The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to start some healthy eating habits. One of the best things I have done for my family is to commit to clean eating, in order to reduce the processed foods that we eat. One of the easiest ways to make clean eating tasty is to make clean eating sauces to pair with your favorite dishes!
What is clean eating?
The definition can vary, depending upon who you ask, but I think of clean eating as food that is made from scratch, with real ingredients (not synthetic), that haven’t been altered much. I am not a fan of the low-fat, low-calorie movement. I believe food should be as close to their natural state as possible.. so milk should be whole (not low-fat). Butter should NOT be margarine. Sugar and flour should not be refined. You can see what the USDA considers to be a clean diet, here.
When in doubt, cook like your grandparents cooked. They knew what they were doing, long before it became a “clean eating” movement.
The best part of clean eating is how delicious food can be. If you’re used to eating fast food, you will be delighted at how amazing real food tastes! It is infinitely tastier. It is a little more work, but your body will understand real food, know what to do with it, and you will feel better.
If you are new to clean eating, try going a week without fast foods or processed foods. Then, go out and eat a happy meal. I guarantee you will have a tummy ache. Why? Because your body is going to scream, “what is this?! What do I do with this?”
Fast food and processed foods are not nourishment. It is not fuel for your body. Your body needs and deserves to run at its best, so put good food into it. You will feel amazing. Your food will taste amazing. You will wonder why on earth you haven’t been eating like this for your entire life.
Clean Eating Sauces
I have compiled a list of my favorite clean eating sauces to put on top of your meats, veggies and desserts. There is something here for everyone. I hope you enjoy these as much as I have 🙂
Homemade Tzatziki Sauce | Kalyn’s Kitchen
Spicy Chimichurri Sauce| Homemadeforelle.com
Easy Tomato Cream Sauce | An Italian in my Kitchen
Butter-Free Alfredo Sauce | Peas and Crayons
Tandoori Sauce | The Big Man’s World
Classic Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe | Homemade for Elle
Veggie-Packed Spaghetti Sauce | Farm Fresh Feats
Bacon Cheese Sauce | Homemade for Elle
Garlic Herb Homemade Mayo | Creative Green Living
Fresh Tomato Sauce | An Italian in my Kitchen
Cranberry Sauce | Creative Green Living
Authentic Red Chile Sauce | Homemade for Elle
Butternut Squash Red Enchilada Sauce | A Dish of Daily Life
Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce | The Taylor House
Homemade Hot Sauce | Anns Entitled Life
Raspberry Chipotle Sauce | Feeding Big
If you want more clean eating recipes, be sure to check out:
- Free Clean Eating Meal Plan – Week 1
- Free Clean Eating Meal Plan – Week 2
- Clean Eating Salad Dressings
- Clean Eating Breakfasts
- Clean Eating Cocktails
You can also read this story about a woman who lost 145 pounds, without counting calories, by eating clean.
Do you have any favorite clean eating sauces? Share your recipe in the comments!
I don’t do New Year’s resolutions, but I am working to eat clean(er) this year. Thanks for starting me off right with these recipes.