Above I said that the definitions I mentioned are a good rule of thumb (but not perfect). Here’s a copy & paste from Alan Aragon (has his Bachelor and Master of Science in Nutrition)…

“To use a common example, whey is doubly processed in the sense that it’s not only a powdered form of milk protein, but it’s a separated fraction of milk protein. Yet, when combining the results of standard ranking methods (biological value, protein efficiency ratio, net protein utilization, and protein digestibility corrected amino acid score), whey has a higher total than all other proteins tested, including beef, egg, milk, and soy [5]. Furthermore, research has shown not only its benefits for training applications [6], but whey has a surprisingly wide range of potential for clinical applications as well [7-10]. Therefore, despite whey being a refined/processed food, it has multiple benefits and minimal downsides.”

So, as you can see, even know whey protein is “processed,” it has many benefits. This is where the “clean” vs not clean discussion is not always black and white. With that said, most protein powders also use artificial sweeteners that many seem to think the human body should not consume (it’s STILL a controversial topic, as some say that a little bit is perfectly fine). In case you are worried about artificial sweeteners, you can always try to consume a powder like JayRobb Protein Powder (but it’s more expensive) as they use Stevia as their sweetener.

In regards to your “biggest problem,” planning to pack for things for work – that is probably the #1 “excuse” that I’ve heard from clients in “not being able to eat right.” So, you are not alone.

Anyway, just try to cook in bulk and store leftovers for the next day(s). I always store in glass containers (rather than plastic). Just takes a little thought and just a touch more time to prepare for future meals. Habits!

Hope this helps, Jamie!

Danny

Ok. Thats easy to remember, I’m going to try to follow that more often when a case of the munchies works its way into my head at work. The hardest thing for me is planning to pack things for myself so I don’t have to be overcome with the lure of the vending machine.

The one question I do have is in the supplement category. It would seem to me that some granular (Powder) supplements have to go through an obvious multi-layered “process” to be turned into a granular form. To me this would have to include some “man-made” additives to allow for the accelerated dehydration and preservation of these supplements? How do these items categorize with the above rules?

Thanks for your time answering these questions. I hope other people find the information as helpful as I do.

-Jamie

Many people define clean as follows:

“If it doesn’t swim, run, or fly, or isn’t green and grow in the ground, don’t eat it..” OR…

“If man made it, don’t eat it.”

I wouldn’t say I recommend eating 100% like the above quotes, but it’s a good general rule of thumb.

Danny

Can you expand on the term “Clean Food”?

Danny