As you may well have noticed, Fitness is “in”. It’s not so much about how big a guy can get or how skinny a girl can get. The focus these days is how fit and healthy you can look and feel. Muscle tone and skin radiance show the world how we feel. It’s attainable at any age; it just takes discipline and dedication. And if we’re not going to foster these things for ourselves, who would we do them for?

One thing I’ve heard a LOT about is “Eating Clean”. What is that anyway?! Well it means you’re basically omitting different ingredients or foods from your diet. You want to eat whole foods, natural foods. Things that aren’t helping your body be the best it can be for one reason or another. Some examples of things that will hold you back are:

1. Refined sugar
2. Hydrogenated & Trans Fat
3. Preservatives
4. White Bread

You’re going to want to gravitate towards foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and complex carbohydrates. These are the foods that will help you gain energy and ability to reach your goals. Now I’m not saying this is something that’s going to be EASY. As with any major change in your life, this will require some getting used to. The upside is the things you’re going to start eating are not only good FOR you, they’re GOOD, as in DELISH!! If you notice the things that you shouldn’t eat vs. the things you should eat… Nature made the ones you should and man made the ones you shouldn’t. How’s THAT for an easy way to tell them apart.

I visited a great site called www.eatcleandiet.com and found there were a plethora of recipes for you to follow in order to help you keep “clean” and be able to achieve what you’ve set your mind to. Here are some GREAT recipes that have me reaching for my cooking spoons and pots!!!

Jerk-Spiced Tilapia with Asparagus and Rice Pilaf

Ingredients

• 1 tsp / 5 ml thyme
• 1 tsp / 5 ml chili powder
• 2 cloves of garlic, pressed
• 1 tsp / 5 ml ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp / 2 1/2 ml nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp / 2 1/2 ml cinnamon
• 1 jalapeno pepper, cored, seeded, and finely chopped
• 1 tsp / 5 ml freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch of sea salt
• 1 Tbsp / 15 ml lime juice
• 2 Tbsp / 30 ml olive oil
• 1/2 tsp / 2 1/2 ml ground cloves
• 4 tilapia fillets

Preparation

1. Combine herbs and spices in a small bowl and mix well.
2. Coat tilapia fillets with olive oil. Pat both sides with spices.
3. Sauté each fillet until just cooked through, about 3 minutes on each side. Do not overcook!

Nutrients per Serving

• Calories: 160
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1 g
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Sodium: 242 mg
• Cholesterol: 50 mg

Chili Chicken Kabobs

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp / 45 ml best-quality olive oil
• 1 1/2 Tbsp / 22 ml balsamic vinegar
• Juice of one fresh lime
• 1 tsp / 5 ml chili powder
• 1/2 tsp / 2 1/2 ml paprika
• 1 large onion, chopped into thick pieces
• 2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
• 1 tsp / 5ml cayenne pepper
• Sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 lb / 454 g boneless skinless chicken breast*, cut into 1 1/2 inch / 4-cm pieces

*NOTE: Use pork, beef or bison tenderloin or turkey as alternative kabob meats. A sturdy, meaty fish such as salmon works well here too.

Preparation

1. In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil, vinegar and lime juice. Season with chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pressed garlic.
2. Place the chicken in a shallow baking dish with the sauce and stir to coat.
3. Preheat the grill to medium high. Thread the chicken onto the skewers, alternating with chopped onion pieces. Discard the marinade.
4. Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill the skewers for 10 to 15 minutes or until the chicken juices run clear.

Nutritional Value for One Kabob

• Calories: 186
• Calories from Fat: 75
• Total Fat: 8.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Total Carbs: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Sodium: 334 mg
• Cholesterol: 61 mg

I’ll leave you with those since I’m drooling right now, but do your research. It really isn’t as scary as you think to change your way of thinking and eating. With a good work out regimen you could be in for the best you you’ve ever had.