5 Ways to Eat a 100 Percent Clean Dinner

Eating clean may sound like a simple concept, but it’s more like passing a science test when trying to navigate the American grocery store for dinner. Does that package say low-fat and that it’s a good source of vitamin C? The marketing may state that, but you have to go far beyond scanning the front of packages to make sure you’re truly buying clean food. Even the best of intentions to purchase healthy food items can be thrown off track by a tantilizing display of low-fat salad dressings or a gigantic row full of irrisistible, salty, fatty snacks. By keeping some rules in mind, you can keep the preservatives and “frankenfood” out of your house. Here are five ways to eat a 100 percent clean dinner.

1. Shop for Non-GMO Foods

When you’re perusing the grocery store, be sure not to purchase foods that contain genetically modified organisms. GMOs are organisms such as bacteria, fish, insects, mammals, plants and yeast whose genetic makeup has been altered through genetic engineering procedures. Proponents of using GMOs love that using them can lead to better tasting and longer lasting foods that are immune to insects and capable of withstanding harsh weather changes such as drought, frost and heat. However, there is plenty to be scared about when it comes to GMO frankenfood, and it’s best to stay away foods that have been genetically altered.

 2. Choose Organic

Depending on where you live, the amount or organic produce available for commercial sale may be limited. But most grocery stores these days have the “regular” produce, which often contains GMOs, and the “organic” section. We recommend you always shop organic. If you feel it is impossible to purchase all organic food since it tends to be more expensive than the GMO counterparts, then at least be selective and purchase the dirty dozen items as organic. The Environmental Working Group has released a 2013 update to their list of 12 Foods You Should Always Buy Organic, based on pesticide risk and exposure.

3. Ban Packaged Food Products

To eat a truly clean dinner, make everything from scratch. Ban packaged food items from the kitchen and the table. It may be tempting to just pick up a bottle of salad dressing for your fresh, homemade salad, but it’s so simple to make easy vegan salad dressings that contain zero preservatives or unhealthy ingredients. Try these five salad dressings you can make in less than five minutes.

4. Buy Local

Buy as many items that are locally made and grown as you can! Hit up your local farmer’s market or street fair to find local artisans and farmers with fresh, organic produce and homemade snacks like jellies, baked goods or nut butters. Or, instead of going to a one-stop, large corporate grocery chain, try going to a smaller, locally-owned grocery store.

5. Choose Fair-Trade Kitchen Supplies

Aside from thinking about the food you’re eating for a 100 percent clean dinner, it’s also important to pay attention to how you’re cooking your food. Make sure to use cookware and kitchen supplies that are certified fair trade. This means the company that manufactured the product follows fair labor practices. Often, this mean you’re helping citizens in developing countries positively affect their community. Check out a list of fair trade products and partners here.

Image source: Freekeh Salad with Cucumber, Pistachios, and Mint