Mythbusting

Is clean eating worth the hype?

Updated:
March 20, 2024

What are unclean foods?

That includes foods that have visible contamination (dirt, soil, dust), and foods that show signs of being spoiled (colour change, bad smell). Other than that, no foods are unclean!

Tip: Thoroughly wash foods that are 'dirty'. Foods that are spoiled should be thrown out, as consuming them could make you very ill.

What about pesticides?

Pesticides are used on many different foods to keep them free of disease and bacteria. The amount used on food items is safe and is monitored closely in Canada.

Tip: If you are still concerned, you can wash fruits and vegetables for 30 seconds to decrease pesticides on the outer layer.

What about genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?

Similarly to foods grown using pesticides, the usage of GMOs is monitored closely in Canada to ensure they are as safe and nutritious as all other foods.

Tip: If you are still unsure, read more about the topic! There are a lot of great studies and information about the safety of GMOs available online, such as here: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/genetically-modified-foods-other-novel-foods/safety.html

What about highly processed foods?

There is nothing ‘unclean’ about processed foods (eg. chips, candy, cookies). They are often tasty, and can be enjoyed without guilt. Sure, they are not the most nutritious items in the pantry and do contain higher amounts of saturated fat, sugar and salt. However this does not mean they have to be eliminated from your diet.

Tip: Try having a small amount with your meals (eg. some chips with a sandwich at lunch). This may decrease the desire to have more later on in the day!

Consider what is the least amount that would satisfy you of this food. And no, that doesn't mean the least amount possible!

Follow on |
LinkedIn logo with link
We're proudly 100% Canadian owned, operated and built.
Book a Free Program Consultation

Is clean eating worth the hype?

Last Updated:
Reviewed By:
Share this post
Mythbusting

Key Takeaways

semicircular gauge or meter with "LOVE" labeled on the left side and "HATE" on the right side

An illustration showing a black silhouette of a human head in profile with a tangled white scribble representing thoughts inside the brain area, surrounded by several gray circular faces with sad expressions, suggesting mental health challenges or negative thoughts.

Begin Your Weight Loss Yourney

Start your transformation today with personalized support from our expert team of dieticians.

Join Now

An illustration showing a black silhouette of a human head in profile with a tangled white scribble representing thoughts inside the brain area, surrounded by several gray circular faces with sad expressions, suggesting mental health challenges or negative thoughts.

FAQ

Table of Contents

This is some text inside of a div block.
This is some text inside of a div block.
This is some text inside of a div block.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Dr. Yoni Freedhoff
Medical Director
Since 2004, Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, an Associate Professor of Family Medicine at the University of Ottawa, has dedicated his practice to obesity medicine. ‍ Canada's most outspoken obesity expert, Dr. Freedhoff is regularly sought out by the international media for commentary on nutrition and weight matters, and his book, The Diet Fix: Why Diets Fail and How to Make Them Work. Dr. Freedhoff's diet agnostic philosophy and lessons learned from working with over 10,000 patients is the foundation of what Constant Health has been built upon.
Follow on |
LinkedIn logo with link
We're proudly 100% Canadian owned, operated and built.
Book a Free Program Consultation
^ top