You’ve probably heard about clean eating. It’s a lifestyle rather than a strict diet, and it involves cutting out processed, unhealthy ingredients and replacing them with simple, real ingredients prepared in healthy ways. But did you know that it takes less than 24 hours for you to start feeling the benefits of eating clean? We’ve broken down what happens to your body when you start eating cleaner, from one day to one year after making the switch.
One Day After You Start Eating Clean
It only takes 24 hours for you to start feeling the effects of eating clean. You may notice that you’re experiencing fewer junk food cravings, and you’ll feel mentally clearer and more focused thanks to the nutrients your body has absorbed. You won’t be experiencing hunger pangs—clean eating is all about eating lots of healthy foods several times a day, rather than small amounts of junk food. However, if you don’t feel amazing right away, don’t give up—sometimes it takes a little while for your body to adjust to a new diet.
One Week After You Start Eating Clean
Once you’ve been eating clean for a week, you’ll notice that you have far more energy than you used to. Use this energy to get even healthier by getting in the habit of exercising more often. Your body will also begin getting rid of all the excess water you were storing when you had a higher sodium intake, which will result in you losing a bit of weight. You’ll also probably notice that you’re sleeping more soundly and that your mood is more regulated and positive, thanks to all the extra vitamins you’ve been getting through healthy, real foods.
One Month After You Start Eating Clean
After a month of eating clean, your body will be reaping all sorts of benefits. Your skin will be clear and radiant and pre-existing health conditions such as migraines, an irritable bowel or joint issues may begin improving. Since your body is used to eating clean, healthy foods, other foods like junk food and fast food will seem unappealing and you won’t crave them nearly as much as you used to.
Six Months After You Start Eating Clean
Eating clean for half a year will help your body feel and perform better than ever. If you had high cholesterol prior to eating clean, you’ll notice that your cholesterol levels have gone down, and your blood pressure may decrease as well. Your bones will be stronger and your blood sugar levels will balance out.
One Year After You Start Eating Clean
After a year of eating clean, you’ll still be enjoying all of the benefits listed above and your body will be feeling healthy, strong and well. You’ll know that you can indulge in the occasional treat without jeopardizing your eating plan, but since you’ve been enjoying all of the benefits that come with eating clean for so long, you won’t be tempted to revert back to your old eating habits.
Eating cleaner foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fish is a great way to improve your body’s health. While you’ll start to notice positive changes in just one day, the longer you eat clean, the more health benefits you’ll enjoy.