It’s the New Year which means people are making resolutions, joining gyms and starting new diets. Losing weight and maintaining health doesn’t have to include some strange diet fad. The concept of clean eating is simple: to avoid processed foods and eat more whole foods like fresh fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Clean Eating Magazine explains in a little more detail what the term “clean eating,” entails.

When you do purchase something in packaging, it’s important to look for minimally processed foods and always check out the ingredients. Litehouse’s Instantly Fresh Herbs have only one ingredient: herbs! Adding spices and herbs to a dish adds flavor without the fat and calories. Litehouse herbs are my must-have ingredients to keep on hand for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and I use them in every meal.

 This baked sweet potato bar idea is a great clean eating recipe and it provides kids with the opportunity to choose their toppings from a variety of healthy options. This is an easy meal to serve to guests as well! Here is a list of topping ideas for you to set out for your family or guests: •Kale or Spinach •Broccoli •Asparagus •Green Beans •Zucchini •Beets •Chicken Breast •Eggs •Shrimp •Lean Turkey •Avocados •Tomatoes •Quinoa •Brown Rice •Almonds •Sunflower Seeds •Hummus •Non-fat or low-fat cheeses •Herbs •Edamame •Black Beans •Salsa My absolute favorite baked sweet potato is this Mediterranean version filled with kale, diced chicken, red peppers, hummus, a little Litehouse feta cheese and a sprinkle of dill. Serve this meal with a delicious smoothie filled with kale, spinach, strawberries and bananas and you have yourself one colorful meal!

 Do you want to start eating clean? Here are 50 Clean Eating Snacks, a Clean Eating grocery list and of course, check out all of our healthy recipes on the Litehouse Blog!