Do you find yourself saying “I need more energy”? Are you dependent on Caffeine and Sugar to get you through the day? If you are looking to increase your energy naturally, read on. I will tell you how!   

The description above was me before I found Clean Eating (Wondering what Clean Eating really is? Read more: The Clean Eating Diet). Coffee and Sugar were getting me through the day and I justified it by taking vitamins! On top of that, I was always exhausted. Once we stumbled on Clean Eating, I felt like my younger self. I have so much energy and I wake up ready to go. I have been able to cut out coffee which I never thought I would be able to do. I want you to feel this good too! 

​” Coffee and Sugar were getting me through the day (I justified it by taking vitamins) and I was always exhausted”

As you read through this page, keep in mind that Clean Eating is a lifestyle. Don’t feel like you need to rush through the steps. Doing so could make you miserable and you will be less likely to stick to the lifestyle change. Instead, pick one thing to start with (two if you are feeling bold!) and just get started. Any changes you make will have a positive impact. Also, remember that Clean Eating is very forgiving. If you go to a party or eat something that isn’t clean, so what?? Just get back on track with your next meal. There is no calorie counting or counting points and that is the beauty of clean eating. If you stick to non processed foods and incorporate more produce and healthy fats, you will naturally lose weight and gain more energy. 

Below I will share the first three steps we (as a family) took together at the beginning of our clean eating journey. These three steps had such a positive impact on our health and energy levels that eating clean became so much easier! I know they will work for you too!

​Three Steps to Get Started

First, notice that I didn’t say three EASY steps. Because although these steps are fairly straightforward, I realize how difficult it can be. When I tell you I was dependent on coffee, I mean drinking more than half a pot of coffee a day. I would only go to Starbucks because nothing else was strong enough and I just drank it black because I wanted the caffeine. So believe me, I understand. And I wouldn’t suggest these steps if they weren’t going to increase your energy so you can enjoy life again!

1. Cut Back on Caffeine

I know you saw that one coming!  But honestly, this is the number one thing you can do.

2. Eat More Vegetables

You will be amazed at how much of a difference this will make. Just add one salad to your dinner and you will feel the results!

3. Cut Back on Sugar

Again, this is not easy, but it will make a world of a difference. And these days it’s not as hard as you think!

1. Cut Back on Caffeine

Before you leave this page, hear me out! I know this is asking a lot but I can’t describe how amazing it feels to wake up and not need coffee. When we go camping I don’t have to pack soda or instant coffee packs and when we are on vacation I don’t have to sneak out of the room in the morning to find a coffee stand. 

Remember: Coffee is considered clean so there is no pressure to eliminate it completely. However if you are doing it for energy, you will be amazed at how much it helps!

I want you to feel this good too! If coffee is your vice, start by filling your coffee cup with half coffee and half water. Trust me on this, if you try to drink just half a cup of coffee, it won’t work. By doing this, you will instantly decrease the amount of coffee you are drinking. 

If you are trying to reduce caffeine from soda, pour half a can into a glass and save the other half for later in the day. When you drink straight from the can it is harder to stop at just half.

What ever you do, give it a week. You will feel tired the first few days as your body adjusts but you will slowly start to feel amazing!

2. Eat More Vegetables

When we first started clean eating, we had been trying other diets and the last thing we wanted to eat was salad. We even went a year without salads. But then I discovered a few recipes that I loved and I started making it again. The trick is to use it as a side salad rather than the main dish (as other diets will tell you to do). Lettuce and Spinach contain folic acid which can boost energy. Add some healthy fats and it is almost perfect! Eat it for dinner and you will wake up easier the next morning. This versatile salad dressing takes less than 5 minutes to make and tastes great with almost any salad: Easy Salad Dressing

See the Printable below for 3 super simple salad ideas. Use these as a guide – they can all be modified with whatever you have on hand. 

3. Cut Back on Sugar

Again, stay with me! This one will be easier than you think. The hardest part is identifying foods that have sugar because these days it is hidden in everything! Do know that as you start eating clean, you will naturally reduce processed sugar. 

When I say reduce sugar, I just mean processed sugar. Don’t worry about natural sugar in fruits and vegetables. We are trying to avoid the crash from processed sugar and natural sugar will not cause a sugar crash. Clean Eating approved sugars are Honey, Maple Syrup and Coconut Sugar, so any of those are acceptable. Read through the site and you will find many sweet recipes utilizing clean eating approved sugars

Clean Eating Made Easy

Clean Eating can feel  overwhelming when you are starting out. Depending on your current eating habits, it may feel like you need to get rid of everything in your pantry and start over. But if you do that, it will lead to frustration and you won’t stick to the lifestyle. Instead, make small changes. When you run out of ketchup, buy an organic, naturally sweetened version (or make your own). One small change will eventually get you where you are trying to go. 

The three changes discussed in this article are a great place to start. They can be implemented immediately and you will have more energy which will encourage you to move forward!

​Remember, I am here to support you on your journey! Comment below or find me on Facebook. Let me know how these cha​​​​nges worked for you and whether you notice a difference in your energy level!