Tosca's Eat-Clean Principles

• Eat 5 or 6 small meals every day (I only eat 5….I’m never hungry for six)

• Eat every 2 to 3 hours (this has been a bit tricky. I had to adjust my portion sizes at first, because I wasn’t hungry after only 3 hours)

• Combine lean protein and complex carbs at every meal

• Consume adequate healthy fats each day

• Drink at least 8 cups of water each day

• Never miss a meal, especially breakfast

• Carry a cooler loaded with Eat-Clean foods to get through the day (this is important…granted, I don’t carry a cooler, but I have a fairly large purse. I brought almonds and a pear to Julie and Julia yesterday)

• Avoid all over-processed, refined foods, especially white flour and sugar

• Avoid chemicals, preservatives, and artificial sugar (This is still hard for me...I really miss my Coke Zero)

• Avoid saturated and trans fats

• Avoid sugar-loaded colas and juices

• Consume adequate healthy fats (EFAs) each day

• Avoid alcohol—another form of sugar (I anticipate that this will be difficult as well)

• Avoid all calorie-dense foods that contain little or no nutritional value

• Depend on fresh fruits and vegetables for fiber, vitamins, and enzymes

• Stick to proper portion sizes—give up the super-sizing

As you can see, it’s all quite logical. Also, for my gluten-free friends out there, this plan is practically made for you!

Tomorrow I'll be discussing portion sizes and the exact breakdown of what one eats at each meal...

*This information is taken from The Eat-Clean Diet, Tosca Reno.