Eat Clean to Get Lean

What is "Clean Eating," you ask? It's not a gimmick or a fad diet. "Clean Eating is simply all about making smarter food choices and eating more often," says Tosca Reno, author ofThe Eat-Clean Diet for Family & Kids.

Check out Tosca's tips for nourishing your family, firing up your metabolism and staying energized:

Embrace these Clean Eating habits:

1. Eat 5 or 6 small meals every day.
2. Eat every 2 to 3 hours.
3. Combine lean protein and complex carbs at every meal.
4. Consume adequate healthy fats (EFAs) each day.
5. Drink at least 2 liters, or 8 cups, of water each day.
6. Never miss a meal, especially breakfast.
7. Carry a cooler loaded with Eat-Clean foods to get through the day.
8. Depend on fresh fruits and vegetables for fiber, vitamins and enzymes.
9. Stick to proper portion sizes – give up the super-sizing!

Avoid these energy sappers:

1. Over-processed, refined foods, especially white flour and sugar.
2. Chemicals, preservatives and artificial sugar.
3. Saturated and trans fats.
4. Sugar-loaded colas and juices.
5. Alcohol – another form of sugar.
6. Calorie-dense foods that contain little or no nutritional value.

Check out Tosca's blog and score her yummy, easy, kid-friendly, mom-satisfying recipes.