Clean 20: Are you eating clean foods for a healthy diet? (2024)

Whether we know it or not, processed foods, or foods that are prepared to optimize the ease of consumption,are at the forefront of the average American's diet. From ultra-processed foods such as potato chips, snack cakesand frozen pizzas to minimally processed foods like canned vegetables and frozen fruit, most of us consume processed food several times a day.

Studies have shown that, while tasty and convenient, these processed foods are a major contributor to obesity and illness around the world. Luckily, the transition to a healthy diet does not have to be difficult. In fact, New York Times bestselling author, television personality and physician Dr. Ian Smith says healthy eating can be encompassed in 20 foods.

Related:How healthy are people where you live and why?: Map

Smith recently appeared on "Good Morning America"to discuss his new book,“The Clean 20: 20 Foods, 20 Days, Total Transformation." In it, Smith lists those 20 foods and the benefits of implementing them in our daily lives. He also provides tips for healthy living. Among his recommendationsare whole grains, colorful foods and legumes (chickpeas, lentils, etc.).

Opinion:Take control, start cooking: Highly processed food may lead to dire results

The 20 clean foods

1. Avocados
2. Berries
3. Cheese
4. Chicken
5. Chickpeas
6. Eggs
7. Kale
8. Lemons
9. Lentils
10. Nuts
11. Oatmeal
12. Seafood
13. Squash
14. Sweet potatoes
15. Tomatoes
16. Turkey
17. Quinoa
18. 100 percent whole-grain or whole-wheat bread
19. Whole-wheat pasta
20. Yogurt