Clean eating is the new way to eat
| 9th July 2018Clean eating is one of the latest trends among health-conscious people and dietitians. The idea is very simple, eating foods that are not processed or refined. Clean eating means consuming natural and whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, pulses and whole grains. It is not intended to eat specific types of foods that provide only certain nutrients such as low-carb, low-fat or protein-rich foods. While practicing clean eating, you do not have to resist the urge to eat, you should eat whenever you are hungry. The only condition applied is that you must eat wholesome food.
Below are five tips and a recipe for clean eating:
- Avoid processed foods
- Add protein and carbohydrate rich foods to your diet
It is recommended to include some proteins, carbohydrates and fats in your daily meals. But keep in mind that nutrients must be derived from natural and wholesome sources. For example, eggs and pulses (Pouyoukas lentils, beans and chickpeas) are good sources of proteins while potatoes are excellent sources of carbohydrates. - Limit the consumption of fat, salt and sugar
This is very important and easier than you think, especially if you can cut out on processed foods. Processed foods are full of calories and are packed with high levels of fat, sugar and salt. Clean eating is generally devoid of such ingredients. - Fuel yourself with healthy snacks in between your meals
Have your three main meals but include two or three snacks throughout the day to keep your blood sugar levels constant and maintain energy levels. Keep these snacks healthy and natural such as the Pouyoukas much pack, omega seed mix, fruit, nuts and salad. - Avoid unhealthy and fatty beverages
Here is a delicious clean recipe from Pouyoukas:
Pouyoukas roasted tomato and black-eyed bean salad
Serves 4
Ingredients
500g Rosa tomatoes
2 garlic cloves, chopped
½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried red chilli flakes
2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 cups cooked Pouyoukas black-eyed beans
5 spring onions, finely chopped
1 large handful fresh coriander, chopped
100 ml fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil
1 small red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
Method
Place the tomatoes, garlic, chilli flakes and olive oil on a large baking tray.
Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper and toss.
Roast in a preheated 220°C oven for 15-20 minutes until the tomatoes have softened.
Remove from the oven and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the black eyed beans, spring onions, coriander, lime juice, olive oil and red chilli. Add the roasted tomatoes.
Mix well and serve at room temperature.
About AGT Foods
AGT Foods is a value-added pulse, staple food and ingredient processor for export and domestic markets. Through its offices and processing facilities located in some of the best agricultural growing regions in Canada, the U.S., Turkey, China, Australia and South Africa and merchandising and sales offices in the U.K., the Netherlands and Spain, AGT Foods produces a full range of pulses and specialty crops including lentils, peas, chickpeas, beans and canary seed as well as food ingredients such as pulse flours, proteins, starches and fibres. Its subsidiary in Turkey, the Arbel Group, produces staple foods such as Arbella Pasta, rice and milled wheat products, including bulgur and semolina. AGT Foods is listed and trades in the Toronto Stock Exchange. In South Africa AGT Foods represents the Retail, Hospitality, Spices, Ingredients, Popcorn, Bakery and Protein Divisions as well as Pouyoukas Foods, which falls under the Retail Division and is sold through all major supermarkets in South Africa.