Hi, Cleanish Squad!
This week, I received an email that truly resonated with me. Here is what it said:
I can’t tell you how often I hear this same frustration—finding clean, high-quality food brands can feel like a full-time job. With so many options on the shelves (and so much conflicting information out there), it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
That’s why I wanted to dedicate this week’s newsletter to simplifying things for you. I’ve put together a guide to my favorite clean-eating swaps, complete with specific brands I trust and use in my own kitchen. These small changes can make a big difference—and save you a lot of time and stress.
Let’s dive in and take the guesswork out of clean eating.
Here’s a helpful guide to cleaning up some everyday pantry staples, with better-for-you brands to make your next grocery trip less stressful!
1️⃣ Coffee Creamer
What to Avoid: Artificial creamers packed with hydrogenated oils and added sugars.
Swap With:
- Half-and-Half or Organic Cream – A whole, natural option.
- Unsweetened Plant-Based Milks – Look for options with minimal ingredients, like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Or make your own homemade creamer!
Better Brands:
- Califia Farms Barista Blend Almond Milk
- Nutpods Dairy-Free Creamer (Unsweetened)
2️⃣ Margarine
What to Avoid: Hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils (trans fats).
Swap With: Grass-fed butter or plant-based butter without processed oils.
Better Brands:
- Kerrygold Grass-Fed Butter
- Miyoko’s Creamery Vegan Butter
3️⃣ Frozen Waffles
What to Avoid: Waffles made with refined flours, artificial flavorings, and high-fructose corn syrup.
Swap With:
- Homemade waffles (like these butternut squash waffles) made with whole ingredients (make extras to freeze for later).
- Clean store-bought options with whole grains and no artificial sweeteners.
Better Brands:
- Birch Benders Protein Waffles
- Kodiak Cakes Power Waffles
4️⃣ Artificial Syrup
What to Avoid: High-fructose corn syrup, caramel coloring, and artificial flavors.
Swap With: 100% pure maple syrup, raw honey, or a date-based syrup. Read about my favorite sugar alternatives.
Better Brands:
- Coombs Family Farms Organic Maple Syrup
- Nature Nate’s Raw & Unfiltered Honey
5️⃣ Frozen Chicken Nuggets
What to Avoid: Nuggets made with fillers, preservatives, and low-quality meat.
Swap With: Homemade chicken nuggets baked in the oven, or clean brands with whole ingredients.
Better Brands:
- Applegate Organic Chicken Nuggets
- Ian’s Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets
6️⃣ Cheesy Crackers
What to Avoid: Crackers made with artificial flavors, dyes, and refined flours.
Swap With: Crackers using simple, whole ingredients and real cheese or homemade crackers.
Better Brands:
- Simple Mills Almond Flour Cheddar Crackers
- Annie’s Organic Cheddar Bunnies
7️⃣ Sugary Yogurt
What to Avoid: Yogurts loaded with added sugars, syrups, and artificial flavors.
Swap With: Unsweetened plain yogurt or lightly sweetened options with whole fruit.
Better Brands:
- Siggi’s Icelandic Yogurt (Lower Sugar)
- Fage 5% Greek Yogurt
8️⃣ Sugary Cereals
What to Avoid: Cereals high in refined sugar, artificial dyes, and minimal nutrients.
Swap With: Cereals made with whole grains, natural sweeteners, and fiber. Read my recommendations for the healthiest cereals.
Better Brands:
- Three Wishes Grain-Free Cereal
- Nature’s Path Organic Heritage Flakes
9️⃣ Processed Peanut Butter
What to Avoid: Peanut butter with added hydrogenated oils and sugars.
Swap With: Peanut butter with just two ingredients—peanuts and salt. Or make your own peanut butter.
Better Brands:
- Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter
- 365 Organic Peanut Butter
1️⃣0️⃣ Soda
What to Avoid: Sodas with high-fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors.
Swap With: Sparkling water, water, or homemade infused water.
Better Brands:
- Spindrift Sparkling Water (Made with Real Fruit)
- Zevia
Tips for Making the Transition:
- Start Small: Don’t overhaul everything at once. Pick 1-2 swaps to begin with each week.
- Check Labels: Look for short ingredient lists with items you recognize.
- Experiment: Taste-test different brands to find what works for you and your family.
Clean eating doesn’t mean an all-or-nothing overhaul. It’s about simple, practical swaps that add up to big improvements over time. By choosing foods with better ingredients, you’ll feel more energized, reduce unnecessary additives, and enjoy nourishing meals you can feel good about.
Remember, this isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. These swaps are simple ways to move toward a more nourishing, sustainable lifestyle.
Feeling Overwhelmed by All the Noise? I Can Help!
I know how overwhelming it can be to navigate all the advice, conflicting information, and endless options when making healthier choices. That’s why I work with clients to cut through the noise and create clear, personalized strategies that work—no fads, no gimmicks, just sustainable progress.
Whether you’re looking to:
- Develop a Personalized Nutrition Plan: I’ll evaluate your current eating habits in-depth and create custom macronutrient goals tailored to your lifestyle and preferences.
- Establish an Effective Fitness Routine: Together, we’ll design a fitness protocol that fits your schedule and helps you build strength and confidence, whether you’re just starting out or aiming to elevate your current regimen.
- Stay Accountable and Motivated: With regular check-ins and support, I’ll help you overcome challenges, stay on track, and celebrate your progress, ensuring you remain motivated throughout your journey.
I’m here to guide you every step of the way, helping you become stronger, more confident, and empowered to reach your goals.
👉 Click here to learn more about working with me
