There’s no such thing as “eating perfectly,” and we all need convenience, but that doesn’t mean we should sacrifice our health or turn to processed foods. This special edition from the editors of EatingWell helps demystify the term “whole foods.” What are they and how are they nutritionally important? You’ll also learn how to enjoy the food and the process of sourcing and cooking it through our guide to grocery shopping and to meal prep. Additional highlights include: the principles of real food; a two-week clean eating meal plan; and how to avoid processed foods, and the few you should allow into your diet.
WHAT WHOLE-FOOD EATING MEANS NOW • Embracing nature’s bounty of fresh produce, filling legumes and lean proteins doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice convenience. Here’s how to marry nourishing, healthful eating with a modern, well-rounded life.
THE WHOLE FOOD PATH • Loading your diet with a variety of nutrient-dense and convenient ingredients keeps your body—and even the planet—healthier for years to come.
HOW REAL IS YOUR FOOD? • Eating a whole, real-food diet seems straightforward enough. But is it?
10 EASY WAYS TO START EATING MORE REAL • These simple and manageable tips will help you put whole-food eating into everyday practice.
FINDING SPACE FOR SUGAR IN A WHOLE-FOOD DIET • While consuming sugar in excess clearly presents risks, there are ways to find a sweet and healthy balance. An expert explains.
KEEP AN EYE ON SODIUM • You might be eating more salt than you realize.
Go Ahead, Eat These Carbs • Here’s how to buy the healthiest breads, pasta and more.
HOW SOME FOOD CHOICES CAN IMPACT THE PLANET • A whole-food eating plan means more fruits, vegetables and plant-based proteins. Here’s how eating these healthful foods helps the environment, and how inventive farming techniques are offering new options for carnivores.
SHOPPING SMARTS • Whole foods are well within reach at your grocery store. Here’s how to buy convenient, healthy and budget-friendly ingredients to feed yourself and your family.
SOME TRUTH AND TIPS ABOUT PROCESSED FOODS • We all need convenience. Here’s the scoop on what a processed food really is, and how to seek out the best ones tucked onto supermarket shelves.
3 Ways to Limit Processed Foods (Plus the Ones You Should Keep in Your Diet) • Learn which packaged foods to watch out for and which can be part of a healthy diet.
FIGURING OUT FOOD LABELS • Confused at the grocery store? We’ve got you covered.
HOW TO ORDER WHOLE, HEALTHY MEALS • Some speedy takeout or a trip to a local restaurant is a convenient and welcome treat. But if you’re worried about derailing a healthy eating plan, here are some tips on how to navigate the menu and make choices that prioritize whole, feel-good foods.
NAVIGATING YOUR GROCERY OPTIONS • Labels on food packaging can be confusing. The following guides will help you interpret them so you can choose poultry, meat, seafood, eggs and produce that are in line with the standards and budget that you’re looking for.
Avoid These 5 Money Mistakes When Grocery Shopping • A financial expert helps us eat healthfully and deliciously on a budget.
HIT THE KITCHEN • Now that you know how to buy the healthiest food for your needs, here’s a road map for how to make whole-food cooking manageable even in the busiest of times.
A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO MEAL PREP • A professional meal planner shares her best secrets for how to use meal prep to help you make quick and healthy meals.
PREP AND CONQUER • A recipe developer shares a five-day dinner meal plan that’s bolstered by some serious Sunday prep.
5 Tasty Tricks to Make Desserts Without Added Sugar • Watching your sugar intake? No need to skip dessert.
14-DAY CLEANEATING MEAL...
