A new diet that's taking over the world!

The main objective of the diet: avoiding industrially processed foods

The clean eating diet has conquered all of Europe. The croatian nutritionist Karmen Matkovic Melki reports: "The popular food trend recommends circumventing industrially processed food and pre-prepared meals. Instead, it suggests opting for seasonally available food without additives. If you want fish, instead of choosing frozen fish sticks, buy fresh sardines at the local fish market. Cook fresh food from ingredients that our grandmothers would use!"

What is "bad" food?

Processed food and fast-food restaurants have been a hit for decades and for many people represent an essential part of life. Bad eating habits naturally affect your health. Whether we're talking about frozen meals, instants soups or fast food, the average person's diet can be far from nutritional.

The clean eating diet recommends seasonal fruits and vegetables. It's suggested that you avoid white flour - instead of regular pasta, you can opt for wholegrain options.

Many nutritional experts agree that eating habits associated with clean eating are a very positive trend, not only because of it's simplicity but also because it's returning healthy nutritionional meals to people's plates.

What can clean eating do that other diets can't?

Clean eating is nothing new. However, it is a trend that has convinced many to try a healthier lifestyle. It revolves around healthy fats, fresh fruits and vegetables, a low intake of protein, avoiding white flour, sugar, pasta, bread, fried food. It has a strong focus on seasonally available food and healthy fats - for example, replacing cow milk with goat's or sheep's milk products.

However, some concerns have been voiced by nutritionists who say that clean eating requires more reasearch to determine whether it is actually good for you. Certain food trends, promoted by quasi-experts can have a negative impact on people's health and not every diet is suitable for everybody. Food can also have an impact on psychological health and overly restrictive diets can have a negative effect.

Buy fresh seasonal produce! Take an afternoon stroll and visit the local market!

The clean eating diet may not be scientifically proven, but that does not mean it doesn't promote certain healthy food habits. Opt for varied and fresh food, containing all the essential minerals and vitamins.

The essentials of the clean eating trend:

• Include whole grains, beans and legumes in your meals.
• Include all the major food groups.
• Dairy products should be avoided and replaced with goat and sheep's milk products.
• Focus on fresh produce!
• Avoid processed food.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid sugar and alcohol.
• Avoid unhealthy fats.