In today’s fast-paced world, eating clean can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially when you’re trying to balance the needs of your family. But for me, the journey toward clean eating is about finding joy in nourishing my family with wholesome, nutrient-dense foods that help us thrive. I follow a simple yet effective approach: the 90/10 rule. This means I prioritize healthy, clean eating 90% of the time, and leave room for indulgence—because life’s celebrations are too precious to skip.
The 90/10 Rule: Balance and Joy
One of the core beliefs in our home is that food should not only be nourishing but also enjoyed. That’s why I adopt the 90/10 rule: 90% of our meals are made from clean, organic ingredients, while 10% is for the treats and celebrations that make life sweet. Whether it’s naturally made ice cream on the first day of school, a homemade cake on a birthday, or a special sweet while we travel, I believe in the importance of creating memories around food, without compromising our health.
For example, every year on the first and last day of school, we celebrate with naturally made ice cream—no artificial colors or ingredients, just real, wholesome treats. It’s a simple but meaningful way to mark the milestones in our lives. Birthdays in our family are always celebrated with cake, and of course, the food everyone loves. But even these treats are made with intention—no processed sugars or food dyes. The goal is to celebrate joyfully, but in a way that still honors our commitment to clean eating.
Traveling & Staying True to Our Health Goals
When we travel, we do things a little differently than most families. Instead of relying on restaurants or fast food, I love to stay at Airbnb homes. This allows me to have full control over what we eat, making sure it aligns with our clean eating principles.
When we went to Disney recently, we stayed at an Airbnb, and I cooked about 90% of our meals there. We enjoyed wholesome, organic meals together, from nourishing soups and salads to grass-fed meats and lots of veggies. Of course, we left room for some indulgence—sweets like cupcakes and ice cream—but, as always, I made sure these were free from food coloring and artificial additives. After enjoying these treats, I ensured a gentle detox for my child to support his system, maintaining a balanced approach to health.
Clean Eating: A Labor of Love
At the heart of our clean eating journey is the belief that food should be nourishing and enjoyable. Cooking is an act of love for my family, and I take pride in preparing meals that support their health and well-being. From hearty broths to fresh veggies and grass-fed meats, I strive to make every meal a celebration of nature’s goodness. I’ve learned that eating clean doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor—it means bringing out the natural goodness in every ingredient.
Of course, I know that life isn’t always perfect. Sometimes it’s hard to find grass-fed meat or organic produce, and that’s okay. I do the best I can, and that’s what matters. It’s about making choices that align with our values while being compassionate with ourselves when things don’t go as planned.
Other Clean Eating Tips for a Thriving Family
- Meal Prep: Taking the time to plan meals ahead of time makes life so much easier and ensures that we have healthy options readily available, even on busy days.
- Sourcing Local & Organic: Whenever possible, I love buying from local farmers or markets where I know the food is grown without chemicals. Supporting local is always a win!
- Incorporating Gut-Healthy Foods: Broths, fermented foods, and healthy fats are staples in our home. These foods are not only nourishing but support a healthy gut, which is so important for overall well-being.
- Hydration: I’ve learned the importance of hydration, so we always have water (sometimes infused with lemon or cucumber) available at meals, helping us stay refreshed and energized.
A Loving Approach to Food
For me, clean eating isn’t just about the food on the plate; it’s about the intention behind it. It’s about feeding my family with love, nurturing their bodies, and creating beautiful memories along the way. Food shouldn’t be boring or a chore—it should be celebrated. From cooking with intention to savoring every meal, the goal is to create a lifestyle that not only nourishes the body but also brings joy and connection to the heart.
At the end of the day, food is meant to be a celebration of life—of love, of health, and of the beautiful moments we share together as a family. So, let’s keep it simple, keep it clean, and keep it full of joy.
Final Thoughts
Clean eating is about balance. It’s not about perfection, but about choosing whole, nourishing foods that support our health and happiness. Whether we’re celebrating a milestone, traveling, or simply enjoying an everyday meal, our focus is always on bringing love and care to the table. In doing so, we create a thriving family, one meal at a time.
Let me know your favorite ways to celebrate food in your home and how you maintain balance while keeping your meals healthy!
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