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A can of chopped tomatoes, for example, should have only one
ingredient on the label. And make sure that cans are free of bisphe-
nol A (BPA), too. BPA is found in the polybcarbonate plastics and
epoxy resins used to coat the inside of metal cans and bottle tops.
BPA can seep into food and could have potential harmful health
efects on the brain and behavior. While the FDA has said that BPA
is safe at very low levels, it is a good idea to avoid BPA products
when possible. Look for products labeled BPA-free, and seek out
glass containers when possible.
Sometimes in-season produce is cheaper fresh than frozen, but
when it’s out of season, frozen is a handy option. Look for organic
and be careful to check the labels for lurking unnecessary or unclean
ingredients. Frozen fruits are notorious for having added sugar. Stay
away from packaging that says “in syrup” or “sweetened.” With fro-
zen vegetables, be on the lookout for blends flavored with a sauce.
And, there could be sodium lurking there, too.

The Role of Gluten and Dairy in Clean Eating

Gluten and dairy products, in their purest form, are clean. But many
people avoid eating them regardless, and it’s important to under-
stand why.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat and other grain products
and is responsible for holding foods together. What makes wheat
products unclean is the processing method they undergo that strips
the wheat of its nutritional value. Gluten also serves as a thickener
in other highly processed foods, such as sauces, soups, and every-
day condiments ketchup and barbeque sauce. By avoiding gluten,
one naturally removes from the diet many foods that have been
processed. For some, however, cutting out gluten is not merely a
lifestyle choice. Gluten sensitivity and gluten intolerance are real
issues for many people, and it’s often easiest for them to keep their
digestive systems in balance by avoiding gluten and the products
in which it’s found. For those who don’t have gluten sensitivity, be
sure to buy the least processed grains available. Look for 100 per-
cent whole-grain, sprouted-grain, or whole-wheat items for a clean
eating approach, and when in doubt, check the label.

28 28 Days of Clean Eating