Although the term “clean eating” has recently become popular on social media, with people posting recipes and documenting their commitment to a healthy lifestyle, “clean eating” is nothing new in the world of healthy eaters.  

There is no exact definition for “clean eating;” however, it usually entails removing preservatives, not consuming processed foods, and adding fruits and vegetables to an individual’s diet.  While this may sound challenging, especially on a college campus, University students have found ways to commit to this healthy lifestyle choice.

Ian Estabrook, junior in Media, began his change to a “clean eating” lifestyle when he was 16 years old, after a lifelong struggle with weight and unhealthy eating choices.

“I was classified as obese when I was a teenager at 13, and that continued until I was 16 when I decided to start eating clean and start working out,” he said.

Estabrook believes he has taken this lifestyle further than most people would, as he now does competitive body-building. Today, Estabrook considers this a lifelong choice.

“I ate to improve my body image, but now I look at it as a long-term thing,” he said. “I know where I have been and I know where I want to be. I know the consequences of not eating clean.”

Estabrook’s typical grocery list includes “tons” of fresh vegetables, cage-free eggs, squash, sweet potatoes and oatmeal. On a college budget, a grocery list like this can be expensive. Estabrook estimates that he spends about $75 per week.

“That’s the one drawback I would say — being a college student and operating on limited funds and time,” he said. “I guess that’s why probably 95 percent of people don’t eat healthy — they don’t have the time or money to cook and eat healthier food.”

Although it is a limitation, Estabrook believes the key to maintaining this lifestyle includes mapping everything out and knowing what to cook and when to cook it. 

While he mostly cooks for himself, Estabrook does allow himself some leeway in his diet. 

“I follow a 95 and five rule,” he said. “Ninety-five percent of my food is clean and then the other five, well I am only human.”

Estabrook does eat out, but tries to make better choices when he does.

“I try not to resort to having other people handle my food because I don’t know what they put into it,” he said. “I like knowing exactly what I am putting into my food.”

Aside from time and money, another issue with eating clean on a college campus is the prevalence of alcohol that could hinder a “clean eating” lifestyle. For Estabrook, this isn’t a problem because while he drinks socially, he said that he does not drink heavily, and “will make a drink last like two hours and it’s hard alcohol, not beer.”

“It’s in the five percent,” he said. “Mentally, I have a lot of willpower and I am able to stay away from it.”

Claudia Contreras, graduate assistant at McKinley Health Center, had not heard of the “eating clean” trend until recently, but believes that it might just be a catchy new term for a way of eating that has been around for years.

The idea is very close to the USDA dietary guidelines for Americans. Getting more physical activity, eating more fruits and vegetables, and staying away from canned or processed foods to reduce sodium intake have been recommended by the USDA for years. There is not much difference between the two.

Contreras is not sure why the dietary guidelines are getting a popular new name, but like many diets, the name is what spreads. While many people are catching onto the “eat clean” diet and participating in a 30-day eat clean challenge, Contreras does not know how helpful that idea is.

“I think any type of change in lifestyle has to be in smaller steps,” she said. “That way you are able to keep that change for a longer time.”

While it is great for people to be interested in eating less processed foods and adding fruits and vegetables, it is more important to make long-term changes that can be sustained over a lifetime, not just 30 days.

Brandon Stryganek, sophomore in AHS, has been able to maintain a “clean” diet for the past few years, ever since he started to get recruited for track during high school. 

Stryganek followed the idea of small steps, initially just limiting fast food and soda and adding a healthier mix to his diet. Today, Stryganek follows a stricter diet, after having the opportunity to consult with a nutritionist. 

“I run track here and a big part of our training includes nutrition, wellness and sleeping,” he said. “I stay away from processed foods because I think I gain an advantage to eating cleaner and healthier. I really try to emphasize to me and my teammates to eat healthy because come race day, it’s going to pay off.”

Stryganek believes his healthy lifestyle gives him an advantage over his competitors. As with most college students, Stryganek makes exceptions to his diet sometimes when his team goes to fast food restaurants while on a trip.

While maintaining a healthy lifestyle as a college student can be challenging, for Styrganek, it is worth it.

“I think it’s extremely difficult to eat clean on campus, with eating in a dining hall and how expensive food can be,” he said. “But I think it’s doable if you are willing to set aside a little bit of your budget.” 

Kelly can reached at [email protected]