Clean foods or clean eating refers to foods that are minimally processed, refined or handled. So a clean diet typically consists of fresh fruits and vegetables. While these foods generally make up a healthy diet, sometimes it’s not always feasible to always eat foods that are fresh. Sometimes you may not have the time or the budget to go to the grocery store every day, or sometimes your tastes buds may crave something a little bit more sweet or savory. Unfortunately, prepackaged meals are often loaded with preservatives for longer shelf life.
However, people these days are starting to have access to fresh or clean foods that fit a grab-and-go lifestyle—it’s a matter of being aware of the options. First, let’s make sure to understand what clean eating hopes to avoid.
Understanding “clean” foods and choosing the lesser evil
Again, clean eating refers to foods exposed to the minimum amount of processed, refined or handling. Processed food is a term that describes meals that have been processed with ingredients that are not found in nature. While additives, artificial flavorings, and other chemicals are incorporated to extend the shelf life and enhance the flavor of many packaged meals, these ingredients can negatively impact your health in the long run.
The term of refined food refers to foods that were refined from their natural state. White flour is the poster child of refined grains—this ingredient is commonly used in pasta, pizza dough, cookies, and more. White flour is produced from refined wheat. For example, white rice is made from brown rice. To accomplish this, the bran and germ is removed from the brown rice. However, this process also removes fiber and other nutrients that are found in the germ.
The way food is handled is another aspect of clean eating. In other words, the process of how food gets from the source to your plate. Foods that are highly processed or refined are typically processed in a factory, which ultimately impacts the air quality and other aspects of the surrounding environment.
Also, the transportation of foods from other parts of the world forms a large carbon footprint, meaning the amount of greenhouse gasses produced by an activity. For example, strawberries sold during the cold winter are most likely imported from areas with warmer climates, including places that are overseas. A sustainable diet refers to habits that have a low or minimal impact on the environment, which improves the health of surrounding environment and community – not just an individual’s health.
With a list like this, it may feel daunting – or downright impossible – to find food that’s clean and off the shelf ready for your grab-and-go lifestyle. However, understanding the meanings of processed, refined, and handled foods is the first step in choosing foods that are the best option to eat clean on the go.
Foods That Are Clean Off-The-Shelf Ready – Beyond Fruits and Vegetables
When it comes to clean eating, people typically turn to eating fresh fruits and vegetables. However, this diet may feel limiting, especially if you have a craving for an occasional cookie. That’s where products from Hampton Creek can satisfy that sweet tooth while keeping you on track while maintaining a sustainable and clean diet.
To learn about hampton creek, you must first understand the heart of its mission: eating well should be easy, affordable, accessible, and of course, delicious. Sometimes cost is a barrier to achieving these goals – fresh foods are typically more expensive than packaged goods. Also, a food item deemed healthy isn’t enough for people. Bottom line, the food actually has to taste good. Hampton Creek understands this dilemma and has made products to bridge the gap that prevents many a people from living a healthier life with an environmentally sustainable diet.
Consider the company’s most well-known product: Just Mayo. This product has made headlines for not only being eggless, but for also being tasty. Eggs are a key ingredient in mayonnaise, but Hampton Creek has been able to replicate the creamy texture and taste of mayonnaise from a yellow pea protein. This is the root, so to speak, of Hampton Creek’s line of products: salad dressings, cookie batter, and more coming in the pipeline. Most of these products are plant-based, and all are gluten-free and without GMO (genetically modified organisms) ingredients. The best part is probably the accessibility – the company has been striving to make its products available in mainstream grocery stores at prices that are comparable or lower than its competition.
Thus, keeping your health on track takes discipline, but tasty and off the shelf ready foods make it easier.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
