Hype or helpful: What does ‘clean eating’ really mean?

Eating clean sounds smart—in theory. Generally, the idea focuses on eating more whole foods and less ultra-processed foods. (Great!) But in practice, experts say that assigning labels to foods can be risky for your mental health. (Not so great.)

To step back, clean eating is a staple of the social media wellness universe, and about 11 percent of Americans now say they follow a clean eating diet. However, there are no standard definitions for “clean eating” or “clean foods.” Unlike USDA Organic, a food claim regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, clean eating can be whatever you make it.

Here’s why that matters, for your physical—and mental—health.

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