When you think of spring you’re probably thinking of spring cleaning, flowers, and May showers, but have you thought of cleaning your eating?
We’ve talked about how to eat more sustainably, but it’s equally as important to work in some “clean” eating habits into our meals!
Today we’re here with five incredibly easy and delightful clean eating recipes!
Why You Should Be Using Clean Eating Recipes
Eat More Whole Foods
I know. I wish was going to say donuts too. I’m not saying you need to shop at that grocery store that costs double either though!
What are “Clean” Foods
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
- Lean Meat and Proteins
- Whole Grain Foods Dairy Products
What Is Clean Eating?
The basics of eating clean allow you to eat more whole foods — such as fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and good fats — while excluding overly refined snack foods, chocolate, and other prepared foods.
Basically - you’re eating closer to the source.
This is going to another one of those times where I tell you to start slowly.
Your body is likely going to be pissed!
You’re removing processed sugars, extra carbs, and other junk. Your body is going to go through withdrawals.
Remember that time you tried to give up caffeine as a New Year Resolution?
Ya. We want to avoid any side effects from this change.
We just want to harvest the good!
What are the Benefits of Clean Eating?
The biggest motivation for adopting a clean eating lifestyle is the nutritional benefits of eating meals that are high in nutrients that have not been heavily processed.
The majority of Americans consume a diet high in highly refined foods made from refined products, which are high in fat, sugar, salt, pesticides, preservatives, food dyes, and other substances that the body doesn't know what to do with.
These extra products can have a negative impact on your overall health and well-being.
Clean eating provides your body with plenty of vitamins and minerals, as well as high-quality protein and healthy fats, which improve heart and brain health, aid in weight loss, develop a stronger immune system, and boost energy levels, among other things.
Foods in their natural state have a richer taste.
5 Clean Eating Recipes for Spring
Now that you have the basics of clean eating down, let's jump into 5 clean eating recipes for spring!
Clean Eating Recipes - Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry
There’s something about the sweetness of Teriyaki that the kids and I just can’t say no to!
Since you can use whatever vegetables you already have on hand, this is our go-to anytime we need something fast and easy during the week.
It just takes about 30 minutes, and when tossed with this delectable sticky hot teriyaki sauce, you can bet it tastes better than take-out!
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup cashews
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
For the teriyaki sauce:
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth 3 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)\
- 1 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp fresh ginger (or 1/4 tsp ground ginger)
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to coat the pan.
- Once the pan is hot, add the chicken and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until lightly browned, Once the chicken is cooked, transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Drizzle another tablespoon of olive oil onto the hot skillet and add in the vegetables.
- Cook until tender, stirring frequently.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Once the veggies are nice and tender, add the chicken back to the pan and mix together.
- Add in the garlic and cook for about 1 minute, then add in cashews and pour the teriyaki sauce over top.
- Mix well, making sure everything is evenly coated, and bring the sauce to a boil.
- Turn down the heat and simmer until the sauce has thickened up and everything is incorporated.
- Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds, serve and enjoy!
Clean Eating Recipes - Glazed Brussel Sprouts
I LOVE BRUSSEL SPROUTS! LOVE THEM.
If you have only ever eaten steamed or boiled Brussel sprouts you have been eating them wrong.
Okay, I still like them that way, but when Brussel Sprouts are roasted they are oh so much better. Just trust me here.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs brussel sprouts, ends trimmed and halved lengthwise
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds
For the glaze
- 1/3 cup pomegranate juice
- 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Spread the brussel sprouts in an even layer on a large sheet pan and drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper
- Toss to coat
- Roast brussel sprouts in the oven for about 15 minutes
- Toss the brussel sprouts and continue to cook for another 15 minutes
- While the brussel sprouts are roasting, whisk together the pomegranate juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, and garlic in a small saucepan on the stove and bring to a boil
- Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture boil for about 5 to 8 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and is syrupy.
- When the brussel sprouts have about 5 or 6 minutes left, sprinkle the pine nuts (or walnuts)onto the sheet pan and let them roast, until the brussel sprouts are golden and crispy.
- Transfer the brussel sprouts from the sheet pan onto a platter and drizzle the pomegranate glaze over top, tossing to combine.
- Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, roasted pine nuts (or walnuts), and serve.
Clean Eating Recipes - PSL Mug Cake
Have your cake and eat it too!
Clean eating recipes don’t need to come with too many sacrifices.
I am NOT giving up my pumpkin spice.
I can deal with one less latte run, but this is a clean way to get those flavors while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp almond flour
- 1 Tbsp coconut flour
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp pumpkin puree
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Instructions
- In a microwavable safe coffee mug, combine the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, spices, and salt Stir all combined.
- Stir in melted coconut oil, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, vanilla, and egg mix well until it is lump-free
- Microwave on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds
- Top with whipped cream if desired
- Enjoy!
Clean Eating Recipes - Buffalo Chicken Casserole
You'll love this simple Buffalo Chicken Casserole recipe! In under an hour, this fast dinner is made with basic ingredients including potatoes and chicken.
Fast, simple, and delectable.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb cooked shredded chicken about 3 cups
- 2 cups potatoes chopped in ½ inch cubes
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- ¼ cup celery chopped
- ¼ cup carrots chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese or Monterey jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400.
- In a large bowl mix together cooked chicken and all ingredients except cheese.
- Pour into a casserole dish
- Top with cheddar cheese, cover, and bake at 400 for 35 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for the remaining 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and potatoes are tender
Clean Eating Recipes - Kale Chips
Kale Chips are not only delicious, but they're also incredibly easy to make and have just the right amount of crunch and saltiness!
Ingredients
- 2-4 cups of kale approximately 6 large stems torn into 1-inch pieces
- olive oil spray salt pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300
- Cover a large baking sheet with olive oil spray
- Spread the kale on the baking sheet
- Spray kale with olive oil spray sprinkle generously with salt and pepper
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, flip and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the edges start to crisp up
- Allow to cool and enjoy!
Conclusion - 5 Clean Eating Recipes for Spring
I hope you’ve been convinced to try one of these clean eating recipes. I promise they’re delicious and family-approved.
Clean eating doesn’t have to “taste” clean or healthy. One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that yes, while junk may taste good, once you’ve started to feed your body better those healthier, cleaner foods and recipes taste much better.
Eventually, the more processed foods, fast food, and everything in between won’t be things you crave.
Don’t believe me? Ha. I probably wouldn’t believe anyone who told me that either - not even my best friend who DID in fact tell me so.
She now gets to laugh and laugh about it. That doesn’t mean that we don’t indulge here and there, because we do, but it’s not as often.
Getting into the habit of clean eating may take some time, but perhaps keeping more fruits and veggies around will be motivating.
Keep a Farmers Market Changing Pad on your desk or counter as a reminder to eat more whole foods!
Start with a healthy diet and bring home the Farmers market today!
