Clean eating has been trendy for years, but it hasn’t been without controversy from those who say it can lead to eating disorders. There’s also no standard definition for the term nor is it regulated, so there’s been a lot of confusion about what it actually means.

In this episode, I sat down with Michelle Dudash, an award-winning registered dietitian nutritionist, Cordon Bleu-certified chef, founder of Dash Dinners Spice Kits, and a television personality. She is also the author of the top-selling cookbook Clean Eating for Busy Families as well as Clean Eating Kitchen: The Low-Carb Mediterranean Cookbook.

We talked about the benefits of clean eating for kids and how to move from processed foods to real food, but still make room for your kids’ favorite snacks. We also covered how to save money, save time, and get healthy meals on the table everyday, and Michelle talked about her favorite clean-eating recipes for kids. 

Welcome

3:17 Let’s talk about your story!

4:34 What is “clean eating?”

5:33 What does research show us about the benefits of clean eating?

7:25 Why is clean eating vital for kids? 

9:40 What myths are there about clean eating?

13:24 What foods should parents focus on?

16:05 What are the best chicken and beef options? 

18:11 What are the best drinks for kids? 

20:23 What are some foods kids should avoid and is some processing ok?

21: 59 Does clean eating mean avoiding gluten and dairy?

23:47 What are easy tips for families to get more whole foods in their diets and follow a clean-eating approach?

27:03 If your kid has been eating a lot of processed foods and is a picky eater, how can you encourage healthier eating habits?

28:29 As kids get older, there are more opportunities for them to eat processed foods. How can parents encourage healthy eating habits without being too restrictive?

3:04 Can a hyper-focus on clean eating lead to disordered eating?

33:28 How can families follow a clean eating plan on a budget? 

35:14 What are your best tips for busy families to get healthy “clean” meals and snacks on the table? 

37:50 What are your favorite recipes from your book?

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

Julie mentions this 2021 study that found there’s no standard definition of “clean eating.”

Julie mentions the NOVA Food Classification System

Julie mentions her interview for Food Issues with Dr. Sheila Kilbane, “Help! My Kid Is Always Sick.”

Julie talks about using the Pampered Chef pan for making homemade chicken nuggets.

Michelle mentions her Dash Dinners Spice Kits.

Grab a copy of Michelle Dudash’s books, Clean Eating for Busy Families and Clean Eating Kitchen: The Low-Carb Mediterranean Cookbook.

Learn more about Michelle Dudash on her website and follow her on Instagram.

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