Clean eating doesn’t mean diet

by LORI-ANN MARCHESE

CTFashionMag.com

In more cases than not, when people hear the word “diet” being used it could come across as a very sensitive and intimidating word. The word “diet” has multiple meanings and varies across the board. With all those diet plans that are offered in every area of the country, it becomes quite difficult to grasp your mind around the entirety of what it actually means. What exactly is a diet?

For starters, the word diet can be defined simply as what someone eats. Unfortunately, this term is taken to another level, and some people describe a “diet” as a restriction plan that will lead to weight loss. With all the variations of “diet” plans out there, your mind becomes fogged over the concept of what a diet actually is.

At Body Construct, the promotion of clean eating has always been the philosophy. Body Construct’s nutrition department embraces the quality and rawness to tasty, natural foods. Clean Eating is the term that is used. We believe that you should not be restricted from those foods that offer those natural flavors and nutrients. When it comes time for nutrition consultations, it is evident that the notion of understanding the importance of eating wholesomely and savory is clear. With the meal plans that are offered through Body Construct, it is nothing less than clean eating. The menu that is offered ranges from divine meals all the way to delicious, all-natural protein shakes.

The sky is the limit when you come in tact with clean eating. Whether it means playing around with recipes or creating a concoction to your liking, clean eating becomes a phenomenon in which it can be achieved. There are numerous “diet plans” that are out there that are completely unattainable and already set you up for failure. With Body Construct’s outlook of clean eating, it sets you up for a positive path to success.

Let’s not forget the most important part! The largest takeaway to clean eating is that it will benefit your health. Not only will you be enjoying delicious meals, the focus on pure nutrition is embraced. In the end, the control over clean eating is in your hands, and reminding yourself the purpose of doing so will be the most rewarding lifestyle change that you will make. Of course, self-discipline and commitment are not an easy path, but that does not mean it is impossible. Clean eating is not a diet. Clean eating is a choice that will transform into a lifestyle.

This is Body Construct’s link to our website for our very own Body Construct products. https://www.bodyconstructfitness.com/shop

Here are some healthy recipes to enjoy!

Shamrock Shake Recipe

2 Avocados

1 cup Almond Milk

¼ cup Fresh Mint (packed)

1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1 scoop Body Construct Protein

Add all ingredients and Blend!

Healthy Cabbage Roll Recipe

4¼ cups water, divided

8 large Savoy or green cabbage leaves

¾ teaspoon salt, divided

1 cup whole-wheat couscous

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups chopped plum tomatoes

2 teaspoons red-wine vinegar

3 tablespoons chopped Kalamata olives

2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, plus more for garnish

Directions

Bring 2½ cups water to a boil in a large skillet. Add cabbage leaves, cover, reduce heat to medium-high and simmer until softened, about 5 minutes.

Bring 1½ cups water and ¼ teaspoon salt to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in couscous, cover and remove from the heat. Let stand for at least 5 minutes.

Transfer the cabbage leaves to a clean work surface to cool. Discard the water and dry the pan.

Heat oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, vinegar, the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and the remaining ¼ cup water. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are mostly broken down, 8 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile stir olives and 2 tablespoons mint into the couscous. Mound about ½ cup of the couscous mixture at the stem end of each cabbage leaf. Roll into a bundle, tucking in the sides.

When the tomato sauce is ready, add the cabbage rolls seam-side down. Cover and cook until the rolls are hot all the way through and the cabbage is very tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Serve the cabbage rolls topped with the sauce. Garnish with mint, if desired.

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare through Step 5; cool sauce; refrigerate sauce and cabbage rolls separately for up to 8 hours. Reheat the sauce before finishing with Step 6.

Lori-Ann Marchese is the owner of Body Construct LLC in New Britain and a former cast member of the reality series, “Game of Crowns.” For more information, go to https://www.bodyconstructfitness.com/shop