“I’m a coach and I hate ‘clean eating’.” 

 It’s the title of Dubai coach, Kirsteen Thain’s blog post that aims to debunk myths and misunderstandings around the term ‘clean eating’. 

The founder of Get Fit Chick – one of the city’s most popular women’s bootcamps – is frustrated with the perception that clean eating will help you lose weight. 

Recommended

Someone Went Around Rating Hand Sanitisers Around Dubai And The Results Are InUAE Volunteers Are Stepping Up And Sharing Their Journey From The COVID Vaccine TrialsA Dubai Teen Will Run Four Hours Every Week In A Passionate Plea To Get Support For Climate Change

The post, shared to getfitchick.ae, is written by Kirsteen, and the coach shares her frustrations to educate the public. 

She writes: 

“If there is one ‘health concept’ that has made our jobs harder, it is the phrase ‘clean eating’. When a girl we work with insists “nah, I don’t need any nutritional advice, I eat really clean!” I already know we are about to turn her world upside down.    To clarify, the term ‘clean eating’ means eating real foods; foods that are not refined or processed. So nothing that’s been through a factory and come out in box or tin.”

Though Thain does appreciate foods being close to their original source

“Don’t get me wrong; I am all for eating whole foods that are as close to their natural form as possible. So what could I possibly hate about eating unprocessed foods? 

“Nothing. I don’t hate eating nutritious, wholesome food. What I do hate is the idea that just eating clean will lead to a six pack and toned legs, which leads to an emotional rollercoaster as women can believe they have been eating correctly, but see no change to their body composition. Much of the time, this frustration turns into emotional pain and a belief that there is just something wrong with them.”

She shares the common sight of her clients that struggle to shift the extra weight

She emphasises the need to observe the macro nutrients people are taking in 

Thain writes:

“Eating proportionally is balancing your body’s protein, fat and carbohydrate needs in a proportion that suits your goals (referred to as macros). Your body needs protein AND fat AND carbs, and if you are someone who wants to get smaller /  bigger / stronger / change body composition, understanding macros is more important than the concept of ‘eating clean’.”

It can all be a bit overwhelming – for us too. But you can read the whole post here, or get in touch with Get Fit Chick via email: info@getfitchick.ae.