Question: ‘Clean Eating’ is a relatively new term when talking about diet and nutrition, in simple terms what is meant by ‘clean eating’?

Clean Eating is a term used loosely recently and advocates of different diets such as Paleo or Veganism tend to call their meals clean.

Now what I call Clean eating is meals that are made with REAL FOOD – with ingredients closest to their natural form.

So a breakfast made with organic eggs, avocado, fresh tomatoes, olive oil and a good quality pitta bread is a Clean Meal.

A gluten free cereal with almond milk isn’t clean nor healthy do to the way these foods are processed and they can contain artificial ingredients, taste improvers etc.

How and why is clean eating important?

Question: As a personal trainer in Abu Dhabi who specialises in nutrition and healthy eating how does ‘clean eating’ benefit your personal training clients?

Within 2-3 weeks of eating clean, delicious meals the body starts to change quite rapidly.

Fat stores are put to use during our Personal training sessions and muscles acquire a definition that is easily noticeable.

That is not to say about how much more energy my personal training clients in Abu Dhabi have during the sessions!

Question: With so much choice when it comes to processed and pre-prepared foods doesn’t clean eating take more time and effort?

It is quite the opposite actually – clean foods are easy to make because you are not trying to make a yogurt and berries bowl with no dairy, for example.

So you buy simple, natural and sometimes inexpensive ingredients that put together make a incredibly satisfying meal.

The only thing that is important is meal prepping – that is – knowing in advance what the meals for the day will be – and prepping them the night before or during the weekend.

Does clean eating mean ‘freshly prepared’?

Question: Many families in Abu Dhabi simply don’t have the time to prepare fresh meals on a daily basis – can a clean food diet be prepared in advanced but still be considered healthy?

Absolutely! When I design a Meal Plan for clients the key factor is that meals can be prepared in advance and be taken to work or eaten on the go.

Does changing your diet to clean food eating plan help with weight loss in general and can weight loss be achieved faster?

I always say that any excess weight you are carrying will come off once you give your body what is needs: real food, consistent exercise, rest – repeat.

I have clients who have lost 15kgs with 3 days a week PT and clean meals.

Others have achieved a leaner look by keeping their activities and tweaking their eating habits.

Example ‘Clean Eating’ meals

Question: For those who are new to clean eating can you provide some menu examples that are healthy but also quick to prepare.

For those with a sweet tooth you must try this today:

Mejdoul dates stuffed with cocoa nibs – a clean treat for chocoholics! Make a big batch and leave it in your fridge for a quick on the go snack

Baked banana with cinnamon and almond butter (again bake a batch of bananas with cinnamon and add a tbs of almond butter when ready)

If you are a fan of salty stuff try:

Buckwheat crackers with mashed avocado, sea salt and pepper. Add a boiled egg and u have a meal ready in few minutes!

Clean eating – Top 5 Tips

Question: As a professional personal trainer what would be your top 5 tips for anyone who wants to add more clean eating into their daily nutrition plan.

Introduce to your diet:

• Smoothies
• Dates with Nut butter
• Organic eggs on the go
• Have a glass of warm water and lemon juice first thing in the morning
• Drink at least 3L /day