Top 10 Best Foods to Include in Your Clean Eating Plan (Plus a Bonus: Meal Kits!!!)

When people talk about clean eating, it often sounds like some kind of exclusive club with rules that might seem hard to follow. But let’s break it down—clean eating simply means focusing on whole, unprocessed foods and steering clear of anything too “extra” (like artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or those mystery ingredients you can’t pronounce).

The beauty of clean eating is that it doesn’t have to be complicated, and it’s all about finding balance. So if you’re ready to kick off your clean eating journey, I’ve got you covered! Here are 10 of the best foods to include in your clean eating plan, along with a bonus section on meal kits that’ll make getting dinner on the table feel like less of a chore.

1. Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale, Arugula, Oh My!!!)

Leafy greens are the undisputed royalty of the clean eating world. They’re low-calorie but packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals that can’t be beat. Think kale, spinach, arugula—these greens are like a multi-vitamin you can eat. They help with digestion, promote heart health, and are full of antioxidants that fight inflammation.

Throw them into smoothies, pile them high on salads, or sauté them as a simple side dish. If you’re not totally in love with kale’s earthy flavor, try massaging it with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon to make it more palatable. You’ll be a leafy green convert in no time.

2. Avocados: The King of Healthy Fats

Avocados are not just a trend—they’re a nutrition powerhouse. Packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and potassium, avocados are an ideal addition to your clean eating routine. They help stabilize blood sugar, keep you feeling full longer, and are a great source of vitamins like B6, C, and E.

Add them to toast, salads, smoothies, or just eat them with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. And yes, guacamole for breakfast is 100% allowed in the clean eating world. You’ve earned it.

3. Berries: Nature’s Candy

When you want something sweet but want to keep things clean, berries are your go-to. Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C. They fight inflammation, support your immune system, and are the perfect natural sweet treat without all the added sugar.

Throw them on top of oatmeal, mix them into Greek yogurt, or simply enjoy them on their own. Not only are they healthy, but they’re just plain delicious—and who doesn’t love a pop of color in their meals?

4. Sweet Potatoes: Your New Best Friend

Sweet potatoes are your new clean eating BFF. They’re loaded with beta-carotene (which turns into vitamin A in your body), fiber, and potassium. Unlike regular potatoes, which can cause a quick blood sugar spike, sweet potatoes provide a slower, more sustained release of energy.

Roast them, mash them, or even make sweet potato fries. They’re perfect as a side dish, in bowls, or as a filling breakfast with a dollop of almond butter. They’re so versatile—who knew healthy could taste this good?

5. Nuts and Seeds: Tiny But Mighty

Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are the superheroes of the snack world. Packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, they’re a perfect addition to any clean eating plan. These little guys help keep you full, curb cravings, and support heart health.

Toss them into salads, oatmeal, or smoothies. You can also snack on a small handful between meals to keep your energy levels steady. Plus, they’re small enough to take anywhere, so no excuses for skipping a snack.

6. Legumes (Lentils, Chickpeas, Black Beans, Etc.)

Legumes are an affordable, plant-based protein option that’s high in fiber and essential nutrients. Whether you’re adding lentils to a soup, chickpeas to a salad, or black beans to a burrito bowl, legumes are filling and versatile.

They’re great for plant-based eaters but also work well for anyone looking to incorporate more whole foods into their diet. Buy them canned (just watch out for added sodium) or cook them from dry in large batches for meal prep—either way, you’ll be eating clean without breaking the bank.

7. Greek Yogurt: Creamy and Protein-Packed

Greek yogurt is like a blank canvas for clean eating. It’s thick, creamy, and packed with probiotics, protein, and calcium. It’s also an excellent source of gut-friendly bacteria, which helps keep your digestive system in check.

Use it as a base for parfaits with fruit and nuts, or just enjoy it plain with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s a filling snack or breakfast option that keeps you satisfied for hours. And if you’re dairy-free, there are plenty of coconut or almond-based alternatives to choose from.

8. Wild-Caught Fish: Omega-3s Galore

Wild-caught fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart and brain health. Omega-3s help reduce inflammation, improve mental clarity, and support healthy skin and hair.

Grill it, bake it, or even toss it in a salad—fish is a fantastic lean protein that’s easy to cook and delicious to eat. And don’t shy away from oily fish like salmon and sardines; the higher fat content is actually a great thing in the clean eating world!!!

9. Quinoa: The Protein-Packed Grain

Quinoa isn’t just a fancy word to throw around at dinner parties; it’s a nutrient-dense grain that’s high in protein and fiber. It’s a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and omnivores alike.

Use quinoa as a base for grain bowls, toss it into soups, or even add it to your morning oatmeal. It cooks in about 15 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a healthy side dish without the fuss.

10. Coconut Oil: Healthy Fat for Cooking

Coconut oil has become a staple in many clean eating kitchens, and for good reason. It’s packed with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat that’s easily digested and quickly turned into energy. Plus, it’s a great option for cooking due to its high smoke point.

Swap out your regular cooking oils for coconut oil and use it for sautéing, baking, or even blending into smoothies. It adds a light, tropical flavor to your dishes, and it’s perfect for those looking to up their healthy fat intake.

Bonus: Meal Kits and Heat-and-Eat Options

If you’re someone who loves the idea of clean eating but sometimes feels overwhelmed by meal planning and prep, you’re in good company. That’s where meal kits and heat-and-eat options come to the rescue.

Meal kits are a great way to take the guesswork out of cooking. You get pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes that make healthy, clean meals feel like a breeze to prepare. Whether you're making a veggie stir-fry or a salmon dinner, these kits offer convenience without sacrificing quality or nutrition.

But let’s be real—not every day is a meal-kit kind of day. Some days, you need something even easier. That’s where heat-and-eat clean meals come into play. These options require little more than a quick zap in the microwave, and they’re often packed with whole, nutritious ingredients. Many grocery stores now carry clean, ready-made meals that you can just heat up and go, making clean eating a totally doable option for busy lifestyles.

Whether you’re meal prepping, using a kit, or going for the convenience of heat-and-eat meals, the key is to make choices that support your health and save you time. Clean eating can be simple, delicious, and totally manageable—even on your busiest days.

In Conclusion

Clean eating doesn’t have to be intimidating or complicated. By focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods and embracing meal kits or ready-to-eat options when you need a hand, you’ll find that eating clean can be easy, tasty, and satisfying. Remember, clean eating is all about progress—not perfection. So start small, try new foods, and enjoy the process!!!

Thank you 🙏

Future of Resilience