The Clean Eating Trend With Registered Dietitian Danielle Omar! by Donna John

Everywhere you look today, from health magazines to Instagram feeds, people are talking about the clean eating trend. But what does it actually mean – and how do you do it? This week at our #30SecondMom Twitter chat, we talked with Danielle Omar, registered dietitian, mom, founder of FoodConfidence.com and author of “The Busy Woman's Guide to Stress Free Grocery Shopping" and "Skinny Juices." Danielle shared tips and tricks for eating clean!

Q. What exactly is clean eating? Does it mean gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.?

Clean eating means eating more fresh foods and less processed ones. Clean eating means eating whole foods like fruits and veggies, whole grains, healthy proteins and fats. Clean eating means reducing intake of refined grains, added sugars, salt and unhealthy fats. You don’t necessarily have to go gluten-free or dairy-free in order to eat clean. I think clean eating means eating in a way that allows your body to function at its best.

@2eatwellRD The cleaner you eat, the more processed foods taste bad! #30SecondMom

— Toni B (@rychepet) August 25, 2016

@2eatwellRD #30SecondMom this is really good information I bet a lot of people really think being dairy free &gluten-free make them clean

— Chefgigi (@chefgigi) August 25, 2016

Q: What are some common myths about clean eating?

• Myth 1: You can’t eat packaged food.
• Myth 2: It’s expensive.
• Myth 3: You can’t eat out.
• Myth 4: You have to cook everything from scratch.

There are ways to work around all of these things and so many options these days.

I have to plan ahead to have clean food when I travel. @30secondmom #30SecondMom

— Nicole DeAvilla (@NicoleDeAvilla) August 25, 2016

Q: What are your favorite “clean” packaged foods?

I love  oatmeal, beans, quinoa and yogurt. I also really like kimchi and canned tomatoes.

A3: I love hemp seed, chia and nuts! #30secondmom

— Danielle Omar MS RDN (@2eatwellRD) August 25, 2016

A3: I also love canned salmon and tuna #30SecondMom

— Danielle Omar MS RDN (@2eatwellRD) August 25, 2016

Q: How do you eat clean on a budget?

I buy in bulk to save money, and freeze some for later. I stick to whole foods, which really aren’t all that expensive.

A4: meal planning is #1 way to eat clean on a budget #30secondmom

— Danielle Omar MS RDN (@2eatwellRD) August 25, 2016

A4: Eat seasonally; grown your own food; use CSA + farmers mkts #30secondmom

— Danielle Omar MS RDN (@2eatwellRD) August 25, 2016

A4: I also eat out less + skimp in other places to buy what I want #30SecondMom

— Danielle Omar MS RDN (@2eatwellRD) August 25, 2016

Q: How do you keep it clean (and healthy) at restaurants?

• I order vinegar and oil salad dressing.
• I avoid creamy or heavy sauces.
• I order double veggies for sides.

A5: I also check the menu before going #30secondmom

— Danielle Omar MS RDN (@2eatwellRD) August 25, 2016

Q: What clean eating gadgets do you use in your kitchen?

I swear by my Vitamix. I also love my Spiralizer.

Ooohhhh always wanted one of those! #30SecondMom https://t.co/B8SF6lldRe

— bohemian babushka (@BBabushka) August 25, 2016

Love my knives and cutting board, too! #30secondmom https://t.co/PNcP55RS0Q

— Danielle Omar MS RDN (@2eatwellRD) August 25, 2016

Q: What foods do you make from scratch that you used to buy?

I make my own almond milk. I love making nut butters. Homemade energy bars are fantastic.

@30secondmom @2eatwellRD #30SecondMom #cleaneating #healthyeating #nutrition A7 Soups and sauces. So much added junk

— lorri langmaid (@lorri1956) August 25, 2016

Q: What are your best clean-eating tips?

I make half of my plate veggies. I eat fermented foods daily (yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, pickles).

@donnas92 @chefgigi Did you see @30SecondFood FB launched today?! Gigi is one of our celebrity chefs there, W00T! #30SecondMom

— 30Second Mom (@30secondmom) August 25, 2016

@rychepet @chefgigi @2eatwellRD You chicas are hilarious. I swear, you make my week every Wed night! #30SecondMom #giggles

— 30Second Mom (@30secondmom) August 25, 2016

I’m so inspired! I can’t wait to eat even more cleanly after this chat with Danielle Omar! Be sure to follow @2eatwellRD, visit her website, FoodConfidence.com, like her on Facebook and visit her 30SecondMom page!