Living Well Scholarship

One school of thought says clean living is strictly a diet-based movement, while others claim that it encompasses lifestyle as a whole. Regardless of the semantics, the foundation on which it’s built is based on the simple notion of eating foods in their most natural state. This means eliminating the following from your diet: processed foods, preservatives and additives, foods with added sugar, fast food, foods with high levels of bad fats (all trans/some saturated), and refined grains and sugars. Then, replace all those elements with local, fresh, organic fruit and vegetables, free-range and grass-fed meat and dairy, and nutrient-rich whole grains. As a clinical mental health student, I believe clean living involves well-balanced mental health. By definition, mental health wellness is a state of well-being where a person can deliberately cope with the everyday stresses of life Mental health includes people's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how they think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how people handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is essential at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Clean living, just like a healthy mental state, facilitates a productive work output and allows for meaningful contributions to society. Scott Gooding says, “Food can either be our medicine and foster good health, or it can be toxic, and one of the simplest choices we can make on a day-to-day basis is to optimize our health with what we choose to put in our mouths.” Also, food can determine how people function psychologically, emotionally, and socially among others. Clean living upholds staying mindful of what is put in the body. In fact, when clean living is compromised, people tend to develop issues with their immune system that affect personal health with issues such as low immunity and energy levels, an increase in allergies, issues with cholesterol, unbalanced blood sugar, poor sleep, mood, and a decreased feeling of overall well being. Unfortunately, significant stigmas are attached to anything related to clean living, and many people don't think it's essential to invest in a clean diet. Here's why we must acknowledge reasonable clean living efforts and work to overcome the barriers that hinder people from addressing poor diet. I incorporate clean living practices into my daily life by first eliminating sugar and processed foods from my diet. I believe sugar is the cause of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Secondly, I load up my shopping trolley with fresh, natural produce, such as nutrient-dense greens and whole grains, as well as organic meat and fish, and healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, and good-quality coconut oil. Finally, I understand the importance of preparing my food in a healthy way. I prefer my food to be as natural as possible. As the nutritional value of most vegetables is compromised when they’re cooked (tomato is an exception), I avoid boiling my beans until they have the structural integrity of spaghetti. I understand that I would zap them off nearly all of their nutritional value. I prefer to lightly steam, bake or sauté my food, and try to go meatless at least three or four nights a week.