lifestyle is quite a daunting word when it involves change but one of the best things about healthy eating is that the more you do it, the more you love it and the easier it becomes (I promise!). Like most people, I first got in to eating healthy in an effort to lose weight. I started making little changes like swapping butter and oils for coconut oil and swapping cow’s milk for almond milk. Then I started to experiment more with paleo, gluten free, dairy free and vegan ingredients in my cooking and as I got more into it I started noticing the changes to both my body and mind. It’s actually when I slack off that I really start to notice and miss all of the benefits. When I eat healthier I am in a much better mood, I have so much more energy, I sleep better, I have less stomach issues, I feel in control of my weight, my skin is clearer and that’s just to name a few! If I take a few off days I crave green vegetables, nuts and fish -wholesome, nutritious foods because that’s what my body is used to now and what it needs. When you give your body what it needs, it will return the favour!
Like most people, I love the taste of lots of unhealthy foods, my kryptonite is buffalo chicken wings, and I do treat myself to them from time to time! The key to this lifestyle is balance. You can indulge every now and then and still enjoy your favorites as long as you make an effort the majority of the time. I always try to ‘cheat’ wisely (apart from the chicken wings!) and treat myself with healthy, nutritious desserts and treats because trust me, if you nourish your body with clean, whole, fresh foods you will stop craving rubbish. Start with little swaps and changes, even something as simple as swapping milk chocolate for dark chocolate can help reduce your sugar dependence while still satisfying cravings!
I don’t strictly follow any one eating plan, instead I live by a combination of paleo, gluten free, dairy free and vegan lifestyles, taking what I like from each according to my body and tastes. Personally I try and limit my intake of certain grains and dairy but I don’t completely cut out any food group, I just go by what suits me and what doesn’t. It’s important to remember that eating healthily isn’t just about eliminating certain ‘bad’ foods but also about incorporating nutritionally rich foods. Every body is different and it’s worth making the effort to see what works best for you. The most important thing to realize is that you don’t have to compromise on taste, healthy and nutritious food is just as delicious and your body will thank you with a healthier and happier you!
One of my go to healthy treats are these Almond Butter Blondies
Ingredients:
1/3 Cup of Coconut Oil, Softened
3/4 Cup of Almond Butter
2 Eggs
3/4 Cup of Agave
2 Cups of Ground Almonds
1 Teaspoon of Baking Powder
1/2 Cup of Chocolate Chips
Cream the softened coconut oil and almond butter together until combined and smooth. Then add in the agave and egg and mix.
Combine the ground almonds and baking powder and then add them to the wet mixture and mix.
Fold in the chocolate chips. Spread the mixture out into a baking tin lined with parchment paper and bake at 180’C for 20-25 minutes, you want the top to be nice and golden and the inside just that little bit mushy! They might feel too runny when you take them out but they’ll set a little more as they cool.
Once they’ve cooled for about 10 minutes, slice them carefully and enjoy all the gooey goodness.
This recipe is Gluten Free, Dairy Free & Paleo.
For more healthy eating inspiration check out my blog: www.thelittlegreenspoon.com