Is being healthy one of your intentions for 2021? You're not alone with your new year, new me mentality - I can assure you.

For me, I am planning on focusing more on clean eating this month. If you take care of yourself by eating clean food, you may find it easier to also engage in self-care activities and focus on other elements of your well-being. I know I’ve been talking about “clean eating” a lot on my Instagram, but if you're new to following me along or you need a refresher, the basis of "clean eating" is consuming primarily whole, unprocessed foods, according to the Institute of Integrative Nutrition,. There are many benefits that can come along with maintaining this balanced and personalized lifestyle including clearer skin, weight loss, increased energy, stronger hair and nails, improved mental health and better sleep. Yes, yes and another hell yes for me. I mean, my wedding is less than 6 months away. HALP.

Rather than simply going on diets, it's more about sustainable lifestyle shifts you can make. I can’t think of a better and more simpler way to start the new year, can you? Here are a few grocery items that are almost always on my list and may help make it easier for you as you transition into cleaner eating habits.

Fruits and Veggies (organic if possible): Herbs, Spices + Condiments:

• Basil

• Rosemary

• Ceylon cinnamon

• Turmeric

• Chili Flakes

• Cajun spices

• Nutritional yeast

• Black Pepper

• Hot Sauce

• Balsamic Vinegar

• Sea Salt

• Apple Cider Vinegar

• Ghee

• Blueberries, strawberries and blackberries

• Leafy greens; I love kale, arugula and spinach

• Bananas

• Apples

• Avocados

• Grapefruit

• Carrots

• Onions

• Cucumbers

• Peppers

• Sweet potatoes

• Lemons

Nuts, Seeds and Oil:

Proteins:

• EVOO

• Coconut oil

• Nut butter

• Almonds

• Chia seeds

• Salmon

• Ground turkey

• Chicken

• Shrimp

• Black beans

• Chickpeas

• Eggs

• Greek yogurt

I also usually get some whole grains like Farro and often whole wheat bread! Think Farro salands and avocado toasts. So you’ve shopped, got all the goods and now what? Here are a few sample meals I make! Let me know what you try!

NOTE: I always start my day with warm water + or warm water with lemon, my probiotics and then wait about 30 minutes before I eat. This is just what works for me.

Breakfast: Greek yogurt or high fiber oatmeal with berries, nut butter, chia seeds and cinnamon

Lunch: usually a big salad, often massaged kale, with tons of veggies and a protein (more times than not chicken)

Snack: sweet potato, ghee, nutritional yeast and sea salt

Dinner: protein and veggies - sometimes that’s ground turkey with peppers and spinach and beans, other times that’s salmon, spinach and Farro, it depends!

Snack: dark chocolate and or a glass of red wine - it’s about balance friends!

Now, every day/every week does not look like this, but here is just a glimpse to get you started on some clean eating options. Cheers to a healthy and happy New Year!