Amie ’ s Clean Eating Manifesto
Shop smarter
Amie ’ s Top Clean Picks
When people ask her if she wishes she could go back to when this all started , and change some things , maybe prevent it altogether , her response is always the same : “ No way — I couldn ’ t have , and I wouldn ’ t .” Amie recalls one day when she pulled up to the hospital , feeling sick and confused , and saw a group of construction workers hanging out , smoking , drinking soda and eating fast food , having a great time . “ I thought , how is this fair ?” But since then she has learned two things : “ One , that I had to change my mindset , and see that this was happening not ‘ to ’ me , but for me ,” she says . “ The other thing is to be happy in the present moment . That ’ s the kind of hope and peace I wish for everyone .”
As for what she ’ s looking forward to next ? Eating Clean may be her first book , but it ’ s certainly not her last . An avid and enthusiastic speaker , she ’ s also excited about sharing her story at live events and on TV . She wants to inspire others to take control of their health and their lives so that they can feel normal again . “ Normal , trust me , is a wonderful thing . There isn ’ t a day that goes by that I ’ m not grateful for just that .” eating CLEAN
The 21-Day Plan to Detox , Fight Inflammation , and Reset Your Body
amie valpone creator of thehealthyapple . com foreword by MARK HYMAN , MD
Amie ’ s Clean Eating Manifesto
1 . There is no one ideal diet . Everyone ’ s diet will be a little different , based on your individual makeup . “ This isn ’ t about putting a label on yourself ,” she says . “ The most important thing is to eat whole , organic , fresh foods that make your body feel good .”
2 . If a food makes you feel lousy , it ’ s not for you . Forget the trends or whatever the buzziest superstar is doing . “ You are the expert on what you can eat , and no matter what anyone says , if something doesn ’ t make you feel good when you eat it , chances are it ’ s causing inflammation in your body .” Real , clean food should never make you lethargic , bloated , or irritable .
3 . Feed your body , not just your belly . “ You do not subsist on calories alone ,” Amie says . “ You need a whole spectrum of nutrients and vitamins to feed you on a cellular level .” A 100-calorie snack pack is not the equivalent of 100 calories of an avocado . One is pro-inflammatory and the other is anti-inflammatory . Choose foods with one ingredient , such as an avocado , and you ’ ll be feeding your body , not just your hunger pangs .
For more resources and recipes on clean eating , visit Amie ’ s website TheHealthyApple . com .
Shop smarter
Knowing how to buy food is almost as important as figuring out what to buy . Here are Amie ’ s favorite ways to shop smart and simple :
Be realistic . This is the best way to not only end up with a fridge full of groceries that you ’ ll want to eat , but also to save money . Don ’ t buy quick-to-spoil items in bulk and be mindful of foods you know in your heart you ’ ll never eat .
Streamline . Organize your shopping list by where you ’ ll find those items at the store , such as produce , gluten-free whole grains , spices , frozen veggies , etc . Stick to the list and avoid making spur-of-themoment impulse buys .
Improvise . You might have kale on your shopping list , but collards are on sale . Go for it ; sometimes you have to let your wallet do the talking .
8 • INSIDE HEALTH
Stock your freezer . Keeping ready-to-eat homemade foods in your freezer is like finding ten bucks in your coat pocket , and saves you time and money . Roast or grill veggies and freeze in small batches . Keep berries frozen for morning smoothies .
Take risks . Try one new whole food ingredient each week ; it will encourage you to get a little creative with your meals . And who knows , you may find a new ingredient you love !
Amie ’ s Top Clean Picks
Earthbound Farm ® Spinach . Conventionally farmed spinach is on the dirty dozen list . Earthbound ’ s products are committed to clean organic greens — this brand of fresh greens is a staple for everyone ’ s kitchen .
Living Now ® Gluten-Free Organic Quinoa Pastas are a great source of protein and taste and cook just like traditional pasta without gluten , soy , eggs , corn and dairy . They ’ re made from only three ingredients – organic rice , organic quinoa and organic amaranth .
Barlean ’ s Forti-Flax feature lightly-milled , organic flaxseeds that provide a cornucopia of naturally occurring nutrients , including valuable Omega-3 , fiber , amino acids and amazing antioxidants that is easy to add to your daily diet .
Navitas ® Naturals make organic , delicious gluten-free snacks made via methods such as freeze-drying and low temperature processing to preserve nutrition and flavor .
Nutiva ® Coconut Manna is a melt-in-your-mouth puréed organic coconut butter made of pure , dried coconut flesh that can be used in cooking or straight from the jar .
Branch Basics created 100 % non-toxic cleaning solutions including a pure soap concentrate that can be diluted with water to replace virtually every cleaner in the home .
Erbaviva offers premium organic personal care products ( including an effective organic deodorant ) that blend organic ingredients with European artisanal quality .
Enzymedica produces high-potency enzyme products that are free of any fillers and work great to help you break down your food and feel better after your meal .
Photos of Amie Valpone by Vladimir Weinstein
Terri Trespicio is a New York – based writer , editor , and host . Visit her at territrespicio . com