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While the term “clean eating” may symbolize wanting to eat healthy and less processed, there’s actually a lot more to it than that. Have you ever considered the dangers of clean eating? Let’s dive deep to talk about some of the side effects of clean eating and what you should know.

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Clean eating – the good, that bad and the ugly.

If you’re reading this blog post, you probably want to eat healthier, or at the very least, eat more healthy foods.

You care about your health and well-being. And maybe you think that eating clean is the only way to improve your bottom line.

In fact, the internet is ridden with search terms like “best foods for clean eating,” “what not to eat when clean eating,” “clean whole foods,” and more.

Honestly, these phrases just make me cringe. This post may have you second-guessing that when we discuss some of the side effects of clean eating.

What is “Clean Eating?”

What does “clean” mean anyway? It’s almost like one of those cult words, like IIFYM (if it fits your macros), but still, people will have their own definitions.

Some may say it’s all vegan, or paleo, or no added sugars, or nothing processed. There is definitely a preference when it comes to whole foods vs. processed foods.

The reality is that there is no true, universal definition of clean eating. It’s a subjective term. Clean eating is a myth!

I think the term, “Clean Eating” started innocently enough, however, it’s morphed into eating habits that are borderline dangerous.

The term stemmed from people authentically wanting to be healthier, and understanding healthier food choices. And like anything, we can get so caught up in what is good and start to think that more is better.

The truth is, clean eating falls right under the wellness diet (or should I say, wellness in disguise), and is an example of the toxic diet culture we live in.

However, this brings the question, if we label foods as “clean” then what constitutes “unclean?”

Is food “dirty” if it’s “bad?”

Are we “bad” if we don’t stick to the clean foods grocery list?

As you can see, there are many problems with the label “clean eating,” and it can really tarnish your relationship with food.

Here are some of the other dangers to think about.

The Dangers of Clean Eating

Here are some of the dangers of clean eating that maybe you haven’t considered.

• Food obsessions – Becoming obsessed with certain foods or labeling foods as good or bad (such as the food police) can lead to too much mental energy around food, underfueling and an unhealthy relationship with food.
• Guilt after eating – Feeling guilty after eating is terrible for you, mentally, emotionally and even physically. You can’t enjoy your food if you are constantly worrying about how it will change your body or that you’re eating something toxic.
• It leads to labeling food as good or bad – This ties into feeling guilt after eating. However, food is a neutral, inanimate object and is not tied to morality.
• It doesn’t recognize that food can be eaten outside of nutrition – Remember, we eat for many reasons outside of just hunger and nutrition. We may also eat for pleasure and enjoyment, social interaction, emotions and more.
• Can lead to a very limited diet – Because of the labels “clean,” “good foods vs. bad foods,” and more, people can cut out many foods and even entire food groups in an attempt to eat clean. This can lead to unnecessary nutrient deficiencies and can impact health!

The Cycle of Clean Eating

Let me tell you where I can see “clean eating” going.

You’re trying your best to eat “clean” (as mentioned above, we have no real definition of this), and avoid any of the “off limits” foods.

You do so well for the first few days, but all you can think about are those cookies at home, or the french fries you want to order out at dinner.

And then, you finally “give in,” because you can’t stop thinking about them.

BUT, when you give in, you go all in, rather than stopping when you feel your fullness.

And then you disappoint yourself for not sticking to “clean” foods, and then you decide to try again the following day.

This cycle is likely to keep happening because when we tell ourselves that certain foods are off-limits, we want them more. It’s totally normal.

We have a high standard as RDs. Yes, we are trained in how the body works, how foods are digested, and why certain foods are linked to chronic disease, while others may decrease risk.

But, just because we have this education and credentials doesn’t mean we are perfect or clean eaters.

We’re humans! We struggle with many of the same things as the normal population, with weight changes, body image issues, hormone fluctuations, lack of time to meal plan and cook all our meals, etc.

Eating is not about perfection.

What Are Alternatives to Clean Eating?

Health is not dependent on our daily activities, it’s the snapshot over time. Our overall habits, feelings and choices.

Will some people disagree with my philosophy? Sure!

Nutrition is very controversial and ever evolving. And then there are also self-proclaimed people (without credentials, mind you) selling diet books and drinks and meal plans, with their own opinions.

Do I have to put my RD hat on when I talk to clients? Absolutely. Some people just don’t know why they have diabetes, or high blood pressure, or how to eat with PCOS, and that’s what I love talking about and teaching. I’m trained on that.

But I’m not trained in eating perfectly, or clean. Just like each person is so different, each practitioner has his/her own style as well. I can’t preach to my clients what I don’t believe. And I don’t believe in clean eating.

We make so many food choices throughout the day that having to analyze and scrutinize each thing entering our bodies is exhausting!

Think about how much brain power that takes. It’s much easier to just eat what you’re craving at that moment and nourish your body. Health is so much more than just the food we put into our bodies.

I’m just asking you not to freak out over clean eating, or lack thereof. You are WAY more than that, and so is your health!